December Issue 2010

Bear Facts

december issue VOL. 31 ISSUE 2 Bethel High School1067 Big BethelRd. Hampton, Virginia 23666

The People Issue

Swinging with the golf club PG. 7

the arts, the smarts, and the hearts pages 3-11 PG. 6

PG. 2

Bear Facts BHS to host health academy Editor-in-Chief Lauren Pell

Staff Reporters

Elizabeth Clay Regine Henderson Sherman Jones Viet Nguyen Dori Smith Jamicia Stamps Yudaris Suriel Chauncy Wiggins Janae Mccullum Rosie Moreno Adaoma Okafor Jean Tatum Emily Townsend Rozelyn Almond Trey Alston Portia Hightower Jayla Hill Joy Jones Shelby Pantel Pandora Pully Madelynn Poulson Nycki Copeland Steven DeShong James Parker Kiana Glover Brittani Warren Advisor Beth Hoer Our purpose is to serve the students of Bethel High School as a forum for student expression.

Editorials and opinion pieces will be clearly labeled as such. The Bear Facts is a self-supporting publication, and advertising revenue pays for publications costs. We encourage readers to submit ideas for stories, letters to the editor, photos, and art. We also encourage comments and suggestions about the newpaper.

hcs-bhsnewspaper@hampton.k12.va.us

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The Bear Facts

Many large corporations are based in or near Hampton Roads, such as Canon, NASA, and Northrop Grumman. “They want a more technically savvy workforce,” said Jesse White, the Career and Technical Education Curriculum Leader for Hampton City Schools. “We need to make sure Hampton students can replace their workforce. Career academies set the stage for that.”

With its plans for “pocket academies” in every high school by 2013, Hampton City Schools is aiming high.

A “pocket academy” is essentially a school within a school. Bethel plans to have a Health and Medical Sciences academy, or HMS. Principal John Bailey has a plan to transform Bethel into an HMS Academy for the 2011-2012 school year.

“We thought school was boring,” said White. “If teachers are talking about English and Algebra in the context of healthcare, maybe it’s more interesting.”

“There is a large and growing career field here in the local area,” said photography teacher Gary Coverston, who has been involved in the planning of Bethel’s academy.

“The military hospitals who hire contractors, Riverside and Sentara mega-health-plexs and all their satellite entities: all are looking for that special individual who has had the education and training in the health

and medical science careers.”

One of the newest Hampton

schools, George P. Phenix K-8 school, located directly behind Bethel, has implemented a program in which middle school students take 3 years of preparatory course work to enter

Ten of the 20 fastest growing Bethel’s HMS academy. The program, occupations are healthcare related, called STEM, which is short for according to the United States DepartScience Technology Engineering ment of Labor. With its plan for a and Math, requires students to take Health and Medical Sciences (HMS) high-level math classes and Latin Academy, Bethel will prepare students or Spanish. By the time they get to to enter the booming medical field. high school, they’ll be ready to enroll

Many students do not have a in classes like Medical Terminolplan for after graduation, so they ogy. Then they can “go into their aren’t competitive when entering the junior year with their eyes open, workforce or college. But, as Jesse knowing what they’re getting into,” White, Curriculum Leader for Career said White. Raymond Haynes, the and Technical Education, said, “Colprincipal of Phenix, said that only lege is not a goal. It’s a step towards 100 students are allowed into the a goal.” Hampton City Schools is program at Phenix each year, but that working harder to prepare students to it will probably expand in the future. be competitive after high school. And

The other high schools in students need to step up and particiHampton are also reforming propate in the classes offered to them. grams. Hampton High will have a

Current Health Occupation program for International Business students will be able to take a Medical and Law, and Kecoughtan will have a Terminology course next year, but Communications Arts and Business, they won’t be able to be in the HMS or CAB program. Phoebus will conacademy. Applications are available on tinue to build on its robotics program the Bethel website for rising freshwith a Innovation Design Engineerman (current 8th graders) who wish ing Academy, or IDEA. “Bethel is to enter into the HMS academy. They probably the farthest ahead in getting will be due on February 1st, and at that their program ready,” said White. point administrators will begin to sort through the applications and fill the 60 Lauren Pell seats available in the academy.

Editor-in-Chief

OPINION

Students must step up

Where the newspaper stands

Teachers want salaries back

Students are not the only people taking side jobs after school. Teachers are now taking second jobs to get extra money. Dealing with students may be manageable, but what about dealing with a household? A normal eight-hour day in school plus a six-hour shift afterwards can become stressful.

Hampton City Schools teachers will receive a bonus this year, but that’s not what they were asking for. They wanted their .8% salary reduction back. The school system has received funding that they didn’t expect, and teachers think that they deserve their old salaries. Teachers are the most important part of our school system, and if the salaries here continue to decrease, great teachers will leave to get paid more in other cities.

Cost seems to be an important factor this year for the Hampton city schools environment. Yet all of the high schools in the city of Hampton received new Promethean boards. These boards cost a lot of money and to some teachers, are hard to use. Do they have an effect on the way students learn? “Since I’m not allowed to touch it, it’s hard for a hands-on student like myself to really get into the lesson,” said sophomore Alexus Riley, who seems to represent

student opinion. Whether new Promethean boards will have positive effects on the students and teachers remains to be seen.

Meanwhile teachers are the backbone of Bethel, and provide the support that we as students need. When they laugh, we laugh (more at them than with them), when they are out sick, we feel for them, and most importantly when they stress, we stress. Teacher morale is at an all time low currently. While of course students loathe the seven hours that are required by law, teachers are expected to enjoy their time here. That expectation has turned out to be a big let down. Teachers, along with students, are craving for that 3:09 bell to ring releasing them from what seems like a government-imposed prison.

How does this longing for leaving affect us as students? Well of course it varies from person to person, but overall it makes students feel as if they are not worth their time because the stress of being a teacher is taking away from the actual teaching. Busy work is becoming the best friend of some teachers, while discipline enforcement lacks for others. But really, how much does disciplinary action impact us?

December Issue 2010

Defending our country and our school

Those who know Officer Norberto Cruz know that he is soft-spoken. When he speaks of his job and his family, his voice is filled with pride and honor. Cruz comes across as a tough guy who takes his job seriously, and he does. He is also a man who cares about the citizens of Hampton and his family. He was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to the United States at the age of 17. He was born to a Spanish mother and a father who is Spanish, Italian, and Irish. He is the middle child of seven children and a father of three.

In his 15 years with the Hampton City Police he has earned the respect of his fellow officers.

Officer Jermey Kincheloe has known him for eight years and has worked with him many times. On the job he is always professional and “always remains calm in stressful situations,” Kincheloe said, “[He is] definitely a leader...someone we can always turn to.”

Officer Felix Martinez has worked with Cruz almost every day for the last six years. Martinez said that Cruz is polite, gets along with everyone, and does not lie. “

I have a lot of respect for him,” Martinez said.

Cruz and the other officers of the Hampton police force never see a normal day. Cruz says when he gets dressed in the morning and steps out the door he never knows what will happen.

To be an officer isn’t a job for the faint of heart. “It’s a lifestyle. It means doing the right thing even if it hurts,” Cruz said.

Cruz is a church-going man who says that sometimes his beliefs get in the way of what he has to do. He may not like or believe in a law but “that

hasn’t stopped me from doing my job.” He was brought up in a home where all his relatives were police officers, in the military, or were musicians.

He was raised on the foundation of respecting people and defending property. “It’s all about respect,” Cruz said. Honesty and courage have been deeply embedded in his view of what it means to serve as an officer.

Cruz spent 20 years with the Army Airborne Infantry, where he served as a rifleman. After he retired, he decided to follow in his family’s footsteps and joined the police force. He loves his time at Bethel because he loves being able to interact with the students in a positive way, but hates when he is forced to arrest one. The most rewarding part of the job, for him, is when he can save the life of a child.

“People give us respect...The uniform represents truth,” Cruz said. His job may be important to him but he says that his family comes before everything else. His family is a major influence for him, his mother in particular. “[She] is the foundation of who I am,” Cruz said. His family is his biggest achievement. To him, “everything else is just a job.”

