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[PROSPECTIVE[ BRYANT HIGH SCHOOL • 801 N REYNOLDS RD. • BRYANT, ARK. 72022 • VOL. 24, ISSUE 6 • MAY 6, 2016
02 [ HYPE ] PROSPECTIVE
what’s
[ INSIDE
4-5 From the Staff Staff Cartoon
10-11 The Books Final Farewell Focused on Future
6-7 Final Steps Honorable Changes Travel Safety 8-9 Departure
12-13 Domino Effect Signing Send Off Beat the Heat
[
14-15 Pure Life Happiest Show Newest on Netflix
What’s the Buzz?
@ us next time
Maddie Dunn / 12 @madd__d
Alyssa Williams / 12 @alyssa_eve
“Naps seem like a great idea until you wake up and feel dead”
“Could you imagine class at Bryant High School if wearing a dunce cap as punishment was still a thing”
Anna Arendt / 12 @annasophia369
Tyler Cyz / 12 @tyler_cyz
“lol I literally can’t fit into my prom dress anymore but you know that didn’t stop me from buying another box of Girl Scout cookies.”
“Today starts a battle of a war that wont make sense because we are all allies.”
Peyton Robertson / 12 @diddytheman
BJ Zinamon / 12 @BJ_zinamon
“Exactly a month from yesterday, I’m going to be heading off on my senior trip. Too pumped.”
“Frank Ocean needs to pay what he owe... Which is the album.”
WANT TO BE FEATURED? Tag @ProspectiveAR in your top tweets for a chance to end up in the next issue.
05.06.16 [ HYPE ] 03
Sweet Summer Treats An overview of Snow Cone shacks in town ISABELLA CASTRO | STAFF WRITER
The summery, sweet treat. The refreshing, cold snack after a baseball game. The delectable dessert to eat after a blistering day at the pool: snow cones. Two popular snow cone stands are Eat my Snow, located at 1130 Military Road in Benton and The Yellow Sno Cone Shack, at Highway 5 North and Springhill Road by Hurricane Lake.
Senior Casey Garett enjoys a tasty treat at Eat my Snow | Sarah Bullington photo
Sophomore Keeli Robertson spends her time on the weekends working at Eat my Snow. “My favorite thing to do is seeing and meeting all of the kids that come up to the stand,” Robertson said. “They’re so sweet and super excited to get a snow cone. It is adorable.” Sometimes, larger crowds take trips to the stands, and things can become hectic for Robertson. “If I am working by myself [when things become too busy], then I do my best to stay calm and get everything done as quick as I can,” Robertson said. The Yellow Sno Cone Shack is another popular spot among students. Sophomore Michael Durgach says it is his favorite place to to get a snow cone. “I like the Bryant Hornets flavor,” Durgach said. “It is a mix of blueberries and various fruits. It tastes really good, and I am always up for repping BHS.” The Yellow Sno Cone Shack is also a favorite for sophomore Kalyn Caddy. “My favorite flavor is Fudgsicle,” Caddy said. The stand has 35 flavors and three different sizes to choose from. They range from Grape to Polynesian Pineapple. Senior Maddie Dunn enjoys mixing the flavors to make her favorite snow cone. “I like to mix the tiger blood and Wedding Cake,” Dunn said. “It reminds me of summer.”
Swapping it Up
Local Snow Cone Stands: Hobo Joe’s North Little Rock
Ice Meisters Snow Cone Shack Bryant
Family Snow Biz Bryant
Cajun Sno
Students express opinions about Snapchat filters EDITH GARCIA | STAFF WRITER
They have been all over social media accounts, from Snapchat stories to newsfeeds on Instagram and Twitter. They range from changing faces into dogs all the way to swapping and receiving an entirely new face. Snapchat filters have completely dominated social media. Senior Matt Clanton was just as surprised as everyone else by the new Snapchat feature when they were first announced. “When they first came out, I thought it was weird, and I was curious to see if they’d stick around,” Clanton said. “But obviously, it did very well, since everyone uses them.” As opposed to the rest of the social media apps available, Snapchat became unique with the addition of the various comical filters. Junior Faith Young was impressed by the introduction of the new features Snapchat had to offer. “I think they’re amazing, lovely [and] I use them daily,” Young said. “My favorite one is the one that gives you the stars on the top of your head, because it makes my face smooth and cute.” Although some would say the craze surrounding Snapchat filters has become overwhelming, Young believes Team Snapchat pushed their luck when they began experimenting with $0.99 Snapchat filters. “I was kind of mad about it,” Young said. “They actually thought I was going to pay to have a rainbow coming out of my
mouth. [But] now that they’re all free, I’m excited, because I can afford them all.” With over 100 million downloads on the app store, it is obvious that some Snapchat filters will be used more than once. Regardless, Clanton believes the constant repetition of the same Snapchat filter has become a bit too much. “Whenever you start posting your Snapchat filters all over Twitter, that gets really annoying,” Clanton said. “Seeing every girl at this school with the dog filter on Snapchat kind of gets old after a while.” Even though Snapchat is constantly changing and adding new filters to continue the pop-culture craze surrounding the App, many people like Young are still waiting for their filter dreams to become a reality. “I wish you could put a mask of whatever celebrity you wanted on your face,” Young said. “If I could be either Beyoncé or Louis Tomlinson, that’d be great.” Regardless of the minor annoyances, the majority of the 100 million users seem to love and constantly use the new Snapchat filters. “I cannot explain how many screenshots I have of people sending me pictures with filters,” Clanton said. “I love sharing them with my friends and just getting a laugh out of them.”
