“Most of the basic material a writer works with is acquired before the age of fifteen.”
-Willa Cather
-Willa Cather
2020-2021
The Diocese essay competition: Holy Spirit selected submissions
Savannah Osborn
Mindy Mitchell
Annie Holt
Alyssa Mack
William Shields
Olivia Watkins
Lola Shields
Jacob Bui
Hayden Pilkinton
Jack Rieilly
Jadyn Fording
Claire Laubenthal
'Black History Month Essays
David Holman
MLK and Non-violence Reflection
Before I knew about all of these steps and quotes by Dr. King on the concept and practice of non-violence, my thoughts and beliefs on the subject were quite mediocre, to say the least. I used to think non-violence was a peaceful and, obviously, non violent way of making a stand for ones beliefs or to speak out against things one doesn’t believe in. But now I realize that non-violence goes way beyond that. Non-violence isn’t merely a stand for ones beliefs, it’s a way of life that only those with enough courage can lead. It doesn’t just incorporate beliefs and protest, it takes love, compassion, and courage to be non-violent.
As Dr. King said, “Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” Normal people assume that non-violent protests and movements are sprouted from hate and countering beliefs, but that’s just not how it should be. The only way to really put down the tyranny of injustice and hate is by showing those who are consumed by these immoral philosophies that love is the one thing that can fix them. Love isn’t an evil thing or an immoral belief, as some would say, but is instead a choice. We choose to love rather than hate, which takes more courage than hate ever takes. And in the end, Dr. King reminds us that “love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”
So whenever we choose to go out to a non-violent movement, we should always remember that we won't do it simply because we need change or because we need to stop the people we think are wrong. We need to show the world that injustice can only be defeated by our courage to not hate but instead love. Especially in our current era, where violence is nearly everywhere and fear drives many people to rot in hate and despair. Love can fix that, if we, as Christians, choose to show these people that hate isn’t the answer to everything. People today need to know how to love, or injustice will never fall and hate will reign supreme.
David Holman
MLK and Non-violence Reflection
Before I knew about all of these steps and quotes by Dr. King on the concept and practice of non-violence, my thoughts and beliefs on the subject were quite mediocre, to say the least. I used to think non-violence was a peaceful and, obviously, non violent way of making a stand for ones beliefs or to speak out against things one doesn’t believe in. But now I realize that non-violence goes way beyond that. Non-violence isn’t merely a stand for ones beliefs, it’s a way of life that only those with enough courage can lead. It doesn’t just incorporate beliefs and protest, it takes love, compassion, and courage to be non-violent.
As Dr. King said, “Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” Normal people assume that non-violent protests and movements are sprouted from hate and countering beliefs, but that’s just not how it should be. The only way to really put down the tyranny of injustice and hate is by showing those who are consumed by these immoral philosophies that love is the one thing that can fix them. Love isn’t an evil thing or an immoral belief, as some would say, but is instead a choice. We choose to love rather than hate, which takes more courage than hate ever takes. And in the end, Dr. King reminds us that “love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”
So whenever we choose to go out to a non-violent movement, we should always remember that we won't do it simply because we need change or because we need to stop the people we think are wrong. We need to show the world that injustice can only be defeated by our courage to not hate but instead love. Especially in our current era, where violence is nearly everywhere and fear drives many people to rot in hate and despair. Love can fix that, if we, as Christians, choose to show these people that hate isn’t the answer to everything. People today need to know how to love, or injustice will never fall and hate will reign supreme.
Black History Month Essays
Alex Pilkinton
MLK nonviolence
Martin Luther King JR fought for civil rights in the 1950’s and 60’s. However, unlike many before him, he did not use violence. Because of this, he has become one of the most dominant and pioneering figures among activists, even in line with the likes of Ghandi. During King’s time as a peaceful protester, he wrote a few things down for us to ponder, review, and learn from.
In MLK’s six principles of nonviolence, his first was that non violence was a way of life for the courageous. How many people do you know would think of a knight in shining armor or a soldier as a symbol of courage? Yes, they are courageous, but how many people do you know of that could be beaten within an inch of their life, harassed, and told that they where worthless, and still maintain their dignity without raising a finger? That takes courage, and that is why MLK was so effective at achieving many goals in his fight for civil rights. He may have been hurt physically, but he possessed the moral and mental high ground over his oppressors.
Martin Luther king had many fantastic quotes. One that stuck with me is “ If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving.” This quote covers some of his previous ideas on courage, but conveys the idea that even if you get knocked down, you have to keep on pushing for what is right.
MLK had six steps for nonviolent direct action. They are, information gathering, educating others, personal commitment, negotiation, direct action, and reconciliation. These six steps help us understand the things we need to do to create change. The thing I appreciate is, MLK Followed his own steps. He was well informed, he educated others on civil rights, he committed to protest for civil rights, he negotiated with lawmakers to change discriminatory laws, he marched for civil rights with everyone who supported him, and he was kind to those who hurt him. How many world leaders nowadays would go fight with their men in a conflict that they created?
