All posts by HPSH Plaid Line

Advice/How To, School Life

10 things freshmen should know

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By: Priya Anderson & Ruby Anderson

Priya’s Iphone, September 12, 2024. Two freshmen walking to class.

1. Go to orientation!

One of the first most important things for a freshman to do (especially rising freshmen) is to go to orientation. If you are already a freshman in school, skip this one, but those who are coming up, keep reading.

This is not only where you learn the school, you learn your schedule, who will be in your advisory, who you will be peers with for the rest of high school. The schedule you receive is usually paper, which is helpful for those with iPad issues (common among freshies). And at orientation, you see the teachers and office staff; obviously an important factor to becoming acquainted with your school. By attending orientation, the transitional process is much smoother and easy to cope with. It can be nerve racking, but is worth the 2 hours.

2. Get involved in school activities

School activities get you connected with more than students, but with opportunities for your sophomore, junior and senior years. You can make friends that last, and will always find someone on your team/in your club in your classes. Almost everyone is involved with a school activity, so participating in your community is a great way to allow yourself to become a part of your high school.

3. Make connections with upperclassmen

As I said in my last point, try to befriend or connect with upperclassmen! Try to find someone you can trust to get info about the school and about classes. This can be helpful when learning about the school and getting tips on big assignments. Upperclassmen can also help get you connected to more people. Of course, have boundaries with these kids, and make sure they are trustworthy friends.

4. Don’t procrastinate

Procrastinating is the number one way to fail. You should try to complete your work as soon as possible because it will help a lot with getting good grades. A good way to not procrastinate is to make a planner. Making a planner will help a lot with keeping track of what assignments you have to do and when they are due.

5. Sign up for drivers ed

Once you turn 15, you can get your permit. Even though driver’s ed is very tedious (30 hours), it is worth the time to learn to drive. You could even get your license as a sophomore! It is 3 hours for two weeks, and that is awhile, but what’s better? Freedom or having to hitch a ride every day?

6. Find a favorite teacher/class

Having a teacher that you like or a class that you enjoy will get you through the day a lot faster, especially if you can look forward to that class. It’s also good to have a teacher you trust so that you can go to them if you have a problem. Having a class that you like can also motivate you to do your work.

7. Do not skip class or be late

Skipping class or being late is a great way to get on a teacher’s bad side. As a matter of fact, too many absences and tardies will get you on a list and a call home. Coming to class at the correct time and always showing up will define you as a trustworthy student. It will also set a routine for you and habits will form out of those routines. Being late in the workforce is a BIG no, so starting early, come to class. For freshmen, this is very important to get used to.

8. Ask for help

Can’t find a class? Don’t have an iPad? Don’t know your bus, etc, etc? Ask for help. As a freshman, no one expects you to know what to do right away. There are always students and teachers there to help, and the counselors office is a great resource for freshmen. Not only can you get help with the issues above, but you can change electives and if necessary, move core classes around. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends and peers. Your teachers also expect you to ask for help, so please don’t hesitate.

9. Bring snacks/drinks

School days can get long and tiring and sometimes lunch is not enough. Especially if you have lunch really late or really early in the day you are going to get hungry pretty fast. You should make sure to bring a few snacks to school everyday as long as your teachers are okay with it. Bringing water is also important during hot days.

10. Relax

Don’t get too stressed out over school. If your only focus is school work you’re going to get stressed and burnt out. School is important but relaxing and enjoying time to yourself and spending time with friends and family is just as important. You also need to make sure you’re getting enough sleep every night so don’t stay up too late.

PRIZM, Student Creative Writing

September – Suicide Awareness: Myself

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By: Christine Yang

This poem is about suicide awareness because it’s the month of September. I want to spread awareness for people who are struggling with their mental health, to show them that the people around them care and that they’re not alone. I also have experienced depression to the point I had thoughts of ending myself, and also I have friends and family who struggle with mental health to the point I would barely see them often and I do want people to know that things will get better.  

Like always there’s tHis dark place,

I feel I could nEver escape this.

WilL I ever find Peace?

I hate living,

Breathing,

And looking at MysElf.

I always doubt that I’ll find someone,

To motivate me to my “goals”,

Interested of what I’m saying,

Understanding.

