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VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 APRIL 2021
theGAZETTE
Fontainebleau High School
est. 1995
Phone: (985)892-7112
100 Bulldog Drive, Mandeville, LA 70471 fontainebleauhigh.stpsb.org
Backstage at A Midsummer Night’s Dream
by Sophia Rossingnol
Staff Writer
This year’s play, A Midsummer stage is blocked out ahead of time. Ju-
Night’s Dream, by William Shake- nior Annie Fornaris said, “It can be re-
speare, took place on April 4-8 at ally difficult to get the hang of the scene
7pm in the FHS Auditorium. The- immediately, but once some time pass-
play is about four lovers, who, with es and more ideas come into the play, it
the help of fairy magic, fall in love. becomes more fun and natural.”
It is also about a director who is Actors work very hard to perfect
creating a play which will be per- their performance. This play was the
formed for the Duke and Duchess. first play at Fontainebleau High for
So what does it take to be in a play? some of the talented theatre’s cast.
First actors have to start by learn- Freshman Jessie Zaffron said, “I’m so
ing their lines, which was more excited to do this show; it was a great
difficult than usual since this year opportunity, and it was so much fun.”
the play was by Shakespeare. Junior For seniors, however, this was their
Blythe Hernandez said, “You have last performance at Fontainebleau.
no idea how hard it is to memo- From every new role, actors are able
rize, but we all did it and I’m very to learn more about themselves and
proud of us.” Actors have to recite their characters. Sophomore Erin
their lines with understanding and Strawn explained, “I learned how to be
expression when the play is per- more expressive in theater and really
After a difficult year of Covid-19 restrictions, Junior Blythe Hernandez and Sophmore
formed. There are 208 pages in A channel emotions.”
Erin Strawn do their makeup before the performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream
on April 8-10 in the FHS auditorium. Photo by Sophia Rossingnol Midsummer Night’s Dream. A Midsummer Night’s Dream was
Another part of the performance is well-received by the audience. Sopho-
When a new show rolls onto the coming show? Well, the actors first timing and blocking. Actors prac- more Ryleigh McCoy, who attend-
Fontainebleau High theater scene, have to audition for roles, then tice when to say their lines and ed the production, gave her reac-
everyone is excited. The actors, there are callbacks to finalize who where they are to enter onstage. tion, “I thought that even though
crew, and stage managers all get should receive the part. Finally, the They can enter from the audience, I didn’t fully understand the lan-
ready for the big show. But, what cast list is posted, and students re- or from stage right or stage left. guage, the actors did really well at
does it take to prepare for an up- ceive their roles for the play. Where and how actors move on- keeping the audience engaged.”
RoboDogs jump through hoops for state playoffs
by Cadence Lowery
Editor
Every year, a new task is is- students to represent the en- Robotics offers students
sued to robotics teams who tire team. Due to Covid-19, the opportunity to exercise
are hoping to get a chance the Fontainebleau team was their minds in a creative
at competing in a statewide unable to participate in their and engaging way, in addi-
competition. This year, al- typical number of competi- tion to providing important
though it may not look like tions. However, on March teamwork experiences that
previous years, was no ex- 27, after weeks of prepara- will support them later in
ception. tion, the team competed in life. Team member, junior
Robotics teams across the “Vex: Change up” com- Lily Rabalais, shared that
Louisiana were issued the petition in Alexandria, LA, the most rewarding part
task of completing a game where they won the Judge’s of robotics for her is, “Be-
at the Vex: Change Up Award. ing able to see all our ideas
competition. In the game When junior member, Lee come to life in a sense.”
of change up, the team’s ro- Saucier, was asked what hur- Students interested in join-
bots must pick up as many dles the team had to over- ing in on the robotics fun
balls of their own color as come together, he recount- will have the opportunity at
they can and score them ed, “We didn’t have as much the beginning of next year.
inside one of the nine goals driving practice as the other Those wanting to become an
on the field. In the end, the teams had.’’ Nevertheless, active member-that partici-
team with the most points the team persisted and won pates in competitions- must
wins! the Judge’s Award, which attend at least 80% of meet-
Unlike previous years, the qualified them for the state ings.
teams must wear gloves championship, achieving Every Tuesday and Thurs-
while building their robots, one of their main goals. The day after school, the Ro- Taking their robot to the VEX Competition in Alexandria, LA on
January 23, Trenton Abel, Andrew Buras, Julian Miller, Lee
remain socially distanced state championship took boDogs meet and work in
Saucier, Winson Liu, and Nathan McInnis pose in the couryard at
during competitions, and place April 16-17. The team room 308 on their plan of ac-
LSU Alexandria. Photo courtesy of Ms. Fussell
send a smaller number of made it to semi-finals. tion for the next robotic win.
