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Expanding Perspectives
A Look into Jackson’s Foreign Language Department
By: Alysson Estes
For some students, the prospect of learning an entirely new language seems like an impossible challenge. For others, it can be a passion. Or, for the majority of foreign language students, it’s for the college credits. However, the advantages and opportunities that come from learning a new language go much further than just reaching the required credits for college.
Jackson High School offers 10 total foreign language classes: French 1-5, Spanish 1-4, and AP Spanish. Most students complete the first 2 levels of a language, but those who continue to learn at the higher levels see more benefits and open up more opportunities as they progress and get involved.
“It provides opportunities for students to learn about cultures outside of our area or region. We learn about a wide variety of places, and it helps students have an open mind and a global viewpoint,” stated Dr. Riggs, the high school’s only French teacher.
In addition to becoming more cultured and improving one’s communication ability, knowing a second language also has career advantages.
The Seal of Biliteracy is a newer program being promoted at Jackson. It is a way to prove that a student is bilingual for college credits or a bonus if they join the military. Even without receiving the official Seal of Biliteracy, learning a language is advantageous.
“I think it's opened up a lot of opportunities, like in the future I'll get a lot more opportunities, in jobs especially, because I know a second language. And I can get to know more people and communicate with more people because I know a second language,” stated Sydney Edwards, a Spanish 4 student.
Due to the way the foreign language programs progress through levels, students who stay in the program for multiple years will likely be with the same group of kids for their time in the classes. This means students get to know their peers well over the years and form closer bonds than in a typical class.
“My favorite part about Spanish is all the people in the class, and getting to talk to everybody compared to a normal class where you just sit there the whole time,” stated Edwards.
The more connected environment is a big reason people continue the class, with French having the additional condition of only having one teacher. French students get to know their teacher well throughout their time in the program.
“My original motivation was so that I could get credit for college, then I really enjoyed learning it because I liked the people in my class, and it was an interesting subject with a great teacher so I kept with it,” stated Anna Ahrens, a French 5 student.
The communication skills acquired in the process of learning an additional language are beneficial beyond the classroom because communication is a foundation of life and can be applied anywhere.
“I would [recommend French] because I think you learn a lot of life skills in a foreign language class, it's not just learning about other places and how to get along with other cultures,” stated Ahrens.
Even for students not planning on going to college or going into a career using a second language, taking a foreign language can be beneficial and a positive experience.
“My advice is to do it as early as you can because the earlier you learn a language the easier it will be for you. And if you don't use it you will lose it, so you always need to keep practicing and trying. And don't be afraid to make mistakes, we all start somewhere,” stated Riggs.
Student Teaching at Jackson High School
By: Nathaniel williams
For some students, the prospect of learning an entirely new language seems like an impossible challenge. For others, it can be a passion. Or, for the majority of foreign language students, it’s for the college credits. However, the advantages and opportunities that come from learning a new language go much further than just reaching the required credits for college.
Jackson High School offers 10 total foreign language classes: French 1-5, Spanish 1-4, and AP Spanish. Most students complete the first 2 levels of a language, but those who continue to learn at the higher levels see more benefits and open up more opportunities as they progress and get involved.
“It provides opportunities for students to learn about cultures outside of our area or region. We learn about a wide variety of places, and it helps students have an open mind and a global viewpoint,” stated Dr. Riggs, the high school’s only French teacher.
In addition to becoming more cultured and improving one’s communication ability, knowing a second language also has career advantages.
The Seal of Biliteracy is a newer program being promoted at Jackson. It is a way to prove that a student is bilingual for college credits or a bonus if they join the military. Even without receiving the official Seal of Biliteracy, learning a language is advantageous.
“I think it's opened up a lot of opportunities, like in the future I'll get a lot more opportunities, in jobs especially, because I know a second language. And I can get to know more people and communicate with more people because I know a second language,” stated Sydney Edwards, a Spanish 4 student.
Due to the way the foreign language programs progress through levels, students who stay in the program for multiple years will likely be with the same group of kids for their time in the classes. This means students get to know their peers well over the years and form closer bonds than in a typical class.
“My favorite part about Spanish is all the people in the class, and getting to talk to everybody compared to a normal class where you just sit there the whole time,” stated Edwards.
The more connected environment is a big reason people continue the class, with French having the additional condition of only having one teacher. French students get to know their teacher well throughout their time in the program.
“My original motivation was so that I could get credit for college, then I really enjoyed learning it because I liked the people in my class, and it was an interesting subject with a great teacher so I kept with it,” stated Anna Ahrens, a French 5 student.
The communication skills acquired in the process of learning an additional language are beneficial beyond the classroom because communication is a foundation of life and can be applied anywhere.
“I would [recommend French] because I think you learn a lot of life skills in a foreign language class, it's not just learning about other places and how to get along with other cultures,” stated Ahrens.
Even for students not planning on going to college or going into a career using a second language, taking a foreign language can be beneficial and a positive experience.
