1st December 2025

The Highlander

THE MYSTERIOUS LIGHT SHOW

By: Reuel Jabali

A group of students at Highland Academy recently spotted an extraordinary sight in the night sky: a perfect, straight line of white lights, appearing like an unusual train of stars. “I already knew what they were,” said Nikita Charchian, “I saw them on my phone, so I wasn’t stunned when I saw them” This “too-perfect” formation, standing out dramatically from the other stars, was actually a string of Starlink satellites. As one of the students recalled, “We were just laughing outside when we looked at the sky and noticed the line; the first thing we thought, as a joke, was that it was aliens” These “aliens” are designed to provide high-speed internet to remote and underserved regions that traditional infrastructure can’t easily reach. Starlink is a division of SpaceX, the company led by Elon Musk According to Starlink’s website, the system’s primary goal is to reduce “latency”, the time it takes for data to travel, by placing its compact, flat-panel satellites in a low Earth orbit, much closer than conventional satellites With approximately 8,500 to 10,000 satellites already in orbit, the company has ambitious plans to launch as many as 42,000. As this massive network continues to expand, such ‘satellite trains’ will become an increasingly common sight, raising meaningful discussions about regulation and the impact on our view of the night sky

Editor In-Chief

Magdalen Carlson

Reporters

Helena Cortelli

Eliayna Burnett

Reuel Jabali

Evan Parris

Danielle Caldwell

Karissa Hood

Cartoon Art Design

Joash Alvarez

Design & Art Director

Tristan Naumann

Photographer

Malachi Armantrout

Miguel Bittencourt

Sponsors

Stephanie Rufo

Melissa Weisner

The Highlander

CHRISTMAS BEYOND OUR BORDERS

By: Evan Parris

Around the World

As the Christmas season approaches, many people are already getting into the holiday spirit but celebrations look very different around the world Some traditions are especially unique Instead of Santa, children in parts of Europe might get visited by Krampus, a horned, terrifying creature who punishes disobedient kids People dress in scary costumes, roam the streets, and sometimes even whip bystanders with birch branches.

Most traditions aren’t quite that intense. In Germany, celebrations feel more familiar to Americans, with festive markets, decorated trees, and the excitement of exchanging presents Gifts often become a major focus, bringing both joy and a bit of stress as families hunt for the perfect surprise

Not every culture puts gifts at the heart of the season, however In Ethiopia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7 and is centered more on faith and community. Families come together for church, fasting, and shared time, with far less focus on presents. The holiday follows a fortythree-day fast, which ends in a celebratory feast.

No matter the customs, each tradition reflects the values of the people who celebrate it As junior Lucas Mills explained, families in Brazil hold their main festivities on Christmas Eve. They still recognize December 25 as Christmas, but the gift-giving and big gatherings happen the night before A popular treat there is panettone, a fluffy, domed sweet bread that many consider essential for the holiday season. At its heart, Christmas is a celebration of Christ’s birth Even though the exact date isn’t certain, the holiday is a meaningful time for people to come together, share joy, and create lasting memories Beyond decorations and gifts, Christmas reminds us of the values Christ taught love, compassion, hope, and kindness It encourages us to care for others, reflect on what truly matters, and carry the spirit of giving into our everyday lives, not just in December, but throughout the year Merry Christmas everyone!

The Highlander

DIFFERENT FOCUS, DIFFERENT STRENGHTS

By: Helena Cortelli

Seven million (11 4%) of U S children aged 13 through 17 have been diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a national survey in 2022. It is one of the most common disorders in children ADHD is considered a debilitating disorder and is known to impact the person’s life, both academically and personally. It can even lead to low selfesteem and poor social and academic functions ADHD is often identified in school-aged children when it leads to disruption or problems with schoolwork but it can also have a positive aspect to it as well

While children without ADHD can have similar symptoms, children that have it differ in how strong the symptoms are There are three types of ADHD: The Predominantly Inattentive, Hyperactive Impulsive and Combined Type ADHD The Predominantly Inattentive type is a subtype of ADHD called ADD marked by struggles with focus, organization, and task completion, rather than hyperactivity, often leading to being seen as a daydreamer, forgetful or lazy Hyperactive Impulsive type individuals tend to be restless, often moving a lot, whether it’s fidgeting with their hands or struggling to stay still. The last type is a combination of both Hyperactivity and Inattentivity types, called Combined Type ADHD with symptoms of restlessness, excessive talking, interrupting and impulsivity.