Wait,

I just want someone to love me…

I tried to reach out,

But they always tell me,

“You’re overreacting”,

Or “It’s just a phase”.

Is it really a phase,

When I’ve been like this for 5 years?

Am I really overreacting,

If I truly can’t even get out my bed?

5 years,

That’s what these scars represent,

I feel disgusted in my own skin,

But it’s the only thing to punish myself.

5 years,

Is those failed attempts,

Feeling ashamed,

If only those attempts worked.

I thought that if no one LOVEd me,

Then there’s no point of living.

I was wrong…

I realized that there’s been a person who does,

Who is interested in the things I like,

Understanding,

Most and importantlY…

Knows me the most.

And that’s me.

I may not love myself now,

But YOU can’t expect love fRom Someone,

Who doesn’t Even know you.

To get Love from that “person”,

You need to love “them”,

Care For “them”,

And work on it.

If no one loves me,

Then I will.

September is the month of suicide awareness, to remember the lost, the people who are struggling, and survivors. Remember it only takes three words, “are you okay?”. Those words can change anything and everything to that person, you matter more than you think. Call or text 988 if you ever have those dark thoughts or moments.

Tech/Games

F-18C start up in ‘Digital Combat Simulator’

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By: Yohan Lee

‘Digital Combat Simulator’ is an aviation air to combat plane simulation game. You can play it on a PC. Here I will explain how you start an F-18C.

To start the F-18C in ‘Digital Combat Simulator’ you first must have your battery switch in the upright switch near your right console.

Now look at your left console and locate APU and click right to turn it on. You will see the APU ready light has turned green.

Below the APU there is an Engine Crank switch and right-click to put it in the Right Engine Crank.

Now look at your IFEL panel. When you crank your right engine you should see a number moving on the right side of your IFEL panel. That is the right engine. Once the number has reached 25 percent move your right throttle to idle or press RSHIFT+HOME. Your 25 percent should move up to 65 percent. Your engine crank switch should automatically go to the off switch.

Now do the same procedure  on the left engine. Left-click engine crank. Left at the IFEL panel. 25 percent, and move your left throttle to idle or RALT+HOME. Check that both engines are at 65 percent.

SCREENS

Now look at both DDI and right-click the top knob to day. Now turn on your HUD by turning the knob next to the IFF. At the bottom, you should see the AMPCD screen. Turn the knob to the right.

FCS AND AVIONICS

On the far left of your left console, you should see your rudder trim. Press the button on the top to put your elevator into takeoff trim.

Near that you should see a FCS Reset Button. Hold that for 5 seconds. Look at your right DDI and press the FCS-MC button.

Take a look at your far right and you should see your FCS-BIT switch. Hold that for 5 seconds then look at your right DDI and press the FCS MC button again. It should say in Test.

Close the canopy or CTRL+C and look down and turn your INS to IFA. At your far left, turn your OBOGS on. Press the FCS MC button again. It should all say GO.

Finally, turn your seat arm and parking brake off.

Getting To Know/History, School Life

How did homecoming become a tradition in American high schools?

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By: Nathaniel de Sam Lazaro

This Friday, students at Highland Park Senior High will gather for pep fest. Chants of “Go home freshmen” will roar through the gym. The nominees for homecoming royalty will march out onto the gym floor, hoping to be the ones who get to sit on their grade’s respective throne. That night, students will gather for the homecoming dance, and the next day Highland will have their annual homecoming football game.

But this tradition is not unique to our school. If you went to every High School in America, most of them will have similar traditions to these. Many colleges and universities have homecoming celebrations, too. Homecoming is an American cultural tradition, present in High School movies and TV, so ubiquitous that we often don’t consider how this tradition began.

While more associated with High Schools today, homecoming actually began as a college tradition. Three different schools claim to be the originator of homecoming. Many news outlets, including a piece on the history of homecoming from Active.com, give credit to the University of Missouri, which invited alumni back to their school to “come home” for a football game in 1911. The next year, they continued to do so and have for every year since.

