THE
TILGHMAN PADUCAH TILGHMAN HIGH SCHOOL
2400 WASHINGTON STREET
BELL
PADUCAH, KENTUCKY
MON. MAY 18, 2015
VOL. 91 NO. 10
Congratulations, Class of 2015!
Photo by Wayne Walden
Tilghman NJROTC named Distinguished Unit provided by Commander Taylor Paducah Tilghman High School’s Navy Junior have received the award in nine out of the 11 years that Reserve Officer Training Corps (PTHS NJROTC) we were eligible for the competition. Many schools unit has again been named as a Distinguished with units that have been around much longer that PadUnit for the 2014-2015 school year. ucah Tilghman’s unit have never won a Distinguished Being named a Distinguished Unit is the Unit award. That says a lot about our students and our program’s eighth consecutive national award school,” he said. and the ninth in its 11 years of eligibility for the “The Distinguished Unit award marks the Paducah Distinguished Unit or the Unit Achievement Tilghman program as one of the top NJROTC units in Awards. The Paducah Tilghman NJROTC unit the country,” according to Senior Chief Petty Officer was eligible to start competing for the honor in Don Myers, the unit’s Naval Science Instructor. “We’re 2004, after being established in 2001. the only school in far Western Kentucky with a Navy Photo provided by Cmdr. Taylor Junior ROTC program,” he said. Myers is in his seventh “Winning the Distinguished Unit award is a great payback for our cadets who have worked year of teaching in the NJROTC program. Members of the 2014-2015 Navy Juniors ROTC Corps Cadets of hard all year,” said retired Navy Lieutenant Paducah Tilghman’s unit received the Distinguished PTHS. This unit has been awarded the Distinguished Unit Award, the highest unit honor for a Navy Junior ROTC program. Commander Donald Taylor, Senior Naval SciUnit award in the NJROTC region designated as “Area ence Instructor. “We’re in our fourteenth year at Nine,” the Navy organization to which the school’s proPaducah Tilghman and we began our eligibility for the award after our third year. gram is assigned. Area Nine encompasses more than 60 schools in states from PTHS is one of two schools in Kentucky to receive the award. We’re excited to Virginia to New Mexico.
Honors Night celebrates $6.4 million in scholarships by Abigail Hawkins On May 12th, Tilghman hosted its annual Honors Night to recognize and award students from each grade. It was announced that the Paducah Tilghman Class of 2015 received over $6.4 million dollars in scholarship offers. One hundred and thirteen scholarships for academics, sports, community involvement, and musical achievement were given to seniors. Non-athletic scholarships received by students attending in-state schools include Parker Loyd, Victoria Taylor, Madison Wurth, Milan Doan, Karlee Humphrey, Logan Besaw, Anastazia
PT students named for 2015 Governor’s School for the Arts by Madelyn Chambers
Rogers, Quennon Wilson, Areanna Orr, Kara Burns, Kevonte Kilby, Loren Wilson, Diamond Pearl, Brittany Carruthers, Brante Scott-Green, Photo by Wayne Walden Morgan Partain, Rachel Benzing, Marcus Corbett, Rotajhania McHaney, Millie Wyant, Zaria Brown, Katie Weatherspoon, Tristen Miller, Eli Noneman, McKenzie Reese, Mia Faulkner, Anne Lasher, Maggie Malone, Riley Sigler, Jaida Thomas, Molly Thompson, Patrick Washer, James Bilak, Sabrina Behrens, Lucas Reed, Warren Jones, Valencia Lynn, Andrew Sandman, Lauran Travis, Alexia Un, (Continued on Page 4)
Want to know your Tilghman IQ? Take our PT Tradition Quiz! Read the articleSee on Page 3!
Kentucky Governor ’s School for the Arts chooses high school students who are talented dancers, actors, instrumental and vocal musicians, creative writers, future architects, or artists. This complicated application process consists of recommendations and an audition with faculty members. Paducah Tilghman has two students who were chosen to be a part of this three week opportunity to expand and perfect their specific creative talents. Bradley Duncan and Andrew Shannon were selected this year. Duncan was selected for Musical Theatre and Andrew Shannon was selected for Drama.
Where are our Seniors headed? Check out the college map! See Page 5!
The alternates are Will Denton, Claire Kelly who auditioned for vocal music, Jose Roberto dos Remedios who auditioned for instrumental music (piano), and Michael-Ellen Walden who auPhoto by Wayne Walden ditioned for Drama. Andrew Shannon told The Bell, “Being selected for GSA has been the goal of my high school career. The opportunity to have this experience is a true blessing that I can’t wait to take on.” Shannon and Duncan have been involved with the arts since they were kids and are excited to spend their summer working with professionals in their art and improving what they love to do.
Good luck to the PT Track teams going to State!
See SeePage Page8!8!
