HOMECOMING
preview What’s so SUPER about it? > PG 6
thewarriorbeat
Vol. 53, Issue 1 September 5, 2014 Oak Grove High School www.thewarriorbeat.com
E G N E L L A CH
INSIDE
D E T P E C C A
Speaking the language
By: Emily Burnett, Casey Ford Staff Reporters @caseym_ford, @emily_a_burnett
Inside the world of an ESL student > PG 8
myotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Patients with the disease experience depression along with other symptoms. Some early symptoms of ALS include cramps, muscle weakness in an arm or leg, slurred speech, problems with chewing, and difficulty keeping good posture. These symptoms only get worse as the crippling disease progresses. Though there is no cure for ALS, most people are unaware of the disease’s existence or severity until the Ice Bucket Challenge. To complete the challenge, participants dump buckets of ice water on themselves, simulating the way patients with ALS feel. The purpose of the challenge is to raise awareness of the disease and to
Warriors come from behind to win season opener Can Warrior football bring home another title? > PG 3
Film Review
Does “If I Stay” measures up to book’s expectations > PG 11
Once upon a Quinceanera Sweet sixteen’s Hispanic predecessor > PG 9
Affection or rejection? Say no to school day PDA > PG 4
NEW ADVANCED CLASSES COME TO THE GROVE
By: Jenna Clair Lee Staff Reporter @Jenta12
A
See Challenge PG.2
By: Samantha Papp Staff Reporter @samantha_papp
In May of 2014, the annual Bark for Your Park competition launched across the web. This competition provides the opportunity for cities across the United States to vie for a grand prize of $100,000 or four secondary prizes of $25,000. PetSafe, a pet product company, runs the competition and funds the grants, which the winning cities are to use to build a dog park. Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was nominated for the competition, and out of the 1,400 cities nominated, Hattiesburg was selected as a finalist. Several advertising techniques ensued throughout Hattiesburg in hopes of encouraging citizens of Hattiesburg to vote. Signs stationed in yards
ICE ICE BABY
MARY MORGAN GRATWICK PHOTO
With a new school year comes many new students, new teachers, and even new classes. Just as students change each year, so do schedule options. The counselors and administrators have to determine the validity of a need for a new class; then, there has to be at least 16 students willing to sign up in order for the class to be made a class. This year, several classes made the cut. Among them are AP Biology, AP Phsyics, an ACT prep course and an Advanced ACT Prep Course. AP Biology and AP Physics are geared toward AP level students who wish to take the subject-area AP exam, score high enough on the exam to acquire college credit, and gain college-readiness skills by taking a college course. While AP Biology and AP Physics are new classes, their structures will be familiar for students who have taken AP level classes before. However, the ACT Prep courses aren’t familiar to students or teachers. The courses are quite similar to Humanities, a class geared toward PSAT prep. The regular ACT Prep course is open to anyone who would like to improve his/her ACT
Senior Cameron Myers joins his football teammates in accepting the Ice Bucket Challenge.
See Classes PG.2
and at several intersections throughout town, fliers distributed to local businesses, word of mouth, and even an advertisement on YouTube featuring local celebrities were ways the Humane Society encouraged voting throughout town. A Facebook account titled “Bark for Your Park - Hattiesburg” was also created to remind people to vote daily. “Many businesses were so kind as to put the fliers in their merchandise bags or food delivery bags,” Hub City Humane Society supporter and third grade teacher Zach Williams said. “Many volunteers spent many hours driving around town placing signs and begging businesses to distribute fliers.” Voting polls were only available online through the PetSafe
website and Facebook page. On August 7, PetSafe announced the final winners of the competition. Waverly, Iowa, was announced “Top Dog,” meaning they received the grand prize of $100,000. In second place was Hattiesburg, Mississippi, followed by Port Chester, New York; Tehachapi, California; and Enfield, New Hampshire. Hattiesburg received more than 35,000 votes, which was 5,000 more votes than the second runner-up. The Hub City Humane Society will receive the money and will be responsible for building the dog park. The projected location for the dog park will be
on shelter property near the Jackson Road station for the Rails to Trails walking/biking trail. “There is a white fence visible from the trace on shelter property,” Williams said. “That is the projected site. This is a prime location because it is somewhat central to Hattiesburg and Lamar County. We want the park to be utilized by as many people/dogs as possible.” The park will be available to all types of dogs, both large and small. There is currently no projected date for construction to begin nor is there an estimated completion date yet. The Humane Society is currently speaking with consultants to begin planning the layout of the park.
2 news
coming
UP Beta Meeting SEPTEMBER 3
Volleyball vs. PCS SEPTEMBER 4 Football @ Pearl River Central SEPTEMBER 5 Key Club Meeting SEPTEMBER 8 Softball Tryouts SEPTEMBER 8-9 ACT English Review SEPTEMBER 9 Volleyball vs. Brandon SEPTEMBER 9 ACT Math Review SEPTEMBER 11 Volleyball vs. Jim Hill SEPTEMBER 11 Breakfast for Military Students SEPTEMBER 11 Red Cross Meeting SEPTEMBER 11 Football vs. Biloxi SEPTEMBER 12 Tailgating party for new students SEPTEMBER 12 Varsity Volleyball Tournament SEPTEMBER 12-13
September 5, 2014
Challenge
This just got By: Christian Rapetti Staff Reporter @c_rapetti
Continued from PG1
REEL
It is time for another year at Oak Grove, which means time for another year for the film club. Though it is thought to be a new addition to Oak Grove, film club has been in existence since the tornado ironically allowed the Oak Grove football team to upgrade their scoreboard. Mrs. Kayla Lalley, teacher and adviser of the film club, was approached to run the scoreboard during the games. At that time, junior Jordan Grover was asking Lalley about starting a film club and using her lab to edit videos. From there, Lalley decided to start the club and allow club members to help control the scoreboard. Since then, the club has grown, and a sports media aspect has been added so that film club can focus more on doing movie projects and short films. The sports media group
LUKE ANDERSON PHOTO
CAMERA READY
Junior Camie Thompson films for the Warrior scoreboard. Thompson plans to continue her work with the film club this year.
will control the scoreboard, film other sports, create hype videos, and design posters to promote OG athletics. During the football games, everything will be filmed with three high defini-
Dr. Acosta’s ACT Class SEPTEMBER 15 Volleyball vs. Forrest Hill SEPTEMBER 16 Warriors In Action Meeting SEPTEMBER 18 Volleyball vs. Terry SEPTEMBER 18 Football vs. Hattiesburg SEPTEMBER 19 OLA Volleyball Tournament SEPTEMBER 20 Dr. Acosta’s ACT Class SEPTEMBER 22 Volleyball vs. Petal SEPTEMBER 23 Red Cross Meeting SEPTEMBER 25 Volleyball vs. Forrest Hill SEPTEMBER 25 Football vs. Forest Hill SEPTEMBER 26 Dr. Acosta’s ACT Class SEPTEMBER 29 Volleyball vs. PCS SEPTEMBER 29 Volleyball vs. Hattiesburg SEPTEMBER 30
tion cameras: one on the field, one in the stands, and one on top of the press box. To join the club, students do not need any experience with a camera. Although the club does not have any student presidents, Lalley hopes that as the club grows and interest sparks, she will have a director and producer to lead and organize the club. For now, she will train those who show good leadership skills. The introductory meetings for film club were on Tuesday, August 19, and Wednesday, August 20. Lalley is still accepting applications, and students who are are interested should talk with Mrs. Lalley in Room F104.
