Why Phones Should Be Allowed in School

By: Benson Elmore

Phones are often not allowed in schools because many people think they distract students. While phones can sometimes be distracting, I believe they should be allowed in school because they can actually help students in many ways. As a 17-year-old student, I know phones are a big part of our lives and can be useful if we use them the right way.

One important reason phones should be allowed is because they help with learning. When students don’t understand something in class, they can use their phones to look it up quickly. There are many websites and videos that explain things better than textbooks sometimes. For example, if someone doesn’t get a math problem, they can watch a short video to help them understand. Phones also have tools like dictionaries, translators, and calculators that help students learn faster and easier.

Phones also help students stay organized. School means keeping track of a lot of homework, tests, and projects. Using the calendar or reminder apps on a phone makes it easier to remember when things are due. Instead of writing everything on paper planners that can get lost, phones keep all the important dates in one place and remind students. This helps students not forget their work or be unprepared for tests.

Another big reason phones should be allowed is safety. Having a phone means students can call their parents or get help if something bad happens. Whether they need a ride home or there is an emergency, phones help students stay connected and safe. This is very important because being able to talk to someone quickly can make a big difference.

I know phones can be distracting if students use them to text or play games during class. But instead of banning phones, schools should teach students how to use them responsibly. Knowing when and how to use phones the right way is an important skill that will help us in college and later in life.

In conclusion, phones should be allowed in school because they help with learning, staying organized, and safety. With clear rules and help from teachers, phones can be useful tools instead of distractions. Schools need to accept that phones are part of our world and learn how to use them in a way that helps students.

MK-677 Review

By: Andrew Howle

Mk-677 is a growth hormone fitness supplement that has gained recent traction in the fitness world. It has become so famous due to the boost in body growth hormone without the need for an injection. It stimulates your body to naturally produce more GH (growth hormone) and IGF-1. The liquid version is typically taken orally or under the tongue, making it an accessible option for fitness influencers everywhere, ideal for promoting muscle growth. However, is this supplement as good as it is rumored to be?

Those who take Mk-677 claim to have incredible physical benefits. These benefits include lean muscle mass, faster recovery time, and better sleep quality overall. These elements are all crucial to effective training results. Mk-677 has been shown to improve bone density, joint repair, and skin health to the human body. The supplement increases an athlete’s appetite majorly, which can be very helpful in bulking. This shortens the amount of time to retain weight by a large margin. However, this is a double ended sword being harmful for cutting.

Although the MK-677 has many benefits, it is not without drawbacks. Many people have reported severe water retention, fat gain, and intense hunger at higher doses of the supplements. It can become very expensive through long-term use. It is not recommended to people struggling with diabetes. It is reported to mess highly with insulin sensitivity. It is not FDA-approved as well, which can carry some unknowns along with it. These unknowns could range from simple muscle twitches to heart palpitations.

Mk-677 surely does open up a compelling alternative from injectable growth hormones. However, this supplement is not without risks, to be completely honest. I would highly recommend researching this supplement if you have any thoughts of taking it. This goes to show I would not recommend this until more research is performed on it.

Beach or Mountains

By: Adelaide Eaddy

When thinking of where to go for your next vacation, the question may come up of where to go. The common places people may choose from is the beach or mountains. When planning a trip, I would think about the months I would be going, and I would also think about what I would  be doing while being on the trip. The season would be the last thing I would rank it with while planning a trip.

When planning a vacation the first thing to think about is the time of year and what you will be doing. For the time of year, if it is in between the months of March and August I would pick the beach. If it was between the months of September and December I would pick the mountains., but if I was given the opportunity to go to a tropical beach during this time frame, I would pick the beach over the mountains. So thinking about what I want to do during these months, most of the time I would pick the beach over the mountains.

The next thing I would consider is what I would be wanting to do while there. If I wanted to have a cozy, chill vacation, I would pick the mountains, but if I wanted to relax and enjoy the sunshine, I would pick the beach. In this case I would pick the beach because I would rather sit on the beach and do nothing over sitting in the house doing nothing. So in this case, I would again pick the beach.

