THE
Starkville High School
JACKET BUZZ Volume XXV, No. 3 • November 8, 2016
INSIDE
Panel taken at SHS
WCBI’S Aundrea Self takes panel with SHS Students By Rachel Adair Jobs for Mississippi Graduates hosts spirit night Page 2
Football wraps up regular season Page 5
Swim season comes to a close Page 6
Jacket Buzz Staff
Thursday, October 27, WCBI’s Andrea Self visited Starkville High School. Self hosted a forum for teachers and students about the upcoming election. Questions for teachers and students were opinion based about the campaign and the candidates. The session for students took place at 9:15 am in the cafeteria, and the teacher’s session was at 10:15. Anna Byrd, a Starkville High School senior, participated in the student’s forum. “It Photo by Rachel Adair/ Jacket Buzz Staff was a good chance to speak (L to R) Anna Byrd, James Travis, Bradley Curtis, Janey Baggett, William Paul Ellis, Aundrea my mind and talk about Self, George Swann, and Ashley McLemore participated in the panel. what I have to say,” said forum.” One question that biased. “From participatple’s political views, and Byrd. ing in this forum, I have Andrea asked the teachers I learned more about the As a young senior Byrd learned that all the teachers was how they keep their election in general.” will not be able to vote in at Starkville High School opinions of politics out of Dr. Craig Piper, a the election, but she has are on the same page, and the classroom. Starkville High School hiskept herself informed it reaffirms what a great As a teacher Piper has to tory teacher, participated about the campaigns of faculty and staff we have in the teacher’s conference. be sure of what he says to both candidates. “I defihere at SHS.” his students about politics “It was an honor to be nitely learned about peochosen to participate in this and keep his views un-
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November 8, 2016
New president to face issues once elected into office By Javad A’arabi Jacket Buzz Staff
When it comes down to the 2016 presidential election, the president will likely face the main issues of foreign policy, social disfigurations, and the economy. The next president will likely face a recession,” a CNN headline read. “Recession May Loom for Next U.S. President No Matter Who That Is,” read the Bloomberg headline in May. The results of the November ballots all lead towards the problems the past president could not face, where the future president has to face them head on and fix them. It may be being implementing a looser federal tax or a tuition free college. Should any federal taxes be increased? Federal tax is defined by the business dictionary as taxes issued by the federal, or national government, which must be paid in addition to state taxes in the United States. Hillary Clinton (Pro): “A priority must be reforming our tax code... First, hard-
Courtesy Photo
Republican canidate Donald J. Trump and Democratic canidate Hillary Clinton face off.
working families need and deserve tax relief and simplification. Second, those at the top have to pay their fair share.” Donald Trump (Con): “I proposed to put in the biggest tax decrease of anyone running for office so far. And that really is a proposal because we have to
go to Congress... I said I may have to increase it on the wealthy. I’m not going to allow it to be increased on the middle class. I’m not talking about increasing [the tax rate] at this point. I’m talking about increasing [the numbers] from my tax proposal.”
Should any public Colleges or Universities be Tuition-Free? Hillary Clinton (Pro): “Students should never have to borrow to pay for tuition, books, and fees to attend a fouryear public college in their state under the New College Compact.” Additionally, she adds that Families with incomes up to $125,000 will pay no tuition at in-state public colleges and universities, which covers more than 80 percent of families. The plan will be phased in over five years, but families earning $85,000 or less will immediately be able to attend an in-state college or university without paying any tuition.” Donald Trump (Con): “Well, there’s no such thing as free education, because you know that ultimately somebody else is going to be paying for that education. And, so, I can’t believe I’m saying this as a politician, I’m not a politician, but as somebody that’s now in politics, in the political world, I’d love to say ‘free education!’ but, again, if somebody gets free education, all of the people paying their rates are going to go up.