“My advice is to do it as early as you can because the earlier you learn a language the easier it will be for you. And if you don't use it you will lose it, so you always need to keep practicing and trying. And don't be afraid to make mistakes, we all start somewhere,” stated Riggs.
National Honor Society
Working Hard For a Chance of Success
By: Maggie Grunloh
The rushing from AP classroom to AP class, the extracurriculars including club service hours and practices for sports all for a chance to get into the college of your dreams.
Many students strive to be the best they can be just for a chance to be one of the 30 girls and 10 boys in the NHS National Honors Society at Jackson High School. One of the ways NHS helps students is by helping them stay more connected with teachers and making them more involved in their school.
Students work hard to get into the college of their dreams. Look at Princeton to get accepted ideally, one would need a 3.8-4.0 GPA. That is about the same as what you need to get into the NHS.
“It changed my life by opening my eyes to bigger opportunities, it involved me more in my school and taught me how to over-achieve and work for scholarship, success, leadership, and career,” said Mekayla Dunn ‘25.
Some scholarships are important to high school students because it helps them become successful. by going to college and working towards their dream which helps them establish self-worth.
To even be considered for NHS you need many extracurriculars and an outstanding GPA. NHS takes up a lot of time in a student's day taking service hours and keeping almost a perfect GPA. Many students would doubt themselves just because it is human nature
“I wasn’t sure if I was good enough or would have made it in, I had to work hard this year and I wasn’t as involved last year so I doubted I could meet all the requirements by this year,” said Dunn.
One in every three high school students will have self-doubt about their self-esteem or self-worth. There are some ways you can replace these self-deprecation thoughts like listening to pump-up music or just talking to your teachers and loved ones or counselors for help.
Getting into NHS can have its downfalls like not having free time getting home late or even struggling to balance all of your work with tests and keeping track of everything. A high school senior stated. “sometimes it is difficult with cross and all the clubs I joined and work so it is hard to find time to do everything,” said Lydia Golinski (25) hoping to attend a 4-year university after high school and pursue law.
Many people struggle to figure out what they're going to do during high school or where they fit in. NHS is a club in many high schools that honors kids who strive to do their best and be the best for their school.
“My biggest role model is my mother because she is extremely kind, patient, and loving,” said Golinski.
Having a responsible role model is extremely important to keep you on the right track in life. some people look up to famous people including The Rock or Taylor Swift I'm not saying looking up to these types of people is a bad thing but sometimes is important to consult with your role model and ask them where they were at this point in their life and ask them for help.
Writers Who Don't Get Credit
News production writers do not receive an ELA credit
By: Zyke Zyduck
Some student don't enjoy writing that much and just want to get their ELA credits over with. But other people's love for the craft can go unrewarded.
At JHS there is a news production class taught by Ms.
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Melanie Anderson. In this class, students do just as much writing and reading as an English class but are withheld from an ELA credit. And that should be changed.
“We write more in one term than any ELA class,” stated Ms. Anderson. “For example, a typical ELA class will have four formal essays, one each term. In news production, the first semester alone, we wrote a personal profile, two formal features, and two mini-profiles, for a total of five revised pieces for publication.”
Ms. Anderson is a certified ELA teacher and believes the news production class meets the criteria for an ELA or can easily reach them. Students In the class compose different types of articles, study different materials, and peer review other students' work.
“If reading the problem we can easily fix that,” stated Ms. Anderson “We read sample essays from the New York Times and other student's articles.” This doesn't even include research that some students do for the articles they write.
Some students might be misled not expecting the work they will put into this class when signing up because it's not listed as an ELA credit. Some students enjoy writing different types of articles but aren't rewarded with the same credits as someone who writes in a standard ELA class.
“I think news production should very well count as an ELA credit,” stated Baylee Berblinger. Mrs. Berblinger a counselor at JHS shares the same belief as Ms. Anderson. “In the state of Missouri classes have certain certifications to meet to be considered an ELA class, and I believe it is very possible for Mrs. Anderson to reach them,” stated Mrs. Berblinger.
After both interviews and a brief description of the certifications from Mrs. Berblinger, it is clear that news production meets the criteria. Students could benefit from news production because it could provide more options for student to make their schedules, and it would draw more students to the class.
Reality Sets In
Six graduates to-be are bound and determined to get a headstart in life.
By: Talor Sweat
Most seniors want to make the most of their last year of high school. Senior Sunrise. HOCO. Pop Concert. Prom. Senior Sunset. But some want to experience the true reality of life and get an early start.
Seventy-six seniors are destined to graduate early but six of them talk about their dreams and words for the students that remain. Kendall Aguirre talks about going into the military for cybersecurity engineering and how technology has been one of his passions.
Most seniors want to make the most of their last year of high school. Senior Sunrise. HOCO. Pop Concert. Prom. Senior Sunset. But some want to experience the true reality of life and get an early start.
Seventy-six seniors are destined to graduate early but six of them talk about their dreams and words for the students that remain. Kendall Aguirre talks about going into the military for cybersecurity engineering and how technology has been one of his passions.
