Being
Teachers try to stay
WARRIOR FOOTBALL
in crowded halls
kicks off
INSIDER P. 6-7
SPORTS P. 3
FEATURES P. 9
thewarriorbeat warrior warriorbeat
Vol. LII, Issue 1 September 11, 2012 Oak Grove High School www.thewarriorbeat.com
New Oak Grove principals aim for successful year By: Olivia Diaz Staff Reporter
The OGHS administrative team is now settling in to the school year under the leadership of new Head Principal Helen Price. The Lamar County School District (LCSD) decided that OGHS should have four assistant principals and one head principal this year due to the increase in student population. “There is an assistant principal for each grade,” Price said. “The LCSD decided to create ‘four schools within a school’ because of our number of
students, so we need four assistant principals to carry that out. We also have Ms. Venson, who is a part of our administrative team as a lead teacher.” These administrators include Sheila Kribbs, Bob Byrd, Jeff Vanderheiden, Keith Bounds, and Cynthia Venson as the Lead Teacher/Intervention Specialist. After serving as head counselor for five years and assistant principal for three years, Helen Price is leading the administrative team. Price, a Lamar County native, earned her undergraduate degree from USM and her Master’s degree from Mississippi College. “I’m very excited about our school
year,” Price said. “I’m looking forward to getting involved with the students, activities, and education here. I’m proud of what our school offers and plan to support it.” Cynthia Venson, OGHS’s new Lead Teacher, has been involved in education for 12 years. She began as a day teacher in an elementary school before moving to Georgia. After that, she moved back to Hattiesburg and taught at Grace Christian Elementary. “I want to see students never feel like they’ve reached the top,” Venson said. “There’s always room to grow, always See NEW ADMINISTRATION | Page 2
2012 OGHS Homecoming Court
NEW OGHS ADMINISTRATION
Pictured left to right: (front row) Cynthia Venson, Lead Teacher; Helen Price, Head Principal; Sheila Kribbs, 9th Assistant Principal; (back row) Keith Bounds, 12th Assistant Principal; Bob Byrd, 10th Assistant Principal; Jeff Vanderheiden, 11th Assistant Principal | Photo by SARABETH SAPPINGTON
New classes hit Oak Grove curriculum By: Mary Ryan Karnes Editor
“Warriors Going For The Gold”
September 21, 2012 vs. Forest Hill, Warrior Stadium 2012 OGHS HOMCOMING COURT Front row: Olivia Cassell, Eli Wheat | Middle row: Taylor Buras, Laken Pineda, Reagan Woods, Rickyah Hawkins, Aliscia Burkett, Amber Pineda, Chloe Sanders, Hunter Fredericks, Caitlynn Broome, Sarah Rubelowsky, Erica Lewis, Gracyn Head, LaDaija Jackson | Back row: Drew Herring, Will Ford, John Clayton Nelson, Clayton Keeler, Jansen Bounds, John Addison Ford, Johnathan McNair, Graham Broome, Andrew Adams, Floyd Terry, Luke Little, Drew Burnham, Daniel Moore | Photo by MARY KATE WALDRON
By: Andrew Adams Staff Reporter
T
his year, homecoming week will start September 17th. The Olympics inspired the theme of homecoming week, “Warriors Going for the Gold.” The dress up days will include America Day, Character Day, Old People Day, Decade Day, and Black and Gold Day. The week will also include the Battle of the Bands on Tuesday the 18th. The pep rally will be held Friday the 21st where the club sign competition will take place, and the winning club sign will be announced at the homecoming game.
The homecoming dance will not be held this year; instead students will compete in a tailgating competition by class. Each class is to decorate its tent, and tents must reflect the homecoming theme. Each class can host booth games such as dunking booths, jumpers, etc. Classes can sell tickets to charge for their booths. The class that raises the most money will also win a cash prize for its class account. The homecoming court will include the freshmen maids, who are Taylor Buras and LaDaija Jackson. The freshmen escorts are Drew Herring and Daniel Moore. The sophomore maids are Gracyn Head and Laken Pineda. The sophomore
escorts are Drew Burnham and Will Ford. The junior maids are Erica Lewis and Reagan Woods. The junior escorts are Luke Little and John Clayton Nelson. The senior maids are Caitlynn Broome, Aliscia Burkett, Hunter Fredericks, Amber Pineda, and Chloe Sanders. The senior escorts are Jansen Bounds, Graham Broome, John Addison Ford, Andrew Adams, and Johnathan McNair. The football sweethearts are Sarah Rubelowsky and Rickyah Hawkins along with the football escorts Floyd Terry and Clayton Keeler. The prince is Eli Wheat and the princess is Olivia Cassell.
Growing student population leads to construction By: Miranda Rester Editor
Oak Grove’s crowded cafeteria and hallways are about to get some relief with the construction of new modular buildings and dining hall. The dining hall will soon be complete and be used for additional student seating. With a student body of approximately 1,600, serving and seating four lunches is a challenge. “I had third lunch, and it was almost too crowded
to move,” Elizabeth Lee, senior, said. Modular classrooms were also part of the solution to OGHS’s overcrowding problem. Eight new classrooms will be opened up in the next few weeks, which will ease the crowded hallways. While some teachers still float from classroom to classroom, eight teachers will now have rooms instead of having to roll carts down the hallway. “Getting from class to class will be much
less stressful with less students and carts in the hallway,” Jillian Walters, sophomore, said. With a freshman class of almost 450 students, these additions were necessary and wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation and understanding of the entire staff and student body. “Patience and team work make our OG family so special and such a joy to work with,” Principal Helen Price said.
NEW MODULAR CLASSROOMS The OGHS student population is growing larger each year; therefore, modular buildings will soon be used for classrooms. | Photo by MARY KATE WALDRON
This year students are being offered new educational options with recently added English, science, and vocational courses. The wide range of new classes covers a broad spectrum of academic interest and is available to all students. Mrs. Tracy Robertson, who teaches two of Oak Grove’s recently added classes is eager to engage in completely new areas of study with her students. Robertson, who teaches the creative writing and Mississippi writers courses, hopes that new curricula will help students who are seeking a college degree. “Universities have recommended the classes because they see the need,” Robertson said. “My lesson plans consist of reading great samples of writing and incorporating technology for writers, so I would recommend the creative writing class to I recommend the anyone who Mississippi Writers enjoys writing course to anyone and wants to who takes pride improve their in Mississippi and writing for loves reading great any situation,” authors,” Robertson Tracey Robertson, said. The OGHS Teacher Mississippi writers course is also gaining popularity. “I recommend the Mississippi writers course to anyone who takes pride in Mississippi and loves reading great authors,” Robertson said. “Mississippi is known as ‘the cradle of creativity’.” Robertson is more than happy to be teaching more individuallybased English courses. “When I first dreamed of becoming a teacher, my ideal class to teach was creative writing, so I’m very eager to share that passion with my students,” Robertson said. In addition to new English classes, Engineering I and Renewable Energy and Technology are being taught by Ms. Theresa Sappington at the Lamar County Technical Center, and Culinary Arts by Ms. Debbie Miller. Culinary Arts is considered a vocational course and takes up two blocks.