Little Rock
4 [ EDITORIAL ] PROSPECTIVE
PROSPECTIVE Bryant High School 801 N. Reynolds Rd Bryant, AR 72022
From the Staff At the beginning of the school year, we were lost. A new bell schedule and funding cuts because of the failed millage vote had each student and teacher stressed. Like every school year, the jump from summer freedom to school-year rigidity wasn’t easy. We were “Under Pressure.” With the beginning of the second quarter, we became restless. Grades came out, setting the stage for the rest of the year. Seniors applied for colleges, looking into the endless possibility of their future. Students and teachers were stuck in their same patterns, hoping for excitement. We were striving for that “One Moment.” When the weather grew colder, it was easy to feel defeated. Students spent hours studying for finals, depriving themselves of sleep and physical activity, making quick and cheap meals the easiest option. We were forgetting our “Health in the Holidays.” As talk of Valentine’s Day filled the halls, students found themselves in two groups: taken or single. From overseas romances to third grade expectations, there was a broad spectrum where relationships were found. We were altering love “By Definition.” Inching closer to spring break, there was a focus on family. Some spent the week
traveling with their parents, some spent it at their homes, but some didn’t have the opportunity for a traditional home life. We were built upon different “Foundations.” With this last paper, we want to honor the time we have left together, but also celebrate what is to come. In the next week, seniors will leave to begin a new chapter in their lives. In the next month, remaining
866.707.5600 toll free 501.653.5328 journalism room 501.847.5605 office 501.653.5550 fax prospectiveonline.com students and teachers will part ways, whether it is just for the summer months or permanently. We are about to make our “Departure.” So we want to thank you. Thank you for letting us walk you through the year. Thank you for letting us into your hearts and minds. Thank you for letting us tell your stories. And most importantly, thank you for letting us do what we love.
YOUR
Julia Nall, Jazzmyn Peterson, Spencer Shreeve
Online Editors
Emma Goad, Araya Pomplun
Photo Editor Madeline Colclasure
News Editor Julia Nall
Feature Editor A&E Editor Araya Pomplun
Hype Editor Emma Goad
Sports Editor Jazzmyn Peterson
Opinion Editor Natalie Burgess
Fun Editors
Emma Goad, Julia Nall
Artist
Serye Kim
Ad Manager Abigail Hagner
Circulation Manager Araya Pomplun
Columnists Natalie Burgess, Alyssa Jones, Jazzmyn Peterson
Photographers Sarah Bullington, Natalie Burgess, Madeline Colclasure, Amalia Eddings, Maya Jackson, Julia Nall, Autumn Pruett
Page Designers
Caivon Crosby / 09
Cory Duck / 10
“My church, because I can praise and worship without people judging.”
“Anywhere with friends. It doesn’t matter where as long as I am having a fun time with them.”
PROSPECTIVE
What is your favorite place?
Lisa Stine
Print Editors
Spencer Shreeve
Displaying the centerspread, staff members senior Isabella Castro, senior Wenjie Zhu and sophomore Lauren Wilson distribute the February issue of the Prospective. | Kara Maurer photo
from
Adviser
Allie Studdard / 11
Savannah Shelton /12
“My favorite place is the tree outside of my greatgrandmother’s lake house. I like to read by the water and it reminds me of her.”
“On the volleyball court, because every time I step on the court, everything I’m stressed out about or worrying over just goes away.”
Madeline Colclasure, Emma Goad, Julia Nall, Jazzmyn Peterson, Araya Pomplun, Spencer Shreeve, Wenjie Zhu
Staff Writers Brad Brewer, Natalie Burgess, Alexis Burch, Isabella Castro, Edith Garcia, Emma Goad, Sarah Graham, Abigail Hagner, Alyssa Jones, Amber McFadden, Julia Nall, Jazzmyn Peterson, Araya Pomplun, Blair Rolston, Spencer Shreeve, Lauren Wilson
The Prospective is a monthly publication produced, edited and maintained by Newspaper Journalism ii, iii, and iv students at Bryant High School. The Prospective is a member of the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and National Scholastic Press Association. Ad space may be purchased for $3 a column inch. The Prospective does not accept advertising that is illegal for minors. The editorial board accepts letters; however, letters must be addressed to student interests and may not violate the student publication policy. Letters can be submitted by delivery to Room 319, Building 10.
05.06.16 [ OPINION ] 5
A full color version is available at prospectiveonline.com
Find more content at prospectiveonline.com “Masters of the Melody” Students sapeak about creating their own music By Sarah Graham
“Library Appreciation Week” Students express their gratitude for libraries by Alyssa Jones
“Social Silence” Getting through the stages of being awkward by Alexis Burch
“Senior Week 2016” A look at the events of senior week day by day by Bella Castro
06 [ NEWS ] PROSPECTIVE
FINAL STEPS
Dress code, decorative requirements at graduation JAZZMYN PETERSON [PRINT EDITOR]
Seniors will walk across the Verizon Arena stage in North Little Rock, on Sunday, May 22, shake the hand of the soon to be former Principal Rachel Rasburry, and receive their diplomas. Even though this scene will soon become a reality, seniors still have steps to take before they are officially no longer considered students of the high school. Seniors are to wear their caps and gowns on graduation day, but not to graduation practice. “Graduation practice is set to be on May 19,” counselor Ryan Jones said. “We are going to be leaving the school at 9 a.m. and all seniors are required to ride the buses together to Verizon Arena.” After helping out with graduation in previous years, senior sponsor Gina Halbert agrees that it is better for everyone to ride together. “Students have to ride the buses together to graduation practice because in the past,
students would not get there on time and everyone would already be in order, so we would have to move people around, causing practice to go longer than planned,” Halbert said. “Overall, we feel like it’s safer.” Seniors will sit on the bus in alphabetical order so that they will already be organized before they arrive at Verizon Arena. Based on Verizon Arena’s new security rules, everyone entering the building will be searched and patted down. “The less stuff seniors bring with them to graduation practice, the faster it will go for everyone,” Halbert said. The stricter search policy is not the only recent change to the security measures at Verizon Arena. “Bags have a size requirement,” Halbert said. “Unless it is a diaper bag, then the size requirements have to be met or you can’t bring that bag in.” Officials from Verizon Arena have said that
small purses will be allowed inside along with clutch purses that do not exceed 14 by 14 by 6 inches. Designs are permitted on graduation caps, but there are rules that must be followed. “Students can only decorate the top of their caps, and the design doesn’t need to be higher than the size of a sequin,” Halbert said. “The design itself needs to be checked by one of [the senior sponsors] and the design should mesh well with the color of the gap and gown. Also, people’s faces cannot be a part of the design.” Senior sponsor Crystal Hall assured that if a student designs a cap and it is not approved, there is a back-up plan. “If a student doesn’t follow the rules about the caps, then we will have extra caps at the graduation for the student to change into,” Hall said. “This way’ they can still walk.” The dress code for graduation was changed last year to be more inclusive of students who
HONORABLE CHANGES
do not feel comfortable in gender-specific clothing. “Girls can wear dress pants and dress shoes this year with a nice shirt, and they can also wear ties,” Halbert said. “I changed the rule of all girls having to wear dresses and heels last year, because not all girls like to wear those things.” While boys are still expected to wear dress pants along with a dress shirt and a tie, they have more options for footwear. “Boys can wear cowboy boots, but they must be clean,” senior sponsor Heather Hall said. Another significant change this year is with the parking situation at Verizon Arena. “If parents don’t want to pay for parking at Verizon, then they will need to have their graduate in the car with them, and the graduate should be wearing their cap and gown,” Crystal Hall said. “Otherwise, they will have to pay for parking.”