The last thing that I would put into consideration is what season I would be going. Spring and summer are probably the best times to go to the beach because it is getting warmer in the spring and it is definitely warm in the summer, so it would be the perfect way to relax. In the fall I would probably pick mountains because when you think of fall you don’t think of the beach you think of it getting cooler outside and the leaves changing. And lastly, for winter I would be in between the beach and mountains for where I would pick, because it would depend on where we were going. If I was given the option between going to a beach where it is cold or the mountains, I would pick the mountains, but if I was given the option between a warm beach in the winter or the mountains, I would pick the beach. 

In conclusion, I would pick the beach over the mountains any day. The only day I would pick the mountains is if the beach is cold.

Labor Day Weekend

By: Thomas Jones

My Labor Day consisted of eleven plus hours on the roads, traveling through 4 states South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and finally Virginia. We first arrived in North Carolina and stayed at a Marriott hotel in the small town of Boone, NC. While in Boone, we walked down town, but the culture there has shifted since my childhood days of visiting. It is sad to see such a nice town be overrun with drug addicts and homeless people, it is a huge problem that no one else there seemed to notice. During my childhood visits there I remember a nice community of older locals and young tourists which brought a good balance to the town. Our next stop in the Appalachians was Bristol, Virginia, where my Cousins live Katherin twelve and Willam six. Their we watched the Carolina game and hung out with them. We were excited to see them as we do not get many opportunities to. Bristol is a nice little town which starred in the iconic GEICO commercial “Geico Journey”, where the Geico Lizard jumps between state lines of Bristol, Tennessee and Virginia. That night we arrived and went to eat at a very good Mexican restaurant called Mas Tequila right off State Street, the main street of downtown Bristol. That concludes our night in Virginia. The next morning we quickly got up and went to eat at a breakfast place called The Girl and The Raven, which was very good. There I ate a biscuit with eggs, sausage, and grits. It is one of their most popular dishes and I see why. The only downside of The Girl and The Raven was that they had a few dead fish floating in the fish tanks, which was kind of disgusting to see while you’re trying to eat. After that we drove home all five hours and that concludes our labor day with the homeless drug addicts of Boone to the fun times we had in Bristol. 

Mental Health Awareness

By: Paige Sanders

Millions of people around the world struggle with mental health challenges. 720,000 of those people turn to suicide as a result. This is a sad yet harsh reality we need to face. It’s a topic that many find difficult to discuss—but silence will only deepen the stigma. Bringing more awareness towards suicide, creates a culture of support and understanding. 

 We need to recognize the early signs of someone who is planning to commit suicide before it happens. These signs include: withdrawal from social life, giving away items that had meaning to them, trouble sleeping, and increased substance use like alcohol or tobacco. Noticing these signs and reaching out to someone could prevent their death. Encouraging open conversations about suicide could help someone who is struggling internally, seek the help they need.

Suicide is often a result of people feeling isolated and untreated for their mental health. 80% being men, 20% being women. The percentage for men is so high because our society has created an environment where men feel “weak” when voicing mental health issues. This cannot continue to be normalized. Asking for help should be emphasized as a sign of strength, not weakness. Crisis hotlines, mental health professionals, and support groups are readily available to anyone seeking a voice to talk to. This is why education about suicide and support are crucial. 

If you know someone struggling, encourage them to reach out for help. Talking to someone can save a life. Let’s replace silence with support.

