Myers Park Hoofprint

The Myers Park High School Newspaper

Finley Holzman

Controversial Carbon Emissions

By

Photo contributed by Creative Commons

Taylor Swift stands as one of the most prominent figures in pop culture, captivating millions of fans with her music. However, in addition to the attention regarding her chart-topping songs and recent tours, debates arise involving her carbon footprint, particularly regarding the use of her private jet. For years, private jets have aided celebrities in convenience and luxury as they are constantly touring across the world. But at what cost? According to BBC News, Swift allegedly produced 138 tons of carbon dioxide in three months. Leah Thomas, who studies the relationship between environmentalism and privilege, says, “Swift’s carbon emissions are extreme and are polluting the atmosphere.” Swift’s carbon heavy lifestyle was initially brought to life by Jack Sweeney, a university student from Florida who tracks the private jet usage of celebrities. Much of her air travel coincided with football games, to the support of the Chiefs. Swift, known for her packed touring schedules and global appearances, is a leading contender for relying on private transportation to travel between events. 

The scrutiny she received following the 2024 Super Bowl is not the first time Swift’s carbon footprint has gathered the public’s attention. Her frequent private flights caused Yard, a UK marketing agency, to claim she was the “#1 celebrity CO2 polluter in 2022, with emissions claimed to be 1,100 times the amount of the average person,” according to BBC News. That being said, air travel, in general, is a major contributor to carbon emissions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, aviation accounts for 8% of carbon-related emissions in the United States. In addition, private jets emit significantly more per person- at least ten times more compared to a commercial airline. Amidst criticism, Swift purchased double the required carbon credits to offset emissions from her record-breaking tour. If executed well, Swift’s approach could act as a global example to catalyze efforts to improve carbon removal technologies. 

Despite the speculation and backlash she is receiving, it’s important to recognize that it’s not solely individuals who are responsible for climate change but large corporations and governments; the issue extends far beyond her personal choices. A recent report by The Guardian found that 100 companies are responsible for 71% of the emissions produced globally since 1988. These companies and the governments that allow them to emit such large quantities are those who significantly contribute to climate change. The structure of the entertainment industry, with its demands for global tours and high-profile events, contributes to environmental degradation. Swift, like many other renowned celebrities, operates within this system, feeding into the inevitable usage of the luxury of private jets for quick transportation. However, Swift’s environmental efforts should not be overlooked. Over the years, she has used her platform to advocate for various environmental causes.

In order to mitigate the increasing effects of climate change, it is important to take into account these large governments rather than focus on individual emissions. Taylor Swift, in this case, with her recent carbon emission controversy, can spark change regarding carbon emissions globally. While her use of a private jet may seem contradictory, it’s important to recognize that individuals can act as supporters of environmental causes while still struggling with personal carbon footprints. 

Ultimately, the discussion surrounding Taylor Swift’s private jet usage represents larger debates regarding celebrity responsibility and environmental stewardship. While it’s crucial to hold public figures accountable for their environmental actions, it’s also crucial to acknowledge the systemic issues present and work towards solutions. By raising awareness, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting initiatives that aid in reducing climate change, celebrities like Taylor Swift can use their influence to help promote a more sustainable future.

Clothes 4 Change

By

Do you want to be a part of a club at Myers Park that empowers women to create positive change in their communities? Do you want an opportunity to meet incredible people and make new friends? Then Clothes for Change is the club for you! Clothes for Change is a non-profit organization that works to empower women and young girls through fashion-related fundraisers. Their annual clothing sale is their biggest fundraiser of the year, which takes place in December. In preparation, starting months prior, the club members begin collecting gently-used clothing and have various sorting events to get them organized and priced right for the sale. They also plan to revive their bi-annual gala this year, which, due to Covid-19 and funding issues in the past years, they haven’t been able to put on. Emily Catherine Brietz, the club’s previous social media manager and now upcoming president of Clothes for Change, believes “it will make a great comeback this year and include wonderful speakers, performers, and a silent auction.” 

