Summer break brings social opportunities for students

Story and infographic by Atlas Coble.

As the school year comes to a close and finals begin to creep up on students, excitement starts to spread through the halls about the upcoming summer break. The sun sets later and the air turns warm, creating pleasurable weather to be outside in. There are plenty of activities to do this summer that do not require being attached to electronic devices.

UC Davis Health published an article, “3 Ways Getting Outside into Nature Helps Improve Your Health,” that stated, “When we’re in urban environments or the office all day, we can experience sensory overload, resulting in tension and mental fatigue. Studies have shown that our minds and bodies relax in a natural setting. This increases feelings of pleasure and can help us concentrate and focus more effectively, according to studies in the National Library of Medicine.” 

By the time the end of May rolls around, many students are mentally exhausted and burnt out. They have had the same schedule every day and they are ready for a break. It’s important to remember that during the break, it can be unhealthy for students to lay in bed for hours at a time while scrolling online. As tempting as phones may be, there is a whole world outside for students to explore either alone or with peers.

According to the article, “4 Reasons Friends and Family are Good for Your Health,” published by Piedmont, spending time with loved ones can reduce stress.

They claimed, “People who spend time with family and friends find healthier ways to cope with stress. A study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University found that people use their family and friends as a stress buffer, talking about their problems instead of seeking negative coping mechanisms like drinking alcohol, smoking or doing drugs.” 

This evidence shows that spending time with friends and family can be essential to students. It prevents not only illegal substance usage, but it can reduce stress that students may experience from other responsibilities they may have during the summer.

Being outside also has benefits when it comes to weight. Going on walks or riding your bike through neighborhoods can help one lose weight. 

The article “Health Benefits of Getting Outside,” written by Paul Frysh, stated, “Outdoor time will help you be more active and sleep better. Both these things help you burn calories. But getting outside in the morning in particular may help you keep the fat off. That’s partly because the light helps balance your sleep and energy use. But there may be other reasons as well. You need 20-30 minutes between 8 a.m. and noon to make a difference, but the earlier you get it, the better it works.”

There are many activities offered over the summer for students to do in their free time. Whether students are searching for cheaper options such as coffee and tea shops or they are interested in more expensive activities like water parks or concerts, there are many options for them to engage in with their peers. 

For a free option, in New Albany, there is the Sam Peden Community Park. There are walking trails, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, and picnic tables. This offers a wide range of activities that students can participate in without paying.

The article “The Ability of Parks to Build Community-Togetherness and Improve Health,” published by Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI), they stated, “As we know, being physically active is important, and increasing your activity level by just a small amount each day can have a big impact on your overall health! Just as importantly, when local populations have access to park spaces they have the potential to create a strong sense of community.”

Parks such as Sam Peden Community Park can introduce students to people from other schools and can develop more diverse friendships over the summer. This gives them the ability to increase their social circles easily. 

As summer approaches and students begin to plan their break, it is important to note that going outside and socializing with peers is essential. It can become a stress reliever and assist in physical health. These activities can provide a fulfilling summer break and create memories to look back on. There are plenty of opportunities to participate in outdoor activities both expensive and free in our area and it is necessary to take advantage of these this summer. 

SPORTS COLUMNIST PREDICTS THE F1 GRID FOR NEXT YEAR

Column by Ryan Miller

Hey guys, we got another F1 column this week, and I’m going to give my predictions on the drivers on the grid next year, and what teams they will be on. 

There are some guaranteed drivers, so I’ll get those out of the way real quick.

Max Verstappen: Red Bull- There are rumors about him leaving for Mercedes, but I doubt anything will come to fruition, especially before the beginning of next year.

Lando Norris & Oscar Piastri: McLaren- They are both locked into contracts for the time being.

Fernando Alonso: Aston Martin- The Spaniard has agreed to a contract to essentially finish out his career with the team, along with provisions after he retires.

George Russell: Mercedes- The Brit will look to take over as the main driver after Lewis departs for Ferrari next year, depending on who Mercedes signs.