Park City Review

By: McClain Segars

One of the best surprises about Park City? How much there is to do besides skiing. We arrived in Park City just as a fresh blanket of snow had settled over the town. It was like stepping into a snow globe. The streets were lined with twinkling lights, the air was crisp but not painfully cold, and the mountains loomed in the background like gentle giants. It felt cozy, welcoming, and somehow festive even though it wasn’t Christmas. We spent one afternoon wandering historic Main Street popping into quirky shops, grabbing hot chocolate, and visiting the Park City Museum, which was surprisingly fun for all of us . We also took a horse-drawn sleigh ride one evening up the mountain. It felt like something out of a movie, the cold air, the quiet crunch of snow, the mountains turning blue in the fading light. And the food? Incredible. From cozy
mountain lodges with giant fireplaces to family-friendly pizza spots, we never struggled to find a good meal. We even splurged one night on a fondue dinner. Park City stole our hearts. It was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, activity and family time. We came home tired in the best way muscles sore, bellies full, hearts happy. Everyone is already asking when we can go again, and when we are available for another trip! If you’re considering a winter family vacation, Park City should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re first-time skiers or seasoned pros, it’s got that magical combination of charm, fun, and ease that makes travel feel less like a chore and more like a true adventure.

Travel with Mary Carter

By: Mary Carter Smith

The best time of year to go to New York is in December. I have been to New York multiple times and my favorite time I’ve been was in December. New York turns into a winter wonderland when December comes around. The busiest time of year for New York with over four million people that visit New York during the holidays. I personally love being in cities when it’s colder. The decorations all throughout New York during December are gorgeous. New York goes all festive lights, especially in places like Fifth Avenue, Bryant Park and the West Village.Such as The Rockefeller Center Tree. New York hosts a tree lighting ceremony every year for the lighting of the 74 foot tree. This is a festive backdrop that includes New York’s famous ice skating rink. Another traditional decor item New York puts up every year is The Fifth Avenue Window Display. Stores like Macy’s, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue compete on who has the best window. During the holidays when people visit New York they also go and see The Rockettes perform. The Rockettes are a world-famous, all-female precision dance team. They put on a great show for those who go and watch them. New York City in December is a destination like no other. With its festive ambiance, cultural richness, and iconic attractions, it captures the imagination and hearts of those who visit. Whether you’re skating under the Rockefeller tree, enjoying a Broadway show, or simply strolling through snow-dusted streets, the city offers countless opportunities to create lasting holiday memories. For anyone seeking a mix of tradition, excitement, and wonder, New York in December is an unforgettable experience. New York when it’s not during the holidays does not give the same experience or excitement as it does in the winter.  

Ratatouille

As a chef, ratatouille is probably one of those dishes that looks simple on the plate but actually takes a lot of effort behind the scenes. People think it’s “just vegetables,” but that’s exactly why it’s tricky—you don’t have anything to hide behind. Every single ingredient has to be fresh, balanced, and cooked just right. First, it’s all about prep. You spend a ton of time slicing zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers into perfect, even rounds. That’s the not-so-glamorous part, but it matters. If one slice is too thick, it won’t cook evenly. If it’s too thin, it might burn. Chefs are kind of obsessive about stuff like that. Then there’s layering. You can’t just throw the vegetables into a pan. They have to be arranged in this spiral pattern that makes the dish look gorgeous before it even goes into the oven. Honestly, it takes patience, steady hands, and an eye for color. A real chef would see it like painting—zucchini green next to tomato red, eggplant purple blending with yellow pepper. It’s art, but edible. Finally, the cooking. Ratatouille has to bake slowly so the vegetables soften without turning into mush. The olive oil, garlic, and herbs infuse everything, so when it comes out, it smells amazing. The end result isn’t just food—it’s proof of discipline, timing, and respect for ingredients. That’s what makes ratatouille so “chef-y.” It’s humble but elevated, simple but technical. To pull it off, you need patience, precision, and a love for vegetables. Honestly, I admire chefs who make it look effortless, because behind that perfect plate is a ton of practice and care.

A Week in Digital Media with Joey R

By: Joey Robertson

The Actual First Blog (guess I wasn’t supposed to do the one last week)

Anyways…

Tuesday: 

Started off by filming some footage of the cafeteria as B-roll footage, getting shots from all angles, inside and outside, and with and without students eating inside. Filming was quick and smooth. It probably only took about 15 minutes, maybe 20 at most. Afterwards, I returned to the classroom and began uploading all of the footage to my Google drive, which had some technical issues of its own. While that was finalizing, I worked on organizing the google drive into a series of folders so everything wasn’t everywhere, and I would be able to find what I needed later.

