The Torch

Math teacher balances numbers, nectar

Gabi Kandel, Staff Reporter • October 10, 2025

During the day, she’s teaching algebra and geometry to high school students, explaining proofs, factoring and functions. In the evening and on weekends, however, math teacher Jennifer Kirk dons a...

Periodic tables and ocean fables: dive into science teacher’s subaquatic hobby

Kayla Duffee, Staff Reporter • October 10, 2025

For many, sharks are frightening and dangerous creatures. Their rows of razor sharp teeth and angry eyes seeking out prey are terrifying. But for scuba divers like science teacher Melody Spencer, seeing...

Rhythm and rhetoric: double life of an English teacher and performer

Payton Theile, Staff Reporter • October 10, 2025

At its core, a teacher’s job is to perform: every day, they must prepare and deliver material to engage their audience. Even if they are having a bad day, they still must go to work with high energy...

Solving for XX: the gender variable in academics, student culture

Bella Delisio and Lily Howes • May 15, 2025

Nationwide, trends have shown girls outperforming boys academically. They are getting better grades, forming stronger relationships with teachers and graduating from college at higher rates. However,...

COVID-19 impacts test scores, relationships between students

Lily Howes and Bella Delisio • April 17, 2025

Five years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic caused society to come to an abrupt halt. Businesses were closed, restaurants shut down and social distancing became the new normal. However, in these unprecedented...

Students’ relationships with friends, family affected by COVID-19 pandemic

Cyrus Turner, Staff Reporter • April 17, 2025

In March of 2020, COVID-19 put millions of people across the globe into isolation. Ranging from fourth to seventh grade, current high school students were among those whose social lives were put on hold....

Teachers, parents influenced by teenage environments

Harper Dresbach, Staff Reporter • March 13, 2025

Current high school students are a part of Generation Z, and they have become known for their social media presence and technology addiction. Their parents, belonging to Generation X, are known for their...

Students challenge generational stereotypes

Charlotte Holzhall, Staff Reporter • March 13, 2025

Whether it's a lack of work ethic, a sense of entitlement or an inability to accept change, people are often characterized based on what generation they were born into. However, the preconceived notions...

High school experiences shape older generation

Izzy Skoog, Staff Reporter • March 13, 2025

There are many differences between Bexley today and the Bexley experienced by grandparents of current students. On any given day, students and staff can be seen roaming the halls wearing tennis shoes and...

Law enforcement, legal experts warn of repercussions for fake ID usage

Cyrus Turner, Staff Reporter • February 13, 2025

It’s secret and small. It’s hidden and often goes unnoticed, but it could set off an avalanche of consequences if found. Fake IDs provide underage high school and college students with the opportunity...

Students use fake IDs to participate in underage drinking, illegal activities

Emma Schiff, Staff Reporter • February 13, 2025

The bouncer’s eyes dart to your ID and then to your face. Outside of the bar, laughter echoes from the line as your heart pounds louder than the bass inside. For a moment, you bite your tongue, because...

Social media use can intensify bullying, mental health issues

Rachel Lybarger, Staff Reporter • December 16, 2024

After school, many teenagers get home, grab a snack...and then pick up their phones. Their plan might be to scroll on social media for a few minutes, but those minutes quickly turn into hours. By the time...