By: Marta Radacina

ChatGPT got banned from our CPS community. In case you weren't familiar with this new policy, CPSdecided to ban ChatGPT from all CPS owned devices. And yes, that includes the teachers too. Students have mixed feelings about this. Jester Lagrosa, Taft senior, said, “I think CPS decided to block ChatGPT because a lot of students were using it for the wrong reasons.” He continued, “I honestly think that the block should be temporary.” He also added, “I think ChatGPT could be used in a good way. Students can use that tool to help learn, pull out definitions and help them understand better…Them removing this tool is them trying to prevent people from cheating, which, it won’t happen because students will find other ways to cheat.” Valerie Sepulveda, sophomore, said,“I think AI tools such as ChatGPT could be used in an educational way.” She continued, “ Yes, I get that students use to cheat but honestly I think that they will find a lot of other ways to do so.” She added, “I think blocking ChatGPT is stupid because some people use it in a smart way and in responsible ways which can actually help students...I don’t think it got to a point where it was that bad that they had to block it. I also think that the block should be temporary.” Luke Biondi, student teacher, stated, “I think they blocked ChatGPT because students cheat a lot and they try to prevent it.” He continued, “I think ChatGPT could be used in an educational way, sometimes I use it to educate myself.” He also added, “I don’t think this will prevent students from cheating since Gemini is still out there, and some other sources too.” He continued,“ I think it depends on whether or not the block should be temporary.” In the conclusion we see that some people think that blocking ChatGPT is unnecessary since students will be using other sources to cheat. Even though this might seem like a huge change students find themselves believing that the blocking should be temporary. Not something we have power on changing but definitely something we can try to win back. 

By: Magdalena Gonzalez-Soloranzo 

We all know the Super Bowl as being an American tradition. Every year the NFL and Jay-Z’s company, Roc Nation select the superbowl halftime performer. This year Benito Ocasio (Bad Bunny) fortunately got another chance to perform in the superbowl halftime show. The last halftime show Bad Bunny performed was with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. This year some people seemed to be against Bad Bunny performing. For them, there was a different channel put on for them to watch. Taft senior Michelle Lara seemed to enjoy the Bad Bunny halftime show, she felt the show was bringing us together, “It's good that he brought Lady Gaga out to show that everyone can adapt.” Lara stated that, “People are just ignorant,” since they didn't understand messages, not even in English. Lara said, “As a product of two immigrants," she felt represented when, “My two flags were mentioned.” Lara said the show reflected how, “Hispanic people are being discriminated against,” and reminds us that, “Americans aren't just white people,” but a country full of people with many different backgrounds. Taft senior Adamaris Banda said the show was successful but that something was missing, “The combination of Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga didn’t really emphasise and represent our Puerto Rican culture and lack of embracing true roots.” Banda felt very familiar and connected with what was represented, “Seeing the guy make Piraguas, dancing, bright colors, and ‘la casita,’ highlights so much of the culture.” It brought Banda warmth and memories from back home. Banda talked about, “Kids sleeping on the chairs,” saying, “Everyone has been there,” and knows that others relate. Banda mentioned that the halftime show represented, “So many cultures in the United States." Even though there was some resistance to having a “Spanish singing artist” Banda said, "We're here, we are proud, we are not going to leave.” Banda stated Bad Bunny represented that, “We include everyone,  everyone is family, and we are regular people.” Banda is hoping that, “People are going to choose love because hatred is just what's going to kill the world.” Bad Bunny’s halftime performance was more than a performance at the end, it was a bold statement on identity, inclusion, and cultural pride. Combining with a variety of artists from various backgrounds. He drew us back from different types of music, with the real world problem he is representing. Bad Bunny’s message was rooted in authenticity, and had the power to remind us of how music and visibility can help to create a more inclusive society.