One of the most powerful sayings that I know is “acta non verba” Actions not words. St Francis of Assisi also stated,“Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words.” In other words, words show what you believe, but, actions show who you really are.
Alex Pilkinton
MLK nonviolence
Martin Luther King JR fought for civil rights in the 1950’s and 60’s. However, unlike many before him, he did not use violence. Because of this, he has become one of the most dominant and pioneering figures among activists, even in line with the likes of Ghandi. During King’s time as a peaceful protester, he wrote a few things down for us to ponder, review, and learn from.
In MLK’s six principles of nonviolence, his first was that non violence was a way of life for the courageous. How many people do you know would think of a knight in shining armor or a soldier as a symbol of courage? Yes, they are courageous, but how many people do you know of that could be beaten within an inch of their life, harassed, and told that they where worthless, and still maintain their dignity without raising a finger? That takes courage, and that is why MLK was so effective at achieving many goals in his fight for civil rights. He may have been hurt physically, but he possessed the moral and mental high ground over his oppressors.
Martin Luther king had many fantastic quotes. One that stuck with me is “ If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving.” This quote covers some of his previous ideas on courage, but conveys the idea that even if you get knocked down, you have to keep on pushing for what is right.
MLK had six steps for nonviolent direct action. They are, information gathering, educating others, personal commitment, negotiation, direct action, and reconciliation. These six steps help us understand the things we need to do to create change. The thing I appreciate is, MLK Followed his own steps. He was well informed, he educated others on civil rights, he committed to protest for civil rights, he negotiated with lawmakers to change discriminatory laws, he marched for civil rights with everyone who supported him, and he was kind to those who hurt him. How many world leaders nowadays would go fight with their men in a conflict that they created?
One of the most powerful sayings that I know is “acta non verba” Actions not words. St Francis of Assisi also stated,“Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words.” In other words, words show what you believe, but, actions show who you really are.
Hayden Pilkinton
The Social Dilemma Rhetorical Analysis
In his film “The Social Dilemma”, director Jeff Orlowski warns the viewers of how the tools of today, like Facebook and Twitter, are eroding the fabric of society. He explains that the companies behind them need to value people first, fixing the problem by remaking these tools for good, not for profit. This creates an ominous undertone throughout the film, which is accentuated by statements from people like Tristan Harris, a former Design Ethicist at Google, and Jeff Seibert, a former Executive at Twitter. All of this pervades the film with a sense of urgency, fear, and danger, telling and showing the viewers just how serious of a problem social media really is.
The Social Dilemma Rhetorical Analysis
In his film “The Social Dilemma”, director Jeff Orlowski warns the viewers of how the tools of today, like Facebook and Twitter, are eroding the fabric of society. He explains that the companies behind them need to value people first, fixing the problem by remaking these tools for good, not for profit. This creates an ominous undertone throughout the film, which is accentuated by statements from people like Tristan Harris, a former Design Ethicist at Google, and Jeff Seibert, a former Executive at Twitter. All of this pervades the film with a sense of urgency, fear, and danger, telling and showing the viewers just how serious of a problem social media really is.
Jacob Bui
Black Fish Rhetorical Analysis
Blackfish is an expose that reveals the abuse of humans and animals alike. It is an award-winning documentary written and directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite and exposes information in the film in the form of interviews and testimonies. The film repeatedly shows imagery of abuse toward animals and dangerous working conditions for those involved. It calls into question the morals and the legality of Seaworld’s operations.
The film begins with a black screen while playing a 911 call. This is meant to create unease in the viewer and sets a dark tone. It then juxtaposes to a Seaworld add depicting the fun, family environment of their park. This beginning strategy ingrains distaste for Seaworld. As the viewer begins to see it less nostalgically or innocently and more in a gruesome way. The film moves on to trainer interviews, each trainer describing their motivations to work at Seaworld. This begins to create a feeling of positivity, as we see their descriptions of nostalgic memories of happier times. The trainers describe their relationships with one another and with the animals they trained. The viewer begins to romanticize the union of man and animal, witnessing a truly majestic relationship. It quickly transitions to the truth, opening the curtain to images of disturbing nature.
Black Fish Rhetorical Analysis
Blackfish is an expose that reveals the abuse of humans and animals alike. It is an award-winning documentary written and directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite and exposes information in the film in the form of interviews and testimonies. The film repeatedly shows imagery of abuse toward animals and dangerous working conditions for those involved. It calls into question the morals and the legality of Seaworld’s operations.
