The Knee that Changed America
What Reagan thinks about Colin Kaepernick and the Nike Campaign
Written By Rebeca Acosta
On September 1st of 2016, Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the National Anthem to protest racial injustice of police brutality on African-Americans. Immediately, the nation outbursts with support and fury from both sides and ever since that knee hit the ground, the face of football evolved.
Colin Kaepernick renewed his contract with Nike to be one of the faces for the 30th anniversary “Just Do It” campaign. Nike released an ad on September 5th with Kaepernick as an overvoice and later he presented himself.
Colin Kaepernick renewed his contract with Nike to be one of the faces for the 30th anniversary “Just Do It” campaign. Nike released an ad on September 5th with Kaepernick as an overvoice and later he presented himself.
The impact that Kaepernick's actions had on the nation was tremendously universal. As a result, the National Football league was influenced and the Reagan students and staff were affected.
Students and staff have shared their opinions about Kaepernick's actions and the Nike campaign from having been informed.
Audre Young-Huggins, Wiam Elkhalifa and Kenneth Chu shares that they would kneel alongside Kaepernick during the National Anthem to protest racial injustice if they were a football player or any other athlete.
Audre Young-Huggins is a freshman that attends Reagan and is a swimmer in the girls team. She “definitely” would kneel along with Kaepernick.
Students and staff have shared their opinions about Kaepernick's actions and the Nike campaign from having been informed.
Audre Young-Huggins, Wiam Elkhalifa and Kenneth Chu shares that they would kneel alongside Kaepernick during the National Anthem to protest racial injustice if they were a football player or any other athlete.
Audre Young-Huggins is a freshman that attends Reagan and is a swimmer in the girls team. She “definitely” would kneel along with Kaepernick.
Wiam Elkhalifa, a sophomore and Kenneth Chu, a 9th grade citizenship teacher agrees with Huggins that they would take a knee.
The other side to taking a knee is conveyed by Benjamin Michael, a senior at Reagan who believes that kneeling during the National Anthem to protest racial injustice isn’t worth the career.
Jessica Overland, an english teacher at Reagan describes Kaepernick's actions influenced her to take a stand for what she “believed in” and she believed the message that he is fighting for is acceptable “as long as they’re not hurting anybody.”
The other side to taking a knee is conveyed by Benjamin Michael, a senior at Reagan who believes that kneeling during the National Anthem to protest racial injustice isn’t worth the career.
Jessica Overland, an english teacher at Reagan describes Kaepernick's actions influenced her to take a stand for what she “believed in” and she believed the message that he is fighting for is acceptable “as long as they’re not hurting anybody.”
Football players kneeling during the National Anthem is persistent in the opinions of Mr. Chu, Ms. Overland, Huggins, Ms.Mosby, and Elkhalifa. Ms. Overland says that “people have the right to peacefully protest in this country” and it relates to what Huggins said that it is practicing Freedom of Speech. Ms.Mosby adds that “if it’s a sign of camaraderie and it stands for something”, kneeling during the national anthem is acceptable.
The football industry is economically primary to other leagues. Americans admire football. Athletes in other leagues were to kneel, would it cause resignation of the player? Ms. Mosby describes that it “depends on who’s doing the kneeling” as opposed to Ms. Overland who believes the “audience of the sport” is what factors in. Michael gives an example of a sport and says that “basketball is accepting” of protest.
The football industry is economically primary to other leagues. Americans admire football. Athletes in other leagues were to kneel, would it cause resignation of the player? Ms. Mosby describes that it “depends on who’s doing the kneeling” as opposed to Ms. Overland who believes the “audience of the sport” is what factors in. Michael gives an example of a sport and says that “basketball is accepting” of protest.
The Nike campaign is “creating conversation,” says Audre and that is true. Angry critics have been burning up their Nike clothes. But the economic growth since the release of the ad is drastic. The ad adds a face to social injustice. This connection is what leads to controversial topics being advertised.