By: Kateryna Hordieieva 

Valentine’s Day has already passed, and many people worry about not having a partner to share this holiday with. Self love and appreciation of your own company isn’t really “popular” among teenagers right now, and many think that having a partner on this specific day is a “need.” As the popular legend says, the holiday’s invention started with a Roman priest. The Emperor Claudius ll banned marriage for soldiers, and when the Roman priest married a couple in secret, they were sentenced to death. He was the first to send a “valentine” directed to the jailer's daughter. Bohdan Povarchuk, a junior, shared his opinion on why people often hate Valentine’s Day, “Because they are alone, in most cases that’s why. Everyone thinks that V-day is for couples only, not for loners. It is a popular opinion.” And for a fact, this opinion is very popular. Dariia Tukhlii, a senior was also asked the same question, and her answer didn’t differ from Povarchuk’s, “People hate Valentine’s Day because they don’t have anyone to celebrate it with and they feel alone. Maybe they just don’t like being by themselves. Viktoriia Levytska, a junior, stated an almost identical opinion, “Last year when I was single, I hated this holiday too. But now, since I have a boyfriend, I will finally enjoy this holiday.” Her change of status shows how much easier it is to like Valentine’s Day when you aren’t spending it alone. But people may forget that being alone, even not on a holiday, gives you an opportunity to give attention to yourself, without any pressure or expectations. Ultimately, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about a partner, but unfortunately, many have another opinion. But it also can be a day to relax, treat yourself and appreciate who you are. Whether you are with someone or hanging out solo, the most important relationship you have is the one with yourself.

By: Kateryna Hordieieva

School starts at 7:45 a.m. at Taft High School, and many students arrive tired and unfocused. Waking up so early makes it harder to concentrate in class. And some students of our high school have different ways of getting to school, some of them require waking up two to three hours early, before the classes start.Starting school later could help students get more sleep, improve focus, and feel more ready and energized to learn. One major reason to start school later is sleep. Teenagers need more sleep to stay healthy and more focused, and early start times make that difficult. About ways of transportation, many students take a bus, subway or even walk. The weather in Chicago is forcing many students to stay home because even the most affordable transportation is at risk due to these weather conditions. Those students that get dropped off by their parents choose to stay home too due to often car incidents.The recommendation from The American Academy of Pediatrics is for middle and high schools to start at 8:30 a.m. or later. The Academy calls chronic teen sleep loss a “public health issue,” according to the NEA. Many schools in other countries like Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus and other European countries have what's called a “second shift” schedule which allows students to choose when they would like to have their classes started. Usually the option is between two times, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and early start time which starts at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. These options allow students to be responsible and choose their own schedule, that works best for them and makes them more focused.The midfielder of the varsity soccer team shared his experience with early class start time, “Since I attend my soccer practices, I am very exhausted and also have to do my homework. I go to sleep late because of that and wake up at 6:40 a.m. to get to school on time.” Viktoriia Stetsyna, a junior, shared her opinion too, “I work until late and also have to do my homework, which is complicated, in my opinion Taft authorities should really think about starting school at least an hour later.” And finally, Soffia Khopta, a junior, stated her opinion on second shift schedule, “I think U.S. schools should think about making second shifts for a little bit of time, to see if students’ progress will get better, and if it will, they should make it an option for students.”

By: Alauna Sherrod

 When people talk about college, they often start by numbering their dream schools, majors, and dorm life, that most appeals to them. However the number that might just cause the most detriment to your future is also the most overlooked. Tuition is mentioned to students in a way that emphasises the “invest in your future” motto, but do we really know what that means? As young adults, college is one of the biggest financial decisions we’ll ever make, yet for many the main goal has been to get there first and pay later. What this means is that we are faced with the responsibility of being financially responsible enough to properly acquire loans, scholarships, and aid. Over the past 15 years, Taft varsity counselor Kristina Hutton has helped guide juniors and seniors through the college process, including giving financial guidance and support to students who want to pursue further education. Hutton stated, “It’s important to make your college decision based on whether or not your career will allow you to ethically and responsibly pay off any debt you have from loans.” 2025 Taft graduate and valedictorian Reem Elsaim is currently in her second semester at Harvard after being awarded a full scholarship. Elsaim stated, “I still can’t believe that I go here sometimes it’s an opportunity that a lot of people don’t get so I’m motivated to do what I came here for everyday.” It’s incredible to see that Taft students are being recognised and financially supported to pursue further education. I think this is why schools in general should encourage students to apply to scholarships and college. Financial support opens up so many more opportunities for success and helps students reach their dream schools. Senior Alsion Pozo was recently accepted into her top choice, Tulane but stated that, “The  cost just wouldn’t be worth it to attend all four years… which is sad but I wouldn’t feel right knowing I was overpaying when I had other opportunities.” Overall, as decision day approaches, it’s important to review financial aid packages and make a decision that will benefit your future.