The film begins with a black screen while playing a 911 call. This is meant to create unease in the viewer and sets a dark tone. It then juxtaposes to a Seaworld add depicting the fun, family environment of their park. This beginning strategy ingrains distaste for Seaworld. As the viewer begins to see it less nostalgically or innocently and more in a gruesome way. The film moves on to trainer interviews, each trainer describing their motivations to work at Seaworld. This begins to create a feeling of positivity, as we see their descriptions of nostalgic memories of happier times. The trainers describe their relationships with one another and with the animals they trained. The viewer begins to romanticize the union of man and animal, witnessing a truly majestic relationship. It quickly transitions to the truth, opening the curtain to images of disturbing nature.
Claire Laubenthal
An AP Language and Composition synthesis essay
Conformity in Schools
People believe that education is one of the greatest opportunities available to humans, and they’re not wrong. Education is powerful, but directly behind the endless possibilities of learning also comes responsibility. The current school system is one of restriction and forced learning. The value placed on grades and the pressures of academic achievements weighs heavy on students’ shoulders. School has now become a place of fear and a stimulant for stress rather than a catalyst for growth. The widely proclaimed mission statement of public schools is to assist young students in reaching their full potential while breeding them into high functioning citizens, but the true means behind public schooling are hidden behind these seemingly perfect ideals.
An AP Language and Composition synthesis essay
Conformity in Schools
People believe that education is one of the greatest opportunities available to humans, and they’re not wrong. Education is powerful, but directly behind the endless possibilities of learning also comes responsibility. The current school system is one of restriction and forced learning. The value placed on grades and the pressures of academic achievements weighs heavy on students’ shoulders. School has now become a place of fear and a stimulant for stress rather than a catalyst for growth. The widely proclaimed mission statement of public schools is to assist young students in reaching their full potential while breeding them into high functioning citizens, but the true means behind public schooling are hidden behind these seemingly perfect ideals.
Michiah Gill
Babysitter
It all started with a babysitter. I was about 3 years old when my mom and dad realized they both worked too much to watch me. So, of course, I stayed with family a lot, but eventually family got too busy as well. One day when we were at a local event, my mom met this lady. She was an older lady, but she had the biggest smile and the kindest heart. You could tell just from looking at her that she was kind. Her smile reached from ear to ear and her teeth sparked like diamonds in the sunlight. Her hair was a dark brown and it went to the length of her shoulders. Her eyes were a glossy hazel color, and she had a pair of glasses sitting on her forehead. When I ran up and rudely interrupted their conversation, the lady looked at me and smiled. She proceeded to pick me up, ask me my name ,and I just sat there and looked at her in a funny way. She noticed how I was looking, then she reached in her purse and gave me a piece of candy, and I smiled and told her my name was Mimi as I took the candy. She put me down and continued talking to my mom as I aggressively attempted to get the wrapper off the sucker she had given me. Later, as we headed home, I remember my mom asking me if I liked that lady. I quickly replied, "yes" as my whole mouth was blue because the lady somehow knew that blue raspberry was my favorite flavor.
Babysitter
It all started with a babysitter. I was about 3 years old when my mom and dad realized they both worked too much to watch me. So, of course, I stayed with family a lot, but eventually family got too busy as well. One day when we were at a local event, my mom met this lady. She was an older lady, but she had the biggest smile and the kindest heart. You could tell just from looking at her that she was kind. Her smile reached from ear to ear and her teeth sparked like diamonds in the sunlight. Her hair was a dark brown and it went to the length of her shoulders. Her eyes were a glossy hazel color, and she had a pair of glasses sitting on her forehead. When I ran up and rudely interrupted their conversation, the lady looked at me and smiled. She proceeded to pick me up, ask me my name ,and I just sat there and looked at her in a funny way. She noticed how I was looking, then she reached in her purse and gave me a piece of candy, and I smiled and told her my name was Mimi as I took the candy. She put me down and continued talking to my mom as I aggressively attempted to get the wrapper off the sucker she had given me. Later, as we headed home, I remember my mom asking me if I liked that lady. I quickly replied, "yes" as my whole mouth was blue because the lady somehow knew that blue raspberry was my favorite flavor.
Jadyn Fording
Can Today’s Teenagers Find Happiness?
Teenagers today live in a world filled with superficial happiness. The Internet and social media makes us think that everyone around us is happier than we are. It causes us to think of happiness as feeling your best all the time, which can prevent us from feeling prolonged contentment, which I call peace. You experience peace when you know that, even though bad things may be happening, you are safe and loved. You do not have to be happy in the moment to feel peace. Teenagers in today’s society can have peace by regulating how they use social media, changing their outlook on happiness, and recognizing that they are loved by both God and those around them.
Can Today’s Teenagers Find Happiness?
Teenagers today live in a world filled with superficial happiness. The Internet and social media makes us think that everyone around us is happier than we are. It causes us to think of happiness as feeling your best all the time, which can prevent us from feeling prolonged contentment, which I call peace. You experience peace when you know that, even though bad things may be happening, you are safe and loved. You do not have to be happy in the moment to feel peace. Teenagers in today’s society can have peace by regulating how they use social media, changing their outlook on happiness, and recognizing that they are loved by both God and those around them.
