The Orange and Black Record

Brady Breeden:

Brady Breeden committed to the California University of Pennsylvania. The University went 10-3 making it to the elite 8 of the D2 playoffs. Breeden plans on majoring in health science and pushing his career in becoming a physical therapist. Breeden is a committed scholarship student/athlete. When asking Breeden what goals he has he exclaimed, “ my goals are to become a better, stronger, and faster player on the field!” As of right now Breeden is preparing to make sure he is keeping up with a healthy diet to ensure he’ll be ready for the upcoming college season!

Nick Busky:

Nick Busky committed to the University of Rio Grande. Busky plans on majoring in exercise science and is a committed scholarship student/athlete. When asking Busky what goals he has, he expressed, “ my goals are to stay in the best possible shape I can be in!” As of right now Busky is preparing by working out to make sure he is keeping up with his regimen so he’ll be ready for the upcoming college season!

Koi Fagan:

Koi Fagan committed to Marshall University. Fagan plans on majoring in bachelor of science and psychology, he is a committed scholarship student/athlete. When asking Fagan what goals he has, he said, “ my goals are to get acclimated to the speed of the game, learn the playbook, and be ready to compete!” As of right now Fagan is preparing by working out to make sure he is keeping up and studying the game.

Ace Flores:

Ace Flores committed to the University of Charleston. Flores is undecided in what he is majoring in this upcoming fall, but is a committed scholarship student/athlete. When asking Flores what goals he has he stated, “ my goals are to work out more, get faster, and stronger!” As of right now Flores is preparing to play in the fall season by working out everyday to keep up his health!

Brayden Miller:

Brayden Miller committed to Fairmont State University. Miller is majoring in mechanical engineering and is a committed scholarship student/athlete. When asking Miller what goals he has he said, “ my goals are to stay healthy and smart!” As of right now Miller is preparing by staying on top of his school work and keeping his body healthy to play in the fall season!

Zavier Pollard:

Zavier Pollard committed to Davidson College. Pollard is majoring in pre-law and is a committed scholarship student/athlete. When asking Pollard what goals he has he shared, “ my goals are to get bigger, stronger, and faster!” As of right now Pollard is working on his diet and functional training as well as the Davidson strength and conditioning program to prepare for his upcoming college season!

Martinsburg High School is proud to represent these players and is excited is watch them succeed in their future careers!

Mock interviews are important yet stressful for Martinsburg High School juniors but they don’t have to be! With preparation and perseverance, mock interviews can be a breeze. Mock interviews allow students to gain confidence and experience in real-world situations without the pressure of it being consequential. Learning to navigate those situations while young can be a huge advantage as students go out into the working world.

Mock interviews will take place the morning of March 27th. If your English class is in the morning, you will go with your English class to interviews. If your English class is in the afternoon, you will be assigned a time slot to interview. According to English teacher Mrs. Elliott, most students struggle with completing their paperwork on time and nerves as the interview date gets closer. Mrs. Elliott says that, to help lessen these struggles, “time management is an important skill for juniors preparing for senior year and whatever comes after high school for them. Make sure you have turned in your paperwork to your teacher so you can get feedback and then make those corrections for the day of the Mock Interview.”

In addition to having all your paperwork completed, juniors must make sure they have an appropriate outfit for interview day. The dress code is business casual. No jeans or sneakers are allowed. If you need something to wear, see Mrs. Elliott and take a look at the Bulldog Boutique! The interviewers will grade you based on your dress, paperwork, confidence, enthusiasm, grammar when speaking and how conversational you are. While nerves are hard to overcome, Mrs. Elliott says, “our interviewers are people from the community and they are excited to meet the students here at Martinsburg High School. They want you to be successful. So be yourself and be confident.”

Mock interviews don’t have to be stressful! Finding ways to manage your time and asking for help if you need it can help to eliminate some of the stress you may feel. If you need an outfit for interviews, be sure to see Mrs. Elliott and the Bulldog Boutique! As finial words of advice, Mrs. Elliott says to make sure you, “Breathe and know you are an awesome kid.”