Mental Health

Just like most disorders, ADHD originates from genes If you know a family member who has ADHD, there is a 70-80% chance you have it too While you can’t cure any disorder, it does have treatments Therapy and medication that balances neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, helping improve focus, attention, and impulse control are the most common ones There are free diagnosis tests at Highland Academy. They might take a few weeks, but it sure will do good for you Just reach out to Mrs Logan Johnson or Mrs Melissa Weisner, the school psychologist and the counselor While ADHD can affect many aspects of life negatively there are also the positive aspects of it Hyperfocus can be used as an advantage when you channel all of your attention into work that can make a difference “Many scientists, writers, and artists with ADHD have had very successful careers, in large part because of their ability to focus on what they’re doing for hours on end,” says Kathleen Nadeau, Ph D They are very resilient.

You are not alone

Famous People with ADHD

Simone Biles

Justin Timberlake

Tom Holland

Emma Watson

Pushing back setbacks, adapting to new strategies, and building solutions to complex problems They are also very compassionate Always willing to lend a hand, helping other people out

ADHD is a complex and widely misunderstood disorder that affects millions of teenagers across the United States, shaping their academic experiences, relationships and selfimage. Although it can present real challenges, ADHD is not simply a limitation, it is a different way of thinking and experiencing the world With proper understanding, early diagnosis and access to support such as therapy, medication and school resources, students with ADHD can learn how to manage their symptoms and thrive Recognizing both the struggles and strengths that come with ADHD helps break harmful stereotypes and encourages a more supportive environment, allowing individuals with ADHD to reach their full potential

The Highlander

TWINKLING INTO CHRISTMAS

By: Eliayna Burnett

On December 2nd, Highland Academy’s Student Association welcomed the Christmas spirit with a campus lighting ceremony Teachers and students alike had spent days or even weeks decorating the campus and dorms. Dorm students spent hours hanging lights, wrapping dorms and decorating trees The night of the lighting, students and community members gathered outside in the gazebo, sipping hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows around the fires Despite the cold, Pastor Will and the five Student Association officers sang a few Christmas classics, per request of the students. While students were enjoying their time outside, judges toured the dorms, ranking the best tree and the best door for each dorm. Afterwards, students and staff toured the dorms They peeked into decorated rooms, and ate the complimentary cookies provided by some students This year there was a slight change from years past, this year it was up to the students who won overall best room. As they walked out of the dorm there were ballots to pick the best room.

One of the judges, staff member Lilly Lopez, who had enjoyed the event, said, “The students decorated really fast, but they did a really good job, including an honorable mention to Miguel Bittencourt, who glued 600 cotton balls to his door for snow The students did well, and the dorms looked amazing.” Kathlyn Sampaio also had fun, “I enjoyed the lighting, the food, the s’mores and the hot chocolate was good. I especially liked Ellie’s [Cortez] room because it was all Hello Kitty themed and really well decorated.”

At the following assembly, the winners were announced. The overall best dorm was voted for by the people touring. The best overall was the room decorated by Toby Scarbrough and Luke Henry in the boys’ dorm and Ellie Cortez in the girls’ dorm. The best door for the girls’ dorm was Autumn and Sophia, and for the guys’ dorm it was Miguel and Sahir As for the best tree, the winner of the guys was Jack Welsh and Ethan Johnson. For the girls, it was Jasmine Thomas and Leslie Smith that claimed this victory

All the winners earned 10 dollars to split with their roommate. The tradition was a lovely way to kick off the Christmas season, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all students and members of the Highland community

The Highlander

BEYOND THE SALES: BLACK FRIDAY

By: Danielle Caldwell

In years past, Black Friday has been characterized by jawdropping deals and crowds of eager consumers. The topic evokes images of hordes of people waiting in line outside retail stores, hoping to be among the first to benefit from the drastic discounts. However, times have changed, and the Black Friday we once knew is now almost unrecognizable Stores no longer offer rock-bottom prices, and people are hesitant to brave the crowded malls and supermarkets This shift away from the once-popular Black Friday frenzy has been prompted by recent events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the extended time for Black Friday deals and economic inflation.