Alyssa Mack
Alyssa Mack
Protecting Our Joy
“Don’t worry, be happy.” That’s what we’re told when we are upset. Yet, it can be hard to actually do it. How can we be without a worry in today’s cold world? How could we possibly be happy when it seems like everything around us is falling apart? What can we do to find serenity and genuine joy in a world that feels like it never stops? The reality is, each individual can find joy and serenity in today’s society. Serenity and joy are gifts of inner peace that Jesus worked relentlessly to give us. God doesn’t give us dreams, visions, and second chances to watch them die.
Protecting Our Joy
“Don’t worry, be happy.” That’s what we’re told when we are upset. Yet, it can be hard to actually do it. How can we be without a worry in today’s cold world? How could we possibly be happy when it seems like everything around us is falling apart? What can we do to find serenity and genuine joy in a world that feels like it never stops? The reality is, each individual can find joy and serenity in today’s society. Serenity and joy are gifts of inner peace that Jesus worked relentlessly to give us. God doesn’t give us dreams, visions, and second chances to watch them die.
Anna Marie Leach
Anna Marie Leach
September 17, 2020
Happiness
Six time Grammy nominated and influential singer song-writer Khalid once said,“Breathe. It’s just a bad day, not a bad life”. Khalid has been featured in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2019, and since his rise in popularity, he has been helping teenagers who struggle with being joyful. Many factors play into having joy, like social media, family, friends, school, and the people one surrounds themself with. As teenagers, we have so much going on in our lives that it’s hard to focus on the positive aspects. If we take it one day at a time, breathe, and be grateful for what we have, we can live a happier life and focus on the positivity of the world around us.
September 17, 2020
Happiness
Six time Grammy nominated and influential singer song-writer Khalid once said,“Breathe. It’s just a bad day, not a bad life”. Khalid has been featured in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2019, and since his rise in popularity, he has been helping teenagers who struggle with being joyful. Many factors play into having joy, like social media, family, friends, school, and the people one surrounds themself with. As teenagers, we have so much going on in our lives that it’s hard to focus on the positive aspects. If we take it one day at a time, breathe, and be grateful for what we have, we can live a happier life and focus on the positivity of the world around us.
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Mindy Mitchell
Gimme Shelter Gimme Shelter, a 2013 Christian film, follows a runaway teenager named Apple Bailey as she struggles to escape the difficult life she has been dealt and create a new and better one for herself and her unborn baby. One horrific event after another begins to take a tole on Apple including what she went through before the movie even begins. While we only get a short glimpse at her hardships, it is obvious that she has been struggling for quite a long time. She has been tossed through the foster care system. This system is extremely flawed and Apple is living proof of how damaging it can be to both a child’s mental and physical health. The foster care system needs reform. |
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Alyssa Faircloth
Happy According to Henry Beecher, “The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.” Despite having a difficult day, I can always walk outside on a clear night, gaze up at the stars, and be joyfully reminded of all the wonderful things God has done for me. Two factors in finding happiness are your outlook and perception of events, as well as treating everyone with kindness, because you never know what is going on in someone’s life. Though I love playing softball, expectations from other people can suck the joy I have for the game away. At the start of each day we must consciously make the choice to find the joy in every situation. |
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Bethany Fording
Happiness in the Digital Age Happiness has been something that people have tried to attain for as long as we have been alive. As an American, the first example of this that comes to mind is a well-known phrase from the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” In today’s world, happiness is more complicated than ever. I firmly believe that joy comes solely from our own actions. I have come to this conclusion by listening to what different people have said about joy. |
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Christina Matos
Finding Joy “We can not cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.” This is a quote from Joseph Campbell about one of the main ways to find joy. You have to ignore the other sorrows of the world and be happy and positive. This leads me to the question in today’s world, can a teenager find joy? At first, my answer was no because of the social standards, masks, and having to be distanced from our friends. After more brainstorming, I realized that I was looking at things from my standpoint, and that there are ways that you could be happy and find joy if you focused on finding it within yourself and stop looking for it in others. |
Annie Holt
Gimme Shelter
Gimme Shelter, a film written and directed by Ron Krauss is about 16 year old Apple, played by Vanessa Hudgens who grew up in a troubled environment and is struggling to find her place. In this movie, Apple has grown up bouncing from foster home, to shelter, and back to her drug addicted mother. To most people’s surprise, Apple is pregnant, and she runs away from her mother to find shelter with her dad. Once her father finds out she is pregnant, he makes her an appointment to get an abortion. Apple says, "no" and runs away again. This movie is the story of Apple's journey and how she gets back on her feet by finding God and meeting people who truly care for her and want to help her and her baby. This movie really inspires you to never give up. Apple had many chances to just give up, or get an abortion and move on with her life, but she kept fighting. She went through so much in this movie, and she fought hard get her life back on track.
