Red, Blue and a lot to do: Gerrymandered democracy

CJ Boxhill and Amaya Diaz

Sep 19, 2025

Co-host, CJ Boxhill, brings on special guest and Trail staffer, Amaya Diaz, to discuss thoughts on redistricting congressional seats.

Background Music Credit: @sncgotthatheat

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in editorials are those of the writer(s). These views may not represent those of the adviser; of the Trail staff as a whole; of the Trail’s advertisers; of the administration, faculty or staff of McIntosh High School; of Fayette County Public Schools or of the FCBOE School Board members.

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About the Contributors

CJ Boxhill, Multimedia

CJ Boxhill is serving as Team Multimedia for the 2025-2026 school year. Boxhill has now been on staff for two years and served as Team Multimedia for the 2024-2025 school year as well. Boxhill won a Best of SNO award last year for his podcast Red Blue and A Lot To Do with co-host Ava Flores which was the first multimedia best of sno for trail. Boxhill was also a part of the team that won Distinguished SNO site last year. Boxhill has also won a superior award alongside his peers for their staff editorial at GSPA. Boxhill is a current member of the Spirit of Mcintosh Marching Band, he serves a leadership role as percussion leader in the band. He also served as the Vice President of the Skills USA club. Boxhill has won two Rookie Of The Year awards and also two Student Choice awards. Boxhill made silver academic recognition these past two years. He is also a Mcintosh ambassador. Boxhill is also involved in the Tech crew for Mcintosh Theater. Boxhill has been working at Carrabba’s Italian Grill for the past seven months and serves as a certified trainer there. When Boxhill is not working or at school he enjoys playing video games, hanging out with his friends, or learning new music. Boxhill is very interested in politics and law. Boxhill is the last of his family to attend McIntosh High School, his sister Davian and Cousins Katrina and Chris have all attended McIntosh. One of his biggest goals in life is to be elected as a future President of the United States. Boxhill is excited for the upcoming year and working with new faces.

Amaya Diaz, Staff

Amaya Diaz is a first-year staffer for The Trail and a senior at McIntosh High School. Known for her dedication, drive and creativity, Amaya has excelled both academically and personally during her high school years. She won both the school’s Poetry Out Loud competition and the Laws of Life Rotary essay challenge, showcasing her talent for both spoken word and reflective writing. Beyond the classroom, she thrives in athletics and leadership. Amaya serves as captain of the track team and flag football team. With a deep love for reading and competitive sports, she brings energy, creativity and determination to everything she does, including Trail.

Alyssa Barnfield, Business Manager

Senior Alyssa Barnfield is carrying out her second year on the Trail as the Business Manager, which is the same title she holds for the Legend Yearbook staff. Barnfield is the president of McIntosh’s Animal Care Organization and is a current member of the National English Honors Society, National Society of High School Scholars, The National Society of Leadership and Success, Beta Club, Key Club and HOSA. She has been involved in the Marketing, Healthcare and Latin pathways in school, and has taken multiple Dual Enrollment classes, even some during the summer. She was even part of the staff which earned the “Distinguished Site” award. In her free time she enjoys volunteering, viewing shows such as “Love Island” and “Game of Thrones,” watching many movies and making money. Barnfield is excited to exercise her skills in graphic design, marketing, photography and more to support the staff.