Tag Archives: Alesha McCulloch

Alesha McCulloch, Features

Caffeine impacts students’ daily routine

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By Alesha McCulloch

Caffeine sparks thoughts of energy and wakefulness. Caffeine usually does not have long term physical effects, but when it comes to the teenage body, it can be harmful.

Freshman Nick Carter said, “I love to drink caffeine, until it starts to make my stomach hurt.”

Teens who drink coffee, soft drinks, or energy drinks may suffer from stomach upsets, increased heart rates, and anxiety.

Caffeine defines itself as a drug that many plants naturally produce in their seeds and leaves. It’s considered a stimulant and is found in many foods and beverages.

Most teens consume their caffeine in the forms of soda, energy drinks, coffee, and tea.

“I drink a McDonald’s sweet tea every morning before school because it makes me awake and full,” said sophomore Donnie Campbell.

Caffeine can be addictive. Teens can become addicted to caffeine, which is becoming a serious problem that affects millions of teenagers daily.

When teens have caffeine addiction, they usually do not notice it. Your body will just naturally want more and more of it. Caffeine addiction is common with many teens today.

According to doctors, caffeine is one of the most psychoactive drugs to be found in the world, which means it’s a drug that can produce mood changes.

“I notice that when I drink caffeine, I get really hyper and want to jump and fiddle around” said sophomore Dylan Paris.

Caffeine is also known as a stimulant. Meaning it can affect your sleeping schedule. It increases feelings of alertness and may help you stay awake when you’re tired. But most teens already do not get enough sleep as it is, causing them to stay awake at night and feeling exhausted the next day.

Alesha McCulloch, Features

Louisville offers variety of entertainment

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By Alesha McCulloch

There is no doubt that everyone looks forward to winter break each year, but what is there to look forward to? Not only being off school and getting presents from Santa, but visiting all kinds of places with family and friends. So, where is there to go this winter break?

In Louisville KY, there is a new indoor trampoline park called Sky Zone. Sky Zone is a bunch of high-flyin’ fun and it is not just for kids either. In the extended holiday hours, they have two different time zones for teenagers: 16 and up. On Dec. 29, the time is from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and the same time on Jan. 5. Teenagers, kids, and adults can go anytime before that as well but those times are just for the older kids to be alone without the little ones around. You can also purchase Jump Passes. 30 minutes to 120 minutes from 9 to 20 dollars. You can also get the Sky Jam or Sky Mania Jump Pass for 18 dollars which includes two pieces of pizza and a drink. Sky Zone is located on 2671 Technology Drive, Jeffersontown, KY.

Since the weather is cool and there is not much to do indoors, Bluegrass Indoor Karting has got us racing to the door. Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight. You can race up to nine races for 122 dollars for members and 140 dollars for non-members. Arriving in groups or arriving solo will depend more on the prices. Bluegrass Indoor Karting is located on 2520 Ampere Dr, Louisville, KY.

Instead of staying home this break,  switch it up and do something more exciting like going to Sky Zone or Bluegrass Indoor Karting.

winteractivities

Alesha McCulloch, Features

Students share Christmas wishes

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By Alesha McCulloch

During the holiday season, most people create Christmas lists for their parents. However, there is always that number one thing that is a must-have.

Freshman Skyler Nardi wants a vanity so she can do her makeup in her room.

Junior Haley Schroeder wants something out of the usual. “Definitely running clothes. I’m always running and could always use more running clothes.”

Sophomore Nick Ott wants something a little more dangerous and expensive.

“I want a new four wheeler because I love riding and I’’ll get good use out of it.”

Of course shoes are usually one of the top choices on many people’s lists.

“I want a pair of Lebron 10’s because I need a new pair of cool shoes,” said freshman Jordan Stevens.

Junior Alexis Garmon wants something that will benefit her practices.

“I want a bunch of Nike Pro spandex because I’m in the gym everyday and sometimes I want to not look so bland with black or grey Nike Pros on.”

There is always that one thing that someone can fantasize about.

Sophomore Kiley Atchley happens to have one of these gifts in mind.

“I want to meet Channing Tatum because I love him and he is going to be my husband one day.”

Alesha McCulloch, Features

Students share their driving distractions

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By Alesha McCulloch

Eighty-seven percent of the 6,000 deaths that occur each year are caused by driving with distractions. New studies of teen driving behavior has found that the use of cell phones is the leading distraction.

Juniors Connor Welch and Jordann Dakin said their cell phones are their main distractions while driving.

Texting while driving is the new drunk driving. Teens know texting and driving is dangerous, yet do it anyway.

Surprisingly enough, talking on the phone or texting is more of a distraction for young drivers, more so than adjusting controls, eating, drinking, or engaging horseplay or loud conversations with passengers.

Sending a text while driving may be the most common distraction for teens but is not the only one. The radio is another big distraction.

“When I’m driving the radio is my main distraction,” said junior Blayne Miles.

In 1930, laws were proposed in Massachusetts and St.Louis to ban radios while driving, but as of 2012, texting is banned in most states for all drivers.

Junior Tanner Cook said eating while driving is his distraction. Eating while driving is the worst driving distraction. Some of the most dangerous foods and beverages while driving are chocolate, soft drinks, cream filled or powdered donuts, fried chicken, any barbecued food, juicy hamburgers, chili, tacos, hot soups, and coffee. These are the most dangerous because of spilling a drink or constant licking of the fingers.

It is important to also remember something that has been instilled in us for years, wear a seatbelt. It may sound cliche but those three seconds can save lives.