Cruz is still the same man when he steps out of his uniform. He is a man who is constantly reminding himself of where he came from; every year he takes a trip to Puerto Rico with his family. His heritage is important to him but it does not define

“Cruz is definitely a leader..someone we can always turn to,” said Officer Kincheloe

Officer Cruz has a lot to smile about, both at home and at school. Photo taken by Rosie Moreno

who he is. “I’m me. There’s only one of me...Your heritage doesn’t define you as a person,” Cruz said, “every single one of us is special.”

Cruz is nothing but a regular man who does an extraordinary job of protecting Hampton and his family. “I’m not afraid of anything....[except] that my family would get hurt,” Cruz said. This one fear tells the story of a man who loves his family above all else. He does what he can to protect them and the citizens of Hampton. He is a man who can be admired because he puts his life on the line everyday for complete strangers. He is a man with a big heart and a good cause.

Pandora Pully Staff Reporter

Opportunity is knocking and AP opens the door

If you weren’t in the cafeteria on the night of December 7, you missed out on an opportunity to learn about the many choices you have for next year, including getting college credit while doing something you enjoy.

Following the freshman orientation in the auditorium, parents and students entered the cafeteria to find all kinds of different Advanced Placement and elective course choices ranging from AP Art and U.S. World History, to Child Development and JROTC.

There are so many different types of subjects offered and next

December Issue 2010

year’s schedule. “My child is fortunate to have so many choices that will help shape their future. Choices that I didn’t have growing up,” said Lorie Henderson, a parent who attended the Elective Fair.

Darlene Peak, an Independent Living teacher, said she wanted students to take her class “so students will be ready for life after they graduate.” Participants also learned that by taking an AP class and passing the exam, they can earn college credit. This will save time and money because it is one less course to take.

Other electives at the Fair sug-

gested that if you choose not to go to college, the courses you take can give you the skills you need to help you in the future. For example, JROTC will help you get prepared to go into the military, or Photography class will help you learn how to develop photos in a dark room and how to take better pictures.

If you like to learn more about how the mind works, or the effects of Alzheimer’s, you might consider signing up for the AP Psychology course taught by Anita Best. She seems to be a cool teacher and really passionate about the subject – she promises

it to be a “fabulous elective!” Taking an AP class is a great way to get you started on the right track for college or for whatever direction you want your life to go in.

Go to guidance for more information. There is a class for any hobby or career you may have in mind. Whatever you decide to do in the future, it’s always good to know what classes there are and what kind of choices you have.

Regine Henderson Staff Reporter

The Bear Facts

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Bacote is competitive on and off the court

Aaron Bacote is far from the average 17 year-old student at Bethel High School. He spends as much time in the gym as he does in the classroom working hard to be the best at what he does.

Bacote is the starting shooting guard for the Varsity basketball team.

He has been playing basketball ever since he was little, he said. “I enjoy playing it, and all my friends are playing it.” He is a force to be reckoned with on the court. He competes on the court to prove that he is the best of the best at what he does. Last season he averaged 13 points and 7 rebounds per game.

“He’s the ideal teammate because he leads by example both on and off the court,” said junior Jeremy Saunders, who also plays for the Varsity team.

“He takes criticism and he is always willing to learn,” said sophomore Rakeen Brown. He plays with Bacote five times a week and is constantly impressed by his technique. “He has a high basketball I.Q, he is a leader and very vocal on the court. He’s skillful.

Everybody knows he’s good.”

Brown believes that Bacote will fit in at the College of William and Mary based on his style of playing.

College scouts apparently believe in him too, because schools such as Virginia Tech, VCU, William and Mary, and Rhode Island are offering him scholarships.

Because Bacote is often compared to his older brother Teddy Bacote, he has a legacy to live up to. The Bacote name is familiar at Bethel as his older brother Teddy played Varsity football.

He now attends St. Augustine College in Raleigh, where he still plays football. There is an expected rivalry at home as Bacote contends with imprinting a name of his own into the community.

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The Bear Facts

Goodwin’s passion for both games

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Aaron BaCote has smarts for academics and basketball. Cartoon by Marie Bothwell.

The Bacote parents believe in Aaron’s abilities. “Aaron is more competitive than he shows. He always seems to be laughing and playing, but inside he really wants to do well. I don’t think Aaron is as competitive as Teddy, although Aaron will surprise people with his toughness and his will to succeed,” said Ted Bacote, his dad.

Off the court he still fights for his grade. Maintaning a grade point average of 4.09 is a challenging task that he works to maintain. He competes for his grades and with peers to have the best grades possible. “Since I’m competitive on the court it carries over to the classroom where I strive to do my best there too.” His favorite class is Probability and Statistics, taught by Chris Bodden.

He is looking forward to the upcoming basketball season. He wants to prove himself to the college scouts who will be watching him.

Trey Alston Staff Reporter

The stress of being a star player on the high school football and basketball teams causes some students to give up, but not senior Joe Goodwin. He copes with the stress by isolating himself from others and listening to music. “I like to listen to R&B, rap, and hip hop to help me deal with stress,” he said.

Goodwin battles playing both sports his senior year of high school. The intense training of both sports would cause for some to be tired.

But the intensity of the sports is what drives Goodwin to work hard. He has been playing football and basketball since the age of eight.

He played football for the recreational team Woodland and Norfolk Falcons, and basketball for Syms Middle School and Norfolk Tar Heels.

Goodwin is a starting player on both the field and the court, where he plays the position of wide receiver in football and forward in basketball. As a starting player in basketball he has participated in many winning games.

The top three games that stand out to him are both the Hampton games and the Phoebus game. “I remember being so close to winning the Phoebus game, that I knew this year I was going to give so

Basketball Schedule Varsity Games 5:30 & 7 JV Games 5 & 6:30

much more to win,” said Goodwin.

Goodwin’s parents encouraged him to take part in high school sports, but still wanted him to remain focused on his schoolwork. Goodwin takes Honors English and Government and some elective classes.

When playing both sports, it may be hard to keep up with studies, but Goodwin sets aside certain hours of the day to work on his homework and to study. “I usually start working on my homework when I get home from basJoseph Goodwin ketball practice,” aspires to attend said Goodwin.

Michigan State “My biggest goal University, Cartoon by Marie is to work hard Bothwell. and get a scholarship,” said Goodwin. He has not yet received any offers from any colleges or universities, although he would like to attend Michigan State University.

Goodwin is not sure of what he wants to study, but he would like to do something in the field of technology.

“My biggest supporter is my girlfriend Kelsey Kasey,” said Goodwin. Kasey is at all the games, holding a sign supporting Goodwin. His support from his girlfriend and family is what motivates him to do well.

Brittani Warren Staff Reporter

Date

Opponent

Location

Dec. 21 Dec. 28 Jan. 4 Jan. 7 Jan. 11 Jan. 14 Jan. 18 Jan. 21 Jan. 28 Feb. 1 Feb. 4 Feb. 8 Feb. 10

Menchville Xmas Tour Warwick Phoebus Kecoughtan Haritage Gloucester Denbigh Woodside Hampton Menchville Warwick Phoebus

Home HU Away Home Away Home Home Away Home Home Away Home Away

Montgomery finds way back to BHS

Kendel Montgomery returns to Bethel after suffering an injury while playing football for Kecoughtan.

“I am the type of guy that won’t be the prom king, but I’ll make a difference in the world,” said Montgomery.

Photo taken by Dori Smith.

Looking back sometimes, senior Kendel Montgomery said he wishes he would have stayed at Bethel because the season would have ended differently. Montgomery has been a football player since he was eight years old, but there is a story behind the football pads and helmets.

During this football season he trained with the other Bethel players. He started off the season by playing quarterback but then the coaches changed his position to linebacker.

“He was adamant about playing quarterback,” said coach Fabian Davis.

After the coaches changed his position he made a decision to move to Kecoughtan High School. “The respect they gave me was admirable.

Even though they were older, my coaches made me feel as though I was not only playing the game but kind of making my plays,” said Montgomery.

Artist by night

December Issue 2010

yer and make a difference in the world.

“I’m the type of guy that won’t be the prom king, but I’ll make a difference in the world,” Montgomery said.

It was a major milestone in his life when he realized he needed to head his life in a different direction. Although he temporarily left Bethel in the beginning of the year, students still respect him. “He’s really nice and speaks when he sees someone,” said senior Tanise Barnes.