2 news
September 11, 2012
NEWSBRIEFS OG shines once again academically By: Katie Williams, Staff Reporter
Students, teachers go global This past summer five students and two teachers embarked on the third annual Europe Trip, touring Italy and Germany. Colton Allgood, Mallory Graham, Nick Rapetti, Anaiss Townsend and Marissa Townsend traveled with Mrs. Carmen Swilley and Ms. Adelia Webb as sponsors. After two days in Rome, Italy, the group ventured to Florence, Pisa, and Verona. After seeing the Alps in Austria, they made their way to Germany where they spent the last two days in Munich. “I think the trip was a great success. Everyone seemed to have a great time,” Swilley said.
graduation rate. This aspect wasn’t considered last year but has the For another year, Oak Grove potential to be reinstated. “It’s amazing what dedicated High School has received the honor teachers and students can of being named a Star School. It is accomplish,” Principal Helen Price difficult for a school to achieve this said. “So many even once but much faculty, staff, and more challenging for It’s amazing what students go the extra a school to maintain dedicated teachers and mile to help make us the title. Schools students can accomplish,” all successful.” Price must achieve a QDI Helen Price, plans to continue the (quality distribution OGHS Principal strategies that have index) score of 200. proven successful QDI is based on in the past including professional students’ growth from their MCT2 scores to their scores on subject development and collaboration for area tests including Algebra I, teachers and effective instruction Biology I, English II, and U.S. and experiences for students. Superintendent Ben Burnett said, History. Another area that has been “It excites me that the school district considered in the past is the school’s
By: Nathan Maxwell Staff Reporter
as a whole makes strides every year despite our budget restraints.” Through the past few years, the district has welcomed 2,000 new students. “It is a challenge to keep up with the growth. Because of the growth the district receives more funds, as the district is funded per student. This extra funding will help the district with its plan to replace text books with iPads,” Burnett said. Oak Grove High School has also seen great number of other achievements including a large number of National Merit semifinalists and AP test scores of five, the highest possible score that a student can achieve.
Runners begin training on new trail By: Nan Buti Staff Reporter
OGHS EUROPE TRIP Pictured left to right: (front row) Nick Rapetti, Colton Allgood; (back row) Anaiss Townsend, Carmen Swilley, Marissa Townsend, Mallory Graham, Adelia Webb. Submitted Photo
Junior Civitan sets bar high Junior Civitan is in its second year as a club. “The club was created to allow disabled students to work alongside their non-disabled peers to serve their school and community,” Stacey Todd, club sponsor, said. The club is looking to exceed last year’s membership total of 155 members. In Junior Civitan’s charter year, it achieved a level of insurmountable success. At the state convention, the club received numerous awards, including Club of the Year and Campus Project of the Year. Junior Civitan’s highest distinction came at the International Convention in Norfolk, Virginia, where it received one of the highest awards possible: Honor Club of Distinction. “At the International Convention, everyone was talking about the new Oak Grove club and all it accomplished in its first year,” Todd said.
OGHS band marches towards a perfect world After a triumphant marching season, the OGHS marching band is preparing for yet another successful year. This year, the halftime show theme is Utopia. “It all goes back to education and entertainment, and I thought Utopia was an interesting idea because it means ‘dream of a perfect world’,” Sharon Laird, band director, said. The band will be attending five marching competitions this year. All competitions lead up to the state competition on October 29th. After having band camp for two weeks this summer and practicing every Monday and Thursday after school, Laird is confident the 2012 band will have a successful marching season.
Sutton dances her way to Spain In June, sophomore Shelby Sutton went to Ohio for the Dance USA Nationals. The competition was fierce, but Sutton came out on top. She received first overall teen soloist, second runner-up for Miss Teen Dance USA, and second Overall Grand Champion. Sutton also received a scholarship to the Broadway Dance Center in New York City. Most of the dancers she competed against were from large cities such as New York City and Los Angeles. “I was the only person from the south,” Sutton said. In March, Sutton will travel to Spain to compete on the American Dance Team at the Dance USA World competition.
Oak Grove cross country and track teams received a new addition to their training routine. A recreational walking course has been built on 16th section land between Warrior Lane, Lincoln Road, Hegwood Drive, and the softball facility. Receiving the new trail provided another place to practice as well as another place to hold meets. The trail is also open all Lamar County citizens. “Having a trail will offer the Oak Grove cross country team another place to train that is off of the hard pavements. Running on hard surfaces increases the likelihood of injury, so this trail should help decrease injuries. Also, the trail will be used as part of the race course for cross country meets. “The trail will allow the team to host more events, which should help to
raise money for the program,” Robin Ryder, cross country head coach, said. Bridges are being built, and someday a 15-car parking lot will be constructed with a welcoming board as well as distance markers on the track. The trail, which CROSS COUNTRY TRAIL Running with pride, these cross country members can now run a longer, safer course. is approximately Photo by MARY KATE WALDRON County Board of Supervisors and one mile long, includes two bridges for crossing the Lamar County School District for working together to make this over wet areas. Volunteers, workers, and Oak project a reality,” Ryder said. With Grove students all helped with a new path, the cross country team the completion of the trail. “I will continue to use the trail and would like to thank the Lamar attract more citizens to enjoy it.
Fans make most of moment of silence By: Mary Ryan Karnes Editor
As football season kicks off, fans may notice a change in pre-game tradition. After a legal threat to schools across the nation from an out-of-state organization, prayer over intercom at any public school function has been prohibited. Fans and faithbased groups have taken measures that exercise First Amendment rights without violating the Constitutional principle of separation of church and state. Prior to the Oak Grove-Sumrall game, social media sites like Facebook and Instagram were littered with rumors of prayer prohibition at schools in Lamar County. Concerned members of the Oak
Grove community reported that a moment of silence in remembrance and appreciation of the protective action of the military would replace the traditional pre-game prayer. The status updates and photos encouraged all football fans to recite the Lord’s Prayer during the rumored moment of silence. Within the first few seconds of the silence, spectators on both the home and visiting sides of the field joined voices to recite The Lord’s Prayer. Senior Max Bloomingburg spoke out about prayer in schools and the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer at Oak Grove’s most recent games. “I think that whatever they do, they cannot take the power of our speech away,” Bloomingburg said. “If we unite as a body of Christ we will do God’s will, which is most important.”
New Administration | From Page 1 room for more.” Bob Byrd is also a new OGHS assistant principal this year. Byrd served as Dean of Students prior to this new appointment and gained some administrative experience from that role. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and later earned a Master’s degree from William Carey University. Byrd is
excited to take on a bigger leadership role this year and is looking forward to having a successful year. “I want to help create a positive environment not only for teachers to work in, but also for students to learn in,” Byrd said. Keith Bounds, former LCSD Transportation Director, will be leading the senior class this year. Bounds, a Hattiesburg native, graduated from Oak Grove in 1976,
TOGETHER IN PRAYER Seniors MacAlister Parker (left) and Max Bloomingburg (right) recite the Lord’s Prayer aloud during the “moment of silence” at the Oak Grove vs. Sumrall football game. Photo by MARY KATE WALDRON
earned his Bachelor of Science degree from William Carey University in 1980, and earned his Master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1986. Bounds is enthusiastic about working with the senior class as they transition from school to career/college and is eager to motivate students along their journey. “It’s not how far we end up in life,” Bounds said. “I like to tell students it’s sometimes how far we’ve come.”
September 11, 2012
Warriors make statement with 2-0 start Favre named new Offensive Coordinator, ESPN visits OG By: Kirk McCarty, Staff Reporter
Oak Grove High School has been greatly involved in the national sports media with the addition of retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre as the new Offensive Coordinator for the high school football team. The addition brought ESPN in to Hattiesburg for a visit and a chance to sit down with Favre for an exclusive interview. Ed Werder, an ESPN reporter since 1998, sat down with Favre to talk about everything from Peyton Manning returning to the NFL and Andrew Luck on his rookie year in Indianapolis to his competitive edge as a high school football coach. Werder has covered NFL football since 1984 when he was a Denver Broncos beat writer for The Boulder Daily Camera. Werder worked his way up the reporting food chain until he reached the top with ESPN in 1998. He has covered Brett Favre in some respect ever since Favre’s first year in Green Bay in 1992. Werder recalled his favorite memory of Favre when late in his career a teammate said that he had lost the zip on his passes, and
Brett challenged them all to meet him in the parking lot after the game to see if they could catch it. It’s safe to say no one showed up. Oak Grove football will most likely continue to be a hot topic in any sports talk as Favre embarks on his second rookie season of his career, but this time on the sidelines as a coach.