By: Angelis Goris

There are so many versions of his story, but which one actually is the truth? Elvis Presley was considered the “King of Rock and Roll.” He changed many people’s lives regarding music and inspiring people that you can make anything out of nothing. Presley was born into poverty in Tupelo, Mississippi. He rose from a working class background, inspired heavily by gospel and country music heard constantly in his childhood. Presley gained the majority of his fame through his unique voice and his stage presence. But later serving in the army caused self doubt in his career and confidence. According to “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,” Many others believe that maybe we are not being told the whole truth of his story. Presley passed away, Aug. 16, 1977 from a drug overdose. It is confirmed by many people that were close to him that Presley did suffer from an intense addiction to many drugs. It’s said in the “Priscilla” movie released Nov. 3, 2023, that Presley always felt very lonely and conflicted with himself. I personally believe that most celebrities do struggle with conflict when experiencing such popularity. Having so many people worship you for a version of yourself that you made up for your career can be so hard. All your fans expect you to be a person you are not. So considering Presley’s big name, I can understand that it can be hard to keep up. “I think his addiction to drugs had a lot to do with pressure that he is getting from his managers, team, and even his own fans,” said junior Shailese Lebron. “I think it's unfair for a person so young to go through so much, with no help.” It’s hard not to feel empathy for someone who had such a tragic ending to their career. In the majority of movies made in honor of him, it is said that Presley was abusive to his spouse Priscilla Presley, but it’s hard to know if it was true due to the lack of evidence. I personally think it's wrong that they are framing a man that is not able to defend his argument or side of the story. “I honestly find it hard to believe that Priscilla Presley was innocent in this situation,” said junior Zaira Carreto. “It seems like she had to have gained something from that relationship, so her calling him cruel and saying that she was unhappy in the relationship sounds a little unrealistic.” It’s not fair to frame someone for actions so cruel, and not having any true evidence to back it up. Not saying that mental health and not being sober is an excuse, but I think sometimes people deserve the benefit of the doubt.

By: Ryleigh Merced

Deltron 3030 is a hip hop rap group that formed in 1999. This group consists of rapper Del the funky homosapien, producer Dan the automater and DJ Kid Koala. These core members formed their debut album which was released in May of 2000. Taft junior Daniel J Jackson said,“Even their personas they created for the album add to its creativity.” This album consists of 21 one songs that work together to form a vision of a future dystopian world in the year 3030. While this album was not commercially popular, it still became a well known cult classic. Taft Junior Javier Hernandez said,“This album proves a lot of feelings for me and I wish a lot more people knew about it.” It did chart number 195 on the Billboard Hot 200,which I believe is still not enough recognition. This album is full of some of the best idioms and lyrics.This concept album beautifully ties different themes and motifs to provide a startling image of a future where everything is controlled by mecha corporations. This narrative story casts Del the funky homosapien as Deltron Zero, who is a disillusioned soldier who breaks free from under the control of mecha corporations. These mecha corporations are against everything that Deltron 3030 stands for. This album is meant to draw comparisons to the world we are living in. Everything seems to lead back to a small handful of extremely powerful conglomerates.Taft junior Alexander Newberry said, “I am not the biggest fan of science fiction myself but I did really enjoy this album. My favorite song was state of nation. I found it really original.” In conclusion, Deltron's debut is one of the most creative undertakings ever produced. It’s meant to be taken in and understood. It not only serves as a fun and interesting album but also as a reminder to stay wary of those in power. 