He wants to live as a teenager before making that huge step into adulthood. “It’s all about having fun, and when something gets you down, find another thing to pick you up because it’s those things that make you stronger as a human being,” said Montgomery.

Rozelyn Almond Staff Reporter

What’s all in the uniforms?

Athlete by day

Jordan Armstrong has two very different sides to his personality. On one hand, he is a very competitive rugby player, and on the other hand Armstrong writes poetry and sings.

He has been playing rugby since 2009, when the school club team began.

He plays prop, which is the equivalent of an offensive lineman in football. Bethel’s team is one of the smallest in the district, but it is also one of the fastest. Many Bethel players have been chosen to try out for the Virginia AllStar team.

The sport is extremely dangerous as no protective gear besides a mouth guard is required. “The sport is very centered around strength, and you are going against people of all ages and sizes. It is very easy to get hurt if you or your opponent do not know what you are doing. Technique is very important,” said Armstrong.

In the Kecoughtan versus Denbeigh game, Montgomery was running and had a collision with another player resulting in a medical collateral ligament. He ended up hurting his knee, forcing him to leave his football team and return to Bethel.

Although he had recovered with ice, heat, rest, and a brace, this accident made him rethink his whole life and appreciate life even more.

“Ever since I was little, my dream was to go to Rutgers University in New Jersey. Now, I have no idea,” Montgomery said. Academically, Montgomery is not worried about finding a college. He believes he can get into Campbell University, Norfolk State, St Johns University and Bluefield University. “I’m not saying Harvard, but my grades are good enough for me to have a choice,” he said.

Montgomery wants to be a law-

The hardest teams for them to play are Denbigh and Menchville.

At the other end of the spectrum, he also enjoys singing and writing poetry.

He writes songs and loves listening to alternative music. “I am always writing songs and singing. I was brought up with all kinds of music,” said Armstrong.

Though both sides of his personality are very balanced, the more relaxed, musical side generally shines through. “The more competitive side of my personality really only comes out during rugby season, when I am on the field,” said Armstrong.

To stay up to date with the team, you can add Bethel Rugby on Facebook.

Elizabeth Clay Staff Reporter

Uniforms, just like the students wearing them, come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Be it huge with helmets and pads or simple with swimsuits, sports uniforms are very complex. Student-athletes are required to wear certain parts of their uniform in order to play during a game. What exactly are they, and how much do they cost?

Football, a popular high school sport, has a complex uniform—helmets, socks, shoulder pads, hip pads, thigh pads, and cleats. The school provides the football players all of these except for cleats, which cost about $100. There are fundraisers for the students that cannot pay for their own cleats.

The Varsity football uniforms change every four to five years and are paid for by Bethel’s athletic funds. The football players are responsible for washing the practice uniforms.

The Junior Varsity football team receives the Varsity’s old football uniforms.

“Receiving the Varsity’s old uniforms stinks. The uniforms are ripped, numbers are faded, and the knee pads aren’t even of good quality. I had to pay for my own helmet because helmets weren’t provided until halfway into the season for the JV team,” said sophomore Tevin Dennis.

“We get leftover jerseys, lockers, and equipment—it seems as though the JV team isn’t even respected,” said sophomore Jonathan Gomez.

Baseball, the old American pastime, has a uniform that consists of a jersey top, pants, socks, hats, and an undershirt. Players spending money on personal equipment is left to their discretion. Bats are roughly

$300, batting gloves are around $40, fielding gloves are typically $150, and bat bags range from $60 to $100. Typically, JV uniforms are the ‘hand-me-down uniforms’ of the Varsity team. “We were thankful to be able to fundraise money through Coach Lawson. If it weren’t for him, we wouldn’t have new jerseys instead of Varsity’s old uniforms. We’re supposed to be getting new silver vest, and new hats,” said sophomore John Babey. The players or their parents are responsible for laundering the uniforms.

“It’s sweet because the uniforms look good. They were brand new, and the Junior Varsity team actually looked like we meant something,” said sophomore Tyler Jenkins.

Soccer uniforms consist of jerseys, shorts, socks, shin guards, and cleats. Jerseys, shorts, and socks are all provided. NOCSAE approved shin guards range from $6 to as much as $120. Soccer cleats range from $20 to $600. Uniforms change every four to five years and the JV team receives Varsity’s old uniforms. The players are responsible for cleaning and caring for their own uniforms.

Each uniform has their own necessities that need to be met in order for the players to play. When a player cannot pay for their personal equipment, fundraisers are done to raise money for the equipment needed by players and during practices. Players have never been prevented from being able to play simply because they cannot pay for their personal equipment.

Steven DeShong Staff Reporter

The Bear Facts

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Arts Huth dances around disaster

Senior Brittany Huth enjoys singing in the school chorus and at her church, Liberty Baptist, but for the past 15 years dancing has been her true passion.

“It’s the way I can express myself,” she said. Huth dances at the Northampton Dance Studio, a place her mother also danced at as a child. Huth dances modern, tap, jazz, point, and ballet. Huth does not feel that dance is true today and tells others who want to dance that “They have to have a passion for dance. It can’t just be something you do.”

As she is number two in her class with a 4.2 grade point average, Huth has a pretty hectic schedule. Huth is taking six courses, her favorite being science. “Science will really help me in the medical field,” said Huth, who is also involved in Drama Club, Key Club, National Honor Society, Principal’s Advisory Group, Student Counsel Association, and Model UN.

When she is not at school, church, or dancing she is serving

in the community. Just last year she logged 200 hours of community service. “I am always doing something and I would not want it any other way,” she said.

Growing up was hard for Huth.

Since the age of six she has gone through seven surgeries for kidney stones, though she has not needed a surgery in years. This past summer her father suffered a massive heart attack and is only surviving with the help of a machine, acting as a pump for his heart. He is on the list for a heart transplant, but Huth is happy he is alive. “God just performed a miracle,” she said.

Huth says she would like to attend University of Virginia, Old Dominion University, James Madison University, or Virginia Commonwealth University. Her experiences have affected her choice to want to go into the medical field. She says that what has happened to her has made her want to help others.

Sherman Jones Staff Reporter

Top student enjoys art Erin Edler enjoys art. Photo by Lauren Pell

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The Bear Facts

Erin Edler, number done. three in the Class of

Edler does not want 2013, describes herself as to be the type of person unique, but she someto rely on anybody but times has pressure to herself. “I don’t really keep up look up to anyone her good “It’s hard to to be honest,” grades. balance home- said Edler. She

It is is quite comforthard to deal work and spend- able with being with school ing time with so independent at and life her age because it friends,” outside of prepares her for school. “At times, yes. It’s the real world. hard to balance home She loves art and work and spending time creating things out of with friends,” said Edler. nothing. She is in Art and Pressure from school, loves to draw, doodle, and parents to do well is and paint. She does not a lot for a 15 year old but do it a lot but when she she does not let that stop does, she’s very commither from getting things ted to it and strives to done. As she gets older, create a masterpiece. more work is piled on Chauncey Wiggins her and more needs to be Staff Reporter

Huth has a passion for dance. Photo courtesy of Brittany Huth.

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December Issue 2010

Jaber

Everyone can make a difference in the world, but to achieve that, everyone must first work within the community and school. Laila Jaber is Bethel High School’s Sophomore Class president. Jaber is known for her high academics, and although she comes to school just like any other student attending Bethel, she also has her own way of being unique. She is Islamic, which is a monotheistic religion that believes in one god called Allah. She stays faithful to her religion and also manages to maintain an American lifestyle.

Jaber said her parents shaped her to be who she is today by teaching her right from wrong and to make good decisions not only for herself but ones that will help others also. Responsibility, commitment, and dedication are three of the most valued traits of anyone wanting to make a difference outside themselves.

Jaber recognizes all her friends, family, and teachers for support, influence, and guidance for achieving her goals.

Jaber’s prior experience in leadership was as an active class representative and safety patrol in elementary and middle school. “My favorite part of this whole experience was when I was running, I got to talk to a lot of sophomores and meet a lot of new people,” she said. Jaber wants to use this experience as preparation to be a teacher because she feels it’s rewarding to be proactive in school.