LUKE ANDERSON PHOTO
ALL THE RIGHT ANGLES
raise money to fund ALS research, with hopes to find a cure. Despite the motives of some participants, the overall effect of the Ice Bucket Challenge has been successful in that it has generated around $42 million since July 29, an increase from the $2.1 million that was raised during the same time last year. Critics of the challenge claim people are not achieving its true purpose by simply saying, “it’s for a good cause,” to conclude the video. However, many who have ALS or have relatives with the disease have spoken out, declaring none of that really matters. More people know about what ALS is and more money has been committed to its research. So if that takes some cold water and Instagram, so be it; the Ice Bucket Challenge has proven to be a success. Despite the clash of intentions, the challenge has clearly made an impact on the social media world. Everyone is starting to participate, including former Presidents and NFL football teams. In the past few weeks, the challenge has caused a ripple effect within Oak Grove High School. Since the OGHS football team was given individual ice buckets and completed the challenge, several other teams and clubs have been nominated, resulting in school wide participation. The trend has extended to other schools and clubs and will probably continue until the general public loses interest.
Junior Tanner Arroyo reviews footage during a Warrior football game. Although Arroyo will not be joining the film club this year, other members will be working to ensure the football video coverage is complete.
Classes
Continued from PG1
score. Students in the regular ACT Prep class focus on all sections of the ACT and review common aspects of the test. In order to be in the Advanced ACT Prep class, students must have a 29 or above on the ACT; these students focus more intently on one subject to target
beat’s bits
their individual weakest areas. The point of the class is for the students to practice test-taking skills to improve their score which could mean having more Star Students, having a 35 or 36 on the test. “I am so thrilled to have my kids back again this year. I’ll have had them all four years after this class. I think we may just all grow old together,” Ms. Clark joked. With such a large group of students hang-
ing on the edge to attain higher scores, this class is sure to be beneficial and hopefully, permanent. These classes tell much about students’ intelligence being expanded and tested. The school is having to integrate more AP classes because of the high demand and more test-taking skills because of students’ desires to improve their respective scores. Oak Grove High School’s new
NEWS
classes show just how driven the students are and how much the administration is willing to accommodate that drive. Perhaps the school is on a track to introduce even more new classes next year and keep these new classes introduced this year.
By: Casey Ford | STAFF REPORTER | @caseym_ford
EBOLA EPIDEMIC
STRIFE IN SYRIA
FERGUSON FIGHTS CONTINUE
Since its reappearance in March of 2014 in Liberia and other parts of Africa, the Ebola virus has gained a captive audience all over the world. Transmitted through close contact among animals or affected humans, the disease tends to kill roughly 50% of the people who contract it and has already claimed over 1,400 lives. The virus has entered the U.S. through two infected Americans who were treated at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, and were recently released. Most healthcare professionals say the disease is being contained and poses no real threat to Americans.
The U.S. government has made the decision to continue military intervention in the Syrian conflict, in retaliation to President Bashar al-Assad’s use of chemical weapons against civilians. The call was made rather urgently, also in response to the beheading of American journalist James Foley. To make matters worse, official reports have recently confirmed that Douglas McArthur McCain, an American Muslim, was killed while fighting for ISIS, a widely-regarded terrorist organization. The reality that Americans and other Westerners are going to Syria to fight for Islamic militants only creates more danger for the already delicate state of USA/Middle East relations.
On Saturday, August 22, a police officer shot Michael Brown on a street in Ferguson, Missouri. According to authorities, Brown was harassing the white police officer, trying to take his gun, and the policeman was simply defending himself. However, some argue that Brown was harmless, raising his hands in surrender, and that the shots fired were uncalled for. The incident has caused peaceful protests and some less-than-peaceful riots among the racially divided community.
September 5, 2014
sports 3
Warriors come from behind to win season opener sissippi State commit Cameron Myers dropped back to pass and launched a 62-yard touchdown to senior Peter Harper to score The Oak Grove Warrior foot- the first touchdown of the year ball team began its quest for title for Oak Grove. The deep ball, defense this past Friday in dra- along with an Adam Watt extra matic fashion against the Wayne point, tied the game for the WarCounty War Eagles, bringing riors at seven points a piece. home the victory in a comeAfter being held scoreless for from-behind win, 17-7. nearly three quarters, the WarThe first quarter was a de- rior offense drove back down fensive one to start the season, the field on their very next drive. with neither The drive was team scoring We knew coming in to the capped off with nor allowing a game that beating Wayne a 34-yard pass touchdown. County at their place was from Myers to The only going to be no easy task. none other than score change I’m just glad I could help Peter Harper in the first my team contribute to a for each player’s half came with victory.” second touchabout 10 mindown of the - ADAM WATT utes left in game. Myers the second quarter, when Reg- finished the game with 298 yards gie Stuart for Wayne County passing, while Harper finished returned a punt 50 yards for a with 121 receiving yards for the touchdown. This put the War black and gold. More importantEagles up 7-0 heading into half- ly, this touchdown gave the Wartime. riors a fourth quarter 14-7 lead With around two minutes that they would not relinquish. left in the third quarter, MisThe game was sealed with an
PREVIEW
By: Jonathan Brent Sports Editor @JonathanLeBrent
CROSS COUNTRY
Bleacher Report
By: Jonathan Brent | SPORTS EDITOR
MARY MORGAN GRATWICK PHOTO
COME BACK WARRIORS Senior quarterback Cameron Myers tucks the ball to run over the Wayne County defense. The Warriors defeated Wayne County 17-7.
Adam Watt 32-yard field goal with around a minute left in the game, which put the Warriors up two scores. “We knew coming in to the game that beating Wayne County at their place was going to be no easy task. I’m just glad I could help my team contribute to a victory,” Watt said. This game was Watt’s first as an Oak Grove War-
by: Jonathan Brent
The Oak Grove Warrior Cross Country team started its season with its own OGXC Classic race on August 16. The 2-mile race featured schools like PCS, St. Martin, D’Iberville, Pearl River Central, and Oak Grove. Both the girls and boys teams finished 2nd place in their respective divisions behind PCS, who had won a combined 12 out of 14 state championships over the past seven years. Top ten finishers for the Warrior boys team include Zachary Fielder, Tate Ryder, and Timmur Ponder. Lady Warrior top ten finishers include Aubrie Ware, Carmin Childs, and Laura Spiers. The Warriors next meet is September 4 at the Gulfport Sportsplex.
rior. Isaiah Spencer led the dominant Warrior defense with three sacks on the night. The Warriors (1-0) will travel to Pearl River Central (1-1) tonight, before opening their home schedule with Biloxi (2-0) next Friday, September 12.
SWIM
by: Katie Williams
On Tuesday, August 12, the OGHS swim team held its annual tryouts. The team welcomed 36 members for the 2014 season. “I’m very excited for this season. The team is young but has potential,” senior and six year member Cole Sisson said. Swimmers practice three days a week at the USM Natatorium. “This is my first season on the team, but I think the practices are preparing me well,” senior Wendy Osborne said. The team practices all four strokes and incorporates dry land workouts into their training. “I can’t wait for our first meet,” Osborne added. They are preparing for their season opener: the St. Aloysius Invitational in Vicksburg on September 13.