Gimme Shelter
Gimme Shelter, a film written and directed by Ron Krauss is about 16 year old Apple, played by Vanessa Hudgens who grew up in a troubled environment and is struggling to find her place. In this movie, Apple has grown up bouncing from foster home, to shelter, and back to her drug addicted mother. To most people’s surprise, Apple is pregnant, and she runs away from her mother to find shelter with her dad. Once her father finds out she is pregnant, he makes her an appointment to get an abortion. Apple says, "no" and runs away again. This movie is the story of Apple's journey and how she gets back on her feet by finding God and meeting people who truly care for her and want to help her and her baby. This movie really inspires you to never give up. Apple had many chances to just give up, or get an abortion and move on with her life, but she kept fighting. She went through so much in this movie, and she fought hard get her life back on track.
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Taylor Malone
October 1, 2020 Feeling Comfortable for the Long Term Listen, I know life is hard, but it’s the hard times that make us stronger. There are so many negative things going on. It’s so easy to be unhappy and negative. Going out of your way to to look at how negative media is everyday is, well, negative. My theology class has been studying happiness. We have a “happiness journal” we have been writing in since our crazy school year started. It’s really helped me get out all my thoughts. It can get pretty crammed. We have done a lot of fun things in that class that I will be grateful for. My faith has also really grown. |
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Nate Givens
October 7, 2020 Esports In The USA In 2019, there were about 2.47 billion gamers in the world. Now, in 2020, there are about 2.6 billion gamers. That is a 5.9% yearly increase. How would you like to have a career based around a hobby, gaming? That is exactly what Esports is all about. Esports is a sport and career for people who have a passion for playing video games, and it continues to grow rapidly every year. Today I will introduce you to Esports by talking about teams, costs, and locations. |
2019-2020
Junior class at the Equal Justice Initiative pavilion in Montgomery
Holy Spirit High School Junior Class Understanding Just Mercy
The eleventh grade completed a unit about social justice. After reading the nonfiction book Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, taking a field trip to see the movie Just Mercy, and visiting the Legacy Museum and The Nation Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, each student wrote and designed a book that supports the argument Stevenson makes in his book about problems with our justice system in America. The images and statements in the books show how passionate we became about these issues. To learn more about Stevenson’s Equal Justice Initiative, https://eji.org/public-education/ check out this website.
Edited by: Elaina Russell
The eleventh grade completed a unit about social justice. After reading the nonfiction book Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, taking a field trip to see the movie Just Mercy, and visiting the Legacy Museum and The Nation Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, each student wrote and designed a book that supports the argument Stevenson makes in his book about problems with our justice system in America. The images and statements in the books show how passionate we became about these issues. To learn more about Stevenson’s Equal Justice Initiative, https://eji.org/public-education/ check out this website.
Edited by: Elaina Russell
Eva Altman, 16 “Just Mercy Review”
The movie, Just Mercy, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, portrays the experiences of Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) and several death row inmates including Walter McMillan (Jamie Foxx) and Herbert Richardson (Rob Morgan), whom he defends. This movie adaptation of the book, Just Mercy, written by Bryan Stevenson, offers a visual account of Stevenson’s struggles, failures, and victories, as well as those of his clients.
Edited by: Jadyn Fording
The movie, Just Mercy, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, portrays the experiences of Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) and several death row inmates including Walter McMillan (Jamie Foxx) and Herbert Richardson (Rob Morgan), whom he defends. This movie adaptation of the book, Just Mercy, written by Bryan Stevenson, offers a visual account of Stevenson’s struggles, failures, and victories, as well as those of his clients.
Edited by: Jadyn Fording
Becca Melton, 16 “Just Mercy Review”
Just Mercy, a film adaption of the book by Bryan Stevenson, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, depicts the realistic and heartbreaking story of Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx). In this true story, Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) targets the ignorant by describing two of his death row cases. Foxx and Jordan truly achieved Stevenson’s purpose for writing by bringing our unjust justice system to life.
Edited by: Jadyn Fording
Just Mercy, a film adaption of the book by Bryan Stevenson, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, depicts the realistic and heartbreaking story of Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx). In this true story, Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) targets the ignorant by describing two of his death row cases. Foxx and Jordan truly achieved Stevenson’s purpose for writing by bringing our unjust justice system to life.
Edited by: Jadyn Fording
Caitlin Johnson, 16 “Just Mercy Review”
The film Just Mercy (2020), directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, brings to life Bryan Stevenson’s experiences as a lawyer for death row inmates with the harrowing stories of Walter McMillian and Herbert Richardson. In recounting some of Stevenson’s biggest cases after moving to the south following the completion of Harvard Law School, this film shows how being poor and of color exacerbates the difficulty of a suspect’s trial, making it easier to be wrongfully convicted and sentenced.