Although the Sophomore Class does not have much to say when it comes to school wide decisions, Jaber and her committee work together to make sure voices for underclassmen (freshmen and sophomores) are heard.

Jaber works along with the other elected class officers Keiome Walker and

A president in the making

Mariano moves into new culture Mariano lived in the Philippines. Photo by Regine Henderson.

December Issue 2010

Laila Jaber is the sophomore class president. Photo by Regine Henderson.

Roselyn Almond of the Sophomore Class. As president she wants to strive for more events that will benefit the class and wants to get others involved in school and school related activities.

Jayla Hill Staff Reporter

Transitioning from one school to the next can be stressful and frightening for almost anyone.

There are new places to learn, new teachers to meet and new friends to make. Those new things can be wonderful and even exciting, but also overwhelming, especially when the new school is in another country.

That terrifying experience began the high school career of Johnafaye Mariano. There are many who would have broken under the pressures that Mariano faced as she transitioned from the Philippines to the United States. Not Mariano. She is thriving and excelling under all her pressures. “I still have some few adjustments to make, such as learning American slang, but overall I have adapted to America,” said Mariano.

Mariano is the top of the Junior Class. She manages to balance her culture, family, extracurricular activities and friends while maintaining excellent grades. She is a part of several school related functions such as the National Honor Society, Operation Smile, and Foreign Language Club. This goes to show that adjustments can be difficult but are not impossible.

Mariano moved to the United States four years ago because her grandfather, a World War II veteran, filed a petition for his family in order to have a better life. “America has better job opportunities and better living conditions,” said Mariano. Beginning her life in her new country was greatly influenced by her old life in the Philippines. She says that being a Filipino is a great factor that affects almost every aspect of her life.

Mariano’s education for example is a priority for succeeding in the future.

Coming from another country also affects how people perceive her. She is stereotyped as the girl who is, “…studious, diligent and forced by

parents to get high grades,” said Mariano. Mariano explains that in some ways this particular statement is true in that she does study a lot. However her parents do not put as much pressure on her as others think. The move might have been hard to adjust to, however “I have no regrets coming to America at all. I love it here!

In fact, I see as a challenge to prove myself as a person in a foreign land, away from the comforts of home,” said Mariano.

The cultural differences Mariano faced seemed like they would be one of the major changes she would have to adjust to. People in the United States have certain ways of doing things that differ from people in other countries like the Philippines. When Mariano first stepped into an American classroom she felt students were rude to their teachers. Back in the Philippines, Mariano said, “We had to raise our hands before we spoke during class; we also had to stand up when acknowledged by the teacher.” Mariano says she is used to it now, however she was not fond of it when she first came to the country.

Through all the struggles she has faced, Mariano has developed many strong character traits that will help her as she follows her dreams.

Making the assimilation toward a new life has opened a door to endless possibilities for the young achiever. Mariano has her mind set on becoming a doctor and graduating from UCLA with her bachelor’s degree in medicine.

“Changes are constantly present in our lives.

I think coming to America makes me a stronger person on the inside,” said Mariano.

Shelby Pantel Staff Reporter

The Bear Facts

7

Bethel students and teachers are getting into the Christmas season by filling up stockings and giving away toys to the Salvation Army.

CTE teacher Tanya Shank collected 51 angels and 16 stockings for children, which is a big diffrence from the 29 to 30 she recieved last year. She’s very pleased by Melissa Politan’s class, in which all 25 students participated in the project. “Thanks to all the teachers and kids who donated toys and clothes to child in need will recieve something this Christmas,” said Shank. any that m ization the n a g r o e ile is an and now hav wery o ion Sm Operat have heard of, of. Melissa M out a t s ll t r fi a n s e p d ie a u st mil o be hat we unity t dents’ fa opport sted that stu opener into w ever ln e ue has req aire as an “ey t millions wil ssary n a n h ce e io w n t s d s e e n qu ted a rovid n p a r n g io n with r t e a childr take fo his organiz r fo , 0 T 24 re unknow.” , which cost $ se children a erly. e s p h surgerie and palates. T n breathe pro re e s v e y p n ma a t and cleft li reated, . The eak, ea t p n s u o t ft is le able ciety ndition sts in their so nations. o c e h t If do tca cepting ered ou consid ion is now ac at organiz

What’s Bruin?

Community service by the clubs here, such as the Drama Club, Operation Smile, and by teachers such as Rebecca Hamraz, are taking small steps to make big differences for the community around them.

On Halloween night, Bethel’s Drama Club canvassed surrounding neighborhoods to collect food for the Trick or Treat So Tots Can Eat program (TOTS EAT). BHS thespians collected 881 pounds of food from Michaels Woods, Farmington, Ridgecrest, and from students from Bethel. “I hope every year it gets bigger and bigger,” said Drama sponsor Tracy Bourne.

An angel is among us. Rebecca Hamraz’s Green one Government class has adopted a family from the Salvation Army for this upcoming Christmas. By selling doughnut coupons, the students plan to raise over $500, which Hamraz has promised to match. The family being hosted consists of a single mother and three children.

Rapoza wins oratorical contest

At the American Legion’s 71st Annual Oratorical Contest, six students gave speeches about a part of the Constitution that they feel passionate about.

Kristen Parmenter, who Rapoza won the American Legion’s annual teaches Public oratorical contest. Photo by Steven DeShong Speaking was contacted by the American Legion’s Post 67 Oratorical Chair, Rochelle Douglas, and was happy to have the event held at Bethel because “it is good practice for public speaking students.”

Contestants spoke on topics ranging from the Preamble to the 15th Amendment, and it was apparent that they studied the constitution very closely and knew what they were talking about.

First place winner Kaitlyn Rapoza spoke on the topic of a female-friendly America. She originally wrote the speech for Public Speaking class, and entered the contest because she really needed the scholarship money. “I was really nervous, but it feels really good to win,” said Rapoza.

All high school students are encouraged to enter, and spectator Ebony Mitchell said “I want to do it next year to get over my fear of public speaking.” It is possible to win up to $18,000 in scholarship money from the contest, and even though it may be a lot of work, it is a great opportunity for students.

“Everybody is a winner here today. They all did well,” said Parmenter.

Elizabeth Clay Staff Reporter

Samuel’s positive outlook wins friends

John Samuels always stays positive. Photo by Steven DeShong

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The Bear Facts

Most six year olds are outside playing and running around having a great time, but John Samuels had to get his leg amputated because of cancer.

Samuels has had a prosthetic leg for 13 years now.

“At times, it can be comfortable for me,” he said.

Samuels is now a senior and is still active all the time.

His favorite sport is basketball. He is just like every other senior at Bethel.

The only thing that makes him different is the fact that he has a prosthetic leg.

Many students at Bethel say they adore Samuels. “He is the sweetest person I ever met. I mean I do not think about his prosthetic leg. He is so nice,” said senior Malasia Hill.

On the weekends Samuels play videogames

with his friends, and hangs out like every other teenager, but when he was in elementary school many other children made fun of him and always teased him but now that he is in high school many students respect him.

“I’ll always look up to John, because he is strong enough to still go on with his life and not let his disability get in his way,” said junior Alexis Forbes.

Samuels has good grades, and can draw very well. There is not a time he isn’t smiling or even happy. He is always in good spirits and has a positive attitude.

Dori Smith Staff Reporter

“At times, it can be comfortable for me,” John Samuels

December Issue 2010

Creativity Corner

Fauntleroy Acts Out As a sophomore Tyler Fauntleroy is making his mark as a new actor with old-school style.

Behind the sweater vests and the pleated pants there is a young man with the drive to succeed in theatre. Tyler Fauntleroy, 15, is a sophomore who has been in every drama production since he entered Bethel. Fauntleroy even had a supporting role in the College of William and Mary’s Production of “Before It Hits Home” where he played the son of a man struggling with AIDS.

“I’ve been doing [drama] for a while and I even took acting classes when I was younger,” said Fauntleroy. Fauntleroy wants to continue his career in theatre later on in life by being a director and playwright.

“I’ve always loved drama because it’s a way to meet new people who accept you for who you are.

I’m not the nerd or the outsider. I am Tyler,” said Fauntleroy. Drama is a way of expressing students’ creativity at Bethel.