New honor graduate system soon to be enforced AMBER McFADDEN [STAFF WRITER]
New honor graduate requirements, internship programs, administration, early graduation and honors seminar are all coming within the next two years. Early graduation will be available to students not trying to graduate with honors. The new honor grad requirements for the 2018 seniors will allow for more student recognition and will stray from the former percentage based system to a system based on GPA and courses taken. Career guidance counselor Amy Oury hopes the new honor grad requirements will allow for more recognition of academic achievers. “In the 10th grade, you can only take one AP class, so you still have plenty of time to get the requirements to build your GPA, and you still have plenty of time to get those AP classes,” Oury said. “The old system [was centered on] core classes. Now it’s any AP class, so AP Art and AP Music are included now. That’s why the timing of it was chosen.” Students with high GPAs who were not able to make the top 10 percent will be recognized with the new criteria. Many other high schools in Arkansas base their honor graduate requirements on GPA and courses rather than percentage.
“Top 10 percent is a pretty small number, and we will be recognizing far more students,” Oury said. “Even those kids who are taking higher level courses and have 3.5, we want to say good job to them too, and that is what other schools are doing.” Sophomore Charlee McCall will be striving for the top tier honor with the new requirements. “The new honor grad requirements are harder if you are trying for the top tier, but the different levels allow some for some wiggle room,” McCall said. “This way, if you don’t make the grades, you can fall back on to the next level.” Early graduation is returning, but students wishing to be honor grads will not be able to participate. Junior Haylee Halter would rather stay until May to fully enjoy the senior experience. “I really want to enjoy my senior year to the fullest and be as involved as possible, so I’d like to graduate in May with everyone else,” Halter said. The school will also be offering an Honors Seminar for juniors and seniors wishing to increase their ACT and PSAT scores.
The course will be taught by AP Language will give students more flexibility. teacher Tara Seale and AP Statistics teacher “If students have an interest that is maybe Corey Boby. Students who have been off-campus, they will be able to gain real accepted into the class have received letters life experience,” Rasburry said. “It will be a informing them of their acceptance. One of learning environment outside of school.” the main goals of the class is to graduate more National Merit Scholars. “Cabot has a similar class, and they have more National Merit Scholars in part because of the extra attention they spend preparing students for the exam,” Seale said. The school is also adding an internship program to allow more career opportunities for students. Three periods will be opened for students to participate. Class of 2015 honor graduates Mercedes Dillard Interim principal and Krista Cortez laugh after recieving their Rachel Rasburry is diplomas at graduation on May 28, 2015.| Kenzie Brenton photo hoping the program
05.06.16 [ NEWS ] 07
TRAVEL SAFETY
Common issues with popular vacations JULIA NALL [PRINT EDITOR]
“
Dengue fever are still pretty prominent, so we prepared for those too.” Mosquitoes are a problem globally and have the potential to carry viruses and diseases. Junior Lauren Fuller went to Jamaica over the summer, where she faced issues with the mosquito population. “It actually did get kind of cold at night [in Jamaica], and you wanted long sleeves and pants at night, and also because of the mosquitoes,” Fuller said. “Those were awful.” When traveling to a foreign country, pickpocketing is often a concern many Americans have. Pouches to wear under your clothes that hold money, phones and passports are available at places such as the Container Store. However, Fuller did not have any run-ins with criminals while in Jamaica, even though the UN has it ranked as one of the most violent countries in the world. Fuller stayed on a resort, which typically offers more security than regular hotels. “Everyone was super honest,” Fuller said. “You could leave your phone on a table and come back the next day and it would still be in the same spot.” Another popular vacation site is Walt Disney World, just outside of Orlando, Fla. Commonly dubbed “the happiest place on earth,” Disney World is located in south-central Florida, and the sheer heat and humidity of the region can affect vacation-goers in the warmer months. Additionally, there’s the travel--travelling in a straight line from the high school, Disney is 771.78 miles away. The driving distance is closer to 970.16 miles. Some choose to fly, but the cost of driving is generally cheaper than a flight from Little Rock to Florida. Junior Taylor Hicks has been to Disney four
I was climbing up this rocky hillside and slipped and cut my leg open. I had to use rope to tie my leg off, like a tourniquet.
