The 2nd Semester in Review
Vol. 2, Special Edition
Embedded Files
A Letter from the Editor
A Letter from the Editor
By Emily W
As the school year comes to an end, we at The Stuttgart Insider again reflect on an amazing semester, for both our school and the student newspaper. This year, we began to use our new Google Site, brought in 12 new people to write articles for the paper, and published 12 issues, not including our Semesters in Review.
But perhaps one of the greatest accomplishments of The Stuttgart Insider this year was winning third prize in the Best Publication category of the NEHS-Harvard Crimson Student Journalism Award. Every year, the National English Honor Society works with the Harvard Crimson, Harvard University's student newspaper, to select the winners for the award. For placing third, the SHS Newspaper Club received a prize of $275.
To be considered for the competition, the editorial teams of high school student newspapers, made up of NEHS members, must submit a PDF edition of an issue published during the school year. The PDF submitted to the contest, a version of our February 7th issue, can be read here.
I'm incredibly proud that, in the span of less than two years, The Stuttgart Insider has gone from being newly formed by some of last year's graduating seniors to earning such an award. None of it would be possible without the dedication and effort of the students who have committed to writing for the newspaper.
I hope that next school year, we can keep up the good work and allow students to share the topics they care about with our community. Below, read some of the articles from the semester that we in the club are proudest of, and have a great summer.
In This Issue:
School Events
School Events
Students React to DoDEA Policy Changes; Clubs, Books, Curricula, and More Under Review
Students React to DoDEA Policy Changes; Clubs, Books, Curricula, and More Under Review
By Emily W and Gabby F
On Thursday, February 6th, the SHS Pride Club held a short-notice meeting during lunch. It was there that the group were some of the first to hear of the immediate impact of DoDEA-wide policy changes: no more gender neutral bathrooms, no more posters related to heritage months, and no more meetings of the Pride Club.
They were just one of five groups told that they would be unable to officially organize and meet as school-sponsored clubs, the other “affinity groups” being the Afro-Centric Explorers Association, the Feminist Club, Women in STEM, and the Asian and Pacific Islanders Club.
DoDEA Europe-East district superintendent Ms. Elizabeth Fales later amended this, announcing over the intercom on Wednesday, February 19th and at the town hall meeting held the same day that affinity groups can be organized by and for students, so long as teachers only supervise rather than sponsor the clubs. Even before that announcement, Feminist Club and Women in STEM leadership had been told that they will be able to resume meetings.
Afro-Centric Explorers Association leader Naomi G created the club with the mission statement to educate and celebrate Afro-centric culture and history. Along with other club members, Naomi was outraged by the news of the AEA’s forced end as a school-sponsored club and the erasure of Black History Month in school; posters were taken down, and the typical Black History Month assembly could not be held in the school auditorium as it has been in past years. “We should not be erasing history. No matter how bad it is, we need to learn about the negative parts to realize how far we’ve come,” stated Naomi.
Similarly, Asian and Pacific Islanders Club president Sophie T felt dismay over the new policy changes. Sophie joined the club to connect with her South Korean heritage and eventually assumed leadership. “It is extremely disappointing, frustrating, and unfair that our club was banned. I was looking forward to our plans for this year, and I'm sad they'll never be realized,” Sophie expressed.
Though both club leaders have been faced with the challenge of no longer being able to have official endorsement from the school, neither plan to stop educating and raising awareness. Both leaders made their comments before Ms. Fayles announced the new rule about allowing fully student-organized clubs at school.
According to the Society for Human Resource Management, these groups are labelled as affinity-based in the workplace (or, in this case, at school) due to their focus on “a shared and often protected characteristic, life experience, or interest.” There was concern that the German and Spanish Honor Societies would also have to stop meeting, but they remain in good standing presumably because membership is merit-based.
The DoDEA policy changes are the result of executive orders signed by President Trump, namely those entitled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” and “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling.” In response to these orders, celebrating heritage months, which are now no longer recognized by the Department of Defense, and other “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” or DEI practices fell under review in DoDEA. As part of this, library books and school curricula are under review, though all books remain available for checkout at the SHS library for the time being.
It was the day after the Pride Club held their meeting that LGBTQ students began observing the effects on the school environment. One of the most notable was the almost overnight switch of the former gender neutral bathrooms to male and female, with the only remaining non-gendered option being the single stall restroom in Nurse King’s office. In an interview with the Insider, Brooks C described feeling nervous.
Brooks is a trans girl, and has identified as a girl for years. She has taken hormone blockers for nearly four years, which delay the effects of puberty, and presents in a feminine manner. Yet that Thursday, she was called down to the nurse’s office personally and told that she would have to use the restroom of her assigned sex at birth.
