By: Karisa Hood
The Highlander
Editor In-Chief
Magdalen Carlson Reporters
Design & Art Director
Tristan Naumann
Cartoon Art Design
Joash Alvarez
Helena Cortelli
Eliayna Burnett
Reuel Jabali
Evan Parris
Karisa Hood
Danielle Caldwell
Sponsors
Stephanie Rufo
Melissa Weisner
Photographer
Malachi Armantrout
Miguel Bittencourt
OUR JOURNEY TO KENYA The Highlander
By: Reuel Jabali
On the first day of February, a dedicated group of students, led by Andy Wade and Sara Bagshaw, staff at Highland Academy, embarked on a mission trip to Kenya, undeterred by the ice storm that had descended on their campus in Tennessee Eager to embrace the warmth of 80°F and the vibrancy of Kenya, they faced immediate challenges when their first flight was canceled, splitting them into two groups Wade and Bagshaw worked tirelessly to make sure everything was fixed and rearranged, and thanks to them, the group was able to find flights One group took a route through Atlanta and London with Rose Perez, mother of junior Saniya Livingston, while the others were given a more direct journey to New York where they spent the night in a hotel before continuing to Kenya with
FaithinAction
arrived at the work camp after a long, six-hour drive from Nairobi, much of it spent dozing in their seats
Upon their arrival at the work site, nn
Wade and Bagshaw and Matthew Naumann, parent of senior Tristan Naumann and junior Aiden Naumann as the adults
Tristan Naumann, shared details about the cozy yet cramped accommodations Though the h
original plan was to share at least two people per room, the hotel only offered eight rooms, resulting in unexpected close quarters Meanwhile, the other group, with Perez faced a more complex travel itinerary enduring an eight-hour layover in London before finally reaching Kenya Despite these setbacks, both groups ultimately fffff
the students were warmly greeted by local schoolchildren Dustin Aho, their host at Mara West, introduced them to the various projects in progress and outlined their tasks. This initial day focused more on orientation learning what needed to be accomplished rather than diving into heavy labor right away After lunch, the students were allowed to go down to the mini-market set up by locals in the clinic compound. They had many souvenirs for students to buy and take home, and the students also enjoyed negotiating with them. “I enjoyed playing with the little kids during my free time and learning about the Maasai,” said Clara Reading, a senior, who’s been to Kenya before They engaged in a range of activities, from constructing
Continued on page 2
Photos by Tristan Naumann
By: Helena Cortelli
The Highlander
ANTIBULLYING
Bullying is an issue with which every generation has dealt in one way or another In 2022, 1 out of 5 students reported that they were being bullied Since then, incidents have increased as cyberbullying has become prevalent using social media as an extension of the face-to-face bullying other generations have endured Imagine waking up every morning filled with fear, not because of a test or unfinished homework, but because of the hateful things you’ll hear or see It can be difficult to identify bullying as it’s often played off as a joke, but it can still be identified by watching out for the signs. First, we need to understand that there’s a difference between bullying and conflict Bullying is intentional, repeated and one-sided, while a conflict is a mutual and temporary disagreement.
Mental Health
There are a few different types of bullying For instance, cyberbullying is the use of digital ff devices (phones, computers, tablets, etc) to harass, threaten, humiliate or target someone through social media, messaging or gaming With the rise of social media usage, cyberbullying has doubled in the last two decades with nearly 55% of teens aged 13 to 17 reporting online harassment compared to just 19% in 2007. Physical bullying is another form that uses bodily force or actions to intentionally hurt, scare, or intimidate someone, often involving repeated and unwanted contact Approximately 5 3% of students aged 12 to 18 have experienced physical bullying Verbal bullying is another common method of bullying It uses words to consistently taunt, threaten, intimidate, or demean another person, often targeting their appearance, intelligence, or identity Verbal bullying is the most prevalent form of bullying, with 53% to 79% of students i experiencing it
The psychological effects of bullying can vary Depression and anxiety disorders are common effects, as well as low selfesteem, identity crisis, and different kinds of self-harm such as cutting, burning, hitting, suicide, etc
Many ask the question is it possible to make bullying stop completely? Unfortunately, the resounding answer is no, especially since everyone’s views of bullying are different. It can, however, be disrupted, at least at Highland Academy. By building a positive school climate and empowering victims of bullying to speak out, we can be a positive example of an atmosphere that is positive and welcoming
Bullying will probably never end, but developing a basic knowledge of it can already help a lot. Bullying is more harmful than you may think The best thing anyone can do if they believe someone is being bullied or if you are being bullied, is tell someone because there will always be someone at Highland Academy to help you
Our Journey to Kenya continued
bathrooms and painting ceilings in a new administrative building to assisting in a clinic and beautifying its new facility. Sienna Shoemaker, a sophomore, particularly enjoyed her time working in the local clinic’s optometry department Others also had the opportunity to experience the women’s health care part of the clinic There was nothing as exciting as witnessing a birth Two i v
births took place, showcasing the miracle of life, while students also witnessed a challenging experience with a miscarriage.“I didn’t know what to expect when I walked in, but it was a blessing to experience the wonderful creation that God made,” said Sam Dennis, a senior
