Tilghman Bell November 2016 by Paducah Public Schools

THE

TILGHMAN PADUCAH TILGHMAN HIGH SCHOOL

2400 WASHINGTON STREET

BELL

PADUCAH, KENTUCKY

MON. NOV. 21, 2016

VOL. 93 NO. 4

NHS inducts new members by Emma Johnson

National Honor Society recently inducted 27 new members. To be considered for NHS, students must earn a 3.5 GPA and express the four tenants of scholarship, leadership, character, and service. These students were inducted at a ceremony held on November 10th. The new members include Seniors Skylar Bundy, Madison Golightly, Anntoinette McCallum, and Abigail Shelby. The Juniors include Emma Johnson, Emery Wainscott, Kristen Watkins, Morgan Brewington, Morgan Brian, Ricardo dos Remedios, Olivia Ellison, Hanna Fischer, Peyton Ford, Anna Henderson, Annalyn Hill, Sarah Katz, Qincheng Li, Alexandra Martin, Anna Grace McGee, James Luke McGee, Peyton Patel, Samantha Riffe, Lara Shannon, Kaleb White, Alexis Williams, Taylor Willis, and Joe Workman. They join last years members, Nick Beeny, Nina Brown, Chris Chumbler, Jacob Curry, Reagan Davidson, Vanessa Davis, Will Denton, Roberto dos Remedios, Hunter Grubbs, John Holtgrewe, Talia Housman, Amiya Jones, Claire Kelly, Caroline Meiners, Billye Mitchell, Darby Moffat, Travis Myers, Landon Rutherford, Michael Ellen Walden, and Maddie Ybarzabal. NHS now consists of 47 members. New members of NHS must complete at least 10 hours of community service, and current members will have completed 20 hours by the end of April. National Honor Society is sponsored by Mrs. Hancock. Officers for the 2016-17 year include President Landon Rutherford, Vice President Caroline Meiners, Treasurer Will Denton, and Secretary Amiya Jones.

PT gives thanks and gives back by Peyton Ford

by Nina Brown

by Peyton Ford Paducah Tilghman’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Club got involved in the Pennies for Patients charity this year. This charity helps to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Money boxes were placed in every first hour class to collect students’ spare change or donations. In order to motivate the students to participate, a cupcake party was offered as a reward to the class who raised the most money by November 4th. The school’s goal was to reach $500 by the first Friday in November. On November 4th, the money boxes were collected for the final time, and the money was totaled. On Monday, the winning class of the cupcake party was announced and a date was set for that class to celebrate. The winning class was Mr. Wilkins’s first hour class, and they raised a total of $160. This is more than one-fourth of all the money raised which was $441, just $59 short of the goal.

Student Council’s November blood drive took place on Friday, November 11th. It was the first of two blood drives that Student Council will host this year along with the American Red Cross. Despite the Veterans Day activities taking place, the drive was successful in collecting 20 pints of blood. Donors included students, teachers, and administration. Student Council member Emery Wainscott comments, “Organizing and working the blood drive made me feel connected to my community. I’m glad I got to help out and make a difference.” The next blood drive will take place in the Spring. In order to meet previously set goals, Student Council will be shooting for a total of at least 52 donations. Student Council Vice President Caroline Meiners comments, “A successful blood drive depends on the full participation of the student body.” Be sure to keep an eye out for the date of the spring blood drive!

The Interact Club hosted a Powder Puff Game as a charity event for Gram Seva, an organization whose goal is “To create entirely healthy, happy, self-sufficient, self-empowered communities in all the surrounding villages.” Junior Peyton Patel has a personal connection to this charity; her grandmother became one of the trustees when she realized her true calling was to help those in the villages surrounding where she grew up. Profits from concessions offered at the game were also donated to the charity. The game was held on November 12th at 1:30 on the Tilghman football field. The Interact Club looks forward to planning another Powder Puff Game for Gram Seva in the Spring since the fundraiser was successful in raising around $600. This money came from the players’ fee of $10, concessions, and also several generous donations from members of the community.

Library dedicated to Louise Bryant JV Academic Team competes by Will Denton

by Darby Moffatt On November 14, 2016 Paducah Tilghman’s very own library was dedicated to past faculty member, Louise Jones Bryant. A ceremony was held in honor of Mrs. Bryant where family and friends attended to witness her plaque being unveiled and listen to kind words from Mr. Davis, her son, and her daughter. Mrs. Bryant graduated from Paducah Tilghman in 1940 and was a cherished faculty member from 1959-1971. During her time here she served as a study hall proctor, helped out with the band and chorus, and was the leader of Student Council. Mrs. Bryant’s legacy will continue to live on here at Tilghman for generations to come thanks to this dedication. And her famous quote will continue to be seen and taken in by students all throughout the school. “Character and education are treasures that can never be taken away.”

The Paducah Tilghman High school Junior Varsity Academic Team competed in the JV Challenge at Calloway County on November 12. They tested their knowledge against other JV teams from our region in their largest competition of the year, placing in several individual tests and taking second in Quick Recall. Before the Calloway County event, one individual test had already taken place. The Composition individual exam has students write an essay in 90 minutes, then their work is scored to determine ranking. In this event sophomore Grace Raber placed sixth overall. At Calloway County on November 12, the Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, Arts and Humanities tests took place. Each of these tests are similar to Composition in that they have students complete an exam in a set amount of time, then their scores are compared to determine ranking. In Math, sophomore Lance Butler took first place and sophomore Samuel Lambert took fifth. In Science, sophomore Eileen Sember took fifth. In Language Arts, Nadia Pacheco took fifth. Later that day, the team competed in the Quick Recall portion of the competition, taking second place to Calloway County. Lance Butler commented saying, “Our team taking second in Quick Recall means a lot, since it’s really the main part of the competition. It shows that our team has a bright future ahead.”

Photo by Wayne Walden

Nation casts votes in 2016 Election by Chloe Quint Donald J. Trump (R) was elected the 45th President of the United States on Tuesday, November 8, after a very heated campaign season. Trump claimed 279 electoral votes to his opponent Hillary Clinton’s 228, securing the position for the next four years. Alongside his running mate Mike Pence, Trump rallied the nation by declaring, “Working together, we will begin the urgent task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the American dream.” He went on to express his gratitude to his family, his campaign manager, and the American people. Clinton (D), who conceded to Trump late Tuesday night, delivered a speech congratulating him on his victory and calling the nation to gather in support of the future of the nation. “This loss hurts, but please never stop believing that fighting for what's right is worth it,” Clinton told her supporters. In state elections, Incumbent Senator Rand Paul (R) secured his position in the Senate over his opponent Jim Gray (D), winning 57% of the state’s vote. In local elections, the city of Paducah voted in Brandi Harless as the next mayor, defeating Incumbent Mayor Gayle Kaler with 58.27% of the votes cast. The Paducah City Commission elected one new commissioner, Sarah Steward Holland, as well as the Incumbents Allan Rhodes, Richard Abraham, and Sandra Wilson.

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A Tip of the Hat... by Caroline Meiners and Darby Moffatt

Who is the funniest person at the Thanksgiving table and why?

A Tip of the Hat goes to football season. Looking back on all the team’s games this year, we realized that our boys have worked so hard and come so far. The start of the season was rough with a new coaching staff and a young team, but our boys persevered and proved to be the team everyone knew they could be. We’re excited to have had the opportunity to cheer on our boys as they finished off their season strong. A Tip of the Hat goes to Thanksgiving season. Even though it is one of the less appreciated holidays, the weeks building up to the biggest meal of the year never fail to excite us. The start of November truly is the beginning of the holiday season. Families start coming together, and we all get a little bit less selfish. Not only do we get to celebrate with our families, but since we now have the extra holiday, Friendsgiving, we get to express our thanks for our friends, too. A Tip of the Hat goes to sweater season. There is nothing more comforting than a cozy, oversized sweater. Often cold weather can bring us dry skin and a bad mood, but putting on our favorite sweater makes us feel like we can conquer the world and take a nap at the same time.

...A Wag of the Finger

“My little brother Andrew. He’s two and throws food around.”

Nick Hatton (9)

“My uncle because he makes people cry.”

A Wag of the Finger goes to family drama. Even though the holiday spirit is growing within us, so is our animosity towards our family. These next few months will bring most families closer, but sometimes it’s a little too close. The car ride over the river and through the woods in your six passenger car with a restless and an extremely hungry group can only end two ways: screaming at the top of your lungs about which radio station to listen to, or playing an awkward game of quiet mouse because your mom has had enough. The holiday season isn’t always pumpkin pie and Christmas trees. A Wag of the Finger goes to second quarter slump. This one goes out to everyone who is already out of agenda passes because of sweep. We feel you. In fact, both of the authors of this article can’t afford to get swept for the rest of the semester. Honestly, we don’t even have the energy to care. Second quarter slump affects the best of us—and our homework grades. Netflix doesn’t stress us out, but homework does. Pros and cons, everyone, Pros. And. Cons. A Wag of the Finger goes to running out of storage. There is nothing worse than trying to take a cute picture and getting hit with that “Cannot take Photo” notification. Then you have to go through and discard some treasured memories with no guarantee that you’ll actually have enough storage when it’s all over and done with. Once you get to the point that you’re running on six apps and you still have a year left until you upgrade, the panic starts to set in. The only solution is to spend $600 on a brand new iPhone and what high schooler has the money for that?