“I love the experience of acting—bringing a character to life on stage is an experience like no other,” said sophomore and fellow participant in the drama program, Katie Sherman.

Drama Director Tracy Bourne characterizes Fauntleroy as having the passion and the drive for

acting. “He knows what he has to do to become better and he does it and I have cast him in every production due to his ability to fit the characters well,” said Bourne.

Fauntleroy showcased his talent most recently in Bethel’s Annual Mystery Dessert Theatre, in which he played a nervous actor with a stutter that kept the audience laughing. “[Tyler] is a real cool dude and represents the drama club well,” said senior Austin Garrett, a fellow cast member in the mystery dessert theatre.

Fauntleroy is looking forward to his audition for the 2010-2011 Summer Residential Governors School, a month long program in the summer that is the biggest and most prestigious high school theatre program in the state. Fauntleroy believes Governor’s School will be a great experience and way to meet new people.

Through all the demands of being in productions, Fauntleroy still has time to be involved in his church as well as balance his schoolwork as he strives for a better future.

Madelynn Poulson Staff Reporter

Tyler Fauntleroy plays an active role in the drama club. Photo taken by Madelynn Poulson

Elliott leads in music, civics, and debate

Troy Elliott is the head drum major of the marching band, student conductor of the choral department, a captain of the Debate Team, a Senior Youth Planner for the city of Hampton. He has the highest leadership position in the music department, and plays seven instruments.

Elliott does a lot for the school and Troy Elliott is a member of the Jazz Band. Photo by Igee Okafor.community. He has teachers who really care about him and help keep him focused. “If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be nearly as well off as I am,” Elliott said. He tutors five students in

December Issue 2010

English, and is a peer mentor to three students.

He manages to keep two jobs on the side and finish his homework. “When you feel like you are destined to do something, it makes it much easier to do,” he said.

Elliott believes first impressions are essential in an interview and when you are meeting someone new. “How you look and carry yourself is the most important thing,” he said.

As a Senior Youth Planner for the city of Hampton he goes to meetings that discus important youth activism. At the December meeting, he presented his documentation on the development in Buckroe Beach. “ It is important for me to be engaged in the life of the city,” said Elliott.

Elliott started his musical career in the seventh grade as a student in band. He did not start singing until he got to high school. Singing was a surprise to him. “I never planned on taking choir, but my freshman seminar teacher was the choir director. After my first year, I auditioned and got into the top choirs,” said Elliott, who is a member of the Indigo Men’s and Vocal Jazz.

Elliott has interest in all music genres. “It’s essential for my development as a musician to listen to several genres of music to appreciate and respect it, but also to understand on a deeper

level the music I sing or play.” He believes music is like vocabulary: the more words you study, the easier it is to combine them into an essay to make it really good. “The more music I study, the more things I can incorporate into my performances. It is called repertoire,” Elliott said.

“For the record Mariah Carey is the greatest vocalist of all time in my opinion, and I listen to her most frequently,” said Elliott.

Elliott is dedicated to his music but has other interests. “I like to write, public speak, engage in youth civics, and leadership,” he said.

He has his whole life planned out for him. He knows what he wants to do, he knows where he wants to be, and he knows how he is going to get there. “I want to attend the University of North Texas to pursue a bachelors in music education with a duel concentration in instrumental and vocal study. I want to get my masters in vocal and instrumental conducting. I want to start teaching music at the high school level, and then college and I eventually want to be a director for something similar to Broadway.”

Portia Hightower Staff Reporter

The Bear Facts

9

Fashion Forward

to the future

Bryan Thomas models one of the first Pretty Boys “r” Us tees.

Photo by Brian Freeman

Chelsea Davis [Kecoughtan] & Marissa Dorsey [Hampton University] model the Pretty Girls “r” Us line.

Photo by Brian Freeman

Keyon Odom [C/O ‘10] shows off the Pretty Boy “r” Us logo.

Photo by Brian Freeman

F

ashion is most effective when it holds a message.

Whether speaking volumes about personality, selfesteem, or current issues in a generation, the way kids dress reflects who they are. Quinelle Holder, co-founder of a local clothing line called Pretty Boys “r” Us, shares this vision.

“Fashion should be a reflection of what’s on the inside, on the outside,” said Holder. He feels that the way a person dresses translates to the way they carry themselves. Whether it be casually or professionally it should always be with confidence. Although the line started out for males, it has now expanded to include a female line called Pretty Girls “r”

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The Bear Facts

Us, which seeks to provide young women the same stylistic appeal as the male line.

The buzz and success that Holder is now getting from something that started off as a joke was unanticipated. “One day I just posted Pretty Boys “r” Us coming soon on Facebook, and a lot of people liked the status and I got a lot of positive comments.”

Brian Freeman, who turned out to be Holder’s co-founder, contacted him and asked him about the line. That’s where Holder had to admit that he was just talking.

“When I told Brian I had just posted something, that’s when he told me he really wanted to make it happen. He told me to come over his house, and the next day he had logos, and themes drawn up,” said Holder.

The same way the line got started is the

way that Holder chooses to alert his consumers to new releases. At the moment, Pretty Boys “r” Us uses a lot of social networking sites as the main marketing source, including Twitter, Facebook posts, Tumblr, and of course word of mouth.

Through people simply talking or wearing the clothing, Pretty Boys “r” Us has been able to grab customers at college campuses across Virginia and D.C. “We want to keep a sense of exclusiveness, but still be available.

In the coming months we’re going to be involved with two boutiques, Almighty Soul Crew (in Hampton) and another in D.C.,” said Holder.

Holder knows that consistency is a major

December Issue 2010

Senior Kane Russell uses his leadership ability to work with others.

Consciously Creative

T

part in starting a business. He regularly creates new pieces of clothing to fit not only the season, but also the audience he is producing for. “People should wear our clothing because of its sense of timelessness. That’s a major thing in fashion - investing in a wardrobe that never goes out of style,” said Holder. “Our clothes provide the message that you believe in yourself. The way you look is simply an addendum to that.” Holder realizes that as a young adult, finding a “look” can be quite the challenge. He hopes that his clothing can provide a timeless look for those in high school to college and anticipates expanding his consumer body, while getting his name outside of the D.C. and Virginia area.

Kiana Glover Staff Reporter

December Issue 2010

he buzz all started when senior Kane Russell, also known as Conscious Kane, released his first mixtape online in June of 2010. Now Russell is preparing to release his second mixtape, titled “Consciously Cool,” in January of 2011, which features talent from other students at Bethel as well.

“I’ve collaborated with Polo Gilmore, who is a tenth grader at Bethel,” said Russell. He and Gilmore worked on a song together called “Killin’ It” and performed it at the Hampton Teen Center in October.

“Polo and I are both on the D.I.M.E. Productions Company and have the same manager,” said Russell.

Local performances help Russell to promote his music. Russell’s shows are open to anyone who wants to watch him and most of them take place at the Hampton Teen Center.

Being able to perform and reach out to his audience is Russell’s main motivation to rap. “I feel amazing when I am performing. I feel like I am on top of the world looking at everyone watching me live out my dream. I just want my music to be enjoyable to many different types of people.”said Russell

“I’ve also worked with Frank James, who goes to VCU, and fellow seniors Malik Harris, Everton Barrett, Terrance Jones, and Chris Copeland,” said Russell.

Russell teamed up with Harris, Barrett, and Jones to produce a song over the popular “Black and Yellow” beat by rapper Wiz Khalifa.

Harris was very enthusiastic about working with Russell. “It was a good experience working with Kane and with real studio equipment,” said Harris. “I was kind of nervous because it was my first time.”

Making music is a team effort and Russell incorporates others in the process. He likes to showcase the talent of others, and he especially likes to work with people who are not as experienced with rapping.

Russell will also be performing at Bethel’s talent show this year, which he has not done in previous years.

Viet Nguyen Staff Reporter

Precisely Polo

Polo Gilmore rides his way to the top with the support of his parents and peers.

A

t eight years old, most kids are thinking about having fun and hanging with their friends.