Senior Year Review Senior Superlatives Horoscopes
page 3 page 5 page 8
PAGE 2 EDITORIALS APRIL 2021
Can we afford the Green New Deal?
by Karissa Garrett
Staff Writer 28% of carbon emissions, the largest
Though expensive, the price of percentage.
President Biden’s newest climate A Green New Deal will also be
package is ultimately less than the based on transitioning all energy to
cost of climate change. Additional- 100 percent clean, renewable and
ly, without government action, the zero-carbon wind-water-solar ener-
damage done to the climate may be gy. This includes not only electricity,
irreversible sooner than expected. transportation, heating and cooling,
In the last five years, climate change but industry, agriculture and other
has cost Americans 500 billion dol- energy use. Wind-water-solar ex-
lars. Biden originally addressed the cludes new nuclear power plants,
climate crisis in an executive order fossil fuels with carbon capture,
in January. Since then, he has up- biofuels and capturing CO2 from
dated this order and created the the atmosphere aside from foresta-
American Jobs Plan. tion. Such technologies increase air
This newest package promises to pollution, global warming, energy map courtesy of https://www.climate.gov/news-features/blogs/be-
create “The strongest, most resilient, insecurity and other social costs yond-data/2020-us-billion-dollar-weather-and-climate-disasters-historical
innovative economy in the world,” compared with wind-water-solar. which has created a large industry. Regardless of the cost of chang-
and addresses many issues related Also included are plans focused In contrast, electric vehicles re- ing the infrastructure, however,
to the environment. on environmental justice, such as quire much less upkeep. Still, Pres- unprecedented disasters like mass
A key component of the deal is funding communities most affected ident Biden hopes the nearly 50% floods and the Texas winter storms
lowering carbon emissions, starting by pollution. increase in electric car production have proven America’s need for di-
with electric vehicles for govern- Some lawmakers have issues with will produce jobs for the millions rection. President Biden’s American
ment groups. Replacing all federal the president’s Green New Deal par- still unemployed. The surge in pro- Job Plan promises to make America
government vehicles means pro- allel. Those opposed to the package duction of both electric vehicles carbon-free by 2035, short of the 2030
ducing 650,000 electric vehicles. maintain that gas-fueled cars pro- and their amenities, like charging deadline by the UN. The American
Currently the United States’ trans- duce millions of jobs. Traditional stations, will likely employ just as Job Plan may be key to avoiding a se-
portation industry accounts for vehicles need regular maintenance, many people as gas vehicles. ries of very costly climate disasters.
Student loan debt crushes American Dream theGazette
by Grace Neuman
it’s not just the cost of tuition. Ac- Fontainebleau High
Editor
cording to the most recent survey School’s
The pandemic has taken its toll data from the College Board, the
on American society in various average full-time, on-campus un- Community Newspaper
ways, but the impact it has had dergraduate at a four-year school To contact the Gazette staff,
on the economy has been one of is estimated to have spent $1,240
the worst ways. Unemployment on books and supplies during the you may email us at
has jumped way up, and, not 2019-2020 academic year. fhsgazette@gmail.com
Student Loan only has the established work
force lost 22.2 million jobs, but
Besides money, student debt is
costing students their mental
Adviser: Rebecca Paul,
Debt Statistics the future for high school and and physical health, A recent Room 610
• Student loan debt in the college graduates looks bleak. review of 52 existing studies Editors: Cadence Lowery,
Add that to the stress of student shows that debt and mental
United States totals $1.71 Grace Neuman
loan debt, and the situation be- health are linked more closely
trillion and grows 6 times comes almost unbearable. than many believe. Researchers Staff Writers
faster than the nation’s President Biden has suggested at the University of Southamp-
economy. giving at least $10,000 in fed- ton in the U.K. found that only
& Photographers:
• 43.2 million student bor- eral student loan forgiveness nine percent of people without Ashley Brashear
rowers are in debt by an per borrower in response to the mental health problems were Gabrielle Bush
coronavirus pandemic. Some in debt. Many who were in debt
average of $39,351 each. Karissa Garrett
see this amount as way too suffered depression, drug de-
• The outstanding Feder-
al Loan Portfolio is over
much, and some see it as much pendence, neurotic disorder, Ryleigh McCoy
too little. But the fact is that the problem drinking, and psychot-
$1.56 trillion. crushing student loan debt has ic disorder. Gabriel Monahan
• Approximately 42.9 mil- a pervasive effect on students’ Those who say, “Where will Sophia Rossignol
lion Americans with lives that is exponential. If stu- the money come from to pay for
dents cannot find a suitable job, these loans?” have neglected to
Adriana Vega
federal student loan debt The Gazette is a public fo-
they are forced to default on consider where the money will
each owe an average
$36,406 for their federal
their loans. A default on student come from to pay for the miriad rum for discussion. The staff
loan debt can destroy an indi- of problems listed above.
