The Highlander
1
THE HIGHLANDER • March 29, 2024
March 29. 2024 - Vol. 2. Issue 3
HOLIDAY CORNER
Possible TikTok Ban Pg.7
CAMPUS NEWS
SPORTS
Week of Spiritual Emphasis Pg.1 and 2
Volleyball All-star Pg.3
HIGHLAND ACADEMY’S FIRST WEEK OF HOPE Lulu Lopez
March 18, the day students returned from spring break, began the spring Week of Spiritual Emphasis, which this year was called the Week of Hope. The event went from Monday March 18 to Friday, March 22. Week of Hope was led by Hope Squad members who are all students from Highland Academy selected by their peers as people they trust to talk to. They had help from Mrs. Logan Johnson, school psychologist, and other staff, but it was mostly student led. During the entire week, students shared their testimonies, spoke about mental health issues, ways students can help themselves and each other. They focussed on the importance of God when going through trying times and the ability to rely on one another. The students practiced what this looked like in break out groups throughout the week. On night one of week, Jennifer Southard, girls dorm assistant dean and school nurse, shared her testimony. She shared about the early stages of her life and the trials she has gone through growing up. Many students didn’t know this about her but appreciated her vulnerability and that led to other students opening up about their past experinces. Southard expressed how even though she was young and some of the events in her early life were terribly traumatic, she still trusted in God. Her testimony left the room silent, and you could feel what she went through as she spoke. She emphasized reliance on God, which truly moved many students. Aurora
Gomez, senior, said that “my heart felt for her and even though I’ve never been through something like that, I could feel her hurt.” Katie Beaulmont said, “Dean Jenn’s testimony was inspiring.” On this first night, the praise team sang “I trust in God” and that was the ultimate theme of the night. Even when it’s difficult to trust, God can be the only hope you have, and having faith that his plan won’t fail when yours does is a difficult to grapple with. One of the best decisions a person can make is to trust God even when
things aren’t right or fair, especially as a teenager. After Southard’s testimony, other students shared their own testimonies demonstrating how important being your authentic self can be to connecting, both with God and with each other. John Mark Armstrong, a senior, Ellie Cortez, a freshman, Zariah Hamilton, junior, Karisa Hood, sophomore, and Savannah Jackson, sophomore, also shared their testimonies. They stepped out of their comfort zones and when given the opportunity, they moved through their fears, and shared their stories. Adriel
Garcia, a senior, said, “ hearing John Mark’s testimony made me see a different side of him, and I was proud of him because I know how hard this could’ve been for him.” That was the point. Students became vulnerable sharing who they really are with students and the students responded with respect. Throughout the week there were breakout sessions led by students in the Hope Squad. They would meet for 20-30 minutes and they would discuss questions meant to let them get to know others on a deeper level. Clara Reading, a sophmore, said, “my favorite part was the breakout groups, because I talk to people I normally don’t [talk to].” Cont. on page 2.
Pictures provided by: Stephanie Rufo and katie McConnell