“
“
times, and her family typically drives. “It feels so magical, and everyone is so nice,” Hicks said. “I always say, ‘It’s impossible to be unhappy at Disney World.’” An often-overlooked problem with long car rides is sun exposure; the windows on cars, even if they’re tinted, don’t block all UV rays from the sun, and doctors recommend sunscreen to prevent damage. Sunscreen is even recommended for those travelling by airplane in case of coming into contact with the sun from a small window. A popular vacation activity, particularly in Arkansas, is camping. Sophomore Gage Pearson goes camping once or twice a month, typically alone in the Buffalo region. While he camps because he enjoys nature, Pearson still prepares for the worst. “[One time] I was climbing up this rocky hillside and slipped and cut my leg open,” Pearson said. “I had to use rope to tie my leg off, like a tourniquet.” Even small family camping excursions require preparation. For example, if a natural source is used rather than packed water, chlorine tabs, filters, or UV lights to kill bacteria should be used to prevent giardia, a parasitic infection caused by unclean water than can lead to over a week of diarrhea and similar symptoms. Water safety applies not only to camping, but also to international travel. Many Caribbean and South or Central American countries do not have safe drinking water. The United States itself has seen issues with drinking water safety. Flint, Michigan has gained international attention regarding the lead contamination in the city’s water, and National Geographic published an article in 2014 questioning the safety of American water following a chemical spill in West Virginia that left thousands without tap water. Generally, it is regarded a good idea to research the safety of drinking water in any unfamiliar location you plan to visit in the near future. It is the responsibility of the individual to determine whether a trip is worth the risk. “The real fun is usually a little scary,” Kerry said.
Even without Zika, diseases like dengue fever are still pretty prominent.
“
When fantasizing about summer vacations, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the idyllic getaways seen all over social media. Pristine beaches, comfy campsites, exotic (virgin) drinks. Typically, the only eminent problems in these imaginary vacations are mild sunburns and the possibility of going over the data limit for the month because the whole car ride to Orlando was spent watching “New Girl” on Netflix. However, as ideal as that all sounds, it is not always the case. Unforeseen dangers often accompany popular vacation sites. Take cruises, for example. According to StatisticBrain, cruise lines see an average of 20,335,000 passengers every year. Seasickness and sunburns are two obvious and relatively easily treatable issues. However, other larger issues do not have anything to do with the actual seafaring part of cruises. It is when the boats dock that safety becomes a concern. Senior Noah Kerry went on a cruise to Cozumel and Progresso, Mexico last summer. “Off of the boat, people are more concerned about crime and road safety,” Kerry said. “Most of the places you visit are poorer countries, so people try to avoid being on the street. Some people decide to rent motorbikes or mopeds in countries where they don’t have any idea on the traffic laws, which has led to people dying. Carnival actually has signs up to warn against doing that, but many do it anyway.” International cruises that involve spending time off the boat in other countries may require special vaccinations and preventative measures. The Zika virus, a disease with a growing number of cases in South and Central America, has gained national attention recently as it was proven to cause severe birth defects. “We used bug spray anywhere we went, and tried to avoid swampy areas or areas where mosquitoes were hanging around,” Kerry said. “Even without Zika, diseases like
BON
VOYAGE
$27.6
billion tourist dollars spent in metropolitan Orlando in 2009
185
cruise ships in the North American cruise industry
45.07
million people camped in the United States in the 2015 spring season
45%
of Americans take a summer vacation
sources: DailyFinance, Statista, Statistic Brain
DEPARTURE 81% of seniors are going to college this fall
78% will attend an in-state college
DYLAN DAVIS where: Los Angeles Film School, Los Angeles, CA distance: 1,472 miles why: “I’m really passionate about film and art. After looking at a bunch of film schools, I found the
LA Film School and decided it was the best one for me. In LA, I can be working in studios and be working on getting a job for after school.” dream job: Director or producer.
where: B Young U Hawaii distance why: “I that have and I’ve a to go. I’m forward t whole ne
05.06.16 [ CENTERSPREAD ] 09
what seniors will miss about
BRYANT “What I’ll miss most about Bryant is my relationship with my teachers. I can tell that they really do care about students and they try to establish meaningful relationships with all of the ANDRE McBRIDE students here.” Lane College, Tennessee
MELISSA BARRIENTOS
Brigham University,
whole new experience and being able to learn a lot by myself. I don’t e: 4,023 miles know anyone there, so know people it’s going to be a fresh e been there new start. It’s going to always wanted be a new step for m looking my life.” to having a dream job: Teacher ew
DYLAN SINGLETON where: Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois distance: 590 miles why: “I’ve looked into the information a lot and it’s something that seems cool to me. I’d be controlling the reactors on the ships.
“The thing I’ll miss most is just being able to be myself in front of everyone. I feel like I was able to come out of my shell and make other people smile, something that gets me through every day.” JAKE PRICE
I’ve always wanted to be an engineer, plus it’s the Navy, so I’ll still be serving my country.” dream job: Nuclear Engineering Officer
University of Arkansas, Arkansas
“I’m going to miss my friends and classes, like English and Choir. I’m really going to miss the fun and unexpected conversations that I have with friends ELIZABETH FIGUEROA and teachers.” Greenville College, Illinois Map not to scale. Data obtained from student surveys and counselors’ office. An interactive version of the map is available at prospectiveonline.com
10 [ FEATURE ] PROSPECTIVE
ONE FOR THE BOOKS Yearbook seniors reflect on past year ARAYA POMPLUN [ONLINE EDITOR]
The national award-winning yearbook, “Hornet,” will be distributed to tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade students May 9 in Love Auditorium. Schedules for slideshow viewing and distribution are as follows: seniors 1 and 2 period, juniors 3 and 4 period, sophomores 5 and 6 period. Any seniors who bought an ad will receive their pictures back when they pick up their yearbook. A group of 26 student journalists created the 2016 Hornet, which received the highest rating, Superior, in General Excellence at the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association convention April 19. These students used Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and other soft ware to create the yearbook. Many staff members learned how to use these applications for the first time this year. “We had to train new staff designers who were completely new to InDesign to create templates for the yearbook,” head editor senior Grace Guzman said. “It was difficult in the beginning since we had so many new members on staff along with a new adviser [Lisa Stine].”
In addition to creating a publication for the school, yearbook staff members have opportunities to learn skills that will benefit them outside of the classroom. Photo editor senior Jake Deen, who has been on a yearbook staff for four years, said that yearbook taught him the value of hard work. “You must work hard to get what you want,” Deen said. “You must be cooperative within a work environment to get work done efficiently, and you must stay dedicated.” If a student has not already pre-ordered a yearbook, they can still be purchased for $70 cash on distribution day. The books that are left are limited, so it is on a first-come, first-served basis. “In a world where time is rapidly passing, it’s important to freeze time and cherish memories that we’ve encountered,” Guzman said. “A yearbook is that essential item to capture the moments in our lives that we want to remember forever. [It is] full of memories that you can actually hold in your hands and treasure right in front of you.”