“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.

Nautica Beasley (10)

PSA: Poetry is not dead by Anna Grace McGee and Morgan Brewington

“My uncle Matt, because one year he fell in the pie.”

Trey Workman (11)

“My great-grandma because she says whatever she’s thinking with no remorse.”

Kaitlyn Brewer (12)

The Tilghman Bell THE TILGHMAN BELL, A PRODUCT OF THE JOURNALISM CLASS, IS AN OPEN FORUM FOR STUDENT EXPRESSION AND IS DISTRIBUTED MONTHLY TO THE STUDENTS OF PADUCAH TILGHMAN HIGH SCHOOL FREE OF CHARGE. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: MADDIE YBARZABAL COMMENTARY EDITOR: CAROLINE MEINERS FEATURE EDITOR: J. ROBERTO DOS REMEDIOS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS: CLAIRE KELLY, TALIA HOUSMAN SPORTS EDITOR: DARBY MOFFATT BUSINESS MANAGER:WILLIAM DENTON STAFF WRITERS: JAMIE BLACK, MORGAN BREWINGTON, NINA BROWN, ERIKA DAVIS, WILLIAM DENTON, J. ROBERTO DOS REMEDIOS, HANNA FISCHER, PEYTON FORD, TALIA HOUSMAN, EMMA JOHNSON, SARAH KATZ, CLAIRE KELLY. ANNA GRACE MCGEE, CAROLINE MEINERS, SKYE MILFORD, DARBY MOFFATT, CHLOE QUINT, ALEC WADLEY, EMERY WAINSCOTT, MICHAEL ELLEN WALDEN, MADDIE YBARZABAL PHOTOGRAPHERS: CLAIRE KELLY, EMMA JOHNSON CARTOONISTS: MADDIE YBARZABAL, TALIA HOUSMAN, SKYE MILFORD, SARAH KATZ ADVISOR: SUSAN HANCOCK

English teachers have drilled into our minds hundreds of poets throughout the years: Shakespeare, Longfellow, Dickinson, Hughes, etc. What do they have in common? They're all dead! This left us wondering- what happened to the poets? Surely someone out there writes poetry that's not just for extra credit in an English class. After extensive research, we have come to the conclusion that poets are not all extinct. Though lesser known than those glorified in AP Lit books, modern poets are not just subsisting on social media textposts, but thriving in an environment all of their own. The poetry section of Books-a-Million may not be the most stocked or visited place on Earth, but it turns out its lack of popularity has been giving off a bit of a false impression. Poets are still out there. The thing is, many now combine poetry writing with professions such as English education and other more stable jobs, freeing them to write poetry without relying on it for income. This kind of "professional poet" has led to the rise of literary magazines and poetry websites. Though the poet himself makes less money, accessibility for the reading population has skyrocketed. Consumers can get on websites like poetryfoundation.org and pour over the lines of new poets without cost or hassle. Bookworms and scholars can subscribe to the hundreds of college sponsored literary magazines across the country, allowing them to read the works of dozens of acclaimed writers at a time. Poetry has not disappeared and will not; one only has to look. To prove our point, we found three very much alive modern poets for you guys to check out. Let's start out with the most critically acclaimed, Billy Collins. Collins really showed out in the literary world when he was appointed Poet Laureate of the United States from 2001 to 2003. During his poetry career, Collins has churned out about a dozen renowned collections. His knack for making the complex easy to understand but equally astounding, showcased especially in his book Horoscopes for the Dead, has made him one of the most read poets still living. Down in the small town of Gambier, Ohio, a lesser known but also acclaimed poet named Andrew Grace has been writing up his own literary storm. With a unique, down to earth and beautiful style, Grace has published many of his own works as well as publishing through literary magazines throughout North America. As he taught graduate students at Stanford and undergraduates at Kenyon, Grace released a book named Shadeland that made the countryside full of wonders and hometown dialects clear. Poets like Collins and Grace speak not only to literary fanatics, but to the experiences of ordinary people going throughout their lives. On the other side of the spectrum, feminist Rupi Kaur has gotten through to a hard group of readers (millennials). Through emotional writing drawing in just a bit of angst, Kaur shows the struggles of adolescence and coming into one's own. Poets like Kaur, Collins, and Grace are living proof that poetry is still real, still meaningful, and most importantly, alive.

Something Salty

by Claire Kelly and Caroline Meiners We can’t be salty at Thanksgiving because food is the real MVP in our lives. So instead, we’re going to talk about something that is literally salty…food! Thanksgiving is one of the few times we can stuff ourselves with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, ham, dinner rolls, baked beans, cornbread, green bean casserole, gravy, and it’s not only acceptable but encouraged! If every day was Thanksgiving, our sodium content would be through the roof! Seriously, our blood salinity levels would be deadly. Thankfully, the largest meal of the year only comes every 364 days. If there’s one thing we can be salty (in the pop culture sense) about this month, it is that we only get to gorge ourselves for one meal during this month. Assuming you eat three meals per day, that leaves 69 unsatisfying meals leading up to Thanksgiving, only making you more anxious for the big event. Then after Thanksgiving day, you’re left with 18 seemingly tiny meals during which you wish you reminisce on great times you and your mouth shared just days ago. So basically, we’re just here to give a big shout out to food! Salty food, sweet food, fall food, summer food, anything that we can eat is a-okay with us. If your family has any Thanksgiving leftovers, you know where to find us. The residents of Room 200 will thank you greatly.

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Thanksgiving should be re-named

by J. Roberto dos Remedios When we think of the typical Thanksgiving, we picture the American family, with any relatives that live within a 10 mile radius, eating Turkey and mashed potatoes, playing cornhole, and watching football. Sure, there’s also the actual thanks giving part, but that part just seems to become a controversial topic every year. Most kids mindlessly list out the most cliché catalogue of people and items they are obligated to appreciate, and the adults pitch in with one or two thought out sentiments with the occasional humble brag. I believe that we should scratch out the whole “Thanksgiving” part of the holiday, keep the diabetic potluck, change up some minor details, and re-name the entire holiday. One idea for a new name for the holiday would be Native-American-and-Pilgrim-Friendship Day, or NAPFD for short. Thanksgiving, as we know it, is a historical celebration of the Pilgrims learning how to farm from the Native Americans and their subsequent harvest and potluck. During our modern festivities, we tend to forget about the historical significance of the day because of our preoccupations with football and falsely gratifying family and friend relationships. Another idea would be Eat-until-you-look-like-Benjamin-Franklin Day. No traditions are really changed on this day, except for the lack of “thanks giving” that most of these new rewrites adhere to. We eat just about the same amount of food, but it now has a purpose in that we dedicate our potbellies to Mr. Franklin due to a falsely proven myth that actually has nothing to do with pilgrims, the harvest, or being grateful. If you don’t know the myth, in short, Benjamin Franklin suggested that our country’s national bird should be the turkey, and not the eagle. Oh Ben, how silly you were. The last idea seems to be the most drastic of our new holiday ideas: National Roast Day. Now, you may think that this hypothetical moniker is because of the many roasted foods eaten on this day, but my plan is much more diabolical. Everything will be the same: invite all family and compliant friends within a 10 mile radius, eat a multitude of roasted foods, maybe watch a sports game in an attempt to fake social interaction because of our lack of genuine social skills due to our absorption in modern technology, play cornhole, and in a final twist, instead of saying all the things we are thankful for, we “roast” one another at the harvest dinner. You see, insulting each other would actually be more beneficial than not. First of all, because humans are inherently evil creatures according to Thomas Hobbs, many more people would take part in insulting one another more so than if they had to verbally appreciate someone. Participation in the namesake activity would promote synergy and teamwork between people and increase positive relationships and interactions. In addition, pointing out others’ flaws may cause them to evaluate themselves as individuals and further cause revolutionary personality changes for the better. The only downside to all of this is that maybe someone’s feelings are hurt, but then again, there is all the food in the world to comfort them. There are many more possibilities for Thanksgiving variations, but sadly with my individual lack of ability to change anything in the government, we’ll just have to settle with this measly historical celebration of early American survival, cooperation, and ingenuity. In the meantime, Thank you, Thanksgiving!