OAK GROVE A column higlighting Oak Grove’s exemplary student-athletes
By: Samantha Papp Staff Reporter
By: Tyler Lee, Staff Reporter
WARRIORS IN ACTION Top: Jonathan McNair scores a touchdown in a 30-20 win over the Purvis Tornadoes Bottom: Oak Grove’s Ethan Allen, junior linebacker, wraps up a Purvis player. | Photos by MARY KATE WALDRON
quarter, the Warriors found some magic with a trick play to drive down field and score. After taking the lead 23-20, Picasso Nelson returned an interception of 35 yards to seal the game. Kirk McCarty put up more great numbers accounting for 197 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns. The Warriors continued their season with a bye week before they took on the Laurel Tornadoes, who the Warriors defeated 17-3 last year. (article published 9/7/12)
OGHS volleyball: new coach, new attitude Coach Kelsea Seymour, former setter for the University of Southern Mississippi’s volleyball team, has taken over as the new OGHS volleyball head coach. Seymour is a 2012 USM graduate and brings extensive experience to Oak Grove. She was named 2012 MVP, C-USA Setter of the Year, First Team All-C-USA, and USM Female Student-Athlete of the year. The Warrior volleyball team is scheduled to play 26 games this season with several tournaments. The team is off to a great start with a 9-1 record and an ultimate goal of making it to the final state competition. “I believe Coach Seymour has been great with pushing us
WE ARE
Warriors start season off strong
Oak Grove football came into the year with no true identity; no one knew what to expect from a team returning only three starters from last season. The Warriors proved themselves in no time. Oak Grove started the season with a 64-6 pummeling of Sumrall, and the team showed that they still have their signature high-powered spread offense. The Warriors were quiet in the first quarter, only scoring one TD, but turned on their game in the second quarter, in which they tacked on an impressive 34 points. The Warrior offense was led by junior quarterback Kirk McCarty, who tallied 199 yards of total offense and four touchdowns. The defense also showed its speed with four sacks in the first half alone along with two interceptions returned for touchdowns. In game two Oak Grove’s offense struck immediately, scoring on their first drive. Purvis answered back with a touchdown of their own while Oak Grove’s offense stalled in the middle of the game, not scoring again until late in the ALL-STAR INTERVIEW third quarter. Trailing Ed Werder, ESPN NFL Correspondent, sits down with Brett Favre in the OG locker room to discuss his new 16-9 in the fourth role as Offensive Coordinator for the Warriors. | Photo by CAROLINE PRUITT
By: Caitlynn Broome Staff Reporter
sports 3
to where we need to be to compete for state this year. She has really worked with our individual skills to help us be the best team we know we can be,” Catherine Smith, senior right side hitter, said. Seymour started the volleyball season off right by making the team adapt to new training techniques that have proved to be an asset so far this season. Unlike past seasons, the team worked out during the summer several days a week to get in shape. Once the school year started, they began working out every day after school for several hours. All of their hard work is sure to pay off as they face off against district rival Meridian on September 13th and Terry on September 17th.
AK-47 STRIKES AGAIN Anna Kate Karstens, sophomore middle-hitter, spikes earlier this season in a win at the Petal tournament. Photo by MARY KATE WALDRON
Dana Dillistone has been running cross country and track since her eighth grade year. Since joining the team, she has accomplished the following: she has gone to state for track in the 800 meter race twice, been an All-State runner twice, and won too many first/second place awards to count. Dillistone has never received anything lower than an A on a report card, even though she takes almost all the AP classes Oak Grove has to offer. Dillistone is a member of BETA Club, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, First Priority, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Key Club. How is it possible to manage such a multitude of activities? “I can’t spend too much time on one activity,” Dillistone said. “I focus on schoolwork, then running. Freshman year I was in band along with all my other activities, and that was too much. I had to prioritize.” Dillistone spends two hours per night on homework and runs daily during fourth block and on the weekends. As expected, her success did not come overnight. During the summer, when most people prefer air conditioning over the infamous Mississippi heat, Dillistone is outside running. If there is a football game the Friday prior to a meet, Dillistone cannot stay the entire time. “My sophomore year I had to miss the homecoming game because of a meet the next day. It was difficult for me because all my friends were going,” Dillistone said. According to Dillistone, the extra work and sacrifices are worth the effort. “I find cross country and track very rewarding,” Dillistone said. “They have taught me determination, perseverance, and dedication.” Dillistone has done much more than simply excel in school and sports. Through her impeccable schoolwork, athletic triumphs, and extreme dedication to everything she does, Dillistone has shown what true Warriors are made of. Dana Dillistone is Oak Grove.
FALL SPORTS PREVIEW SWIMMING
By: Mary Kate Waldron, Staff Reporter
CROSS COUNTRY
Coach: Nora Rapetti
Coach: Robin Ryder
Last year the girls’ swim team finished 2nd at South State. This year’s team has 36 swimmers including senior captains Hayley Higgason and Tyler Johnson and junior captains Kelli Fowler and Taylor Venatta.
Two stand-out runners for this year’s team are Will Murphey and Christie Stricker. Murphey won 1st at State last year, and Stricker was an overal winner at the Mississippi State Games.
Upcoming Schedule: 9/15 - OG @ Vicksburg 9/22 - OG @ Laurel 10/1 - Head-to-Head @ Laurel 10/6 - OG @ Biloxi 10/20 - OG @ South State 11/3 - State Competition
Upcoming Schedule: 9/22 - Screaming Eagle Festival @ Van Hook 9/29 - Poplarville @ PRCC 10/6 - Watson Ford/MS College @ Choctaw Trails 10/20 - Ocean Springs Invitational @ Ocean Spring HS 11/10 - State Competition @ Choctaw Trails *Regionals will fall between Ocean Springs and State.
FOOTBALL Record: 2-0 Upcoming Schedule: 8/17 8/24 9/07 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/19 10/26 11/2
Sumrall Purvis Laurel @ Gulfport Forest Hill @ Petal Meridian @ Terry Brandon Hattiesburg @ Natchez
VOLLEYBALL Record: 9-1 Upcoming Schedule:
W 64-6 W 30-20
9/13 9/18 9/20 9/27 10/2 10/4 10/9
Meridian @ Sumrall @ PCS @ Harrison @ Hattiesburg @ Petal @ Hancock
September 11, 2012
4 opinion
By: Lauren English, Staff Reporter
School is for reading, writing, and arithmetic, not rocking the runway.
