Coming Soon at MHS: Hadestown by Benji Boyd, Editor-in-Chief, Senior
This past Wednesday, the Marblehead High School Drama Club met to discuss the upcoming spring musical for the first time. This year’s selection is Hadestown, a hit musical that retells the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, with songs inspired by American folk music and New Orleans-inspired jazz. Auditions will be held next Wednesday, January 15, in the MHS auditorium at 4 PM. Co-director Ashley Skeffington commented on the modern aesthetic of the show and the contrast to its ancient source material. “Don’t come in expecting to see everyone in togas,” she advises anyone interested in trying out for a role. “There’s a lot of folk and blues influence in the play, which I think gives our actors a chance to stretch different muscles.” The cast includes a wide range of mythological characters, such as Orpheus, Eurydice, Hades, Persephone, and Hermes. The play tells the tale of Eurydice’s tragic descent into the world of the dead, ruled by the god Hades, and her lover Orpheus’s bid to bring her back. The musical includes leading roles for both male and female actors, but Skeffington and her co-director Andrew Scoglio have confirmed that they would consider gender-bending a role if needed. In addition to singers to perform the lead roles, the Drama Club is also calling for dancers to perform dance numbers and any actors interested in being a part of an ensemble. Once rehearsals get underway, technicians and crew will also be needed to build sets, help with costuming and make-up, and move set items and props during the actual performances. Hadestown will be performed at the MHS auditorium on April 11-13. Until then, anyone interested in auditioning, joining crew, or helping out in any way is encouraged to reach out to the directors and get involved.
Sleep deprivation among high school students by Kathleen Hanson, Assistant Editor, Junior
Ask any high school student how much sleep they got last night, and the answer is often the same: “Not enough.” Sleep deprivation has become a widespread problem for teens, driven by demanding schedules, academic pressure, and digital distractions. While sacrificing sleep might seem like a badge of honor in the pursuit of success, the consequences can be far- reaching and damaging. Teenagers need between
8 and 10 hours of sleep per night, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, most high school students only manage 6 to 7 hours, creating a significant deficit that impacts both their physical and mental health. The reasons for this shortfall are varied. Many schools start as early as 7:30 a.m., forcing students to wake up before their natural biological clocks allow. At the same time, homework, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs leave students with little time to rest. Technology is another culprit. Smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles emit blue light, which disrupts the body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep. Social pressures play a role too; fear of missing out keeps many teens scrolling through social media late into the night. The effects of sleep deprivation are serious and extensive. Sleep is essential for brain function, mood regulation, and
overall health. Without enough rest, students struggle with concentration, memory, and problem-solving, leading to poor academic performance. The lack of sleep also takes a toll on mental health, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Physical health isn’t spared either; chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to weakened immune systems, obesity, and even heart disease. In addition, sleep-deprived teens are more prone to accidents and injuries, such as those caused by drowsy driving or reduced coordination during physical activities. Addressing this problem requires action on multiple fronts. Students can start by practicing good sleep hygiene, such as setting a consistent bedtime, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a relaxing nighttime routine. Time management is also critical—prioritizing tasks, avoiding procrastination, and setting aside specific times for studying and relaxation can help free up valuable hours for sleep. It’s important to limit caffeine and energy drinks as well, since these stimulants can interfere with the body’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. On a larger scale, schools can play a role by considering later start times. Research shows that when schools begin later in the morning, students experience improved attendance, better academic performance, and enhanced overall well-being. Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. By prioritizing rest, students can enhance their mental clarity, physical health, and emotional resilience. In a world that demands so much from teenagers, getting enough sleep is one of the most powerful ways to stay healthy and succeed. The road to better grades, stronger friendships, and happier days begins with a good night’s sleep.
Dodgeball for dollars by Grey Collins, Assistant Editor, Junior
On Thursday, December 19, just before the start of winter break, more than 30 students gathered together in the field house to play dodgeball and support a great cause. The Marblehead High School Sports for a Cause club, which has been organizing charity sports tournaments for almost a year, teamed up with
the MHS chapter of the National Green School Society to organize the tournament. It took about three weeks for SFAC and NGSS to organize the tournament, and there were some bumps along the way, but it all eventually came together incredibly well. “It was really exciting,” said Felix Regnault, co-president of NGSS. “We had some difficulties getting everyone together at first, but once we got it started
things moved really swiftly.” In the dodgeball tournament, which took place in the MHS field house, four teams of six players competed in a tournament bracket, with each team competing in a best of three matchup in both rounds. The tournament raised one hundred and eighty dollars for the National
Green School Society. “This money is going toward funding our NGSS projects,” said Regnault. “We will use it to support projects like the MHS greenhouse and buying fish for our aquaponics.” The dodgeball tournament was a great community building event as well, and students were able to get together to raise money for an important cause. “One of the best parts of leading the NGSS is being able to create events that not only unite the community of MHS, but also bring people together for a good cause,” said Jack Twomey, co-president of NGSS. “Being a community-funded club means that we absolutely appreciate anybody who shows up to help out.” The Sports for a Cause club is hoping to have a pickleball tournament later on in the year to support more important causes.