31st January 2026

The Highlander

AI...TAKING OVER THE WORLD

By: Eliayna Burnett

The Oxford Dictionary defines artificial intelligence as the application of computer systems capable of performing tasks or producing output that generally require human intelligenceThis phenomenon has become widespread in the past couple of years What would have seemed fictitious and impossible a decade ago is now a common occurrence almost everywhere With the rise of extensive AI use, many businesses and fields began integrating it into their systems. However, as AI progresses in skill and capability, it raises the question of its place in human fields: Specifically, whether AI will become more harmful than helpful

Businesses will benefit from widespread AI use, including lower costs, reduced human error and risk and easier data acquisition and analysis. But what of the 85 million jobs AI will eliminate? Simple, or “unnecessary” jobs, like proofreaders, customer support and warehouse workers Jobs are done by thousands or millions of people, a simple but crucial part of a working system Yes, AI would perform better and create more jobs, but the jobs they create are AI monitors, prompt engineers and cybersecurity managers, all of which require high levels of qualification It prompts the question of whether the average person would benefit from these changes

Despite these pros and cons, there is also a question of where AI is appropriate Data analysis and surface-level administrative jobs are one thing, but what about creative and educational fields? AI art, literature, and other creative pieces have become more common Authors, artists, and composers are concerned that artificial intelligence will compete with their own work. Teachers and educators worry for students who are taking advantage of AI rather than using it as a tool

As of March 2025, research by Exploding Topics showed that 77% of companies are either using or exploring AI in their businesses, and 83% claim AI is a top priority in their business plans Nine out of 10 organizations support AI for a competitive advantage. The National University estimates that AI will contribute $15 7 trillion to the global economy by 2030 They also estimate that by 2025, AI might eliminate 85 million jobs but create 97 million new ones, resulting in a net gain of 12 million jobs All these benefits are suitable for the future, but is it all too good to be true?

Editor In-Chief

Magdalen Carlson

Reporters

Helena Cortelli

Eliayna Burnett

Reuel Jabali

Evan Parris

Karisa Hood

Danielle Caldwell

Cartoon Art Design

Joash Alvarez

Design & Art Director

Tristan Naumann

Photographer

Malachi Armantrout

Miguel Bittencourt

Sponsors

Stephanie Rufo

Melissa Weisner

At the end of the day, there is no black-and-white answer to AI's general help versus harm It really comes down to keeping human judgment as the final deciding factor and allowing people to be informed of AI to judge for themselves

JANUARY BLUES The Highlander

By: Helena Cortelli

January can sometimes feel rough Everyone is coming down from the high of holidays, dealing with cold cloudy days, less sunlight than usual and having to go back to school It just makes you sluggish and unmotivated. The name for that: The “January Blues”

The January Blues is a common, temporary feeling of sadness, fatigue and lack of motivation in the month in which it was named It’s commonly caused by having to go back to our usual quiet life, financial stress for adults, schoolwork, less sunlight, cold temperatures and shorter days, which can affect mood and energy levels. Because of all this, January is considered the most depressing month of the year. You might be thinking, “Isn’t this and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) the same thing?” The answer is no. SAD is a form of depression with symptoms that can disrupt daily life from fall through winter, while the January Blues is a temporary feeling A few sdf

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symptoms of SAD include: loss of interest in activities you typically enjoy, isolating yourself from friends and family, constantly feeling fatigued, hopeless about the future, etc

The few symptoms of the January Blues include difficulty sleeping, feeling less social than usual and difficulty taking initiative

You don’t have to fret, though There are many ways to cope with these feelings Try increasing light exposure by going outside during the day, do some exercises and even just talk about it! Maintain a regular sleep schedule: sleep can be a huge affecting factor. Spend time with your friends and people you like, even if you don’t want to

It’s a temporary feeling, and it can be rough However, by going outside and socializing, you’ll be reenergized and you might even forget why you were sad! By spring, you’ll be cheerful again!