E
Comfort
very day as I walk down the hallway, I am amazed at the polished girls with hair perfectly straightened, makeup expertly applied, and skirts neatly pressed. They look like they have stepped out of a Tommy Hilfiger ad, and I admire them for that. At the same time, however, I wonder how these girls find the time to primp and polish while I can barely roll out of bed, grab breakfast, and bolt into the classroom proclaiming, “I AM NOT TARDY!” I tend to get comments from certain teachers like, “Maybe you could run a brush through your hair,” or “Wearing that sweatshirt for the third time this week?” I always respond with the phrase, “It’s comfortable.” Have you ever been sitting in class, in a skirt, and wondering if you should cross your ankles? Every time I wear a skirt, I am faced with this continuing problem. If you cross your legs, someone might see more than they need to, but crossing at the ankles is extremely uncomfortable. I try to fix this problem by wearing shorts underneath my skirt because they are a more comfortable solution. They’re great for those random moments when someone says they don’t know how to do a cartwheel, and you know that you are the only person who can tumble in your history class. Those are the
C
Y
little moments that require being comfortable, unless you want to take a trip to see Mrs. Sandifer. As you age and high school becomes very repetitive and feels more like a prison than a learning center, it seems that you start caring about important things like sleep over decency. Math homework exceeds 100 problems, and sleep ceases to exist. You get to a point where you fall out of bed and put on the same outfit you wore yesterday and maybe even the day before that. My advice to the underclassmen: get comfortable, don’t waste your time picking out a cute outfit and styling your hair. Save your adorable selves for another day, but not a rainy day. When you make yourself look gorgeous once in a blue moon, people will notice and be amazed. For now, however, start rocking the sweatshirt and put the flat iron down.
omfort and style are two very different choices that concern how you dress, act, and feel. If you come to school dressed in a sweatshirt and shorts, you’re leaning more toward the comfortable side of school clothes. But if you come to school “dressed-to-the-T” everyday in a skirt and designer brand polo, you love the stylish side of dress code. Let’s see which style is more important to these students: style or comfort? Compiled by LUCY PRUITT Photos by MARY KATE WALDRON
By: Miranda Rester, Editor
S
tyle is one of the most basic forms of self-expression. With uniforms, it’s even more important to dress in a way that expresses who you are. If Oak Grove didn’t have uniforms, or even a dress code, most girls walking down the halls would still be wearing the same outfit. We Oak Grove girls love our Nike shorts and tank tops. It’s a comfortable and cute outfit, but it doesn’t say much about the person wearing it. When you switch it up every now and then, you can tell people a lot about yourself without ever saying a word. Purple shorts say, “I’m fun and spunky.” Crop tops say, “I’m young, wild, and free.” Sweatshirts say, “I just woke up, and I don’t really remember if I brushed my teeth this morning.” So which would you rather hear while you’re out: “You look so cute and stylish,” or “You look really comfortable?” Whenever
“A little bit of both. I try to be comfortable but stylish at the same time.” MARY MORGAN GRATWICK
9th grade
“Comfort, because it’s easier to concentrate.”
HAVEN OVERSTREET
10th grade
If I can sleep in your outfit, you’re doing something wrong.
someone tells me I look “comfortable,” I become slightly offended. It’s basically a universal way of saying, “Your outfit looks like something I would sleep in.” We all have our days when we simply need to wear a sweatshirt and shorts to class and just try to make it through the day or, in my case, the week. The past few weeks, I wore a gray sweatshirt and black shorts every single day. I was sick and didn’t feel like bothering with my usual morning routine. When I started to feel well again, however, I took down my sock bun and traded in my sweatshirt for a polo. Whenever you start a career and enter the real world, you usually can’t decide to just be lazy and throw on a sweatshirt to go to work, so why make a habit of it now? Take a break from sleeping the morning away and tossing your hair into a messy bun. Set your alarm an hour earlier, fix your hair exactly how you like it, put on your make-up until you feel like a super model, tuck your polo into your favorite u n i f o r m skirt, put on some cute accessories, and walk down Oak Grove High School’s hallways like it’s your own personal runway.
“Comfort, because I sleep a lot in class.” “Comfort, because if you’re comfortable, you learn better.” HUNTER FREDERICKS
11th grade
OPINION
How do you dress for school?
GARRETT HIMES 12th grade
“Style, because I like people to look good, not sloppy.” AUSTIN QUERNS
10th grade
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.thewarriorbeat.com Editors Mary Ryan Karnes Miranda Rester Staff Andrew Adams, Staff Reporter Caitlynn Broome, Staff Reporter Nan Buti, Staff Reporter Olivia Diaz, Staff Reporter Lauren English, Staff Reporter Jordan Farrar, Graphic Designer Morgan Guess, Staff Reporter Elizabeth Lee, Staff Reporter Tyler Lee, Staff Reporter Nathan Maxwell, Staff Reporter Kirk McCarty, Staff Reporter Samantha Papp, Staff Reporter Taylor Parsons, Staff Reporter Lucy Pruitt, Staff Reporter Mary Kate Waldron, Photographer Katie Williams, Staff Reporter Adviser - Joy Davis
September 11, 2012
opinion 5
LETTERS TO
Lola Armed and Dangerous?
Letters to Lola is an advice column for students seeking help. Lola will tr y to answer all questions unless they are denied publishing.
Dear Lola,
My BFF is going on a date with my cr ush since sixth g rade. HELP! Sincerely, Loveless Loser
Dear Loveless Loser,
By: Samantha Papp Staff Reporter
I
n our society, the extent to which guns can harm people has seemingly been forgotten. Guns have become less of a deadly weapon and more of a superficial toy used for recreational purposes. According to www.reuters. com, the United States has 90 guns for every 100 citizens, making it the most heavily armed country in the world. Approximately 34 gun deaths occur per day in America, and gun abuse is one of the ten leading causes of death in the United States. While numerous laws in regard to public gun usage are supposedly enforced, many people blatantly ignore them. In the past few years, especially in light of the recent massacres in Aurora, Colorado, and Manhattan, New York, it has become apparent that our current laws on public gun usage are not sufficient enough to protect the people of our country. Guns should not be illegal; after all, President James Madison ratified the second amendment 221 years ago which reads, “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” If someone’s way of protecting himself/herself includes keeping a gun in an easily accessible place, that is his/her decision. However, in public areas, the choice no longer belongs to the individual. While there are laws prohibiting guns in public, there is really nothing stopping anyone from committing such a felony. What’s to stop a man like James Holmes from walking into a midnight showing of The Dark Knight and killing 12 people? What’s to stop a man like Jeffrey Johnson from shooting nine of his former co-workers in front of
the Empire State Building? Nothing. There was no way for anyone to have known that these men were carrying weapons designed for destruction. The fact that there is nothing stopping this type of harm from occurring should be enough to prove that we do not have strict enough regulations. Solutions to this problem are to implement more metal detectors in public areas and regulate the selling and purchasing of personal weapons more strictly. If there were metal detectors in every highly-populated area, the 51 major shootings since 1996, including Columbine and Virginia Tech, could have been avoided. A New York City undercover investigation conducted in 2011 revealed 62 percent of online sellers agreed to sell a firearm to a person who said he/she wouldn’t be able to pass a background check. In 2001, New York City private investigators unveiled that 82 percent of integrity tests taken on Craigslist are failed; yet, the purchases are still processed as if a background check was passed without any complication. If every gun purchase required a background check, regardless of the type of sale, the access criminals have to buying guns illegally could be reduced. Although these two solutions are sure to lessen the amount of gun abuse, they would not completely wipe it out. There will always be people who find ways to avoid the law, and there will always be people who are determined to bring violence into the lives of others. However, if the time was taken to enforce new laws that regulated public gun usage, it would decrease the amount of gun violence in the United States, thus making our country safer.
pgrade or dow grade? By: Morgan Guess Staff Reporter
Out with the old and in with the new, or rather out with the new and in with the old. It seems the vests sadly have not come to stay. Although they were only in action for a short time, the vests made an atrocious fashion statement and left an unsanitary mark on the student body. The familiar apple never gets old as it makes its way back into the hands of students as a trusty and permanent hall pass.