By: Alexa Loxas

Of every genre of music, country is by far the most unreasonably hated and misunderstood. The new wave of mainstream country music has damaged the public perception and understanding of what the genre is really about. People argue that it is repetitive, depthless and hollow. It is commonly assumed that all country music is about the same ideas like patriotism, partying, trucks and beer and that all country songs have a pop infused and upbeat nature. The truth is that country music is so much more diverse and meaningful than it is made out to be. Taft junior, Nathaniel Ryba said, “Country music is by far my favorite genre of music. Older country music is so sincere and expressive compared to its modern counterparts.” The concepts of most older country songs are much different than the ones of country music today. They are slow, gentle songs about hardships, reflection and storytelling and tell honest narratives about the truths of life. They tell captivating and purposeful stories that convey important messages. Marty Robbins was a western singer-songwriter who emerged in the fifties who was known for the story telling in his songs. He told fascinating stories about outlaws, love, loss, regret, and even supernatural elements. He was a personable and engaging musician and the meaning of his work has carried on to younger generations. Taft junior Derrik Kukla said, “I love Marty Robbin’s music, it’s peak lyricism.” Another misconception about country music is that it is rooted in illiberality because of the stereotype that all country music is written by those who hold conservative and traditional beliefs and values. But this stereotype is not always true, and is actually completely false within older country songs. Early country music protested against things like power structures, injustice and antagonism against minorities. Early country artists such as Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson held very progressive beliefs and expressed them in their writing. They spoke out against social injustice and stood with those who were treated unfairly. Taft junior Daniel J. Jackson stated, “So many people don’t understand where country music actually comes from, and it hurts its reputation.” In conclusion, country music is a deeply misunderstood and overlooked genre of music that deserves to be reevaluated and appreciated for what it really is.

By: Kateryna Hordieieva and Neovi Vielma

Mental health is a complex issue that many people struggle with. According to the World Health Organization, more than a billion people are struggling mentally, and conditions like anxiety and depression are taking a toll on not just the economy, but our mindsets. In this day in age, our world is completely online. Teens spend most of their time with their eyes glued to their screens, whether it’s doomscrolling through TikTok, or sending streaks through Snapchat. Social media is home to what some people deem themselves as influencers. These influencers vary by platform, with the majority being affiliated with TikTok and Twitch streaming. Depending on the image these influencers show to the public, they can cause their younger audience to be subject to low self-esteem, as it’s natural for influencers to have people look up to them and be seen as ‘role models’. Young people are already vulnerable, and social media can affect their mental well-being.

With this being said, Internet users, influencer or not, leave behind digital footprints, and things like damaging videos and rumors linger in hidden spaces. Social media is a breeding ground for cyberbullying and its lasting consequences. Not all things having to do with social media can be considered negative, though. Social media can help reunite long lost relatives and bring assistance to those who need it the most, especially if they’re going through a rough patch. Because of its overall influence on our generation, people may naturally wonder: Is social media doing more harm than good for people? Or is it possible to see both sides of the story? “I’ve experienced cyber bullying online, and it could affect your mental health really badly. People become very confident online and can say really bad things and they don’t even realize that they hurt your feelings,” said Mariia Khopta, a freshman. “I think social media is the devil. And the problem with it, and it’s not a teenage issue, it’s a societal issue, right? Maturity is a process of growth where you learn to listen, compromise, and learn tolerance,” said Patrick Levins, Taft Assistant Principal. “I think people are relying on social media for news, for information about anything. I think, unfortunately, it’s been used probably for more bad than good, for bullying and simply just trying to cause more chaos,” added Levins. Now with the addition of AI into people’s daily lives, it’s become more difficult for people to think critically and make decisions for themselves. This makes it all the more concerning for people using social media. “People need to be educated on how to fact check, how to disseminate what’s right and what’s wrong, and I don’t think that’s happened yet,” concluded Levins. Social media is a slippery slope. It’s important to know and understand the risks that come with using it, and to make sure you always protect yourself online. 