In a world that often feels overwhelming, many turn to music as a form of self-care. Whether it’s blasting an upbeat playlist on a tough day, unwinding with a favorite vinyl record, or finding comfort in emotional lyrics, music has a profound impact on mental well-being.

Studies show that listening to music can reduce stress, lower anxiety, and even alleviate symptoms of depression. The brain releases dopamine—the “feel-good” chemical—when we listen to music we enjoy, creating a natural mood boost. Beyond science, music provides a personal escape, allowing people to process emotions, find motivation, or simply take a moment to breathe. For some, music serves as a way to navigate emotions and bring comfort during difficult times.

MHS Senior Cara Anderson describes music as an influential force that can sway emotions. “It’s impactful and can move someone to feel a certain way based on what they are listening to,” Anderson says. “It’s like how movies play stressful music in a suspenseful scene or slow, sad music when something bad happens. It helps people convey their emotions with something a little more tangible.” MHS Senior Triniti Weese echoes this sentiment, emphasizing music’s role as a coping mechanism. “Songs that deal with sadder themes tend to make people feel less alone, whereas happier music can lift people’s spirits,” Weese explains.

People connect with music in different ways, whether through streaming services or physical formats. Anderson enjoys listening through Amazon Music or on her record player, embracing both modern and classic methods. Weese prefers to shuffle her Spotify library while working, allowing music to set the tone for her tasks. Everyone has that one artist or song that feels like home. For Anderson, it’s Laufey, an Icelandic-Chinese artist known for her jazz-inspired sound. Anderson's favorite song from the artist is “From The Start.” Weese, on the other hand, finds comfort in the soulful music of Frank Ocean, with “Sweet Life” topping her list of favorites.

No matter the genre or format, music remains a universal form of self-care. It allows people to process emotions, find comfort, and escape from the pressures of everyday life. Whether it’s a soothing ballad, an energetic anthem, or a nostalgic tune, the right song can be a source of healing. At the end of the day, music is more than just sound, it’s a way to care for the mind and soul.

As we get closer to the Spring season, new businesses are sprouting up in Martinsburg. A Lot-o Gelato, one of these new establishments, sells a variety of delectable sweet treats, such as, you guessed it, gelato! A Lot-o Gelato can be found just five minutes away from Martinsburg High School.

A Lot-o Gelato, an Italian style ice cream shop, is located on West Burke Street in Martinsburg and has been open since October 26, 2024. They are open from Wednesday to Saturday from 2:00pm through 8:00pm. Their best selling item is their Belgian Dark Chocolate or Cookie Butter Gelato. If you’re looking for a vegan option, their Salted Caramel with Cashew Milk also a best selling option. When asked why they were inspired to start their business, the owner, Brandi Riggs, said, “When I realized that many of the people in our town had never heard of gelato before, I wanted to give them the opportunity to try it.” The business's future plans include putting a fenced in patio with seating and games for customers to enjoy. When asked what her favorite part of the job is, Riggs said, “ When I’m not with customers, I like to experiment with making different recipes. I have always loved baking and cooking. Now, I get to be at work creating what ever I choose to make.” As a last bit of advice to share with any people who are inspired to start a business, she said, “Educate yourself in areas that would be related to your business. There are tons of videos on YouTube that teach basic accounting, creating an Excel spreadsheet, and many other tools. West Virginia has a West Virginia Small Business Development Center with free resources and coaches. Believe in yourself, be ready to take a risk and put in a lot of work and you can definitely make it happen.”

Next time you’re looking for a delicious cup of gelato, remember to help support a locally owned business by stopping by Martinsburg’s new establishment, A Lot-O Gelato.

Eggs are reaching a record high price lately with no relief expected soon. Eggs had reached their highest cost in January of this year, with a nationwide average cost for a dozen Grade A eggs costing $4.95. Before February 2022 a dozen of eggs stayed largely below $2 since March 2016. Between December 2019-December 2024 egg prices have risen 170%.

The main reason for this increase is due to a strain of Avian Influenza. The outbreak has affected roughly 15% of the total U.S. egg-laying population, which is nearly 45 million egg-laying hens. In order for prices to stabilize, producers will have to rebuild their flocks, but it’s difficult when the virus is still uncontrollable. When the virus is found, the entire flock has to be slaughtered.