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COMMENTARY
A Tip of the Hat... by Matthew VanHoose and Anna Chambers
“What are your summer plans?” by Connor Orlowski and Hunter Golightly
A tip of the hat to Tilghman’s new extraordinary water fountains. These new water fountains will quench the thirst of every Tilghman student for years to come, so don’t be intimidated by their new look! Now you simply place your water bottle under the dispenser, and it will sense your bottle and release a steady stream of fresh, cold water. A tip of the hat to Ms. Braden, Mrs. Cox, and Mr. Tucker for arranging Prom this year. These three tremendous teachers volunteered to arrange the dance that so many Juniors and Seniors look forward to at the end of the year. They are responsible for organizing the preparations for Prom. Thanks so much to all the teachers who helped decorate and chaperoned our fantastic dance! A tip of the hat to the Lower Town Arts Festival. The festival showcased the artwork of artists from Paducah. This included booths full of paintings, sculptures and other artistic media. Along with the physical artwork, there were multiple concerts from local artists throughout the weekend. The festival was a huge success and brought many artists from Western Kentucky into the spotlight.
...A Wag of the Finger
“Being with friends.”
Josh Fritts (12)
“Getting a tan.”
Devon Hart (11)
A wag of the finger to the looters and rioters in Baltimore, Maryland. What began as peaceful protests erupted into a frenzy of mob mentality in which hundreds of “Americans” ran rampant on the Baltimore area. These hordes of people broke into gas stations and convenience stores, smashing thousands of dollars worth of windows, doors and merchandise just to grab a handful of junk food. All of this, of course, is validated in rioters’ minds although it certainly isn’t morally right. It is ironic that in a quest for peace, these protestors are destroying their own city. A wag of the finger to the overly difficult AP exams students must take at the end of the year. These tests cost $89 and determine whether the long nights of studying and mental breakdowns in the middle of the day were worth it. The grading scale is from 1-5, with 5 being the best; everyone is raised thinking that being #1 is the most important thing, so naturally people lose their minds when they find out that not only did they get a 1, but that it is literally the worst score they could receive. Plus they lost $89. A wag of the finger to the construction on Kentucky Avenue right in front of the school. This inconvenient road closure will last until December, making it almost impossible for the businesses along this road to remain in tact. This road construction is making it harder to get to school without waiting behind the new stop signs. Repairing the road is important, but it’s hardly worth all these diversions.
“Wag of the Finger” and “Tip of the Hat” are trademarks of Stephen Colbert and his TV show, The Colbert Report. Neither Paducah Tilghman nor The Bell Staff claim any ownership of these trademarks.
Seniors look back
“Work on modeling.”
by Palmer Stroup Though it is only four year’s time, high school can have a drastic impact on your life. The Bell has asked several seniors what their favorite memory of High School is. Some of the responses are classic examples of PT pride, some independent stories that only a lucky few got to witness, but whatever the circumstance or subject, all are familiar because we are all part of the Tilghman family, “Hanging out in the and we always will be. library.” Lily Shapiro’s favorite thing about Tilghman used to be the amazing cookies at lunch, however, since the cookies’ drastic change in quality, she had to change her mind and her new favorite thing about Tilghman is dressing up for Spirit Week. McKenzie Reese’s fondest memory is the first time she saw Tilghman’s The Knight breathtaking music program. She said she had Photos by Lily Shapiro never seen such an amazing department before and was glad to be a part of it. Natasha Kendrick and Nathan Hawkins can both agree football played an important part in their high school days. Natasha loved cheering her team on, dressed up in Tilghman blue up in the The Tilghman Bell, a product of the journalism class, is an open stands. Nathan’s takes place on the field during his freshman year where Tilghman had a forum for student expression and is distributed monthly to the landslide victory beating Lone Oak 46 to 3. students of Paducah Tilghman High School free of charge. Jaida Thomas says the time in Chemistry class when Gabe Orlowski purposefully put
Adriona Clark (10)
The Tilghman Bell
Editor-in-Chief: Abigail Hawkins Commentary Editor: Palmer Stroup Feature Editors: Daly Spicer, Hannah Hunt, Matthew VanHoose Arts & Entertainment Editor: Abby Spicer Sports Editor: Matthew VanHoose Advertisement Editor: Madelyn Chambers Staff Writers: Jack Boyd, Anna Chambers, Madelyn Chambers, Hunter Golightly, Abigail Hawkins, Hannah Hunt, Carter Noneman, Connor Orlowski, Abby Spicer, Daly Spicer, Palmer Stroup, Matthew VanHoose Photographers: Lily Shapiro, Hannah Hunt Cartoonist: Hannah Hunt Advisor: Susan Hancock
nitric acid on his hand has to be her most memorable. Despite the fair warning from Mrs. Cox, a mistake was made and hilarity ensued. It just goes to show that you should really pay attention in class, especially in Chemistry. And Elizabeth Wiggins loved it in Geometry class freshman year where all the kids started gambling and betting with large amounts of Mrs. Ross’s candy that they stole from her. Millie Wyant’s favorite actually happened this year; it was the whole drama of Mr. Davis cancelling the Homecoming Dance because of the “A Tilghman Party Don’t Stop” chant at one of this year’s basketball games. Luckily, Homecoming wasn’t cancelled but in the end, it did prove worthwhile. The American Studies class with Mrs. Adkins and Mrs. Hancock provided Elizabeth Katz with her fondest times. She said, “It was all so fun, I couldn’t really pick just one, but being in that class really taught me to be a better and smarter person.” And besides, who can’t forget (or wait any longer for) the spectacular junior D.C Trip? Naturally, we couldn’t ask every single senior, but we do hope this shows just how big of an impact Tilghman has on its students. Its students leave behind stories and legacies. What will your story be?