The Highlander

By: Karisa Hood

THE PETS ON CAMPUS

MORE THAN REAL LIFE MASCOTS

As schools across the country continue to address rising concerns about student mental health, many campuses are turning to an unexpected source of support: pets. Highland Academy, with its Equestrian program and animal friendly campus, it has surely brought more joy to students

Beyond individual benefits, pets also appear to strengthen campus community. Animals often serve as conversation starters, making it easier for students to connect with one another. Pet-related events and shared spaces encourage social interaction in a relaxed, low-pressure setting.

and Mar a

Analia Paz, who works for Mrs. Rufo, says, “I love being with Mara. Sometimes she jumps onto my lap, and we play. I also love petting Mara. She is a great dog and makes me feel a lot better” Mara is Rufo’s miniature golden doodle

As schools continue to explore ways to improve student wellness, the presence of pets on campus is gaining recognition as a simple and effective tool. For many students, a few moments with a pet, such as Mara, Daisy, Tuck, Piper, Malibu, Lucy, Snickers the cat, or Arlo the cat can make a meaningful difference in an otherwise stressful day

Mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, and loneliness can be common among campus students, even if it is unsaid. Academic pressure and social adjustments can make it difficult for students to maintain emotional well-being. In response, some schools in America have begun incorporating animal-assisted programs into their wellness initiatives

The Highlander

VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT ARRESTED

By: Magdalen Carlson

The headlines were hit almost immediately after this shocking act from President Donald Trump. In an unprecedented international incident, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, along with his wife, Cilia Flores, were seized in a U S -led raid in Caracas and flown to the United States to face federal criminal charges, according to the U S and Venezuelan officials

The operation, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, began around 2 a.m. local time, when explosions were seen and felt by the local citizens There are many speculations on what weapon was used The Venezuelan soldiers were brought to the ground, “bleeding through their nose,” and vomiting blood according to a guard witness “At one point, they launched something; I don’t know how to describe it,” he said. “It was like a very intense sound wave. Suddenly I felt like my head was exploding from the inside” The US Armed Forces bombed military bases across northern Venezuela to repress air defenses as an apprehension force attacked Maduro's compound in Caracas Following the raid, Trump's press conference made clear that oil was a core motivation for the operations against Venezuela

Both husband and wife were flown to New York City by U S forces to face trial there against, according to the government, several charges related to narcoterrorism Before pleading not guilty in the Manhattan Federal Court, Maduro said, "I am the president of Venezuela, I consider myself a prisoner of war. I was captured at my home in Caracas" The indictment alleged that Maduro and his associates conspired with Colombian guerrilla groups (small, irregular armed forces using unconventional tactics like ambushes, sabotage and hit-and-run raids to fight larger, conventional armies) to traffic cocaine into the United States as part of what U S authorities termed a "narcoterrorism" conspiracy

the United

government

and Flores because of an arrest warrant, the Venezuelan government says otherwise Venezuelan vice president Delcy Rodríguez denounced the capture as a kidnapping Venezuelan officials said at least 23 of their security officers were killed during the attack as well as 32 members of the Cuban military and intelligence agencies One half of officials from the United Nations, the U.S. and other countries state that the raid violated the UN Charter and Venezuela's jurisdiction Meanwhile, the other half had celebrations that included the Venezuelan diaspora. As of currently, plans have not been released on how everything will move forward

In the aftermath of Operation Absolute Resolve, the world is left grappling with more questions than answers The raid has intensified global debate over sovereignty, international law and the limits of U S power, while deepening political divisions both within Venezuela and across the international community As Maduro and Flores await trial in the United States, diplomatic tensions continue to rise, and the humanitarian and geopolitical consequences of the operation remain uncertain What is clear, however, is that this event marks a turning point in U S –Venezuelan relations, one whose long-term effects will unfold in the weeks and months ahead

The Highlander STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS

By: Evan Parris & Helena Cortelli

au Mung is a sophomore from Bowling Green, Kentucky with a strong passion for music and performance. He plans on becoming a K-pop idol by 2028 and is dedicated to working toward that goal His favorite food is chicken, and his favorite class is Bible, where he enjoys growing in his faith Mung is also the older brother of two younger siblings, Esther and John. He hates bugs and insects, but enjoys both dogs and foxes. He enjoys a variety of music, and his favorite song is Sleep Tight Some of his hobbies include things such as playing soccer with his friends and working out at the dorm gym

lake Nazarenus is a freshman from Portland, Tennessee He’s the older brother of Brooklyn Nazarenus and enjoys spending time with his family One of his favorite hobbies is waterskiing, especially during the summer when he can be out on the water as much as possible His favorite food is tacos, which he likes because they’re flavorful and easy to customize At school, Nazarenus enjoys science class where he likes learning how things work and taking part in hands-on activities and experiments. He also owns two dogs, named Oliver and Poppy, along with a cat (Smokey) along with a snake (Wilbur) and a hamster

ddy Atlee is a sophomore at Highland Academy She is from Portland, Tennessee and currently works for Pastor Will Labrenz. Her hobbies are playing the guitar, pottery and playing games on her Xbox Her favorite movie is “White Chicks” (2004) Her favorite song is “Piledriver Waltz” by Arctic Monkeys Atlee’s favorite sport is tennis although not much else She wants to be an archeologist or a journalist when she grows up Her dream is to live somewhere in Europe Atlee grew up on a farm and has two older siblings already out of high school