However, sophomore Polo Gilmore, who is also known as Yung Polo, was writing music. “I write about what I know and experience,” said Gilmore. Different types of music such as Hip Hop, Rock, R&B, and Reggae inspire him. “I am also inspired by different music such as Lil Wayne, T.I, and Biggie Smalls,” said Gilmore.

The name Yung Polo has a meaning. “The meaning for Yung is that I am young. Then, Polo is my name, but people think it is a nickname,” said Gilmore.

Yung Polo considers himself a positive rapper. “Not only can I rap about nice style and having Kane Russell and Polo Gilmore fun, I can send strike a quick pose.

Photo by Kiana Glover a positive message through my music and I do it in my own way that doesn’t disrespect anyone by using profanity,” said Gilomore.

Gilmore started performing his music at thirteen years old. His first performance was last year at the West Hampton Community Center. He also performed at the Teen Center and the African American Culture Festival.

Before a performance he becomes nervous depending on the amount of people in the audience. “Not knowing if I will remember the lyrics to my song while I am performing also makes me nervous,” said Gilmore.

If his dream to become a rapper does not pay off, he wants to become a lawyer. He also plans on going to Georgia State College. With his parents supporting him, his music, and his performances, Gilmore will continue to perform and become stronger.

“I just want to make her real proud of me and I want to be the reason for her to stop working and enjoy life,” said Gilmore. Gilmore’s mother, Juwana Gilmore, supports him in his hobby and also gives him advice. “I would tell him don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do it and always believe in yourself,” she said.

Jamicia Stamps Staff Reporter

The Bear Facts

11

Economy forces Bruins to work multiple jobs

Matching

T

1.) Brewer

2.)Politan

3.)Huey

A.)Thomas Nelson teacher B.)Skin Care Consultant C.)Writing curriculum for WHRO Answers:

1.b 2.c 3.a

eachers and students going through the motions of life at Bethel quickly take on different roles at 3:09. We all revert back to parents or students, but a select few of motivated individuals put on multiple hats outside of school. Consultants, associates, hair stylers, operators, and writers walk the halls disguised as typical Bruins.

Andreya Adams and Troy Elliot are both Bruin seniors who bear the load of working more than one job. Elliot works for Kroger and the Hampton Youth Commission, and Adams is a Chuck E. Cheese and Teen Center employee. She said she works because, “I needed more to pay for the things I want.”

A statistics and SAT prep teacher by day and baseball fanatic by night, Claire Ouellette can be found in the 4th floor press box at Harbor Park after school. “I heard about this fabulous opportunity, and now I love my job!” said Ouellette, referring to her second job as a score board operator for the Norfolk Tides. She’s been teaching at Bethel for 26 years but she has also been working at the baseball field for 12 years. During the season she arrives at Bethel by 7 a.m. and then travels to Norfolk by 5:30.

With ten years of experience at Bethel, and a position as data processor, Alicia Brewer spends almost eight hours in the guidance office each day, and then transforms into an Arvonne International Independent consultant. At Bethel she handles enrollments and report cards and creates the master schedule. As a consultant for about 18 months she teaches skin care classes. As a mother she helps her three college-age children, and visits her graduated son in the army.

World History 1 and sociology teacher Melissa Politan has always had side jobs in the eight years she has worked at Bethel. Politan develops writing curriculums for WHRO and also assists homebound

students outside of her Bethel obligations. “I work too much to do anything else outside of work,” said Politan.

Since 1999 geometry teacher Wanda Gatlin has worked as a part-time hair-stylist for JCPennys in Hampton. Gatlin was forced to go to college after her mother told her, “We do degrees around here,” but she’s always wanted to style hair. She’s worked at Bethel for seven years, and she’s also a self-professed karaoke lover and church-goer. Saturdays are her “free days” but the rest of her week is full and busy.

They each balance their schedules with different methods, some using firm schedules or planners and others contrarily being flexible. Family members and friends learn to be understanding and work around all of their career demands.

James Parker Staff Reporter

Spend the summer at college

Students like Alden Abernethy went to the Residential Governors School to explore the career field.

“Although the application process was long and tedious it was all worth the while,” said Abernethy.

The Summer Residential Governors School is very much different than the regular Governor’s School. In the residential program students actually live on a college campus for five free weeks and do activities pertaining to the fields they are interested in. In the mentorship, the students work side by side with scientists, physicians, and other professionals.

“One of the most important aspects of the Summer Residential Governor’s Schools is the opportunity participants have to live, study, and get to know other students with similar interests and abilities across Virginia,” said Director Ruth Grillo.

The candidates are selected first on a division

12The Bear Facts

level, and then the state level, they look at test scores, awards, extra curricular activities, creativity and original essays.

Students applying for the visual and performing arts summer Residential Governors School have to audition and need to have a portfolio reviewed by a pair of professional judges in that field. Not all of the students who audition get selected. The audition is very competitive because there is only so many slots that can be filled.

“Students who have attended these programs usually say that it is a life-changing experience, because they are able to work with other students from across the state who have the same high abilities and interests that they do,” said Grillo.

Nycki Copeland Staff Reporter

Local schools switch to Hybrid 4x4 schedules

The 4x4 Schedule is beginning to heat up as a number of high schools, including Hampton High and Phoebus, have adopted it for certain courses. However, “We have talked about the system, but we have no plans to adopt it fully as our schedule,” said Penny Petersen, HCS guidance director.

In this schedule system called the Hybrid4x4 the school day is divided into four, 90 minute instructional blocks in which the classes meet each day for a semester. At the end of the semester, students take the attached SOL’s and earn full credit for each course they have taken and passed. “While Bethel does not offer this, it could be positive as students meeting each day and having the opportunity to retake the class if they fail. However it can create problems within student’s schedules when a class is not passed,” said sssistant principal Jessica Ellison.

Some students struggle to manage the work of eight courses at one time. To be successful in the 4x4 system, students have to learn how to manage their time and work so that they can meet different, overlapping times for doing homework, completing projects and studying for quizzes and tests. “It allows you to focus more and get your credits faster,” said Petersen.

On the 4x4 schedule students will have 4 days to make- up work for each class that meets on a daily basis, because the classes are fewer and more balanced. On the AB schedule which is currently being used at Bethel High, if more than four consecutive days are missed, the students has 2 days to makeup work for eight classes. But according to Petterson, students are more likely to do better when they have fewer courses to manage.

This schedule does not only benefit students, it also helps teachers achieve their instructional goal during the 90-minute block classes. Since the teachers have fewer students and fewer classes to teach, the work load is not as heavy.

Any student transferring from another school with a different schedule from the hybrid 4x4 will have a problem because it sometimes is difficult to enroll students in courses that they have already taken at their former school. The courses the student has taken might not be on the course list for the semester.

Adaoma Okafor Staff Reporter

December Issue 2010

Former Army officer Veterans honored by JROTC becomes substitute

Upon entering the classroom, one look at substitute teacher and retired Army Lutenant Colonel Matthew Peele doesn’t tell the whole story. Peele is a very round character, as in there are many sides to him. As soon as the bell rings, Peele makes one thing clear: you don’t have to like him. You do have to listen to him.

Peele doesn’t just fall for a sob story, probably because of his own hardships as a teenager.

Not only was his family extremely poor, but he also spent summers working as a sharecropper, cutting firewood, and loading it into a Ford-100 in the winter. “I wish I didn’t have to work so hard,” he said, as he thinks back to those days, with a gleam in his eyes. “I would give most of my earning to my parents, to help with raising a family of nine (5 boys, 2 girls, and 2 parents). I was the fifth child.”

He never let his family’s situation get in his way though. He attended Bertie High School in Windsor, North Carolina, where he played defensive linebacker.

“I could run the ball pretty well too. However, I was better as a defensive player, so the coach played me mainly on the defense,” he said. He stereotypically dated a cheerleader, he was an honor student, and had great relationships with all his teachers.

“Life was very hard. We were very poor and had very little, basically only the clothes on our backs, but we shared very rich and strong family values,” Peele said.

Though his social life as a teenager was hectic, it prepared him for his adult life. He was popular, had various part-time jobs, such as a cook and cashier at a chicken kitchen restaurant, cutting grass, and selling pecans.

His parents were very strict, and raised him in a Christian family.

He was the type to say “yes sir,” and “yes ma’am,” to grown ups.