Why Thanksgiving naps are essential by Caroline Meiners

Thanksgiving used to be one of my least favorite holidays. The afternoon dragged on and on, annoying younger cousins drove me to a breaking point, and waiting for dinner was excruciating. Caught between playing games in the yard with the little kids and failing to fit in with my older cousins, Thanksgiving afternoons turned into my biggest nightmare. That is, until I rediscovered naps. It wasn’t planned, but freshman year my Thanksgiving nap habit was born. You see, my family eats our Thanksgiving meal at noon and has leftovers for dinner. This creates the perfect environment for napping. That particular year, I was using the post-meal coma as an excuse to escape changing my nephew’s dirty diaper for the third time that day. I awoke just before dinner feeling refreshed, cozy, and just as satisfied as I did halfway through Thanksgiving lunch (the feeling one gets BEFORE eating twice as much as a human’s stomach is meant to hold). The next year, I moved to my aunt’s couch as fast as my distended stomach would allow and commenced with what has become an annual tradition for me. In my pre nap stupor I heard one of my uncles coin what would become a Thanksgiving nickname, “Sleeping Beauty.” Junior year, I was not only stuffed fuller than the turkey I had just consumed, but also had the stress that comes with junior year and the exhaustion that comes with final rehearsals for a play weighing my eyelids down. That nap, in particular, was amazing. So far, I have simply regaled you with the tales of my three Thanksgiving naps. Reader, you must know that the glory of Thanksgiving naps are not limited to one person. In fact, napping is good for a body! Humans are the only mammals that condense all of their sleeping into one 8 hour (or less) period. This is most notable with cats, and many sleep studies show that humans can reap many benefits from mimicking those cat naps. Obviously, napping increases alertness. When everyone in your family and their mother are asking about your classes, grades, love life, college plans, eating habits, and whatever else they’ve been curious about since you saw them a year ago, alertness is key in not slipping up and admitting that you’ve failed your past three math tests and that last week your diet consisted of hot Cheetos and leftover Halloween candy. Napping also increases physical health. Now, when your dear grandmother looks at you and thinks, “Is my daughter-in-law taking care of my lovely grandchildren?” you can save your mom by looking healthier than ever because of your Thanksgiving nap! Also, your mid-day siesta can save you from forgetting your cousin’s newest girlfriend’s name. Yes, I know, he brings a new one around every holiday, and they all look slightly reminiscent of your aunt, but calling Ashley, Abby, Allison, or Carly simply won’t do. Fortunately for you, napping also increases memory function, and your cousin may just get away with not getting slapped this holiday season. You may insist that napping is for the 5 and under crowd at your family get together, you would simply be wrong. Taking an afternoon nap on Thanksgiving can save you from awkward interactions, family feuds, and afternoons that never seem to end. Who knows, maybe you’ll start a new tradition of your own!

Pros and cons of Black Friday by Chloe Quint It’s the season for Turkey, sweaters, falling leaves, and, most notably, advertisements. It’s a universal truth that Christmas begins the day after Thanksgiving, but an extension of that begins much earlier. Black Friday is an iconic American pseudo-holiday designed for ridiculously long lines, gift buying, and overspending. There’s nothing more exhilarating than finding a great deal on the perfect gift for someone or grabbing the very last supply of the hottest toy of the season. It’s an adrenaline rush accompanied by raw Christmas spirit and the carbs settling from Thanksgiving dinner. However, in recent years stores have begun the sales earlier and earlier. Rather than beginning deals early Friday morning, shoppers begin forming lines early Thursday for doors that open as soon as four o’clock in the afternoon. Some stores may have lines of tent campers and anxious gift givers begin to form Wednesday evening for new items that may be in limited supply. With ridiculous hours like this, more and more people are pulled away from family time and thrown into the jungle of retail in search of the best deals to complete their wish list. The more competitive these sales become, the less they can enjoy the holiday without stressing over scoring the perfect Christmas gift and fulfilling every hopeful letter to Santa that landed in their hands. In making Thanksgiving just a pit stop on the fast track to Christmas, we’re robbing ourselves of a wonderful holiday that provides time to unwind and enjoy a day of peace before the anxieties of the holiday season officially arrive and overtake every aspect of American life.

Christmas starts in November by Sarah Katz Halloween is over and it is time to get into spirit, and yes, I mean Christmas spirit. I have come to the conclusion that Christmas Day is somewhat over-hyped, but it is the best season to have ever existed. I am grinning ear to ear just thinking about it. As Andy Williams once sang, "It’s the most wonderful time of the year." I will admit it is truly cruel of Hallmark and Hobby Lobby to skip over Halloween and have their Christmas decorations up for months before anyone can even say mistletoe. And how can they just disregard Thanksgiving? The Natives and Colonists deserve recognition for introducing the turkey tradition of Thanksgiving. Obviously, I love Christmas, but I don’t want to see a tree in September. In November, however, I am more than prepared. The middle of November is the perfect time to start enjoying the cold weather and appreciate the holiday. Now imagine listening to "All I want for Christmas" while looking at the lights in the park with a cup of hot chocolate in hand and a scarf tied cozily around your neck or watching Elf next to a fire while decorating a tree. If you aren't beaming with happiness, you are even more cold-hearted than Mr. Grinch, and even he secretly loved Christmas. The Thanksgiving/Christmas season is the best time of year because you get to spend time with people you love and there is so much happiness. Throughout the holiday season, you easily forget your troubles and spend your time celebrating what truly matters in your life, family. That's why you should love Christmas: it is time to love and to be loved, so why not start in November?

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Students selected for All-State Chorus by Claire Kelly Fifteen students from Paducah Tilghman High School have been selected to participate in the 2016 Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) All-State Chorus. These students are Nicholas Beeney (12), Zane Birdsong (12), Reagan Davidson (12), Will Denton (12), J. Roberto dos Remedios (12), Tyran Fitzgerald (12), Isaac Galliher (11), Audrianna Hughes (11), Emma Johnson (11), Claire Kelly (12), Caroline Meiners (12), Ariana Mundy (12), Abigail Shelby (12), Alec Wadley (11), and Michael Ellen Walden (12). The audition consists of two parts—a prepared quartet performance and a solo sight-reading exercise. All of Tilghman’s selected students scored in the top percentages, and four students received perfect all-around scores. These students were Zane Birdsong, Reagan Davidson, Audrianna Hughes, and Caroline Meiners. Several other students received perfect scores in either the quartet performance or sight-reading section. The selected students will travel to Louisville, KY, in February to participate in All-State Chorus during the Kentucky Music Educators Association Convention. Selected students will be placed in either the Mixed, Women’s, or Men’s chorus. Each chorus will rehearse over three days and perform in a final concert to conclude the KMEA convention.

Photo by Claire Kelly

November Rotary Scholars selected by Nina Brown

November Rotary Scholars are Will Denton and Reagan Davidson. The two were selected by the Rotary Club of Paducah for their demonstration of community awareness and leadership and will represent Tilghman at weekly Rotary meetings throughout the month of November. Each meeting features a guest speaker, and students will learn about various community projects and organizations. Reagan Davidson is a member of Tilghman’s band, the Speech and Debate team and has been a varsity member of the Girls Soccer Team for all four years. She is a member of the female a cappella group Concordia, is on the cast of the musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and at All-State Choir, her audition received a perfect score. Davidson will be attending Campbellsville University in the fall where she will continue her soccer career. She comments, “Rotary has been fun and interesting. The various speakers bring different perspectives, and it’s exciting to learn new things about our city and the people around us.” Will Denton is member of Tilghman’s male a cappella group Prime Rib, he is in the cast of the musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and received recognition at All-State Choir. He is the treasurer of the Naitonal Honor Society, a member of Mock Trial, and is the business manager of the Tilghman Bell. Over the summer, he was selected to participate in an intensive tropical marine biology research study program through Action Quest. He plans to major in biology in college. Denton comments, “I am thrilled to have been chosen as a Rotary Scholar this month. It’s inspiring to see the hard work that is put into making our community a better place, and I know my experience will influence my outlook on future service.”

Photo by Wayne Walden

Market House Theatre hosts Speech Team competes in tournament new productions by Emery Wainscott Market House Theatre’s production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – The Musical! has showings from December 8, 2016 to December 11, 2016 and from December 15, 2016 to December 18, 2016. This production is a musical rendition of the play The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a story about the Herdman family that takes over an annual Christmas pageant. Their kids take all the principal roles, and everyone expects the pageant to fail. Two Tilghman students, Claire Kelly and Travis Trimble, star in the show, and numerous students from Clark Elementary School participate in the show as well. Market House Theatre’s upcoming productions include Charlotte’s Web in the Spring and The Addams Family – The Musical! next Summer. Tickets for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – The Musical! are already on sale, so get them now!

by Emery Wainscott Saturday, November 12, 2016, Tilghman's Speech and Debate Team participated in a Speech Competition held at Marshall County High School. Seven out of its nine competitors broke through to the final round and received awards for their placement. Senior Landon Rutherford was named the Tournament Champion in Broadcasting, and Sophomore Grace Raber was named runner-up in Prose. Fourth place winners were John Holtgrewe in Extemporaneous Speaking, Kate Criner in Dramatic Interpretation, Reagan Davidson in Impromptu Speaking, and Grace Raber in Original Oratory. Fifth place winners were partners Reagan Davidson and Kate Criner in Improvisational Duo, Anna Shelton in Storytelling, and Emery Wainscott in Original Oratory. Kate Criner earned membership and her Degree of Merit from the National Speech and Debate Association, and Grace Raber earned her Degree of Honor.