Mosby suggests that the Nike ad is significant because it can “evoke more change than one individual”. Putting Kaepernick’s face to the ad makes the campaign bigger than himself, he’s fighting for something greater than himself. Audre also points out that marketing plays a role in the ad and Ms. Overland concludes by stating that consequences will happen.
Other athletes like Serena Williams and Lebron James played a part in the Ad to protest controversies demonstrated during the National anthem. Ben mentions that Kevin Durant, a basketball player for the Golden State Warriors, “has been in a controversy before” suggesting similarity in athletes by their activism.
Mosby suggests that the Nike ad is significant because it can “evoke more change than one individual”. Putting Kaepernick’s face to the ad makes the campaign bigger than himself, he’s fighting for something greater than himself. Audre also points out that marketing plays a role in the ad and Ms. Overland concludes by stating that consequences will happen.
Other athletes like Serena Williams and Lebron James played a part in the Ad to protest controversies demonstrated during the National anthem. Ben mentions that Kevin Durant, a basketball player for the Golden State Warriors, “has been in a controversy before” suggesting similarity in athletes by their activism.
Trump tweeted: “Just like the NFL, whose ratings have gone way down, Nike is getting absolutely killed with anger and boycotts.” Audre states that she thinks people who are doing these things “probably feel like their targeted.”
Angry critics have been burning up their Nike clothing and accessories because the choice that Nike made to release the ad but they never mentions kneeling. Critics just put a face to the issue. Freedom of speech, equality, and disrespect is demonstrated by critics protesting their opinions just like Kaepernick’s did when kneeling.
The Nike campaign is just a little of what can be done to protest racial injustice. Mr. Chu said that “more can be done” to fight for social injustice.
Kaepernick’s actions and the Nike campaign is not enough to protest social injustice but the Reagan community can make its footprint on the world because like Huggins said, “one ad can’t solve the problems.”
Angry critics have been burning up their Nike clothing and accessories because the choice that Nike made to release the ad but they never mentions kneeling. Critics just put a face to the issue. Freedom of speech, equality, and disrespect is demonstrated by critics protesting their opinions just like Kaepernick’s did when kneeling.
The Nike campaign is just a little of what can be done to protest racial injustice. Mr. Chu said that “more can be done” to fight for social injustice.
Kaepernick’s actions and the Nike campaign is not enough to protest social injustice but the Reagan community can make its footprint on the world because like Huggins said, “one ad can’t solve the problems.”
What Are The 2018 Fall One Acts?
Written By Abdullah Al-Bassam
The Fall One Acts are an annual tradition at Reagan, and this year was better than ever. The three-act performance were a hit to both teenagers and adults alike. There were three brand new acts featuring common problems with successful solutions. These performances were written by the Reagan’s IB junior theater students. Additionally, there were some senior collaborative projects to go along with it. The Fall One Acts happened on October 5th from 7:00 to 8:00pm and the 6th at 2:00pm to 3:00pm. Each performance was 20 to 25 minutes long.
This performance has been an annual event for seven years. The plays that were performed are all written by students. They had to write a 20 to 30-page play. Once they finished their pieces, Ms. Baker, Mr. Onorato and (sometimes) Mr. Puddicombe read the scripts and choose three to be featured.
This performance has been an annual event for seven years. The plays that were performed are all written by students. They had to write a 20 to 30-page play. Once they finished their pieces, Ms. Baker, Mr. Onorato and (sometimes) Mr. Puddicombe read the scripts and choose three to be featured.
Featuring Jazmin Reyes and Magdalyn Rowley-Large from "Is It Now or Has It Ever Been"
(left to right)
One of the performances that was featured was called “Is It Now or Has it Ever Been?”. This story focuses on a teenage girl in high school who is very concerned on the scarcity of the LGBT books at the library. She wants to try to get more students aware about this culture by requesting for new books.
The writer for this playwright is Ava Gessner, a sophomore. She was inspired to write this piece because most of the romance stories she read focused on straight couples, and decided to create an LGBT story instead. It took her a few weeks to complete the story at the time. Her favorite character in the story is Evelyn, since she feels like she could relate to her the most.