Wednesday:

I was at camp Bob Cooper with all the other seniors, so I wasn’t able to get any other work done unfortunately. But I did check to make sure the editing software on my computer still worked.

Thursday:

Once I got into class, I immediately got to filming the A-roll footage, although maybe I shouldn’t have been so quick and unobservant. I decided to film all the footage outside on one of the tables with the phone recording propped up against the laptop I would be reading off of. That’s when the trouble started unfortunately. I ended up going through 3 different microphones, wasting about 10-15 minutes, before deciding i had had enough, and just used the built in microphone to finish. There were still more accidents and errors unfortunately, like having to stop a take midway on account of people walking by, or me accidentally deleting a video here and there. After everything was finished, I quickly uploaded it all. Later when I got home, I got straight to work editing the video on my own computer, using all kinds of fancy music and tricks and the like. After about 30 minutes of that, it was all finished

Clemson vs LSU Postgame Breakdown

By: Griffin Jones

On Saturday August 30th, 2025 the number 8 ranked LSU Tigers traveled to Memorial Stadium to take on the number 4 ranked Clemson Tigers in a highly anticipated matchup. There was an unbelievable amount of hype coming into this game as this was the first time the 2 teams faced off since January 13th, 2019 where LSU topped Clemson 42-25 in the National Championship. While the two teams have played formerly, LSU leading 4-1, this was the first game inside of either team’s stadium which are both labeled as “Death Valley”. The high rankings along with the possible revenge lead fans to call this game the battle to be the “Real Death Valley”. 

Coming into the game the spread was Clemson favored by -4.5 as they returned 81% of their offensive talent and 75% of their defensive talent, this combined with a great offseason and a home field advantage led many to believe this was Clemson’s game to win. LSU however returned 65% of offensive production and 59% of defensive production losing much of their offensive line and receiving core. However, using the transfer portal LSU was able to instantly replace their positions of need with equal or similar talent.

Despite both teams returning diverse numbers of talent, they each came into the season labeled to have a top five skilled rosters in the country. All of this skill along with a Heisman hopeful quarterback on each team excited some to the point where they were saying this would be the “Game of the Year”. 

Entering the game LSU players were greeted by 80,000+ Clemson fans who were starving for a big win. A 7:30 kickoff time only fed into the excitement of the roaring fans. Clemson won the coin toss and decided to defer and the game was under way.

The first play from scrimmage LSU’s star sophomore running back Caden Durham shook off a tackle and ran for a gain of  24 yards leaving them just shy of Clemson territory. The Tigers gained 1 more first down getting to the Clemson 40 but after that stalled, leaving out at a 3 & 11. As this was the biggest play of the game at this point the fans were deafening during a huge third down on the first drive. This caused Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to call a timeout due to the screams. The rest of the first half was filled with many unsuccessful with LSU’s offense looking superior throughout. Despite this, Clemson’s lead in the turnover battle along with a strong drive in the second quarter helped them head into the half with a 10-3 lead over LSU.

However, this lead would be short lived as LSU’s dominance of time of possession, Clemson’s inability to establish the run game, and an interception thrown in the second half turned things LSU’s way. As they tied the game 10-10 with a Caden Durham touchdown and took the lead with a 1on1 endzone ball to 6 ‘7 receiver Trey’dez Green. Once LSU claimed the lead they never let it go, despite Clemson’s best effort on their final drive they came up just short of forcing overtime. As Klubnik was pressured into a poor throw on 4th down from LSU’s 15 with just under a minute left. 

I believe that these are two playoff teams who have a lot of potential this year if they reach their full ability. Although Clemson lost, I think Troy will help them get some confidence and hopefully bounce back in the future and figure things out in what seems like a strong ACC this year.