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Do YOU keep Tilghman traditons alive? by Carter Noneman and Jack Boyd The “Tilghman Experience” is unlike anything else. All of the sports games, chicken days, six a.m. pep rallies, and outrageous spirit days create the memories that will last forever. While some may think Tilghman is just a school, they fail to realize that it is so much more. Paducah Tilghman is a home and the students and
faculty are a family. We are a family with standing traditions that each class gets an opportunity to participate in. Now it is your turn to test your school spirit and complete the Tilghman Tradition Quiz. Mark all the events below that you have participated in, then add your score up and see what kind of student you are.
Have you ever?... Been trampled on chicken day?
Smashed a cockroach?
Hidden during a badge blitz?
Eaten lunch with Mr. Davis?
Bought anything from Twisters?
Pranked a freshman?
Run stadiums with Coach Wyatt?
Played basketball in the gym?
Hated McCracken?
Danced to Tilghman Pride?
Taken a school trip to D.C?
Survived fiinals?
Gotten swept?
Donated blood?
Been featured in The Bell?
Burned Mr. Mayfield?
Painted up for a game?
Gotten a temp. badge?
Dressed up for Mayfield week?
Chanted “who we be!?”
Stayed up untill midnight cramming for a test?
Run to the field house in the rain?
Been applauded for dropping your tray in the lunch room?
Had a crazy bus driver?
Crowded too many chairs around a lunch table?
Read a Hancock novel?
Bought a mixtape from an aspiring Tilghman rapper?
Used the wrong staircase?
Lifted with Coach Pat?
Refreshed Snowman 6 to no avail?
Started a chant at a sports game?
Read The Bell?
Gone to Prom?
Gone to Homecoming?
Held up a newspaper while the opposing team was announced?
Talked to Evan at a game?
Cheered on Tilghman football?
Participated in school sports?
Cooked with Mrs. Workman?
Passed an AP exam?
Gotten “the talk” from Coach Seig?
Watched a movie with Nantz?
Gone swimming in the 3rd floor pool?
Devoured a copious amount of hot wings
Scoring Guide:
______ My
If you scored... 0-14 points:
You might as well be a McCracken student. You probably get embarassed when people around you dance to “Tilghman Stuff” at sporting events. Maybe try taking a step out of your comfort zone, get more involved and make some memories. Use the quiz above as a suggestion list to heighten your Tilghman experience and keep the tradition alive.
15-30 points: You have experienced your fair share of Tilghman tradition. While you may not stay after school and participate in all the clubs here, you are probabaly involved in a few. You dress up for Mayfield Week, but you do not go all out. Try to get a little bit more involved. Join some more clubs, and put yourself out there. After a little more refinement, you will bleed blue in no time at all.
total points
31-44 points: You are the ultimate PT student. Freshmen will hear legendary rumors of your greatness for years to come. You have Mr. Davis’ phone number on speed dial. You are at school more than you are at your own house. You’re the president of every club you’re in. When you start a chant, everyone follows you with no questions asked, no matter how unflattering it is to the referees.
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Tilghman FBLA competes at State by Matthew VanHoose From April 20 to April 23, the Tilghman chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America participated in the State competition in Louisville. Hundreds of schools from across the state travelled to Louisville to compete in different business related events. Only teams or individuals that placed within the top three of their Regional competitions in February were invited to the state level. Delegates from each school also met and elected the club’s State Officers for the 2015-2016 school year. The State competition is also meant to promote friendliness and comradeship within FBLA by organizing events for members of different schools to intermingle and create lasting bonds. Paducah Tilghman High School was represented by FBLA members Reese Butler, who competed in Business Math, Taylor Thompson, who competed in Computer Problem Solving, Anna Grace McGee and Morgan Brewington, who com-
peted in Management Decision Making, Anne Lasher, who competed in Electronic Career Portfolio, and Samuel Tyrrell, Parker Belt and Grant Hutcheson, who competed in Entrepreneurship. Along with Tilghman students that competed, our current elected officers went to the State competition to meet with fellow Regional and State Officers and discuss the upcoming year. The PTHS officers that went to State included Taylor Thompson, who is the Region 1 Treasurer, Lyndsey Kendall, who is the Region 1 Secretary, Andrew Shannon, who is the upcoming Region 1 Reporter for the 2015-2016 school year and Molly Shannon, who is the upcoming RePhoto by Wayne Walden gion 1 Treasurer for the 2015-2016 school year. Reese Butler earned 1st place in the state in his category of Business Math. He will now have the opportunity to compete at the national level this summer in Nashville, Tennessee.