Jobs for Mississippi Graduates hosts Spirit Night By Abbie Ammon Jacket Buzz Staff
Spirit Night for the Jobs for Mississippi Graduates was hosted Tuesday, November 1, 2016, at Chik-fil-a in efforts to raise money for scholarships. This will be the second year of hosting this program. This fundraiser will help benefit seniors trying to go to college. The main goal for these JMG students is to pursue a job and career in hopes of a bright future ahead of them.
Submitted Photo
Vice-Presidnet of Career Development Amber Williams participates in the Spirit Night at Chic-fil-a.
Program director, Debbie Thomas, and her students from the JMG gathered from 5-8 pm in support. Thomas said, “Each dollar donated from our generous community and students from SHS goes directly to help fund scholarships.” Some jobs of interest from the students of JMG are actor, photographer, and psychologist. Some schools of interest are Mississippi State University and East Central Community College. JMG helps students find
their path in life and helps introduce them to the real world. It also is a positive influence to make decisions that will benefit them in future references. It is a privilege and great reward for anyone who participates, Thomas said. Finance tends to be a mutual problem so with this program, that problem is desperately trying to be solved. With the progress that has been made, many of Thomas’ students have been positively impacted.
November 8, 2016
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Student Council travels to French class cooks authentic French cuisine Clinton for Convention By Mari Hunter Brown Jacket Buzz Staff
Nineteen of Starkville High School’s Student Council members traveled to Clinton, Mississippi, Thursday, November 3, 2016, to attend a student government workshop. Twenty different schools gathered in the Mississippi College Coliseum to hear John Bland, MC head football coach. Bland played football in college at Arkansas and coached under Pat Dye at Auburn. “Bland talked about different leadership traits and qualities. Then he talked about always making sure you give it your all. He kept telling us to say ‘I will’ which is what his football team says before each game,” student council officer Tyler Dickerson said. After Bland spoke the students broke into groups and discussed different strategies and policies with Mississippi College Student Council members. “We got some new ideas for increasing student body involve-
Staff
ment in activities such as clubs and teams,” Dickerson said. Dickerson also got new fundraising ideas and learned how to make joint efforts between multiple Starkville High School organizations to help student involvement. “We are planning on doing Miss Yellow Jacket, Clean Up Campus Day, Bus Driver Breakfast, Teddy Bear Give-a-way, take a trip to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital, attend the state convention at St. Patrick High School in Biloxi, and we are still in the process of putting more service projects and events on our calendar,” Dickerson said.
By Savannah Munn SHS Jacket Buzz
Mrs. Morgan and her French II class are cooking up a storm this semester. The students prepared French cuisine at home to share with the entire class, providing valuable insight into French culture and furthering the class beyond simply learning a language. Student Angel Tate was one of the students involved in this exercise, and extremely grateful for the project. “Cooking French foods has introduced me to the French culture and helped me try and experience with new things and foods, and it also helps us to cook well.” Angel brought blackberry clafoutis, a dish similar to blackberry cobbler. Other students made chicken marengo, éclair, and macarons. French is one of the two languages taught at SHS. Learning a new language is required but it also a valuable learning instrument and portal to other cultures and countries outside of the US. “Learning French has really expanded my horizons and made me apprePhoto by Angel Tate /Jcket Buzz Staff ciate our culture and other peoples,” SGA members traveled to Mississipsaid Mia Robertson, “It’s been really pi College in Clinton to participate in interesting and other people should seminars.
Abbie Ammon, Javad A’Arabi, Rachel Adair, Carrington Ashford, Sarah Blanton, Mari Hunter Brown, Dawson Burrell, Anna Byrd, LJ Dumas, KB Hobart, Trey Jackson, Hailey Locke, Madelyn Methvin, Maggie Miller, Savannah Munn, Katelynn Peeples, Joah Poole, Bryan Richey, Clay Roberts, Braxton Stone, Angel Tate, GG Thurlow
Leadership Team Editor in Chief: Camryn Dawkins Faculty Adviser: Angela Hobart
Photo by Savannah Munn /Jacket Buzz Staff
Catherine Walters goes through the line as they learn about French foods.
really pay more attention in those classes.” Exercises like cooking foreign foods also give students an opportunity to be creative. Most students consider language classes like Spanish and French boring and not useful in every day life. Cooking food and participating in fun activities related to the class give students a break from routine for some fun. This helps student focus on class and helps them not to view learning as mandatory, but as something fun. These activities, called kinesthetic activities, are encouraged at SHS to keep class interesting and students tuned in.