A lot of work goes on behind the scenes of this big clothing sale in December. The club typically starts collecting gently used or new clothing that is no longer wanted around the middle of October. St. John’s Episcopal Church has graciously opened its doors to the club for them to store and sort all of the clothing items. They then have bi-weekly meetings to sort the clothes into various categories, such as shirts, jeans, jackets, etc. Later, on a Friday in early December, the members move all of the racks of clothing from the church into the Cornwell Center to set up for the sale the next day! Most of the club’s funds come from this event, and Brietz notes, “It’s wonderful to be able to fight against fast fashion by giving unwanted clothing to a new home.”

While there is no specific organization that the club partners with, they give out one to two scholarships to Myers Park students to attend local colleges such as CPCC and UNCC at the end of the year. They send out applications and conduct interviews before awarding a scholarship to a young woman who the members believe will use her education to make a positive impact on her community.

Brietz joined Clothes for Change during her sophomore year at Myers Park. She recalls, “I had always heard the CFC promoted the community within its members, so I wanted to check it out. Through jamming out at clothing sortings with other members and trying to set up the clothing sale late the night before, I’ve become really close with other CFC members and have made great friends in the process.” This past year as social media manager, Brietz created the Instagram posts, sent out the Remind messages, etc. In terms of her upcoming role as president, she says, “I’m super excited to have the opportunity to be president in the 2023-2024 school year. I love my leadership team and their dedication to the club; they are wonderful to work with and the reason CFC is able to accomplish so much!” 

With that being said, they would love to welcome new members for the upcoming school year! Look out for their booth at Club Rodeo in the fall, and until then, you can follow their Instagram @mpclothes4change. “We like to think our events are pretty fun, but even more, CFC gives you the opportunity to create a community and bond with other students you may have never interacted with before, ” says Brietz. “Being part of CFC gives you plenty of opportunities to give back to the environment through our clothing sale and to women in our community through scholarships.” And, as the club members like to say, “CFC4Life!”

Standing in Unity

By

The U.S. and Canadian Women’s National Soccer Team’s players have come together to stand up for gender equality and transgender rights. Literally. On February 16th, before the opening of the SheBelieves Cup match, the United States and Canada’s women’s players stood in solidarity at Orlando’s Exploria Stadium. Players from both teams wore purple tape on one wrist to represent gender equality, and on the other, white tape read “Defend Trans Joy.” This display of gender equality is rooted in the Canadian players’ ongoing battle with their federation, Canadian Soccer Association, for equal treatment with men. More specifically, the appearance of the transgender message was in response to the recently passed anti-transgender legislation in Florida. Last year, the state passed a so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill prohibiting classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten to third grade. This hits particularly close to home for the Canadian players as Quinn, a midfielder, identifies as transgender and non-binary. Numerous players on the Canadian team have also spoken out in support of transgender rights, especially in response to this recent legislation. 

Canadian players say they’re playing in the SheBelieves Cup, which is an invitational women’s soccer tournament held in the U.S. in protest after a previous strike prior to legal measures being taken with the CSA.  Part of the Cup’s initiative is “to inspire and empower women and girls in sports and beyond,” says the U.S. Soccer website. This February marked the 8th edition of the Cup, consisting of Japan, Brazil, Canada, and the U.S. in three venues, Orlando, FL, Nashville, TN, and Frisco, TX. 

Before the kickoff match, the players issued a statement saying they “will continue to wear purple until our association has standards in place that ensure equal treatment and opportunity,” according to CNN. Additionally, Canada’s players wore purple t-shirts saying, “Enough is enough.” They gathered in the center circle as a demonstration of unity. The color choice of purple serves as a symbol for efforts regarding gender equality, mentions the Canadian Soccer Players’ Association in a statement. While the USWNT came out victorious in their fight for gender equality, the U.S. players have decided to focus on their counterparts in Canada who have faced the same misogyny and unequal treatment. The USWNT Players Association statement reads, “We stand with all women’s footballers in calling attention to their collective fight, but also call on everyone to enjoy and support the fight to eradicate ALL inequality and discrimination that exists in our sport,” says CNN. The U.S. players gained equitable pay with the men’s team in 2022 when each signed a new agreement. The players and the U.S. Soccer Federation agreed to a $24 million settlement to end a 6-year equal pay lawsuit. Following the match of the U.S. against Canada, Canada coach Bev Priestman conveyed her support for her players. Still, the tension with their employer, Canada Soccer, puts her in a rocky position. From CNN, players had voiced earlier that week that they wanted increasing staffing and resources equal to what the men’s team received during their World Cup last year, in addition to previously owed money from 2022. 