loans. vidual’s credit, which makes it Without a job, students cannot and editors determine the
• More than 35 million difficult to rent an apartment, pay for health care, mental health content. However, the edito-
of these borrowers may purchase a home, buy a car, get care, drug and alcohol rehablili-
a job – or, for those still working tation, or the basics of a normal
rials are the opinions of the
qualify for student debt
toward a college degree, com- lifestyle that could help prevent authors. The Gazette wel-
relief under the CARES plete their education if they are these costly issues, much less
Act of 2020.* comes contributions from
unable to acquire more loans their student loans.
• The average public uni- before graduation day. The vi- When it comes down to it, it is re- all members of the school
versity student borrows cious cycle continues, destroy- ally a question of where the money community. Articles must
$30,030 to attain a bache- ing any hope of achieving what will be spent. I think most will
we once believed was the Amer- agree that forgiveness of student be signed and submitted ten
lor’s degree
Courtesy of https://elective.
ican Dream. loan debt is a better choice for a days prior to publication.
The cost of college only seems nation in a dowward economic
collegeboard.org to be increasing by the year, and spiral.
PAGE 3 FEATURES APRIL 2021
Class of 2021 gives senior year mixed reviews by Ashley Brashear
Staff writer
With seniors’ final days closing in, a reflection with that alternative. When Kai Rollinski was
of the year seems appropriate. After interview- asked about his reaction to the privately-spon-
ing members of the senior class, in general, the sored prom and whether or not he attended, he
seniors’ review of the year was that it was both explained, “No, because I don’t trust everyone to
satisfactory and disappointing. be able to follow the rules and be safe, so I’d rath-
Erin Herndon was asked how she felt this year er not put myself in danger.”
compared to other years, and she responded, Others who attended, however, were pleased
“This year has been the worst, but somehow the about attending the unofficial prom. When
best. It was definitely the easiest year, I think. The asked, “Do you think the privately-planned
work was not as bad,” said Herndon. prom was comparable to a school prom?”, Hern-
The seniors unfortunately missed out on the don said that she felt it was nicer than the school
typical activities, such as prom and ring cere- prom but could not really affirm that because
mony, which left most of them unhappy. Since she had never attended a school prom. Since
Junior Ring Ceremony takes place shortly after prom was cancelled last year after school closed
graduation, the event marks the day when ju- in March, last year’s juniors, who are this year’s
niors officially become the next year’s Top Dogs, seniors, did not have an opportunity to experi-
an important recognition of their seniority. How- ence what is considered one of the most exciting
ever, prom was probably the biggest disappoint- events in high school for some students.
ment expressed, as most seniors were excited for And with all these rites of passage passing se-
the event and felt let down after hearing about niors up, the senior crawfish boil and graduation
its cancellation because of Covid-19 restrictions. are the only events left to celebrate. After much
Prom marks a rite of passage for many and gives debate, it was decided that graduation would be
students an opportunity to dress formally, dance, hosted at home, on the school’s football field.
go out to eat, and socialize at a special event in- The upcoming departure from school is on many
tended to create memories for a lifetime. It is an seniors’ minds. “How do you feel about gradua-
exceptional way to commemorate senior year. tion?” senior Rowan Magee was asked. He re-
A prom organized outside of school sanctions plied, “I’m so ready to get this over with. School
was held as an option for students to attend, but is fun and all, but I think I’ve had enough of high
by Ashley Brashear even then, some seniors did not feel comfortable school. I can only handle so much; you know?”
CONGRATULATIONS
TO OUR FHS
NATIONAL MERIT
FINALISTS
About 1.6 million students
in some 22,000 high schools
enter the National Merit
Scholarship competition
annually. Less than 1% of
entrants receive this award. Daniel Andrew Jackson Heap
by Grace Neuman
Editor
Q. Who is someone
you would take to a
deserted island?
Q. What is some-
thing you have never
completely
understood?