Holding the Gold Crown award for the 2015 “Hornet,” editors seniors Hailey Gentry and Grace Guzman commemorate their final year on the staff. | Maya Jackson photo
FINAL FAREWELL
Teachers and faculty retire from their positions SARAH GRAHAM [STAFF WRITER]
Faculty members Debbie Clark, Steve Finley, Cindy Hubbard, Debbie Norris, Lucas Nossaman, Kaci Palmer, Myra Paulk, Rachel Rasburry, Bob Williams, Dennis Williams and Gayle Winkle will not return in the fall to cheer at Hornet games and plan for the new school year,
Cherishing their final weeks together, ROTC students gather around their Sergeant, Dennis Williams. After eight years of teaching, Williams will retire in May.| Sarah Bullington photo
but instead take on a year of new experiences. At the end of the Building 18 hallway, ROTC teacher Sergeant Dennis Williams stands at the head of his room to educate his students on physical fitness, aerospace science and integrity. After eight years of Air Force stories and reciting the ROTC motto, Williams is finishing his final year of teaching. “Twenty-one years in the military not getting a lot of rest and not getting a lot of rest at this job either, my first plan of attack is to take a break,” Williams said. After teaching for two years, AP Literature teacher Lucas Nossaman is trading in his red pens to enter a PhD program at the University of Tennessee. “The goal is to become an English professor,” Nossaman said. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while.” Nossaman’s love for literature originated back in high school, when he was a yearbook editor. Though he has watched Bryant change throughout the years, his dreams of teaching English have always remained.
“From here on out, wherever I go, I am going to be a preacher of reading,” Nossaman said. “If I have one thing I can leave for Bryant, it’s for more people [to] read.” For the majority of her life, principal Rachel Rasburry has returned to campus every fall. After 25 years, Rasburry will no longer be a Hornet, but instead will root for the Fountain Lake High School Cobras. Rasburry is exchanging her role as principal to work in Special Education. “I’m looking forward to getting back in the classroom,” Rasburry said. “It’s exactly what I want to do.” Though she feels special education is her calling, Rasburry will never forget her time as an administrator. “I’m so excited to be able to go out and shake hands with the seniors,” Rasburry said. “It’s something I’ve dreamed about forever.” After many years of making an impact on campus, Rasburry follows her calling to make her mark on another school. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of being a Bryant Hornet, but at the same time, I’m looking forward to a new opportunity too,” she said.
05.06.16 [ FEATURE ] 11
FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE
Getting to know the senior class officers of 2016-17 ALYSSA JONES [STAFF WRITER]
President Connor Qualls
What do you plan on accomplishing as class president? “As class president, I want to help my fellow electees in making the school a better place to be. First off, there is an initiative to help clean up the campus. I want to have more pep rallies for other teams that are not recognized. I just want to bring everybody together so we are a closer class and get things done.” What motivated you to run? “I love my class a lot, and I love being a leader and showing people what leading is like. Being a person that should be looked up to is a big responsibility, and I want to have that kind of responsibility to help other people in high school and outside of high school.” How did you feel when you heard your name on the intercom? “I was so nervous. I heard my name, and I started just thinking, ‘I [have] to call my parents and let them know their son is president of the class.’ I was just really thankful for all my friends, faculty and staff that got me there.” What is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to you? “I think the luckiest thing is having such a great group of friends and family. I feel like I’m blessed to have such a great environment around me. It makes me happy, and I feel like that’s my mission is to go out and make other people’s lives better or make their lives happy.”
and everyone in the board of leaders are informed about everything. [I will] fight for my class if anything comes up, like this year’s senior 2016 members did for senior week. I know they fought really hard for that. If anything happens like that for our class, I intend to do the same.” What motivated you to run? “I saw it as an opportunity to be a leader for my school, and after I read all of the job descriptions, I just thought that I fit into the secretary position [best].” How did you feel when you heard your name of the intercom? “I actually didn’t. My second period doesn’t have an intercom in the room, so two of my friends came in screaming and shouting, and I’m not going to lie, I was pretty surprised.” What is the wildest and craziest thing you’ve ever done? “My best friend had just broken up with this guy, so we went and TPed his house while he was out of town. Then a bunch of rain came down, and it didn’t turn out good. We all talked
Vice President Ellie Hooten
What do you plan on accomplishing as class secretary? “I hope to make sure everything is on time
Treasurer Sebastian Diaz
What do you plan on accomplishing as class treasurer? “I really want to make senior year the best it can be, especially during senior week. I want to make it really memorable; it’s going to be huge, tremendous. I just want to take care of the money, because I love money. It’s all I do, so I want to take care of it and protect it.” What motivated you to run? “I wasn’t really planning on it, but my Spanish class said, ‘I think you have potential to be an officer.’ But the week we started campaigns, I was out, because I got my wisdom teeth removed. I was kind of discouraged, but I came back and just gave it my best shot.” How did you feel when you heard your name on the intercom? “I was actually at Chick-Fil-A when the announcement was made, but I got several text messages from friends and saw the Prospective announce it on Twitter. I had so much joy running through my body. I had accomplished something I thought I couldn’t do, breaking my expectations and setting a new high for myself.” What is the hardest thing about growing up? “It’s letting go of your ideologies and trying to expand on those, taking other people’s ideas into consideration and trying building on those [to] make them your own. It’s a lot of maturity.”
Reporter-Historian Julianne Weaver
What do you plan on accomplishing as class vice president? “In my speech, I said that I want to honor sports that are possibly under-recognized and have pep rallies for them.” What motivated you to run? “I’m a very competitive person, and I’ve always wanted to have this position since sixth grade.” How did you feel when you heard your name on the intercom? “I was so excited. Everybody kept telling me, ‘Oh you’re going to win,’ but I didn’t want to believe that because I didn’t want to get my hopes up.” What is something you love doing now that you probably won’t do in two years? “I love swimming, and I don’t want to swim in college because I want to be an interior designer. I feel like [my studies] with sports is going to be too much for me to handle, so [swim] would definitely be one thing I’m really going to miss from high school.”