On February 27th, the president of the Canadian soccer federation resigned due to accusations by the women’s national team of unequal and inequitable treatment. He said, “While I have been one of the biggest proponents of equalizing the competitive performance environment for our Women’s National Team, I will unfortunately not be leading this organization when it happens.” Amidst all this, the Canadian women’s players have said, “To everyone who has supported us as we started this fight…the fans, players, coaches, thank you. We are inspired and motivated… and we will win.”

Editor’s Note

By

I grew up wearing Duke blue. As I scroll through old pictures, I’m not surprised to come across a girl with the largest grin spread across her face, little curly pigtails, and that same color t-shirt. I’m sure you can guess where this is going; living in Charlotte doesn’t provide the best outlet for my Blue Devil pride; believe me, I know. While my parental influence sparked my love for the better blue, their basketball program is what first drew me in. Before I had even picked up a tennis racket, I loved basketball. More importantly, I was convinced I would play basketball at Duke. I thought those girls were the coolest in the world as a 6-year-old: tall, confident, and hard-working. 

However, my aspirations may have seemed far-fetched,  as I was the shortest girl on the court. This didn’t stop me though, which I can attest to my level of determination today. Since that young age, I’ve wanted to be a part of a team, and while I thought it would be on the court, I’ve found that the sidelines are even better. 

I will never forget my first Duke basketball game in Cameron Indoor Stadium, now reminiscing on the fact that Coach K was the head coach. My eyes immediately gravitated toward the sea of college kids smothered in royal blue paint, wearing devil ears and crazy wigs. I loved this environment, and the sense of family, which can be encompassed in their hashtag #TheBrotherhood. 

Coincidentally, I’ve found this same electric environment within the Myers Park Basketball community. Myers Park students bleed green within the student section and cheer on their team. Just weeks ago, the fanbase demonstrated their pride by traveling to Chapel Hill to cheer on their team. There’s even a parallel in the hashtags: #FamilyHood. 

When news of the Championship game being played in the Dean E. Smith Center broke, the Cameron Crazie in me hesitated. I grew up with the strict mindset to never set foot in UNC and never wear a blue that resembled Tarheel colors. I decided to go to the game and looking back, I’m so thankful I could experience the intensity in the Dean Dome that night and be a part of Myers Park history. Putting the tense rivalry behind me, I began to see many similarities between the environment that night in the Dean Dome and Cameron Indoor. 

What jumped out at me, somewhat physically, was the student section. I’m the kind of person who loves to find community and surround myself with people who enjoy the same things, and the Myers Park student section is a prime example. Don’t believe me? Myers Park won The Charlotte Observer’s poll that was conducted in September of last year to determine which high school had the best fan base. Similar to Duke, it doesn’t end with the students; alumni, parents, and various fans play a significant role in supporting our Mustangs. The alumni pride demonstrates that the intensity and excitement are enough to bring anyone back, highlighting the fun atmosphere that the Mustangs create. This is part of the reason I had faith in myself that I could walk into the Dean Dome and not be disappointed, no matter the outcome. 

While our Mustangs faced greater success as State Champions than the Blue Devils in March Madness, I’m happy to say that both teams have shown me what community is truly about. People from all walks of life show out for what they care about, and that’s what matters. Whether you are a Blue Devil, Tarheel, or Mustang, you show up for your team no matter what, so in that case…MPUK! 