Mountain Workshops document Paducah by Sarah Katz

On October 17, Mountain Workshops, a photojournalism “workshop” that visually documents communities in Kentucky, made their way to Paducah. For a week the photojournalists, editors, data analyst, and storytellers take over a town in Kentucky to demonstrate a realistic view of the town. Journalists from all over the country, including journalists from impressive news sources such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, came to Paducah to capture the life of local residents. While many different journalists can participate, Western Kentucky University hosts the events and allows their photojournalism majors to assist and participate in the event. On Monday, October 17, some participating students from WKU talked to The Bell Staff about careers in photojournalism and what Mountain Workshops was all about. The journalists asked The Bell Staff for recommendations for places that truly exhibit life in Paducah such as the Quilt Museum and the Lowertown Arts District The students from WKU told us all about their prestigious program and encouraged us to look into the career of photojournalism. Paducah Tilghman Nina Brown, Nicholas Beeny, and Kalkidan Walden were participants in the Mountain Workshops project. For that week, a certain photographer followed them around and tried to accurately demonstrate what life is really like in Paducah. Each participant had a “story” that was unique to his/her life. For example, Nina Brown’s story was Homecoming and how she was involved. When asked about the experience, Nina Brown said, “It was interesting having someone follow me around, and it took a little getting used to, but I am so excited I was a part of the project.” Even Mr. Davis was featured in the project. He also had a camera man to follow him around and show his love for this school. You can go online to www.mountainworkshops.org orwait for the books to be distributed to Paducah in December.

Paducah Tilghman offers new student clubs by Chloe Quint The Kentucky Young Democrats Club is a state organization that promotes the involvement of young people in the politics of their community, state, and nation. The organization has begun opening chapters to high schools in the area in order to hear the opinions and ideas of adolescents on how to further the party and the community. The Paducah Tilghman Young Democrats aim to engage students in local politics through activities, discussion, and hands on experience with our local politicians. The club will also collaborate with local charities throughout the year to help better the community through service. Any student interested in joining is encouraged to contact Chloe Quint, Michael-Ellen Walden, or sponsor Mr. Kelley for details and information about upcoming projects.

by Nina Brown This school year has seen the beginning of all kinds of new clubs, including one of the newest, the PT Ping Pong Club. Members meet twice a week to play a few games of good, old-fashioned ping pong in the upstairs of the auxiliary gym. School Board member Janice Howard donated the club’s first table, and members are in the process of raising money for another one. With over 30 members, Ping Pong Club has seen more success than they initially expected. Isaac Humphrey, a founding member comments, “We wanted to start a club that was fun and relaxing, and we figured, who doesn’t love playing ping pong?” Other founding members include Dalton Ferrell and Bryson Wells. Club dues are only $5 and anyone can join.

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COMMENTARY

Keeping in touch with your graduated friends

by Anna Grace McGee Last year is being buried in the passing seasons. As memories fade, graduated friends are also dwindling from my mind. Friendships that were once close and full seem to be losing their leaves and turning into the stark, barren trees of winter. It's hard to find time to relate to friends experiencing all sorts of new things in college while you are stuck struggling through junior year or applying to colleges for when you graduate yourself. Time takes its toll on the friends you met at camp and those who have moved away as well. The floundering group chat you have with that girl from California and the guy you met at the beach can't last forever. No matter how much you miss your old friends, keeping in touch can be hard. Sometimes, there isn't much you can do to maintain relationships, and sometimes losing that relationship is for the best. In that case, hold onto the impact that person made on you. With that in mind, you never really lose your friend. When you can, however, fight for your friendships. Why should genuine relationships meet a swift end just because you don't see each other's face every day? Make the effort: it doesn't have to be demanding. Tag Mitchell in those Instagram photos, send memes to Katy every once in awhile, and text your weird camp friend about the fight in the cafeteria. Little things can add up to a lot. Occasionally, try to have some contact that's not just over the internet. Not everyone has time to always pick up the phone, but being able to actually hear the other's voice can be more valuable than texts. The next time your old friend comes back into town, take some time out of your afternoon to visit. The more time you spend together, the healthier and deeper your friendship will be. Though it may seem as if you and your friends are growing apart, keep in mind that time doesn't always cause the rift. If someone cares about you as much as you care about her, she will contribute equally to the effort of maintaining the relationship. Don't trap yourself in trying to carry on a friendship alone. One-sided conversations are fun for no one and a waste of time for everyone. It's sad when people change or lose interest, but you have to do what is best for yourself. Keep your friendships full of laughter and contentment on both sides. Make the effort to keep in touch, and if the effort is reciprocated, then you can be sure your relationship will last for many seasons to come.

Fight Failure with Creation by Emery Wainscott Failure is always difficult to face, especially after countless vigorous efforts to finish or achieve something. We experience a lowered self-esteem, our motivation seems worn out, and it seems like we've reached a dead end. Our response to failure dictates our perception on life and the world around us; most of us meet it with dejection and sorrow instead of meeting it with a refreshed mind and ideas on how to be more efficient. Failure is not the end-all be-all or the end of your path to success—it's a normal occurrence that happens to even the best of us. Thomas Edison once said, "I haven't failed, I've found 10,000 ways that don't work." If Thomas Edison can maturely face his failure and move on to invent devices such as the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and the electric light bulb, then you can defeat your failure through perseverance, too. Just like Edison, we can stop dwelling on our rejections and start creating instead. Failure should inspire us to accept our decisions, reflect on the situation, and search for a way to dig ourselves out of the rut. Say you were to apply to a club or extracurricular program, and you poured every ounce into your application only to receive a rejection letter. Breathe. This does not mean you aren't adequate or intelligent enough. The decision may have been very close, or you simply weren't meant for the program. Thousands of bright young minds get rejected from Ivy League Colleges, hundreds of Governor School for the Arts and Governor Scholar Program applicants are rejected every year, and even job applicants don't always get the occupation for which they're applying. If you don't get into your dream school, find another college that feels like home to you. Find another specialized program to which you can apply. Spend the time you would've been using at these activities to instead start a new club, learn something new, or find a new hobby. Failure is common in the real world; it's part of every day life. Most people don't score perfectly on the ACT the first time or immediately understand a new task. Failure is just experience, so embrace your mistakes. Fight the funk by creating your own path to success.

Burrito joints battle it out by Anna Grace McGee For many years there has been a great debate raging through our small town of Paducah: where, oh, where is the best burrito? The two premier burrito places in the vicinity are The Burrito Shack, located on Parisa Drive, and Panchero’s Mexican Grill, which sits right by Hinkleville Road. These burrito hot spots have been battling it out in heated competition, from blood red sauce to war torn salsa. Luckily, here I am to put them to the test. After weeks of contemplation, and several burrito causalities, I am ready to present the results of my findings: The grand victory for best tortilla shell goes to Pancheroes Mexican Grill. Their tortillas are so doughy, so pure; they are the kind of burrito shells that Zeus would feed to his paramour. Plus, you can ask them to double wrap your burrito, thus getting maximum burrito bliss. The Burrito Shack still has a decent tortilla, but it just can't compare. There was a hard battle for the best salsa, but I must grant the victory to The Burrito Shack. Mild, hot, pineapple- they have it all, and they all pack a punch. The Burrito Shack overwhelmed Pancheroes with a perfect level of spiciness: a melodic blend that will light your taste buds on fire but not burn them down. The generals of the Burrito Shack made a brilliant move to conquer their rival with the best selection. Though Panchero’s Mexican Grill and The Burrito Shack offer roughly the same options, The Burrito Shack commanders realized they needed to focus on quality to win this battle. Every ingredient clearly tastes fresh, and they are not stingy with their guacamole. In this area, The Burrito Shack even reclaimed some of the ground lost to best tortilla shell by offering a slightly wider variety from which one can choose. Panchero’s Mexican Grill fought hard, but the Burrito Shack won the war. Panchero’s just couldn't take the heat. For all the beans and glory, Burrito Shack has dominated.