Parker Lawdermilk Abby Biondolillo
Q. What is some-
A. Elon Musk thing you would
A. Boats change about social A. My brother
A. I wish everyone was A. Traffic
norms?
friends. A. Superficial practices
PAGE 4 FEATURES APRIL 2021
ACT: What your scores mean
by Gabriel Monahan are then averaged into the student’s composite The intense pressure to get a good ACT
Staff writer score, which also ranges between 1 and 36. In score is there because receiving a good score is
Having received their ACT and Pre-ACT scores addition to the main composite score and the often associated with academic success. However,
from the test in March, many Fontainebleau stu- four subject area scores, the ACT also gives sub- the ACT mainly focuses on reading comprehen-
dents were happy and some disappointed. Many scores in three of the four subject areas. English, sion, grammar, and math, as the science section
also wondered what their scores mean and how Math, and Reading all have subscores, which does not require any prior knowledge. Because of
this will affect their choice of colleges . give colleges more information about a student’s the limited subject matter, it is unrealistic to use
Technically, some students can go to strengths and weaknesses in each subject. Col- the ACT as a measure of success or intelligence.
college with any ACT score, but finding a good leges care most about the composite score on “Success is relative, as everyone has different goals.
ACT score that serves them personally, based on the ACT; however, they will also look at the four I don’t think the ACT should be used to measure
the colleges they are interested in, is most im- subject area scores. Students can also use the everyone’s success in school,” exerted Stephen
portant. Although there are schools that consid- ACT’s subscores to help prepare for future tests Guidry, grade 11. Studies have shown students
er grade point average and extracurricular activ- subject areas since they are broken down into who received a good ACT score only did slightly
ities to be good indicators of academic success, manageable categories. better in college than those who did not (https://
most colleges do not. A 29 on the ACT places However, though the ACT is important, www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/02/19/).
students in the top 10% of test-takers, and it’s a it is often over-exaggerated as being the most Louisiana’s average ACT score is lower
strong score for admission to public universities. important test in a student’s academic career.. than the national average, with an average score
On the other hand, a 29 would actually be a very In the weeks prior to testing, many students of 18.7 compared to the nation’s 21. However,
low score for extremely selective institutions, feel anxious about the coming exam. Additional the average for Fontainebleau High School is 22,
such as Ivy League colleges. All schools list the stress can distract students in class, impacting slightly higher than the national average and no-
average ACT scores required for admission, so their grades, and often damaging their mental tably high for Louisiana. The location of where
it is extremely easy to check what is required to health as well. “There is a tremendous amount students attend high school can heavily affect
attend a student’s school of choice. of pressure on us to get a good score” admitted their scores, with those in lower-income school
But how is the ACT actually scored? The junior Katie Miller. The extreme stress caused by systems receiving substandard scores. Since
ACT has four sections: English, Math, Read- ACT performance is part of a larger negative is- scores affect where students can attend college,
ing, and Science. Each subject area is given a sue and is indicative of how competitive Ameri- poor schools make students disproportionately
scaled score between 1 and 36. Those area scores can schools have become. unlikely to attend a reputable university.
America mourns victims of recent shootings
by Gabrielle Bush US Mass Shootings, 1982-2021: Data phia, according to PPD data. As of
Staff Writer From Mother Jones’ Investigation March 19, the city had already seen
106 homicides, not including the
This past March has been a month victim in the Nicetown shooting.”
of tragedies for many families Then, on March 22, the biggest
across the nation as seven shoot- shooting of them all happened.
ings claimed the lives of 20 peo- In Boulder, Colorado, at 2:33 PM,
ple, injuring 46 total, in only seven police began receiving calls about
days. These terrible shootings have a shooter at the King Soopers Su-
ranged from Georgia to Califor- permarket. Panic and fear filled the
nia, causing widespread talk of gun market as the first shots rang out,
regulation and panic. Regardless of and ten lives were taken by the end
people’s opinions of how strict regu- of the day, the youngest only 20
lations should be, everything begins years old. Police are still trying to
with awareness. Knowing the sto- understand the shooter, Ahmad Al
ries of the tragedies is the first step by. While authorities found them in the night-club that escalated until Aliwi Alissa, and his motive. After
in the right direction. When hearing quickly and, thankfully, none were a gun was pulled and shots began to asking around, his family and for-
of these shootings, Junior, Makenna killed, many questions still linger fire. All signs point to police being mer schoolmates said he had always
Todd, expressed her outrage saying, around the sudden shooting. Then, able to find the shooter. However, been an angry, violent person, and
“Something needs to change. With- March 18, in Gresham, Oregon, at there would be no rest for the coun- Alissa’s brother even described him
out some sort of change, this will the Gresham Motel, authorities were try, and the bloodshed was not over, as paranoid, mentally ill, and vi-
never end.” called with a report of a shooting. as two other shootings took place ciously antisocial.