New cheerleaders named PT students accepted for for 2015-2016 season summer programs by Maddie Chambers Cheerleading try-outs were held in the main gym on Friday, April 24th. There were clinics on April 20th, 21st, and the 23rd of that week. Each girl who tried out was expected to do a double jump of her choice, and learn a cheer and dance that was taught at the clinics by the seniors. Twenty-seven girls tried out, but only eighteen girls made the team. Upcoming seniors are Cassie Presnell, Nyla Blue, Abigail Hawkins, Ashton Hurst, and Madelyn Chambers. Upcoming juniors are Taliyah Hamilton, and Dejah Werden. Upcoming sophomores are Adriana Clark, Brianna Hayes, Sarah Katz, and Kennedy Hodge. Upcoming freshmen are Grace Denton, Chesleigh Pugh, Dasia Spann, Hannah Waller, Nautica Beasley, Camaryn Pea, and Deja Littleton. These are your new 2015-2016 Paducah Tilghman Cheerleaders. Cassie Presnell says, “I’m excited to experience my senior year with the new squad, and I can’t wait to see the talent that’s involved with this team. I can’t wait to lead these girls with the rest of the seniors.” Head Coach Shelley McGregor, who has resigned her position for the new season, says,” It saddens me to leave such an awesome cheer program and amazing young ladies, but I have to focus on baby Brody for a few years. I know that the next coach will do a great job with the girls, and they will have a great season next year. Go Blue!”
Armstrong named May Rotary Scholar by Daly Spicer
Paducah Tilghman student Aaron Armstrong was selected as the May Rotary Scholar. As a guest of Paducah’s local Rotary Club, Aaron will be invited to attend local Rotary meetings for the month with other selected seniors from other schools. Scholars have the opportunity to take part in current community affairs and meet Rotary members Aaron plays catcher for the baseball team along with having played three years of basketball at Tilghman and dedicating four years to the football team, which he was varsity captain of his junior and senior years. He is also a member of Beta Club, Recycling Club, and National Honor Society. Outside of school, Aaron plays on the PadPhoto by Hannah Hunt ucah Post 31 baseball team and previously worked as a basketball clinic instructor and gym monitor at Immanuel Baptist Church. After graduation, Aaron will attend Southeastern Illinois College in the fall on a baseball scholarship. There, he will major in physical therapy. When asked about being Rotary Scholar, Aaron said “Hard work pays off.”
Clubs elect officers for ‘15-16 by Daly Spicer Tilghman’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter elected officers on Tuesday, May 5th. Members gain experience in their preferred field by attending competitions across the state where they can compete in events like Computer Applications, Business Law, and Hospitality Management. Tilghman’s National Honor Society chapter elected officers on Tuesday, May 12th. NHS is an organization whose members are required to maintain a 3.5 grade point average and participate in community service. FBLA Officers include Andrew Shannon-President, Molly Shannon-Vice President, Emily West-Secretary, Reese Butler-Treasurer, Dequale Pickett-Reporter, and Lauren Eicckholz and Lucie Tyrrell-Historians. NHS Officers include Meg Hancock-President, Teri Doss-Vice President, Matthew VanHoose-Secretary, and Thai Daniels-Treasurer.
by Anna Chambers and Abby Spicer Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership, HOBY, is a prestigious youth development organization, which provides the youth with leadership training, skills, and motivation. Paducah Tilghman’s Landon Rutherford was accepted into the program and will be attending the seminar this summer. Rutherford is involved in Tilghman’s Academic Team and Speech Team. He is very excited to have been accepted and says, “I’m really looking forward to this experience, and I know that I’ll carry what I learn with me wherever I go.” Sophomore John Holtgrewe has been accepted into the 2015 Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs (GSE) for his innovative product proposal – “a foot scanner device for diabetics with neuropathy that can detect changes in
the bottom of a foot’s surface” (http:// www.paducah.kyschools.us/PTHS. aspx). John says, “I was surprised and very happy to be accepted. It is an honor to be able to represent Tilghman.” GSE is a three-week entrepreneurship program that is hosted by Georgetown College and gives Kentucky students the opportunity to invent a product and make a business around the product. Students who attend the GSE program spend a minimum of 135 hours of learning with guest speakers, professional mentors and field trips. Students work in small business teams and learn about the components of a business model. After completing the program, GSE scholars are qualified for scholarship opportunities and performance-based entrepreneurship credit for their high school transcript.
NJROTC travels to SC for naval orientation provided by Commander Taylor Thirty two cadets from the Paducah Tilghman High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) unit traveled to Charleston, SC for their annual naval orientation trip on Wednesday, April 29. Each year the unit conducts a trip to experience firsthand the military and visit historical sites in various locations around the country. While the trip is designed to familiarize the students as to how the U.S. Navy operates, the cadets also visited other sites of interest in the Charleston area. The cadets explored the aircraft carrier USS YORKTOWN, destroyer USS LAFFEY, and submarine USS CLAMAGORE. The retired ships are part of the Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Charleston. Historical sites visited by the cadets included the Fort Sumter National Memorial, site of the first shots of the Civil War on April 12, 1861. Additionally, they also toured the Warren Lasch Conservation Lab, located on the former Charleston Naval Station, where they viewed the historic submarine H.L. HUNLEY. During the Civil War, the HUNLEY carried out the first successful attack on a surface ship during wartime, but was lost at sea in 1864. The submarine was located and raised 136 years later and is now on display at the Conservation Lab. Other activities during the trip included a trip to the Atlantic Ocean and an afternoon at the South Carolina Aquarium. Paducah Tilghman’s NJROTC unit is in its fourteenth year and has previously taken naval orientation trips to San Diego, CA, Seattle, WA, Jacksonville and Pensacola, FL, Washington, DC, Baltimore, Annapolis and Patuxent River, MD, New York City, Boston, MA, New London, CT, Pascagoula, MS, Philadelphia, PA and Mobile, AL. The unit recently was again named a Navy Junior ROTC Distinguished Unit, earning the national honor for excellence.