aroline Bagshaw is a freshman from Portland, Tennessee Her favorite class is computer class, and her favorite food is fettuccine alfredo She wants to be a nurse practitioner one day She loves to hang out and chill with her family and friends and if watching a movie she would choose a comedy first Bagshaw’s dream car is a black Chevy truck to carry her three dogs around in. The emoji she uses the most is the laughing face or the broken heart Something she’d like everyone to know is that she actually is a very active person though you usually see her sitting at the front desk

The Highlander STAFF SPOTLIGHT- STEPHANIE RUFO

By: Reuel Jabali Staff

Meet Stephanie Rufo, the Director of Marketing Communications at Highland Academy Her journey is one of resilience, growth, and overcoming self-doubt

After graduating high school, she attended Southern Adventist University, where she began as an Education major However, as life circumstances and financial responsibilities shifted her plans, she was unable to complete her degree During that season, she discovered something unexpected a genuine love for marketing and communications What initially felt like a detour ultimately became a defining direction in her career.

Highlight

Her passion for communication and leadership also extended beyond the classroom She was given the opportunity to serve at Indian Creek Camp for six summers alongside her children She began as the Ceramics Director her first year and later stepped into the role of Public Relations/Assistant Director Those summers strengthened her skills in leadership, creativity, and community engagement experiences that would later shape her professional path

Rufo had a dream job as her children were starting their elementary years, working as an administrative assistant at Madison Campus Elementary, where she learned the ins and outs of the school community and were able to be a part of her children’s lives As the school evolved, she embraced opportunities to grow, seeking a role that offered her creativity

Seeing her children grow and moving closer to college years, she started to think about a new adventure,

but that self doubt crept back in, often comparing herself to younger candidates with marketing degrees and potentially more experience Everything changed in early 2022 when she submitted her resume and then received a phone call about a job opening That opportunity led to Highland Academy, where in her mind was able to show what she could bring to the school even though she did not have a degree. During that time, she demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and vision proving that her deep connection to the school community and her ability to engage people mattered more than any degree

She is deeply motivated by her dedication to her family, the students, and those she works with, who continually inspire her Growing up, her family instilled in her the value of hard work a principle that guides her belief that her success is directly tied to the well-being of her school and the students she serves.

Rather than focusing on traditional New Year’s resolutions, she strives simply to be a blessing to others, believing that even the smallest acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact. On a personal note, Rufo treasures her family life She and her husband, Rodney, share a love story that began when she was just 13 years old, meeting for the first time at church. After being friends they began dating her senior year and were married in 1999 In 2001 they began a family with three children now grown, Parker, Paige, and Preston She joyfully embraces her newest title as a soon-to-be grandmother, affectionately known as “Yaya ” In her free time, she enjoys travel, shopping and collecting Starbucks “where are they now” series from places she has visited and of course spending time with Mara, her mini goldendoodle

Stephanie Rufo’s journey from uncertainty to Director of Marketing Communications is a testament to faith, perseverance, and meaningful connection Her story reminds us that success is not defined by a straight path, but by the courage to embrace our journey and use it to uplift others

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The Highlander EXPECTATION VS REALITY

By: Evan Parris

Highland Academy isn’t always what students expect it to be. For instance, some students thought that there was going to be so much homework that they'd never get to do anything but study. However, many have found that there’s actually a lot of time to pursue hobbies, relax, or spend time with friends

Food was one area where expectations and reality didn’t always match Some students were curious about the quality of meals

Joshua Larrea, freshman, noted that “The food is better than I expected” Even small things, like lunch, can be surprisingly enjoyable and defy expectations Kitchen staff do their best to provide variety and options so that students always have something to eat that they like or prefer

Other surprises aren’t limited to food Rules and classroom dynamics caught a few students off guard. Larrea admitted, “I didn’t think that you’d get in trouble for eating in class

Sophomore, Colin Jones shared that “Highland is kind of a chill environment. After my previous school experience, Highland was like a nice refresher” Good surprises are always the best gdfgd

surprises! It’s these little differences that often define a student’s first experiences at Highland Academy

Class difficulties can also be unexpected Elise Gaines, freshmen, said that “Academics are easier in high school than I thought they would be because our teachers always chalked middle school up to being heaven,” and high school a nightmare of work and expectations However, after arriving, she was pleasantly surprised to find that classes here have their challenges, but staff go out of their way to make sure students understand the material