Lewis Hamilton: Ferrari- The seven-time world champion will be taking his talents to the team in red next year in a bombshell move. 

Charles Leclerc: Ferrari- He will be looking to be able to beat the dominance of Red Bull with his new teammate

Nico Hulkenberg: Stake- He is probably making this move to get in on the ground floor when Audi takes over in 2026.

Now, on to the fun part, the unknown. I’ll go by team to set up the grid.

Red Bull:

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez-

As much as I’d like to see Carlos in this seat, I think Checo pairs so well with Max that the team will bring him back. All Perez has to do is get a solid P2 and not challenge Max that much, and he does that to a T. Of course, the minute this goes up, he’ll probably announce retirement or something, but right now, this is the most logical move.

Ferrari:

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc-

We all know these two are going to have the seats, so I won’t say much. However, with the amount of talent this pair collectively has, I wouldn’t be surprised if they actually challenged Red Bull next year. As always stay scoutin’.

SPORTS COLUMNIST MAKES FINAL DRAFT PREDICTIONS

Column by Kenny Ward.

It’s almost here. Day one of the NFL Draft. April 25th. The day the dreams of many athletes will come true. It’s a great day. This is the last mock draft we will publish before it happens, but don’t worry, we aren’t done with the draft coverage yet. No spoilers though. Without further ado, let’s get into the final *NFL Mock Draft before the real thing happens.

(*Here’s how it will work. If the pick remains the same from the last mock draft, not much depth will be given. If there is a change, I will give a detailed reason. There will be no trades included in the mock drafts. Positions and colleges are included.)

1. Chicago Bears: Quarterback Caleb Williams, USC

In this mock draft I still have the Bears taking Caleb Williams. He is a star player, and that is just what the bears need. Plain and simple.

2. Washington Commanders: Quarterback Drake Maye, UNC

The Commanders are also in need of a player at quarterback. People have their doubts about Maye, but he is a serious athlete who can bring this Washington offense to life. This is definitely the pick here, unless Jayden Daniels impresses the organization more.

3. New England Patriots: Quarterback Jayden Daniels, LSU

In the last mock draft I had the Patriots taking Marvin Harrison Jr. This draft I have it changed. I do think they could still possibly look for quarterback talent later in the draft, but Jayden Daniels has proved himself as a star. If they look to draft a quarterback, this is the guy they will go with and for good reason.

4. Arizona Cardinals: Wide Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State University

They still take a wide receiver here but now they get most likely the best one in the draft. Harrison has the ability to change an offense. The Cardinals need an overhaul. Simple as that. The Kyler Murry, Marvin Harrison, and Trey McBride duo will be one of the best in the league if used correctly

5.  Los Angeles Chargers: Wide Receiver Malik Nabers, LSU

So, I may or may not have had Brock Bowers to the Chargers as my “lock of the draft”, and now I have changed my mind. Do not get me wrong, I do think that Bowers is a great fit with the Chargers. I just think they will go different directions and take another playmaker in Malik Nabers. They could definitely use a man like him after getting rid of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Any receiving threat they get at this pick will help, but Nabers is a prime player and is hard to pass up on.

6. New York Giants: Quarterback J.J. McCarthy

Daniel Jones IS NOT the answer, but the top three quarterbacks in the draft have been taken. J.J McCarthy is just as good as them though. He is well rounded and has worked in a pro-style offense. He may turn out like Will Levis did last year, but that won’t matter. He is a great player with championship experience and a good motor. 

7. Tennessee Titans: Wide Receiver Rome Odunze, Washington

Speaking of Will Levis, he gets a weapon here with Rome Odunze. They have Calvin Ridley now, and if they go skill player, they can draft a dangerous three headed dragon.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Edge Rusher Dallas Turner, Alabama

Again, I honestly thought that the Falcons would have gone defense at pick number eight last year. This year I have them going Edge Rusher with Dallas Turner and bolstering the front seven.