(Honors Night...continued from pg. 1) Taylor Wilhite, Andrew Borgia, Courtney Edwards, and Josh Fritts. Non-athletic scholarships received by students attending schools out of state include Trevor Bunte, Kendall Washington, Nathan Hawkins, Zach Story, Parker Shadoan, Reed Harriman, Nathan Olsen, Elizabeth Wiggins, Erin Burba, and Kelsea White. Athletic scholarships received by students include Aleja Grant, Jalisa Smith, Joya Smith, Alex Kohler, Taylor Thompson, Aaron Armstrong, and Tyler Scarbrough.
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TilghmanTornado sweeps the nation by Daly Spicer
Bellarmine University Emelia Wyant Brescia University Zaria Brown Campbellsville University Nicholas Shelby Charleston Southern University Alexandra Kohler Clark Atlanta University Kendall Washington Community College of Denver Cassidy Herndon Elizabethtown Community & Technical College Natasha Kendrick
Murray State University Tamara Brooks Jovan Deberry Diamond Pearl Gabrielle Smelosky Camryn Taber Chelsea Tyus Mary Weatherspoon New York University Elizabeth Katz Northeastern University Erin Burba Northern Kentucky University Brante Green Tristen Miller Eli Noneman McKenzie Reese Carter Vaughn
Florida State University Desmond Wall
Savannah College of Art & Design Lily Shapiro
Franklin College Nathaniel Olsen
Samford University Nathaniel Hawkins
Harding University Reed Harriman
Southeastern Illinois College Aaron Armstrong
Kentucky Wesleyan College Keynan Shelley Lindsey Wilson College Taylor Thompson Military Michael Burgess Zachary Chandler Leonard Grace Michelle Jones Diamond Jordan Isaiah Patterson Tinael Robinson Alex Sember Berard Williams Missouri University of Science & Technology Elizabeth Wiggins
Three Rivers Community College Jalisa Smith Joya Smith Tulsa Welding School Mason Hank University of Alabama Zachary Story University of Kentucky Kara Burns Mia Faulkner Hunter Halfhill Karlee Humphrey Anne Lasher Parker Loyd Margaret Malone Sarah Miller
Elijah Nolan Areanna Orr Riley Sigler Jaida Thomas Molly Thompson Patrick Washer University of KentuckyCollege of Engineering, Paducah Campus James Bilak University of Louisville Sabrina Behrens Rachel Benzing Justin Blankenship Marcus Corbett Milan Doan Emily Doolittle Lucas Reed Cierra Simpson Madison Wurth University of Mississippi Trevor Bunte William Shadoan Kelsea White University of Pikeville Tyler Scarbrough Western Kentucky University Emily Cappock Asianna Flemons Aleja Grant Mimi Leidecker Shelby Lowry Rotajhania Mchaney Gabriel Orlowski Orion Peterson Victoria Taylor Quennon Wilson WKCTC Dominick Arms Kyle Atwood Tiearis Autry Corey Baker Logan Besaw Jalen Bolte Andrew Borgia Aaliyah Burgess Brittany Carruthers
Kalvin Carter Tyia Davis Daisha English Stephen Durham Courtney Edwards Stafan Fitzgerald Joshua Fritts Lakyn Fulton Ruby Garcia Michael Gass Neville Hawes Austin Hammond Stephanie Hern Courtney Hill Montana Holifield Addye Johansen Warren Jones Kevonte Kilby Ta’Shayonna Kizer Ashley Lambert Alicia Little Valencia Lynn Andre Mallory Derreisha Mayes Austin Mayes Brayona Moss Britinie Moss Morgan Partain Haley Perez Jeremy Phan Kelton Ragen Michael Riley Briana Robbins Rhedaijah Grace Anastazia Rogers Andrew Sandman Alexis Stefanick Rozalyne Schoffner Jewel Thomas Keyera Thomasson Lauran Travis Anika Twig Alexia Un Braxton Wade Nathan Walker Amtumm Wallis Taylor Wilhite Isaiha Williams TyKeidra Williams Loren Wilson Tasheairra Wood Briana Young Dominique Young
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Avengers Look - A Likes by Abby Spicer and Anna Chambers
The Hulk
by Maddie Chambers Paducah Tilghman has a different impact on each person who walks through the front doors, but I think everyone who has taken pride in being a student here will agree that this is more than just a school, it is a family. This is especially important for the seniors who will be graduating and spreading their wings to a new school, surrounded by new faces. As excited as I’m sure most of you are, don’t forget what Tilghman meant to you. Walking through the hallways, I stopped multiple people of all grades to ask them, what exactly does Tilghman mean to you? Lucas Reed (Sr.) says, “It’s a school filled with opportunities and wonderful experiences.” Tori Taylor (Sr.) and Michael Hassle (Jr.) agree on saying that “Tilghman is like home.” Kevonte Kilby added on by saying that “It is a place of acceptance.” Freshmen, Jamie Black and Anna Grace McGee, answered, “It’s just a family. It’s a whole group of friends that support each other” and that Tilghman is “Very welcoming.” Adding on to that, The Bell staff asked, “What is different about Tilghman compared to other schools?” The answers were all the same. No one is excluded. Anyone who comes here will be able to find friends. Let’s all just take a moment to do a quick flashback on this past year. Start with the fact that Paducah Indepedent School System celebrated its 150th year of Excellence. What other schools around here can say that they have that many years of tradition? Also, as students, we witnessed the 101st rivalry football game between Tilghman and Mayfield. Moving away from what an amazing tradition Tilghman has, it is also worth mentioning how on snow days our Superintendent, Mr. Shively, had us waking up checking his Twitter each morning to see what creative post he made to inform us of no school. Lastly, we have to acknowledge that we have the coolest Principal and Superintendent for willingly participating in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in front of the school. Paducah Tilghman High School is a place of hard classes and teachers who push you to your limit, but it is also a place full of pride and friendships that will last a lifetime. No matter where you seniors go, remember all the teachers and friends you made here that supported you. Also, for those of you who still have years left in these hallways, don’t rush away your time! Enjoy every basketball game, every dance; take advantage of the opportunities Tilghman offers. Most importantly, I hope that everyone remembers, and takes with them wherever they go, that the “Tilghman Party Don’t Stop.”