During the COVID-19 shutdown, Black Friday foot traffic in stores dropped drastically, and the number of online shoppers reached an all-time high. Data collected by the National Retail Federation, the world's largest retail trade association, showed that in 2020, there were an estimated 100,600,000 online shoppers over the Thanksgiving weekend; almost double the number of in-person shoppers Since then, the number of online shoppers has continued to surpass that of in-store shoppers According to Adobe Analytics, online shoppers spent a staggering $11 8 billion on online deals this Black Friday, setting a new record, and $1 billion more than last year Karisa Hood, a senior at Highland Academy, said that her family “never [goes] Black Friday shopping” because they “can find just as good deals on Amazon” instead of having to fight crowds of shoppers People have become more inclined to skip the busy stores, and instead browse deals from the comfort of their own home

Another development of the Black Friday event is the longevity of deals Retailers have turned away from the single-day “get it before it runs out” method of drawing in sdfasdfa

customers Instead, many stores have made Black Friday a week-long ordeal, while others have extended the event throughout the entire month of November Major retailers, like Best Buy, Walmart, Target and others offered deals starting a week before the official holiday, and extending through to Cyber Monday. Other stores, such as Macy’s, Kohl’s and Amazon offered sales through December 1 This extended period of deals attracts more reluctant customers who prefer to avoid the heavy crowds and chaos caused by the Black Friday rush Now, shoppers feel comfortable shopping any time throughout the week, without missing out on special discounts or the sale of certain items

The atmosphere around the holiday isn’t the only thing that's new in recent years This Black Friday, retailers saw a record amount of overall sales; an increase of 4 1% in comparison to 2024. While this jarring spike in sales certainly raises an eyebrow, experts claim that inflation is likely the driving force behind it Rick Newman, a writer for Pinpoint Press, a newsletter on the US economy, says “We have 3% inflation, so maybe (the 4 1% increase in spending) is a real increase of just 1% or so, which is not that much of an increase” This statistic shows just how drastically inflation has affected American consumers Frequent Black Friday shopper and Highland Academy staff member, Stephanie Rufo, says, “I feel like the deals are not what they used to be” Gone are the days when stores could afford to offer flat-screen TVs for $10, or luxury sofas for $30 Inflation has driven regular prices so high that discounts now leave buyers with less attractive deals than in previous years.

Despite all these changes, Black Friday still remains the most popular shopping day of the year Customers still flock to stores and websites in hopes of saving money for Christmas gifts, or to check items off their own wish lists without breaking the bank Although much is different, the holiday still lives on, as strong as ever

The Highlander YOUR CHRISTMAS WISHLIST

Clara- clothes, uggs, coffee

Lyla- coffee beans, Birkenstocks, books, socks, latte art bags

Evan- funny tshirts, survival stuff, candy, nerf gun

The Highlander BOOK REVIEW

By: Evan Parris

Founding Father, by Richard Brookhiser, is a book about George Washington that immediately launches into an indepth look at his life and the things he accomplished Being a biography, it’s not the most exciting or fast-moving book, but it is well written and carefully researched The book includes many details that most people haven’t heard before, from small personal stories to important decisions that shaped the nation It doesn’t focus only on Washington though Brookhiser also explains the people around him, the events of the American Revolution, and the dfgdsfgsdfgsdf

political/social challenges of the time Because of this, the book gives a clear picture not just of Washington, but of the world he lived in and helped to shape All in all, Founding Father is an interesting read for history enthusiasts or anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of George Washington and his era While it requires patience and attention to fully absorb the wealth of detail, the book offers an interesting portrait of both the man and the country he helped make what it is today.

THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS

By: Karisa Hood

Christmas remains one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United States, known for its ability to inspire joy and emotional warmth Although traditions vary across families and communities, the sense of happiness associated with the season is a consistent theme. The joy of Christmas is often rooted in shared experiences, meaningful relationships, and the uplifting spirit that defines the holiday

One of the central reasons Christmas brings joy to so many people is its emphasis on connection According to Keke Pledge, “My family brings me joy on Christmas because I like to spend quality time with them.” Families and friends gather to celebrate, sometimes traveling long distances to be with loved ones These reunions create stronger relationships and lasting memories For many, Christmas is one of the few times each year when daily obligations pause, allowing individuals to focus on the people who matter most to them This intentional emphasis on connection can bring comfort, a sense of belonging, and emotional renewal.

Another source of joy during the Christmas season is the tradition of giving Exchanging gifts whether large, small, handmade, or symbolic reflects care and appreciation. Acts of generosity often extend beyond family circles, as communities participate in toy drives, volunteer work, and donations

These acts reinforce the notion that kindness strengthens communities and fosters a sense of shared purpose The positive feelings associated with helping others play a significant role in the joy many people experience during the holiday.