Adios neon vests and hola apples? upgrade
downgrade Two extra minutes for lunch? From a new faculty to a new cafeteria and hallway, Oak Grove is constantly changing. Some changes, however, are not for the best. For most of the student body, the previous 30-minute advisor time was considered a time to listen to announcements, study, do homework, or simply relax before beginning another two-hour class. It was convenient for students and teachers alike. It gave time to finish makeup work and helped students learn new concepts more thoroughly. The new ten-minute homeroom is inconvenient and not enough time to get anything accomplished.
F irst of all, you are not a loveless loser. You have a love; he/she is just not quite “yours” right now, and that does not make you a loser! I think it makes you patient. Tell your friend how you feel. T r ust me, if you two are honest with each other and sincerely care about your friendship, she will appreciate your telling her and will possibly cancel the date or stop this f ling before it becomes serious. If you just watch it happen, it will cause a rif t in your friendship, and you will be brokenhear ted. Always remember that tr ue friendship is honest and open. XOXO, Lola
Dear Lola,
Sometimes I feel invisible at school, either because I am cr ushed between students in the hallways or because no one, including my teachers, notices me. What can I do to be seen in such a big school? Sincerely, Shadow
Dear Shadow,
Ever yone feels invisible at some point in his/her life, no matter how many people notice him/her. Talk to people, and make yourself known. That doesn’t mean you need to be obnoxiously loud. Just be friendly and talk to people! Also, be involved in activities that will allow you to hang out with people. Oak Grove of fers a variety of teams and clubs that cover just about any hobby. This will allow you to make connections with people that have the same interests as you. As for your being trampled in the hallway, latch on to a tall person (and I literally mean latch on to someone’s backpack). They will car r y you safely through the sea of big people. XOXO, Lola
If you’d like to submit a question to Lola, please e-mail it to warriorbeat@gmail.com.
Check out our blog! www.thewarriorbeat.com
Oak Grove goes from WDAM to ESPN this football season. The student body has not only gained a new principal and an interesting array of new teachers, but also Super Bowl champion and three-time MVP Brett Favre as Offensive Coordinator for the football team. Favre led the Warriors with two wins to start off a successful football season. He shares as much enthusiasm as the players on the field and is hopefully here to stay.
NFL pro turned high school football coach?
upgrade
downgrade Did they just call us a land mass? The Weather Channel sparked outrage in Mississippi residents when reporters referred to the state as the “land mass” between New Orleans and Mobile while tracking Tropical Storm Isaac across the Gulf. After multiple Facebook pages and t-shirts began emerging online about the land mass issue, the Weather Channel showed its love for Mississippi by traveling to Biloxi for live weather updates. However the Weather Channel tries, the damage has already been done, and many Mississippians lashed out by not supporting the NBC-owned channel.
Read news stories, features, sports, and editorials from current and past issues.
www.twitter.com/thewarriorbeat
6 insider
OG teachers, students adjust to change New teachers get used to life in the Grove By: Katie Williams | Staff Reporter
In order to accommodate a growing number of students, Oak Grove High School has hired 18 new teachers. Among these teachers are Michelle Sisson, Robert Burgess, and Apryle Douglas. Burgess teaches U.S. History, but he is not actually new to Oak Grove. He graduated in from OGHS 1999 with the last class to graduate from the old campus, now known as Oak Grove Middle School. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in History. From there, he and his wife moved to England where they taught for three years. “I must admit, I was a little intimidated by the size of the school, but I feel very welcomed so far,” Burgess said. Michelle Sisson teaches Anatomy and Physiology and Intro to Biology. She graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and holds an undergraduate degree in Biology Pre-Medicine and a Master’s degree in Biology Medication. She previously taught ninth grade science at
Bottenfield Junior High and Gardendale High School in the Birmingham, Alabama, area. “My favorite part about Oak Grove is being able to teach what I love and being where my son goes to school,” Sisson said. She has two sons: Cole Sisson, sophomore, and Cameron Sisson, fourth grader. Apryle Douglas teaches one of the more rigorous courses offered at Oak Grove: Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry, and she will be teaching Algebra II in the spring semester. She graduated from William Carey University, majoring in Mathematics with a minor in business. Prior to coming to Oak Grove, she taught for five years in Fort Worth, Texas, and last year, she taught part-time at Sumrall High School. “Oak Grove has been great. Everyone is so friendly and helpful,” Douglas said. Burgess, Sisson, and Douglas have felt the hospitality of students and faculty at Oak Grove, and now they are a part of Warrior Nation.
September 11, 2012 7
California girl teaches Mississippi Studies By: Lucy Pruitt | Staff Reporter
Most Oak Grove students enter the Mississippi Studies class with a basic knowledge of the state’s history, and they typically expect their teacher to be equally familiar. Kelsea Seymour, first-year teacher assigned to MS Studies and head volleyball coach, grew up in Long Beach, California. Moving all the way across the country to go to college was a big decision, but the University of Southern Mississippi offered her a full athletic scholarship. She decided it was worth the visit, and fell in love with the school and the surrounding area. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to to consider myself a southern girl. I love it here, but I think I will always be a ‘Cali Girl’ at heart,” Seymour said. She competed at the Division One Collegiate Level in volleyball and was recognized over 40 times
students are awesome, a little loud for her academic and athletic at times, but still awesome.” performances at USM. “My biggest In her first semester as a coach/ accomplishment is being hired and teacher, Seymour is teaching given the opportunity to teach Mississippi Studies and World and coach at the high school level,” Geography. “I don’t Seymour said. “I am I love the south, think it’s difficult so blessed to have the opportunity to but I think I will teaching Mississippi collaborate with always be a Cali Studies even though I didn’t grow up here,” such a great group girl at heart. Seymour said. “I have of teachers and - Kelsea Seymour to study a bit more students.” before I teach every Even though she lesson, but I love learning about is adjusting to a new environment, the history of the state I now call she admires the academic home.” determination of her students. Seymour played volleyball for 11 “I chose to work in education years while growing up in California, because I wanted to share my and her experience in the sport is passion for learning as well as be in a position to share my knowledge evident. She was her team’s setter, FROM CALIFORNIA TO MISSISSIPPI and love for volleyball. Teaching the member of the team that New teacher Kelsea Seymour helps freshmen Amy Chance with her Mississippi history isn’t as intimidating as I thought it determines which play the team classwork. | Photo by MARY KATE WALDRON would be,” Seymour said. “All of my runs.
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New J-Hall teachers attempt to stay afloat in crowded halls By: Caitlynn Broome | Staff Reporter
NEW TEACHERS ADJUST New teacher Staci Plunk teaches the rules of the English language to her ninth grade students. Photo by MARY KATE WALDRON
Welcome to OGHS Austin Alexander Robert Burgess Kelly Bush Alana Donohue Apryle Douglas Kylee Dueitt Mark Holcomb Daniel Lanterman Jamie Mattocks
Debbie Miller Tammy Pigott Staci Plunk Kara Robinson Kelsea Seymour Michael Simmons Michelle Sisson Shelley Songy Kory Thigpen
Get to know some new Warriors By: Miranda Rester, Editor | Photos by Mary Kate Waldron
Q: Where did you transfer from and why? A: I transferred from Sumrall Junior High School because my dad teaches here. It just made more sense for all of us to be at the same school.
A: It makes my life so much easier because I don’t have to ride the bus or wait in the gym. Oak Grove’s so much bigger than Sumrall, so he’s basically on the other side of the world here.