The chain of tragedy began Tuesday Police arrived at the scene to find that same day. Just miles away, an- While mystery still shrouds
March 16, in Atlanta, Georgia, with four shot. Fox 12 Oregon reports, other night-club became the loca- these tragedies, the nation mourns
a disturbing massacre that earned “One victim is in critical condition, tion of a shooting, with one woman each loss and waits anxiously to
itself the title, “The Atlanta Spa and two were taken for surgery at a dead and seven others injured. The see what these events will bring. If
Shootings.” The killer, Robert Aar- local hospital, according to police. police discovered that, just like in the pattern of violence continues,
on Long, age 21, had a sex addiction The fourth victim was admitted to Houston, an argument broke out in gun laws may soon face a change,
that was out of control and saw the a trauma hospital.” Police are still the club that night, and things soon whether we as Americans like it or
spa parlors as sources of “tempta- looking for the culprit and are try- became violent as the shooter pro- not. Junior Julia Patterson shared
tion.” With eight dead, the country ing to put together what happened,; duced a weapon and shot into the her thoughts on the matter, saying,
watched in horror as an Anti-Asian however, they recently made a state- crowd at random. Officers are still “It’s something that’s preventable. I
pattern revealed itself with six of the ment that they have made connec- clueless about motive and suspects, mean, there are countries with far
victims being of Asian-American tions in the case. but they doubt he will act again. less gun violence. It’s a problem with
descent.While Long denies any ra- The smoke had cleared for a day, That same morning there was open a solution. I don’t think we should
cial motivation, many psychiatrists and the nation sighed in relief when fire in Philadelphia at a “pop up” have guns taken away from us. We
have suspected a racial motivation we got news that the end was not party with 150 people in the crowd. should have methods of protection.
regardless, due to this discriminato- near yet. On March 20, in Hous- The Philadelphia police department However, that doesn’t mean stricter
ry trend in American society. While ton Texas, five were shot after some reported that these illegal pop up regulation isn’t incredibly neces-
debate over motive goes on, families trouble started up in a club. While parties had become popular and sary.”
of the victims mourn the loved ones four are in stable condition, one still were always shut down before chaos For now, we continue to mourn
they lost. remains in critical condition after a ensued; however, this one took the the loss of so many, in such a short
No less than 24 hours later, in shot to the neck. Authorities have life of one and landed five others in time, and we wait, hoping that the
Stockton, California, on the 17th, been tracking down suspects and the hospital. PBS Why reports, “In violence has ended. The rest of the
five young people were attending have reports from witnesses who the week ending March 14, there world watches with interest while
a vigil and were all shot in a drive- saw the having an intense argument were 695 shootings across Philadel- we evaluate the situation once again.
PAGE 5 FEATURES APRIL 2021
SENIOR SUPERLATIVES
MR. & MS. FHS MOST ATHLETIC MOST STUDIOUS
Adam Guttuso Emmy Miller Ashlyn Anderson Colin Gagnon Winson Liu Julia Burke
MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED MOST TALENTED MOST CONTAGIOUS SMILE
Olivia Stewart Joshua Bailey Grace Laurent Kyle Dupis Audrey Crusta Bailin Youngbood
BEST LEADERSHIP BEST DRESSED
All senior portraits
courtesy of River Oaks
Photography
Julianna Barrack Victor Schilleci Kate Hawkins Quinn Young
Dazzlers shine at FHS 2021 Prom Court
Louisiana Regionals Although prom could not be held because of Covid-19 restrictions,
by Adriana Vega
Staff Writer the prom court was honored with a luncheon and presented in the
courtyard on April 16, 2021. Mr. Vitrano proudly crowned Victor
Schilleci and Madison Michot Prom King and Queen of the 2021
school year. Photo courtesy of Isabel Willems
Competing in the American All-Star Louisiana Regionals, Dazzlers
took 2nd Place in Division 1 Open Category. Bottom Row:Claire
Thiballet, Chloe Nunemacher, Kenley Mathis, Olivia Gallagher
Top Row: Alex Gerster, Alyssa Dempsey, Grace Taylor ,Kalleigh
Encardes, Brinley Manville Frontrow:Claire Thiballet, Chloe
Nunemacher, Kenley Mathis, Olivia Gallagher
Photo courtesy of Ms. Helmstetter
After waiting nervous- while dancing to “If the
ly for months to find out World Was Ending” by JP
about the regional dance Saxe and Julia Michaels.
competition, the Dazzlers Dance coach, Ms. Helm-
were given a date and could stetter, said her favorite
begin their preparations. moment was when the
On February 28, 2021, team “finally got to per-
at University of Louisiana form after we thought that
Lafayette, the team walked day would never come.” Prom Court Girls: Ashlyn Anderson, Julianna Barrack, Madeline Diebel,
away with 2nd place in Their work paid off. Senior Ananya Kaushal, Jenna Klein, Anna Lejeune, Mia Loup, Hailey McCance,
Division 1 Open Catego- Captain, Ella Boushie, said Madison Michot, Emmy Miller
ry in the American All- the team “practiced more Prom Court Boys: Daniel Carmouche, Jason Fenger, Colin Friend, Ryan
Star Louisiana Regionals times than we could count.” Graves, Trent McKinney, Victor Schilleci, Adam Guttuso.