Branching out of your comfort zone by Emery Wainscott Picture yourself signing up for classes. You know what you like, right? There’s no hesitation in writing down Creative Writing but also circling AP Calculus. Why should extra-curriculars and clubs be any different? Don’t limit yourself to just academics or just sports or just music in a school full of overwhelming opportunity. Sticking to your zone when choosing a club or elective is not unheard of in high school, but real maturity comes with “branching out” and trying new things. Broaden your horizons. Cross over. Get some experience under your wing. There is nothing to lose in reaching out to the unknown. Explore your options. If you even have a slight interest in music, join choir or audition for the musical. Our choral and theatre department is one of the best in the region, and I don’t think it’s reaching to say in the state as well. Listening to the beautiful harmonies invigorates my love for music every day. You can only learn more about music, which never hurts. You become part of a group that all want the same as you do—to keep up the good work of the choir and to explore the passion for music. Our yearly musical always has an amazing cast and production board behind it, and people from all over the community come to see it. I was in our production of Shrek the Musical my sophomore year, the first musical I’ve ever taken a part of, and it was an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world. The cast was the most welcoming and talented group of people I’ve ever encountered. The atmosphere of working towards a common goal, the excitement of nerves backstage, and the euphoria at the end of the show is the most pleasing feeling in the world. I was a shy kid growing up, so learning to become more comfortable with myself was essential to me. You don’t have to be a prodigy to join the department (I certainly am not); all you need is passion and dedication. If you’re thinking you’d never be seen parading around a stage in costumes or singing something published 200 years prior, think about it again. I thought the exact same thing. It’s more than being weird in front of an audience. Maybe music doesn’t float your boat but acting or public speaking does. Try Speech Team! I found it a perfect medium for someone trying to explore themselves. There are so many categories in Speech it’s insane; categories can range from performing a poem, story, or speech to reading a broadcast to debating on an assigned topic. Speech is perfect for pushing the boundaries of your mind and delving into a part of yourself you haven’t seen before. Not only do you have the opportunity to bring everything to the table in a performance, but your clarity of speaking and direction in conversation improve in everyday life as well. The arts don’t interest you? There’s loads of other options. Tilghman has many sports teams you can join, and the student body’s continued support of these teams is so rewarding. Don’t worry if you’ve never played that sport in your life; there’s always time to learn, and your teammates will be more than willing to help. I have several classmates that didn’t join the soccer team until this year, their junior year. It’s not unheard of to start late. Joining a team isn’t merely about the sport, it’s about the team, too. These are people you spend mostly every day with, and these are people who see you at your worst and at your best. You form an undeniable bond with your teammates. You’re not only learning how to work together in a game, but you’re also learning that one of your teammate’s favorite food is Italian or the other prefers Coke over Pepsi or his or her favorite color is orange. Over the course of the season, it’s not even just a team anymore. It’s a family. Getting outside of your comfort zone is a daily challenge, but it does get easier and easier to try new things. I’ve gotten so comfortable with myself by this point in the year, and all the experiences I have play a major role in that. I’ve found places I feel like I belong in, and it helps my confidence so much. It is so gratifying to find that. Don’t think this is limited just to what I mentioned. There are so many other clubs available. Be as well-rounded as you can be, try a little of everything, and good news—if you absolutely hate it, you don’t have to stick with it. Move on to the next moment, and who knows, maybe you’ll fall in love with something you never expected.

FEATURES

Political Look-a-Likes

Talia Housman and Erika Davis

Walker McNeill (9)

John F. Kennedy

Maurice Cooper (11)

Martin L. King Jr.

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A Day in the Life

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by Maddie Ybarzabal Principal Art Davis is exactly what his first name states, a work of Art. From his “tight shoe game” to his perfect execution of trinityknotted ties, Mr. Davis may just be considered a fashion icon around Tilghman. There’s much more to our principal than meets the eye, however, and though most students may put him high on their list of best friends, they may not be aware of the many layers to our school’s commander-in-chief. Mr. Davis has been a member of the Paducah Tilghman staff since 1992, serving Assistant Principal, Band Director, Athletic Director, and now Principal. His experience in education isn’t just limited to Paducah Tilghman, as he taught a Music Appreciation class at Shawnee Community College for 30 years and taught at Massac County High School. Before pursuing his career in education, Mr. Davis served in the Army reserve for 15 years. Mr. Davis has 836 kids here at Tilghman, but he also has four children of his own, along with seven grandkids. Mr. Davis and his wife have been married for 35 years. Outside of school, Principal Davis enjoys fishing, cooking, and flying drones.

When walking through the halls, it’s not uncommon to hear a whistled tune or even the hum of the “Hotline Bling” melody coming from the big man himself. It’s easy to catch onto his musical ability just through his simple stroll, but most of us common people aren’t aware of his outstanding musical talent. When asked how many instruments Mr. Davis plays, he says, “I play them all. I can play some better than others, but I play them all.” His diverse taste in music shows through his favorite artists: Prince and Wynton Marsalis. However, when asked if there’s a song to describe his life, Mr. Davis says that “0 to 100” by Drake would be the one. Our beloved Principal does just about everything possible to connect with and reach out to his students. From riding his golf cart around the track at football games to cooking up and handing out mouth-watering popcorn, it surely shows that Mr. Davis’s favorite aspect of his job is the students. If you haven’t been fortunate enough to engage in a conversation with this great man, make sure to introduce yourself. Not only is he an administrator, he’s also a friend.

Dear Whoever Dear Whoever,

Chris Chumbler (12) Abraham Lincoln

Thanksgiving is coming and I’m VERY conflicted. I love food, and Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Well, it used to be one of my favorite holidays. Recently I’ve started to struggle with my weight and my relationship with food has become stressed. I know I should be eating, and part of me is excited for Thanksgiving dinner, but the other part is terrified about the number on the scale afterwards. Sincerely,

Terrified Turkey

Dear Turkey,

Ashley Adkins (Teacher)

Henry Clay

I think almost everyone has felt your pain at one time or another. So there’s the first point: you are not alone. Ask anyone at your Thanksgiving table who is over 13 years old if they’ve ever been concerned about eating too much or not enough, and you’ll certainly find yourself in good company. Second: Things are likely not as bad as you think they are. In my experience, many people who complain about their weight are of a healthy weight. Third: Do not self-diagnose and treat. If you are concerned about your weight, go see your doctor, a dietitian, or simply your school nurse. You are not a medical professional, and you certainly have a biased view of your body. Weight gain and loss can really affect self-confidence, health, mood, and appetite. Thanksgiving is a time for good food and good feelings. Instead of counting pounds, count your blessings. I know that’s cheesy, but so is hash brown casserole, and that is something you should be able to enjoy.

You are what you eat by Nina Brown

It’s impossible to dislike Thanksgiving, the entire holiday revolves around food and spending time with your family—but mostly food. Everyone eats; food connects people, food excites people, food single-handedly defines cultures, and it turns out, food can define individuals. Here’s what your favorite Thanksgiving food means about you. If your favorite Thanksgiving food is... Mashed Potatoes: You thrive in comfortable situations. You love spending time with family and friends and reminiscing on good times. If given the choice between a wild party and a cozy night watching Netflix, you pick your blankets every time. Turkey: You’re the life of the party. When you walk in the room, everyone turns to look. You’re charming personality and good looks make you the most sought-after person in a crowd, and you always seem to find a friend wherever you are. If you aren’t making small talk, you can usually be found taking a selfie. Cranberry Sauce: You’re a liar. No one’s favorite Thanksgiving food is cranberry sauce. Rolls: You’re probably four-years-old. Your taste buds haven’t completely matured yet and you’ll probably need a nap after dinner, but gee, you sure are cute. Sweet potato casserole: You’re still trying to “find” yourself. You’re a drifter, you mingle with everyone but have a hard time defining your personality. Just like the sweet side dish, no one is quite sure what box to put you in – dinner or dessert. Pumpkin Pie: You’re the mom of the group; a perfect and impressive guest to bring along to any family gathering. Your friends know they can always count on you to be there after a hard day (or big meal), and no friend group would be complete without your sweet presence. Stuffing: You have a kind heart and always appreciate the little things in life. You never miss a birthday or anniversary. You walk down the halls with a smile on your face and of all the students in the class, you’re obviously the teacher’s pet (mostly because you bring cookies on teacher’s appreciation day).