Another performance was a Halloween-themed piece, making it fit the theme of autumn. This play is called “Trick and Treat”. This one is about a group of teenagers who have a younger brother that they don’t really like. Conflict ensues when they are trying to come up with a vicious plan to play a prank on him on Halloween night. However, they failed to do so.
The last act is called “Going Down”. This performance is about a couple who meets a strange neighbor and their everyday life experience with her.
The cast of the Fall One Acts practiced their roles in each play two to three days weekly. In order for them to be cast in one of the three plays, they had to prepare for auditions starting at the second week of school. Some of the people who have been cast may not have had acting experience before and this would be their time to shine. Mrs. Baker-Jackson is the director who is the head of casting the students. What she loves most about directing is how the cast members can really come to life on stage.
The writer for this playwright is Ava Gessner, a sophomore. She was inspired to write this piece because most of the romance stories she read focused on straight couples, and decided to create an LGBT story instead. It took her a few weeks to complete the story at the time. Her favorite character in the story is Evelyn, since she feels like she could relate to her the most.
Another performance was a Halloween-themed piece, making it fit the theme of autumn. This play is called “Trick and Treat”. This one is about a group of teenagers who have a younger brother that they don’t really like. Conflict ensues when they are trying to come up with a vicious plan to play a prank on him on Halloween night. However, they failed to do so.
The last act is called “Going Down”. This performance is about a couple who meets a strange neighbor and their everyday life experience with her.
The cast of the Fall One Acts practiced their roles in each play two to three days weekly. In order for them to be cast in one of the three plays, they had to prepare for auditions starting at the second week of school. Some of the people who have been cast may not have had acting experience before and this would be their time to shine. Mrs. Baker-Jackson is the director who is the head of casting the students. What she loves most about directing is how the cast members can really come to life on stage.
Official Cast For The Fall One Acts
Trick and Treat
Mikayla: Ava Gessner
Morgan: Katie Gillingham
Todd: Alek Timmerman
Going Down
Becca: Lauren O’Hear
Mark: Regis Brown
Lola: Celeste Dickson
Is It Now or Has It Ever Been?
Evelyn: Magdalyn Rowley-Lange
Skylar: Jazmin Reyes
Harley: Rihana Zalani
Trick and Treat
Mikayla: Ava Gessner
Morgan: Katie Gillingham
Todd: Alek Timmerman
Going Down
Becca: Lauren O’Hear
Mark: Regis Brown
Lola: Celeste Dickson
Is It Now or Has It Ever Been?
Evelyn: Magdalyn Rowley-Lange
Skylar: Jazmin Reyes
Harley: Rihana Zalani
Wear the hair, love the locks!
Different hairstyles worn by Reagan students every day
Written By Sefarina Benavides
The hair on one’s head can say a lot about their personality. Some people choose hairstyles that match their lifestyle. For example, someone wearing a tightly slicked top bun could very likely be a ballerina or figure skater. A person with brightly colored hair and fun cuts may be a little more adventurous. People cut their hair short, they leave it long, curl it at night, straighten it in the morning, dye it over the weekend or shave it during the summer.
Many iconic men and women in our culture are recognized for their hair. Think of Lady Godiva and her horse ride through town to protest her husband’s tax laws, covered with nothing but her beautiful long locks. Russell Brand is another great example of today’s recognition of hair, this English-American comedian and actor can be spotted at any angle with one glance of his brilliant rich brown waves.
You look around these halls every day. You see your classmates and peers walking alongside you, and what do you notice about them? Do you notice the books they hold, the outfit they have on, or even how fast they’re walking? Well, next time you’re stuck behind those slow walkers, for what seems like an eternity, try and make a note of how many hair styles you see around you. It’s guaranteed you’ll be surprised by how many different ways there are to wear your hair.
The question is, what do people think of their own hairstyles? Do they pride themselves on changing it up every day, or do they pay little attention to how it looks?