Another student who identifies as transgender told the Insider that, based on his experience, even if people are made to use the restroom of their assigned sex at birth, some cisgender (non-trans) people will be uncomfortable either way. Presenting masculine yet using female locker rooms, he gets dirty looks- but feels he would also be out of place in the boys locker room.
Brooks and others also spoke out about the removal of “safe space” stickers, posters and flags celebrating diversity, and more. While many said that such symbols in teachers’ rooms had been things they’d perhaps taken for granted, or that they didn’t think they meant anything, but that they were shocked by their removal. Brooks stated that, “for the longest time even in middle school, I never thought those stickers meant much to me, but now that I don’t see anything on the walls…I feel a little scared.”
The feeling of fear arising from the removal of these outward symbols of acceptance and support was shared by Maddie M, who was an active member of Pride Club and other affinity clubs. She said that she feels the school is becoming an unsupportive environment- “not based on teachers or people but because of the new policy changes…Right now a lot of my fears and concerns do not reside in the fact of what is happening right now but what will potentially happen because of this.”
Many SHS students were quick to speak out openly about their feelings, in person or online. Messages that called the current situation in DoDEA schools “disgusting” or that people should be proud of diversity populated Instagram stories. Stuttgart Friends, the Facebook group used by members of the community, was filled with messages from concerned parents.
Perhaps the most outspoken the school got was on Tuesday, February 11th, with the Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth visiting the garrison. At a walkout at Patch Middle School, which gained national coverage, more than 50 middle school students left class for almost an hour. That same day, students at SHS wore shirts celebrating diversity and one could begin to see an influx in posters, graffiti, and stickers relating to diversity around the school.
It was the amount of graffiti in particular, much of it containing what may be considered inappropriate language for a school environment, that caused bathroom closures later in the week. As a way for people to express their feelings in another way, Mr. Jimmerson informed students on Thursday, a week after the policy changes began to be rolled out, that they could go to the library and write on provided sticky notes to share their thoughts.
Many SHS students have been vocal against the new policy changes, as well as students throughout DoDEA. More than 100 students staged a walkout similar to the one at Kinnick High School on Yokosuka Air Base in Japan on Friday, February 21st, partially inspired by the one at Patch Middle School. It has become clear that throughout the district, students are upset by the removal of celebrations of diversity.
A special thank you to Naomi G, Sophie T, Brooks C, Maddie M, and anyone else who was interviewed or quoted for this article. Photos courtesy of Emily W. Please note that, due to misinformation or being written before certain events, some comments in the sticky notes pictured may be inaccurate, while still reflecting students' concerns.
The Stuttgart Insider Presents: The Vow
The Stuttgart Insider Presents: The Vow
By Emily W
A lot has changed with The Vow since they performed at the Soccer Rocker and their lunchtime concert last year; down a lead singer but continuing to work hard, I spoke with the group about not only their history and inspirations, but what they see coming next.
The band is currently composed of three seniors: Charles B, Ava G, and Wes D. Charles’ girlfriend, Ariel K, was the band’s lead singer before graduating at the end of last year. Lydia P used to play keyboard for the group.
Around November last school year, Coach Rat, whose band Mayer was headlining the Soccer Rocker, said that anyone who formed a band might be able to play at the concert, which supports both the girls and boys soccer teams. Charles and Wes, having already played together, decided to go for it.
They approached Ava, who, though initially unsure, agreed. Charles also asked Ariel, after having heard her sing in the Acapella Club. Lydia would only play the Soccer Rocker, but Charles, Wes, Ava and Ariel would go on to make up the core of the band. Rehearsing for the Soccer Rocker was difficult, but they were eventually able to perform the following setlist, all covers:
Scott Pilgrim by PLUMTREE
Me and My Husband by Mitski
Carnival by Bikini Kill
Creep by Radiohead
Later additions to their set would include My Iron Lung, by Radiohead, and Cafuné’s Least Coast. But picking music for the group to play has never been easy, with every member having different tastes and musical inspirations. While Ava brings her jazz background, and is very focused on the technical aspects of playing, Wes and Charles say that Radiohead is the primary influence on the band's overall sound. They also individually credit Nirvana and The Strokes, respectively.
Since Ariel’s departure, it has been admittingly difficult to fill her shoes themselves or find a new person who can. The setback has made it difficult for the group to set up any gigs this year. So, the band has pivoted. Their goal for the end of the year is to have written an entire album of original songs, with less emphasis on the covers that got them started.
Their approach to how they write those songs has evolved with every other aspect of the band. Wes and Charles started out by improvising together, but they’ve become more methodical. Nowadays, Charles would say that he either writes lyrics first and finds a melody within them, perhaps something he played while improvising, or starts with guitar chords and then writes lyrics. He draws from his own strong emotions like love, sadness and heartbreak, whether or not he ends up showing anyone else the lyrics.
