by Noelle Duncan

The Southeast Dance Concert was an exciting event showcasing the talent of the dancing Stallions. The performance took place at the school auditorium with many students and families coming to watch. Students of Southeast's dance class were able to express themselves through movement which brought out lots of energy and emotion. The costumes, lighting and overall spirit raised a high bar.

With mixes of different dance styles like jazz, hiphop, and lyrical dances, the dancers had their work cut out for them. They practiced hard with rehearsals after school. The dance teacher, Ms. Katie Murry, assisted the dancers to be the best by advising and motivating them. 

Overall, Southeast's dance concert was a great experience for both the performers and audience. Even though some performers may have been nervous, they pushed through and did their best on stage. Showcasing creativity and teamwork, it was another festive night leading into break.

by Amerie Giddens

The spirit of the coming Winter Break approaching, Southeast Alamance High decks the halls and the hearts. Students and staff come together in a unique blend of excitement, generosity,and community spirit. Classrooms are decorated with twinkling lights, festive banners and handmade ornaments that create a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the school.

In the three days leading up to break, the school buzzes with activities that bring everyone closer. Spirit weeks encourages students to dress up in various holiday-themed outfits. The community can be seen exchanging gifts to friends and teachers.

Teachers find ways to weave the magic of the season into their lessons, making learning feel even more engaging and fun.  Winter concerts showcase the incredible talents of the Southeast Alamance community, and leave everyone with a sense of pride and togetherness.

As the final bell rings before break, there’s a shared sense of joy and gratitude. The spirit of  the holiday season at Southeast Alamance High isn’t just about festivities—it’s about kindness, unity and making lasting memories with friends and teachers. It’s a time when everyone feels a little closer and a little more hopeful for the new year ahead. 

by Shayla Leach and Brody Dixon

This year, the student population of Southeast Alamance had a global presence with four international exchange students. These students bring diverse perspectives from countries including Switzerland (Lisa Faeh), France (Simon Cremer), Türkiye (Hilal Dizdar) and Italy (Gaia Carrara). Beyond engaging in the high school experiences at Southeast and personal growth through creating new friendships, this year's exchange students are fostering an invaluable global perspective within our local community one conversation at a time. The Daily Trot was able to discuss different aspects of the experiences of Hilal Dizdar, Gaia Carrara and Simon Cremer.

Each student has faced different challenges upon arriving in the United States. Hilal Dizdar, Southeast’s exchange student from Türkiye, shared that her biggest challenge was adjusting to a new environment and school system. "Everything, from the language to the culture, was different, which required me to become more independent," she explained. 

Creating friendships when coming from an entirely different culture proved challenging at first, but participating in group discussions within classes was difficult until Dizdar warmed up to the challenge. " At first, it was a bit challenging to express myself confidently in English, especially when speaking fast or in group conversations. Sometimes I was worried about making mistakes, but everyone here has been really kind and patient," Dizdar said.

Along with learning the language and the basics of high school in the US, Dizdar looked into the athletic scene at Southeast. She had the opportunity to try out for the school’s women's basketball team and successfully made the team. "I was most excited to experience American school life, joining clubs, becoming part of a basketball team, and seeing how classes and activities are different," she said. 

Along with the basketball team, Dizdar found that extracurricular activities at Southeast helped in understanding a broader view of the school through her participation on the staff of The Daily Trot. Although these experiences are exciting, there is one aspect of her native country that is missed the most.  "I really miss cigkofte and lahmacun. They're my favorite Turkish foods, and it's hard to find the same taste here. I miss the flavors and how we usually eat together with friends or family- it always feels warm and special," said Dizdar.

Italian exchange student Gaia Carrara shared her experiences. "There are always lots of challenges when I’m interacting with someone, the main one is the language. I’m kind of getting used to it now, but sometimes it is really hard to express my thoughts and feelings in another language that is not my first one. Then there’s also trying to become part of a group that is already formed, especially at the beginning it was more difficult because they’ve known each other for years. But with time everything is getting better and better," Carrara said.

Simon Cremer, Southeast’s exchange student from France, shared similar excitement regarding the opportunity to experience American school life. “The high school was the most exciting, even if now I know it’s not like in the movies we can see in Europe, it is still very nice,” He expressed. 

However, adjusting to school life without family proved to be a challenge. “The most challenging part was to leave my family behind. I will not see them until June - thinking about that was making my decision vary between coming here or staying in France.” 

Although faced with difficult adjustments due to family, Cremer has found success in adjusting to interacting with fellow students. “I think the biggest problem I had when arriving was to make people understand me, with my French accent in English, it was hard. But I did my best, and it's much better now," said Cremer.