TEACHERS ON THE MOVE Alana Donohue battles the crowded hallways while making her way to her next class. | Photo by MARY KATE WALDRON
Eighteen teachers are floating the halls of Oak Grove High this year due to lack of classroom space. The modulars will not be ready for a few more weeks, so some teachers have had no choice but to teach out of a cart. Jamie Mattocks, who is new to the Oak Grove faculty and teaches Spanish, has taught for 14 years in a classroom in Atlanta, Georgia, and this will be her first year with a cart. “If I have extra time at the end of a lesson, I don’t have my fall-back materials. If I had a classroom, I could easily get
my information. That’s my biggest obstacle,” Mattocks said. Since Mattocks does not have a classroom to complete her lesson plans, she has chosen to take her plans home and organize them there. “Floating is difficult, but it is not impossible,” Mattocks said. Kara Robinson, a floater and new to the Oak Grove staff, teaches government, economics, and world geography. Robinson is not only new to Oak Grove but also to the teaching profession. “I was already nervous for it being my first year, and finding out I
Meet Elizabeth Magee, 9th school in Waynesboro? A: My school was really small, so I have to get used to being in a bigger school. Surprisingly, even though this school is so much bigger, the people here are much friendlier.
Q: How is OG different from your former
Q: You played baseball at Presbyterian Christian School. Have you joined Oak Grove’s baseball team? A: I have. It’s a lot of fun, and it made getting to know people here much easier. I got to hang out with most of them over the summer.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about OG? A: The student section here is awesome. It’s full of energy, which makes the games even more exciting.
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Meet Matthew Graves, 11th
Meet Josh Craft, 12th
1. Darren Dale 2. Alana Donohue 3. Apryle Douglas 4. Daralyn Hayes 5. Jesse Lang 6. Shane Magee 7. Jamie Mattocks 8. Kevin Mauldin 9. Staci Plunk 10. Gaye Purvis 11. Lexey Robinett 12. Kara Robinson 13. Robin Ryder 14. Mark Swindle 15. Jane Thomas 16. Zane Thomas 17. Melanie Walters 18. Brandon Webb
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OG Floaters
Follow a floater
Q: How does having your dad as a teacher here affect you?
Q: What’s it like transferring right after you go through freshman year? A: It’s really scary. It’s like being a freshman all over again because you don’t know where anything is; you also don’t know any students or teachers.
was going to be a floater made me more nervous,” Robinson said. Unlike Mattocks, Robinson chooses to complete her lesson plans during her planning period in one of the teacher work rooms. Even though Robinson was nervous about being a floater, she quickly realized floating is easier than she thought it would be. The number of floaters will decrease once some move into the new modulars. But until then, teachers will continue battling to rush through crowded hallways and dealing with the inconvenience of rolling carts.
Key: Q: What clubs and activities did you participate in at your school in North Carolina, and have you continued them here? A: I did football, golf, Spirit Club, Beta Club, National Honors Society, Science National Honors Society, Interact Club, which is similar to Junior Civitan Club, and International Club. Here, I’m only doing
football, Beta Club, Key Club, First Priority, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Q: Did your old school have senior traditions like OG has? A: We did a senior prank and were big into spirit stuff. I’ve started to adopt some of OG’s senior traditions such as the caravan on the first day and running the halls.
Alana Donohue Kara Robinson Staci Plunk Brandon Webb
September 11, 2012
8 features
manager, the Warrior of the team.” Foley is very confident he football team would has gained that respect, and he’s correct. be in a category all its “Not only does the team respect him, own. Michael Foley is but the coaches have built up a level in his second full year of respect for Foley because he’s such a as the team manager, great kid; he will give you anything he’s and his performance worth. He’s never asked us for a thing, is bar none. “Foley is and he says thank you for everything he more than a manager,” is given,” Deleon said. Coach Bobby DeLeon This respect is very rare among high said. DeLeon enjoys school football teams; most schools the time he spends wouldn’t embrace a manager like the working with Foley, or Warriors have with Foley, but most “Coach Folicheck” as teams don’t have a manger who could he is known around the compare to him. Foley doesn’t plan to MANAGER IN ACTION field house for his fierce stop after he graduates this year. He said Michael Foley gets things prepped on the sidelines as the Warriors prepare for their next matchup on the field. | Photo by MARY KATE WALDRON that he hopes to love for manage a team in the New Not only does the team By: Kirk McCarty England Patriots and head college, preferably respect him, but the coaches Staff Reporter coach Bill Bellicheck. “I’ve have built up a level of respect at The University In any sport, on any team, fans come found Foley in the back of Southern of Foley because he’s such a to watch the players and judge their washing clothes, folding Mississippi, great kid,” performance. Ultimately, the players’ shirts, putting up jerseys, before he moves - Coach DeLeon game performance does determine the getting pants ready at seven on to bigger and team’s success, but every sports team is or eight o’clock at night,” Deleon said. better things as a manager in the NFL. compiled of more than just the players. In between organizing equipment “Hopefully, I’ll manage the Patriots or Coaches, trainers, film crew, and and fixing shoulder pads, Foley can be the Lions, but I’ll take any team that managers also play a key role in the success seen walking around the field house with offers me $80,000 a year.” Michael Foley or failure of a team. If its success were his signature mini David Ortiz baseball could be the first Oak Grove product to measured only on the performance of its bat which he carries “to gain the respect make it to the top of the football food chain in the NFL.
SOMETHING NEW IS BREWING
all the way from the other side of Hattiesburg and beyond just to get a taste of Java Moe’s coffee. In the weeks prior to Java Moe’s grand opening, Java Moe’s Coffee Company is Oak Grove’s newest social media was abuzz with anticipation. The Facebook and only drive-through coffee shop. Opened at the and Twitter pages gained over 1,000 followers each beginning of this past July by Oak Grove High School before the shop’s windows even opened for the first alumnus and former Warrior Beat editor Kent McCarty, time, and in return for their support his father Morgan McCarty, and on the internet, each follower was We have been really Chuck Bennett, the shop has seen impressed and pleased with offered a special half-off deal for success that exceeded expectations. how good business has been the entire menu on the day of the Since Seattle Drip closed earlier this grand opening. “We have been really since the shop opened,” year, the caffeine-driven community of impressed and pleased with how - Kent McCarty, Owner Oak Grove has missed having a quick good business has been since the shop cup of coffee available in a convenient opened,” Kent McCarty said. location, so they welcomed the new business with open Although Java Moe’s is a new business, its menu is arms; some customers have even shared that they drove certainly impressive, and the quality of the drinks is even said to rival a certain nationwide coffeehouse chain synonymous with overpriced lattes and snobby baristas (side note: Java Moe’s employees are the friendliest, sharpest, most skilled baristas around). When you stop by, be sure to check out the full menu including signature drinks like the Cinnamon Delight, Honeysuckle, Turtle, Dark or White Chocolate Mocha, and the bestselling Java Moe—white chocolate and caramel. These drinks can all be
“COACH FOLICHECK” Manager Michael Foley puts the same intensity into his work during pregame as he does observing the team from the sidelines. | Photos by MARY KATE WALDRON
By: Elizabeth Lee Staff Reporter
COFFEE MAKES YOU A GENIUS! 25% OFF PURCHASE
Present ad at time of purchase.
LOVE COFFEE, LOVE PEOPLE Java Moe’s part-owner Kent McCarty greets his customers with a warm cup of joe. Photo by MARY KATE WALDRON
made iced, hot, or frozen, and coffee is available in the form of a latte, cappuccino, Americano, au lait, and regular drip coffee. Frappes are blended in a variety of flavors as well, and drinks like hot chocolate, real fruit smoothies, frozen lemonade, flavored iced tea, hot tea, and Chai tea are offered as coffee alternatives. Baked goods including blueberry and banana nut muffins, made-from-scratch lemon bars, and snickerdoodle, double chocolate chip, and oatmeal raisin cookies are delicious treats that Java Moe’s serves to complement your caffeine. Located in the former Seattle Drip building off of Highway 98, Java Moe’s is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Also, be sure to check out the second location, which will open in the next few weeks, in the other former Seattle Drip building in the Westwood Square shopping center parking lot in front of Oscar’s and Rite Aid, and like and follow Java Moe’s on Facebook and Twitter to receive updates like the drink of the week, special deals, and more.