Black History Month at MP

By

February, or Black History Month, commemorates the generations of African Americans who struggled amidst adversity to gain full citizenship into American society. The celebration of Black History Month, though the name wasn’t officially coined until February 1976, dates back to the early 1900s. The month was created to further National Negro History Week, which took place during the second week of February in 1926, according to the Women’s Day website. The events that took place during this week became so popular throughout the nation that the mayors in cities who participated began issuing a proclamation each year that recognized the celebration. 

This is a significant time for Myers Park’s Black Student Union, which aims to reach people by acknowledging Black achievements that may otherwise go unrecognized. The members work to help create academic equity throughout the entire school population by helping connect students with tutors and other academic resources. Additionally, the BSU engages in conversations during their meetings about racial issues at school and work together to try and resolve the problems that arise. They try to plan events that allow African American students at MP to further engage with and demonstrate their interests and talents, such as last year’s step show. To learn more about African American culture, members plan to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. 

When asked what Black History Month meant to this organization, Blake Williams, the social media manager of BSU, said, “Black History Month is a month of celebrating and acknowledging the accomplishments, struggles, and hardships black people have in order to put us in the better position we are in today. During this time, we also remember the numerous significant figures and idols that risked, lost, and gave their lives for the dreams of black people, which was freedom.”

Keep a look out for all that the Black Student Union has planned for this month! Members are working hard to schedule as many events as possible to celebrate. Another step-show is in the works, with possible recruitments from various African American sororities and fraternities. The Union will also be leading a Black History Month Spirit Week full of activities for the Myers Park student body to enjoy. A sneak peek of a few of the themes includes HBCU day (Historically Black College or University), Blackout day, and Cultural day. Not only is there an opportunity to dress up, but there will also be delicious food! The Union hopes to bring in Cuzzo’s, a local food truck for the Myers Park teachers. Every member of the Myers Park community can take part in the celebration of Black History Month. Students can show their support by donating or directly supporting local black businesses and entrepreneurs. You can also take a trip to The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture in Charlotte to dive into African American history and culture through its various exhibits. 

The MPHS Black Student Union wants its club to be long-lasting, and to do so, they are always looking for dedicated, goal-oriented, organized, and determined individuals to join the club. If anyone is interested, please feel free to reach out to the BSU Instagram @mphs.blackstudentunion to fill out an application and schedule an interview with the BSU executive board. 

 Williams says, “If you are interested in the Black Student Union, please don’t hesitate to join. This is a fun club, and we don’t have too many meetings, so if you have a busy schedule, meetings won’t be too much of a conflicting issue. We really just want our members to have a good time while being in the club and feel as comfortable as possible around other black students!” Stay on the lookout for the Morning Announcements to stay informed for any upcoming BSU events.

Fall Sports Summary

By

Myers Park and its student fan base have truly been represented through fall sports this season. Many teams have traveled near and far to compete for regionals and states, including golf, tennis, field hockey, cross country, volleyball, and soccer. 

After an undefeated regular season and Conference and Regional champions, the Women’s tennis team traveled to Burlington, NC, to compete against Green Hope for States. After a tough fight, Myers Park lost 4-5, coming in as State runner-up. Finley Holzman was the recipient of the NCHSAA Sportsmanship Award. The team ended their season with an incredible record of 19-1. 

 Similarly, a crowd cheered on the Women’s field hockey team who played at Ardrey Kell against Cardinal Gibbons, winning the State championship for the third year in a row, 6-0. The Myers Park Field Hockey team is proud to have two commits, Caroline Golden and Penny Valbuena. Caroline Golden has committed to play at UNC, and Penny Valbuena is off to Quinnipiac University. Additionally, players have been awarded to the All-Conference team, the first team consisting of Kate Perrin, Caroline Golden, Penny Valbuena, and Kemp Walters. The second team includes Ava Ewert, Avery Gurley, and Anna Mohanty. Also, a shout-out to Kelsey Melando, the conference coach of the year. 