Matthew VanHoose (11)
Thor
Nathan Hawkins (12)
Captain America
Justin Blankenship (12)
What does Tilghman mean to you?
This month in history by Matthew VanHoose
Black Widow
On May 5, Cinco De Mayo is celebrated in Mexico as the anniversary of the battle of Puebla in 1862, where Mexican forces defeated the French army. Since the battle of Puebla, no nation in North or South America has been invaded by a European country. On May 10, 1994, Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as President of South Africa after being a political prisoner for 27 years. This victory occurred even with the direct opposition of a number of political groups. Mandela was also famous for ending Apartheid, which violently segregated South Africa. On May 14, 1607, the first permanent colony in North America was established at Jamestown in Virginia. The colony was created by a royally chartered group of Virginia Company settlers out of Plymouth, England. Jamestown was the first of many settlements to make up Virginia. On May, 18, 1980, the volcano Mount St. Helens erupted in the southwestern part of the state Washington. The eruption caused ash and steam to spew into the sky for 12 miles. This was the first volcanic activity Mount St. Helens had seen since an eruption in 1857.
Cassidy Herndon (12)
“Dear Abby”
Noe Ramirez (11)
Iron Man
Source: Google
Photos by Anna Chambers
Surviving finals by Anna Chambers Finals are approaching and students’ blood pressure is rising. The dreadful weeks leading up to finals are filled with stress, crying, and excessive studying. Nothing can make finals disappear, but there are ways to cope with the inescapable worrying. 1) How you study affects everything. Study for thirty minutes at a time and reward yourself with something sweet! To make these breaks even better, grab all your books and take ‘em outside to enjoy the sunshine. 2) Your supplies affect your work ethic. Buy colorful note-cards, notebooks with superheroes or kittens on them, or even sparkly gel-pens to make the studying less horrific and more fun. A pink glitter-filled puppy notebook will make opening your notes much easier. 3) State-of-mind is important. Remembering that you’re going to survive is essential. Yes, study as hard as you can, but if you don’t make the A+ you wanted, you won’t become a failure. Good luck to everyone, with these three tips you’re sure to slay your final.
The end of the school year is almost here! I can’t wait for the summer days of no school work and packed schedules. For motivation to get through tests and projects of our last few weeks, what are some adventurous summer plans I can look forward to with friends and family? Sincerely, A Summer-loving Student Dear Summer-loving Student, I can’t believe summer is right around the corner! It is hard to stay motivated in the last few weeks of school since there are many more exciting things to do than studying. Here are some plans for you, your friends, and family to plan and look forward to! Happy early summer! • Carpool to the Calvert City Drive-In • Take a road trip to a different state • Go geo-cashing • Have a scavenger hunt all around town • Go to a concert of your favorite band • Have a pool party • Have a late night movie party • Play ultimate frisbee, soccer, basketball games, etc. • Go to amusement/Water Park
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XOXO,
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Small finds his voice in Stitches
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Netflix Daredevil defies expectations
by Daly Spicer In a house that harbored skeletons in closets and elephants in rooms, six year old David Small turned to art as an outlet. Nearly half a century later, that six year old would go on to become an award winning children’s book illustrator and publish his graphic memoir. Stitches chronicles his disturbing coming of age story and confronts the tribulations that plagued his childhood. David grew up in 1950s Detroit with a withdrawn pipe-smoking father who worked as a radiologist at the local hospital and a stay at home mother that couldn’t help but radiate resentment, aggression, and discontent. This often fueled the emotional, verbal, and physical abuse she subjected David to. The Small family was not acquainted with vocalizing their emotions. Mom communicated through coughing and slamming kitchen cupboard doors; Dad thumped a punching bag in the basement, and Ted, David’s brother, banged on drums. Problems were an always looming shadow that could be seen but never addressed. The title of the memoir comes from the twenty-nine stitches thirteen year old David acquired after two surgeries that removed a cancerous cyst on his throat, most likely caused by radiation treatment his father used on him as an infant in an attempt to improve his sinus and digestive problems. Going into the operation, David was not informed he had cancer or that the second surgery would remove one of his vocal cords and ultimately leave him unable to speak clearly for a decade. Even after seven years, communication skills hadn’t improved in the Small household, causing David’s unspoken frustration with being left in the dark about his medical issues to manifest itself in transgressions like spending the night in jail for taking his father’s car for a joy ride without a license and running away from boarding school. There are far more images than words in Stitches, which is no surprise considering the lack of dialogue within the family. Without much written to express emotion, Small shows his talent for drawing facial expressions and body language. In one sequence earlier on in the memoir, David’s grandmother drags him up the stairs and forces him to wash his hands in steaming hot water. The look David manages to depict on the cartoon child version of himself practically embodies the old saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” In that one panel, you can feel the sadness, confusion, and guilt. Stitches took over three years to make, but only takes a little over an hour to read. Though short, the David Small’s inspiring story sticks with you for a long time. His haunting images concluded with a glimmer of hope that everyone can find their voice.
