The Bright Side: Philanthropy, AP tests, environmental changes

Ryan Wang, Staff Writer • April 8, 2020

“The Bright Side” is a new series which will discuss three pieces of positive news taking place across the state, nation and world in light of COVID-19.

Editor’s note: “The Bright Side” is a new series that highlights three pieces of positive news that are taking place across the state, nation and world during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. News: Non-profit organizations in Collin County have closed due to COVID-19.

On the bright side: Local philanthropists such as the Dallas Cowboys, United Way Metropolitan Dallas and Communities Foundation of Dallas announced that they would instead host an online campaign designed to raise money for non-profits and first responders. They’re dedicating May 5 as the online giving day, but donations can be made as early as April 14 when the website goes live.

2. News: College Board announced that all AP tests this year will be essay-based.

On the bright side: Instead of spanning over multiple hours, students can take the test at home in a matter of 45 minutes. Additionally, tests are open books, which can aid students in their studying methods, as trying to cram all the year’s information the night before the test will no longer be needed; however, plagiarism software will be utilized to prevent cheating from both the internet as well as textbooks.

3. News: Dallas has a shelter-in-place in effect until May 20.

On the bright side: Since most cities in America have embraced a shelter-in-place of some sort, air pollution has decreased. With less cars burning fuel, less factories producing smoke, and less human activity in general, the global climate is experiencing cleaner air and water. Major metropolitans have seen the most drastic changes, such as New York, which reported a 28-37 percent decrease in fine particulate matter.

About the Contributors

Ryan Wang, Section Editor

They say third time’s the charm, but as senior Ryan Wang struggles to write his third (and last) staff bio, he feels anything but charming. Being crowned the new Arts & Entertainment editor for TRL, he’s spent the past few months perfecting his craft by watching an unhealthy amount of movies.. Having lost touch with reality, he’s gone back to his roots and doing what he does best: making sandwiches, walking his cat, and shouting loudly at the Pittsburgh Penguins on TV. Needless to say, he can’t wait to go back to school to see his friends, zone out in class, and go on boba-trips eight times a week. Aside from running his extremely legit “Magic Zappy Machine” business, Ryan is also involved in speech & debate, investing club, dishwashing, NHS, and of course, The Red Ledger. He’s looking forward to another great year on staff, where he’ll be looking to connect with new writers, producing great content, and most importantly, raiding the local snack cabinet.

Matt Bolden, Photographer

Everyone always says “third time’s the charm,” but Junior Matt Bolden finds that hard to believe. In his 16 years of life, Bolden never dreaded anything more than his third year of high school. Running solely on Starbucks and Britney Spears, Bolden somehow finds a way to juggle the responsibilities of junior year such as college applications, AP classes, TRL and marching band. Even with his busy schedule, Bolden always makes room for his friends and anyone who needs help. In his (limited) free time Bolden likes to binge Netflix, (currently “Lucifer” and “The Good Place”). He also collects “Sillybandz,”writes short stories and drinks what some would consider to be an unhealthy amount of coffee. Bolden is somewhat excited for the opportunities before him but for right now is just glad to live in the moment with the people he cares about.

Hannah Gonzalez, Graphics Editor

Mama Mia, here we go again. As she takes her last ride in the TRL classroom, Hannah Gonzalez is ready to end this year with a bang. Gonzalez serves as a Co-Graphics editor for the third year in a row and this is her fourth year on staff. When she’s not making killer graphics, you can most likely find Gonzalez on the volleyball court, at FCA meetings, in school or going for a joy ride in the Jeep that she named “Beep.” Although TRL is life, Gonzalez also enjoys going for late-night ice cream runs, watching early morning sunrises, going to church every Sunday morning and going on an occasional lake trip. To add to her list of accomplishments, Gonzalez has won three state championships and is looking for a fourth. With her happy planner by her side, Gonzalez is looking forward to kicking procrastination to the curb as she conquers her final year as a high school student.