Despite the travel complexities and unanticipated delays, the mission trip had a profound impact on the students, allowing them to contribute to meaningful projects while deepening their understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives. Engaging with the local community and immersing themselves in the Maasai culture enriched their experience, transforming challenges into opportunities for connection Shoemaker, Reading and their peers left with a gratifying sense of accomplishment and new friendships, reflecting on the importance of service Ultimately, the trip underscored how unique experiences foster personal growth, empathy, and a greater appreciation for the global community making it an invaluable component of their education and development
The Highlander
NATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
By: Danielle Caldwell
Over 25 countries around the world will celebrate the 115th International Women's Day on March 8, 2026, . This holiday not only honors the achievements and contributions of women throughout history it also draws attention to ongoing issues women face today and celebrates what it means to be a woman Throughout history, being a woman has always been a struggle in itself, but with the added pressure of social media and the expectations of women that it encourages in society, women are now facing new struggles in a modern world. Many women feel pressured to dress a certain way, have a certain physical appearance and behave “like a lady” Trying to measure up to all of these standards is an impossible feat. International Women’s Day encourages women to set aside the expectations of others, and to embrace the beauty of not only being a woman, but also celebrate your strengths and talents as a woman “To me, there is something powerful in the way women are able to nurture, to truly listen, and to hold space for others without judgment,” said Stacy Darrel, the administrative assistant at Highland Academy “It’s a quiet strength the ability to create an environment where people feel seen, heard, and valued exactly as they are,” she continued
For many women-focused foundations and charity organizations, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to ccc
By: Karisa Hood
raise awareness for gender inequality and call for change Even in the US, where women have made considerable progress in society, there is still much work to be done Statistics from the US Census Bureau showed that on average women earned approximately 16% - 19% less than their male counterparts in 2024 Furthermore, a study by LinkedIn in the same year found that women only held 37% of all senior leadership positions in the US, despite making up nearly half of the workforce On International Women’s Day, public speakers, charities, and protesters shine a light on these issues, demanding a future of equal opportunities for men and women
Although the holiday focuses on women in society at large, it can also be celebrated on a much more personal level This International Women’s Day, take a moment to appreciate the women in your life All it takes is a few loving words to show them you are grateful you are to have them in your life
BUBBLE GUM CHALLENGE
Recently, a Bubble Gum Challenge was conducted on the Highland Academy campus, but instead of being a big event, it was more of a survey-style experiment A simple but interesting question was asked: who can actually blow a bubble with gum and who can’t? It may sound easy, but what the results would show was curiosity.
Over 13 people were surveyed, and each was asked to try blowing a bubble As the results were recorded, it was noticed that most participants were successful. However, senior Carson Watkins, junior Maggie Carlson, and junior Jasmine Thomas were not able to blow a bubble Their efforts proved that blowing a bubble actually takes some technique you have to flatten the gum, position it just right on your tongue, and control your breath carefully
One of the most impressive results came from senior Ilanit Roth, who blew the largest bubble of the entire experiment Her bubble stretched out as big as her face before popping It was definitely the highlight of the survey and earned her the unofficial title of “Bubble Champion.”
An attempt was made to capture a photo of freshman CB Bagshaw while he was blowing a bubble Timing turned out to be tricky! He had a hard time getting the perfect bubble at the exact right moment for the picture, but that challenge made the experiment even more fun
While conducting the experiment, some interesting facts were gg
Bubble gum was invented in 1928 by Walter Diemer, who worked for the Fleer Chewing Gum Company. The first successful bubble gum was pink simply because that was the only food coloring available at the time and pink has been associated with bubble gum ever since Bubble gum is specially designed to be more elastic than regular chewing gum, which is what allows it to stretch into bubbles without breaking right away
Overall, this Bubble Gum Challenge was both fun and informative It was entertaining to go around collecting data, observing different techniques, and comparing bubble sizes From people who couldn’t get a bubble to form at all to Ilanit’s face-sized masterpiece, the experiment showed that even a simple piece of gum can turn into a funny and memorable experience
Photos by Tristan Naumann & Jennifer Southard
learned
By: Karisa Hood
The Highlander STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
The Highlander SNOW PLACE LIKE SCHOOL
By: Evan Parris
Highland Academy almost never closes, so when the snowstorm hit on Sunday, January 25th, it surprised everyone The campus quickly filled with thick snow and layers of ice, which ultimately closed the school The reopening date kept getting pushed back each day Since Highland is a boarding school, schedules are usually predictable, so students kept expecting life to return to normal soon Instead, the week slowly turned into something nobody here had experienced in years
During the night after the storm, the power went out across campus Students woke up freezing with dead or dying phones and very little information The next day, Highland registrar Mrs. Lilly Lopez and sophomore Lily Tonn’s mother Mrs. Tonn came and helped charge phones so students could contact family as well as have something to do, which made a big difference in mood.