PAGE 6 SPORTS APRIL 2021
Lady Dawgs place 2nd in District
Hammond, striking out 17 of 25 batters.
Although preferring to play home, the Lady
Dawgs dominate, with the strength of the whole
team working as one, no matter where they BASKETBALL– Girls Basketball finished 8-15
go. Before, during and after each game, the team for the season and 4-5 in District. They were
performs a ritual of donning war paint and danc- ranked 32 in the state.
ing and singing together. Just before the Leticia Silvan made 1st Team All-District
game begins, the girls get into character, or “game Brynn Lange made 2nd Team All-District
mode,” as Coach Tassin describes it. Ella Ayer received Honorable Mention All-Dis-
The team achieved one of their major goals, trict
making it to the playoffs, by pushing past the ex- Isabel Medina was named Academic All-State
haustion, the fear, and the newness of this POWERLIFTING- Katy Hollingsworth, Kay-
year. Falling short by one run in the playoffs, ley Rousse, Hope Von Eberstein, Chris Martin,
the team left disappointed but still proud and Kobe Jenkins, Adam Guttuso, and Alex Smith
determined. “Not the outcome we wanted,” said all qualified for State and all achieved their per-
Coach Darryl Tassin, “but they definitely know sonal best. Alex Smith placed 3rd at Regionals.
who the Dawgs are.” GOLF– The golf team made it to District and
Tassin also thanked the many supporters of the qualified for Regionals as a team. Jackson Heap
team in a Facebook post. Fans and players were a was named Academic All-State in golf.
major support for the team. “Their TENNIS – The following four students made
Formidable on the mound, #8 Lady Dawg pitcher, support really drives us to push through the it to state playoffs: Will Daigle, Anna LeJuene,
Macy Castleman, strikes out 17 of 25 batters in a game game,” said Jodie Giancontieri, a junior who Emily Mathews, and MaKenna Todd
against the Hammond High Tornadoes on March 18 in plans to continue on in college. The girls’
Hammond. Photo courtesy of Bailey Hodges SOFTBALL – The team placed 2nd in District
dads have especially inspired and supported all with a record of 17-9 and ranked #25 in State.
by Grace Neuman the players and, as an added plus, created some Abigail Boudreaux signed with Miles College
Editor father/daughter bonding. in Fairfield, AL, and Haley Martin signed with
Coming in 2nd place in District, the softball “I just want to thank all the fans that come and Bishop State in Birmingham, AL
team has had a very successful season. This is not support us because it really helps when you are
unusual for the Lady Dawgs, however. This year struggling in a game, knowing that so many peo-
BASEBALL– The senior baseball players did a
great job of showing leadership and steering the
marks the 12th consecutive year they have made ple have your back and are there supporting you,”
team through a rocky year.
it to the playoffs. Their final record of 17-9 ranks explained junior Reagan Olivier, one of the new-
Jeff Lee signed with Dartmouth College
them #25 in the state. Seniors Haley Martin and est Lady Dawgs.
Victor Schilleci signed with Stevens Institute
Abigail Boudreaux, both continuous inspirations When asked what this year has taught her most,
according to their teammates, have signed with junior pitcher, Macy Castleman said “Never take TRACK & FIELD–Several athletes placed in
colleges-Martin with Bishop State in Mobile, it [the opportunity to play] for granted. You nev- Top 3 for District
Alabama and Boudreaux with Miles College in er know when your last game could be. I know Ashlyn Anderson signed to North Alabama
Fairfield, Alabama. Additionally, junior Macy the seniors of last year would do anything to have Alexis Gratia signed to South Alabama
Castleman had a phenomenal game against it back.” Owen Jenson signed to William Carey
Track and Field motivates individual and team goals
by Sophia Rossignol of track is preparing for the meets.