Secretary Ryan Lynch
about it and laughed about it a year later, so it’s all good now.”
Together as a group, juniors Julianne Weaver, Ellie Hooten, Sebastian Diaz, Ryan Lynch and Connor Qualls celebrate their placement as senior class officers.| Sarah Bullington photo
What do you plan on accomplishing as class reporter historian? “I guess to just make sure everyone is informed whenever we have a pep rally, sports event or class activity going on. That way, everyone can be involved and everyone can be there.” What motivated you to run? “I really wanted to be involved in helping make our senior year our best year of high school and help everyone have a great year.” How did you feel when you heard your name of the intercom? “I didn’t really know he said my first name until he said Weaver, and then I was super excited.” What’s the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you? “I was sitting at a football game, and I was talking about ‘Friday Night Lights’ to one of my friends. We were talking about how we didn’t like this character named Becky. I was like, ‘Man I hated her, and anyone that has that name deserves to die.’ Then, this girl turns around, and she was like, ‘Well that’s my name.’ I was just like, ‘Oh, I was just kidding! I wasn’t talking about you specifically.’”
12 [ SPORTS ] PROSPECTIVE
DOMINO EFFECT
Athletic director shakes up coaching staff BRAD BREWER [STAFF WRITER]
Change has been the mantra of 2016 so far. A sudden change in the principal position shocked students and shook the administration, spare coins contributed to the election of a class officer and for the first time in almost a decade, a new mascot will buzz up and down the sidelines. But the change that has flown under students’ radar is the numerous adjustments in the athletic department. Athletic Director Michael Lee has been in charge of managing a frenzied coaching situation which all started with one veteran coach retiring. “Danny Westbrook, who is our girls crosscountry and track coach, will retire at the end of the school year, [and that] kind of triggered a domino effect,” Lee said. “Keith Dale, who was his assistant, will be elevated to the head coaching position, which opened up a golf and assistant track coach position. Steve Griffith, who has been here for 35 years and has been our football team’s defensive coordinator, will move into Coach Dale’s responsibilities.”
Lee does not believe that a special occurrence caused the shift in coaching positions; he believes it just came down to timing. “The best way to put it is that everybody has their own specific reason or conviction [for moving]. There is nothing that you can put your thumb on and say; ‘Since this occurred, all of this happened.’” Lee said. “It’s various. It just so happened that it all snowballed into one year when it usually happens over multiple years.” Keith Dale has been waiting for years to take the head coaching spot for girls track and cross-country, and he is excited to finally return back to his roots with the team. “It’s what I have always done,” Dale said. “I got recruited to Southern Arkansas University for running, so when I got out, that was all I did. After coaching a few years in high school, I went to coach college, so all I have done is coach track. I am just going back to my roots and doing what I love doing.” Dale appreciates the work Westbrook has
done, but is eager to take over the team for himself. “[Westbrook] and I worked very well together, and he has lots of experience, so he knows quite a bit,” Dale said. “He knows a lot more about the cross-country distance side of things than what I ever plan to learn, but I have learned a lot from him. We have a lot of the same philosophies and ideologies, so there will be a lot of the stuff that’s exactly the same, while there will be other things I might mix up and change a bit. Usually in the first year or two, you just see how things operate, and after that, you start making changes to suit what you like.” With Dale leaving the golf team behind, former football defensive coordinator Steve Griffith is taking over his spot to try something new while continuing his coaching career. “I had decided before the beginning of this year that this would probably be my last year in football,” Griffith said. “As it worked out, Coach Dale had moved away from golf, so I contacted Coach Lee to coach golf and help
SIGNING SEND OFF
with track. The amount of time and energy that football takes after 35 years [is tiring]. I still wanted the competitive edge, but it was time to move out of football.” With tryouts looming ahead for the golf team next month, Griffith is getting ready to settle in for his first year with the team and make adjustments. “Coach Dale and I have different personalities, so I am sure there will be changes,” Griffith said. “I have not been able to meet the players yet. We are planning to meet and set up a time for tryouts in May, and once we get that set, we will have a meeting so everyone can get information.” With a number of other coaches from both within and outside of the district moving into new places next year, Lee realizes the importance of his job and has stepped up to the difficult task. “As you can see, it’s a shell game,” Lee said. “It’s something that you have to stay on top of [to] maintain the integrity and character of the athletic department and make sure that quality people are replacing quality people.”
ALEXIS BURCH [STAFF WRITER]
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT MONTICELLO
“Right now I have a little bit of work I need to do, but I’m really excited for [college],” Watson said. “I am proud to make more of my own choices, get to travel a bunch and increase my academic level.” Henderson State University is a 51-minute drive, ideal for one of the new members of their football team, senior Mario Waits. “Henderson and SAU called me up last minute after the game at Fayetteville,” Waits said. “I was happy, because I was working my butt off the whole football season trying to get an offer.” Previous head football coach Paul Calley encouraged Waits to work hard when he started as a freshman. “I didn’t have a motive when I was in ninth grade until Coach Calley helped me,” Waits said. “He
pushed me when he was here, pushed me all the way from ninth up to senior high.” Planning to move farther from home, senior Peyton Ramsey signed to play soccer for a college out of state. Ramsey first toured a college in Florida and was not satisfied. She then went to Mississippi College, where the encouraging team sold her on signing. “Before I even signed, they were calling me their teammate,” Ramsey said. “It was great.” Now that her future is decided, Ramsey is ready to start college. “I’m definitely excited, now that it’s a for-sure thing that I’m going to play,” Ramsey said. “I’m actually ready to leave.”
