All posts by jlang@nafcs.k12.in.us

Bryce Romig, Dazzlers, Lexi Burch, Sports

Dazzlers dream for success at Nationals

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By Lexi Burch and Bryce Romig

Disney World is where ‘dreams come true’ and the Dazzlers are hoping for their dreams to come true when they travel there this Wednesday to compete in UDA Nationals.

After winning eleven consecutive national titles and double titling last season, expectations will be high when the Dazzlers arrive in Orlando.

“For me to win my fourth national title would be amazing,” said junior Courtney Crombie. “Most people work four years to get those four titles, and to get it as a junior would be such an awesome accomplishment.”

Sophomore Coral Portman said that they have been preparing for this years nationals even before they won last year. The Dazzlers devote all their time and breath to the sport.

“We train every week with a personal trainer and we practice hours daily,” said Portman. “We have competitions almost every weekend to prepare for the pressures of nationals.”

For the senior Dazzlers this will be their last time performing on the black mat. They say that the feeling of it being over is very bittersweet.

“Knowing this is my last time at nationals is hard to believe,” said senior Kimberly Humphries. “Saying goodbye to my team will be one of the hardest things I will ever do.”

UDA Nationals is not all stress and sweat. The girls said spending the weekend in sunny Florida, in the exciting Disney World is one of the best times throughout the season.

“The most exciting part about Nationals is being out on the floor with the rest of my teammates and just knowing that we’re about to kill it.” said Crombie. “The idea that everyone in the building is watching you and only you, is a feeling I can’t even describe. We go on autopilot when we’re out there competing and everything just happens.”

Winning Nationals for any team would be exciting but for the Dazzlers it is carrying on a legacy. This team and past teams have made it possible for the Dazzlers to have a consecutive winning streak.

“It would mean everything to win,” said Sophomore Taylor Neagle. “We work so hard each year to bring home another title. Carrying on the legacy of teams before us would mean so much to current team and past teams.”

As Wednesday draws near the hearts of the Dazzlers are racing and the butterflies in their stomachs are fluttering. The memories of winning reenter their minds.

“The feeling of winning is like a ten thousand pound weight has being lifted off your shoulders,” said Crombie. “It is crazy how much pressure is on us to keep an amazing legacy going, and when we win all the hard moments and struggles are beyond worth it.”

A&E, Bryce Romig

Columnist consults students on spring fashion

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By Bryce Romig

During spring time, it can be confusing how to dress; should you wear shorts, or long pants? Short sleeves or long sleeves? With new trends each year, many people make it a priority to try and match these trends and stay in style.  This year’s trends are sure to make you feel and look confident in bright, vivid colors.

“I’m really looking forward to wearing brighter colors and floral patterns,” said freshman Olivia Nguyen.

Try throwing on a sea foam green cardigan with light stonewashed blue jeans.  Mix them with dark beige flats or brown sandals.

“Bright pastels and floral skirts will be very popular this season,” said sophomore Rachel Nguyen.

Wearing a floral patterned skirt with a plain white top is also very trendy this season. Mix this outfit with brown combat boots and you’re ready to go.

“Floral patterns can either be very old-time looking or super funky and chill,” said sophomore Mikaela Click.

For more of a relaxed, chilled out look, think denim shirts with a high low cut skirt. Throw some dirty, worn out vans on to complete the look and help provide the carefree feel to the outfit.

If the weather suddenly changes and snow hits the ground, pull out your grandma’s vintage pastel sweaters and pair them with light blue jeans.

For jewelry and accessory lovers, think bulky necklaces and bracelets. Silver colored bracelets bring out the pastel colors and make the outfit pop.  Wear large rings and earrings to give the look a more subtle, laid back feel.

“My current favorite spring accessories are big bulky earrings, necklaces, and rings.” said sophomore Leah Scharff.

For the guys, do the total opposite and stick to faded more relaxed colors. Think grey and darker greens when shopping for shirts. Pair them with beige colored pants and black boots.

This year’s spring men’s fashion trends heavily revolve around seventies themed fashion, so avoid wearing anything retro or extremely bright.

“I think that the trendy darker colors for spring are a good base to combine with the lighter, and brighter colors that this spring season has introduced to us. I think that if any outfit has too many of the lighter colors, the outfit will become unbalanced and look strange to the public’s eye,” said junior Jackson Bishop.

When shopping for men’s jewelry and accessories, think big bulky watches. Avoid gold or silver watches and stick to leather strapped watches. This helps complete the vintage seventies look this year’s spring trends strive for.

As with every spring and summer season, a light tan is always in style. To avoid harmful UV rays, try products that have a natural tanning agent to give you that subtle glow without damaging the skin. Think organic and radical free when looking for a tanning product.

Let’s kick off the new year in style, and look good doing so. With trends changing so quickly, it can be hard to sometimes keep up.  If you follow these few fashion tips, even the unfashionable can be spring fashionistas in no time.

News, Nicolette Barreras

Early graduation forces decisions on students

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Editor’s Note: This is a continuation of a story from the print publication.

Effects of Graduating Early

        “Graduating early is not for everyone. It does mean taking costly online courses to meet graduation requirements,” said Clark. Not only will they have to take costly online courses, but they will miss out on other activities such as prom and the actual graduation ceremony. “Furthermore, students will not receive their diploma until June, since that is when they are delivered to school,” said Clark. Aside from the cons, there are some positive things that come from graduating early. “Students can begin college early getting a jumpstart on their degree and the state of Indiana does offer a one-time  scholarship to early graduates,” said Clark.

What Colleges Think and Their Requirements

        Counselor Jessica Newkirk said she does not think colleges will look any different among students who graduate early as long as they have met all of the requirements. Clark agreed, but said students can see their counselor for more information and what will need to be completed to meet all requirements. Graduating early does not happen in just one day, there are many requirements in the process. “Students must pass both ECA exams and get permission from Mrs. Whaley a semester before they want to graduate. Then, she needs a letter from the students parents indicating they approve of early graduation,” said Clark. Newkirk said one of the biggest things to have if you are graduating a semester early is the second semester of English which is taken online. Clark and Newkirk agreed that graduating early is only for certain people in the junior and senior classes. “It is important for students to understand the demands of college work before making the decision to graduate early,” said Clark.