Rachael Biernat, a 10th grade student, said that her hair is a lot of work, and that the effort she puts forth to keep it is “insane.” Her thick blonde hair gets lots of attention from different people. She frequently gets asked if her natural highlights are real or dyed. This doesn't seem to bother her too deeply, but she still wishes people would have faith in her natural beauty.
According to Biernat, her hairstyle is mainly based on the idea that keeping it in its natural form is easiest. She trims her hair to keep up with it, but other than that she lets it do as it pleases. Her biggest influence regarding her hair is her sister, who would help her with any issues she was having growing up because they had the exact same texture and thickness of hair.
Biernat noticed that brown hair seems to be the dominator here in Reagan and clings her to hair with a certain emotional attachment. Though she's willing to change things up sometimes, like buzzing off the underside of her hair, she prefers to stick with what she knows and embrace the natural flow of her blonde waves.
Nowadays people of all ages are dyeing their hair extraordinary colors. Paige Schmidtke, a freshman, dyed her hair bright purple to start off her high school career. She gets comments on her hair being bright and colorful frequently, and this was all due to her need for change. Changing up her look was a big transformation and shift in her life; she originally rocks natural dirty blonde waves. She styles her hair up everyday, sometimes wearing it down, a nice ponytail, or in a tight top bun.
Her biggest influence for adventuring with her hair styles is her aunt, who is a professional hairstylist. Schmidtke stated that her entire life she's been proud of her hair, that she never really felt “pretty” unless her hair was perfect. Schmidtke said, “My hair was the only pretty thing about me.”
Red hair is a recessive genetic trait that is caused by a series of genetic mutations. Neil Bausch is a tenth grader with long, curly red hair.
He said that because of his reddish-orange hair, it can sometimes be difficult to coordinate outfits that don’t make him look like holiday decorations. Bausch often jokingly gets told, “Hey, did you know your hair is red?” rather than legitimate comments or compliments. He claims that he never chooses to style his, and just lets it do as it pleases. Bauch stated that constantly changing his hairstyle is “tedious and boring.”
He got his natural orange locks from his parents, both of whom have mutated chromosomes that were passed down to him and his sister. He has determined that he will not come close to dying his hair, and will try to avoid cutting it at all costs. Bausch has noticed the dominating hairstyle here at Reagan is dark, very long, and straight.
Some students choose to pride themselves with their hairstyles. Other are comfortable with exactly how their hair decides to fall when they wake up in the morning. This is the case for a brown-haired freshman actor, Nial Carr. His hair never affects his daily life. The most adventurous he chooses to be with his hair is keeping up with his trimmings, then growing it out repeatedly. Carr’s hair is one-hundred percent natural and he wants to keep it that way.
Tiaras are beautiful accessories to add to any hairstyle. Well, for this Reagan student, her name says it all. Tierra Chontal has naturally wavy brown locks that compliment her perfectly. Her natural hair is so healthy and vibrant that she needs no touch up. She often gets told how soft it is.
She styles it regularly, about four times a week, and loves the change. Chontal chooses not to change it too drastically, but if she were going to, she would want to dye it blue. She’s inspired by her grandmother, who has been doing her hair since she was little.
It is clear to understand now how many different hairstyles are present within the students of Ronald Reagan, and how it affects their daily lives. People have many different interpretations on the dominating hairstyles. Everyone’s style is different and tailored to them personally.
Many iconic men and women in our culture are recognized for their hair. Think of Lady Godiva and her horse ride through town to protest her husband’s tax laws, covered with nothing but her beautiful long locks. Russell Brand is another great example of today’s recognition of hair, this English-American comedian and actor can be spotted at any angle with one glance of his brilliant rich brown waves.
You look around these halls every day. You see your classmates and peers walking alongside you, and what do you notice about them? Do you notice the books they hold, the outfit they have on, or even how fast they’re walking? Well, next time you’re stuck behind those slow walkers, for what seems like an eternity, try and make a note of how many hair styles you see around you. It’s guaranteed you’ll be surprised by how many different ways there are to wear your hair.
The question is, what do people think of their own hairstyles? Do they pride themselves on changing it up every day, or do they pay little attention to how it looks?
