Practical Jokers Gone Rogue?
This paper was written to inform my peers of the crime associated with Prank Week. I included this piece because it shows my ability to report social harm by describing specific events in relation to the evolution of crime in my city.
Every fall, BHS upperclassmen begin the new school year with many traditions. Be that the first day assembly, senior parade, football jamboree, and even Junior-Senior Prank Week. While Prank Week was created with the intention of playing a fun joke on friends from a different graduating class, it has quickly evolved into a creative way to get “payback” on someone who might have wronged the prankster. In previous years, it was customary to cover trees with toilet paper, spray silly string around a front door, draw on the windows of cars with chalk pens, decorate friends' rooms, or even put forks in someone’s front yard. However, in the last few years, Prank Week has evolved into much more than a joke among friends.
Last year, this tradition cost many students and their families a tremendous amount of money to replace things that were broken. Stones were thrown at houses, tires were slashed, windshields were covered in paint and permanent marker, cars were doused in dish soap, syrup, baby powder, and flour, and eggs were thrown at the doors and windows of homes.
This year, many pranks have escalated to crimes. Students are keeping "guard" at each other's houses while they take turns going around the city to get their revenge on those who they feel deserve karma for something they’ve done. Homes and vehicles are getting damaged just as severely, but now more frequently. Students are using social media apps to determine when the house they plan to prank will be most vulnerable. Typically, late at night, they sneak into a neighborhood and begin to “trash” the home of their next victim.
Clothes have been thrown on the roof of houses, trash bags were ripped open and poured around lawns, food wrappers were taped to doors, sardine cans were placed in yards, whole sized fish were put into mailboxes and thrown at cars, paintballs were shot at bedroom windows causing them to shatter, shaving cream has been sprayed on driveways, and people have wrapped doors with saran wrap.
Beyond these “pranks” causing problems at people's houses, there have been automotive attacks. Some of these attacks, now officially considered vandalism, include spraying mustard and silly string onto cars, dumping corn starch and flour into ventilated seats, writing vulgar words and slurs on windshields, and shooting paintballs at the windows of vehicles. The acidity of the mustard and silly string weakens the binder in the paint, causing it to bubble and lift, ultimately ruining the paint on that vehicle panel. If the powders placed in the ventilated seats are still dry, the seats could be vacuumed and detailed to remove them, but it would require a considerable amount of time and effort. The paint from the words and paintballs must be thoroughly cleaned, often professionally, to avoid further damage. Multiple windows have been shattered from paintballs being shot at them, and many police reports have been filed due to damage from students shooting at cars as they drive by them. The drivers with the paintball guns have followed cars out of Rankin County at extremely high speeds on multiple occasions, and they have even thrown their paintball guns out of their vehicles and at the homes and cars of the people they target. Beyond the reports, police have located and arrested multiple students, some of them 18 and older, and some of them just minors, as well as confiscating IDs and licenses.
Prank Week has historically been a rite of passage for Juniors and Seniors. Many of the criminal cases associated with this week were caused by students who have already graduated and underclassmen participating in the week on their own. The aggressiveness related to this event stems from anger, and if students adhered to the playful tradition, these attacks would be completely avoidable. Participation by students in this week's activities, which were not intended for them, has completely altered the intention of the pranks being played.
Unfortunately, all of the incidents reported in this article occurred within the first three nights of this so-called “prank week.” Though this week was meant to be full of fun and games for students, it has become a week of targeted attacks on others. Will next year's prank week resolve this hatred, or are its roots permanently malicious?
Denim Day
I wrote this piece to inform my peers about the history of Denim Day. It shows my ability to cover a serious topic with an imoirtant and personal cause, without getting controversial.
Each year, Denim Day is observed on the last Wednesday of April to raise awareness about sexual violence and highlight many misconceptions that surround it. The campaign was inspired by a protest within the Italian Parliament following the disputed Supreme Court decision in a case known as the “Denim Day Trial.”
The “Denim Day Trial” was a 1992 Italian supreme court case following the rape of an 18-year-old girl. The perpetrator, her 45-year-old driving instructor, appealed his first sentence on the grounds that he and the victim had consensual sex. The court overturned the original rape conviction, arguing that because the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must’ve needed help to remove them - implying consent.
Denim Day began when women in the Italian Parliament organized a protest to wear jeans on the steps of the Supreme Court. Sparking global recognition for the trial, the protests eventually coined the decision as the “Jeans Alibi.” The Peace Over Violence organization was influenced by this protest and developed the Denim Day campaign to bring recognition to the case and the activism that surrounded it. Once the campaign gained international publicity, other countries began engaging with the movement.