Editorial Policy The Jacket Buzz is published by the Journalism Department at Starkville High School. The Jacket Buzz is a student-run publication committed to providing SHS with objective information and serves as a forum for student expression. Opinions expressed are those of students and do not necessarily reflect the views of administrators and others in the Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District. Content decisions are made by student editors. Factual errors will be corrected in the next scheduled edition. Letters to the editor are accepted and published, excluding those that are deemed libelous or disruptive. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for grammar and space availability. All letters and comments may be e-mailed to shsjacketbuzz@gmail.com.
Opinion Parking discrimination in the senior lot at SHS
Page 4 The Jacket Buzz November 8, 2016
By Anna Byrd
Jacket Buzz Staff With new administration comes new rules and expectations. No one should know this better than the senior students of Starkville High School, and yes, we’re learning the hard way. Twelfth graders— and ONLY twelfth graders— who drive to school and park behind the band hall in the senior parking lot, after purchasing a $20 parking pass, are not allowed to sit in their cars before the school bell rings at 8:23 to release for 1st block. I question this discrimination, which is defined as: treatment or consider-
ation of, or making a distinction in favor of or against. As a senior trying to enjoy my last year of high school, I can thank Starkville High School for numerous unpleasant mornings at school by Anna Byrd being rudely kicked Columnist out of my car. At first, I thought this treatment was for everyone who drives to school and paid to park on campus, I was wrong. As it turns out, this special treatment is reserved for the parking spots closest to the school, AKA, the senior lot. If you park anywhere “too far to
walk,”according to certain administrators, you will not be asked to get out of your car. They’re not actually asking because it doesn’t end with a question mark, it will be demanded of you. Catch phrases you’ll experience frequently if you are inside a parked car in the senior lot: “GET OUT NOW!… .I SAID NOW!!”, “COME INSIDE NOW!!!”, “OUT OF THE CAR!!!!” So seniors, you have been warned: If you arrive to school early to get a senior parking spot, congrats; If you are planning to sit peacefully in your car and eat your breakfast, brush your teeth, do your homework, clean your car, or just listen to music, then you
will not be able to do so. However, if you park in any other student lot, you are welcome to do these things. Seniors, you’ll be rewarded this unpleasent opportunity, while drivers who park in other lots socialize— unsupervised. I might be more understanding if I was doing something illegal in my car while on campus. So SHS here’s my conclusion, while it is rumored that past illegal behavior led to this profound rule, it is not enforced in the lot by the stadium, also known as, the location too far away to supervise.
Corruption among canidates Obama leaves legacy behind By Aiden Butler Guest Writter
This election cycle has turned out very badly. The two main party candidates are: Donald J. Trump and Hillary R. Clinton. These two candidates should be on a reality show (one has) instead of the White House. Clinton should Aiden Butler be in jail for “accidentally Columnist deleting 30,000 emails. Trump should become king of an African nation. He would do better there where there is no liberal propaganda. How is Clinton going to bring America out of debt? She is not. Her plan is to increase spending and to do so increase taxes on anyone. Clinton does not care about you, your momma, your daddy, or your grandaddy. Clinton said that she will be fine with: payroll tax increase, soda tax, a tax on trading stocks, 25% national gun tax, and a carbon tax. Clinton would also like to take away guns. Hillary Rodham Clinton has it in her head that the United States of America must be gun-free. The Clinton As-
sault Weapons ban is proof of that. The only thing it did was take away cosmetic items from any modern sporting rifle. The term “assault weapon” was made by the media and the politicians to demonize firearms. The media and politicians think that my ar-15 is full auto and fires at over 2500 rpm. They think that the 5.56 are more lethal than a .308. They dipped their toes into the water to see what the public would do when they signed the assault weapons ban. Her next gun ban will be much worse (look at California “Gunmageddon”). Clinton instituting a gun ban would not keep criminals from doing the things that they do. It would keep the lawabiding citizens from protecting themselves. If I have to give up my AR-15, then why do her bodyguards get to keep their Glocks? I am not saying that Trump is superior in every way to Clinton. I am saying that they both are terrible choices. Trump is a loose cannon with a short fuse. He has said things that keep the middle ground from voting for him. Trump is his own worst enemy. Trump lacks the discipline to keep his mouth shut and his thumbs from tweeting. Trump may be short fused, ignorant, irresponsible, and childlike at sometimes, but he is not corrupt.