Rachael Biernat, a 10th grade student, said that her hair is a lot of work, and that the effort she puts forth to keep it is “insane.” Her thick blonde hair gets lots of attention from different people. She frequently gets asked if her natural highlights are real or dyed. This doesn't seem to bother her too deeply, but she still wishes people would have faith in her natural beauty.
According to Biernat, her hairstyle is mainly based on the idea that keeping it in its natural form is easiest. She trims her hair to keep up with it, but other than that she lets it do as it pleases. Her biggest influence regarding her hair is her sister, who would help her with any issues she was having growing up because they had the exact same texture and thickness of hair.
Biernat noticed that brown hair seems to be the dominator here in Reagan and clings her to hair with a certain emotional attachment. Though she's willing to change things up sometimes, like buzzing off the underside of her hair, she prefers to stick with what she knows and embrace the natural flow of her blonde waves.
Nowadays people of all ages are dyeing their hair extraordinary colors. Paige Schmidtke, a freshman, dyed her hair bright purple to start off her high school career. She gets comments on her hair being bright and colorful frequently, and this was all due to her need for change. Changing up her look was a big transformation and shift in her life; she originally rocks natural dirty blonde waves. She styles her hair up everyday, sometimes wearing it down, a nice ponytail, or in a tight top bun.
Her biggest influence for adventuring with her hair styles is her aunt, who is a professional hairstylist. Schmidtke stated that her entire life she's been proud of her hair, that she never really felt “pretty” unless her hair was perfect. Schmidtke said, “My hair was the only pretty thing about me.”
Red hair is a recessive genetic trait that is caused by a series of genetic mutations. Neil Bausch is a tenth grader with long, curly red hair.
He said that because of his reddish-orange hair, it can sometimes be difficult to coordinate outfits that don’t make him look like holiday decorations. Bausch often jokingly gets told, “Hey, did you know your hair is red?” rather than legitimate comments or compliments. He claims that he never chooses to style his, and just lets it do as it pleases. Bauch stated that constantly changing his hairstyle is “tedious and boring.”
He got his natural orange locks from his parents, both of whom have mutated chromosomes that were passed down to him and his sister. He has determined that he will not come close to dying his hair, and will try to avoid cutting it at all costs. Bausch has noticed the dominating hairstyle here at Reagan is dark, very long, and straight.
Some students choose to pride themselves with their hairstyles. Other are comfortable with exactly how their hair decides to fall when they wake up in the morning. This is the case for a brown-haired freshman actor, Nial Carr. His hair never affects his daily life. The most adventurous he chooses to be with his hair is keeping up with his trimmings, then growing it out repeatedly. Carr’s hair is one-hundred percent natural and he wants to keep it that way.
Tiaras are beautiful accessories to add to any hairstyle. Well, for this Reagan student, her name says it all. Tierra Chontal has naturally wavy brown locks that compliment her perfectly. Her natural hair is so healthy and vibrant that she needs no touch up. She often gets told how soft it is.
She styles it regularly, about four times a week, and loves the change. Chontal chooses not to change it too drastically, but if she were going to, she would want to dye it blue. She’s inspired by her grandmother, who has been doing her hair since she was little.
It is clear to understand now how many different hairstyles are present within the students of Ronald Reagan, and how it affects their daily lives. People have many different interpretations on the dominating hairstyles. Everyone’s style is different and tailored to them personally.
Mark Your Calendars for Next Year’s ‘Doors Open Milwaukee’
Written By Richard Zarling
Have you ever wondered what it is like to be on top of the Northwest Mutual Tower, or inside exclusive buildings? Well thanks to the Doors Open event here in Milwaukee, you can. This event spanned two days starting on September 22 and ending on the 23. During those days over 170 different sites open up to the public.
The buildings opened up were all over, but quite a few are in the downtown Milwaukee area. The Northwest Mutual Tower, the Federal Courthouse, and the Pfister Hotel and Tower are all within walking distance of each other.