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Covers vs Originals

by Erika Davis Over the years, many songs have been written, recorded, and produced. People fall in love with them and decide to make their own versions. With as much time as

people spend on creating their songs, shouldn’t they have an equal, if not more, awesome cover? With this thought, I put some songs and their covers to the test. Say My Name is originally recorded by Destiny’s Child, but the Sick Puppies decided to put their spin on the track. The original song was made up of a soulful sound with a mix of R&B. The beat starts slow, then gets faster during the chorus, and back to being slow. The Sick Puppies version, however, is the complete opposite. It starts out with a funk/groove sound and slowly morphs into rock. After the first verse, though, the song just becomes repetitive and boring. Destiny’s Child wins this round. Next, Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder came out in 1968, but was later recorded by the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1989. I love Stevie Wonder songs, but this one just doesn’t connect with me. I do have to give him some credit with the funky, soul-like sound he has going on, but the Chili Peppers’ version makes me want to get up and just dance. Combined with Flea’s bass and Anthony Kiedis’s vocals, their version is the clear winner. The iconic song I Will Always Love You became Whitney Houston’s biggest hit ever, but she actually isn’t the original artist who sang this track. Dolly Parton first released the song in 1974 and performed it on The Porter Wagoner Show. Even though Whitney Houston had this pure sound and hit those high notes like nobody’s business, Dolly’s sweet, angelic voice resonates with a person who is leaving a very important person behind. This is where Dolly Parton takes the cake. And who are we if we don’t mention Glee? The hit television show ran for 6 years and sang who knows how many songs. One song Puck (Mark Salling) did was No Surrender originally by Bruce Springsteen. This song is super emotional because it was Mark Salling’s goodbye to Cory Montieth (Finn). Mark’s voice blends well with the acoustic guitar that he plays. Bruce Springsteen has a more upbeat tempo, which really doesn’t go well with the song’s lyrics. Glee’s version gets the point. Why not test your knowledge of music and have competitions like this? You’ll see what you like and what you don’t like. It is a great way to solve your important questions that revolve around music.

New duo,classic sound Iver ignites new sound by Chloe Quint

Pitchfork recently named I Had a Dream That You Were Mine the first album from Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam, Best New Music of 2016. Featured track A 1000 Times was also named Best New Track of 2016. This came as no surprise for fans of the both Hamilton Leithauser and Rostam Batmanglij, who recently collaborated to create this critically acclaimed indie rock record. Hamilton Leithauser is the former front man of The Walkmen, who took a hiatus in 2014 to explore individual musical projects. After releasing his solo debut, Black Hours, in 2014, he began work on this collaborative album that would channel his love for early 00’s indie rock while still creating a new and original sound to please listeners of the modern era. His partnership with Rostam Batmanglij, former multi-instrumentalist and producer of Vampire Weekend, combined two strong forces of this genre into one condensed album that perfectly captures the style of the two artists in a way that creates a completely novel album. The opening track A 1000 Times contains the lyrics that the album came to be named for, making it the perfect precedent for listeners before indulging in the rest of the album, which most closely mirror the artistic style of legendary artists such as Bob Dylan and George Harrison. The tracks that follow continue the same raspy vocals and vintage sounds set forth by the introductory song while still continuing to find a new and interesting spin on conventional standards of the genre. Tracks such as In a Black Out and Rough Going have gained popularity and been regarded as a few of the best works on the album. Tour dates have been announced for the band that will include a show in Louisville on February 18 at Zanzabar, followed by a February 19 performance at Nashville’s 3rd and Lindsley.

by Sarah Katz On September 30, Bon Iver released his third album, 22, A Million. Based on Bon Iver’s last two albums, For Emma, Forever Ago and Bon Iver, his sounds can only be described as dreamy. I have often found myself listening to one of these albums when trying to sleep, but trying to sleep with 22, A Million playing would be more than a challenge. These two albums are relaxing, tranquil, and acoustic whereas 22, A Million is edgy, electronic, and quirky in the best way music can be. The album opens with 22 (Over S∞∞n), a strange title I know, but as the repetitive and haunting lyrics “it might be over soon” start, you are introduced to a very robotic sound leading into Bon Iver’s silky voice. These contrasting sounds set a perfect tone from his soft sounds to his new electronic sounds. 715 – CRΣΣKS starts with the very auto-tuned harmonic words “Down along the creek I remember something.” I won’t spoil anything, but listen to the lyrics because they are truly genius. It is my favorite song from the album. 29 #Strafford APTS is probably the most similar to his older albums. It is soothing yet broken, making it a perfect transition for Iver to explore other styles. 8 (circle), the second to last song of the album, has slow underlying saxophone which gives 8 (circle) a very sensual vibe that perfectly lead into ___45___. When you go to a conert, you might notice that the artist likes to finish on a slower note, then continuing with an encore. 00000 Million is one of those songs that is a perfect song to finish a concert and an album. Its slow but uplifting tune gives a perfect ending leaving you satisfied and ready to take on the world. Bon Iver is not a widely known artist but his art speaks for itself. As a longtime lover of Iver, I have decided that his songs come from meaningful places and times of heartache. If you are an old fan or considering listening, you won’t be disappointed in this album.

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Tilghman Alumni rock the world by Maddie Ybarzabal and Chloe Quint

Evan Bright Jim Carrey once said, “You can fail at doing what you don’t want to do, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.” Evan Bright, a 2009 Tilghman graduate, took his chance on what he loves. Evan pursued his passion for music, working in music business with an emphasis in artist management. His team manages the musical careers of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Billy Idol, Regina Spektor, and a cool young rock band called The Shelters. He’s also worked with artists like Pretty Lights, Griz, Soundgarden, Portugal The Man, and others. Evan connected with his great passion for music through attending music events like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. However, Evan came to terms with the fact that he lacks the immense amount of musical talent necessary to be a working musician, so he took the route leading to the business aspect of the music industry. When asked about his favorite aspect of his job, Evan says that it all shows through in concerts. Evan loves to see the fans of artists he works with come together and let loose, forgetting about the stress of everyday life. Evan extends some advice to current Tilghman students. “Travel!” he says. “There is so much life being lived out there, and the only way to better understand yours and what you want out of it is to get out there and see how other people are living theirs.” Evan is very encouraging when it comes to following your dreams. “There’s a lot of opportunity on this big spinning ball of life, but you have to go out there and get it for yourself. You have to be the one to find your passion and make a living out of it; you can’t sit around and wait and expect it to find you. Do what you say you are going to do! People won’t always remember that you did, but they will never forget that you didn’t, no matter how small ‘it’ was.”

Caitlyn Gallip

Paducah Tilghman prides itself on being a superior school in diversity, academics, and success (just to name a few things). Tilghman is a wonderful starting point for students who are sure to go on to do big things, just ask alumni Caitlyn Gallip! After high school, Caitlyn attended the University of Missouri to study journalism, as well as exploring film studies, textile and apparel management, and hospitality management as her minors. Caitlyn says her inspiration to pursue journalism came from her desire to meet new people and learn more about their lives, “I think the idea of covering an event and getting to meet really cool people made me want to explore journalism.” Today, Caitlyn lives in New York City and works as the Social Media Manager for Broadway.com. Of course, working for Broadway.com provides a lot of interesting experiences. Part of Caitlyn’s job involved covering the 2016 Tony Awards. “It’s kind of crazy that I’ve gotten to be surrounded by all the Hamilton craziness and actually gotten to know the original cast,” Caitlyn recalls. “I think I’m still too young to have gotten the highlight (of my career), but I have gotten to meet some pretty cool people.” Even with all of the excitement of meeting huge Broadway stars, Caitlyn still finds that the best part of her job is the people she works with every day and the community surrounding her. In the middle of a crazy Presidential election and hot time for global news coverage, Caitlyn is grateful that she doesn’t work for any major news corporations. “The content and stories that Broadway.com publishes is important, and the majority of it brings joy to people.” Caitlyn advises current PT students to venture out of your comfort zone. “I am so glad I went to college without anyone from my class. It forced me to meet new people and have a different experience from high school.” These are definitely encouraging words for students who are struggling with the decision of where to go to school, or are afraid of leaving home. To Tilghman students who may be interested in journalism, “…learn how to do a little bit of everything. By knowing how to edit words, videos, etc. you’ll be much more valuable to a news outlet.” Advice taken! Caitlyn’s success in her career started where we all sit today, at Paducah Tilghman High School. By participating in class, engaging in extracurricular activities, and being involved in her community, she found a passion that evolved into an incredible career!

Can we live without them? by Darby Moffatt With all the happiness and entertainment that the holiday season brings also comes the stressful and overdramatic parts of it. We all have that one crazy grandpa without a filter or a hot mess of an aunt that never fails to cause some sort of chaos at the family gatherings, and with Thanksgiving and Christmas being right around the corner, you know you’ll be getting plenty of quality family time. It’s not that we don’t love each and every one of our unique and special family members, but sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder. Everyone just seems to be so nosey these days with their plethora of questions such as, “Do you have a boyfriend, where are you going to college, how are your grades, your extra-curriculars, do you have a job, what’s your best friend’s dogs name, what are your plans for the rest of your life?” Sorry, Uncle Robert with the bad haircut, but I do not have any interest in answering your extensive questions. Another struggle: after 17 long years, do I have the privilege of moving on up in this world and joining the adults at their prestigious place of dining, or will I be stuck (literally) at the kiddie table for yet another year? Honestly, I just want to eat as many rolls as possible without banging my knees on the bottom of the table or having someone’s drink spilled on me. Try chit-chatting your way around the whole house; that way you don’t come off as rude, but the agonizing, annoying conversations are held to a minimum. Another solution: just absolutely stuff your face, and then you don’t even have to worry about unwanted encounters, maybe just about choking. Good luck this season, try to make the most of it, and Happy Holidays.