By Braxton Stone Jacket Buzz Staff
Even though President Barack Obama’s second, and final, term is coming to a close, he had many good times while in office. He has visited many Braxton Stone places, hosted many Columnist events, appeared on television, and much more. Obama visited New York on November 15, 2012, to survey the damage Hurricane Sandy brought upon areas along the coastline. He also visited Paris, France, November 29, 2015, after the devastating attacks on the city. Obama has, along with his family, visited many parts of the world while vacationing or relaxing as well. The Obama family visited Hawaii
for two weeks on vacation in December of 2014. Obama, known for being a golfer, played the sport while on summer vacation in Martha’s Vineyard August 7, 2016. That particular round of golf happened to be his 300th since being in office. “It is the only time for six hours, first of all, that I’m outside. You almost feel normal in the sense that you’re not in the bubble”, he told Harry Smith during a CBS interview. The Obamas hosted their last White House Easter Egg Roll on March 28, 2016. Artist Silento, known for his hit “Watch Me (Whip / Nae Nae)”, performed at the event as well. Obama also hosted a tribute to Ray Charles at the White House, including performances by Usher, Demi Lovato, and The Band Perry. Obama also happened to be the first president, to be currently in office, and appear on a late-night
talk show.
Sports
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Boys’ and girls’ basketball set to take the court By Angel Tate Jacket Buzz Staff The Starkville High boys’ and girls’ basketball teams recently participated in a jamboree hosted by West Point High School October 29. Both teams were successful in all their games. Kristie Williams, head coach of the Lady Jackets revealed her goals and expectations for her team this year. “My expectations for this season are for us to win the district championship and go on to the state championship game and win the coveted ‘gold ball’.” Several returning, experienced players such as Kelsey Jones, Jariyah Covington, and Tabreea Gandy are expected to lead the team throughout our season. Williams
Photo by Angel Tate/Jacket Buzz Staff
Boys basketball team practices passing the ball during 4 block practice.
said their motto is, “Stronger and better.” Jariyah Covington, starting point guard for the Lady Jackets, also shared her goals and ambitions for the season. “I am expecting us to have a very successful season and to make it back to the Big House
once again, but this time with the gold ball. I am also looking forward to the big 6A games and district games,” Covington said. The boys’ basketball team is also looking forward to another exciting season. The guys have been to the State Championship for the
past two years. Last year the Columbus Falcons narrowly defeated them 37-33. Senior DdAllen Bailey said, “My expectations for the season are to win the state championship. My goals are to get my teammates and myself to where we want to be this season and push them to work harder.” Kenneth Rogers, “ We would like to win state this year; although, a lot of guards did not return from the past year ,we have a lot of potential. It is up to us to step and win games.” The boys and girls are both expecting success this season and look forward to the 2016-17 season, playing as a team and growing as a competitive unit. The schedule for both teams can be found on MaxPreps.