There are ways you can save money: Buy store brand eggs, or research different stores to compare prices. Check farmer’s markets, or consider buying local. Use grocery apps to find deals, cash back deals, or go to bulk-buy stores like Costco or Sam’s Club. If those options are out of your range, explore egg substitutions like mashed banana; applesauce; flaxseed meal mixed with water; silken tofu, which can be used for scrambles; aquafaba, which is a chickpea liquid; plain yogurt; fruit purée; avocado; and possibly even water or oil depending on the recipe.

Martinsburg High School Baking and Pastry teacher Jaclyn Appel is upset with the price increases, but has her own ways to keep the budget down. She’s had to cut back on other things so she can afford eggs without having to increase her budget too much. She will typically buy them by the case for work from places like Walmart or Sam’s Club. At home, she’s able to buy eggs locally from a former student, and occasionally get eggs from relatives for free or trading for them. She doesn’t plan to give up eggs anytime soon, stating, ”All 4 of my kids, my husband, and I all love eggs in pretty much any form, plus I bake a lot and that does require eggs.” She adds that eggs are “one of the BEST sources of protein for the least amount of money.” Occasionally she will use flax eggs in the lab for dietary reasons, but other than that she says, ”I’ll take the real thing.”

On January 29, there was a collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and a commercial plane near Washington D.C. All 67 people aboard the aircrafts died. This was the first major crash in the U.S in 15 years and the first deadliest since 2001. Shortly after, within a two week period, there were several other deadly crashes.

According to the Bureau of Transportation, air travel is statistically the safest form of transportation. The odds of dying in a commercial plane are 1 in 13.7 million, compared to a car crash, which is 1 in 95. While it is the safest form of transportation, when air plane accidents do occur, they are often disastrous.

Large fatal crashes are uncommon so when they happen, all other smaller crashes receive much more attention. Private, smaller planes experience accidents more often than commercial flights, and typically go largely unnoticed by the media. It seems that due to the awareness of these crashes it’s causing flying anxiety, but according to statistics the skies are as safe as they have been in recent years.

I asked aviation enthusiast and MHS student, Colin Hancock, if he feels any different about air safety due to the recent events, he said, “They don’t really affect my view. I’m actually flying today. It’s so rare when it happens that there hasn’t been a deadly crash in the U.S for a long."

Ethel Waters- by Savannah Malatt

Ethel Waters (1896-1977) was a famous singer and actress who helped change the music and entertainment throughout the United States. She began singing the blues and jazz in clubs and small places before she became one of the first African American Women to gain success in movies and music. Waters was the second African American to be nominated for an Academy Award. She was nominated for Pinky in 1949. Waters was also the first to have her own TV show. She starred in a few Broadways, one being Cabin In The Sky. Moving later in her life, she began to sing gospel music and worked with her Christian groups. Her motivation and passion for music and entertainment has helped open doors for other African American performers in Hollywood and on stage in the spotlight! For more information, visit nmaahc.si.edu/ethel-waters.

Alice Coachman - by Kaylin Henry

Born November 9th, 1923, Alice Coachman was the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal. Coachman grew up in Albany, Georgia. She had 9 siblings and was the 5th oldest. Coachman’s father did not agree with Alice playing sports and discouraged her from playing sports at all. Even with the social and familial discouragement from sports, Coachman continued to run. She never considered athletics as a career, instead liking music as a career option. Her fifth-grade teacher and her aunt, her biggest supporters, encouraged her to continue with running. Coachman trained on her own, running barefoot and practicing high jump without an actual bar to jump over. She won four national championships for her sprinting and high jump. In addition to success in distance, Coachman excelled at the high jump, holding the American national title from 1939 to 1948. She competed for the Olympic gold in August of 1948. Coachman won the gold medal by clearing 5ft and 6.125in. on her first attempt. After competing in the Olympics, Coachman’s track career ended at 24 when she graduated from Albany State College with a Bachelors of Science in Home Economics and a minor in science in 1947. Coachman was inducted into the National Track-and-Field and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame as well as seven other halls of fame. Coachman also started a foundation to aid young athletes with financial aid. She passed on July 14th, 2014 at age 90. For more information, visit www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/alice-coachman.