However, there are other claims. The University of Illinois claims to have invented homecoming one year earlier, hosting their first “homecoming” in October of 1910 against their rival, Chicago. This homecoming was an experiment but was so popular that it returned the next year, and continuing ever since except for 1918 when it was canceled due to the flu pandemic (Illinois did host a homecoming in 2020, but it was scaled back and reworked).

Accolades however, for inventing homecoming may belong to Texas’s Baylor University.

The Baylor Alumni Association claims that Baylor has the oldest homecoming, which occurred in the fall of 1909 when alumni were surprised to receive invitations back to their alma mater for a special football game. However, Baylor didn’t call this homecoming at the time, referring to it as “good will week”, and wouldn’t host their next homecoming until 1915, and it only became an annual celebration in 1934.

High schools soon adopted homecoming as a tradition, starting in the 1930s. They adapted the tradition in some ways as well, inventing homecoming court and changing the opponent of the football game from the school’s biggest rival to a team the school would likely beat, keeping high spirits during the festivity.

Highland’s homecoming game this year will be at Humboldt High School at 1 PM on Saturday, September 21st. We will be playing against Harding. Before the game you can enjoy the Powerpuff game at 9 AM and tailgating at 10:00 AM, both at Highland.

Clubs and Activities

Unión Latina: Celebrating Hispanic heritage

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By: Gabriella Bell

As the Highland Park 2024-25 school year commences after a long awaited break, several of our most beloved culture clubs are returning to our school. Some of which include the Black Student Union (BSU), the South-East Asian Association (SEAA), the Muslim Student Association (MSA), and many more!

Today we’ll be discussing Unión Latina (ULA) and some of their future plans, possible ideas, and what they’re most known for. These sneak peaks are being given to us directly from Kenia Saravia-Marques, our very own ULA president!!

Unión Latina has had several notable events such as our annual Fiesta Latina, the Día de los Muertos events, and our collaborations for Agriculture (Ag) Day! This year, President Saravia-Marques is teasing the possibilities of newly thought out ideas and events.

While ULA will continue the tradition of the Día de los Muertos event in November, she also expressed the desire to host a spirit week as a way to celebrate and express the individuality of different backgrounds for Hispanic Heritage Month beginning on September 15, 2024.

Another idea includes more frequent involvement with the school store this year; she also demonstrated an eagerness to collaborate with a handful of our other culture clubs such as BSU and SEAA for possible game nights, movie nights, or any group building activities between the members of their clubs.

While she has many of these amazing ideas, one of her most elaborate ideas mentions the possibility of Unión Latina hosting a school dance through a partnership with Highland’s Student Council within the month of March prior to the launch of Fiesta Latina in April 2025. One of the main ideas for this dance is for attendees to be exposed to a more diverse selection and genres of music, rather than just stereotypically used songs in Spanish played at school events such as, “Gasolina”, “Suavemente”, and “Corazón Sin Cara”.

Although most of these thoughts are still in the works currently, one thing that is confirmed for Unión Latina, is their attendance at Highland’s tailgating on Saturday, September 21st (10am-12pm)! They will be fundraising for the club with the intention to plan, announce, and host future events. Their menu this year consists of chocoflan ($4), donated by club member Lorena Castro-Cruz, tres leches ($5) and Jarritos ($2), donated by board member, Bianca Torres, conchas ($4), donated by Vice President Jozzban Orellana-Guiterrez, horchata ($3), donated by President Kenia Saravia-Marques, chicharrones ($3), donated by Administrator Alysha Kellner, and bottled water ($1).

If you want a place to learn about the culture of Latin American countries, to express your culture and your individuality, or to help plan events and be more involved within Highland, Unión Latina is the club! Club meetings are held each week on Wednesdays from 3:10pm to 4:30pm in Sra. Kellner’s room, 3311. Everyone is welcome to attend, come show your support!

Movies/TV/Theaters

Review of new ‘Coraline’ remaster

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By: Kumari Mia Wijetunge

‘Coraline’ was originally released in 2008 by Henry Selick, and is a movie that contained magical twists and turns that left the viewer with the feeling of being stuck in a dream that felt like a nightmare at some points. This enchanting movie that told the tale of self discovery and bravery has now been reawakened this summer with the release of ‘Coraline’ in remaster.