9. Chicago Bears: Offensive Tackle Joe Alt, Notre Dame

They could do a few things with this pick, but protection for their new Quarterback is not too shabby of an idea. If they really want to revamp things, they need to start off by setting up Caleb Williams for success.

10. New York Jets: Tight End Brock Bowers, Georgia

Brock Bowers, the best Tight End of the entire draft, and one of the best prospects in the past 20 years, has taken a tumble. He lands in a slightly rebuilding playoff hopeful New York Jets organization. Having Aaron Rodgers throwing him the ball will be a great look.

11. Viking: Cornerback Terrion Arnold, Alabama

It feels like the Vikings consistently have secondary problems. Terrion Arnold will hopefully be the answer to their woes.

12. Denver Broncos: Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

The Broncos are a toss up here. Without a doubt they will go defense unless they trade up. They could go Edge here, but they need a cornerback to bolster down the opposite side of Pat Surtian. Quinyon Mitchell is a good young player, even though he’s not from a big name school.

13. Las Vegas Raiders: Offensive Tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State

The Raiders are going with an offensive lineman here. They need help everywhere, but they play it safe with Fashanu. 

14. New Orlean Saints: Offensive Tackle Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State

The Saints also need help on the offensive line, and will take Fuaga, the senior bowl standout from Oregon State to try and correct the wrongs done by Andrus Peat and Trevor Penning.

15. Indianapolis Colts: Cornerback Cooper DeJean, Iowa

Cooper DeJean is a cornerback, no matter what you say. He is also very physical, and a very good tackler. The Colts lost a corner in Kenny Moore II, and now replace him with a very good young player. Golden star for them.

16. Seattle Seahawks: Edge Jared Verse, Florida State University

I have changed my mind on offense line for the Seahawks. While it is still a need, Jared Verse has fallen directly into their laps. Getting him to help their mid tier defense is a miracle and a match made in heaven.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Defensive Lineman Byron Murphy, Texas

The interior defensive line for the Jaguars is nothing special. They can draft a good defensive tackle to start right away here in Byron Murphy. This will boost the front seven up and give help to Josh Allen. 

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Offensive Tackle Troy Fautanu, Washington

They no longer have Orlando Brown or Jonah Williams, so they are looking for an offensive lineman to try and keep Joe Burrow healthy for the first time in a while. They go with Troy Fautanu here. He has big-game experience, and is a body they can attempt to use to protect Burrow.

19. Los Angeles Rams: Edge Laiatu Latu, UCLA

Aaron Donald just retired so now they need someone, anyone on the front seven. Laiatu Latu is an experimental player but has a great upside if taught well. Another player who was like that is Aaron Donald. Maybe history will repeat itself.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Offensive Tackle J.C. Latham, Alabama

The Steelers have two starting caliber quarterbacks now, and they should want to keep them healthy. Drafting offensive line here is the safest option. J.C. Latham pairing up with Broderick Jones is scary.

21. Miami Dolphins: Offensive Tackle Armarius Mims, Georgia

Tua Tagovailoa is very injury prone. Drafting someone who can possibly help him stay healthy is a great idea, no matter what. Armarius Mims can help do so.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Cornerback Nate Wiggins, Clemson

The Eagles are very solid all around. They did struggle somewhat in the secondary last year, so drafting Nate Wiggins can help them bolster up there.

23. Minnesota Vikings from Houston Texans: Defensive Lineman Jer’Zahn Newton, Illinois 

I still have Jer’Zahn Newton going here. The Vikings lost Danielle Hunter and now need to add someone to the front seven. Newton is young, and very talented. He can fill the gap if needed.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Wide Receiver Brian Thomas Jr., LSU

Somehow, the Cowboys are low on wide receivers. CeeDee Lamb is the only above average player they have there. Brian Thomas can pair up with him and cause problems for opposing defenses.

25. Green Bay Packers: Interior Offensive Lineman Graham Barton, Duke

The Packers are decent on the interior offensive line. Graham Barton can help add depth, and can slide in and perform if needed.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge Demeioun Robinson, Penn State

When the Buccaneers last won a superbowl, Shaquille Barrett was in his prime. Now, they are looking for another star Edge Rusher. Demeioun Robinson can be that guy and help make the defense elite again.