Edited by: Jadyn Fording
The film Just Mercy (2020), directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, brings to life Bryan Stevenson’s experiences as a lawyer for death row inmates with the harrowing stories of Walter McMillian and Herbert Richardson. In recounting some of Stevenson’s biggest cases after moving to the south following the completion of Harvard Law School, this film shows how being poor and of color exacerbates the difficulty of a suspect’s trial, making it easier to be wrongfully convicted and sentenced.
Edited by: Jadyn Fording
Planting mustard seeds after reading “The Parable of the Mustard Seed” by one of the 10th grade theology classes.
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Holy Spirit High School “2020 Vision”
The 10th and 11th grade recently wrote essays and illustrated posters about ethical issues they face today. They chose current problems in our society, researched solutions to the problems, and found organizations that help with these solutions. Edited by: Carley Thompson |
AP Language and Composition “Rhetorical Analysis Illustrations”
The AP Lang class read nonfiction books and designed rhetorical analysis “one-pagers” to explain the author’s argument.
The AP Lang class read nonfiction books and designed rhetorical analysis “one-pagers” to explain the author’s argument.
Holy Spirit Students “Journals”
When we take notes, we’ve realized that we learn and remember more if we mix handwriting, drawing, symbols, typography and graphics. Although these notes represent the very early stages of learning, they show how we process new information in very individual and unique ways.
When we take notes, we’ve realized that we learn and remember more if we mix handwriting, drawing, symbols, typography and graphics. Although these notes represent the very early stages of learning, they show how we process new information in very individual and unique ways.
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Marie Mewes
“Arts Education in the K-12 Curriculum” As our world advances technologically, schools have begun to shift their focus on math, the sciences, and standardized tests. Between the many chemistry, biology, physics, algebra, and calculus classes being added to school curriculums though out the U.S., students should be well prepared to strive for success in the professional or academic world beyond high school, but could we be forgetting something? Between all the classes and test preparation designed to exercise our logical brains, have we overlooked the creative side of our brains entirely? While almost all schools are required by state laws to include math, science, history, and English in their curriculum, very few schools consider arts education part of a required curriculum. Usually art, music, theater, and dance are pushed aside as just another elective option rather than as a fundamental part of a student’s education. Edited by: Claire Laubenthal |
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Allison Williams
“Plastic is Not Fantastic” “Plastics, in all forms- straws, bottles, packaging bags, etc.- are choking our planet. We must find ways to reduce and eventually eliminate single-use plastic products.” This was said by former Governor Jerry Brown, shortly before a ban was placed on plastic bags in the state of California. It’s hard to believe that one mixture of cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, and crude oil is able to cause such destruction to our planet. But, unfortunately, by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than there are fish. That is, if we continue using plastic at the rate of thirty five billion plastic bottles, 182.5 billion plastic straws, and one trillion single-use plastic bags per year. That’s only the beginning. Only twenty five percent of the plastic produced in the United States alone is actually recycled, yet plastic takes eighty eight percent less energy to recycle than it does to produce. Are future generations to suffer due to our own laziness? Plastic not only has a destructive effect on the environment, it also causes damage to ourselves and animals. Edited by: Claire Laubenthal |
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Lola Shields
“If You Knew About the Flu, You’d Get the Shot Too” “Achoooooo!” The student in the desk next to you has just sneezed. Little do you know that he/she has just released 100,000 infectious germs into the air at a speed up to 100 miles per hour. Now how on earth are you supposed to protect your body against something like that? U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say between 9.3 and 49 million flu cases occur in the U.S. alone each year. (Campbell) Anyone who has had the flu knows that it is a miserable experience, so why can’t health specialists find a way to put an end to this dreaded virus? It might come as a surprise to you, but an influenza vaccination has been created and, quite frankly, it’s saving lives. Edited by: Claire Laubenthal |
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Marianna Sellers “Fly Don’t Ride”
Have you or someone you know ever been in a car wreck? Each year nearly 1.25 million people die in car crashes; plus 20-50 million people are injured or disabled from car crashes. Over half of all road crash deaths occur among young adults 15-44 years old. Nearly 400,000 people under the age of 25 die in car crashes, which is about 1,000 deaths per day. Flying in an airplane is more efficient and safer than driving in a car on road trips. For planes heavier than 5.7 tons, there were 34.9 million departures and 75 accidents worldwide with seven of these fatal for 182 fatalities, the lowest since 2013. Statistics not only have proven why plane flights are safer, but the plane rides have their advantages as well. Edited by: Claire Laubenthal |
Eva Altman, 16 "Blackfish Rhetorical Analysis"
Director, Gabriela Cowperthwaite worked with CNN Films to produce the 2013 documentary, “Blackfish.” Cowperthwaite made this documentary in response to the events surrounding the court case involving SeaWorld’s killer whales to inform people who were not aware of the issue. Throughout the film, Cowperthwaite conveys the argument that SeaWorld treats killer whales cruelly by keeping them in captivity.
