photo by Sarah Haynes Freshman Molly Barfield picks up numerous Amazon packages purchased on Black Friday._ 46% of Americans agree that social media has contributed to them spending more money on beauty products than they would have otherwise, according to a LendingTree survey. Individuals can scroll on a social media platform and one-click purchase any product that catches their eye. In 2025, society has normalized having excess products that are not needed. Popular content

photo by Carrigan Gurley Junior Hope Nixon confirms her Starbucks order and picks it up. Nixon ordered her drink through the mobile app and picked it up earning points with her purchase. Statistics have shown a spike in money spent through food and drink apps as well as third party food delivery apps since COVID-19 in 2020. Because of the necessity for these apps during the pandemic, Americans have become accustomed to their usage and have continued to use them after th

photo courtesy Marc Dutton Over 30 artists bring their creations, both edible and decorative, to sell at booths, and the local band Greenhouse Gases plays enticing jazz music at the Cherokee County Art and Jazz festival. The Cherokee County Art and Jazz Festival is a brand new event that is focused solely on celebrating Cherokee County’s handmade art as well as its classic jazz music. Despite this being the festival’s first year, the planning group, which consis

“I think the issue with modern society is if I disagree with you, I have to hate you,” Mr. Steven Fox, tenth-grade Bible assistant said. Disagreement is seemingly intolerable in the modern era. One is expected, apparently, to loathe those they find differences with. Narratives of ‘us versus them,’ arise, polarizing both sides of the political spectrum. News outlets report endlessly on new politically motivated acts of violence, fear of being ostracized for political views is

Photo courtesy of Brett Hereth Senior Cole Bennett attended the weight training program this year. This year the weight lifting program was planned to be made official in the future. Four years ago, The King's Academy football coaches began a strength and conditioning program that was started primarily for our football players, but also allowed other student athletes to participate. During this past summer, TKA's Varsity Boys Basketball Coach, Brett Hereth, met wit

photo courtesy of Melissa Baillairge Freshman Wesley Baillairge uses ChatGPT to look up who the best soccer players are. Whenever he used ChatGPT, he used it for making plans, along with other things. Millions of people use ChatGPT on a daily basis all around the world, including students. In 2025 alone, ChatGPT received around 193 million visits per day according to Demand Sage. AI-powered trend analysis tool, Exploding Topics shares that over 45% of ChatGPT’s

photo courtesy of Tori Turner Caroline, Callianne, and Catherine Swafford have a love for the arts and have grown closer with each other and with God through making music. They want to use their time and talents to honor God and connect people with the Creator through the creation of music. While many people enjoy singing, Caroline (12th), Catherine (10th) and Callianne (8th) Swafford use singing as their act of worship as they give their talents back to God wit

photo courtesy of Forrest Frank Instagram Christian singer Forrest Frank reacts to Corry Asbury's proposal for a new halftime show. For the first time in Super Bowl history, the idea of a dupe halftime show possibly airing at the same time as the National Football Leagues (NFL) chosen performance was broadcast across social media. Because the tension started to feel like a competition for views and was causing the community to split into sides, Christian artist Cory As

Photo courtesy of Elsefie Retief The King's Academy boy's and girl's Varsity Cross Country teams both won overall for the second year in a row at the region cross country meet. The team's dedication throughout the season paid off in the end, bringing home two first place trophies. For the first time in the program’s history, the varsity girl’s cross country team earned a perfect score, ultimately winning their championship meet Oct. 7. In cross country, a perfe

Photo courtesy of Owen Fannin Owen Fannin completes his largest Lego set, the Eiffel Tower. Fannin placed the set’s halves together to finalize the massive build. Boys and men at The King’s Academy have become more interested in the toys while also re-living childhood nostalgia. People change, family dynamics shift and kids grow out of childhood wonder, but one unforgettable toy stands the test of time: Legos. Their iconic shape, texture and unlimited potential ser

John 17:14-16: “Be in the world, but not of the world.” We often hear this phrase in sermons, devotionals and even some secular media saying, “Be different.” As Christians, we know this has a deeper meaning than just simply “Be different.” We are called to stand out. Or, as Romans 12:2a would put it, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” A question we all must ask ourselves is this: Why do we compromise? Is it because

illustration by Samuel Hoar Everyone knows someone who is carrying a burden. Chances are if you aren’t, you have a friend or relative who is. Struggles are all too common in this broken world. Their prevalence necessitates a question: what does it look like to carry other’s burdens? Walt Whitman approaches this question in his poem “Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking.”  The poem focuses on two central characters: a boy who explores the seashore and a male bird. The boy, in h

infographic by Lucia Austhof It's homecoming season, and most girls are scrambling to find the perfect dress, buy the best shoes, style their hair and get their nails done. None of these things are bad; there is a fun, anticipatory aspect to all homecoming prep, but a strong focus on it can lead to dangerous comparisons and distorted views on one’s body.   With social media usage and the importance of physical appearance growing in modern culture, there is also an increase in

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have exceeded all expectations this college football season, as they have reached a top 10 ranking in the country for the first time since 2014. After several mediocre seasons, Head Coach Brent Key turned the program around, making them a hopeful playoff team and Atlantic Coastal Conference (ACC) Championship contender. Star Quarterback and Heisman Trophy competitor, Haynes King, continues to shock the country with his immaculate rushing and pa

infographic by Mae Bearden A government shutdown began Oct. 1 after Congress failed to approve funding bills for the next financial year. On Nov. 12, President Donald J. Trump signed a bill to put an end to the 43 day shutdown. There have only been four complete shutdowns in the United States before the present, and this most recent shutdown now marks the longest according to an article by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. The hold in money caused some federal e

photo by Judah McClard Junior Luke Kovak is spotted outside of school at youth group, showing how personal style goes beyond school hours. Men’s fashion highlights comfort and individuality through relaxed fits. When the final bell rings at the end of the day and the uniformity of khakis and polos is exchanged for preferences, The King’s Academy  boys can be seen wearing some of the latest trends in clothing. When uniforms are required in school, fashion can be