Overall, Highland Academy shows that first impressions and assumptions don’t always tell the full story While some aspects of school life may meet expectations, many others whether it’s food, class length, or school rules offer surprises: often pleasant ones For students who are considering entering the academy, it is important to keep an open mind because reality is rarely exactly what you imagine

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

By: Karisa Hood

Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most influential leaders of the American civil rights movement, is remembered for his dedication to equality, justice, and nonviolent protest Decades after his death, his words and actions continue to shape conversations about civil rights in the United States and around the world

Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, King grew up during a time of widespread racial segregation and discrimination As a Baptist minister, he believed that change could be achieved through peaceful resistance rather than violence. Mrs. Markilyn Bazzy, English teacher at Highland Academy, shared her thoughts on King’s values saying, “He is important to remember because he taught non-violent protest In relation to today's world, we should still protest about things that are wrong, but in a non-violent way” This is something we should always remember when standing up for our rights or the rights of others.

King rose to national prominence during the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, which began after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus. The boycott lasted more than a year and ended with a Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, King led marches, protests, and delivered speeches demanding equal rights for African Americans One of his most famous moments came during the 1963 March on Washington where he sfasdf

delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech Sophomore Addison Atlee shared that “‘I Have a Dream’ speech is an inspiration because it motivated people in a positive way, leading to a less segregated world today” All Americans, no matter race or creed, get to experience these freedoms because of the groundwork laid by people like King

Despite facing arrests, threats, and violence, King remained committed to nonviolence as a way to protest effectively In 1964, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to combat racial injustice in this way Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee His death shocked the nation, but his legacy continues through laws, movements, and an annual holiday honoring his life. Pastor Roger Schmidt explained that, “Dr King is still relevant today because the social justice he called for is still needed today He taught us that progress is not inevitable; it requires coverage and collective action” Today, Martin Luther King Jr is remembered not only as a civil rights leader but also as a symbol of hope and the ongoing struggle for equality

The Highlander

THE WAITING SEASON

By: Danielle Caldwell

Waiting on God’s timing can be hard Human nature is impatient and restless. We are always looking for the next part of God’s plan for our life to fall in place When He works at a pace that we view as too slow or not exciting enough, we can sometimes become disheartened “What’s taking so long?” we tend to wonder Has God not heard our prayers? Does He not care about our needs or our feelings? The truth is something quite the opposite God cares about us so much that instead of rushing His work and providing us with a sloppy and unsatisfying future, He is taking His time, molding and crafting something for us that is beyond what we could have ever hoped for.

In the meantime, it is important that we view our waiting season as an opportunity rather than a lull God’s waiting seasons are not like a waiting room to see the doctor where one simply twiddles their thumbs and idly reads magazines as the time passes Proverbs 6:6-8 advises us to “go to the ant” and “consider her ways. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” Like the ant, we should prepare ourselves for God’s blessings by not wasting our waiting season frivolously The waiting is an opportunity for us to draw closer with Him, build trust in His plans and grow our character so that we are ready to accept His blessings when they come.

In the Bible, Joseph experienced a waiting season in what should have been a miserable experience For 13 long years, Joseph was locked away in prison paying time for a crime he did not commit However, despite his hardships, Joseph didn’t despair. Even in his unfortunate circumstances, he remained faithful, sharing God’s compassion and truth with his fellow prisoners. Joseph’s steadfastness for God was what later caused him to be remembered by one of the former prisoners, and at the freed man’s suggestion, was finally released. By continuing to allow God to work through him, even in his time of waiting, Joseph allowed God’s blessings to flow more readily into his life when the time came

If you feel as though you are experiencing a waiting season in your life, then make sure you are staying connected with God

Read His word frequently and pray often Make sure that when you pray, you are not only watching for a direct answer, but paying attention to other ways that God may respond Asking for instruction and guidance is pointless if you fail to pay attention to the reply Make a point to also reflect on past events; things that may still be haunting you that you want to keep out of the future that God is planning for you Learn from mistakes, heal old wounds and learn from your experiences. When interacting with others, ensure that you do so with a heart of service, and a willingness to share God’s love through your actions Waiting seasons shouldn’t put you in the position like someone waiting to be served at a restaurant, but rather in the position of a waiter, serving others with a positive and Christ-like attitude

Waiting seasons are necessary for the fulfillment of God’s design for your life Learning to cope with them rather than fighting them can transform impatience into growth and understanding By patiently waiting on God’s timing, you can take a step into a healthier and happier future.