By: Aydan Bejinauri and Magdalena Gonzalez-Soloranzo 

The third installment of the “Avatar” series dropped on Dec. 19, 2025 and it is already gaining so much traction. People are saying that “Fire and Ash” is the best movie to come out with the “Avatar” series which is slowly getting proven. It has already hit the 1 billion dollar mark in less than a month, according to The Hollywood Reporter and is still rising. Based on my favorites out of the three, we believe that this movie is tied with the first installment, created in 2009. I really liked all three movies as I fell in love with this series ever since I was young. The third movie really separates the strong family dynamic that we see in the first two installments, as there is tension between the family members. In the beginning of “Fire and Ash,” we see how the tone shifts from the first two movies. It has changed the view of how we see the Sully family after a big loss and it shows the lasting impact it has on the family. We wish the third movie showed a bit more screen time with Jake and Neytiri, and how they were able to cope during such a traumatic experience. This movie really tested what held them together, family. As Jake Sully has been stating since the second movie, “Way of the Water,” “Wherever we go, this family is our fortress.” It’s a very powerful line that is repeated in the second and third movie, allowing audience members to be able to relate to the sadness that the family is feeling. We also love that they showed the differences in the characters' personalities when dealing with something so impactful, especially with Jake and Neytiri. It was very powerful for them to go back to their ideals and what beliefs they grew up with as Jake is a former marine which meant he was more hard-headed and dealt with loss by becoming busy. Neytiri on the other hand believes in Eywa, the sentient, interconnected consciousness and deity of the moon Pandora, who acts as the moon’s biological guiding force that balances the entire ecosystem. We see her go back to the ways of her culture and tribe by praying and performing rituals to cope with the loss, which can be related to the Native American culture. However, senior Jester Lagrosa has mixed opinions on the new avatar movie. Lagrosa said, “It was pretty but not as good as the first one. It’s nostalgic due to the storytelling, which makes it unique.” When asked about his thoughts on the family’s interactions throughout the film Lagrosa stated that he really disliked the character named Miles “Spider” Socorro. He believes that Spider is someone who doesn’t belong in Pandora and ruins everything. He even went on to say, “Kill off Spider immediately. As long as he’s dead I’m happy.” Overall Lagrosa loves the family dynamic shown within the film, except with Spider and believes they need to “keep him out.” He also enjoyed the way they showed the differences between the way Jake and Neytiri were coping with loss. Taft Senior Femi Aremu really appreciated the third Avatar movie because it, “Represented cultures that nobody really talks about.” Ironically Aremu's favorite character is Spider, saying he is, “The only human that can live among them” and looks “iconic.” Aremu stated that unlike the older movies, this one focused more on new characters and identity. Aremu believes the third movie will impact the series by expanding Pandora and continuing themes of “human greed” and cultural conflict. Aremu states the RDA (organization) shown in the movies, is a great example of that. “The RDA continues to show how greed is usually the root to all evil, and how it continues to perish thriving ecosystems just for their own benefit. The movie really shows the impact of how humanity is more of a problem because they always want to benefit themselves,” Aremu said. The Avatar series continues to demonstrate why it remains so engaging to audience members around the world. Through its visually immersive storytelling and emotional themes, the franchise captures viewers’ attention while encouraging them to reflect on real-world issues. Fire and Ash is a strong example of why the series continues to shine, as it explores topics such as greed, power, and cultural conflict. This allows audience members from different backgrounds to connect with the story on a meaningful level, reinforcing the appeal of the  Avatar series. 