“To go into a job field that involves cyber security engineering… I have always been big on technology and I have always loved technology and computers. I’m hoping that through my military experience, I can do something along those lines,” Aguirre states.
Now onto the last three people who are destined to become real-life superheroes. Haylie Conner wants to join the labor and delivery field to make sure every person has a healthy baby.
“Mr. Helle’s human anatomy class inspired me to go into med school to become
Aguirre talks about why he chose the military to learn cyber security and beyond his basic passions there always hides a deeper meaning and motivation to a person's actions.
“My biggest motivation was Dr. Lewis has acted more of like a dad at the school for me because he inspired me to do better and push myself. He has always helped me through my hardships throughout my years and helped me keep my spirits up,” Aguirre also adds, “ Dr. Lewis was the person who changed my life by honestly changing my whole thought process on life on how I should better myself and my way of living.”
Aguirre wants to show his gratitude to Dr Lewis by telling him how much he has truly been there for him even though Dr. Lewis himself is fighting for our country.
“Something I would say to Dr. Lewis would be--Thank you for dealing with me even though I was a hassle. You always were there for me and you helped me open my eyes to reality and what I truly want to become in life,” Aguirre states.
For Jocelyn Monroe, graduating means moving on with her family by adding a new member.
“My boyfriend and I are having a baby in April 2024,” Monroe says.
Monroe talks about her baby and how she is excited to move on to the next step in her life with her dreams of becoming a cosmetologist and raising her child with her boyfriend.
“I want to go to the Renaissance beauty academy for my schooling because my mom also does hair and since I was raised around the environment I decided to learn myself so I can provide for my family,” Monroe claims.
Monroe has a deeper meaning to not dropping out of school knowing that being pregnant could stop some of the fun she still perseveres through because her mother is her biggest supporter and inspiration.
“I would have to say my mother is my biggest inspiration because she herself didn’t get to finish high school so I decided to take it upon myself and make her proud--Even though it was tough I always wanted to make her happy and I am sure she will be when she sees me walk the stage,” Monroe exclaims.
Dyllan Moore swoops in with his creativity by expressing his ideals as to how a person should live here life after high school graduation.
“I just want to study the branch of engineering that I find the most interesting and either invent new things or improve on things that are already made,” Moore stated.
Moore further talks about his future by talking about his biggest inspiration-- He reveals them as his mother because she has always been there for him.
“My mom has always raised me to be better and better myself,” Moore continues by saying, “She has always been there for me even if times were tough for us all.”
Moore wants to finish off by giving advice to the students coming into high school and the ones who are already here.
“Start planning out earlier because if you have a certain career you want to go into you will have more time to get into and complete classes that will help you later on down the road,” Moore claims.
become someone who people can rely on. I honestly like helping people so that is another factor that drove my passion,” Conner says.
Conner is also driven by her mother who like Moore’s mother pushes her beyond her limits to become a greater person and better herself for her future.
“My mom is my role model, she has always been a hard worker, and seeing her made me want to push myself not quite to mimic her but to be as hard-working as her. She has always just been there for me no matter what,” Conner stated.
Conner comes to a close with her daily motivation and it's what you would honestly expect from a high school student ready to prepare for their dreams.
“I honestly kept reminding myself of getting that diploma when I graduate high school and now that it's within my grasp it's relieving but also scary because I still have some education to conquer,” Conner claimed.
For Jeffery Jump the EMT field is what drives him to become more of a superhero each growing day.
“My dad was the first person who mentioned me joining the medical field and I found the field very interesting because I really do enjoy helping people even if I don’t personally know them,”
Jump talks about his inspiration and all of his biggest inspirations are all people in his family he sees on a day-to-day basis.
“I would have to say my mom is my inspiration because she went back to school and recently just finished college with flying colors. Her finished college with kids opened my eyes to persevere and finish high school with amazing grades,” Jump says.
Jump comes to a conclusion talking about what he would change about his early self and why it would have helped him a lot more.
“I honestly was way too shy in my eighth grade year since I moved here from Decatur, Illinois. I felt really lonely but once I hit high school people started to notice me more and I met some great people who I’m glad to call friends,” Jump stated.
Daisy McClanahan strives for freedom and expresses it through her dreams of becoming a travel nurse.
“My full goal is to go to CTC then from there be able to go into Semo get my RN bachelor's degree to become a travel nurse mostly in the United States but if needed outside of the country,” McClanahan says.
McClanahan hoped that 10 years from now she is going to be out of school and married with her dream cars.
“I hope me and my boyfriend at the time figure out our relationship and get married. After that I hope to own a GT3, a Scat pack, and an older modeled countach,” McClanahan stated.
McClanahan talks about a fellow student who really changed her life and drove her to be the best version of herself she possibly could.
“Haylie Conner is always pushing herself to be the best she can be. Being her friend and seeing her try her hardest really makes me want to improve and step up my game in every aspect of my life,” McClanahan claimed.