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by Palmer Stroup Once again, Netflix has released another spectacular television series. Working together with Marvel Studios, they have produced the fantastic superhero drama, Daredevil. Daredevil is more than just your average superhero television show. It has no elaborate costumes or silly catchphrases. Instead, Daredevil is dark, gritty, and borderline, Game of Thrones- level violent. It is a drastic departure from the light hearted world of the other Marvel films. If superheroes aren’t really your thing, don’t worry, because Daredevil is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Daredevil is crime drama first, superhero adventure second. Daredevil follows the story of blind N.Y.C lawyer and devout Catholic, Matt Murdock (played wonderfully by Charlie Cox). Matt goes out at night in a homemade costume stopping any criminal activity he sees. Matt’s primary adversary is Wilson Fisk (played by Vincent D’onofrino), the self proclaimed Kingpin of Crime. In Daredevil, the villain doesn’t have some outlandish evil scheme or a giant laser; it’s one that is realistic and very possible in our world. Enhancing the realism of the show, the action takes place on the street, not some far-off planet like in other Marvel productions. Assisting Matt’s war on crime are his best and only friends, Foggy Nelson, his law firm partner, and personal secretary, Karen. While Matt goes out at night beating criminals to a pulp with his bare hands, he and his friends work together during the day to put criminals away for good through the American legal system. Aside from the standard kidnappings, muggings, and murders in New York’s “Hell’s Kitchen,” Matt also has to deal with his own inner demons. His staunch, religious childhood hinders his need to stop the spread of crime (e.g. kill Wilson Fisk).Thinking he is always being tested, whether by God or maybe even the Devil himself, Matt has doubts about his own self worth, wondering if what he is doing is right, or if he might actually be the “bad guy.” Daredevil is not your standard invincible hero. He’s really just a guy that wants to make his city a better place. He gets knocked down, he gets hurt, he loses people, and deep down he’s scared. He may be stronger than your average man, but Daredevil is by far the most relatable and realistic “superhero” out there. Overall, Daredevil is a masterpiece. From its brilliant acting to its brutal fight scenes, every aspect of the show is realistic and engaging. There are times in the show where I forgot what I was watching was based on a kid’s book. Daredevil is rushing in a new era for the superhero genre, one that is mature and honest. Daredevil is a show that makes you want to believe in heroes again.
What’s coming to Netflix by Hunter Golightly and Connor Orlowski The Babadook- Six years after the passing of Amelia’s (Essie Davis) husband, her deranged son, Samuel (Noah Houseman), begins to see a monster he believes is going to kill him and his mother. After Amelia reads Samuel a very strange book about a monster haunting their house, titled The Babadook, she begins to see the monster as well. Review: This movie has a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for a reason. It is truly one of the scariest movies we have ever seen. The sounds, movements, and visuals make you very invested in the movie and give you a feeling of extreme dread. Hot Fuzz- London Cop Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) gets transferred to the town of Sandford, which mysteriously has the lowest crime rates in all of England. Here he pairs up with PC Danny Butterman (Nick Frost), an overweight and lousy cop. After a string of murders occur and the investigators rule them all accidents, Officer Angel begins to get suspicious and take matters into his own hands. Review: Even though the plot makes it sound like an action movie, Hot Fuzz is pure comedy. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are a hilarious duo that go hand and hand as they do in many other movies such as Shaun of the Dead and Paul. Hot Fuzz has an unsuspecting twist and provides a unique comedy experience. The Longest Yard- Ex-NFL quarterback Paul Crewe is sent to prison after getting in a car chase with the police. He must assemble a football team of convicts to take on the Warden’s team of prison guards. Review: Although Adam Sandler has recently been acting in films that have been perceived as horrendous, The Longest Yard shows Sandler in his prime. Chris Rock, Burt Reynolds, and Terry Crews all have hilarious parts throughout the movie.