By: Alauna Sherrod and Fintan O'Shea

The fear of perception is leading to the extinction of creative fashion. In high school, students have many avenues of expression with clothing being one of them. Many students often take to social media to express their style in an aesthetic and organised way, showcasing not only identity, but uniqueness. So, what defines the way we dress in school and the way we dress in public? As of 2014, Taft has abolished its uniform policy that required students to wear white-collared shirts and dark pants everyday. However, in recent years new policies have allowed students to wear a variety of appropriate clothing that we see in our halls everyday ranging from sweats, jeans, leggings, shorts, tank-tops, t-shirts, and skirts. The freedom of selecting whatever clothes you want has since allowed students to dress more comfortably and reflective of their identity. Social Media is a platform where people can express themselves, cycling and exchanging styles with some of the most popular influences being Pinterest, TikTok, Instagram, and many other platforms. When constantly being exposed to different styles online, young people specifically are most likely to be influenced by others in order to appeal to the latest trends. For example, who was the dictator of baggy jeans being fashionable when just a  few years ago they were seen as “trashy” due to the current cycle of trends? The constant push and pull of impressionable minds is what continues to define what to wear and not wear, especially in school. This overall leads to more “neutral” or “safer” trends in clothing that are driven by belonging rather than expression. In turn, president of Thrifting Club and Taft senior Josephine Fitzgerald claimed , “Student choices of clothing can sometimes be hindered by comfort and trends and just like feeling a need to fit in.  So I think that students, especially when they're in school, choose safer options of clothing, which I understand because you want to be comfortable. But also I think it is hindered by a need to fit in and look like everyone else.” Senior Nevaeh Washington stated, “My outfit definitely reflects my mood more than my mood influences my outfit because if I look good I feel better about myself… some people might feel more reserved because they’re around so many people their age so their opinion matters more than a stranger who you’ll probably only see once.” Washington’s account solidifies the idea that some students represent themselves how they want to be perceived and others do it for themselves. Naturally, it’s easy to notice things about yourself that others don’t, which makes us reflect more on what our clothes represent rather than how we feel in them. Taft senior, Kaya Messina claimed, “Something a lot of people will say is ‘oh don’t be embarrassed because no one is judging you, but if I’m judging other people I know other people are judging me.’” In conclusion, self-expression might just be inhibited by our own mindset regarding how we view others, and in turn, it makes us scared of how others view us.  The fear of judgment has caused many to retreat into “safe” fashion choices rather than embracing creativity. Until students feel free to dress for themselves instead of others, true personal style will remain overshadowed by the desire to belong.

By: Emma Anguiano

Tiktok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and many other popular social media apps have a screen time of four to five hours from active teen users. Social media allows users to communicate through different apps, send pictures/videos to friends, and overall it serves entertainment to active users. A study performed by Michigan State University has revealed that excessive social media use does affect decision making abilities that are similar to drug use. Social media is used almost every day by users and many users have found it difficult for them NOT to go on social media for more than one hour a day. Almost every social media app serves this connectivity with other people no matter where they are. Cyberbullying rates were the highest in 2016 and 2019. According to Megan Meier Foundation, students who have experienced cyberbullying are nearly twice as likely to commit suicide and suicide attempts have doubled since 2008. Teenagers and even children are exposed to social media, but it has been statistically proven that social media can take a toll on mental health, more specifically teenagers. Former senior Taft student Ami Alvarado said, “I do feel that social media can take a toll on my mental health due to lots of societal norms that are expressed within social media.” Social media has become something that can be labeled as an addiction. Although teenagers may say that it's the “safest” addiction, they're taking it as it's not affecting their body physically, but mentally it is. Taft senior Tomasz said, “Without the context of online presence, the whole 6-7 thing is completely nonsensical and demonstrates the inherent need to be addicted to social media to stay connected to our generation.” Taft senior Brennan Sanchez said, “I only spend 1-2 hours a day on social media and I don’t believe that it has played a part in my identity but I do believe that it does have some effect on my mental health.” Some people do believe that social media can be seen as something positive, funny, or entertaining as long as a user doesn’t get “addicted.” Social media has its effects whether it's positive or negative. However, there are millions of people who have either lost their life to social media taking an affect on their mental health or cyberbullying.Teenagers feel forced to fit in with society norms and social media sets these false standards that can be hard to compete with. Overall, remember that everything that is presented “perfect” on social media has its flaws that are hidden.

