Spring break

By: Sema’Jae Tate

Photo by Cris Mu00e9nlu00e9s on Pexels.com

Hi Highland scholars!

Spring break is around the corner and I know it brings a lot of excitement and relief after working hard and it brings a sense of excitement and relief after weeks of hard work and routine. It’s a time to take a break from school, relax and recharge, whether that means traveling somewhere warm, spending time with friends and family or just enjoying some quiet days at home.

The longer days and warmer (hopefully) weather make everything feel more alive, giving people the chance to get outside and try new things. Some things you could do over spring break include going to city clubs and programs, working, and sports. Other people may travel. I myself plan on trying out for an AAU team and to visit family.

Spring break isn’t just about fun, it’s also a chance to reset, clear your mind and come back feeling refreshed and ready to finish the rest of the year strong. Personally, I’m looking forward to pushing myself to get all my work done on time, to finish the year strong.

No matter what you end up doing for spring break, hope you have an amazing time!

“Dear Daniel” (Advice Column)

By: Daniel Kendle

Hey guys, it’s me: Jake Paul — except not really. Actually, my name is Daniel, and I’m a senior here at, uh…(types on keyboard) Highland Park Senior High. Something like that, anyway.

As among this school’s most knowledgeable, attractive, and overall indispensable members, I thought it sensible to, in my twilight months here, shed some wisdom off onto you fledgling students. Like a mother bird to their wailing young, I shall regurgitate the writhing, worm-like information I’ve amassed over the last few years into your pitch-black maws, allowing your remaining years here to be as gentle and relaxed as mine were.

Thus, I sent out a poll on Instagram to all of my followers, asking for any burning questions they may have about either moi or other, less interesting junk. I’ve sampled 5 questions I received there, so without further ado, let’s crack these suckers open!

. . .

Dear Daniel,

“What’s 9 + 10?”

  • Angie V.

First-off, thank you for responding to the poll, Angie, as this is a great question. To solve this problem, simply adding the numbers 9 and 10 together — combining them, essentially — will result in the answer of 19. I hope that helps you with your homework endeavors.

Dear Daniel,

“How do you stay so sharp?”

  • Miranda S.

Well, I-! (Chuckles) I wasn’t expecting this at 10 in the morning! My kindest regards to you, Miranda, for such a delightful question. Now, as for staying so sharp, tch…I use a whetstone pretty often, actually.

Dear Daniel,

“What would happen if the sun grew at 1 inch per second?”

  • Chicory S.

Ah, a science-related question! Glad to see one make the list; I’ve always been interested in ‘Hamlet,’ ‘The Odyssey’ and the like. Put simply, Chicory, I think a lot of people would die, of course. Animals too, even. Heck — let’s just throw plants into there as well! I also think the sun would look a lot bigger from Earth, too, so that’s pretty cool. This wraps up the extent of this scenario’s consequences, I believe.

Dear Daniel,

“Are cozy video games really that bad?”

  • Munira A.

That’s an interesting question, Munira. I’m relatively-famous for my supposed disdain for “cozy games” — even briefly starting a cult around this notion — but to be honest, they’re…fine. I do actually hate the cozy game aesthetic you see so many YouTubers decorate their rooms to mimic, but as for the games themselves, I don’t mind them all that much. I don’t play them often, though I do plan on checking out some of the more popular titles someday, like ‘Stardew Valley.’

I guess I just enjoy games that offer difficulty and challenge from harsher means than growing crops. Y’know, there’s a difference between stressing over optimal soy bean harvesting and stressing over killing a blood demon, or whatever. One scenario isn’t “better” than the other, per say, but I simply enjoy the latter much more.

And now, finally… 

Dear Daniel, 

“What’s the best way to cook boxed mac n’ cheese?”

  • Chicory S.

Well, pushing aside the fact that mac n’ cheese is disgusting regardless of how it’s cooked, I believe a cardboard box over an open flame is the ideal method of cooking it. (Chuckles) I mean, there’s a reason “box” is in the name, after all.

Anyways, those were just a mere sampling of questions received from this little social experiment. Thanks for reading, and hey — if any of you guys know a doctor, can you ask about how to safely remove cardboard from a human stomach? Thanks in advance; I’ve been meaning to go for the past week, but anytime I stand up, blood starts leaking from my ears. Cheers!