The experience has to be as good as the number of attendees is massive. Buildings and streets were full of people walking around going in and out of places with the Doors Open signs. Parking spots were hard to come by, but seem to be well worth it. Overall Doors Open is a very popular event and is completely free for you to participate in. This is something you definitely want to write down for next year.
These are some of the places featured in the Doors Open Milwaukee tour…
The buildings opened up were all over, but quite a few are in the downtown Milwaukee area. The Northwest Mutual Tower, the Federal Courthouse, and the Pfister Hotel and Tower are all within walking distance of each other.
The experience has to be as good as the number of attendees is massive. Buildings and streets were full of people walking around going in and out of places with the Doors Open signs. Parking spots were hard to come by, but seem to be well worth it. Overall Doors Open is a very popular event and is completely free for you to participate in. This is something you definitely want to write down for next year.
These are some of the places featured in the Doors Open Milwaukee tour…
China Lights: Panda Mania
Written By Lisa Kvien
Do you enjoy lights, cool entertainment, and learning about culture? The “China Lights: Panda Mania” festival might be the stop for you. It is open Tuesday through Sunday at Boerner Botanical Gardens until October 21.
This festival is packed with cool and fun displays that are guided by lighted lanterns. Jasmin Baez Arenas says, “The pathway is really confusing and most of the time you don’t know where you’re going.” She has been there three times now, but still enjoys it a lot.
The lantern displays are in very bright colors and in different shapes, such as animals. A very popular display is the Panda Wall. “The giant dragon in the center is my favorite part,” says Symone Grob Polewski. The China Lights have featured 45 new lantern displays this year, which are all handmade.
The event also features information on Asian culture. “They have a section where you walk through it and it’s about Chinese astrology and it shows the Chinese horoscopes. It’s really cool and my favorite part,” Baez Arenas says. All of the lantern displays have a little sign explaining a little bit about how that lantern is significant to the Asian culture, while also allowing kids too play on light up circle swings and little pads that light up when you step on them.
Live performances are also a big part of the event. Those on stage have the opportunity to do martial arts, play instruments, and show their skills in being a contortionist. Every night at 6:15, they have an “Illumination Parade.” People also have the opportunity to buy souvenirs, like jewelry and clothes and watch artisans create traditional Chinese crafts.
The “China Lights: Panda Mainia” festival also has a lot of food choices. The main food choice that is available are Asian foods, such as sweet and sour chicken. Baez Arenas states “I would highly recommend going, it's a really pretty place and the food is good.”
This festival is a very cultural and people can learn a lot about the Asian culture, while also having a nice time at a festival with family and friends.
This festival is packed with cool and fun displays that are guided by lighted lanterns. Jasmin Baez Arenas says, “The pathway is really confusing and most of the time you don’t know where you’re going.” She has been there three times now, but still enjoys it a lot.
The lantern displays are in very bright colors and in different shapes, such as animals. A very popular display is the Panda Wall. “The giant dragon in the center is my favorite part,” says Symone Grob Polewski. The China Lights have featured 45 new lantern displays this year, which are all handmade.
The event also features information on Asian culture. “They have a section where you walk through it and it’s about Chinese astrology and it shows the Chinese horoscopes. It’s really cool and my favorite part,” Baez Arenas says. All of the lantern displays have a little sign explaining a little bit about how that lantern is significant to the Asian culture, while also allowing kids too play on light up circle swings and little pads that light up when you step on them.
Live performances are also a big part of the event. Those on stage have the opportunity to do martial arts, play instruments, and show their skills in being a contortionist. Every night at 6:15, they have an “Illumination Parade.” People also have the opportunity to buy souvenirs, like jewelry and clothes and watch artisans create traditional Chinese crafts.
The “China Lights: Panda Mainia” festival also has a lot of food choices. The main food choice that is available are Asian foods, such as sweet and sour chicken. Baez Arenas states “I would highly recommend going, it's a really pretty place and the food is good.”
This festival is a very cultural and people can learn a lot about the Asian culture, while also having a nice time at a festival with family and friends.