Coraline’ tells the story of a young girl who finds a parallel universe behind a small door that’s in her new home “The Pink Palace”. Once she travels to the new world that inherently seems to have everything she’s ever wanted it soon turns into a dark and twisted nightmare that’s come to life. The remaster gives a new twist to the film’s complex visuals.

The remaster of the original ‘Coraline’ brings new life into the beautifully crafted stop motion animation which is a key part of the magical storytelling that this movie immerses the viewers in. The visual appeal to this movie is off the charts characterized by its bright, yet otherworldly color palette, and incredibly detailed character designs and sets that creates a captivating dream-like feel.

The audio remastering also plays a huge role in this re-release. The film’s hauntingly beautiful sounds by Bruno Coulais and its crisp sound design are heard with newfound clarity and depth. The atmospheric and eerie sound has a way of wrapping around the viewer’s head. The sonic enhancement adds an extra layer of engagement making the film’s already eerie moments even more chilling.

While this remaster was a long awaited film for long time fans it offered a new opportunity for newer fans to experience the magic of ‘Coraline’. The visuals and audio make this film an ideal introduction for younger audiences who may have missed the film’s original release.

The remaster of ‘Coraline’ is not only a nostalgic trip but is a celebration of a classic that brought so much joy to long time fans and allowed them to relive it all again. With the visuals and audio of this movie it offered a rich experience of Selick’s beautiful work. For both old time fans and new ones ‘Coraline in Remaster’ is a chance to rediscover, or discover the movie for the first time. Overall, it is a truly exceptional piece of animated cinema I would give it a 10/10.

Unfortunately, ‘Coraline in Remaster’ is not in theaters at this time, but you can see the original version on multiple streaming services.

Getting To Know/History

Eastern dragons vs. Western dragons

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By: Cleo Newton

Image created with Wonder AI

Dragons have a reputation of being evil but that’s not always true. There are many differences between Eastern dragons and Western dragons.

Western dragons

Western dragons are known for being destructive and dangerous, and overall malevolent. According to Schudio.com, they can be described as “dinosaur-like fire-breathing animals”, though some are also poisonous. Many Western dragons are described as having scaly bodies, a spiky tail, 2-4 legs, and bat-like wings. Their main source of food is usually sheep, cattle, and humans.

It’s often said that they live on land, in caves, with a large horde of treasure, but according to Onlydinosaurs.com, they can also live in marshes, the forest, the sea, the mountains, or even a volcano.

Some Western dragons include Hydra (from Greek mythology), Vouivre (French mythology), and Jörmungandr (Norse mythology), and many more.

Eastern dragons

Eastern dragons are known for being kind and caring. They can be described as wise and beautiful. Their physical appearance is quite different compared to Western dragons as well. Eastern dragons look kind of like very large snakes with deer antlers, eagle talons and tiger paws (for both front and back legs), a mane, and a camel(-like) head. They may not have wings like many Western dragons but they can still fly. According to Schudio.com, Eastern dragons are known to have the ability to spit water. It’s much rarer that you hear of them breathing fire.

They don’t eat humans; they eat swallows. Eastern dragons can be found in lakes and in the skies.

These dragons are seen as symbols of good luck since the rain they bring helps with the growth of crops and other plants.

Many Eastern dragons are seen with a pearl in its jaws. Depending on what culture the dragon is from, Storymuseum.org says this pearl could represent a couple of different things: wealth, wisdom, and/or power.

Some kinds of Eastern dragons include Ryu (Japanese mythology), Yong (Korean mythology), and DiLong (Chinese mythology). These are just a few of many other different kinds of Eastern dragons.

The most apparent difference between Eastern and Western dragons is their demeanor. Western dragons are portrayed as an evil being while Eastern dragons are seen as a symbol of good fortune and are highly respected.

After reading this, I hope you’ve learned a few new things about the differences between dragons.