Director, Gabriela Cowperthwaite worked with CNN Films to produce the 2013 documentary, “Blackfish.” Cowperthwaite made this documentary in response to the events surrounding the court case involving SeaWorld’s killer whales to inform people who were not aware of the issue. Throughout the film, Cowperthwaite conveys the argument that SeaWorld treats killer whales cruelly by keeping them in captivity.
Becca Melton, 16 "School Kills Creativity"
Most school curriculum does not prioritize creativity. This may be because people believe that creativity is something you are born with and cannot be taught or learned. However, research illustrates that creativity is something that, in fact, can be developed. Problems associated with traditional curriculum and the benefits of creativity provide strong support for the notion that creativity should be incorporated into school curriculum.
Most school curriculum does not prioritize creativity. This may be because people believe that creativity is something you are born with and cannot be taught or learned. However, research illustrates that creativity is something that, in fact, can be developed. Problems associated with traditional curriculum and the benefits of creativity provide strong support for the notion that creativity should be incorporated into school curriculum.
Breauna Marshall, 16 "My Nana’s House"
My Nana was known to move from house to house. She never stayed in just one location. I never questioned why she moved from place to place. I guess that’s the Aries in her. We don’t like being in the same spot. If it’s not fitting our vibe anymore, we go find something else that will.
My Nana was known to move from house to house. She never stayed in just one location. I never questioned why she moved from place to place. I guess that’s the Aries in her. We don’t like being in the same spot. If it’s not fitting our vibe anymore, we go find something else that will.
Elaina Russell, 15 "What a War Is"
“I appeal for cessation of hostilities, not because you are too exhausted to fight, but because war is bad in essence.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
Anyone with a connection to the military has, at some point, the realization of what war is. We realize that our close friends and our family could be affected by it. At night, before we go to bed, we wonder if our family will still be with us tomorrow.
“I appeal for cessation of hostilities, not because you are too exhausted to fight, but because war is bad in essence.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
Anyone with a connection to the military has, at some point, the realization of what war is. We realize that our close friends and our family could be affected by it. At night, before we go to bed, we wonder if our family will still be with us tomorrow.
Claire Laubenthal, 15 "What Is Joy?"
Ellen DeGeneres once said, "The thing everyone should realize is that the key to happiness is being happy by yourself and for yourself.” Happiness is a feeling of true contentment and joy that gives someone a sense of well-being, and it’s something that everyone desires. These past few weeks I have researched happiness and what it means to live a joyful life, and I have discovered many new things. I have learned that in order to be happy,
Ellen DeGeneres once said, "The thing everyone should realize is that the key to happiness is being happy by yourself and for yourself.” Happiness is a feeling of true contentment and joy that gives someone a sense of well-being, and it’s something that everyone desires. These past few weeks I have researched happiness and what it means to live a joyful life, and I have discovered many new things. I have learned that in order to be happy,
Lola Shields, 15 “Charity”
In today’s society, what we say and how we act so powerfully affects the lives of our classmates, coworkers, family, friends, and even the people we do not know. Leo Buscaglia says, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” What we so often forget is that we do not have to make some huge sacrifice for another or donate everything we own to the poor. Although these acts are charitable, they are not our only options. Simple acts of kindness mean something! For all you know, the student in the grade below you, the one you smile at every morning, may be hanging on to life by a single fraying thread. Your smile, the one you may not even think about, could change his life for the better, showing him what it means to MATTER.”
In today’s society, what we say and how we act so powerfully affects the lives of our classmates, coworkers, family, friends, and even the people we do not know. Leo Buscaglia says, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” What we so often forget is that we do not have to make some huge sacrifice for another or donate everything we own to the poor. Although these acts are charitable, they are not our only options. Simple acts of kindness mean something! For all you know, the student in the grade below you, the one you smile at every morning, may be hanging on to life by a single fraying thread. Your smile, the one you may not even think about, could change his life for the better, showing him what it means to MATTER.”
Zach McKnight 16, "The Best Place on Earth"
My hometown of Ethelsville is my happy place. I’ve lived there all of my life. It’s a nice town full of nice people. There are no disturbances, which means no police. It’s an empty, peaceful little town. We have a fire station and a little local store that everyone goes to. Ethelsville is a place where families come together and make lots of memories.
My hometown of Ethelsville is my happy place. I’ve lived there all of my life. It’s a nice town full of nice people. There are no disturbances, which means no police. It’s an empty, peaceful little town. We have a fire station and a little local store that everyone goes to. Ethelsville is a place where families come together and make lots of memories.
Caitlin Johnson, 16 "Dear Carlos Cordeiro,"
An Open Letter to the Head of the United States Soccer Federation
Since all twenty-eight women of the U.S. soccer team have recently filed a law suit against the U.S. Soccer Federation on the basis of unequal pay compared to the men, the women’s team should, in fact, receive a pay raise even greater than the salary of the men. If salary is based off the success during a job, then women should be the ones who get paid more.