The staff explained they decided to close the school instead of just extending snow days because of the combination of loss of power, the sheer amount of ice, blocked roads, the inability to get food deliveries and the fact that home leaves were just a few days away Many staff who didn’t live on campus were also without power and unable to leave their homes because of downed trees and hazardous roads. “We didn’t want to close school,” said Principal Chadd Watkins, kkkk
“but under the circumstances, that decision was the one that needed to be made”
Heritage Academy also stepped in to help “Jim Ingersoll, the former principal of Highland Academy, has a group of disaster relief people that Heritage has partnered with over the years,” Watkins explained “When there were so many problems in this community, Jim requested Heritage’s help.” Heritage arrived on Monday and stayed through Thursday assisting with debris removal: cutting down broken branches and taking them to the side of the road for trucks to remove
By Wednesday, the school officially announced closure through the weekend due to the ice and power issues Students were pleasantly surprised and had to scramble to find a ride home. The last truly major snowstorm on campus had been in February 1994 with a half-foot of ice, making this week particularly unusual for the school
Overall, the week showed how unusual situations can interrupt normal life but also bring the community together Even without classes, students helped each other, staff supported everyone, and volunteers like those from Heritage Academy contributed to keeping everyone safe and getting the campus back in order
The Highlander RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE INFLUENCE OF TECH
By: Eliayna Burnett
Is romance really dead or has it taken a different format? It is no new thing to find a partner through libraries of people, like in the 1980s with VHS recordings, or in early forms of cyberdating like the websites Match and OkCupid, which used questionnaires to sort people into similar dating pools. Dating apps have been on the rise, thanks to their highly personalized algorithms and easy-to-use software Finding dates and partners has been easier than ever, but how is romance changing? Even beyond that, how is social media changing in-person couples and interpersonal relationships?
To really understand the changes in romantic connections, it is important to look back on historical contexts Before the Industrial Revolution, late 17th and early 18th centuries brought about ideas of individuality, freedom, and modernity making romantic relationships largely rational. Living in lowclass environments like farms or small villages, people married for the benefits to their family or social status
Similarly, with wealthy families, marriage was viewed from an advantageous perspective Relationships based solely on physical attraction or affection were seen as naive and impractical. However, as this changed in the West through the 18th and 19th centuries, marrying someone for love became the customary and idealized approach
We are seeing a similar thing with online dating and dating apps What was seen as taboo and unrealistic has become societally acceptable This change is due to the frictionless experience we all want and live in Online ordering, digital meetings and appointments and dating apps are all products of our desire for a smooth, risk-free experience in everything we do
Similarly, social media platforms like Instagram and Tiktok, as
well as digital devices as a whole have affected in-person connections Technoference, or the interruption of interpersonal relationships by a digital device, is very common at every stage gg
of a relationship According to the Pew Research Center, 34% of 18–29-year-olds have felt uncertainty or jealousy about how their significant other interacts with other users on social media.
A survey of parents ages 21-60 found that 55% feel their spouses/partners spend too much time on their cell phone, and 48% wish their significant other would spend less time on their cell phone and more time with their children The use of social media and digital devices, when and where, has a bigger impact on in-person connections than most people assume. A balance between the two is necessary for a healthy relationship These findings also apply to friendships, parent-child relationships and many other relationships
Online dating, the frictionless experience, and media within a relationship are things to stay wary of when developing a relationship with someone or when already in one There are benefits and drawbacks in every choice, but making balanced choices leads to healthier connections Rather than killing romance, technology is reshaping it, placing the responsibility on us to use it intentionally.
The Highlander
By: Eliayna Burnett
FRESHMAN TO SENIOR
Luke Hallam
If you could talk to a freshman you, what would you say?
“Don’t procrastinate because it just piles up”
What have you learned since freshman year?
“To not procrastinate and actually work on getting things in on time and find time for routine”
What is your advice for the current freshman class?
“Listen to older students because they can help you find solutions and find a daily routine that works for you”
Alison Ziegler
If you could talk to a freshman you, what would you say?
“Get your grades up and do better”
What have you learned since freshman year?
“I learned that you really need to cut out those friends that aren’t good influences on your life because it makes a big impact on who you choose to make and stay friends with throughout your whole life”
What is your advice for the current freshman class?
“Do not date till college, because dating is dire and high school is for education”
Anna Simplice
If you could talk to a freshman you, what would you say?
“Please just calm down and join more clubs”
What have you learned/ how have you changed since freshman year?
“I’m less dramatic and I'm also less annoying.”
What is your advice for the current freshman class?
“Join stuff like choir and economics, if you want to join a friend group that's how you make friends. Please try to get good grades and stay out of drama ”
Savannah Jackson
If you could talk to a freshman you, what would you say?
“Try to not be so shy, and have more confidence It makes it harder to connect with people when you aren't confident so be more confident so you'll have more friends”
What have you learned since freshman year?
“To be more responsible and have better social skills.”
What is your advice for the current freshman class?
“Start job shadowing early and think about college, because it goes by quickly so start thinking about that kind of stuff.”
T o O u r F r e s h m e n