Football wraps up season, came together as team By Bryan Richey Jacket Buzz Staff
This football season has been a different experience for many players and fans of Starkville High Football. For a majority of the season, the Jackets have found themselves in an uphill battle to make the playoffs. In the past two seasons prior to this year, the Jackets had only lost two games: one to South Panola in 2014, and one to Noxubee at the beginning of last year. This year the Jackets have lost three games, two in district play, and one to Meridian.
The Jackets started out hot with three wins including a win on the road against Oxford, but seemed to lose momentum in a loss to Meridian as they went on to lose two more games in district play (Madison Central and Northwest Rankin). Despite the hard times and bad circumstances the Jackets continued to fight with their backs against the wall. Following a victory against Callaway, starting quarterback Malik Brown decided to leave the team. The departure began a cycle of quarterbacks played by head coach Ricky Woods.
Photo by MH Brown/Jacket Buzz Staff
Senior Quarterback Willie Gay crosses the endzone for a touchown versus the Clinton Arrows last Friday night.
The Jackets lost two district games during the rotation of QB’s which put them in a bad spot to
make the playoffs, but despite this hardship, the Jackets fought back. They managed to win two district games in a row with the rotation of Ben Owens, Willie Gay, and Quez Akins. “I feel like we handled the adversity well, after the loss to Madison we really came together as a team,” said Senior linebacker Willie Gay. Despite the tremendous effort, the reigning 6A State Champions were unable to defeat Clinton and make the 2016 MHSSA State Playoffs. The Jackets finished the season 7-4 and 4-3 in district play.
November 8, 2016
The Jacket Buzz
Swimming competes in State Championship
shaving .78 off. “It was a close race, but it felt very good to go a best time at state meet,” Vickers said The Starkville High swim team Advancing to finals was Senior, finished their season Saturday, Tristen Grantham. Grantham swam October 29, at the MHSAA State in the boys 100 backstroke with a Championship held at the Tupelo personal best time of 58.98, dropAquatic Center. Head coach Angela ping 1.3 seconds from his prelimiHobart sent 3 boys relays, 3 girls nary swim and finishing in 7th. relays, 4 boy individuals, and 2 girl “My goal of the season was to individuals into preliminaries. break a minute in this event, which Out of those 13 events, 9 of them I was able to accomplish. I’m very advanced to finals. K.B Hobart was proud of where I placed but of seeded fourth in the girls 100 back- course would have loved a higher stroke after her preliminary race. ranking,” Grantham said. She finished in 4th place in finals. The girls finished with a total of Hobart shared her pre-race ritual. 19 points, and eighth place. The “When I am on the block before a boys finished with 30 points and race, I sing ‘Do My Thang’ by Miley also eighth place. Cyrus in my head and make sure I The Starkville High swim team am the last swimmer to get in the finished with 49 points and a comwater and grab the bar,” Hobart bined seventh place overall. said. “I am pleased with the number Senior Andy Li competed in the of personal records we had. I look 100 free. In finals he placed sixth, forward to the future of our girls’ with a time of 50.92, dropping team because it is very young, :.66 seconds from his preliminary mostly middle school. Although, I swim. Sophomore Cade Vickers am going to miss the leadership the swam the 100 butterfly at finals senior class brought to the team,” with a personal best time of 54.81. Coach Hobart said. By Maggie Miller Jacket Buzz Staff
Photo By Anna Byrd/ Jacket Buzz Staff
Senior Andi Li swims the 50 Butterly in the 200 yard Medley Relay.
