Isabella McAllister, Newspaper Editor-In-Chief

Walk with your keys in your hand, “text me when you get home,” carry pepper spray, and learn how to defend yourself.  Recently women’s rights have been trending on social media. It was sparked by the kidnapping and murder of a woman in London. We live in 2021, where women are still fighting for basic human rights, equality, and justice. Women’s rights matter.  Growing up I have always been told to make sure I dress a certain way, always carry my keys between my knuckles as I walk, and always lock the doors as soon as I get into the car. Being young and naive, I followed these rules, but I never thought much into why I was told to do this. As we live in a time where there are so many advancements and achievements, there is still a gender wage gap, court cases are swept under the rug and closed, and celebrities are allowed to say or do what they want with often no punishment. We are still looked down on when we want to be on birth control, have abortions, or choose our...

Maxie Eller, Newspaper Managing-Editor

I was an only child for two years before my parents decided that I was not enough for them. I like to say that the time period from birth to age two and a half were the best years of my life, but that would be a lie. I have three younger siblings now and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Having siblings is the best experience in the world. It’s like having a built-in best friend that is stuck with you for your entire life. Having siblings makes life that much better.  Sometimes I have tried to imagine what it might be like to be an only child. I think that it would be lonely. There wouldn’t be anyone to have lightsaber battles with or to beat at board games. No one would be there to share conspiratorial looks and inside jokes with. True, you might have more free time and fewer people bothering you, but you would miss out on so much.  One of the major benefits of having a sibling is always knowing that there’s someone in your corner. I have noticed even more now that I’m...

James Hoekstra, Writer

Many less intelligent people can be found wearing Reagon apparel, especially in my generation, the generation that never had to suffer his rule. It’s the one time I agree with notions that Gen Z as a whole is somehow inferior or dumber than previous generations. Let’s start with his domestic policy. People thought Trump responded badly to a virus, but he’s got nothing on Reagan. During the AIDs epidemic, Reagon completely ignored the hundreds of thousands of people who died, addressing the disease only once, during his second term, when he proposed slashing funds for research. If his homophobia wasn’t bad enough, let’s talk about his racism. He continued the Nixon administration's war on drugs, which was designed to arrest mass numbers of anti-war hippies and Black people. He once called delegates from Tanzania “monkeys uncomfortable wearing shoes,” and if that’s not the most bigoted thing, I don’t know what is. One point the Reagan fandom claims is that he was...

Julia Alley, Newspaper Managing-Editor

April 15, 2021

Safety concerns regarding the Johnson and Johnson vaccine have been brought to the forefront as new information comes to light. Even prior to the COVID-19 vaccine’s completion, there were already questions regarding the side effects that may occur and now they seem to be revamped. On Tuesday, April 13th, the administration of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine was halted due to six instances of blood clots found in women who received it. It is unclear if the vaccine is the direct cause of these blood clots, as the investigation is currently being conducted by the CDC. The vaccine will remain on hold for seven to 10 days while a panel of scientists investigates the side effects. “I am getting the Pfizer but I would get the Johnson and Johnson if I could because it's faster and I don't really care if my blood clots,” Marco Villarreal (11) said. On the other hand, some Heritage students are apprehensive about whether the vaccine is safe enough for administration at this time. “I...

Lily Johnson, Writer

March 24, 2021

After social media was introduced in 1997, society started incorporating it into everyday life more and more each year. Social media became more industrialized, faster, and bigger, taking over the generations that are alive today. Along with that, cancel culture has been born and is quite prominent. Cancel culture is usually where a politician or celebrity ends up losing their career or high reputation due to rumors, mention of past actions made by them, or something they said on live TV or social media.  Recently, cancel culture has become a standard way of exposing well-known celebrities and politicians. In 2020, a case of cancel culture took place in Midlothian, and it became very controversial. This culture spreads fast and easily, with the help of social media platforms. Cancel culture is most commonly performed by Generation Z and partially the millennial generation. It’s affecting many people in different ways.  “Cancel culture is people calling other people out and...

Isabella McAllister, Newspaper Editor-In-Chief

March 11, 2021

As a kid, you only dream of growing up and going to college, especially when you play sports. From starting as a little kid to stepping onto a real field, you know this is your dream. But now, college football isn’t just a dream, it is a reality.  On Feb. 24, Haydon Wiginton signed to play football at Oklahoma State University. Haydon has been involved in football since he was little and college football was the ultimate goal. He hadn’t heard from many colleges until a few months ago and was thrilled to be able to commit to a school.  “I've played football since I was capable of running, but I didn’t put on pads until sixth grade, “ Haydon Wigington said. “It’s been my life since birth though, and I’ve put countless hours outside of athletics to prepare for college ball.”  Haydon has played football all of his life and has spent much time and effort preparing for his future. “I could not be more proud of Haydon,” Coach Lee Wiginton, parent and coach...