He was also taught to be wellgroomed and honest.

Apart from his teaching job at Bethel, Peele likes to work out and ride his two motorcycles. He also teaches at Thomas Nelson, Tidewater Community College, and the College of Albemarle. He

December Issue 2010

Peele serving in the United States Army.

Photo courtesey of Matthew Peele

has an international instructor certification from the motorcycle safety foundation to teach the motorcycle rider’s course.

He started teaching just last semester, in the spring of last year simply because “My boys. And the need for male teachers is so great, I felt I needed to,” Peele has three boys, ages six, three, and 20. “They display very similar qualities to those I had when I was their age.

Their energy and willingness to take initiative to get things done, so full of life and their beautiful smiles inspire me the most.” Now he just wants to raise his children.

“To see them off to college. Maybe grandkids. And of course, continuing to help other students.”

Peele’s personality also helps him to break down student’s barriers.

“I’ll initiate the conversation. I’m good at getting people to open up… I’m just a people person,” he said.

And then when he joined the Army, Peele traveled all over the world, including to Africa, Korea, Hawaii, Iraq, and all across the U.S. “It was truly exciting,” he said. “The most adventourous things I’ve ever done. It was great exploring new beginnings.”

His advice to high school students is “seek advice from a trusted mentor and then follow it.” He says to be passionate. “You learn from life. Don’t dwell. Look for the good in everything,” he said.

Yudarys Suriel Staff Reporter

Bethel’s JROTC performed a flag lowering ceremony on Veterans’ Day. Junior Brittany McCallum helped to perform the ceremony. Photo by Lauren Pell.

JROTC Colonel named “I’ve always lived a military life in a military surrounding,” said senior Breona Weldon, who holds the top rank of Colonel in JROTC. “My Breona Weldon father used to tell me is the Colonel of about his experiences Bethel’s JROTC. at Ft. Jackson, S.C. Photo by Joy Jones during basic training.

The stories made the military life seem tough, but at the same time enjoyable,” said Weldon.

Perhaps Weldon had a leg up on her competition due to her military background. Nonetheless, there was speculation on whether or not Weldon deserved the responsibility. She answered the skepticism with even more determination. “I didn’t really worry about the competition. The speculation pushed me to work harder,” she said.

The path to becoming colonel was not a stroll in the park. During her junior year, Weldon had contemplated dropping out of the program altogether because she felt the leadership was “very unorganized.” She stayed as a result of encouragement from her family and friends.

“I couldn’t seem to let myself give up on something that I had worked so hard to earn. Plus it takes a lot for me to play into the quitting mentality. My family and friends just simply wanted me to continue to be involved in a positive program,” she said.

Weldon now takes on a hefty amount of responsibility. “Ever since I became colonel, everyday has been stressful because I’m focused on the Brigade keeping their Gold Star,” she said. (The Gold Star represents Bethel AJROTC as an Honor Unit with distinction.)

“Cadets who can’t stop complaining cause the day to be even more stressful.

I am responsible for the whole AJROTC Brigade at Bethel. I have to make sure the cadets are being prepared by their class leaders, and company commanders, etc. for our annual inspection. I don’t do all of the work, thanks to the chain of command,” said Weldon, who looks forward to an easy day, which is “when we have physical fitness. The fun part is when I’m able to talk to the cadets like an older sibling,” she said.

However, Weldon must still maintain respect with the cadets. “I try to enforce my authority through power and respect. If that doesn’t work then there are always alternatives such as push-ups and taking rank, which causes fear sometimes. My philosophy is: Without power, respect is void,” she said. Even so, every once in a while Weldon faces challenges.

She said, “As a female a lot of people don’t really take you seriously. But at the end of the day, they know I don’t like stupidity.”

Joy Jones Staff Reporter

The Bear Facts

13

the look

NEW STYLES

Wear your memories on your wrist

Jewelry has always been a good way to express yourself, and now there are more opportunities than ever to create a unique arrangement of individuality with string bracelets, Pandora bracelets, and Silly Bandz.

String bracelets hold sentimental meaning when exchanged among friends. Friends can make each other bracelets in creative patterns and in every color imaginable. There is no limit to the creativity these bracelets hold, or how many you can wear at any time. Junior Elisabeth Shaeffer wears about 14 string bracelets everyday that she has made over time, and since they are so colorful, they match everything.

These bracelets are great “Do-It-Yourself” projects. Sophomore Blair Runion, who can make almost any design of bracelet as long as she has a pattern for it, recommends the website www.friendship-bracelets.net for tutorials on both the most basic designs and the most advanced. String can be bought from places such as Joann’s Fabrics or Michael’s Crafts stores.

Another new trend is Pandora charm bracelets. Pandora bracelets are typically sterling silver bracelets that you slide gold, silver, or glass charms onto. Junior Meagan Clark wears her Pandora everyday, with her charms ranging from a heart, to a megaphone representing her love for cheerleading. Pandora charm bracelets hold a lot

of sentimental and monetary value.

Each charm has a special meaning to the person wearing it. Pandora bracelets can be bought at almost any jeweler, or online at www.pancharmbracelets.com. The starting cost for the sterling silver chain is about $55, and charms have a wide variety of prices depending upon the metal.Pandora charm bracelets can be bought at The Mole Hole or Jared in Newport News.

The Silly Bandz epidemic struck the nation earlier in the year, and does not seem to be slowing down. Silly Bandz are colorful rubber band bracelets that come in hundreds of different shapes. They can be found in any shape, ranging from teen sensation Justin Bieber to basic animals or letters. They can be purchased at www.sillybandz.com, which is their official website, or they can be bought at any drugstore or convenience store for about $5 for a pack of 12.

All these bracelet trends aren’t just for girls. Silly Bandz and string bracelets are both unisex accessories, and many guys around Bethel wear them. “I have one silly band, and it’s some

Engaging in Gauging

Once disinfected, it is time to start. The piercer takes an icy cold metal clamp and places it on the ear. Then he takes out the shiny hollow needle and says that he’ll push it through on three- but ends up doing it on two. Unlike normal piercings there is a lot of blood all over the person’s gloves and seeping into her hair. Once the now bloody needle is removed the gauge is finally placed in.

A trend that has taken hold here locally is gauging. Gauges are not actually what this specific type of jewelry is called, but rather the thickness of a piece of jewelry. The actual jewelry is called a plug or taper.

The bigger the gauge you want, then the smaller the number you get, one of the largest being 00. “I would not go larger than what I have because when I’m old they would droop,” said junior T.J. Freeman who has a size 7/16.

If you are looking for something large then there are a couple of alternatives. As long as your ears are large enough the piercer can use a 6gauge needle, which is one of the smallest needles they have. However people’s whose ears are not large enough will have to go through a process

14

The Bear Facts

known as dermal punching, which is when the person piercing your ears takes a round scalpel and actually removes a large section of tissue from your earlobe. “I wouldn’t get a large gauge

because it would take surgery to close it back up,” said freshman Sean Holt. People can also go though a couple of other different processes to get a gauge. If you are looking for something small, then the piercer will use a needle. “More people come in for a needle piercing than dermal punch-

Junior Meagan Clark, Junior Elisabeth Shaeffer, and sophomore Alyssa Barnette wearing their bracelets.

Photo by Emily Townsend

messed up shape, I’m not quite sure what it is. And I have two string bracelets, one on my wrist and a sentimental one on my ankle,” said Jonathan Eudailey.

Emily Townsend Staff Reporter

“...The person piercing your ears takes a round scalpel and actually removes a large section of tissue from your earlobe.” ing,” said Mike Rowlie, a piercer at Blue Flame.

Once you have received your piercing it is important that you take proper care of your ears or you could develop an infection; which could result in redness, tenderness, and even bleeding.

The ears must be soaked in saline and be frequently cleaned with soap. Even so, after ears are gauged they can start to produce a nasty smelling odor.

People who wish to shrink their ears back to normal size can be given a second chance because it is possible, although there is the possibility that once the ear has been stretched past a size 2 gauge the ear may never return to the way it was, unless surgery is involved. All you have to do is take the gauge out for several months, clean them thoroughly with soap and massage them with Vitamin E oil everyday.