September 11, 2012
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genetic, in the brain at various levels from prenatal through childhood development. Many students at OGHS have dyslexia. The other type, acquired dyslexia, is Symptoms of dyslexia include difficulty caused by brain trauma that may occur determining the meaning of a simple prenatally or after birth, which leads sentence, difficulty learning to recognize to similar behavioral characteristics of written words, trouble rhyming, and, of developmental SLDs (Specific Learning course, simply not being able to read at Disabilities). I was diagnosed dyslexic in primary all - a problem I know all too well. Dyslexia, often called DRD school, and it continues to be a challenge. (Developmental Reading Disorder) is For me, spelling and reading are the a disease that changes the way one sees toughest obstacles in school. When I’m reading, letters and words words, which becomes zone out, or everything an obstacle for reading The worst part of having runs together. Freshman and math. This problem dyslexia is when I get Lucy Pruitt, a student occurs when the brain called on to read in front without dyslexia, offered cannot adequately of the class.” her perception of the interpret language. Field Bennett, junior disorder: “I think it means Commonly perceived as when letters get turned a vision problem, dyslexia around and mixed up in peoples minds, is actually a cognitive disorder. There are and it makes it a lot harder to read,” Those two main types of dyslexia: developmental and acquired. Developmental dyslexia is without dyslexia often think that p’s and caused by biological anomalies, usually q’s along with d’s and b’s look similar to those who have the disorder. People with By: Andrew Adams Staff Reporter
dyslexia see in different ways. Field Bennett, junior, has dyslexia, and it affects his everyday life. “The worst part of having dyslexia is when I get called on to read in front of the class. It’s probably the worst thing that can happen to me,” Bennett said. He always tells fellow students that if he makes an error while reading to blame it on his dyslexia. Bennett has spent his educational life in special classes to overcome the disorder. “I went to dyslexia-specific classes from kindergarten until fifth grade. I still struggle with it a lot, but those classes really helped,” Bennett said.
For dyslexic students, both math and reading are major struggles. Depending on the person, though, math can be easier than reading. “There are more letters in reading, and with math, things do get mixed up, but it’s a lot easier because with a calculator, it kind of lowers the struggle,” Bennett said. Occasionally, people who are not diagnosed dyslexics will claim to have dyslexic tendencies because they scramble words and numbers in school or at work. Most of the time, their “dyslexia” can be attributed to careless error, but some actually do suffer from the disorder.
OG students #swerve to new music careers What’s APPening? By: Taylor Parsons Staff Reporter
Swerve - to turn aside or be turned from a straight course; swag reinvented. Will Moreau Murphey and Deriyus Magee, otherwise known as Moreau Murphey and D-Cash, disagree with the dictionary on an exact definition of what exactly it means to swerve. On July 19th, the Magee/Murphey duo released their most popular song “Swerve.” The
music video, directed by Murphey, was released four days later, after three hours of filming and six hours of editing. Since its release, the video has had over 2,000 views on YouTube. Murphey’s success is remarkable, considering that he has only been rapping a year. Magee, however, has been rapping since he was a child. Rapping is something that Murphey and his friends do to keep entertained, along with playing Xbox. “It’s pretty much just a movement
SWERVE SUPPORT Students support the swerve movement by showing off their purchased merchandise from the Swerve website. | Submitted Photos
because of all of our fans’ support. It’s really becoming one,” Magee said. The fans’ support is part of what motivates them to keep making music. Those fans have purchased over 30 Swerve t-shirts to support the rappers and their music, raising over $250. “The response is crazy. We never expected this much publicity,” Murphey said, “Big thanks to all who supported us.” For all of the DJ Moreau and D-Cash fans, the duo can now be booked for shows and performances. Hopefully, those shows will lead to even bigger appearances. “I just want to be able to start a tour,” Magee said. Their shows will contain some of their own music, including “Swerve,” and music from their newest, yet to be released album entitled Fate Loves the Fearless, which will also include collaborations with local musician JB Bounds on guitar and vocal. To purchase t-shirts, give donations, or keep up with the music of Moreau Murphey, visit www. MoreauMurpheyProductions.com. “Basically, we just want to keep it original, try new things, and get our names out there,” Murphey said. “We want our music to be heard.”
By: Katie Williams, Staff Reporter
Created by FreshPlanet Inc, Song Pop is a game of music identif ication. P l a y e r s scramble to identify the song clip being played. In each round, five song clips are played from the selected playlist. The object is to try to guess the artist or song being played faster than the opponent. At the end of the round, points are tallied, and a winner is declared. Guessing answers correctly will unlock more songs in that category. You can use Facebook to connect to Android and Apple iOS. You are able to challenge your Facebook friends, or you can let the app select a random opponent for you. For me, the worst part of the game would have to be the somewhat monotonous answers. In some rounds, the answer is blatantly obvious. This can make the game boring. All in all, Song Pop is worth a download. The variety of categories will keep every player, 7 to 70, occupied for hours.
COLLEGE SEARCH Mississippi State University
William Carey University
Tuition and fees Application Fee - $40 In-State Tuition and Fees - $4,978 Average Financial Aid Package - $4,907 Housing On-campus housing - Approximately $8,160
Tuition and fees Application Fee - $40 Tuition - $9,015 Percent of students on financial aid - 89% Housing On-campus housing - Approximately $637.50 per trimester
Other SAT or ACT is required, but ACT writing section is optional. Average freshmen enrollment - 2,450 Average indebtness at graduation - $25,261 Student-to-faculty ratio - 20:1 Undergraduate enrollment - 15,543
Other SAT or ACT is required, but ACT writing section is optional. Total enrollment - 2,678 WCU is a private, Baptist university in Hattiesburg, MS. Additional WCU campuses are located in New Orleans, Guilfport, Biloxi (also known as the Tradition campus).
Visit the OGHS Career Center or the school website for information on scholarships. -- Information compiled by Mary Ryan Karnes, Editor
September 11, 2012
10 entertainment
music
Building a
By: Mary Ryan Karnes | Editor
When I was nine years old, my mother introduced me to Songs About Jane, Maroon 5’s debut album. I knew every song and (much to my mom’s chagrin) belted every jazzy tune with as much soul as a fourth grader could. Maroon 5 introduced an elementary me to the in’s and out’s of romance with soulful songs and unapologetic lyrics. Since then I have grown up; however, Maroon 5 seems to have done the opposite. The pop-rock group’s newest album Overexposed is overflowing with catchy, electronically
saturated, unoriginal tracks that detract from the initially genuine image of a previously groundbreaking band. As a whole, the album overexposes the listener to fun, lighthearted tunes and deprives him of depth with paltry attempts at emotion. The most recognizable song on the album, “Payphone” sets the tone for the rest of Overexposed. The song is repetitive, upbeat, and irresistibly easy to remember, but it is also lacking in emotion and similar to every other fastpaced track on the album. Another popular anthem, “One More Night” features
numerous “ooh” interludes that barely count as lyric. In traditional Maroon 5 style, Overexposed is saturated with the spectrum of emotions associated with romance and the pursuit thereof. “Lucky Strike,” an energetic ode to a mysterious girl, is eerily similar to two other tracks on the album: “Doin’ Dirt” and “Tickets.” All three songs are quick, catchy, and full of cheap double-entendres. Throughout its career, Maroon 5 has channeled the power of a memorable chorus, and Overexposed is evidence of stanza strategy. The tracks on the album seem to follow a formula: energetic instrumentals, redundant choruses, and a high-pitched bridge just long enough to showcase lead singer Adam Levine’s Barry Gibb-esque vocal range. Although Overexposed blatantly disregards sensitivity in some songs, other tracks at least attempt to handle heartbreak and longing. Instead of emotion, the listener gets filler lyrics; however, Levine’s voice is strong and makes up for thought-provoking messages with impressive ability.