For his own lyrics, Wes finds that being an American in Germany is one of the things that inspires his music the most. The freedom of being able to go out on his own on the train, experiencing a different culture, is something he feels that you can’t replicate back in the U.S.
But what Wes and Charles both have in common is that when listening to songs, they usually hear the music before the lyrics. Perhaps that’s why, to Charles, the music is both poetry and its own instrument. Ava does not write songs herself, but does write her own bass parts and contributes ideas, such as for backing vocal parts.
The band is a democracy, but only kind of; with the change in members, and thus the group dynamic, everything is subject to change, even their name. What is likely to stay the same for The Vow, as they redefine themselves and what being in the band even means, is that they have a musical partnership that they plan to continue even after graduation.
Images courtesy of Mirabelle K. A special thank you to Mira and all of the members of The Vow for their help with this article.
Local Events
Local Events
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Visits AFRICOM and EUCOM
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Visits AFRICOM and EUCOM
By Tadek N
Newly appointed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently visited AFRICOM and EUCOM on February 11th as part of his first visit overseas.The primary purpose of his visit was to speak to senior members of both commands to discuss strategic planning and relationships with European and African allies in the future. Secretary Hegseth also met with American and German papers to answer questions, where he discussed the shifting of military priorities, stating that, “The biggest threat was securing our own border, which we are addressing rapidly.” Additionally, he cemented President Trump's plans to increase military spending to five percent of U.S. GDP, criticizing former president Biden for a lack of military capability.
While Secretary Hegseth was able to discuss military proceedings with the public and high ranking officers in AFRICOM and EUCOM, his presence was greatly bemoaned by portions of the military community. Secretary Hegseth's visit being inextricably linked to the controversies surrounding the dismantling of diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Since the signing of some executive orders by president Trump, federal offices and schools have been a ground zero for the wider goals of removing “radical indoctrination." This led to a protest at his arrival, where two dozen people chanted DEI in direct defiance of the current administration's policies. Additionally, 55 students walked out at Patch Middle School for 50 minutes “in protest of recent events.” These two events highlight a shift in the relationship between the President's Administration and the Military Community, as overseas military communities very rarely protest. However, as current policies continue to attack the diverse groups found in federal employees they feel the need to defend themselves, either as an entire community or individually.
Featured Artists
Featured Artists
Sports
Sports
Girls Basketball Closes Out Season with a Win
Girls Basketball Closes Out Season with a Win
By Jordan R
Congratulations to the Girls basketball team for bringing home the European Championship 45-35 against the Vilseck Falcons! Hannah H, a Stuttgart Panther junior, and Mia S, a Stuttgart Panther senior, both brought home an Outstanding Player Award after their win, signifying their outstanding performance during the whole championship. Leading up to the final 3 seconds of the match, Serenity S received an assist from Hannah, making one final layup before the buzzer. After the end of the game, all the girls ran and hugged Mia on the gymnasium floor- celebrating the win and comforting Mia after her last basketball game and season as a Stuttgart Panther.
This is now the second time in a row that the team has brought home this prestigious award- only more training and practice will lead them to a victory next season. Go Panthers!
Photo and information courtesy of Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes.
Politics and World Events
Politics and World Events
Donald Trump Sworn in as the 47th President of the United States
Donald Trump Sworn in as the 47th President of the United States
By Jordan R
On Monday, January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States of America. Trump is the second U.S President to be sworn in for non-consecutive terms and the first felon to be sworn into office.
The event itself also made history as the first inauguration to be attended by foreign leaders. It was also held inside for the first time in 40 years because of “dangerously cold weather,” with a high of 23 degrees. The inauguration took place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
In addition, big controversies have arisen after Trump went on social media and stated that he believed that the American flag should be raised to full mast on his inauguration day. After 39th U.S President Jimmy Carter's death on December 29th, 2024, standard protocol said that American flags of Government buildings and establishments were to be set to half mast to indicate mourning for the month after a president's death. This time period overlapped with Trump's inauguration- placing Trump's inauguration in a time of mourning. Some said that we should follow protocol and keep the flag at half-mast to mourn the death of Jimmy Carter. Others stated that we shouldn't associate Trump's inauguration day with mourning, and flags were supposed to be a full mast for the inauguration day.
President Trump made several promises for his 4 years in office in his inaugural address, focusing on the economy and immigration as well as vowing to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in government.
Short Lived US TikTok Ban had a Big Impact
Short Lived US TikTok Ban had a Big Impact
By Emily W
On January 18th, TikTok became unavailable for US users for a matter of hours before a federal ban of the application was set to go into effect. A pop up message read, “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately that means you can’t use TikTok for now.” The app also stopped being supported in US app stores.