Warrior Volleyball team capitalizes on preseason changes, sees improvements from past seasons By: Samantha Papp Staff Reporter @samantha_papp
Over the past few years, the Oak Grove Volleyball team has steadily grown into a more competitive volleyball program. While the team has by no means ever been terrible, the addition of former USM volleyball player Kelsey Seymour as head coach and several extremely talented players have both contributed to the growing success of the program. While the program has indeed been growing, the team has not quite seen the level of success it desires the past couple of seasons. However, after only a few games, the Lady Warriors are feeling pretty
confident about their chances of success this season. “We have really great talent this at every position this year,” junior setter Alexa Fisher said. “I think if we really focus on perfecting our mental game, we will have our most successful year yet.” Part of the surge in strength this season may be due in part to an altered preseason workout schedule that focused more on conditioning than usual “We wanted to try something new this summer and made the decision to run our summer program more like a college pre season,” Seymour said. “We focused on strength and speed in June to make sure that by the time prac-
beat’s bits
tices started we would be physically ready. [Coach] Hendley and I are very happy where we are at this point in the season and we can’t wait to see where the rest of the season will take us.” So far this season, the Lady Warriors have been on the right track to success. In their official season opener, Oak Grove swept district competitor Petal with ease, followed by a quick win over Meridian. The Lady Warriors followed those two wins with defeats of Brandon and Terry. Oak Grove faced Presbyterian Christian School on Thursday and looks to face several more tough competitors before playoffs begin, including Our Lady Academy, the Class I 2013 State Champions.
CAN YOU DIG IT?
LUKE ANDERSON PHOTO
Junior setter Alexa Fisher sets up a play for sophomore spiker Rhyann Plumlee.
SPORTS
This year I have the privilege of writing my very own sports column for The Warrior Beat. I’m a rookie writer, but let’s hope my rookie campaign goes better than Johnny Manziel’s has thus far (insert regime sign). This column will serve as The Warrior Beat’s readers’ place for updates on all non-high school sports with my personal opinions and biases weaved in and out. So without further ado, Brent’s Bleacher Report Volume 1; here goes nothing. It is now the time of year that sports fans in the south live for: football season. I’m talking about football of all levels: youth, high school, college, professional, and, most importantly, fantasy football. College football started this past weekend, but upsets didn’t. In what was the closest thing to an upset, Texas A&M quarterback Kenny Hill threw all over Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina defense for 511 yards and 3 touchdowns, proving an Aggie quarterback doesn’t have to have the last name “Manziel” to put up video game numbers. In a game that migrated the entire city of Hattiesburg to rainy Starkville on Saturday, Mississippi State blanked my Golden Eagles 49-0, despite not being able to spell “Misissippi” correctly on their new jumbotron. Congratulations Bulldog fans, you won fair and square. Have fun once conference play starts. However, football isn’t the only season going on in the sports world right now. There are some serious playoff races heating up around Major League Baseball. As of Labor Day, 13 out of 30 MLB teams are in or within 3 games of a playoff spot heading into the last month of the season. If you were to guess the state of California would be home to this World Series Champion, I would say you are probably correct. The Angels, Dodgers and Athletics are all putting up a case that they are the team to beat; the Angels with Mr. Everything Mike Trout, the Dodgers with Clayton Kershaw’s Jesus-like left arm, and the A’s with, well, Moneyball. That’s all for this rookie, until next time.
By: Drew Herring | STAFF REPORTER | @drew_herring2
Show me the Mo’Ne
Not so grrrrrrreat....
Johnny Benchwarmer
At the Little League World Series this year, the phrase “you throw like a girl” was given a brand new meaning. Mo’ne Davis is a 13-year-old female athlete from Philadelphia with a passion for baseball. Davis pitched a complete game with eight strikeouts and allowed only two hits. She became the first female in history to get the win in a Little League World Series game.
Tiger Woods has decided to take a prolonged break from golf. After falling into a bunker and injuring his back again, Woods said he needed a month or two away to “get strong.” When Tiger Woods is at the top of his game, he can’t be beaten. Woods claims that his next tournament will be in December. He has earned a career low $122,000 this year, a large decrease from the $83,000,000 he earned in 2013.
Cleveland Browns Head Coach Mike Pettine was faced with a very difficult decision during this preseason. Who would be his starting quarterback on week one, Johnny Manziel or Brian Hoyer? The two quarterbacks took turns leading the offense, and Pettine made his decision. Johnny Football, the crowd favorite, will be on the bench for the first game of the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
4
September 5, 2014
opinion
COL By: Katie Williams Editor @katiewilliams97
“Where are you going to college?” Teachers, parents, friends and random strangers start bombarding students during their freshmen year of high school. The questions about college only intensify as high school continues. Come senior year, it seems that everyone expects an answer, an answer I still do not have. Why is this question at the front of people’s minds? Even as recent as the 1980s, high school students were asked whether or not they were attending college. This was before the pay gap between those with a degree and those without one was not as distinguishable. Many were still able to make a living without that college degree. Flash forward to the 21st century. Based on an analysis of Labor Department statistics by the Economic Policy Institute in Washington, college gradu-
Is it worth it?
ates are now making 98 percent more than those without degrees. College graduates are struggling to find jobs, but with the recent influx of college graduates, it is becoming even harder for those without degrees to find a job that pays more than minimum wage. Although college degrees are no longer a safeguard against unemployment, a degree does ensure that one will be more competitive for a job. This degree can even be a vocational degree in a focus like mechanics or welding. These technical degrees have greater employment rates than many liberal arts bachelor’s degrees. The harsh reality is that not every student is college-bound. Not every student will have motivation to put themselves through another four years of school. Not every student has the test scores. Even though these students may not be able attend a traditional university, an associate’s degree will open many more doors than just high school diploma does. Contrary to popular belief, one does not need to attend an Ivy League college to receive a prestigious degree. Mississippi is
n o i t c e Aff By: Hannah Lee Staff Reporter @hannahblanklee
But soft! what light through yonder school door breaks? It is PDA, and it is terrifying. Ladies and gents and all in between, public display of affection is not only disgusting, it is distracting and “mildly” inappropriate. While groping and fighting for dominance over tongues may be “cute” or “romantic,” we must also realize that we are in a public facility with heavy traffic in the hallways and six minutes to get to class. Walking one step for every four minutes to hold your lover’s hand and whisper sweet nothings is anything but charming. In fact, it is painful to watch and makes getting to class on time almost impossible. Now, do not get me wrong. Being in a high school relationship can be pretty cute, but it can also have several negative effects, not just for those of us on the outside (all the single ladies...and boys), but also for you. First, remember that people talk. As human beings, and especially as teenagers, we are not perfect, and a lot of the time, we can be pretty mean. A couple of words switched around here and there, and what might have started out as “spreading the word” can quickly turn into the telephone game, where what was said in the beginning was definitely not
home to three universities with nationally ranked programs. College does not need to cost $250,000, but if you have that money laying around, then, by all means, go to Harvard or Yale. College can be accessible and affordable for everyone. Cost should not deter one from attending college. Although graduates spend years paying back college loans, a degree will give
said at the end. Secondly, as pessimistic as it sounds, high school is not forever. Neither is dating. Think about it realistically. People are either going to marry their partner or break up with them. There’s no in-between. Imagine the uncomfortable situation of locking lips everyday for all to see, and then bam. It’s over. Previous PDA will definitely alert people that something went wrong, and then everyone will b e talking all over again. Do not do that. It’s unhealthy and gives people a reason to talk about someone in an ugly way, and trust me when I say that they would jump to the occasion. Lastly, think of the teachers and administration. It’s hard to imagine sometimes, but they were all sixteen going on seventeen once too. As Kelsey Buckman, a world history teacher, says, “If we could get students to understand that you don’t have to be physical and that it doesn’t always have to be about the show, then that would be better because if the roles were reversed and students had to watch their teachers and their significant others show their public displays of affection, then I think they would under-
someone ample income to pay back these loans. Not only will the degree provide one with financial stability, a college education will also open many doors for future employment opportunities. Here is the bottom line: go to college or attend a technical school. The degree is worth the cost, and student loans are only temporary.