27. Arizona Cardinals: Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

The Cardinals need defensive help. Kool-Aid McKinstry was a top five pick during the beginning of the year. If the Cardinals can get that version of him, they will have the steal of the draft.

28.   Buffalo Bills: Wide Receiver Adonai Mitchell, Texas

The Bills don’t have even a subpar wide receiver on the team right now. They look rough. Adonai Mitchell will give Josh Allen an option to throw to and will hopefully answer some questions on the offense.

29.  Detroit Lions: Interior Offensive Lineman, Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon

Jackson Powers-Johnson may be the best lineman in the entire draft, but he is a center. He can slide in and replace Frank Ragnow when he ages out of the spot, and can also help at both of the guard spots if needed,

30. Baltimore Ravens: Offensive Tackle Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma

The Ravens lost Morgan Moses and Kevin Zeitler. Ronnie Stanley is very injury prone. If they get someone who can stay on the field with Tyler Guyton, they should be sitting pretty.

31. San Francisco 49ers: Wide Receiver Ladd McConkey, Georgia

There has been talks about some 49er Wide Receivers moving around. Drafting Ladd McConkey for depth is not a bad idea. Even if he doesn’t start he can help as a role player.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Wide Receiver Troy Franklin, Oregon

They did pick up Marquise Brown in the offseason, but one player will not revamp a whole position. They need to change it drastically and Troy Franklin is another step in the right direction . 

As we count down the hours until the draft, the suspense builds for the shocks that will inevitably happen. The draft looks like it will be exciting and surprising yet again this year. That’s it for now. As we always say. Stay Scoutin’.

**all information found on espn.com**

SPECIAL EDUCATION HELPS STUDENTS BUILD FUNDAMENTAL QUALITIES

Story by Oliviah Campbell and Avery Sorrells.

Photo by Isaac Mullins.

With many different types of learning styles and abilities, students being able to learn in a way that is able to help them throughout their education can be effective. Similarly, in special education classrooms, both teachers and students have many different methods of learning and ways to drive their students toward success.

“Definitely the students’ success and achievement, I feel like sometimes not in the typical grade format or rate of all the students in the building, but every student is able to learn and achieve and make success in their own way. I think it’s important because everybody deserves a free and appropriate education whether that is in a quote unquote ‘typical format’ or in an individualized format,” said special education teacher Taylor Welch.

Additionally, special education teachers find pride in the progress and achievements their students make on a daily basis. Special education teacher Alexis Hornung explained that each day is different and the way the school day goes cannot be predicted.

“It’s seeing them finally make it to an expectation or standard. I mean it’s a fresh start everyday, one day they might not get something and the other day they may be totally different,” said Hornung. “I would say there are behavioral challenges, but day to day it’s different, one day it can be a really great day and one day some may struggle, but we work around it so I don’t see anything that’s necessarily challenging.”

As opposed to being in a larger classroom with a lot of different students, being in a smaller group setting can allow special education students to have a safe space to complete their work.

“So students have a safe place that they can go to when they’re surrounded by their own similar peers and be able to branch out in other classrooms too. I love the small group environment and just meeting the students at a more personal level and being there to support them,” said Hornung.

Similarly, junior Samira Beam explained that Best Buddies can provide students with a safe space where everyone can just be themselves.

 “My favorite part is the individuality of everyone and how people are allowed to be themselves in there and they don’t have to mask or fake their feelings at all. It’s just a very honest thing like some of the kids will be very straightforward with you and that’s good because it [Best Buddies] is very trusting,” she said.

Not only do the teachers provide support for these students, but the school also helps support both the teachers and the students in order to create these safe learning environments.

“Overall I feel like the school does a really good job of giving us the resources that we feel will best support our students and their learning environment as a whole. I feel like anything that I have ever asked for with explanation the school has been willing to give me the funds to get it,” said Welch.