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Slow-pitch softball comes to an end, transitions to fast-pitch pitch by practicing batting and fielding. Later the team will condition until January The Lady Jackets ended the and then they will start pracseason with a record of 4-12. ticing again and get ready for The team boasted a total of the new season. The team 6 seniors; Lawson Joy Dupractices everyday during mas, Alexis Poe, 4th block. Dumas said, If the T’angela Doss, Brianna Fis- team plays as a whole and cher, Jazyman Douglas and Mykela McCarter. Some expectations they had for the slow pitch season were they hoped to win as many games as possible, have at least 15 hits per game, and Photo by Dawson Burrell/Jacket Buzz Staff no strike- Players warm up before the game. outs. Even though the team starts fast pitch season off as didn’t meet all their expecta- they ended slow pitch, this tions, they are prepared and season would be a much betready to practice harder for ter season.” fast pitch season. When fast pitch season “I believed that the season comes, practice will still be did not go as planned, but during 4th block. The fast at the end of the season the pitch tryouts were held Noteam came together as one vember 1 and 2. and the team played much Sophomore Haley Fye said, better,” Dumas said. “I don’t think we necesThe slow pitch season sarily got the outcome we might be over but the team wanted, but overall, I think is already preparing for fast we worked hard and learned pitch season. Immediately af- what we need to work on as ter slow pitch season ended a team and individually for they started working on fast fast pitch season.” By Hailey Locke Jacket Buzz Staff
November 8, 2016
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Cross Country competes at State meet in Clinton, MS By Madeline Methvin Jacket Buzz Staff
The Starkville High School Cross Country Team competed in the State Championships Monday morning. After a long season of training the Lady Jackets placed 4th and Jackets placed 6th overall. “The boys had a fantastic day,” said Senior Lake Spradling. Spradling placed 2nd over all. The boys were 9th place going into the meet and finished 6th overall. “The girls ran
Submitted Photo
The cross country team poses for a final team picture with the seniors.
well,” said Head Coach Caroline Woomer. Kate Mattox won first place for the 6th year in a row. Caroline Mattox placed 9th over all in the 6A All State run. “Everyone gave it their all and we couldn’t be happier as a team,” said Mattox. Mattox is set to sign to run Cross Country and Track today (11/8) at 10:30. Spradling and Mattox also won 6A Cross Country All State honors during the meet.
Volleyball looks to rebuild after 7-19 season By Carrington Ashford Jacket Buzz Staff
The Lady Jacket volleyball team ended their season with a record of 7-19 and district record of 1-4. The team was ranked #55 in Mississippi. “This season was not the outcome any of us expected or hoped for, but being able to bond as a team with all of our new players and coaches was an experience I am happy to have had,” senior Kennis Kingery said. Starting the season with a new head coach, Maureen Whann, the expectations
were to make it to the MHSAA 6A playoffs. The team fell short of the goal of the playoffs, but they are ready for a new year with Coach Whann. “This past season has taught us to work hard and push for something we want,” said freshman Rachel Adair. Adair went on to say how excited the team is for a new season and see what Coach Whann has for us this upcoming year. Tryouts for volleyball will be held in the spring and the 2017-18 season will start in August.
Junior Elisa Malzanni serves the ball.
Photo By Carrington Ashford /Jacket Buzz Staff
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November 8, 2016
Up Coming Calendar Events
11/11 Veterans Day Program at 9 am in the Starkville High School Gymnasium 11/13 SHS Joint Choir Concert with Mississippi State University and University of Alabama Birmingham at 6:30 pm at First Baptist Church 11/19 Missippi State University plays University of Arkansas at Davis Wade Stadium at 6 pm 11/21-25 Thanksgiving Break 11/28 Chirstmas Parade downtown Starkville begins at 5 pm 12/8 Choral Christmas Concert at 6:30 pm at First Baptist Church 12/15 Exams 12/16 60% Day, Exams
Seniors win the 2016 Homecming Week.
Photo by GG Thurlow / Jacket Buzz Staff
Photo by Anna Byrd/ Jacket Buzz Staff
Freshman Mary Grace Ruth cheers on the Starkville High Schhol Yellow Jackets as they take on the Murrah Mustangs.
Photo By Bryan Richey/ Jacket Buzz Staff
Submitted Photo
The Student Government Association Junior Anne Marie Ross goes in for a tackle traveled to Jones County Junior College against the Starkkville Homeschool Team. Lady Jackets defeatesd the Homeschool Team to participate in one of two planned SGA conventions. 5-1.