by the numbers
in Mississippi graduated in > students four years. 26.0% of all 7,982 counted college
with four-year college > Americans degrees made 98% more an hour on average in 2013 than people without a degree.
school graduates earn an > High average of $28,000. Those with a bachelor’s degree earn $45,500.
0.4% of under> Only graduates attend one of the Ivy League schools.
source: US News & World Report
or
OPINION
E G LE
Rejection ?
stand how most adults feel when we see them in the hallway.” Imagine seeing teachers use PDA to show off their star-crossed love. Talk about gross. So what are the boundaries of public displays of affection? Some may think it unfair for us outsiders to even create lines a n d limitations, but the bitter truth is, it unsettles my stomach to see someone feeding his or her significant other. I hate to tell you this, but he or she has hands. You know what hands are great for? Feeding yourself. You know what hands are not great for? Groping each other at 8:00 in the morning, when I have just woken up, or worse, right after lunch, when I have just eaten. I cannot imagine it to be very comfortable parading around school with arms around each other. It is not a circus, no matter how much you paint your face. I am sure it gets a bit bumpy, and it does make the hallways a little more narrow. Rule #1: Appetite is much more important than affection, and whether it’s breakfast or lunch, please do not make me throw it all back up. Of course, we can all agree that there is nothing wrong with a hug. After all,
hugs show a minimal amount of affection, and unless one is doing it wrong, are short and sweet. As John Cowan, also a world history teacher says, “Affection is great, and the world definitely needs more love. I think most people can agree on these basic ideas. There is a difference, however, between a quick embrace, which can convey affection, and the primal, rampant groping that sometimes goes on in the hallways. School is designed to not only educate you but also to prepare you for a traditional workplace environment, and in a traditional workplace environment, ‘grinding’ usually is not tolerated.” School is not a place to party, so make sure to leave that stuff at home. Cowan also added, “I’m not taking a hard stance against all PDA but a hard stance against public display of hormones. No PDH please.” Public display of hormones is never an accepted form of affection in society or school. Keep that in mind when in the hallway with the “better half.” Thus, with a cynical mind and a sardonic smile, I part in the hopes that I may get to class on time and see less of what should be done in private.
thewarriorbeat The views and opinions expressed on this page are of an editorial nature and do not necessarily represent the views of The Warrior Beat staff, advisers, school faculty, or administrators of Oak Grove High School or the Lamar County School District.
Oak Grove High School 5198 Old Highway 11 Hattiesburg, MS 39402 601.264.7232 www.oakgrovehighschool.org EDITORS Taylor Parsons, Katie Williams STAFF REPORTERS Samantha Papp Casey Ford Christian Rapetti Lucy Pruitt Abby Nguyen Alyssa Bass Mary Morgan Gratwick Olivia Diaz Emily Burnett Hannah Lee Grace Wilkes Mozingo Jonathan Brent Jenna Clair Lee Drew Herring DESIGNERS Tia Bullock Andrew Rigel PHOTOGRAPHERS Mary Morgan Gratwick Mycah Kennedy ADVISER Joy Davis
September 5, 2014
opinion 5
Plastic Surgery TO CUT OR NOT TO CUT?
Risk vs. reward
F
By: Lucy Pruitt Staff Reporter @LucyLu_too
rom national phenomenon TV shows such as Fox’s Dr. 90210 to E!’s Botched, plastic surgery has been potently represented as necessary, helpful, and abused. Of course, the helpful changes plastic surgery has made in humanitarian and medical procedures are groundbreaking and necessary, but where must we draw the line of changing ourselves for reasons of vanity alone? As we all know, the teen years are undoubtedly some of the most difficult and insecure of our lives. Having been ostracized for anything other than cookie cutter appearance is something that nearly every student, regardless of gender, race, or size, in high school can attest to, so it’s easy to think that changing your appearance to fit the world’s perception of perfection would benefit you socially or professionally. This dangerous paradigm can lead to an already insecure teenager being driven to desire surgical reformation. But with the decision to go under the knife, aside from conforming to ever changing social standards and letting go of a sense of individuality, there also comes inherent health risks. Of course there are situations in which deformity or unusual appearance would justify that teenage reconstruction surgery, but in most cases the topic at hand is purely cosmetic surgery, that makes a person look like
someone he or she admires. Also known as beauty surgery, plastic surgery has inbedded in the minds of teenagers across the country that to reach the pinnacle of perfection they must alter their supposed imperfections in order to achieve a look of “plastic.” This mindset influences teens to emulate others, as opposed to bettering themselves as people. Also, the teenage body is still developing and can be seriously damaged by any surgery, and so to risk your health merely for the sake of vanity is a chance not worth taking. No teenager will look exactly the same when he or she is twenty or thirty years old and so on. To surgically reform parts of the body that are not already permanently developed is to risk a possible unforeseen and undesirable effect on a health and visual aspect in the future. At older ages, plastic surgery has fewer health risks and allows plenty of time to be assured you will achieve the desired effects. Though plastic surgery is technically reversible due to additional cosmetic procedure, the effects on your body, your psyche, and your wallet are permanent.
Action for satisfaction
B
By: Abby Nguyen Staff Reporter @2BusyBeingAbby
eing perpetually surrounded by self help books and commercials advertising beautifying regiments, we can see that our society has indeed accepted the idea of self improvement. Something that was once conflated with the ideas of excess, gaudy luxury, and insecurity has been welcomed into the young, mainstream, American culture at an unprecedented rate. In 2002, the number of American teenagers choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery was around 11,000, howGRACE MOZINGO ARTWORK ever more recently, that number that grown exponentially to almost 210,000 in 2013. Critics opposed to cosmetic surgery insist that operating on the country’s most impressionable and insecure demographic cannot be justified. They
note the supposed health factors and condemn surgeons for operating on children, but these arguments are outdated. Advancing technology has allowed the average recovery time of a regular procedure to be chiselled down to a maximum of 1 to 2 weeks, and because Americans have had upwards of 200 years to perfect the fine art of plastic surgery, it is now fine tuned to be performed systematically and with near clinical precision. The act of surgery itself is about flawless, but what about the mental togetherness required for a healthy procedure? In fact, plastic surgeons have recently adopted a policy of requiring their clients under 18 to undergo rigorous mental examinations before they can qualify for procedure. Insecurities are insecurities regardless of whether they are visible to outsiders or not, and if changing them helps anyone exude more confidence, cosmetic surgery has been effective. The point is that there is no way to condemn teenagers for choosing to get cosmetic surgery. Our society has already accepted the fact that the pursuit for self improvement is only considered complete when the person on the journey is happy with themselves. There are always going to be people opposed to cosmetic surgery but being comfortable in your own skin is a personal priority, and should remain just that, personal.
pgrade or dow grade?
