Teenagers are especially targeted by society’s pressure of fitting in online. In 2015 a survey by “Statista” showed that 40 percent of kids felt pressure to only post content that made them look good to others, and 21 percent said they felt worse about their own lives because of what they see from other friends on social media.

“It’s easy to compare people’s feeds to yours and you get kind of self conscious. You feel pressured to make sure your posts are “cool” and fit in,” Anderson said. “I recently redid my instagram theme because I stressed out a lot about how everything looked, I was hoping to try and start adding some meaning to my posts and it made me feel better having everything flow. Plus I got some compliments so that made me feel good!”

Now that social media is introduced at such a young age it is even more important to get the message across that what you see online isn’t the whole truth. Some celebrities have made it their mission to help spread positive thinking across social media. Actress and singer, Zendaya, uses her spotlight to help relieve the pressures of society off the backs of young teens by her long posts encouraging body positivity and reminding teens that you shouldn’t define perfect by what you see online.

“I feel like if more public figures and people my age used social media to show all aspects of life it might catch on and more and more people could change the outlook on social media,” Anderson said.

Social media is supposed to be a good and positive thing to make people’s lives easier not more stressful. Hopefully in the near future social media will begin to fulfill it’s purpose, but for now the most important thing is to remind everyone to stay kind online.

“I am very sad and shocked that this happened and still don’t understand it. I know I am his daughter, but I was also a player of his and I don’t want to play for anyone else,” said Alyssa Sorenson.

For many years Sorenson has lead the girls basketball program. From fourth grade to eighth grade, you could always count on seeing him at practices or games trying to get you excited for the future of high school basketball. After coaching countless games and practices, it is time for Sorenson to say goodbye to the program he has so successfully built over the years.

“Sorenson is someone that is filled with passion, he has one of the biggest hearts I know and he will be missed.

On Monday, May 22 the school board meeting was held that decided Sorenson’s departure. People were able to write emails to voice their support and even show up to the meeting. At the meeting old players, current players, and even four coaches from rival schools made their way over to Buffalo to show their support for the way Sorenson has represented Buffalo over the years.

Now all that is left to do is to thank Sorenson for his years of dedication, and to look forward to the future of Buffalo girls basketball.

“The most important thing is to be kind and love one another,” Gary told the sophomore class. He then instructed everyone in the library to stand up and hug the person next to them, “Less hate and more hugs,” he told them as everyone sat back down. After the presentation students were still thinking about the messages that he shared.

“It made you think about all your freedoms and what the veterans have to go through,” said Josie Imes. Gary spoke to the class a lot about what it means to have freedoms and that they are worth fighting for.

“Gary taught me to live life to the fullest because you never know what’s going to happen, like he said, you’re going to be dead a lot longer than alive so make it great,” said Haley Braun.

Now, a week later, students are still feeling the impact of Gary’s speech.

“I just think it’s amazing to think about everyday people going out to serve for our country, it takes guts, Gary has been through so much and it’s interesting to see him reflect on his time and service,” said Emma Painshaub.

When Gary comes he brings things that students can buy. Each purchase goes to help buy hams for veterans who are hospitalized during the holidays. One of the things that he brings is a book that is full of Vietnam veterans stories that Gary himself put together. Gary has been coming to BHS for a long time now and it’s clear to see that he is making a new impact on the students every time he comes.

“Be yourself and if the girl truly likes you she will say yes,” junior Cassie Mallinger said. A lot of people find themselves feeling nervous before prom and worry about trying to find a date.

“Just try to stay relaxed and remember the worst that can happen is they say no,” said  junior Ashley Court.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money, or any at all, to still have a great promposal.

“I like the signs with play on words, or spelling out prom in a funny way,” said junior Megan Lowell. ‘I don’t like super extravagant things like buying stuff though.” Although it isn’t necessary, some people want surprise their date by asking them in a bigger way.

“Getting asked with something involving a gift like tennis shoes, Victoria’s Secret, or Lulus. Then have a type of cute saying on a poster would be ideal, but it has to be a surprise!” Said senior Hailey Sorenson. Surprising someone with something they love is always a good idea. Rather it’s clothes, food, or taking them to a favorite place.

No matter what happens, asking someone to prom should be fun and exciting, not stressful and scary. Remember to be yourself and everything will work out great.

To qualify into the state tournament you must be top two in your section. There are 8 sections in class AAA and Ruhr took second place in the section 5AAA to secure his spot in the 120 pound class tournament.

“The thing that excites me the most about state is the atmosphere and being able to say I went to state, that feeling of accomplishment.” said Ruhr upon qualifying. Although Ruhr didn’t place this year, he has high hopes for what senior year will bring. “I would like to finish my senior year as one of the top six at state.” 

There is one thing that separates Ruhr from the rest of the high school athletes, the fact that he doesn’t actually go to high school full time. This year Ruhr is taking one quarter class at BHS, but other than that he is fully home schooled, and has been all his life. “I like the flexibility of being home schooled,” said Ruhr, “being able to do things on my time and not worry about due dates for everything.”

Home schooled or not, Ruhr had a great year of wrestling, and it should only be expected that more great things will come.

Looking back on memories and what they will miss most about their teams, seniors think back to what made their high school careers so special.

“I’m going to miss hanging out with the boys everyday after school and joking around with the guys,” senior basketball player Noah Evans said. The boys basketball team has become close this year, and Andrew Johnson said “I’m going to miss competing with the boys and having fun.”

Thinking back to freshman year, where it all started, senior basketball, softball, and volleyball player Autumn Senger said the advice she would have given herself was to “work hard everyday in practice because one day you’re going to realize you only have four guaranteed practices left.” The girls basketball season is finishing up on their last two weeks before sections and player Jordan Warner also had advice to give.

“Don’t take it for granted, push yourself to work hard and give your best because your time is limited.”

High school sports have not only taught seniors how to balance school, sports, and family at the same time, but life lessons that will stay with them forever. “Soccer has taught me to work hard,” said player Becky Horak.

Another senior reflected back on his career and what he has learned through high school sports. “Wrestling has taught me that even when I’m down or losing to not give up on my team,” wrestler and soccer player Josh Skarin said.

For some seniors this year marks the end of their sports careers, and for some it’s merely a new beginning. No matter where these seniors go, the memories they made and the work they dedicated to their teams and school will last forever.