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF 1 ARKANSAS TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY 2 SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY 3 HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY 2 OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY 1
ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY 4
OUT-OF-STATE
Student athletes have been training for years. For some, the work has paid off, quite literally. This year saw a large number of athletes who signed commitments to play sports in college and receive scholarships. Running track was originally senior Cole Watson’s parents’ idea. But after taking part in the sport, he wanted to make a name for himself. “I [saw] everybody getting better, and I wanted to be one of those people,” Watson said. “I wanted to earn a place on the team.” Watson was interested in Southern Arkansas University because of its size and what it offers academically. He received an academic and athletic scholarship and met the coach at SAU, who was glad to have him.
IN-STATE
Senior athletes commit to college
ATHLETIC DESTINATIONS
1 CENTRAL BAPTIST COLLEGE 1 PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE 1 UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS 3 HARDING UNIVERSITY 1 HENDRIX COLLEGE 1 OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY 1 UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI 1 MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE 2 WILLIAMS BAPTIST COLLEGE
2
5.06.16 [ SPORTS ] 13
BEAT THE HEAT
Athletes prepare for summer practices LAUREN WILSON [STAFF WRITER]
For most students, summer is a time for relaxing and enjoying the time not spent in school. However, that break time might not apply to student athletes. It is not uncommon to see a whole team practicing out at the football or baseball field in the summer months. Even without the majority of the student population, the campus is always buzzing. “I used to take a lot of family vacations during the summer, but we’ve had to cut those down [because of practice for school].” junior second baseman Seth Tucker said. Many students, like sophomore Joseph Wyllia, started playing sports young and joined school teams.
“
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The first year, I was not in shape.
“Most of the players that are on the team right now have been with us, they’ve been like brothers,” Wyllia said. “I spend about four hours with them every day. It’s been like that since 7th grade with most of them.” Some students have joined varsity teams and practice routines have changed. More is expected of them in and out of practice. “The first year, I was not in shape,” sophomore cross-country runner Bryand Esparza said. “I didn’t run the time that Coach [Steve] Oury wanted me to, but he talked to me after tryouts and he was like, ‘This is not the sport where you can just play around or be in it just because your friends are in it.’ [Eventually] I made the team and I’ve gotten better from there.” Because of the change in football coaches, football players will experience conditioning and
practice under the supervision of Coach Buck James instead of the familiar eyes of Coach Paul Calley. “I can see more intensity [in Coach James],” junior defensive tackle David Buckner said. “I’m not saying Coach Calley didn’t have it, but I can see it in Coach James too. It seems like it’s a little bit higher.” Tough practices can bring a team together. Players know each other well from spending so much time together. “Practices can suck sometimes, and everyone is having to do it, it’s not just you,” Wyllia said. “You learn the guys that are going to be there for you and you learn the guys who won’t. The guys who [aren’t] are usually the ones that don’t stay through the whole thing. The guys that I’ve been with since seventh grade, I can guarantee you I’ll back up every time.” It is not just practices that can affect students’ summer schedules. Students also travel often for games. “Our legion [baseball] team plays games during the summer, but we do some practicing too, but our legion team does a lot of traveling,” Tucker said. “We go to Atlanta, St. Louis and Memphis [to] play games.” Every practice, every rep in the weight room and every “one more time” leads to the beginning of a season where a team’s hard work begins to pay off. “I want everything to be not [just] perfect, but I want everyone to do their best or even better than they think they can do,” Buckner said. “When I talk about everyone, I’m including myself, but I’m also speaking to myself when I say that.”
Senior pitcher Zach Jackson practices a series of pitching exercises with teammates as he finishes his final season with the high school April 27.| Madeline Colclasure photo
14 [ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ] PROSPECTIVE
PURE LIFE
Students support causes through accessories NATALIE BURGESS [STAFF WRITER] SARAH BULLINGTON [PHOTOGRAPHER]
Trends erupt overnight in high school, but when profits spread past corporate leaders into charity funds, products become more than just another fad. Pura Vida bracelets began five years ago, but became popular locally in the last year. “I have a few and I love them,” junior Erin Murphree said. “The fact they help so many causes makes me feel good about where my money is going.” One dollar of each sale is donated to a designated cause. With charities ranging from cancer research, education, animal health, women’s freedom, environmental protection and military service thanks, everyone is sure to find a program they can support. “Mine supports adoption agencies and abortion awareness,” Murphree said. “I’ve been doing an art project on abortion, so the cause has become really close to my heart.” Not only are these bracelets for a good cause, many believe they are good quality. “I chose to buy Pura Vida bracelets because they are really cute and last a long time,” sophomore Jaden Edmonson said. “I got them for my birthday and have had them a really long time.” Beaches in Costa Rica also get cleaned up with the money from these sales. “This collection was created to give back to different causes all over the world,” the Pura Vida website said. “We are partnered with over 190 charities and have donated more than $877,058 to date.” Owners Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman began the charity after meeting two local jewelry-makers, Jorge and Joaquin, on a trip to Costa Rica. Once at home, the bracelets they brought back to the U.S. sold quickly. Today Jorge, Joaquin, and more than 100 other Costa Ricans hold full-time jobs thanks to Pura Vida Bracelets. “When Jorge and Joaquin first met Griffin and Paul, they were only selling a few bracelets a week,” the website said. “Now the bracelets are worn by people around the world and serve as a tangible reminder to slow down and live in the moment.” Pura Vida is a Costa Rican ideal, which translates into “pure life” in English. This philosophy continues into the buyers’ lives. “I wear mine everywhere; I wore it to Colorado when I went over spring break,” senior Sydney Henjum said.
With only a few weeks left in the school year, having small things associated with big memories is important. For some people, the purpose is deeper than that. “Now [the owners] make bracelets that are popular and [Jorge and Joaquin] are out of poverty,” Edmonson said. The bracelets encourage people around the world to help others in an inexpensive and easy way. “I’m young, so it’s kind of hard to make a difference right now,” Murphree said. “This is just an easy way everyone can pitch in.”
Save the Pandas $5
“The mission of Pandas International, a nonprofit organization, is to ensure the preservation and propagation of the endangered Giant Panda. Pandas International provides public awareness and education, support for research, habitat preservation and enhancement, and assistance to Giant Panda Centers. $1 of this bracelet will be donated to Pandas International.”