The varsity football team had its run and finished with a 3-7 record during the regular season. The community celebrated their seniors in a “Highlight the Seniors” Night on October 28th against Olympic. We are proud of the following players for being named to the 2022 SOMECK 4A All-Conference team, Davis Becker, Thomas Wilson, Marc Moss, Donyae Coleman, Solomon Young, Parks Cromwell, Hank Thompson, and Jahari McDonald. Win Byerley, a Harvard commit, was named the 2022 SOMECK 4A Conference Special Teams Player of the Year. The JV football team dominated most of their competition, finishing the regular season with a record of 5-3. Well done, Mustangs!

The women’s volleyball teams were coached by a new face, Kori Hill, the Varsity head coach named conference coach of the year, and Glenda Rice as the assistant. The latest addition to the JV team was Coach Rollins Carter. The Varsity team went 13-10 for their season, sadly ending after losing the first round of the State Championship against South Iredell, 0-3. Both seniors, Catherine Tiddy and Anna Leahy, were named to the 2022 SOMECK 4A All-Conference team. The good news continues, as there are two commits! Anna Leahy is furthering her career at The Air Force Academy, and Milicia Gavric is off to Gaston College. As for JV, they finished their season with a solid record of 16-3. 

The soccer team’s season ended in a tough fight against Weddington, losing 0-1 in the 4th Round of Playoffs. Overall, the team had an impressive season, cheered on by many, with a record of 18-4. Similarly, the JV team finished with a strong record of 10-0-4.

Cross country had a successful “run” this season! Myers Park was represented throughout the season in different meets and invitationals. The Myers Park boys finished 4th in the region, and the girls were regional champions, their first regional championship since 2018! The juniors of MP ruled the podium, as Mary Bonner Dalton won 1st place, and Anne Mason Moore won 7th. Both the boys and girls competed in Kernersville for the State Championship, where Mary Bonner won second place and represented Myers Park well! 

Lastly, the golf team made its way to States as well! After a winning conference, they moved to regionals, where they placed second! Elizabeth Rudisill won All-Tournament First Team at the Pinecrest Invitational. After an undefeated season, the team was state-runner-up, a great way to finish. Elizabeth Rudisill was State Champion individually and set a new state record, and Ellen Pritchard was the recipient of the NCHSAA Sportsmanship Award. Way to go, Mustangs! Get ready to cheer on our athletes and classmates during the winter season!

AccessiBle

By

As people shift their shopping and other habits online, AccessiBe was a technology company created to make websites more accessible, specifically for the visually impaired. However, according to NBC News, people with blindness have said the product is actually making it harder for them to navigate the web. Recently, people with blindness and disability advocates have voiced their opinions on social media and sued companies that use AccessiBe. They explain that the application that is supposed to make websites more compatible with screen readers has prevented them from undergoing many online activities such as paying rent, buying clothes, etc. According to Lucy Greco, a blind individual and the head of Web Accessibility at the University of California Berkeley, AccessiBe is the largest automated accessibility company on the market. The problem has grown in severity. In the past two months, 400 signatures from people, visually impaired, were on an open letter calling out companies that use automated services, like AccessiBe, and urging other companies with similar products to stop,” says NBC News.

AccessiBe markets itself on its website as an application that prices $49 a month to help companies protect themselves from not complying with the Americans With Disabilities Act, which guarantees equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, government services, etc., by adding a single line of code to the backends of websites. They pride themselves on the fact that over 132,000 websites use its product, some of the more well-known ones being Pillsbury, Benadryl, Playmobil, and the Los Angeles Lakers.

While the company celebrates its growth and funding, many individuals with blindness and disability advocates have voiced that they are experiencing problems when utilizing websites that have installed AccessiBe, saying that when they visit, it can prevent screen readers from reading the pages correctly and has rendered some unnavigable. After Steve Clower’s, a blind software developer specializing in accessibility, apartment’s rent payment website adopted AccessiBe, he said the compatibility with his screen reader was so thrown off that he had to get his friend to help him with the rent for that month. The experience was so frustrating that he published a guide to block AccessiBe that he named “AccessiBe Gone.”