By: Abby Nguyen | STAFF REPORTER | @2BusyBeingAbby
For the first three weeks of the 2014 school year, OGHS students had to adapt to actually wearing collared shirts! A wise man once said that you never know what you had until its gone, and how true that is. At long last, Oak Grove students can finally return to the sacred, age old tradition of waking up and pulling a sweatshirt over their pajamas. And how magnificent it is. Being free to add diversity to the already limited wardrobe choices that makeup the uniform is very clearly a strong upgrade.
Happy days are here again upgrade
downgrade I have WHICH lunch? This year, Oak Grove High School has received an influx of new students, pumping our already populated student body to almost bursting. Student commons areas on campus are relatively lacking, but the cafeteria is the closest thing we have to a school-wide watering hole. Because our school’s population has risen substantially, our former three lunch policy has been changed to four lunches. And while only one-fourth of the student body is affected, the wait for 1:20 is downright painful.
Google it: one of the most commonly spoken commands of 2013 that very few OGHS students or faculty had been able to fulfill prior to this school year. Finally, as of 2014, almost all classrooms at OGHS have been outfitted with individual wifi routers. Looking up information for English papers, the easy explanation of a wicked math formula: it has all become so much easier now that we have the opportunity to integrate technology into the educational system. This is definitely an upgrade.
Hi, Wi-fi
upgrade
downgrade Off-road vehicles welcome They say it’s the journey that counts, not the destination, and when the destination is as glorious as home after a long school day, it becomes very important! If you’ve ever been a victim of our clogged student parking lot, then you know the feeling of being so close to home, but just not close enough. With upwards of 400 vehicles driving out of Oak Grove, it is scary enough, but add the dirt paved roads littered with potholes and you get a definite downgrade.
6 features
September 5, 2014 7
E H T S ’ E HER DOWN RUN
E C N A D S R A E P P EA
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F O E D A PAR HEROES
Homecoming is the time of traditions. From dress up days to pep rallies, traditions at Oak Grove High School run deep. Homecoming 2014 has all kinds of new ways for students to take pride in their alma mater. The first thoughts to strike Taylor Parsons and Jonathan Brent as they heard of their new offices as student council president and vice president were of homecoming. Homecoming had been fun for their first three years of high school, but they believed a state champion football team needed a better homecoming celebration. In July, they started brainstorming. They wanted a dance and a parade. “We just wanted to celebrate the school we love so much and have our last homecoming week be the best yet,” Brent said. The pair met with Mrs. Price in late July to discuss what was possible and what was not. “Mrs. Price was so supportive. She really wants students to have the best homecoming week possible. She wants us to make memories,” Parsons said. Mrs. Price approved all of their suggestions, and the work began. Parsons, Brent, and the rest of the student council have worked hard to improve homecoming week of 2014.
Oak Grove High School Student Council is putting on the school’s first dance since 2011. The dance will be the kickoff to homecoming week 2014. Students from all four grades are invited to come and grab a date on Saturday, September 20 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Student Council representatives and officers will be selling dance tickets two weeks before homecoming in the cafeteria and Oasis. Students are permitted to bring dates from other schools as long as they sign up. The dance will be check-in only. “I am so excited about the dance! We need something besides prom for people to look forward to,” Ansley Plunk, sophomore class secretary said. She and the rest of student council look forward to making the dance fun and memorable.
Following the dance on September 20, the parade will be September 25. The entire community is invited to celebrate school pride and support the Warriors. The parade will be filled with all kinds of Oak Grove students. The football team, baseball team, student council and other teams will all have floats in the parade. The cheerleaders have plenty of footballs ready to throw out. The band will march to lead the parade. The homecoming maids and their escorts will ride in cars of their choices. The parade welcomes everyone, from children to adults, to come enjoy the parade. At the end of the parade, the entire community is invited to a giant pep rally at the football field. The cheerleaders, golden spirits, and band will perform. The parade will lead spectators into the most important part of homecoming, the homecoming game. The Warriors will play Terry on Friday to conclude homecoming activities.
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T ’ N DO T I LET Y B Y L F SEPTEMBER 20 Homecoming Dance @ OGHS, 8-11pm SEPTEMBER 21 Student Council decorates hallway entrances SEPTEMBER 22 Dress Up Day: Super Hero Day But no one wants to see your spandex, okay? SEPTEMBER 23 Dress Up Day: Tourist Tuesday We’re talking crocs, fanny packs, and visors. Home volleyball games against Petal; JV at 6 pm, and Varsity at 7 pm SEPTEMBER 24 Dress Up Day: Mathletes and Athletes Day Get a jersey or get nerdy! SEPTEMBER 25 Dress Up Day: Throwback Thursday Dress like you did in the late 90’s...or like 2002 for freshmen! SEPTEMBER 26 Dress Up Day: Black and Gold Day Self explanatory. Warrior pride!
September 5, 2014
8 features/opinion
Cancer cannot stop Hanberry’s adventures By: Jenna Clair Lee @Jenta12 Staff Reporter
In early April of 2014, then 15-year-old Maggie Hanberry was shockingly diagnosed with colon cancer. At her age, colon cancer is practically unheard of, making her truly one-in-a-million. After receiving this devastating news, Hanberry and her family took action immediately. She started aggressive chemo and radiation to shrink the tumor in her colon. As one might assume, consistent chemo and radiation treatments made, for the most part, for a boring, unenjoyable summer for Hanberry. However, she found a way to travel during the summer. She went to Washington D.C., Africa, Disney World in Florida, Brazil, and Alaska, just to name
a few places. Members of Temple Baptist Church decided to make small, laminated cut outs of Maggie and sell them for $10 to raise money for the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson, the hospital at which Hanberry is receiving her treatments and care. People throughout the Pine Belt have responded enthusiastically with this fundraiser by buying a “Flat Maggie” and taking the cut-out with them on family vacations, church trips, work trips, and even to the World Cup. Buying a “Flat Maggie” and taking it on trips or special occasions may seem like a minor effort in helping Hanberry and her family and people experiencing similar situations. However, being able to see that people are passionate about helping Hanberry uncon-
over
By: Taylor Parsons @parTAY97 Editor
Discrimination is not gender specific
flawless smile or in whatever it is they see in the mirror. Women hear that men are just more visual and that perfection is just what men expect, so to rebel against that criticism, women have begun to band together against judgement on physical appearance. Women are slowly becoming proud of their sizes, their flaws, their im-
6’1”
The media encourages women to meet this insanely retouched and perfected idea of beauty. Women are often pushed to find their worth in being a size two or in having the most
ventionally experience oncein-a-lifetime events means so much to the Hanberry family. “I thought it was so sweet that people would go to those lengths to give Maggie something to get excited about. It was great seeing what they came up with,” Molly Hanberry, Maggie’s older sister, said. As Hanberry continues with surgeries and chemo infusions, seeing all the places that “Flat Maggie” has been brings a bit of light into her sometimes dismal days. To help Hanberry’s cause and buy a “Flat Maggie,” contact Temple Baptist Church. To keep up with Hanberry’s journey, go to www. caringbridge.org/visit/maggiehanberry. All efforts to keep Hanberry encouraged are appreciated.