Now, over 30 years after the trial, Denim Day is recognized globally. The campaign continues to inspire support for survivors, encourage education about sexual violence, combat rape culture, and prevent future victim blaming.
Spooky, Scary Skeletons
I wrote this piece to review Tim Burton's new Beetlejuice movie. Throughout it, I referenced the original movie and broadway adaptation to introduce relevant material for comparison.
With the seasons changing, fall has officially come! Fall brings a variety of comfort shows and movies, and even more that hook you with fright. Tim Burton, a fantasy, gothic, and horror movie legend, produces most of these movies. Tim Burton's original Beetlejuice was a 1988 American dark fantasy comedy film. It follows the story of a deceased newlywed couple who was instructed to haunt the new owners of their former home. The newlyweds, Barbara and Adam Maitland, the ghost spirit Beetlejuice, and the home's new inhabitants, Lydia, her stepmother Delia, and her father, Charles are the main characters. It was made into a Broadway musical in 2018, which had the same base story but was more rooted to focus on Beetlejuice and Lydia's relationship. However, the original movie's sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, strayed far from what the first movie was based around. Generally keeping only the model of the town, three original actors, and the original 80's sandworm, this movie was completely different. It introduced new characters with all new plots, a confusing variety of backgrounds, and a new main character who played Lydia's daughter, Astrid. The movie is described as a horror/comedy, but without the offensive personality that Beetlejuice had in the original; it just follows the story of Lydia and Astrid reconciling after the death of her father, Richard, and Beetlejuice breaking more rules in the afterlife. This new movie was not necessarily bad, but it was far from what I expected. I assumed that the sequel would show a continuation of the wishful relationship between Beetlejuice and Lydia, a battle between Astrid, her parents, and Beetlejuice, and at least some type of dysfunctional family issues between Lydia and her stepmother, Delia. I saw what I hoped for in many elements, but nothing came as I expected.
Despite the chaotic plot, this movie knew exactly what to do regarding partnerships. A Crumbl Collab called "The Afterlife Cake" was a perfectly rich chocolate cupcake cut in half and iced with vanilla and dark chocolate cream cheese frosting. This cake was so delicious and such a good way for the movie to profit. There was also a collab with Fanta. They redesigned the orange, strawberry, pineapple, lemon, and grape sodas, distributing them in collectible cans for a limited time. They also created a new flavor of soda called "haunted apple," specifically for this new movie. It has a spiced apple flavor, and, unfortunately, my palate is a little too refined to appreciate it, but I'm sure someone loves it! And, to be fair, it is precisely what I'd expect to taste when I drink something with Beetlejuice's face on it. This movie was generally groundbreaking, and if it continues to follow that trend, it will probably be one of the biggest turnouts of films released in 2024. This movie was generally groundbreaking, and if it continues to follow that trend, it will probably be one of the biggest turnouts of films released in 2024.
Farewells, Family, and Folklore: Fashionably Late
I wrote this story to shed light on Irish culture around the time of St. Patricks Day. It covers history of folklore, heritage, and tradition, while encouraging the reader to remember more than just whats popular about Ireland on future holidays.
Every year on March 17th, there is an international celebration called Saint Patrick’s Day. This holiday commemorates the death of Saint Patrick, who, as a fifth-generation missionary spreading Christianity within the country, was named the foremost patron saint of Ireland. Though this holiday was founded with religious roots, it has become a holiday to celebrate Irish culture. So, here are a few of my favorite fun facts about Ireland.
I) The Irish Goodbye
This method of exiting an event consists of slipping away from a gathering and leaving promptly without announcing one’s exit. The original backstory of this phrase is the stereotype of drunkenness, which is often associated with Irish people. An Irish goodbye was initially determined by the subject being too intoxicated to say goodbye to an event’s host properly.
II) Irish twins
This interesting alternative to sharing a womb with a sibling describes two children who were born to the same mother within the span of twelve months. Though its original intended purpose was to mock Catholic families based on stereotypes, it does have a unique way of bonding two siblings together - whether they’re Irish or not!
III) The Blarney Stone
Just outside of Cork City, Ireland, there is a historical landmark called Blarney Castle. Built into the castle, there is a carboniferous limestone block that is rumored to be “enchanted” according to Irish folklore. Legend says that upon kissing the Blarney Stone, the kisser will be endowed with the “gift of the gab,” which means the kisser will now become filled with charisma and charm.
IV) Bram Stoker’s Dracula
The remarkable success of this piece of English literature can be largely credited to the fact that its author, Bram Stoker, is Irish. Much of the original novel can be connected to Irish folklore, which Stoker likely learned of during childhood. Dracula could largely be based on the mythological creature called the Abhartach, which is often known as the Irish vampire, and from the term "Dearg Due,” which means red thirst - resembling a vampire who rises from the dead seeking revenge. It has also been suggested that the name of the antagonist, Count Dracula, may have been coined from the Irish phrase, "Droch Ola”, which means bad blood. Though there are many more hidden details of the book that are likely related to Stoker’s Irish descent, most of the novel's plot follows the antagonist, previously discussed.