Book characters we’ve fallen for by Emery Wainscott and Emma Johnson Over the years, literature has found its way into our free time and our hearts. Novels serve as a place to escape, a home to return to after an exhausting day. It's no surprise we've developed such stark attachments to these characters, feeling as they feel and thinking as they think. Wanting to share our favorites, we conjured a list of characters we've absolutely fallen for. Will Herondale: Will is one of the main characters in Cassandra Clare's prequel series The Infernal Devices. He is presented to the readers as a sarcastic jerk, but he has moments where his true personality is shown through the cracks in his persona, so of course, we fall in love with him. He also constantly quotes classic poetry and novels, being a huge book-lover, and that doesn't hurt either. Later in the books, the reasoning behind his behavior is revealed, and it's tragic and heart-wrenching; we feel for him. Elizabeth Bennet: Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice goes against the grain, finding purpose in her own thoughts and actions instead of spending all her efforts on finding a husband. She teaches readers to be bold, strong-willed, and independent— she defends her opinions and thoughts to anyone who doubts her. She is an extremely unique character for the time period the novel is set in, and her undaunted mindset is inspiring and admirable. Draco Malfoy: Draco is presented to the reading audience of Harry Potter as a rude and insensitive character who constantly bullies Harry and struts around Hogwarts like he owns the place. However, the evils of his father are the true enemy, not Draco's smug demeanor. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, his inner struggle is revealed to the reader as he battles what Voldemort has ordered him to do versus what he believes is right. His internal conflict appeals to our emotional side when we realize he is just misunderstood, not truly evil. Theodore Finch: Theodore is complex, strange, and irrational, but he is also wellmannered. He never truly opens up until he meets Violet on top of the school’s bell tower in All the Bright Places. They immediately connect over their traumatic experiences with life. Theodore’s love of words and abstract ideas reveal themselves in all the sweet things he does for Violet, capturing our love at the same time. Theodore is constantly weighed down by his struggles, and his stress begins to affect him more and more throughout the book. The ending will leave you crying hysterically in the back of your parent’s car.

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Covers vs. Originals

by Erika Davis Over the years, many songs have been written, recorded, and produced. People fall in love with them and decide to make their own versions. With as much time as

New duo, classic sound Iver ignites new sound by Chloe Quint

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Graphic novels are on the rise

What you should watch on Netflix

by Anna Grace McGee In the modern era, we are constantly searching for new ways to express ourselves. The question of this generation is not whether or not to make art, but how does our art distinguish us from generations past? The search for a unique mold into which we can cast creative energy has led to the formation of new genres of all sorts, and for literature, this genre has become the graphic novel. This type of literature is not necessarily new (graphic novels first started being published in the early 1900s), but throughout the past few decades, it has been reborn. No longer are all graphic novels targeted at children or an extension of comic books. Modern writers and cartoonists have transformed the original concept into something that is respectable and can be read at all ages. Most recently, graphic novels have blossomed under the hands of autobiographers. The hand in hand word and picture style allows for an open, honest kind of writing that is fully unique and deeply personal. The following autobiographies exemplify the modern graphic novel in the best way possible: Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic: Reading this, one is utterly struck by the power of raw honesty. Alison Bechdel published her graphic memoir in 2006 and stunned readers across the globe. Wrapped in nonchronological order and blanketed by monochrome cartoon, she explores her confused relationship with her father and his death, the struggles of marriage and sexuality, and the importance of writing. After winning an Eisner Award and reaching wide critical acclaim, the book was adapted into a Broadway musical and won the 2015 Tony Award for Best Musical. Dare to Disappoint: Growing Up in Turkey: Ozge Samanci's personal Bildungsroman shows her evolving perspective growing up after the Turkish Civil War. It reveals history that is not often told: sexism in the modern age, poverty in guise of democracy, and the deadly pressure of success. Through a life of struggle, Ozge learns that sometimes if you don't disappoint the standard, you disappoint yourself. Swimming against the current led Ozge to wear she is now: an artist and professor with a life story worth reading. Honor Girl: Maggie Trash, contributor to Rookie Magazine (a popular young adult online publication), throws everything she has into her debut novel and personal memoir. With a lighthearted tone, she still manages to draw attention to the darker struggles of confusion and quiet disappointment. Readers will laugh the entire way through at her summer camp antics but at the end realize how conflicts with others and the ability to make a joke out of any situation led her to truly, fully become herself.

Artist Alley by Talia Housman

This month’s Artist Alley is Emma Riley. She is a 14 year-old freshman who is enjoying her first year at Tilghman. Even though this is her first year in the art department, she is very invested and enjoys trying all the new materials. She loves to focus on small details that the normal eye doesn’t, such as paint chipping on a door. Emma has been developing her skills since her sixth grade year and is excited to put a piece in the Yeiser Art Center. The name of Emma’s chosen piece is “Well, look at you.” This piece took two weeks and plenty of plaster to form. She employed the help of classmates for models and pieced together the different parts to make Photo by Talia Housman the torso and arms come together. This piece is completed by a mirror for a face so that every person who looks at it can be incorporated. She intended for the piece to be open to interpretation and to convey desire for transparency. This piece should be put in the Yeiser in early December. Emma is looking to stay local after high school. She loves the community and would like to invest her art into Paducah. She hopes to attend the Paducah School of Art and Design to further strengthen her skill for her career. If she doesn’t end up creating for a living, she would like to do something else local to help the community. Tip for other Artists: Don’t take suggestions. Make your own piece.

Movie Monthly by Alec Wadley Many characters have been added into the Marvel Cinematic Universe this year, but none of which are as powerful and mystical as Dr. Steven Strange. The newest Marvel hit was released November 4, 2016, and is already loved by many people. It has received a 90% on rottentomatoes.com and an 8/10 on imdb.com. Dr. Steven Strange, once a brilliant neurosurgeon, was neurotically disfigured, preventing him from practicing surgery. After months of searching, he travels to Nepal to meet someone known as the Ancient One, who he is told can heal him. During his time in Nepal, he is taught the ways of the mystic arts and soon becomes the Ancient One’s star pupil. But his victories are short lived. Kaecilius, one of the Ancient One’s most talented former students, has delved into the Dark Arts and strives to summon Dormammu, the keeper of the Dark Dimension. Along with the Eye of Agamotto, the Cloak of Levitation and his mentor Mordo, Strange must stop Kaecilius to save not only the world but the entire dimension. This movie has to be one of my favorite movies Marvel has ever made. And while I won’t tell you what the super-secret Marvel ending is, because I HATE spoilers, I will tell you there are two of them. So make sure to never leave a Marvel movie until all the credits are gone.

by Chloe Quint Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004): This cult classic film directed by Michel Gondry was a 2005 Oscar winner for Best Screenplay and has stood the test of time by being rated #85 on IMDB’s top-rated movies. Following a difficult breakup, a couple decides to undergo a medical procedure to erase one another from their memories. It is during the procedure that they begin to discover how much they truly want to be together. This fantasy spun romance film is a perfect watch for an evening in bed. Amanda Knox (2016): The murder of British exchange student Meredith Kercher in a small Italian village caught the world by storm in the Fall of 2007. All investigations seemed to target her roommate, Amanda Knox, who served nearly four years in the Italian prison system before being released due to an improper investigation. This original Netflix documentary collects firsthand accounts from the prosecutor as well as the accused and tells the deeply personal story of one of the strangest investigations in modern times and is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. 13th (2016): This fast paced documentary combines historical events alongside modern controversies to explore the American criminal justice system, the effect of racial inequality on our country’s judicial process, and how the 13th Amendment did not truly mean freedom for many people. Director Ava DuVernay is an award winner for her work in the 2014 film Selma which centered on racial conflict during the Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches. Dexter (2006-2013): If you’re looking to obsessively binge watch something over the weekend, your search ends here. Dexter, a recipient of two Golden Globe Awards, follows a forensic technician with the Miami Metro Police Department who spends his time off the clock hunting and killing dangerous criminals before the police can find them. This unusual take on a serial killer drama provides no lack of plot twists and is sure to keep you up watching into the early hours of the morning. Frida (2002): This movie biography by director Julie Taymor follows the career of Frida Kahlo following the tragic bus accident that altered her life forever. The movie follows the pain of her recovery combined with her tempestuous relationship with famous muralist Diego Rivera. Packed with drama, romance, and inspiration, this is the perfect watch for anyone looking to indulge in an unforgettable story.