Cross Country, Football, Scoreboard/Schedule, Soccer, Volleyball

Sports schedule for: Sept 16-21

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ATHLETIC EVENTS SCHEDULE: SEPTEMBER 16 – SEPTEMBER 21  
MONDAYSEPTEMBER 16 
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
JV: 4:00pm V: 5:15pm Girls Soccer vs. St. Croix LutheranHOME
4:15pm3:15pm | 5:45pmB-Squad Boys Soccer  vs. Como ParkArlington & Arkwright
4:30pm3:15pm | 6:00pmJV Football vs. SouthwestMPLS Southwest High School
TUESDAYSEPTEMBER 17
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
V: 4:00pm JV: 4:00pm Girls Tennis vs. CentralV: HOME JV: Como Park High School
B1: 4:15pm V: 5:00pm JV: 5:30pm Boys Soccer vs. HumboldtV: Humboldt High School JV/B1: HOME
JV: 5:00pm V: 7:00pm Girls Soccer vs. HumboldtHumboldt High School
B: 5:30pm JV: 5:30pm V: 7:00pm4:30pm | 8:30pmVolleyball vs. Minnehaha AcademyMinnehaha Academy
WEDNESDAYSEPTEMBER 18
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
V: 4:00pm JV: 4:00pm Girls Tennis vs. SimleyV: Simley High School JV: HOME
4:30pm B2-Squad Boys Soccer vs. NovaHOME
B: 5:30pm JV: 5:30pm V: 7:00pm4:30pm | 8:30pmVolleyball vs. HardingHarding High School
THURSDAYSEPTEMBER 19
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
JV: 4:15pm V: 4:30pmJV: 3:15pm | 5:45pmBoys Soccer vs. JohnsonV: Johnson High School JV: Arlington & Arkwright
4:00pm Girls Tennis vs. Harding/Como ParkHOME
JV: 4:00pm V: 5:15pm Girls Soccer vs. JohnsonHOME
4:15pm2:30pm | 6:15pmGirls Swimming and Diving vs. HumboldtHumboldt High School
FRIDAYSEPTEMBER 20
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
1:30pm11:45am | 4:15pmCross Country Roy Griak InviteLes Bolstad Golf Course
4:00pm3:00pm | 5:30pmB1-Squad Boys Soccer vs. TartanTartan High School
5:00pm B2-Squad Boys Soccer vs. RichfieldHOME
5:15pm JV Girls Soccer vs. Como ParkComo Park High School
SATURDAYSEPTEMBER 21
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
 9:00am | 4:00pmJV Volleyball TournamentHastings High School
1:00pm11:00am | 3:00pmFootball vs. Harding/HumboldtHumboldt High School
JV: 5:00pm V: 7:00pmJV: 4:00pm | 6:30pmBoys Soccer vs. St. Anthony VillageSt. Anthony Village High School
Music/Concerts

Album review: ‘K-12’ by Melanie Martinez

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By: Beverly Stinson

‘K-12’ is the 2nd studio album released by alt pop singer Melanie Martinez. It was released on September 6th, 2019 with 13 songs and was accompanied by a musical based movie, written and directed by Melanie herself along with some other people.

‘K-12’ is my favorite album ever and I’m giving my honest opinion on every song.

Tracklist

  1. Wheels on the Bus
  2. Class Fight
  3. The Principal 
  4. Show and Tell
  5. Nurses Office
  6. Drama Club
  7. Strawberry Shortcake
  8. Lunchbox Friends
  9. Orange Juice
  10. Detention 
  11. Teachers Pet
  12. High School Sweethearts
  13. Recess

It continues the story of the character Crybaby and her experience at a sleepaway school, following Melanie’s debut album titled ‘Crybaby’. Crybaby is a pretty complex character that is based off of both Melanie’s experiences with life and other peoples’ experiences. 

I also just want to state that the videos are tied to the movie so you could watch it and see all the music videos there and that I won’t be getting into detail about the lore and meanings of all the songs. 

And lastly, I want to say that Mel goes by she/they pronouns so I will kind of be switching between the two for different songs. 

…………………………………………………………………………………………

Song #1: Wheels on the Bus

Warnings: suggestive language, profanity, drug use

Wheels on the Bus music video

Wheels on the Bus lyrics

“Wheels on the Bus” is one of my favorite songs. I used to listen to it everyday on repeat and watch the music video. 

It’s not one of the most popular songs on the album but I personally feel it’s important to the story and the album and definitely deserves more recognition.

I believe it signifies coming of age as it shows Crybaby going to school for the first time and immediately experiencing bullying as well as “First love” and just the chaos of school. 