Unfriended brings a new style of horror by Matthew VanHoose and Carter Noneman
Unfriended provides a fresh perspective to the horror film genre. The film follows the story of a group of high school friends and their chat room shenanigans on the one year anniversary of their friend’s suicide. While the plot isn’t the most original, the perspective the film follows certainly is. The entire film is from the point of view of the main character Blair’s laptop screen. The entire movie is shot as she navigates around the internet. The way Unfriended was shot provided the film with a very inexpensive budget which was mostly spent on its marketing campaign. Unfriended made around $16 million its opening weekend. The unique perspective from the laptop screen helps draw teen viewers living in today’s tech filled world. There are many references to today’s social media landscape. Blair is seen navigating Facebook, listening to music on Spotify, and Skyping her friends. These references might not be understood by older audience members, but to teenagers it is very relatable. The unique perspective allowed all of this to be shown without forcing it upon the audience and without making the audience choke down the “internet culture” of today. Although the movie has experienced monetary success, it is not from its plot or characters. Unfriended has no real direction in its plot, and the characters are useless stereotypes from all teenage horror movies. The movie depicts the horrific deaths of these characters in a plethora of grotesque manners, but the audience feels no real connection to these despicable teens as they are all partly responsible for the death of their friend. In the end, Unfriended boils dow to a simple slasher film with a weak plot and scares that are cheaper than the film’s budget.
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Track Teams prepare Baseball season for Regionals comes to a close by Jack Boyd
by Carter Noneman Both track teams competed at the Area One Championship at McCracken County High School on Friday, May 8th. Both teams were missing a few senior athletes due to the senior trip, but the teams still did well. “Some of our seniors were missing, so I was really depending on some of the younger girls to step up, and they definitely did,” commented Coach Hamilton. The girls’ team had a strong showing at the meet. Aleja Grant won first place in the eight hundred and in the two mile. The girls’ 4 by 200 meter relay team came in second place. The team ended up finishing second overall. The boys’ team had a good meet as well. Freshman Malcom Corbett finished second, and the relay team ran well. Despite missing seniors who were attending the class trip, the boys still represented Tilghman well. Both the boys’ and girls’ track teams continue to prepare for the Regional Tournament that will be held on Saturday, May 16th at McCracken County High School. Senior Riley Sigler said this on her expectations for Regionals, “I expect both the boys’ and girls’ teams to win the Regional meet, and I really think that both teams have great chances at winning the State Title. As long as we go out there and perform like I know we’re capable of, nothing can stop us.” When asked about the seniors that will be leaving this year, Coach Wyatt responded, “This has been one of my best senior groups so far as leadership and attitude. Lenny Grace, Marcus Corbett, and Nick Shelby are my big three. I challenged them to step up at the beginning of the season, and they took the challenge well. We are really depending on them for Regionals and State.”
Tilghman Tennis takes on State competition by Maddie Chambers The Regional Tournament started Saturday, May 2nd. Both the Paducah Tilghman teams made an impressive showing the first day with only one boy’s doubles loss and one girl’s singles loss. The tournament continued on Monday, May 4th in the quarterfinals, and Tilghman took no losses and earned their tickets to state. In the Photo Provided by Jan Godwin semi-finals Tilghman faced McCracken County, the Regional Champions. The Paducah Tilghman Boys and Girls team won runner-up in the Regional Tournament and has nine players heading to Lexington on May 13th for the State Tournament. Congratualtions to State participants: Lara Shannon(9th) and Madelyn Chambers(11th), Anna West(6th) and Hanna Fischer(9th), Matthew(9th) and Warren Jones(12th), Emily West(11th), Parker Rowton(9th), and Davis Rowton(5th).
The 2015 Tilghman baseball season is almost to a wrap. The team has had its ups and downs the entire season ,but Coach Johnson says, “We’ve played very close with a lot of great teams as well as beat some good ones.” Johnson says the team is very young but has improved a lot since the start of the season. The team has one week left before the District Tournament, and Coach Johnson believes if they play like they should, they have a real shot at the championship. The first round of the tournament is against St. Mary. Johnson commented, “The games are split against St. Mary, but we definitely feel pretty confident about the match up.” If the victory goes to Tilghman, then they
will face their rival, McCracken, in the District Championship. Senior player, Nathan Hawkins, commented, “We are training hard to prepare for the Photo Provided District Tournament and taking it one game at a time to make it to back to the Regional Tournament. Overall, the team hasn’t had the best season, but the future is bright. The team consists of mostly young players and even has a few middle school players. Coach Johnson says, “We may be young, but we have true talent and will continue to grow as team.” As the season comes to a close, all the players are striving to finish strong and prepare to be the best they can next year.
Lady Tornado softball season finishes strong by Abby Spicer and Hannah Hunt As the 2015 softball season comes to a close, the Lady Tornado is finishing with strength and spirit. With an astounding 19-8 record so far, the girls plan to sweep through Districts and hopefully make it to the Region Tournament. The Lady Tornado say goodbye to seniors, Karlee Humphrey and Alex Kohler. The month of May has been a very successful one for the Lady Tornado, with four wins and only one loss. The Lady Tornado softball team eased into a win against Livingston, pulling through with a 21-13 win. The game against Crittenden County was another effortless win with a score of 9-2. There were also some nail biting wins throughout the month, including a 1-0 win against Ballard and 5-3 win against Graves. The season is not over with though, with Districts and games against Calloway and Hickman County coming up. The Lady Tornado is prepared to finish off the season strong. Caroline Robertson says, “I am very confident that we will make it to Regionals this year and finish off with a strong season. I will miss the seniors, but I am very excited to see what next season has in store for me and the rest of the team!”
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