Princess Peach Braided $12 Mystic Meadows $5 Best Friends Animal Society $5 “For over 30 years, Best Friends Animal Society has been running the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals and building effective programs all across the country that reduce the number of animals entering shelters. $1 of this bracelet will be donated to Best Friends Animal Society.”
Black Hammered Triangle Black $18 Platinum Grey $12
Flat Braided Pacific Blue $20 Elephant Alliance $5
“Wildlife Alliance’s Elephant Alliance Campaign seeks to unite a broad base of supporters to raise awareness about the urgent plight of the Asian elephant and to save this iconic species from extinction. Together, we can create a world where elephants can continue to exist. $1 of each bracelet sold will be donated to Elephant Alliance.”
Toes in the Sand Sold Out Solid Pink $5 Berry Cute $5
All bracelet descriptions via the Pura Vida website
05.06.16 [ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ] 15
NEWEST ON NETFLIX What’s coming and going this summer
ABBY HAGNER [STAFF WRITER]
Sophomore Ashlyn Lee watches it because she thinks it is a show like no other. “I’ve started watching ‘Parks and Rec’ and ‘The Office,’ but none of them really keep me as interested as ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’” Lee said. Every Thursday after volleyball practices, Lee goes home and watches “Grey’s.” “I’m a huge fan,” Lee said. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” Senior Maddie Dunn watches “Grey’s Anatomy” to get her daily dose of drama. “It’s so intense, and it just grabs me,” Dunn said. However, good series often come with consequences. “My favorite character got killed off,” Dunn said. “[She] was so innocent, cute and [her] history was so interesting.”
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Binge watching has reached a whole new level. Netflix is coming out with several new seasons of shows this year. Sophomore Lauren Hart is a huge fan of “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” “If you really like weird, funny shows, then I highly recommend it,” Hart said. “I have been waiting for the next season since I watched the whole first season last year.” Junior Ryan Lynch likes “The Fosters” because it gives insight on controversial topics. “‘The Fosters’ is a really good show if you like the dramatic kind of stuff,” Lynch said. “It gives a good message about things people debate about today, especially our country’s foster care system.” Season 12 of “Grey’s Anatomy” comes out on Netflix between June and September.
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I wouldn’t miss it for anything.
Coming TO NETFLIX This May To Catch a Thief (1955) Sixteen Candles (1984) The Nutty Professor (1996) Great Expectations (1998) Bring It On (2000) Things We Lost in the Fire (2007) A Study in Sherlock (2016)
May 1
Arendelle comes to Verizon Arena
BLAIR ROLSTON [STAFF WRITER]
company has flourished while uniting individuals. “To me, Disney represents family, because going to Walt Disney World is something my entire family loves and [it is] a time for my family to come together,” Boswell said. “Even Disney movies bring us together, because even though my sister and I are teenagers, we can’t resist a Disney animated movie.” This year’s Disney On Ice will come with many changes. Rye anticipated the new twists that could be put on the show, but counts on the same Disney shows she has come to love. “They have added new princesses this year, so it will be cool to see what they do with the storyline,” Rye said. The Disney On Ice show is filled with child-like wonder, but also sentiments that leave students lining up outside Verizon whenever the show is in town. “I love that every experience has a magical feeling,” Boswell said. “Even as a senior in high school, I love Disney movies, because they give me hope that if I work hard I can achieve my dreams or anything I set my mind to, and because they make me feel like a little kid again.”
Netflix Original: Chelsea Goosebumps (2015) We Are Still Here (2015)
| photo via Disney On Ice promotional video
May 6 May 11 May 15 May 22
David and Goliath (2015) The Ouija Experiment 2: Theatre of Death (2015)
Information via USA Today
HAPPIEST SHOW ON ICE The bright lights reflect off the ice and the chill in the air settles as childhood fantasies come to life. Disney On Ice: Frozen will be at Verizon Arena in North Little Rock May 4 and 8. Sophomore Madison Rye views this childhood event as tradition. “I’ve been 11 times,” Rye said. “It’s something my family has done every year. My family took me when I was four, and I loved it, so it just became a thing we do every year.” Senior Samantha Boswell has been to the show three times before, and looks forward to another Disney On Ice experience. “What’s so incredible about Disney [On Ice] is that every time we go, we always have a different experience with new things to do and try,” Boswell said. Even though high school students are stuck in the drab cycle of classes, they can still find delight in the magical world of Disney. “It’s Disney, and everything about Disney is perfection,” Rye said. “It has the same magic as Disney, just not a grand scale, but it’s still like you are really there.” Though Disney On Ice is a magical experience for many, the real magic happens behind the scenes. For decades, the
Netflix Original: Grace and Frankie: Season 2
Graceland: Season 3
May 26 May 27
Netflix Original: Chef’s Table: Season 2, Part 1 Hell on Wheels: Season 5
May 28
16 [ PHOTO ] PROSPECTIVE
A Class Divided Tyler Cyz directs seniors playing “Four Corners” on Monday of senior week in the Building 4 gym. “The biggest part about senior week was the passing down of a tradition that will last for years and years and years,” Cyz said. “When you’re next in line to pass something down, it’s got to be great.| Maya Jackson photo Seniors Kelsey McCoy and Anna Arendt perform for the crowd at the senior dances to a mix including songs from Rihanna, Starship, Price and Future. “[Senior Week] always looked really fun [while] growing up, so I thought it would be really fun to have an experience in it,” Arendt said.|Maya Jackson photo Sniors Noah Love, Erika Salazar, Dagin Carden and Blakeley Newby bow to worship a pineapple on April 28. The pineapple was the symbol adopted by the yellow team. “[Senior week] exists so seniors can enjoy their last bit of high school before they have to be serious,” Love said. | Kara Mauer photo
Senior Devon Alpe strains for a green team victory during tug-of-war. “I really wanted to win, so I was trying really hard,” Alpe said. | Josie Pringle photo Members of the purple team gather behind a selfie stick to pose for a photo on Tuesday, their Mardi-Gras themed day. Purple won the overall senior week award. “I almost lost my voice because I was so overjoyed that we won,” senior Natalie Ramos said. | Maya Jackson photo