By: Salvador Castenda 

2K26 is closing in to be the most bought game of 2025 with millions of copies sold around the world. 2k26 is a part of a popular series based on professional basketball which keeps up with real life games statistics and players being the best sport game of all time. There’s various game modes in 2k26 like My Career, MyTeam, and WNBA with the most played out of all of them is MyCareer according to in-game player indicators. MyCareer is a story mode player progression game where you develop your characters and play against the world to compete for “Rep” meaning reputation. Rep is the system 2k26 uses which rewards players for progression and achievements in the game. Juniors Miguel Soto and Maximilian Gomez, our two highest ranked players at Taft High School coming in at 11th and 16th in Illinois, have a lot to say about this game. Soto said, “2k is a hobby of mine, something I love playing and getting good at and believe everyone should at least play once in their life.” While Gomez said,  “I always grew up playing 2k and always will, trying to be the best I could while keeping up with my academics and studies.” 2k26 is a game not only kids could have fun playing but for anyone at any age at any moment in their lives. Luis Mojica, a security guard and staff at Taft High School said, “2k is a fun competitive game I could play to have fun with the guys and 2k27 should be as similar as it can to this one.” With various updates and patches done to the game by Ronnie Singh, better known as Ronnie 2K a content creator, podcaster, and brand ambassador for NBA 2K according to Wikipedia. The game will always live up to the hype for all gamers around the world to make 2k the greatest franchise and video game series of all time.

By: Haley Venzke

The influx of students speaking up about their mental health has grown over the years. According to the National Library of  Medicine, in 2011, 1% of all students in Chicago Public Schools reported mental health issues. In 2021, that number jumped to almost half at 43%. The fact that this is not a priority is concerning. When you’re stressed out, your brain cannot process information, which is the purpose of school. A study from the National Alliance on Mental Health states that 50% of lifelong mental illnesses develop by age fourteen. Many states have passed laws on giving mental health days to students, typically around five days. Realistically, five days would not benefit the students that need it most. Prioritizing your mental health should be taught to everyone. You have to recognize when you need help. However, you cannot ask for help if it is not there. Students who excessively miss school due to mental health should not have punishments added on. You cannot blame the student when they cannot reach out comfortably to someone at school.  Noah De Jesus, a junior at Taft, said, “I got cheated on. I was skipping for like six months. I didn’t feel better, but it was better if I separated myself from the stress.” Students feeling the need to skip class to feel some support during hard mental times shouldn’t even cross their mind as the school should be providing more.  The Chicago Teachers Union released a statement saying that the CPS budget for the 2025-2026 school year was cut by $126 million. It is only hurting students in the CPS system more as many of these funds were helping lower class students with their  mental health. Along with this, in 2024, CPS stopped receiving funds from The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief.    Taft Counselor Camie Laporte said, “We do have over four hundred kids in our caseload, so there’s just so much right? If money wasn’t an issue, and we could just have more resources, I think it’d be great.” Counselors cannot help all students to the extent that they should because of how many more should be working at the school. High school students are being prepared for the rest of our lives. You cannot move into the rest of your life without being confident that your mind will also move with you. CPS needs to fund more counselors and social workers so that students are sure of the fact that their problems will be made a priority and not just seen as another student on the caseload. 

By: Penelope Shannon

I believe off campus lunch should be allowed at Taft. It can be a fun opportunity for upper classmen that have earned the privilege. Off campus lunch isn't just about leaving school and fast food, it's about independence, responsibility, and a good opportunity to prepare students for life after graduation. School cafeteria food isn't always the most nutritious and doesn't always offer a wide range of options for students, especially those with dietary restrictions. Senior Vincent Rodriguez said,“I would love off campus lunch, the same five lunch options get old and I think there are a lot more healthier options than chicken patties twice a week.” Of course off campus lunch shouldn't be a guarantee. It should be used as an opportunity for students to work and put effort into gaining the privilege. Senior Andrianna Bahriy said, “Making off campus lunch something that should be earned really makes it special. I know it would definitely motivate me to put more effort into school.” Good attendance, behavior, and grades should be requirements, making it a reward for students who show they can be trusted. Offering off campus lunch also has academic benefits. Students can get a break from school and a change of scenery which can reduce stress. Coming back refreshed can help students focus more on school work. After back to back classes everyone craves change. Senior Amna Khan said, “Being in the same building every day for seven plus hours will take a toll on anyone's productivity, breaks are a necessity.”Off campus lunch isn't just an opportunity for students to leave school, it's about trust. If students can prove they can handle responsibility, schools should give them that privilege. Everyone needs a break and students deserve them especially if proven worthy.