“Daylight” and “Beautiful Goodbye” are relaxed songs with similar themes and lyrics about separation. In a vague testament to honesty, “The Man Who Never Lied” mainly repeats a chorus that laments the consequences of evading the truth. Perhaps the most rudimentary song on the album is “Sad,” which explores the emotion with a tagline of “I’m so sad.” The message of the album, though, is easily found in “Love Somebody” which reflects a common desire among the majority of humans: to find love, fall in it, and keep it. As evidenced by an album cover depicting a large, whimsical face vomiting colorful goop, Overexposed is to be taken lightly. Even Levine claims, “We thought we’d say it before everyone else did in case we were to become overexposed.” Maybe that’s the point of the crayon monster cover art, mass-produced pop tunes, and sugar-coated ballads. Or maybe the album is just as shallow and non-progressive as the band’s first three were original and groove-worthy.
and melted cheddar cheese. The owners pride themselves in using only the freshest ingredients in their cooking, and their success thus far in their original location has shown that their freshnever-frozen policy and high standards for the food they
serve sets them apart from their competitors. Two Brothers is located in the heart of Oak Grove in the former El Rancho location in West Oaks Shopping Center. Be sure to check out Two Brothers for a casual meal or to catch a football game.
HOURS
By: Tyler Lee Staff Reporter
Two Brothers Grill is the newest addition to Oak Grove’s dining scene. The restaurant’s original location opened in 2011 in Columbia, where it grew in popularity, even with people from the Hattiesburg area, and now brothers Brad and Michael Cornett are opening the new store in Hattiesburg, their hometown. Two Brothers is a casual, laid-back restaurant with a sports bar atmosphere, and its menu includes American food with southern influences, like catfish sandwiches, bacon cheeseburgers, bacon cheese fries, and the most popular menu item, the “soon to be famous” Two Brothers Special, a hamburger adorned with ranch, barbecue sauce, bacon, lettuce, onion, tomato,
food
Monday - Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
BUCKET LIST BY: ELIZABETH LEE Staff Reporter Summer is a magical time to catch up on sleep, spend time with friends, and, most importantly, not be at school. Before school was out last year, I had planned out an extensive summer bucket list to complete so that I could keep myself occupied and do all of these things during those ten carefree weeks, and I am proud to say that the majority of the items on my list got crossed off. In the summer of 2012, I tie-dyed, kayaked, deep-sea fished, got a job, biked on the Longleaf Trace, read a few books, tanned on the beach, took up tennis, and taught myself a few new songs on my piano and mandolin. To kick off this year’s bucket list column, I thought I’d share some of my summer’s experiences in more detail. In June, I attended my first Major League Baseball game and immediately fell in love with the Texas Rangers and everything about them. I still remember everything about the game: the Rangers played the Detroit Tigers at home in Arlington on June 26th. The temperature lingered around 100 degrees even after the sun set. I watched Josh Hamilton hit his first homerun in 11 games. The Rangers beat the Tigers 7-5, and I became a fan. Watching a Major League Baseball game may not have exactly been on my summer bucket list, but it was definitely on my list of things I want to do before I die. Another item I completed on my summer bucket list was more of a challenge I put myself up to. Beginning when school dismissed in May, I gave up carbonated drinks entirely for the break—a tough goal to reach, especially in the time of the year when junk food is most desirable and accessible for us teenagers, I know. However, the longer you go without drinking those sugary, caffeinated, empty calorie-filled beverages, the less you will find yourself wanting that Dr. Pepper. Personally, even though my challenge ended with the return of school, I find myself choosing water over soft drinks now anyway. I don’t miss them at all, and I met my goal without cheating once. I mentioned that I crossed off almost every item on my bucket list. Almost. Items I didn’t cross off (and excuses): waking up by 9:00 every morning (I reiterate: I am a teenager), taking up golf (a set of clubs is more expensive than I anticipated), and visiting the Collins Zoo (wildlife officials seized all the animals and shut it down because of permit violations and animal cruelty—this one I had no control over). Nevertheless, I deem the summer of 2012 a success, and my senior year bucket list is already well on its way to completion.
entertainment 11
September 11, 2012
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SEPTEMBER 2012 SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Southern Miss Cross Country Invitational
Stop by the library because its Read a BOOK month! 1 Volleyball @ Meridian 6:00
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Volleyball vs. Brandon 6:30
School Board Meeting 6:00
ACT Review Science 4:30-7:00 in B113
ACT Review English/Reading 4:30-7:00 in B113
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Volleyball vs. Petal 6:30
Football vs. Laurel
Volleyball vs. Columbia 12:00
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Volleyball vs. Meridian 6:30
Football @ Gulfport
Swim Team @ St. Aloysius Invitational
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Volleyball @ PCHS 6:30
HOMECOMING Swim Team @ Jones
ACT Review Math 4:30-7:00 in A123 Cross Country Gulfport Admiral Invitational Invite
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World Trade Center Remembrance Day
staff playlist “Summer with the Staff ” “Keep It For Your Own” - POP ETC “Gangnam Style” - PSY “Power” - Kanye West “Ice (feat. Lil Wayne)” - Kelly Rowland “15 Step” - Radiohead “Spectrum” - Florence + the Machine “Thinking About You” - Frank Ocean “1 2 Step” - Missy Elliot “Truck Yeah” - Tim McGraw “Jack Sparrow” - Lonely Island “Revolution” - Dr. John “I Will Wait” - Mumford and Sons “Helena Beat” - Foster The People “Drop It Like It’s Hot” - Snoop Dog “Take A Little Ride” - Jason Aldean “Tongue Tied” - Grouplove
Diamond Girl Tryouts (after school)
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Dr. Acosta ACT Review Volleyball @ Sumrall 6:30 5:30-8:30 Payment: See Counselor’s Office.
Football vs. Forest Hill
County Invitational Cross Country Screaming Eagle Festival
UPCOMING RELEASES
Movies Sept 7
The Words, Raiders of the Lost Ark
Sept 14 Resident Evil: Retribution, Finding Nemo 3D
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Dr. Acosta ACT Review Bruckner’s Senior Portraits (during school 5:30-8:30 hours) Payment: See Counselor’s Office. Make-Up Picture Day
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Volleyball @ Harrison Central 6:30
Football @ Petal
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Sept 21 House at the End of the Street, Trouble with the Curve
Sept 28 Hotel Transylvania, Won’t Back Down
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Music Sept 1
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Willow Smith - Knees and Elbows
Sept 3
Two Door Cinema Club - Beacon Lecrae - Gravity Sept 10 Gallows - Gallows The Avett Brothers - The Carpenter Sept 11 Dave Matthews Band - Away From The World The xx - Coexist Bob Dylan - Tempest Sept 25 Mumford & Sons - Babel
Calypso Jo’s Hair & Tan
$5 off wax or hair service
Calypso Jo’s
EXPIRES 12/31/12
Student Tanning
$30.00 one month unlimited
Calypso Jo’s
STYLISTS: Karla Bullock-Graves Mary Ann Matheny Ashley Broom Iva Bounds Heather Kilby
EXPIRES 12/31/12
5925 Old Hwy 11 Hattiesburg, MS 39402 601.268.7299