Bastille drives fans wild by Emery Wainscott Bastille disappeared off the face of the Earth for a couple years, and I haven’t jammed to them since my eighth-grade year when their “All This Bad Blood” compilation came out in 2013. When their fourth album hit the market, I knew Bastille had made a comeback into my music library. This album is titled “Wild World,” featuring a lengthy 19 songs. This album gives each song its own distinct sound while also keeping a thematic tone to the entire album. It switches from slower verses to massive choruses and back again, a pattern familiar to dedicated Bastille listeners. Unlike their previous songs based off history (“Pompeii”) and mythology (“Icarus”), this album is set in the here and now, addressing relatable issues: “Warmth” tells of the horrors happening in the world relayed on the news and Smith’s search for solace— “Never good, just the bad and the ugly, laid in front of you. Nothing quite like seeing the world through the TVs we know.” The first lines of the album’s first song “Good Grief” introduce the album’s recurring theme of sampling audio from old films. The song is upbeat and catchy, but the lyrics tell of something more sorrowful. When Smith spoke to NME about this track, he says, “This is a song about loss, but the ups and downs of it and those moments of euphoria you get.” The song features a clip from Weird Science to “give it a sense of nostalgia.” The next songs “The Currents,” “An Act of Kindness,” and “Warmth” are more reminiscent of Bastille’s characteristic sound, with deep bass or drumbeats underneath lead singer Dan Smith’s powerful voice and repetitive but purposeful lyrics. In "Power," instead of layering Smith’s voice with stringed instruments, Bastille layers it with funky bass, a new sound I haven’t heard from them, but I welcome it all the same. It's a new Bastille with the same foundations. Bastille does an astounding job transforming their sound to something grittier and catcher, and the album never lags, keeping my full attention throughout. Dan Smith comments on their new sound, saying, “I think we’ve really pushed our sound… If we wanna have a ridiculous, over-the-top blaring horn sample on one song and then go into a minimal electronica on the next, that’s completely fine,” and I agree. That’s completely fine.

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Football wraps up season

by Darby Moffatt The Paducah Tilghman football team came into their game against the Murray Tigers with plenty of confidence after three straight wins. Our boys took the lead and kept it the entire game, never slowing down their pace. Hunter Watkins and Alec Gold were game changers, but Dalton Ferrell definitely stood out the most. He was 19of-27 passing and threw a total of 624 passing yards which is the third most in a game in state history. Ferrell comments on the game, “Our game against Murray gave us the confidence we needed going into the playoffs. I’m proud of this team and how far we have come together this season, and I hope we will continue to build off of this win and go as far as we can in the playoffs.” Tilghman had 945 yards of offense in their 68-46 win over the Murray Tigers. In the first round of playoffs, Tilghman hosted LaRue County at McRight Stadium. The Tornado came out strong, scoring in the first few minutes and continued to keep the lead throughout the game. The Hawks stayed in the game for the first half, but fell off during the second half giving our boys an easy 35-18 win over the LaRue Hawks and allowing them to advance to the second round of playoffs. PT football traveled to Elizabethtown for the second round of playoffs seeking revenge due to their loss to the Panthers last year during the playoffs. It was obvious that the Panthers were ready to play, scoring first and never slowing down their quick-paced game. Our boys played hard, but couldn’t keep up after the second half and fell 47-13 to Elizabethtown, concluding their season.

Football players receive recognition by Hanna Fischer

by Peyton Ford

Senior Dalton Ferrell received the Woodmen Life Player of the Week during the week of November 3rd. Dalton was 19-of-27 passing and threw a total of 624 passing yards in the game against Murray, the third most in state history. This also set a record for most passing yards in one game by Tilghman. Dalton comments, “I am honored to have received this award, it means a lot to me as it is my senior year. I am proud of the hard work my teammates have put in, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season has in store for us.”

Photo by Emma Johnson

PTHS junior, Jordan Harmon, recently was honored with the Biokinetic Athlete of the Week award. Harmon plays on the varsity football team at wide receiver. The team made it all the way to play-offs and into the second round where they were matched with Elizabethtown. The Murray vs. Tilghman non-conference game on October 28th qualified him for this award, the final score was 68-49 in Tilghman’s favor. Harmon enjoyed this past season and said, “I’m looking forward to play again next year.”

Photo by Skye Milford

Swim dives in by Talia Housman The PTHS Swim Team is kicking off their season with a meet in Hopkinsville on November 19. The 2016-2017 team consists of Talia Housman (12), Tyler Fell (12), Jamie Black (11), Peyton Patel (11), Caleb Fell (10), and Bailee Patel (9). Peyton Patel says, “Swimming is an arduous and competitive sport that takes a lot of dedication and teamwork. Our small team benefits from the fun comradery that comes along with the long hours spent together practicing.” These swimmers together will compete in many different race lengths and types. Peyton Patel will be focusing on the 100 backstroke and 50 freestyle, her sister Bailee will be focusing on the breaststroke races. Tyler and Caleb Fell are looking forward to the mid-distance freestyle races. Talia Housman will be focusing on short breaststroke and freestyle races. Jamie Black is still working on her focus races but is excited for the season to start. They will be competing across the region preparing for Regionals and State. This year Tilghman has a strong relay that is ready to go. Tilghman’s meet will be on the fifth of December, and the team welcomes students to come to watch.

Hancock’s of Paducah Supports The PTHS National Honor Society

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Basketball shoots for success

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by Hanna Fischer and Darby Moffatt With Basketball season quickly approaching, sophomore Rod Thomas comments about this year’s fresh team. “It’s not an easy transition, but we are working hard every day to make it happen. We aren’t rebuilding, we’re just reloading.” Junior Jake Hobbs says, “We may lack some seniority, but this team’s chemistry and charisma will enable us to reach our full potential and show out this season.” All of the boys are expecting a great season, and they are looking forward to playing in front of our motivating student section. Small forward JJ Reed states, “It’s our 6th man; the energy that the student section brings to the game does affect our performance.” Most players agree that Coach Thomas’s style of coaching is innovative, and the positive energy he brings contributes to the team’s success. New addition to the team, Trey Workman, a point guard, is very confident about this upcoming season. When asked about the difference in Tilghman’s team and his former team, Workman answered, “The play style is more advanced and fast-paced. My transition here was effortless, for my teammates were more than welcoming and easy to mesh with.” As always, the team is excited for games against rivals like Graves and McCracken County. Senior DeCoven Grubbs expresses his excitement for this season saying, “I couldn’t be more ready to be back on the court with my brothers. As the only senior, I am prepared to become a leader on this team this year. Our fans should expect a more fast-paced game and a region win this year.” The girls’ team is also very excited for the oncoming season. Sophia Patterson, the only senior on the team, comments, “It’s a good feeling to be able to lead the younger girls. I am very excited for the season; we have worked hard in practice to improve, and that will take us further than previous years.” Shooting guard Olivia Patterson adds, “This year we have a good team, are very energetic, and are under good leadership.” Being a younger team, the girls have many obstacles to overcome. Despite their short time being together, their bond is what makes the team strong. Junior Lauren Gary states “Younger players bring a lot to the team; they are talented. The team is very united and like one big family. Tilghman is in for a good show this year.” We are very excited to see how Tilghman’s boys’ and girls’ basketball teams play this year. The team’s first home game is on December 1st against Carlisle County. The girls play at 6 pm, and the boys’ game will follow. Make sure you come out to support PTHS basketball; this season is going to be a great one!

XC crosses finish line Davidson signs by Hanna Fischer On October 29th , the PTHS Cross Country team traveled to Owensboro to compete in the First Region Cross Country Championships. The team raced very well, securing some of the top finishes in the region. In the Class 2A Girls Division, sophomores Addie and Kate Rogers finished 3rd and 6th, along with a 7th place finish from eighth-grade Elise Overlin. These three top-seven finishes secured the girls' team a trip to state. The team placed third in the regional meet, coming close behind Fort Campbell and Webster County. On November 5th, the girls' team continued their season in Lexington, KY, where they ran in the Class 2A State Championships. Addie Rogers finished in the top half of 207 runners, with Kate Rogers and Elise Overlin not far behind. Although they didn’t have any top finishes, the team ran its hardest. They showed to be one of the best in State and improved greatly over the season. With the finish of another great season, we can't wait to see what the PTHS Cross Country team accomplishes next year. Senior John Holtgrewe comments, "It was fun; I had a good time. The ending was tough, but hopefully it will prepare the team for upcoming seasons and also for track season."

by Nina Brown Senior Reagan Davidson signed a scholarship to Campbellsville University to play soccer. The ceremony took place in the gym lobby on November 16. Davidson has been a member of the Paducah Tilghman Girls Soccer Team for all four years, and was a member of the 2015 and 2016 All-District Team. She was also a member of the KHSAA All-State Academic First Team all four years of her participation. While at Campbellsville University, she plans to major in Vocal Performance. She comments, “I am excited to have the opportunity to keep playing soccer because I can do music and soccer at the same time at Campbellsville. The team is close knit and they have a lot of fun together. The team and the university are a good fit for me so it was interesting to see Photo by Claire Kelly all of that meld together as well as it did.”