By: Kateryna Hordieieva

There are a lot of discussions on whether or not night dreams have meaning and how they work at all. Teenagers often have especially meaningful dreams because they experience so many emotions at once,  for example stress, happiness, sadness or excitement. Your dreams at night might be influenced by your thoughts and emotions. Sometimes, people believe that the most vivid dreams, (the ones you can remember for a long time), carry special meaning, like a secret message connected to what you’re going through. Some of them might be nightmares and some of them are things that you like and enjoy. Taft freshman Mariia Khopta shared her experience, “Almost all the time my dreams turn out to show me the details of my future. It's crazy because the moment when I dream, I don’t understand what this is supposed to mean, but the moment the dream comes, everything starts to have meaning.” Some people don’t even remember their dreams, which turns out to be a good thing. Sophomore Tetiana Makar said, “If I had nightmares, I would never go back to sleep, but since I don’t remember any of them, I will continue to sleep peacefully. Sometimes I am jealous of people who have vivid dreams and remember them in detail.” People also differ in how their dream flows, for example some dreams are completely imagined, while other relay real situations from life. “No, I don’t have dreams based on situations that have already happened, my brain usually makes them up,” junior Halyna Savak shared. Students say that schoolwork stress can influence their dreams too. “I often had nightmares about failing my classes in the second semester of sophomore year,” Savak said. This shows how stress can carry into sleep and turn into nightmares. That’s why it’s important to take a break when you feel overwhelmed, so it doesn’t affect your rest. 

By: Alexa Loxas and Ryleigh Merced

“‘Twin Peaks’ completely changed my life,” claimed Taft junior Javier Hernandez. “Twin Peaks” is a television series created in 1990 by critically acclaimed film director David Lynch. The series follows the story of FBI special agent Dale Cooper as he investigates the tragic murder of high school homecoming queen Laura Palmer. Twin Peaks contains very complex themes such as the duality of man, spirituality and good vs. evil.Twin Peaks should be considered the greatest television series of all time. Its writing is both complex and intriguing and the characters are very well developed and captivating. The messaging is beautifully delivered, and leaves the audience in awe. Twin Peaks is the most unique and distinctive show in history and touches on subjects that other shows are afraid to speak of such as sense of self, connection to spirituality and the evil actions of men. Taft junior Nathaniel Ryba said, “The cinematography of Twin Peaks is quintessential to the plot.” Ron Garcia, Frank Byers, Peter Deming and David Lynch worked together to give the darker aspects of the show a distinct “Lynchian” feel that can be described as surreal, eerie, and unfamiliar. This juxtaposes the warm, cozy and vintage aesthetic of the town. One of the main settings is a 1950s retro style diner, complete with red vinyl seats, a freshly baked cherry pie and a damn fine cup of coffee. “The writing of Bob and twists in the plot are perfect,” said Taft junior Daniel J. Jackson. One of the most incredible aspects of the show is the writing by Lynch and Frost. It is original, intriguing, and complex. Bob is the show’s villain and is representative of the evil that men do. His character is unsettling and frankly horrifying. The writers do an exceptional job at making the world of Twin Peaks unpredictable and captivating through the plot twists and layering storylines. Twin Peaks is a show that holds a deeper meaning than what’s surface level. It is very nuanced with its messaging as it holds deep metaphors within its events and characters.The villain of Bob is representative of the secret evils of mankind and how society would rather believe in evil entities than accept the dark truths about those close to them. Jackson voiced, “It's about how someone can be really lovely but deep down they are horrible people with a twisted demented mind. It's truly amazing what they captured in the show.” In conclusion, Twin Peaks is the perfect show and something everyone should watch. Lynch is a genius in his writing and his ideas are unlike anything else. His work has a specific essence that separates it from the ordinary by confronting deeper meanings within media. Every aspect of the show is original and fascinating, which is why Twin Peaks is the perfect series.