Rustin Bayard - by Riley Harper

Many people recognize the name Martin Luther King Jr., who is known for his organization of civil rights protesting and role in advocating for the disbandment of segregation laws, but most people don’t know Bayard Rustin, one of Dr. King’s closest advisors. Rustin assisted and participated in arranging the March on Washington D.C. in 1963. Rustin is less known due to the fact that he was arrested for “Moral Cause” and was outed as a gay man. In relation to this event, he stepped out of the spotlight so he wouldn’t able to negatively affect others views of their cause. Along with his work with Dr. King’s peaceful protests, Rustin also helped aid on many humanitarian missions to places such as Vietnam, Haiti, and Cambodia. Rustin also participated in the 1980’s LGBTQ+ movement and helped advocate for AIDS education. For more information, visit nmaahc.si.edu/bayard-rustin.

Henrietta Lacks - by Taylor Strack

Henrietta Lacks, born in 1920 in Roanoke, Virginia, became an unwitting pioneer in medical science. In 1951, she visited Johns Hopkins Hospital for treatment of cervical cancer. During her treatment, doctors took a sample of her cancer cells without her knowledge or consent. These cells, later known as HeLa cells, exhibited a unique characteristic: they could double every 20-24 hours, unlike normal human cells that eventually die. HeLa cells proved invaluable to medical research. They played a crucial role in developing the polio vaccine, understanding the effects of radiation, studying the human genome, and even aiding in cancer research. Despite her immense contribution to science, Henrietta's story raises important ethical questions about consent and the use of human tissue in research. Henrietta Lacks passed away in 1951 at the age of 31, but her legacy lives on through the countless medical advancements made possible by her cells. Her story is a poignant reminder of the need for ethical standards in medical research and the profound impact one individual's cells can have on the world. For more information, visit www.hopkinsmedicine.org/henrietta-lacks.

Bessie Coleman - by Ella Murphy

Bessie Coleman was born on January 26, 1892 in Atlanta, Texas. She attended college in Langston, Oklahoma before moving to Chicago. She had been faced with discrimination when trying to enter an aviation school before getting accepted at the Caudron Brothers School of Aviation in Le Crotoy, France. She obtained her pilot’s license on June 15, 1921 and became the first African American and Native American woman to obtain an international pilot’s license. Due to racial and gender biases, she was only able to become a stunt pilot. She planned to found a school to train black aviators, but had died before she was able to. On April 30, 1926, she was catapulted from a plane during an aerial show rehearsal, dropping her 2,000 feet to her death. If you'd like to read more, visit www.britannica.com/biography/Bessie-Coleman.

Gwendolyn Brooks - by Lizette Lopez

Gwendolyn Brooks was one of the most esteemed poets of the 20th century. She was born June 7, 1917 in Topeka, Kansas. She shortly moved to Chicago where she grew up and lived the rest of her life. She began writing poetry as a teenager, having her first poem published at 13. She then became a regular contributor at the age of 17 to the Chicago Defender. She graduated Woodrow Wilson Junior College in 1936. Brooks was prolific with her work, she authored over 20 books of poetry. She often included the political and social landscape of the 60s in her in her work. In 1950, she was the first black woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for poetry. Her book, Annie Allen won her the prize. It told the story of an African-American girl’s journey to adulthood. Brooks was also the first black woman to hold the position of Poet Laureate Consultant to Congress. Before that she served at Illinois’s Poet Laureate for 32 years. Over time she gained many awards and honors. Brooks spent her later life dedicating it to public service. She did poetry readings at prisons and hospitals. She visited drug rehabilitation centers, colleges, universities, and schools. She also hosted and sponsored many literary award ceremonies. She died on December 3, 2000. For more information, visit poets.org/poet/gwendolyn-brooks or www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/gwendolyn-brooks.

By Ella Murphy

Reporters: Taylor Strack, Riley Harper, Lizette Lopez, Ella Murphy

Co-Editors: Savannah Malatt and Kaylin Henry

Advisor: Rhonda Foreman