One of my favorite things about this song is the obvious reference to the song “Wheels on the Bus” and the samples Melanie adds from it. 

8/10

Song #2: Class Fight

Warnings: violence, suggestive language, drug use (in the movie)

Class Fight music video

Class Fight lyrics

At one point, “Class Fight” was my favorite Melanie song, it really had me in a chokehold when ‘K-12’ came out. I would watch fan made music videos and the actual music video itself over and over. 

I love the music, lyrics, and meaning, just everything about it. 

In the movie there’s the fight scene which is honestly one of my favorite scenes in the movie, it’s not very long but it’s an interesting scene and probably my favorite time Crybaby showcases her powers. 

9/10

Song #3: The Principal 

Warnings: drug use, profanity, transphobia (in the movie)

The Principal music video

The Principal lyrics

“The Principal” isn’t a song I’d say is my favorite but it’s still an amazing song. I love the lyrics and the music video.

I feel like this song kinda resonates with me a little because I used to be considered a “gifted” and “talented” kid and throughout the years I ended up burning out from all the expectations and work pushed on me.

I do really love this song and it definitely deserves more recognition.

8/10

Song #4: Show and Tell

Warnings: violence, profanity

Show and Tell music video

Show and Tell lyrics

“Show and Tell” focuses more on Melanie’s experience as a growing artist. 

It’s an amazing song and it was so popular at the time of release and for good reason, more people need to hear about how they make artists feel.

In the song they talk about how they feel pressured and used by their toxic fans. They have people pressuring them to make more music and have people taking pictures of them without permission. They express how they don’t feel like they can really talk about how their toxic fans make them feel because they think their fans won’t like them anymore.

The video for it visualizes how Melanie feels like they’re some sort of puppet in the music industry and that’s really creative. 

10/10

Song #5: Nurses Office

Warnings: drugging, violence, profanity 

Nurses Office music video

Nurses Office lyrics

“Nurses Office” was a song that really started to hit me in 7th grade.

It basically talks about how bullying may affect a person so much that they don’t want to attend class or even be in school in general and how schools don’t really do much about it. Crybaby is a character that is shown to be treated very harshly by other students and isn’t helped by teachers. To get away from it she goes to the nurse’s office since that’s the only place she can go. 

I do love this song and relate to it on a personal level and Mel actually said it was their favorite on the album which makes it more special.

9/10

Song #6: Drama Club

Warnings: violence, gore (in the movie), profanity, misogyny (in the movie)

There’s no YouTube music video link for some reason 

Drama Club lyrics

“Drama Club” has always been a favorite for me. I absolutely loved the video for this song as well as the lyrics. 

The video is actually so sick, it has another one of my favorite scenes where Crybaby uses her powers and gives more of a glimpse of how powerful she really is. 

It’s a pretty slow paced song but I feel like every album needs 1 or 2 slower songs with all the fast paced ones. It also reminds me of like 5th grade since I listened to it the most during that time.

10/10

Song #7: Strawberry Shortcake

Warnings: body dysmorphia, bullying, implications of sexual assault, sorta nudity (in the movie), misogyny 

Strawberry Shortcake music video

Strawberry Shortcake lyrics

“Strawberry Shortcake” is my 4th favorite song on the album. I really relate to some parts of it as the lyrics talk about some things I go through.  

This is another song that I feel might be about Melanie’s experiences but also just the subject in general. They talk about how sexism and misogyny affected them and I think about how some people made them feel about their body. 

Sexism and body dysmorphia are two really heavy subjects and Melanie talks about heavy things like that all the time. They’ve never really held back on the subject and I can tell it means a lot to them. 

It references how society tells women or AFAB’s (Assigned Female At Birth) that it’s their fault for getting hurt because of their clothing or the way they look.

“Strawberry Shortcake” is definitely an underrated song and it deserves way more recognition and love than it has. 

10/10

Song #8: Lunchbox Friends 

Warnings: profanity, sexual language, mentions of drugs, mentions of death (metaphorically)

Lunchbox Friends music video

Lunchbox Friends lyrics 

“Lunchbox Friends” is one of the most popular songs on the album. It’s a song that I started relating to in 7th grade.