perfections, but in the process, have they found a way to degrade men? Many female teens and adults have recently unveiled their own discriminations towards men under six feet tall. As silly or juvenile as it may sound, women are doing exactly what they have hated having done to them. They are judging on an attribute of a person that he or she has little to no control over. A woman can easily slide under the radar if she tweets something like, “If you aren’t over 6’1”, don’t talk to
me.” However, if a man were to tweet something so prejudiced toward a woman for her size or appearance or even height, the female population might throw a monumental fit and hunt that ignorant man down. Why the double standard? Well, practically from birth, women are told that this world is a man’s world. Yes, women are criticized, and yes, it’s wrong, but the hypocrisy only makes the situation worse. No matter the gender, if all people do is find ways to put one another down, is everyone not just wast-
ing time? If all we have to tell the opposite sex is our high expectations and bitter criticism, we are in this battle of the genders that everyone loses. Everyone feels worse about his or herself. Body image is a person’s conception of his or her own physical appearance. People find enough to hate about their bodies without the assistance of snarky tweets or comments. No one’s body image needs anymore destruction. All anyone needs is more positivity.
One teacher, one class one solution: The truth behind ELL By: Olivia Diaz Staff Reporter
China. Spain. Ukraine. Texas. Alabama. Imagine the transition from one state or country to another. Imagine not knowing how to speak to new people and having to adapt to a new culture. What does a student do? Where does a student start? Fortunately, the Lamar County School District has the largest ELL teaching group in the state. Oak Grove High School’s English Language Learner/English as a Second Language class (ELL/ESL) is where many of these students begin in order to learn more about not just English, but also their classes and goals. Dr. Hal Broome teaches ELL/ESL, and this is his ninth year of teaching ESL, and his second year at OGHS. He receives help from the ELL tutor, Nicole Bingham, who works for nineteen hours per week. There are currently about 400 students in ELL. Depending on a student’s education level, he or she may need just some tutoring in certain subjects, such as history. On the other hand, he or she may need to learn English immediately because some OG students move to the U.S. and do not know a word of English. Many OG students speak Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, and
Ponder said. “It’s fun because you feel accomplished at the end.” In addition to English, Timmur knows Russian and Ukrainian. Even though ELL students speak a foreign language, they are also required to take either Spanish or French to graduate. Although challenges at school vary for students, many ELL students face problems in trying to grasp the differences between their state or country’s schooling and the Mississippi’s language/terminology, schoolwork, and school credits. For instance, MARY MORGAN GRATICK PHOTO Broome is currently the only IN THE CLASSROOM ELL/ESL teacher at OGHS and ESL teacher Dr. Broome instructs Nikolay Drake and Rosa Rocha, both ESL students, while viewing a history video. has forty-five students, and forty many more languages. with Giovanni Lopez, Broome’s of those students are pull-outs, The transitions for every ELL predecessor, as a freshman. De- which means that they have to student vary significantly. For pending on a student’s level of be pulled out of their classes in instance, senior Nikolay Drake understanding a language, he order to receive help. “Each student goes through a moved to Mississippi from or she can either read it before different process,” Broome said. speaking it or vice versa. “For Ukraine with two other brothBroome has challenges to me, it was different,” Drake said. ers, one who graduated last year, face when he deals “For me, it first Vadik, and one who is a junior, with any student’s took listening, It’s pretty intense to Vitaly. Vadik and Vitaly are biosocial situations. speaking, readspeak to people in logical brothers, but Nicolay is For example, some ing, and then another language not related; yet they knew each ELL students are writing.” and not just your other in an orphanage before behomeless or in Students can language.” ing adopted together and trans- take ELL/ESL poverty. Other ferring to OG. - Nikolay Drake, 12 teachers often have for two years “It’s pretty intense to speak to or just one, like challenges to face, people in another language and junior Timmur too. They’re not alnot just your language,” Nikolay Ponder did. He quickly caught lowed to fail students who can Drake said. “It’s pretty interest- on to English and finds it benefi- only speak little to no English ing.” Drake has only been in MS cial for someone to learn a new under the law. However, another for four years and speaks Eng- language. “Learn languages,” law tells teachers not to allow students who aren’t ready for the lish fairly fluently. He took ESL
state tests to graduate. “ESL is new,” Broome said. “It’s only been around for about thirty years as a teaching subject of research, unlike math and science, so no one really knows how to do it well for sure within the public school system.” Despite these challenges, Broome is planning for the best. He plans to host a Cinco de Mayo party/8th grade ELL orientation fundraiser next year. He also wants to have other celebrations that originate from other countries, such as India’s Festival of Lights. He also encourages more students and teachers to learn about these issues so they can help fix them. “Imagine sitting by yourself in a classroom,” Broome said, “unable to talk to others! Letting all students know that there are others out there is important.” He wants the students who only speak English to know that we are in a competition with other languages and cultures. “The most spoken language in the world is not English,” Broome said. “It’s actually Chinese. So US students need to become comfortable dealing with other cultures and languages other than English.”
features 9
September 5, 2014
Once upon a
Quincearera
Oak Grove sophomore celebrates “15” in style
By: Grace Mozingo Staff Reporter
Matching dresses, sparkling converse, and shining jewelry, oh my! These things all came together to make one big birthday party, or, to be specific, a Quinceañera: a Hispanic tradition in which a fifteen-year-old girl invites all of her friends, family, and loved-ones to a coming-of-age ceremony. The event also has certain requirements, like the waltz, dinner, and a court of honor. On August 23, Gaylia Ray, an OGHS sophomore, had family from all across the country fly in for her special day. “My mother asked me about a quinceanera when I was thirteen, so this party was in the works for around two years,” Ray said. Kicking off at 4:00 in
the afternoon, guests were seated under a beautifully decorated gazebo where they watched the entrance of a stunning Ray in her enormous, customized dress with glittering jewels and various fabrics. During the ceremony, a preacher delivered a sermon on adulthood and the temptations of life before he blessed different items she had worn on stage like a ring and bracelet. The touching ceremony was then followed by a dinner filled with festivities and traditional Mexican food. Perhaps the most anticipated part of the evening though was the grand finale. As more of the younger guests arrived, Ray and her court were introduced to the crowd. The court was made up of fourteen girls and their escorts,
considered the birthday girl’s closest friends. Then they followed the introduction with a waltz. As the last note was played in the more sophisticated song, all the couples moved into position for a choreographed modern dance to songs like “Turn Down for What” and “On the Floor.” The dance had been planned for months in advance with Markos Williams, an Oak Grove graduate, teaching and choreographing all the moves. “We’ve known about this dance since around May, which is when we started practicing once or twice a week for the finale,” Cailyn Papp, one of Ray’s court members, said. After lots of shouts from ecstatic party-goers, everyone rushed onto the stage for a night of dancing and fun.
LOVELY IN LIME
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Sophomore Gaylia Ray proudly struts her stuff in her lime green ball gown to celebrate her Quinceanera.