An Open Letter to the Head of the United States Soccer Federation
Since all twenty-eight women of the U.S. soccer team have recently filed a law suit against the U.S. Soccer Federation on the basis of unequal pay compared to the men, the women’s team should, in fact, receive a pay raise even greater than the salary of the men. If salary is based off the success during a job, then women should be the ones who get paid more.
Evan Jones, 16 "The Baseball Field"
The baseball field is my favorite place to be. It is a place to relax and lose all of the things that are going on in life. It challenges me in many different ways, and it allows me to be myself. You can watch and criticize, but it won’t matter to me because on the field I am happy and don’t care about what you think. If God told me I could choose what heaven looked like, it would be a baseball field with God on the mound.
The baseball field is my favorite place to be. It is a place to relax and lose all of the things that are going on in life. It challenges me in many different ways, and it allows me to be myself. You can watch and criticize, but it won’t matter to me because on the field I am happy and don’t care about what you think. If God told me I could choose what heaven looked like, it would be a baseball field with God on the mound.
Jack Reilly, 15 "Media Built on Division"
A common saying is that if you have a friend with whom you want to remain friends, never talk about politics or religion. This saying, in many cases, is very true advice. Politics are an extremely divisive issue in American society, and we are reaching the age where we are starting to form opinions on complex issues. This, however, has been taken advantage of by many media outlets that report on political events. Creating division amongst the people and targeting youth, in particular, is extremely profitable for companies, and it can have terrible effects on the populace.
A common saying is that if you have a friend with whom you want to remain friends, never talk about politics or religion. This saying, in many cases, is very true advice. Politics are an extremely divisive issue in American society, and we are reaching the age where we are starting to form opinions on complex issues. This, however, has been taken advantage of by many media outlets that report on political events. Creating division amongst the people and targeting youth, in particular, is extremely profitable for companies, and it can have terrible effects on the populace.
Marie Mewes 15, Stress: An Ongoing Battle
Students today are plagued by stress. Stress is often viewed as a normal part of life or just part of growing up, but in reality stress can have detrimental effects on teenagers. The New York Times discussed Dr. Slavin’s study at Irvington High School in Fremont, California. He found that a shocking 54% of students showed moderate to severe signs of depression and 80% of students showed moderate to severe signs of anxiety.
Students today are plagued by stress. Stress is often viewed as a normal part of life or just part of growing up, but in reality stress can have detrimental effects on teenagers. The New York Times discussed Dr. Slavin’s study at Irvington High School in Fremont, California. He found that a shocking 54% of students showed moderate to severe signs of depression and 80% of students showed moderate to severe signs of anxiety.
Jadyn Fording, 14 "The Arts Can Make You Smart(er)"
The 19th annual Stars Fell on Alabama Talent Showcase was Saturday, October 5. The two-act show featured twenty-four performances by elementary, middle, and high school Holy Spirit students, family members, and even teachers got in on the fun with a cheer squad (seriously, see the YouTube video). In addition to numerous singing acts, there were talented dancers, drummers, and guitarists.
The 19th annual Stars Fell on Alabama Talent Showcase was Saturday, October 5. The two-act show featured twenty-four performances by elementary, middle, and high school Holy Spirit students, family members, and even teachers got in on the fun with a cheer squad (seriously, see the YouTube video). In addition to numerous singing acts, there were talented dancers, drummers, and guitarists.
Sarah Martin, 16 “605 Lurleen B Wallace Blvd N"
It was a hot, August day, and I held my mother’s hand as we walked across Sixth Street. I wore my school grade khaki shorts, like many other Thursdays before this one, but this time I dawned a navy blue polo that was slightly too big for my own good. I was as excited, nervous, and energetic as any eight year old could possibly be.
It was a hot, August day, and I held my mother’s hand as we walked across Sixth Street. I wore my school grade khaki shorts, like many other Thursdays before this one, but this time I dawned a navy blue polo that was slightly too big for my own good. I was as excited, nervous, and energetic as any eight year old could possibly be.
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Kate Rainey, 15 and Eva Altman, 16 Suicide Prevention
According to the American Psychological Association, suicide is the second leading cause of death in people ages 15 to 24. Additionally, social withdrawal is a warning sign that someone may be depressed or suicidal. If a part of you feels worthless, alone, unloved, or lost, please talk to someone. If you know anyone who may be depressed or suicidal, reach out and support them. Both parties involved in suicide prevention experience stress and struggles, but a few small actions can help each of them cope. |
Bethany Fording, 14 "Exercise and Its Effects on the Brain"
When you have so much work to do, exercise just doesn’t seem that appealing. Why would you want to get up and run a mile, or do some push-ups, or some jumping jacks when you’re already tired and have so much work to do? Research has actually proven that exercise benefits your brain in many different ways.
When you have so much work to do, exercise just doesn’t seem that appealing. Why would you want to get up and run a mile, or do some push-ups, or some jumping jacks when you’re already tired and have so much work to do? Research has actually proven that exercise benefits your brain in many different ways.