Staff Writer Competitors have to train continu-
ously to keep their stamina up. Ju-
nior Roman Smith revealed, “ I like
With this year constantly chang- to carb up at Bosco’s or Leonardo’s
ing, sports have had to continually to fuel me. Hydration is key when
adapt to keep up with Covid guide- it comes to running, so I make sure
lines. There is no exception when it to drink plenty of water.” Explain-
comes to the track team. This sea- ing how this year has changed, Ro-
son demanded social distancing, man also added, “Although Covid
masks, and quarantines that affect- played a factor in our season, run-
ed the whole team, but the athletes ning, being a no-contact sport, al-
and coaches made the best of a lowed everyone to enjoy the sport
tough situation. to its full potential with minimal
The unusual characteristic about limitations.”
track is that, although it is a team Pulling ahead of a Northshore runner in the 1,600 meter (mile), freshman Ben Lewis The track team tells the tale of
sport, it is composed of many dif- pushes forward in a meet at the home track on April 21. constantly pushing themselves to be
ferent, individual events to partici- Photo courtesy of Alyse Rivault better. Each meet, runners, jumpers,
pate in. Track and Field is divided are many options to achieve indi- Schwantes, a junior shot put thrower and throwers are working hard to
into three main categories: run- vidual goals, as well as team goals. appreciates both the individual aspect beat their personal records, while, at
ning, jumping, and throwing. In Since track and field competi- as well as the team effort, “Although the same time, helping their team.
running, individuals can compete tion consists mainly of individual it’s a good feeling when the team is Being on the track team is all about
in sprints (100m, 200m, and 400m), competition, it would be natural to doing well and placing in events, it’s persistence when things get tough.
middle distance (800m) and long think there may be some competi- in my mind all about your individu- So, even though this track season
distance (1,600m and 3,200m), or tion between teammates to outdo al drive to get better and put in the is coming to an end, racers are still
relay (4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m, each other. Junior Yumnah Siddiqui work, not just for yourself but for the preparing for the next season. The
and 4x800m). In jumping, athletes confided, “Yeah, we’re helping the team. Also, when you see your marks track and field team have events that
can choose the long jump, high school, but it’s also about trying to generally improving as you put in the cater to all kinds of talent, if indi-
jump, triple jump, or pole vault. For beat your own time and beat your work, it just ignites something inside viduals have the desire to challenge
throwing, students can compete in teammates’. It’s more of an individ- you and makes you go all out.” themselves and simultaneously par-
discus, shot put, or javelin. So there ual sport than a team sport.” Tyler One of the most important features ticipate in a team of kindred spirits.
PAGE 7 ENTERTAINMENT APRIL 2021
Latest poetry: verse gone viral DIY
by Ryleigh McCoy GRADUATION
Staff Writer GLASS BOTTLE
This April marks the 25th annu- fore people could write. It can take generation that has been termed Materials:
al observance of National Poetry many forms, from spoken word po- “Zoomers.” Glass Bottle/Jar Gift Tag
Month, a thirty day celebration of etry, to black out poetry, to great ep- Poetry also allows people to delve Twine/Ribbon Money
poets and their works. The month ics and soliloquies. That’s part of the into the parts of themselves they Hot Glue Gun/Scissors Black
was established in 1996 by the allure—there is no certain structure weren’t previously able to put into Paper
Academy of American Poets as a for a poem. The definition of a poem words. Many aspiring poets, people Along with money, you can also
way to magnify poetry as an un- describes it as something that “par- of color especially, have used the re- write small notes or
derappreciated expression of art. It takes of the nature of both speech cent political climate to talk about memories for the graduate
started small, inspired by the suc- and song,” which are both expres- their lives in the form of poems. and put them inside the bottle!
cessful celebrations of things like sions that humans use to connect. Chen Chen, Angelique Zobitz, Ca- Step One: Gather Materials
Black History Month and Women’s If the poem connects people, then it leb Rainey, Richard Siken, and Ellen
History Month. Now, there are an has done its job. Huang are all incredible examples of
abundance of celebrations across This aspect of poetry has been es- writers turning their experiences as
the country, such as readings and pecially important in recent times. minorities in America into art. “We
writing events. There has been an increase in “lock- are Black Women, therefore we are
Poetry has been around since be- down poems,” which highlight the often tough seed or tree or strange
fear and isolation that many people fruit or kindling.” -Angelique Zobitz Step Two: Roll and Tie Money
have experienced as a result of the In recent years, poetry has also
pandemic. However, many of the become more accessible. Rupi Kaur
our backs poems also highlighted the gen- has spearheaded that change with
tell stories tle and persistent beauty found in her shorter, more simplistic, but still
no books have something experienced by so many incredibly meaningful work. Poetry
the spine to
people around the world. “And later, is no longer restricted to bookworms
carry
when she asks, I’ll say/some parts of and English majors, but instead Step Three: Fill and Decorate
women of colour it were beautiful/how in their bright- shared as something everyone can
rupi kaur ness/and sudden opening/the faces appreciate. There is less of a need to
of the neighbors/began to look like dissect and analyze poetry, but rath-
flowers” (by Kim Moore). er to apply its meaning to one’s own
While writing poems can be ca- life.