New faces take leadership roles at OGHS By: Casey Ford | Staff Reporter | @caseym_ford
>>>> Larry Ainsworth
With the beginning of the 20142015 school year comes many changes, including new teachers and administrators. Mr. Larry Ainsworth and Mr. Jimmy Gardner joined Oak Grove High School’s administrative staff as principals over the freshman and sophomore classes, respectively. In the transition from his former
roles at Oak Grove as baseball coach and driver’s education instructor, Ainsworth will now take on the responsibilities of student attendance, discipline, and teacher observation. He will also help oversee daily happenings at the school. Ainsworth seemed excited about his new position. “Last year I served as an Administrative Assistant, kind of like a back seat driver. This year, however, I am behind the wheel and driving the ninth grade bus, so to speak. I’m excited to help this awesome group of ninth grade teachers and I’m excited about my ninth grade student body and what we are trying to accomplish this school year. I’m so lucky and grateful to have the administrative team that I work with every day,” Ainsworth said.
>>>> Jimmy Gardner
Also joining that team is Mr. Jimmy Gardner. Former assistant principal of South Jones High School, Gardner will spend his first year at Oak Grove overseeing all tenth grade discipline and evaluating tenth grade teachers.
Gardner was eager to get to know Oak Grove and the students and teachers he’ll be working with. “There are just so many of you,” Gardner said. “It’s definitely an adjustment. We didn’t have all the different groups like the drama department and the debate team at South Jones. We didn’t have quite this level of extracurricular involvement. But I’ve seen the list of accomplishmentsacademic and otherwise. I’ve been able to see and hear how much Oak Grove is able to achieve, and I’m excited to see how that happens. I’m looking forward to being in the classroom and being in the halls and getting to discover how Oak Grove gets to be so successful,” Gardner said. Both principals look forward to a great school year.
My body: NOT your type
By: Alysa Bass @Alyssatrechelle Staff Reporter
Everyday someone gets criticized for his or her weight, whether it’s for being too fat or too small. Sadly, body shaming is become more and more prevalent in today’s society. However,
http://notenoughgood.com
more people focus on fat shaming. According to the Miss Representation Project, three out of four teenage girls feel depressed, guilty, and shameful after spending three minutes leafing through a fashion magazine. However, teenagers may be getting mixed messages about how their bodies should look. The media is infamously known for broadcasting
one body type instead of the many that exist. Some companies have tried to break that nasty tradition with body positive campaigns. Companies like Victoria’s Secret, Aerie by American Eagle, and Dove have attempted to spread the message of loving your body with ad campaigns; however, all three companies still faced criticism. Victoria’s Secret’s ad was criticized because the only people who looked like the girls in the campaign were the Victoria’s Secret models. Aerie was praised for showcasing things such as stretch marks and other imperfections, saying on each photo “This photo has not been retouched. The real you is sexy.” However, the company failed in showcasing a variation of races, particularly darker African Americans, and body types. While some girls in the ad do have some stomach fat, Janey Dike of uloop.com believes that “All of the models can be considered “pretty” by standard definitions of beauty despite the lack of Photoshop.” The hygiene product producer Dove may have been the closest in representing the average woman in its decade running Real Beauty campaign; in commercials and ads you can see women of all colors and imperfections and ages featured. Sadly, this campaign didn’t scale up to the
public’s standards because there were more overweight women. It seems like no matter how hard companies try to defy beauty standards, they will never be able to showcase the modern woman with society’s evolving beauty standards. It seems like it will take years, maybe even centuries, for women to stop harshly criticizing themselves and love who they see in the mirror.
Approximately 91% of women are unhappy with their bodies and resort to dieting to achieve their ideal body shape. Unfortunately, only 5% of women naturally possess the body type often portrayed by Americans in the media.
10 entertainment/opinion
September 5, 2014
Insta Africa:
Should good deeds be publicized?
By: Katie Williams @katiewilliams97 Editor
First things first: just hear me out. This article is going to seem hypocritical and condescending, but I believe this issue needs to addressed, and I just want everyone to know that, yes, I have done this too. The social divide in the United States allows everyone to stay oblivious to the homelessness and hunger right in our backyard. I believe this divide is what prompts churches to send missionaries to third world countries. Believers are too afraid to experience culture shock 20 minutes down the road, so it just makes more
sense to have them experience a different culture in a third world county. After these mission trips to these third world countries, those who attend have an inclination to upload these pictures onto social media sites. The Africa trip does make a cooler photo album. It’s also cooler to see yourself on a slide show in church pictured with poor African children than it is to see yourself pictured volunteering with the homeless in Hattiesburg. Just put yourself in that remote village in Kenya. What would you think if pictures of you, your family, and your community ended up on Instagram or Facebook without your permission? I would feel exploited and embarrassed that
BINGE
pictures of my living conditions were being broadcasted. I would feel like their helping me is just helping them get into good social graces with their churches and communities back home. I’m not sure what you are thinking, but it seems that mission-trip-goers’ motives are slightly off. They often seem so concerned about what they have done or where they have been to even process what good deeds they have done. Is this what Jesus expected when He called believers to serve the needy? I believe that everyone’s motives are in the right place when they go on mission trips, but they seem to be more excited about the good deeds they have done than the relationships that they built. The purpose of this rant is to expose the other side. Through conversations with friends who
have been to Africa, the people get defensive if you snap a picture of their living conditions. We don’t think twice when we take a picture; we’re just making memories and showing others where we have been and what we have done. The people also tend to be confused as to why Americans are so concerned with what they do. The people you encounter on mission trips are more concerned with building relationships. Keep going on mission trips. Keep doing good deeds, and don’t be afraid to serve others. Just place yourself in the locals’ situation: “these strange Americans are offering me things and taking pictures of my home.” Remind yourself that you are an outsider, and remember to empathize and not sympathize.
WATCHING
By: Grace Mozingo Staff Reporter
Today’s impatient society is unwilling to wait for cable to set the viewer’s schedules. What could possibly be taking over the channels that we have all come to know and love? Netflix. The idea of endless hours of television at our fingertips helps feed the “when we want it, where we want it” view many people have in this busy generation. Although, who wouldn’t love the convenience of watching favorite shows as many times as they wanted? No one has to stress for a whole week over who gets the girl.
After a random poll around the school, we found that most students watch Netflix. Fan favorites, like The Walking Dead, The Vampire Diaries, and Supernatural, have gained a massive following. Will the increasing popularity of Netflix eventually snuff out the channels of cable? The expanding company is now raking in more fans with releases of critically acclaimed original shows like Orange is the New Black and House of Cards. With all these new options, audiences are becoming avid binge-watchers. Binge-watching is the extreme watching of a season, or even a whole series in a short period of time. This practice
TOP 3 Among OGHS students, these are the top binge-watch worthy series.
beat’s bits
has been around since the 1990s, first originating with the release of television shows in box sets. Most people are guilty of these rapid viewing sessions, and with numerous options only a click away, Netflix is the rising star destined for greatness. While everyone loves this new fad, many strongly warn against it. Nothing but TV for hours on end just can’t be healthy. This isn’t the only new controversy arising around the new trend. Some are going as far as referring to binge watching as a pandemic. This comes from angry parents who are tired of their children disappearing into their rooms for hours at a time, although adults are just as much at fault as the younger generations. It seems as though the obsession is growing each day, reaching out to all different groups, young and old. For those who have already fallen
ality
PARSON
into the addiction, there really is no turning back. They get one taste of all the possibilities, and many find they’re hooked. With the backlash and praise over the world’s new way of television, the audience is in love. When watching a show all at once, if something is missed or forgotten, the nifty rewind button is there to help. Viewers gain a better appreciation for the show as the characters change and the whole show is simply easier to understand. Netflix’s trendy idea of letting the viewer pick when to watch the latest programs is the way society now enjoys entertainment. Cable cannot be customized for its audience, and each day more and more people have found that they want to watch “when they want it, and where they want it.”