Jenae McCullum Staff Reporter

December Issue 2010

Dear Teen Mothers,

A note from someone who understands

Statistics for teen mothers and their children are disturbing: a majority of them drop out of high school, live on welfare, and are less likely to get married. Children of teen mothers score lower on assessments of cognitive development, seem to exhibit more problem behaviors than other children, and tend to drop out of high school.

Worse, 10.3% of the sons of teen mothers are incarcerated before the age of 18.

But, you can work hard to make sure that your child will not be just another statistic.

I have heard the speech over and over that I could be another percentage, and I have been asked multiple times “How could you be so stupid?” I have been talked down to with endless derogatory, hurtful slurs and comments. I have felt the stares from people in the hallway, from my teachers, in stores, or just walking down the street. Every time they look at me, I know what they are thinking, what they are whispering.

Yes, being a teen mother takes a lot of hard work; I know about getting up early in the morn-

ing, making sure my child is healthy, and my is best for your child. Find the positive and keep grades are up, and having a job to keep up with going. Live life so that one day your child will say, the endless demands of diapers and clothes for my “My mother tried her best, she loved me, and she growing little one. was my best friend.”

I am sure you also think endlessly of how

There will be setbacks and it will take a lot of you are going to raise your little person. I know hard work, but if I can do it, so can you. you’re wondering: what will labor be like, or Nycki Copeland how you will ever tell your parents. How will Staff Reporter you finish school? I know you’re emotional, sad and hurt.

I just wanted to tell you that everything will be okay.

It may take some time to get adjusted, and more terrible things may happen to you. Being a mother will never get easier.

There will be times when all you can do is take everything breath by breath. When those times come, do something that makes you happy.

Know that it is not the end of the world. If you do not have the financial support to stay in Copeland struggles to school, get your GED. maintain a 3.45 GPA while

You can achieve. You will rasing her son. Photo by achieve, because you want what Nycki Copeland

NO MORE TEENS FOR TOTS

“My goal for the program is was really busy and the other coordinator with that young men healthy families was promoted.

“When the program first started, we had and women about 15 people, but with my last session only are prepared three people came. It seemed like they weren’t interested anymore,” said Fareed. Fareed has many mentally, goals for the program, but the main thing they are missing is people to help. “My goal for the program become is that the young men and women are prepared successful in mentally, be successful in graduating high school, and find a career to help them raise their child.” gradutating

Although Teens For Tots has not began this year, the clinic has its own special program for high school, young pregnant teens. “We have a program to and find a monitor their health and give them support and direction,” said Bethel nurse Linda Boone, who was career to help an OBGYN nurse (obstetrician/ gynecologist) for 22 years. “I would feel comfortable with working them raise their with young pregnant women, and to also give them children,” said emotional support, just not medical,” said Boone.

Nycki Copeland Fareed.

Staff Reporter

Helping care for little ones

Last year’s Teens for Tots program has not started back up again. The clinic offers a lot of general emotional, mental, and medical help to pregnant teens of Bethel, but “The [official] program showed the young mothers and fathers how they could get a job and place where they could express their feelings with people in similar positions as they were,” said Tracy Woods, clinic secretary.

Woods has hopes for the program to start again, but no one is at Bethel to start the program this year. “In the program, some of the fathers at Bethel were very active and sometimes more outspoken at the meetings than the mothers. I thought this was a great sight to see.”

Swiyyah Fareed, one of the main directors of the program, hopes to start it back up in June. She is very enthusiastic with helping the teen mothers and fathers with everyday life. In the program, they talked about careers, graduating high school, and a main concern for the parents was babysitting. Fareed hopes to team up with one of the school psychologists to help the program have a better emotional and mental effect. The reason the program has not started back up is because she

December Issue 2010

The Bear Facts

15

Inhaling spice can cause

SEIZURES

Spice isn’t just a cooking enhancer anymore. It is now the name of an incense potpourri mix laced with chemicals sold in health stores, convenience stores, and over the internet. It comes in small bottles, vials, or small plastic packages. The label on this product reads “not for human consumption,” but Spice, also known as K2, is being used as a drug to be smoked.

Smoking this incense can cause serious problems.

Popular nicknames for spice include “fake weed,” “peppourri,” “Mr. Smiley,” and “blaze it.” It is not illegal as an incense. When it is used for purposes other than what it is sold for, it becomes illegal.

K2 provides the same effects as marijuana. Marijuana contains chemicals (THC) that effect receptors in the brain. Spice is sprayed with a chemical compound that provides these same effects on the brain.

“Basically spice is incense with synthetic cannabinoids, or marijuana like substances, sprayed onto it,” said Tim Grimes, Director of Student Services. This chemical is sprayed onto items such as crushed leaves, sawdust, and hay.

Graduate students at Clemson University designed spice in a class project to design a chemical that copies marijuana. Some bags of K2 are laced with cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that occur in the nervous and immune systems in animals.

“Fake weed” can cause many dangerous side effects when it is smoked. These side effects include vomiting, severe agitation, loss of consciousness, seizures, and an elevated heart rate. Smoking spice can also cause allergic reactions and flu like symptoms.

“Spice has been made illegal in several states and there will be legislation in Virginia in this coming legislative session. Recenty the DEA made moves to make it a schedule 1 drug, meaning it has no medical use and has a high abuse potential,” said Grimes. These states include Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Kansas. Missouri is currently working to make it illegal. Under Michigan law, possession of K2 is a misdemeanor. Idaho and Pennsylvania are working to pass similar laws. Spice cannot be tested because it is not detectable in urine.

With a product for sale that is as dangerous as spice, health and safety members should be aware of its symptoms. “I have read several articles about Spice and have made all the nurses in the district aware but we have not received any formal training. The nurses use their drug assessment skills to identify students that have used any substance that affects behavior and coherence. If there is a concern of any altering substance, the parent and the resource officer is notified and help is sought for the student,” said Nurse Linda Lawrence, Coordinator of Health Services.

Jean Tatum Staff Reporter

16The Bear Facts

Amp, Monster, and other energy drinks on shelves at a convenience store.

Photo by Jamicia Stamps

Energy Drinks

BANNED in

ts r o p s l o cho s h g i h VA

The Virginia High School League serves Virginia high school sports by establishing, and maintaining standards for student activities and competitions. In the VHSL “Health and Safety Issues” presentation, there is a slide that prohibits the use of energy drinks by all athletes.

Because there is no regulatory control over energy drinks, the league officially believes this may lead to adverse side-effects, potentially harmful interactions with prescription medications (particularly stimulant medications used to treat ADHD), or positive drug tests. Amp, Monster, Rock Star, and Red Bull are examples of some energy drinks that are prohibited from all high school athletes according to VHSL.

Most people think that energy drinks are healthy for athletes or anyone doing an intense workout but, according to nurse Linda Boone, energy drinks are not healthy for anyone. One of the main ingredients in energy drinks is caffeine, which is a stimulant. “A stimulant is a drug that accelerates the rate of vital physiological activities,” said Boone. Too much caffeine may alter your body’s ability to rest.

Four Loko, also known as ‘a black out in a can’ is a 23 ½ oz alcoholic energy drink. Four Loko contains 12 percent alcohol and a handful of caffeine which is equivalent to four to

five beers and a strong cup of coffee. Mixing caffeine (a stimulant) and alcohol (a depressant). Alcohol is a depressant which slows down the metabolism, heart rate, and the brain. The brain may then tell the lungs not to work. Because of this, depressants can cause respiratory failure. The mixture of caffeine and alcohol is now undergoing a process to see if it is safe.

Central Washington University was the first college to ban Four Loko. Six students blacked out from mixing this drink with vodka and rum. Four Loko has also been banned from Washington, Michigan, Utah, and Oklahoma.

Phusion Projects in Chicago, IL (the manufacture of Four Loko), has announced publically on their website that they are removing caffeine, guarana, and taurine from this drink.

In the near future Phusion will only produce non- caffeinated versions of Four Loko.

Red Bull is the drink that is known to “give you wings.” What people do not know is that drinking too much of this drink can cause heart damage. This energy drink increases the “stickiness” of the blood and raises the risk of blood clots forming. Energy drinks that are loaded with caffeine or even alcohol are never good.

Ashley Preston Staff Reporter

December Issue 2010