The ban caused backlash, particularly from young people, beginning even before it was enacted. Responses to questions in Instagram notes about peoples feelings ranged from the more dismissive, such as shrug emojis (🤷♀️) and "Yall TikTok is just an app there are others like it," to the seemingly distraught, complete with crying (😭) and mourning over lost accounts. US peers of the reporter counted how long the platform had been lost ("10:04 pm: it’s been almost two hours without TikTok"), and grieved ("WORST OUTCOME," "my edit acc😭💔," "My like everything 😭").
Yet the app returned. Users were greeted with another pop up that included, “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!,” Just as teens had reacted to the initial ban, many reacted to this as a sign of an effort from the newly inaugurated president to appeal to their demographic. A former SHS student took to her Instagram story, stating, "i’m cooking the next person who says 'TRUMP SAVED US'...that’s what he wants you to think. The app was never going away. They would’ve wiped all of our data...He wants yall to think he saved it so they turned the app on and off again and yall fell for that."
The sentiment that the President created, and then solved, a problem has not been lost on adults, either. In 2020, Trump had joined in the crusade against the app that continues even today, with the Associated Press recounting that "President Donald Trump [said he was] considering banning TikTok as retaliation for China’s alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic." However, at some point, it seems the President shifted gears. One example of this was his choice to join the app over the summer to post campaign-related content. Trump has been leading efforts to sell the app to allow it to remain, even posting on Truth Social, "SAVE TIKTOK!" Political strategist Geoff Garin was quoted in the New York Times as saying that "It is hard to believe that Trump’s TikTok flip-flop is about anything much more than the influence of a billionaire donor and Trump’s reluctance to give up his access to his followers on the platform," though this is speculative.
Even now, discussions and negotiations over the purchasing of the app continue. With it having not been determined who will purchase the app, or even if it will be partially government owned, as President Trump has insinuated, the future of the ever popular social media app remains murky at best.
Image courtesy of @theclapperapp on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Pop Culture
Pop Culture
Recap of the Golden Globes
Recap of the Golden Globes
By Gabby F
The Golden Globes, an award show initially launched in 1944, recognize the work and talent of the film and television industry in the eyes of experienced entertainment journalists. Currently, 27 categories recognize performances, achievements, and the best series or motion pictures in different genres. The winners are voted by over 300 journalists representing 85 different countries. This year's show was filled with many memorable moments with big winners such as “The Brutalist,” “Emilia Pérez,” and “Shōgun.”
The 82nd annual Golden Globes show premiered on January 5th and hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, notable for her recent appearance in “The Roast of Tom Brady.” This was the first time a woman had ever solo hosted the awards. “Emilia Pérez,” a Spanish musical thriller, won the most awards of the night. The film's four awards included Zoe Saldana's win for Best Supporting Actress and Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. The film has sparked some controversy over its unusual songs, unfamiliar themes, and use of artificial intelligence, or AI, to increase the vocal range of a character. The Brutalist, another multi-winner of the night, is also facing controversy for using AI to adjust the Hungarian accents spoken by lead actors Adrien Brody and actress Felicity Jones. The usage of AI in both films begs questions of artistic integrity, how AI influences the film industry, and whether it is ethical to use this technology.
Beyond just the awards, many emotional moments occurred, such as Demi Moore’s first-ever award win in her career. Many family-oriented moments also happened, such as when the director of “The Brutalist,” Brady Corbet, shouted out his young daughter, who was crying during his speech. However, one of the most iconic moments of the night happened even before the awards started, with Zendaya debuting her new engagement ring. Though initially it was just rumors of her engagement that spread online, the truth was later confirmed by the dad of her new fiance, Tom Holland.
The Golden Globes mark the beginning of the 2025 award show season, leaving room for many more unforgettable moments. The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, will be held on March 3rd, with the nominations announced on Thursday, January 23rd. With award campaigns, such as Timothee Chalamets's run for A Complete Unknown, in full swing, it’s only a matter of time before even more awards are won.
Student Poetry
Student Poetry
National Poetry Month
National Poetry Month
By Julia M
In honor of both the end of national poetry month and prom, I’ve composed a Shakespearean sonnet to remind everyone that being single and not going to prom is okay. I hope you enjoy.
“Prom is coming up!” They shout out and yell
“Get your tickets now, before they sell out!”
What if I have no date, who do I tell?
My heart aches, filled with sorrow and with clout.
Alas, do not be worried! There is still
One option more; you go to the track meet,
Watch runners race in circles from the hill,
The collision of the floor and their cleats
Besides, prom is overpriced anyways.
So much money just to dance and to eat.
And yes, the decorations will amaze,
But you can still do this at the track meet.
Go, support the team! Drown out your sorrow
Support your school, not MotorWorld, tomorrow.
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