ENTERTAINMENT
By: TAYLOR PARSONS, Editor Here’s the lowdown. This is a column of all the quirky, unusual, and hopefully funny situations I tend to end up in or rants I have to share. The problem with my trying to be funny is that I always think I’m funny, whether anyone else does or not. Therefore, as much as this column is for the enjoyment of the wonderful and intelligent Warrior Beat readers, it’s pretty much equally for my enjoyment. I’m probably snickering to my own jokes as I’m writing them. Imagine this column as one of those awkward and uncomfortable “Get to Know You” games. For those of you who do not know me, I like solo jam sessions in my car, sloths, and long walks on the beach. I don’t like push ups, rain clouds, or awkward and uncomfortable “Get to Know You” games. I think of myself as a combination of the preWrecking Ball Miley Cyrus, that horrible dance move Taylor Swift pulls out at award shows, and the embarrassing mom who dances in her minivan as she picks up her child. People tell me I’m “quirky,” but I know that’s how people nicely say weird. This month’s rant focuses on popularity. Can we just go ahead and clear up that it doesn’t mean most liked or most hated? That it doesn’t really mean anything at all? As high schoolers, many of us desperately seek approval or praise from the people around us. WHY? It’s only four years. We are only here for four years. Why spend them trying to fit in or trying to be the coolest in the room? No one is going to look back on his high school career and wonder what it would’ve been like to be in the “in crowd.” Well, I mean someone might, but he has really wasted his life and probably eats a lot of sloppy joes. Disregard that example. Just be yourself. If “yourself” is lame, join the club. We call it “show choir.” No, not really. I’m just kidding. Those people are fantastic, and I’m proud to be one of them. But really, just be real.
By: EMILY BURNETT, Staff Reporter, @emily_a_burnett
Miley makes her mark again
Comedy giant passes away
Saved behind the scenes
After Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball” won the video of the year at the VMAs, the audience was surprised to see a homeless man named Jesse Helt take the stage to accept the award on behalf of all homeless youth who constantly fear for their lives everyday. As Cyrus stayed in her seat weeping, he concluded his speech by urging the audience to visit Cyrus’s facebook page to learn more about homelessness.
On August 11, 2014, Robin Williams took his life. Although there was confusion as to why the actor would go to such extremes, his wife revealed that he battled depression and early signs of Parkinson’s disease. He was an inspiration to all and strongly believed in charity and the support of our U.S. troops. Although his life came to an end too soon, most of his life was filled with joy and happiness, as expressed in most of his films. His life has inspired all and will continue to do so.
Lifetime recently released a trailer for The Unauthorized Saved by the Bell Story, which is based on the popular TV show from the late 80s, Saved by the Bell. This film’s purpose is to expose the truth behind the scene of nature of the teenage actors from the show. This film’s actors were chosen to resemble the actors from the original show. The trailer shows the actors bickering about pointless things until the director has to take a photo of them. They then start smiling and acting as if they’re all best friends.
September 5, 2014
entertainment 11
“If I stay” is here to stay By: Emily Burnett @emily_a_burnett Staff Reporter
On August 22, 2014, If I Stay came into theatres all around the U.S. I have been a fan of the book for a long time now, so when I found out that it was being made into a movie, I had to see this film for myself. If I Stay is an inspirational film about Mia Hall’s deciding whether to overcome a painful tragedy and move forward or to wallow in the sadness and solitude that will now consume her life. In the midst of a fatal car accident, Mia has to decide if her life is worth salvaging and has to pull out all the fight she has in her and her motivation that she has to live to enable her to wake up from a coma. The only reason for her to wake up is to be reunited with her first love, the cello, and her second love, Adam. When I read the book, I
envisioned the characters to be different, as expected since books are intended to be left up to the imagination; however, they both had their own sort of individuality that poured into these roles. Chloe Grace Moretz, the actress who took on the role of the protagonist, Mia Hall, did a phenomenal job in displaying the passion that Mia had while playing her cello. Jamie Blackley, the actor who played the love interest, Adam, was definitely different. He was not who I imagined to play Adam at all because, in my perspective, he didn’t have that anticipated rocker look. He did, however, stand out from other cliche, hardcore rock boys, which was refreshing. Mia’s parents, played by Mireille Enos and Joshua Leonard, were probably the best actors that could have been chosen to play Kat and Denny. The vintage rock style that was so clearly
expressed in the book was reflected very well by each actors’ looks and attitudes toward life. They genuinely seemed like the cool rocker parents that they were chosen to play and were so close to the characters from the book. The vintage rock theme was fully reflected throughout the entirety of this film. The opening scene of the Hall family’s home even had that foggy and musky look that reminded me of a messy rock show. Overall, this movie stayed consistent with the book and was a good representation.There could have been a little more emotion put into the characters who were witnesses of the tragedy; however, I also feel like it may have been a positive that this movie wasn’t too much of a “tear jerker” in order to focus more on the positivity of how music and love could possibly make Mia choose to stay.
Sharknado 2: The Second One On July 30, Sharknado 2: The Second One premiered on the Syfy channel and became the highest premiering movie. Hollywoodlife.com calls it “The Best Worst Movie Ever-Even Crazier than the first.” Guest stars Al Roker, Billy Ray Cyrus, Vivica A. Fox, and Matt Lauer joined returning actors Tara Reid and Ian Ziering for the out-of-this-world sequel. The plot involves a freak hurricane hitting Los Angeles, resulting in man-eating sharks flooding the city. Rotten Tomato reported that only 38% of people enjoyed the television movie.
By: ALYSSA BASS, Staff Reporter, @alyssatrechelle
Candidly Nicole
The Giver
This past July, VH1 premiered Candidly Nicole, a hilarious reality show starring Nicole Richie. Richie is a 32-year-old fashion designer, author, and television personality, wife of Joel Madden of Good Charlotte, and mother of two. Every week, Richie is seen doing quirky things every week which include but are not limited to pretending to have vision problems to get glasses to appear smarter, learning how to park from her famous father Lionel Richie, “supervising” her sister and friends, and buying chickens to present eggs to the women who go to her son’s school to impress them. It’s debatable if the reality show is actually real and not scripted, but it’s still entertaining either way.
Published in 1993, The Giver by Lois Lowry received rave reviews and even earned the Newberry medal. When fans of the book heard it was being made into a movie, fans couldn’t wait for the release. Though the movie was highly anticipated, the movie didn’t meet many critics expectations. Film critic Kenneth Turan said, ”The problem with The Giver is not that it adds things like surveillance drones and hints of romance; it’s that it’s been unable to find a way to make the essence of the novel cinematically involving.”
GAME ROOM & POOL HALL Mon-Thur 4pm-10pm | Fri 4pm-Midnight | Sat Noon-Midnight | Sun Closed 5180 Old Hwy 11 in Oak Grove
Come enjoy a game of pool, phooseball, pinball, and arcade games.
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September 5, 2014