As the international exchange students continue to navigate the challenges and exciting new opportunities here at Southeast, their presence provides an opportunity for students to learn about diverse cultures and customs across the world. 

by Lily Nye

Many have asked a question that goes beyond simple classroom work: Should "homework" be banned? This question has always been debated amongst teachers and students. 

AP Seminar, AP English Literature, English II teacher, and English Department Chair Mr. David Peters sees homework as an extension of learning. “I would stop short of arguing that there should be a requirement to enforce homework, but I am a proponent of assigning homework, particularly to advanced students. As primarily a reading, writing, and speaking teacher, there simply is not enough time in the school day either to teach students the range of skills they need to know or demonstrate," Peters said.

Reading in Mr. Peters' classes limits the amount of content students can consume. "If I were to have students only read in class, I would severely limit the amount of reading students completed, skills I could otherwise teach, and time I could spend giving individual feedback to students. Moreover, particularly for advanced students, homework is in students' futures: college will continually demand that students devote their time to their own study. 

For Mr. Peters the homework discussion leads students into a realistic world in which they must engage in learning all the time. "Thus, beyond the important learning gains, students need to build the academic grit and character to see them through their futures,” said Mr. Peters.

In contrast to the opinion for homework being an essential part of the high school experience, English I teacher, Mr. Grant Gibson, sees homework in a different light. “Traditional homework, especially for my high school English students, is largely unnecessary and often detrimental. When students don't have a reliable support system at home or are overscheduled, homework quickly becomes a source of stress. Instead of fostering learning, it frequently encourages students to rely on quick, unhelpful external resources just to 'get it done,' thus devaluing the entire assignment.” 

Gibson continued in sharing how a lack of "traditional" homework allows his students to engage in class. "By significantly reducing or eliminating homework, I've found a substantial improvement in the authenticity of student work and their engagement during class time. When assignments are completed exclusively in the classroom, I can provide immediate support and feedback. When there's no pressure to finish work at home, students are also generally less stressed and arrive ready to engage deeply with complex texts," Gibson said.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) brings a new dynamic to the homework discussion. Mr, Peters explored how difficult the functions of AI bring to assignments within his class. "I do think there's the possibility of cheating with any assignment, and I would be unsurprised if there's a percentage of students who may try to cheat on any particular assignment. Homework probably does allow for a higher rate of academic dishonesty since the teacher is not there during completion. All I would say is this: teaching -- good teaching -- is built on trust between the teacher and the student. I choose to place my trust in my students, expecting them to have the intrinsic desire to learn, to be curious," Peters said.

Mr. Gibson echoes the concern over AI. He detailed how he handles issues revolved around AI and assignments and how homework could lead to more academic dishonesty.  “I find that assigning take-home work directly encourages academic dishonesty. The main driver is a fear of failure combined with the easy accessibility of technology. When facing a complex text or a writing prompt outside of school hours, students often resort to Google summaries or AI tools, not because they are inherently lazy, but because they are overwhelmed and there is no knowledgeable adult available to help them genuinely struggle through the difficult work," Gibson said.

The debate over homework will extend as learning and technology evolves. Although these two teachers see homework differently, the core goal of student learning is clear.

by Micah Hullum

Graduation has been a long awaited event almost 12 years in the making. Many seniors have endured excruciating and stressful times for such a moment. As the big moment arrives, the memories you leave behind from your high school years is what will stay with you. Our Southeast counselors have helped create a list of the many senior events you’re eligible to participate in to make your experience more memorable. 

Senior Award Night

The last few months of senior year are riddled with numerous tasks such as applying for scholarships, writing essays, and etc. Senior awards night is an evening dedicated to honoring students' efforts towards bettering their future. During this event, students will be awarded for their hard work and receive certificates for scholarships and more that they’ve stockpiled. Attend senior awards night on May 28th at 6pm for your efforts to be recognized!

Prom

Prom has always been a staple amongst high schools across America (read more)

by Noelle Duncan

Every fall, Southeast High school celebrates one of its most anticipated traditions - the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen. This year, Kayleigh-Sue Coleman was honored with the title of Homecoming Queen while Treygan Lucas was named Homecoming King. Coleman embodies the values of her community, and shared insights into her goals and vision.

When asked what makes a good Homecoming King or Queen Kayleigh said it's all about character: “What makes a good Homecoming King or Queen is your character, both in and outside the classroom, always making sure to share a nice face and be kind to others.”  “Speaking to someone just to be nice can really brighten someone's day. You never know the impact a kind word can have.” 