thartic, sharing them is even more No matter the type of poem or how
so. Rather than having speaking it is shared, poetry is a crucial part DIY courtesy of https://www.crafty-
nights, poets have turned to Zoom of literature and self-expression and morning.com/graduation-jar-gift-
calls, more than appropriate for the should be celebrated. diploma-money/
Disney captures charm and culture in
Raya and the Last Dragon by Gabriel Monahan
Staff Writer
Raya and the Last Dragon is Disney’s latest an- environment. This set, along with the mod-
imated movie and is an epic, yet charming tale ern 3D-animation style of Disney, makes this
about the importance of trust and finding com- not only unique visually but stylistically. “The
monalities in others. animation was absolutely stunning. I hon-
The story takes place in Kumandra, an enchant- estly couldn’t believe it was a Disney movie!”
ed Southeast Asian inspired realm that is divided shared freshman Jack Montoya.
into five kingdoms named after a dragon’s body Not only does the movie tell a good story
parts: Heart, Fang, Spine, Talon and Tail. Drag- with beautiful animation, it is also a land-
ons once roamed the land and served as guard- mark, with Raya being the first Southeast
ians to humanity before going extinct centuries Asian Disney Princess. Disney has attempt-
before the movie takes place. Their magic lives ed to have a more diverse representation of
on in a jewel called the Dragon Gem, which is princesses in recent years, such as Tiana and
kept in a cave in Heart, but the other four king- Moana, but Raya and the Last Dragon goes
doms covet its mighty powers. One day, all five above and beyond. It does this by combining
factions come together and try to reach a peace fantasy with real Southeast Asian culture in a
agreement; however, this fails and a fight breaks respectful manner. With all Asian characters,
out and the gem shatters into five pieces that are and a majority of Asian cast and writers, the
scattered across Kumandra. Because the gem was movie doesn’t feel like a cheap attempt to ap-
shattered, a doorway to an ancient enemy called peal to politically correct culture in a lacklus-
the Druun is unleashed. The Druun is a plague ter way. Instead, it creates an intriguing story
that turns people to stone. Photo courtesy of https://www.animationxpress.com that represents the people of Southeast Asia
The movie follows Raya, who is a young warrior side characters are what truly brings the mov- in a respectful manner. “It’s good that Disney
princess from Heart. She decides to be the hero ie to life. From Boun, a street-smart owner of isn’t afraid to show other cultures to Amer-
that rises up and saves Kumandra. Raya manages a boat restaurant, to Naamari, Raya’s enemy and ican audiences. Hopefully Raya can inspire
to escape the Druun, though her father, who’s the the princess of the Fang Land, the wide range of everyone, and especially Asian women and
leader of Heart, isn’t so lucky. Now Raya must re- characters helps create a unique chemistry that is girls,” chimed Lilly Cambas, a junor.
cover the pieces of the Dragon Gem, reverse the often missed in modern Disney movies. Raya and the Last Dragon is simply
damage, and banish the Druun for good. The animation in Raya and The Last one of the best movies that Disney has put out
Though the story seems like a run-of-the-mill Dragon is stunningly beautiful and, at points, in years. The story, animation, and characters
modern-day Disney movie, it makes up for it mesmerizing. The intricate layers of Sisu’s fur, all blend together to create something beauti-
with lovable and deep characters. The main char- the beautiful colors in the sky, and the precise ful that’s great for families and everyone else.
acters are Raya, as aforementioned, and Sisu physics of the rain are just some of the many as- Because of all these factors, this movie gets a
who is the last dragon in existence. However, the pects of the movie that create an almost life-like big thumbs up.
PAGE 8 ENTERTAINMENT APRIL 2021
by Cadence Lowery
April Horoscopes
by Cadence Lowery
Editor
,
Meet The Staff by Grace Neuman
Editor
Q. If you could switch lives for a day with someone, who would it be?
Q. What culture are you most interested in?
Q. If you invented a robot, what would it do?
Gabriel Monahan, 11 Ashley Brashear, 12 Grace Neuman, 11 Adriana Vega, 12 Cadence Lowery,11
A. Wendy Williams A. David Lynch A. Buffy Summers A. Kylie Jenner A. Azealia Banks
A. Native American A. French A. Indian A. French A. Chinese
A. Can cook any meal A. Change the channel A. Teach me any topic A. Go back in time A. Walk around hand-
on the TV ing out free products
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