Christmas also inspires joy through its aesthetic and sensory elements Festive lights, decorated trees, familiar songs, and seasonal scents create an environment that feels warm and inviting For children especially, these traditions become magical and memorable, contributing to the excitement and wonder surrounding the holiday. Even in adulthood, the nostalgia of these traditions can bring comfort and happiness Elijah Ruckle shared that his favorite part of Christmas is “sharing the special time I have with my family and friends and seeing the Christmas decorations and lights go up”

Finally, Christmas provides opportunities for hope Many people take time during the season to consider personal growth, express gratitude, and look forward to a new year This sense of restoration can be uplifting, offering a renewed sense of optimism.

Overall, Christmas brings joy to many people because it blends connection, generosity, delight, and hope While celebrations may differ across households, the sense of warmth and happiness that defines the season continues to make Christmas a cherished and meaningful time for individuals and communities

The Highlander

By: Magdalen Carlson

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY ACROFEST

Adventist gymnastics emphasizes ministry over medals, focusing on worship and outreach rather than competition or paid performances Their main goal is to spread God’s love through their shows and raise drug awareness in teens. A few weekends ago from Nov 13-15, more than 1100 studentathletes, including Highland Academy’s Gymnix, gathered onto Southern Adventist University’s campus for “The Glory of One” themed Acrofest

From the beginning of the school year, till the day before performing, coaches push their teams to master moves and get stronger Teams practiced tirelessly in their preparation for the event On Wednesday night most teams arrived onto SAU’s campus and arranged for sleeping arrangements in one of the many gyms. Gymnix were put in Collegedale Academy’s gym with seven other teams spread out across four or five mats With so many people in one gym, showering proved to be a challenge.

During the clinics, teams rotated through stations that taught skills in performance, circus, tumbling and many more Each rotation worked on different skills from crawling up to a threehigh to balancing on the russian bar, a flexible pole used in circuses Greycen Frazier, a junior on Gymnix, said her favorite rotation was elevators because, “I got to work with my elevator group, [Emmett Stevens, DA Duncombe and CB Bagshaw], pushing us to become a lot better” A few of the clinic rotations gave the female bases the chance to improve their flying skills and air awareness, the spatial awareness and physical control an athlete has while airborne Blake Nazarenus, a freshman, said, “my favorite rotation was circus,” because he had gotten to work on the mini tramps with bigger mats than most schools have

Thursday night was competition night Although Adventist gymnastics avoids competing for points, they still enjoy competition for the sake of fun Every competition was separated into categories of high school and college teams, so that there was no unfair advantage Individual skilled competitions were also separated by gender A few competitions included handstands, back tucks, butterflies, QPs, hand-to-hands and elevator sequence Gymnix secured a win from Sienna Shoemaker competing in the high school handstands and being the last one standing! There were two groups from Gymnix’s team that competed in butterflies For the first time ever, SAU’s acrofest had an elevator sequence routine with a single elevator group from teams performing. Samuel Dennis, Clara Reading, Toby Scarbrough and Carson Watkins from Gymnix’s team were all chosen by Coach Reading to compete They had worked for weeks on their routine with a few tweaks here and there

The main worship point of the event was worshipping in “the blue church.” The blue church referred to the large blue mats on which gymnasts perform Throughout the weekend, coaches and speakers reminded students that their strength, creativity and teamwork were all expressions of praise Moments of prayer were woven between rotations, meals, warm-ups and even late-night bus rides, grounding the athletes in the purpose behind every stunt, toss, and handstand

Performance night was a flurry of makeup, leotards, taped wrists and more Nerves were at an all time high, brains running through each move over and over. As the teams all lined up outside many prayers were said and then they were sent in for introductions As each team performed the cheers just got louder and louder. There was even a team from Canada! They ended the night with the ultimate routine by the Gym-Masters

Acrofest 2025 wasn’t just about learning new skills or surviving jam-packed sleeping gyms, it was about hundreds of students coming together with one goal: to honor God through movement From the challenging clinics to the lighthearted competitions to the terrifying huge performance, the event showcased the heart of Adventist gymnastics For teams like Highland Academy’s Gymnix, the memories built on the mat will last long after the weekend ends, reminding them why they flip, fly, and perform in the first place: to share “The Glory of One”