It’s clear for Coleman that being a Homecoming Queen isn’t about wearing a crown; Being the Queen is about setting an example and spreading positivity.

When it comes to being a role model, Coleman, a senior, knows that younger students are watching, and she wants to set a good example. “I plan to continue to show good character to my fellow peers here at Southeast by being a friendly face, a helping hand, and a leader at this school,” she explains. “Since I’m a senior, I want to be a good role model for students here and create an impact on them to spread kindness," Coleman said.

Her goal is to keep creating a welcoming environment at Southeast. An environment where everyone feels seen and supported is crucial to her. Whether it’s through a smile in the hallway or a simple act of kindness, Kayleigh-Sue hopes her classmates will keep that positive energy they see going.

Coleman sees opportunities surrounding all students at Southeast. Coleman had advice: get involved. Her advice to students mirrors her own experiences. “Get involved with clubs you show interest in, make those memories at the football games, homecoming, and with sports teams. Do it all, because these four years go by so fast and you won't ever get them back, so while you can, make the most of it,” Coleman said.

It’s easy to see that Kayleigh Coleman has taken her own advice to heart. She’s been active, friendly, and full of school spirit throughout her time at Southeast. 

For Coleman, being crowned Homecoming Queen is more than just a title, it's a chance to represent what Southeast High is all about, kindness, school pride and community.

She hopes students remember her message and act on what she has said. Her message is simple but powerful. Be kind. Get involved. Make memories. Because, as Coleman reminds us, those four years go by faster than we think and it's up to us to make them count.

by Kayla Williams and Taylor Duncan

Southeast Theatre made history by performing Cast List written by Jason Pizzarella and Rocco Natale at the North Carolina Theatre Conference (NCTC). The performance was the first ever appearance for the company at a competitive festival. 

After their performance at the Reidsville High School Play Festival, the group brought home two awards: Best representation of the Theatrical Experience and Best Rivalry Between Characters. 

As competition day approached, actors prepared to master their roles. “Before this trip, I was very skeptical about performing in a serious play rather than a comedic one, but I feel as if with this trip I can really take away from it the comfort to be serious," said performer Madison Thacker. (read more)

by Brooke Brownell and Ruby Schon

This year, Southeast Alamance hosted a Powder-puff game on Tuesday, October 21st to celebrate Homecoming Week. Players were split into teams based on grade level. The rules of the game are failrly simple. On a 40-yard field, the offense can receive passes while the defense can rush anytime on a running play. The defense can also rush on the referee's signal on a pass play with a 3-second delay. Just like in normal football, downs can be achieved, but instead of tackles, players use flag belts. 

Any other rules are similar to flag football, but there is a twist. The teams are all girls, and the cheerleaders are all boys. The only rule for coaches is that they need to be in the same grade as the team they are coaching.

This year, Southeast put a spin on its powder-puff team assignments. Instead of all four class teams, freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, Student Council decided to have two teams consisting of freshmen and sophomores square off against juniors and seniors. The rules of the game were still the same, but the game time was shorter, and they had one winner after just one game. 

The school's powder-puff teams also consists of cheer teams, but these were not your average cheer teams. Instead of having a traditional squad with both men and women, the team consisted of all male students. This change provided a comical twist on the original roles students see at traditional football games. 

Powder-puff is largely student-led with limited teacher help. The Student Council organizes and operates the rules and the game itself. There were also volunteer slots for students in concessions and ticket-taking. All students were given the opportunity to volunteer to play in the actual powder-puff game itself.

With new rules, new organization and new roles for students, this year's power-puff game created new and, possibly, lasting traditions.

by Brody Dixon

Bring your curiosity and enthusiasm to this year’s Fall play: a theatre adaptation of the classic game of Clue. The iconic whodunit mystery from the beloved board game and 1985 movie is being performed by Southeast’s theater company. 

In the board game, players are tasked with moving around a large manor to determine who murdered the game’s victim. What weapon was used? In what room was the victim killed? These are all questions which are answered by the game’s players as they piece together clues, uncover secrets and realize which of their friends has something to hide. 

In 1985, the classic board game was adapted for the screen as a comedy mystery. The movie adds backstories to the iconic board game characters, creating an entertaining underlying story complete with brilliant comedic relief throughout the film. The film lends itself to a perfect on stage adaptation.

Rehearsals for play commenced September 8th as cast and crew. egan immersing themselves in the delightfully peculiar characters of the screenplay. In addition, the tech crew, an eager group of students responsible for building sets, designing costumes, controlling lighting and more theater technicalities started making the vision of the crew come to life. These students are hard at work creating the mysterious mansion set as well as elaborate costumes needed for a true tale of mystery. 