This song is about fake friends; in the movie the group of popular girls invites Crybaby over to sit with them at lunch and pretend to be her friends but in reality they’re just going to end up leaving her. 

This is one song that I kind of involuntarily think too much about the meaning. It does genuinely make me sad when listening to it and thinking of people it reminds me of. Even so, I still love it and it will forever be one of my favorites on ‘K-12’

10/10

Song #9: Orange Juice

Warnings: eating disorders, body dysmorphia, slight gore (in the movie)

Orange juice music video

Orange juice lyrics

“Orange Juice” is a song that didn’t hit with me at first but after watching the movie and listening to the song so many times it eventually made its way to my second favorite on the album. 

This song speaks about eating disorders and self hate as well as self love and acceptance. This song helped me through my own eating disorder and helped me feel more seen about my insecurities. And I honestly owe a lot of my progress with my health to Melanie and her songs, this being a big one. 

“Orange Juice” is a really good song and it speaks on a big issue that a lot of people don’t ever want to talk about. It’s definitely a song that means a lot to me. 

10/10

Song #10: Detention 

Warnings: profanity

Detention music video

Detention lyrics

“Detention” is a song that I recently started to like more, I don’t know why I never fully listened to it though. I like the lyrics and the music and it’s all very catchy but for some reason it didn’t stick to me until like 4 years later. But as of right now, it’s my 3rd favorite on the album. I really love the music video; I feel like it’s really satisfying to watch. 

I relate to this song on a huge level. It’s insane. Since 7th grade school hasn’t exactly been the most positive experience for me and I never really had any help or guidance. 

There’s a lyric at the beginning of the song that talks about something I think most students experience, which is coming to school early in the morning with less than 7 hours of sleep, and some teachers expecting you to have a bright smile and positive attitude. That’s just something I think is a pet peeve for everyone. 

10/10

Song #11: Teachers Pet

Warnings: grooming, profanity, suggestive language 

Teachers Pet music video

Teachers Pet lyrics

“Teachers Pet” is an amazing song, it deals with an insanely heavy topic that definitely isn’t talked about enough.

I’m not going to add any of the lyrics but basically what the song is about is a teacher preying on one of Crybaby’s friends Angelita. It’s obviously based on pedophilila and grooming in the school system and how it’s underlooked.  

In the song it kinda talks about how it actually feels to be the victim in this situation. She mentions Angelita feeling like a spider trapped in a cage, representing her feeling trapped in the relationship as well as hating the teacher but still not being able to leave. 

Obviously, like I said, it’s a very heavy topic and that might be why some people don’t like it but it’s still such a good song. 

9/10

Song #12: High School Sweethearts

Warnings: violence, profanity, suggestive language

High School Sweethearts music video

High School Sweethearts lyrics

Okay, so, “Highschool Sweethearts” is my overall favorite Mel song out of all her albums and my favorite song ever made. I’m so obsessed with the music and the lyrics and how I feel it represents me.

I might be exaggerating but I really feel like this is one of the songs i relate to more than every other song, like ever. It genuinely means so much to me.

I love the lyrics but I wanna say that the music video/scene is everything to me, the choreography is, I think, my favorite I’ve ever seen and the video is my favorite music video ever. I just love everything about it and the song in general. I cried hearing it live; it was a very important moment for me. 

This is such an important song to me and it will forever be my favorite.

100/10

Song #13: Recess

Warnings: profanity 

Recess music video

Recess lyrics

“Recess” is the last song on the album, and I love it so much.

This song is basically about being brave enough to take a break when things get too overwhelming in your life.

I feel like this definitely goes back to the school system and how they pressure kids. Having them take so many classes with so much work and expecting them all to be smart and understanding of all the information being pushed in their faces at one time. 

It’s good for people to get reminders that they don’t have to cause themselves so much stress at one time and that they are allowed to take breaks for their own well-being because it’s so important. 

This is one of Melanie’s least popular songs which I don’t understand because it’s so good. It definitely deserves way more recognition.

10/10

Overall, this album is so amazing and honestly doesn’t have any bad songs. I love that every song has a deep meaning and spreads a message. 