In addition to teachers, students that are a part of groups such as Best Buddies can give  students an opportunity to help and get to know their peers through fundraisers and activities.

“We try to do two events every month, one after school, and one on the weekends. We do different activities like painting pumpkins, decorating cookies. We have the friendship walk which is a big fundraiser that we do every year. We’ll continue to do a talent show next year as well,” said junior Macee Laritz.

Furthermore, students explained that the relationships they form through Best Buddies is one of the most important parts of the club, and can be extremely rewarding.

“The most important part is the relationships. That unique experience of meeting people you wouldn’t usually meet. I’m a tutor now in the class, but Best Buddies has taught me so much, like the kids will teach you how to not care about what others think,” said Beam.

Even with many students being involved and supportive of special education, there are still challenges that come along with being part of a small environment within an expansive and diverse community in public schools.

“It depends on the student population and how they have viewed special education because I know it’s different school to school. Here, I feel like a lot of people are accepting and they understand special education, but one thing would be to be more accepting of the behaviors that may come about and not so much egging on the behaviors, to view it as more of a more mature experience,” said Hornung.

Ultimately, both students and teachers work hard in creating a safe and positive environment for students in the special education department.

“I think what’s most important is taking away the stigma and making everyone equal. We shouldn’t treat anyone differently because of the different challenges that others go through or just because someone is different,” said Laritz.

SPORTS COLUMNIST TAKE A LOOK AT THE NBA PLAYOFFS

Column by Kenny Ward.

It’s playoff time in the National Basketball Association. Do you know what that means? Jimmy Butler making his iconic playoff run, the Lakers showing it’s not how you start but how you finish, and the Celtics being pegged as this year’s “wildcard”. Let’s dive into that.

Before we get into the current, let’s talk about the past. It looks like the Splash Bros are no more. With a rough playoff outing, and a rocky season in general, it appears that the Warriors could part ways with either Klay Thompson or Stephen Curry. Also, while the Pelicans are still in the playoffs, Zion Williamson is not. He injured his hamstring in the game against the Lakers. This seems to be a common occurrence with Williamson, as he has missed 144 games in his career already. Will we ever see him entirely healthy ever again?

Now let’s talk about the present. Even though Jimmy Butler and the Heat lost against the 76ers Wednesday night, doesn’t mean we won’t see a “Butler Breakout” (Butler injured his MCL and is listed as doubtful to return). Actually, it almost raises the chances of Butler making a big run. Last year we saw him drop 56 points en route to a series comeback against the Bucks. Don’t be surprised if when the Heat looks down, Butler rises up.

Two wins, ten losses. 2-10 is what the Lakers sat at early in the season. It seemed like the franchise was in shambles. They struggled everywhere. Darvin Ham had it rough, Anthony Davis was shaky, and LeBron James’ age seemed like it was finally starting to show. Now the Lakers are sitting pretty 47-35. Davis has changed the offensive game plan, LeBron has returned to his former self, and some players who were looked upon as “supporting cast” have stepped up and made big names for themselves. (D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, etc.) Look out for a red hot Lakers team, because they could make a title run.

The Celtics have looked dominant in regular season play. We have yet to be graced by their postseason performance, but from what we can assume, they will not slow down. Or, so we think. Every year we see a team we once thought capable of winning it all absolutely bomb in the playoffs. Now, it doesn’t have to be the Celtics, but they seem a likely suspect. As good as Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristap Porzingis can be, they aren’t always the most consistent. Their two most recent losses were against playoff teams, but before that they lost back to back games against the Atlanta Hawks. Now, this doesn’t mean much seeing as the mantra “any given day” could easily apply here. All I’m saying, though, is keep your head on a swivel for a Celtic upset.

As the NBA season approaches its end, the playoff tension is just beginning, and will rise as we get closer to the finals. LeBron will chase his ring for old times sake, Nuggets will attempt to finish a dominant run, and the Celtics will look to cap off an amazing year with a ring for Jayson Tatum. That’s all for now, and as we always say, Stay Scoutin’.