Rebutting, Shir Ekerling, the CEO of the company, in an email, wrote, “Almost no one gives any specifics to actual websites that really don’t work for them. This is because they don’t really test us, nor have really used us. At most, they went on a website out of anger and didn’t even try to understand.”

AccessiBe isn’t the only application that claims to provide a quick, automated solution to make websites compliant with accessibility standards. Greco has said other companies with similar products have had many of the same issues that AccessiBe has encountered. However, NBC News says it is AccessiBe that has stood out the most because of its rapid growth, heavy marketing, and defensive style of engaging with blind people who arise with claims of problems.

Recently, AccessiBe has been cited in at least two lawsuits by people who claim the websites don’t comply with the ADA. The company’s framework that it provides web accessibility to help avoid lawsuits does not help its relationship with those visually impaired. The problems between the company and its user only seem to be growing more controversial, as blind users say they can’t escape its presence in the visually impaired community. Haben Girma, a civil rights lawyer and an author who is deaf and blind said, “They have spent an alarming amount of money on advertising. Encountering these ads online feels like a personal attack on my humanity.” The significant fear that the visually impaired community share is that members of the blind public new to screen readers will be kept from accessing parts of the internet. 

The Important of SEL and Mental Health

By

Mental health hasn’t always been a priority among students compared to physical health. In reality, it is just as important. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in six youth in America from ages 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. Half of all mental health conditions start by age 14. The most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children are ADHD, anxiety, behavior problems, and depression. When mental illnesses become undiagnosed or untreated, they can significantly interfere with a student’s ability to learn.

CMS’s approach to mental health education in school is in the form of Social Emotional Learning, or shortened to SEL. “Social and emotional learning is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions,” says the CMS website. There are essentially five pillars of SEL, Self-Awareness,”knowledge of emotions, thoughts and their impact on behaviors; cognizance of strengths and weaknesses, Self-Management- “regulation of emotions, behaviors, and thoughts across circumstances,” Responsible Decision Making- “ability to make positive decisions about behaviors and socialization based on ethics, values, norms,” Relationship Skills- “ability to establish and maintain diverse, healthy relationships,” and Social Awareness- “empathy for others; appreciating,” from the CMS website. 

The many benefits of the SEL Instruction include an increase in students’ performance academically by 11 percentile points, a 50% increase in the likelihood of graduating high school, a doubled chance in the likelihood of earning a college degree, and an improved positive attitude toward peers and self, as well as reduced aggression and emotional distress. 

School and its environment offer an opportunity to spot these mental health illnesses and work towards prevention and intervention where they already are. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, in an educational setting, students are almost as likely to receive resources and support for mental health as they are to receive speciality treatment from a mental health provider. In a recent study in 2019, 15% of youth between the ages of 12 and 17 were found receiving mental health services at school, compared to 17% who saw specialty health providers. On the flip side of these statistics, educational systems often lack the resources to deal with the issue accurately. More often than not, these counselors and other staff individuals are drowning in huge caseloads where kids fall through the cracks. 

One of the most important aspects of tackling the effects of mental health illnesses is understanding these are common problems and usually begin during childhood and adolescence. On the positive side, these illnesses are treatable through different techniques to not hinder students’ academic understanding. Taken from the Association for Children’s Mental Health, “early detection and intervention strategies work. They can help improve resilience and the ability to succeed in school and life.”

Classroom learning and social interactions can be affected by mental health disorders, both of which are crucial to students’ success. According to the Association for Children’s Mental Health, if appropriate aid is put into place to support students’ mental health needs, schools can maximize the success and minimize the negative impacts on youth. When choosing between the various types of support and services to put in place, it is critical to understand that all learners come with unique and different coping mechanisms and needs. Mental health interventions brought on by schools need to be situated based on the individual needs of each youth and be flexible enough to accommodate more or less support as needed. The Social and Emotional Learning portion of CMS’s curriculum aims to achieve those goals and help support all students in need.