Melanie has been one of my favorite creators since I was 7-8 years old and I love seeing her go from being on ‘The Voice’ to making her own music and spreading amazing messages and love. She was the most influential person in my childhood and she’s still a major influence now. She’s the reason why I got into writing and helped guide my start with activism.

This album really means so much to me because I relate to so much of it. And it’s a piece that should be so much more popular. It speaks about a lot of big topics that I’d say most artists wouldn’t even dare to touch. That’s something really special about it and Mel.

There is also a deluxe version of the album which adds the songs from her EP ‘After school’ which you should also check out, my favorite is “Brain + Heart”.

Lastly, I want to say how perfect the movie is. I’ve seen it so many times and it’s one of my favorite movies. It’s crazy to think about the fact that Mel wrote it, directed it, and starred as the main character. That’s not an easy thing to do and it just shows how talented she is.

I really do recommend you watch the movie! Here’s the link to it:

K-12 the movie

I hope you take the time to listen to it and show your support for Melanie and the messages and love she’s trying to send to everyone.

-Beverly 

Volleyball

Highland vs Central game

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By: Siri David & Sophia Elmstrom

A photo of our varsity team and the Central match. Photo Credits: Emily Aune

On Thursday 9/5 the Highland Park Scottie’s took on the Central Minutemen at Central High School taking them to four sets out of five. This is one of the biggest volleyball games of the season for Highland and Central because of the huge rivalry against the two schools. Although a lot of these players may be friends with each other outside of volleyball, when you step on the court it’s all about winning.

Lots of students from both schools showed up to these games and everyone was very excited about the game. The Highland student section was louder than Central’s during the whole game, even though it was at Central’s home. The theme for Highland’s student section was white out and the theme for Central’s student section was black out. Almost everyone showed up on theme and showed school spirit while cheering for varsity Highland Volleyball.

Highland plays Central twice in the school season. We play Central again at the end of September and that is the conference match. That match is a lot more important and really helps decide who wins the conference.

For our B-Squad there were 2 sets in total with a very tough loss to the Central Minutemen. Each set was very close and Highland put up a very strong fight against the Central B-Squad. Highland’s B-Squad head coach is Emily Aune and their assistant coach is Grace Blumer-Lamotte who are both Highland alumni.

The B-Squad this year is very packed and has about 18 players on the team; many of the players on B-Squad are freshmen. The B-Squad team is filled with a ton of caring, strong, and athletic players. They all have been working so hard this season to become better volleyball players, and you can already see so much improvement.

JV won in an easy two sets and unfortunately was our only Highland team to win against our rival Central. The game was somewhat close the whole time. The JV and B-Squad teams only can play up to a maximum of three sets, the first two sets end by whichever team reaches 25 points first (win by two) and the third set only goes to 15 which is also win by two.

JV has two captains for the team this season, Jamariah Fisher (middle blocker) who is a 12th grader and Siri David (outside hitter) who is a 10th grader. There are thirteen players on JV, and the head coach is Hannah Wolfy. When all playing together our JV team this year is a very strong team and are great at communicating with each other.

Our Varsity team also had a very tough loss against the Central Varsity team. It was a pretty tight game the whole time leaving all of the student section on our toes. They went to four sets, as we said before, and the game kept going back and forth for Highland. Unfortunately, we ended up losing, luckily it is not a conference game so we can always win the next one.

Although Highland lost, they played very well and got lots of kills against Central. The referees were also very bad for this game, they kept calling people touching the net when it was obvious the players were not. Even the Central head coach had realized that these referees were being unfair to Highland but thankfully both coaches reported him.

So far in the 2024 season, Varsity is looking very good, they have great blockers and good defense. There are no freshmen on Varsity this year, but there are 2 sophomores, Juliet Kottke (outside hitter) and Sasha Deans (middle blocker). Their head coach is Sonje Odegard and assistant coach is Queen E. The Highland Varsity captains are Ella Sutherland (outside hitter), Mary Koch (middle hitter), and Lauren Kottke (libero); they are all seniors this year. There are 14 players on Varsity this year with 3 swings, Ruth Mckoskey who is a sophomore (setter/DS), Siri David is a sophomore as well, and Jamariah Fisher who is a senior this year.

This team is truly very special and we’re sure they are going to have an amazing rest of the season!