As an audience member, the excitement of the play is not only in watching it, but solving the mystery yourself. When asked about what audiences should expect in the upcoming play, Mrs Atkins, the theater director, stated: “I really want the audience to, while they’re watching, try to figure out who the murderer is. I definitely think that a lot of people will be surprised at the end, so I am curious about people putting their clues together to see who the murderer is.”

As rehearsals continue into November, the mystery, laughter and mayhem will only intensify as the cast and crew brings the whimsy and secrets to life in a thrilling whirlwind that will keep the audience guessing much as they did when the game was played.

Clue is live on stage this November 14th at 7:30 P.M, 15th at 2:30 P.M and 7:30 P.M as well as the 16th at 4:30 P.M. Solving the mystery is the name of this on stage game.

Understanding the importance of the GPA often brings a mixture of both focus and stress. Photo by Payton Cleary.

by Payton Cleary 

When students enter high school, sometimes the first person they encounter is a high school guidance counselor. What, exactly, is a counselor? What do they do? How do they assist students?  Counselors help students stay on track, support your mental health, resolve conflicts, help plan for your future/college. 

To get more of an insight on the counselor's life, The Daily Trot reached out to find out more from the lead counselor at Southeast, Ms. Joy Toms.

What is it like to be a school counselor?

“I love being a high school counselor. I get to walk alongside students in some very important years and navigate what comes next.”

What is the hardest part of being a school counselor? 

“Being a teenager today can be very hard, so helping students who are struggling with real world issues can be hard. A lot of people don't understand the things they see, hear and live through outside of school and that school is sometimes their safe space.

How is it to keep up with so many students? Is it overwhelming? 

It can be overwhelming at times. The beginning of school, change of semester and the end of the school year are traditionally extra busy times. Right now, it's college application season for our seniors, so I spend a lot of time focused on that specific group.

How do you balance work life from home life?

“That is something I have not always been great at balancing. I have learned to set boundaries better and that has helped.  

What are aspects of your job that people don't think of? 

"A lot of people think my job is all fun and I do try to make it that way. But, there are a lot of heavy days. Of course, dealing with student or staff deaths have been the most difficult thing. There is just no way to prepare for these kinds of days that are so filled with grief and sadness. This is my 16th year as a counselor and I have not had a year where I have not had at least one student lose a parent. There are also a number of students dealing with family dysfunction and even abuse. Walking through healing with people is just a special privilege and heartbreaking all at once."

What's your busiest time of the year?

The beginning of the year!

How is every new year of students changing your way of doing things? 

Each group of students brings their own joys and concerns. In recent years, we've had to take into account what age students were during the Covid years. We have seen this have a huge impact on education, motivation and attendance. I look at each student as a unique individual, so I treat them as such.

What have you learned over time in this position?

"I've learned that students know quickly if adults are real and genuine. They want to be seen, heard and valued. 

Any advice for students who are in high school or coming to high school?

 Don't be afraid to try new things and go your own way. Get involved with something. Students who find something at the school to connect with are shown to be more successful overall. You truly do get out of it what you put into it.

With the assistance of counselors like Ms. Joy Toms, students can succeed in all levels of high school and beyond.

by Shayla Leach

Each year, the local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) chapter sponsors a scholarship for Alamance County seniors who show the values of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. This year, Southeast Alamance High School selected senior Samantha Norwood as its representative for this prestigious scholarship program.

The Daughters of the American Revolution’s Good Citizens Program is an honor awarded annually to one senior per high school. Each DAR Good Citizen receives a pin and certificate as well as the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship. Samantha Norwood showed to the counselors and the administrators at Southeast the values needed to participate. Once selected, she had many reasons to choose to take part in the program.

Samantha said it was “pleasantly startling since I didn’t even know the DAR Good Citizens Program was a thing. I was pulled out of class by Mrs. [Joy] Toms and Mr. [Eric] Yarbrough, and they explained a little about what the program entailed as well as gave me some papers [to complete]. I felt honored that they chose me as their good citizen of the year!” 

The contest involves two recommendations, a list of personal qualities and a timed essay. "I just recently completed the timed essay, and I’d say that’s been the hardest part so far,” Norwood said.

Reflecting on the recognition’s impact, Samantha said, “This honor allows me to look better on college applications so I can get into the programs I wish to participate in. College and special programs all allow me to get closer to where I want to go in life.” She also offered advice for future honorees. “If you are chosen for this honor and choose to move forward with the scholarship contest, when doing the essay section, just breathe and allow the ideas to flow,” she said.

Norwood carries her personal values and the values of Southeast High School to the DAR Good Citizens Scholarship Program.