There are many Irish traits blended into society today. During the month of March, and particularly the 17th, we celebrate the folklore, Gaelic language, and cultural values of the land. And, who knows, maybe next time you see the Hotel Transylvania movies or see a castle you’ll think of these specific quirks of the Republic of Ireland.
Brandon is Cooking Right Now
I write this piece show showcase an event hosted by my school. It Positively highlights my commitment to my community, even when covering lighter topics, like culinary academy.
Recently, Brandon High School Culinary hosted a National Guard Culinary Competition, called the MRE Cook Off. The students who competed were organized into four teams: The Spice Girls, Whisk takers, Fantastic 4.0, and Taste of Alek. Each team, composed of Juniors and Seniors, was given a unitized group ration (UGR) that would typically be given to large amounts of service members by the U.S. military when other food services were not available. The students used the ingredients provided in this UGR to cook a meal other than the intended “Thanksgiving Dinner.” Prior to competition day, students developed a menu in class. With just one hour for each team to cook an appetizer, entree, dessert and make each judge a drink, the students curated the perfect potential meal fit for our troops this Thanksgiving.
When these meals were fully prepared, teams traveled from Mrs. Roth’s culinary lab to the school library with their completed trays for tasting. The judging panel consisted of two BHS staff members, a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives, and two local food service entrepreneurs. BHS’ Kevin Davis was joined by news reporter Clay Edwards, Representative Fred Shanks, and Jake and Michael Wimberly of McB’s restaurant in Ridgeland to critique these meals. After the judges tasted each dish and gave the chefs their comments, the students were sent back to the culinary lab to clean, giving judges time to select the winners for each award category: best appetizer, best entree, third place, second place, and first place. Once judging was completed, students were welcomed back into the library. Judges presented the best appetizer award to Fantastic 4.0, Best Entree to The Spice Girls, Third place winner to Whisk Takers, Second place to Fantastic 4.0, and finally First Place to The Spice Girls - making them this year’s state advancing team.
Their next competition will be hosted at Camp Shelby in November, where The Spice Girls will represent Brandon High School. Congratulations Piper Burnette, Cara Gray, Taylor Green, and Sophia Sanchez for your win as The Spice Girls Team. We are so proud of you!
A Season With A Reason
I wrote this piece to inform my readers of the cause of seasonal depression, and reduce the stigma that surrounds it. It highlights my commitment to covering mental health through responsible reporting.
As the world enters the “holiday season,” most people think about how they will dress for Halloween, what they’ll eat on Thanksgiving, what gifts they want for Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, and who they’ll start the New Year with. All of the joy brought about during these events is typically associated with the quick “remember the reason for the season” comment from our elders. Society has encouraged itself to power through these months with a warm and welcoming smile, and a head held high - ready to embrace the holiday cheer flowing throughout communities. Hidden among the happy, holiday partygoers and the frequent “happy holidays” exclamations are those who don't feel as connected to the spirit that seems to enthrall others. What the world doesn’t recognize is that these people aren't just “Grinches.” There are underlying struggles that they may be facing, but ignorance from the public forces them to bottle it all up.
Seasonal depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, can be defined as a type of depression associated with seasonal changes; typically occurring in the fall and winter. Studies show that the link is more specifically connected to the lesser amount of sunlight each day and the colder weather patterns. Common symptoms include low energy, loss of motivation, sadness, and irritability in most people who are affected by this disorder. Those with preexisting chronic depression may feel intensified symptoms, leading to worsened interruptions in daily life - whether that be relationships, school, or sleep. Circadian rhythm, or a body’s internal clock, is disrupted during this season. The lack of sunlight exposure lowers serotonin levels, and melatonin levels increase due to the darkness throughout the day - meaning this disorder is backed by science, which is something many people need to hear.
Having a loving family, a healthy relationship, or getting to hang out with your best friend every day doesn't mean that you can’t feel sad. It's easy to feel overcome with emotion as you recap each day at the end of the night. Feeling alone, even when you are surrounded by others, is normal; feeling unfixable is painful, but typical; feeling unmotivated or unimportant is common, but with the right help, can be fixed. You aren’t just “being dramatic.” It’s okay to truly feel your emotions. Each day can feel like a battle, but you can always do it. You aren’t crazy, and there is a reason that you feel this way. Your experience is meaningful, your emotions are valid, and your pain has purpose. You can, and will, make it through.