Opinion – Page 4 – Lamplighter Media Productions

Never Too Late: Learning New Languages

January 22, 2018

Americans are notorious for knowing only one language; only 20% of Americans are bilingual compared to a 56% of Europeans. To know more than a single language opens many possibilities socially and culturally, and I am determined to discover these possibilities. Jan. 8, 2018 School was canceled today. The power went out and upon looking for some non-electronic entertainment I found my father’s old sign...

Financial Aid Rules Unfair to International Students

January 22, 2018

The incredible expenses of an American college education exceed what most families can afford with the average tuition for a 4-year public institution accumulating to $30,000 per year, according to the College Board. The Higher Educational Amendments of 1972 created the first version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the Pell Grant to provide support for low-income families. Tod...

The Legend of Lexington’s Smiley Pete

January 22, 2018

There are cities around the world known for their unique mascots. What few know, though, is Lexington once had a town dog. In 1946, "Smiley Pete" was known by many names, including the Canine Con Man, the Panhandling Pooch and the Magnificent Moocher. He spent his time roaming the streets of downtown Lexington, making his home on the sidewalk between Main and Limestone Streets, where the Fayette Coun...

Drawing a Line after the Aziz Ansari Situation

January 16, 2018

Most of our staff editorials consist of the combined view of the editorial board, which is comprised of 14 students--both male and female. This editorial, however, is different. We decided to present our views based on gender because we believe that in order to truly understand this topic, we need to validate the different perspectives and unique experiences of both males and females.

The Effect of Technology on a New Generation

January 12, 2018

Technology is an ever-changing field. Most recently, Apple came out with iPhone 8 and X. These devices are now capable of face recognition and wireless charging. What impact will this technology have on generations to come? Kids are beginning to use technology as often as high school students and even adults. There is no escaping technology; society needs to learn how to use it in a way that is bene...

Influential Women

January 1, 2018

Throughout history, women have left lasting impacts on literature, music, and politics that often go unrecognized. These 12 women have established themselves as leaders of historic proportions. For thousands of years, women have shaped history, though many of their stories are little known. Sappho (630-580 BCE) Born into an aristocratic family on the Greek Island of Lesbos, Sappho was one of the world...

Caffeine: The Socially Acceptable Drug

December 15, 2017

Imagine relaxing in the evening, watching Netflix or cramming for a test, and suddenly it's 1 a.m.? Most students have found themselves in this situation at some point. The next morning, many look for a quick fix: caffeine. Several PLD students were polled on whether or not they drink beverages containing caffeine on a regular basis, and 62.5% responded that they consumed caffeine regularly. Caffein...

Standards Based Grading: How’s it Going?

December 15, 2017

Dunbar transitioned to a full implementation of Standards Based Grading this fall. At the end of the first semester of full implementation, there are conflicting opinions regarding standards based grading. The Dunbar grading policy states “the goal of our updated grading policy and standards-based grading system is to provide consistent, accurate, meaningful and supportive feedback.” However, is this new system re...

When Will it Stop?

November 28, 2017

On Oct. 1, at 10:05 P.M. a gunman opened fire on a large crowd during the Harvest Music Festival on Route 91 in Las Vegas. This was the deadliest mass shooting in modern history, leaving 58 dead and over 515 injured. According to USA today, Stephen Paddock had acquired 33 guns in the last 12 months. On Nov. 5, gunman Devin Kelley shot and killed 26 people at a church in New Braunfels, Texas. Kelley was...

An Algorithmic Morality: The Future of Driving

October 13, 2017

About 1.25 million people die each year because of car accidents, according to the World Health Organization. The production of autonomous cars seeks to diminish car accidents completely, thus it could be a pivotal technological advancement for our generation. Cars with self-driving capabilities are already cruising streets around the world. As this technology is constantly progressing, self drivi...

Go Ahead and Take a Knee

October 4, 2017

After Colin Kaepernick and other NFL players began kneeling during the national anthem, President Trump said that NFL team owners should force players to stand for the anthem, and fire them if they don’t. So what does this mean for us as public school students? It means it's time to review our rights. As education blogger Evie Blad said, "public schools are about to have a big teachable moment about the First Amendment." In this teachable moment, it seems that school off...

Why Don’t We Have More Digital Arts Classes?

September 29, 2017

The art industry is vast and expansive, and it is growing every year. Because of this, more and more students are becoming interested. While art colleges offer over 90 art majors to choose from, many high schools offer fewer than 10 art class options, and that includes Dunbar. According to the course directory, Dunbar offers eight different art classes: Art I and Advanced Honors Art, AP Art St...