Northwestern High School | 2503 West Main Street | Rock Hill SC–RH3
Trojan Trumpet NHS students use their music to tell their stories
Volume 3. Issue 2.
by: A. Harbison & A. Douglas
Students deal with everyday struggles such as problems with parents, being a good student ,and having an after school job. They need a break from these struggles and some vent their daily frustrations through art, writing, sports, or maybe even dance. For others, they turn to music when life is getting them down or whenever they have a story that they have to tell. Darius Wade, junior, is apart of the music group YTPF (Young Twisted Panda Force). This group of Northwestern students (Shakeem McCloud, Nolan Alger, Chris Miller, Chaz Strong) came together because of their similar musical interests and their love of making music with each other. “I just want to make music. It doesn’t matter if I become famous, I just want to make music,” Wade stated when asked about his musical ambitions/ goals. Wade, like others, finds that Above is a screen capture of Crucial C’s through his music he can express himself and his ideas, “...music latest single “Realest Girl.” This song and is an outlet, a way to express and explain your feelings.” his other music can be found on his “I grew up listening to music so when I started making mu- YouTube page (KAPXTC). sic and saw I was good at it, I started using it as a release,” sophomore Alger stated. Alger’s music is very important to him because it helps him tell his story to the world. “I write my own music about what I’ve been through in life,” Alger stated. Their music can be found on both SoundCloud and Youtube @YTPFofficial. However, YTPF isn’t the only music group at Northwestern. Another group of students that call themselves KAP (Kids Achieving Prosperity) also write and perform their own original music. Christopher Stockdale (Crucial C), senior, is a member of this group and he uses music to reach other people. “With music you can tell your story of what you’re going through and entertain people,” Stockdale said. KAP’s (Kids Achieving Prosperity) goal is to create a new style of music and spread it around the world. Their music can be found on Youtube at KAPXTC and performances will be coming soon.
Student Review: A History of Broadway
Ragtime served as the inspiration for Northwestern’s musical, A History of Broadway.
by: J. Beckham & S. Wright
A History of Broadway is a production that is based off of the musical Ragtime. Ragtime tells the story of three groups of people in the 20th century: The African Americans, Upper-class suburbanites, and Eastern European immigrants. The historical elements from this original Broadway musical were pulled and created into something for Northwestern High School. Performed by our students in the musical theatre class, this reenactment was used to inspire, motivate, and change the world. When asked about her reasoning behind this musical, Altman said that she chose this selection to challenge the students in her class. She wanted them to study the advanced text, and get in touch with their historical roots. Altman believes that her students deserve a standing ovation for all the hard work they put in with overcoming challenges and technical difficulties that came their way. When asked what she would do differently, Altman stated, “I would not do anything different.” She also said that the cast was very easy to work with. Altman thinks that her students have touched our hearts and inspired us by celebrating differences. Although the play was a success, our perspective differs from that of Mrs. Altman. Due to the historical aspect of the musical, it did not grab our attention as much as a more modern production might. The second act was the performance that we enjoyed the most because it contained songs that we know and love. Overall, we thought the musical was a great success and we enjoyed the different performances. Ultimately, it was a learning experience with a side of entertainment.
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TROJAN NEWS - Editorial
TROJA N TRU MP ET V OLU M E 3. ISSUE 1.
Married teachers make it work by: B. Floyd & B. Adkins Have you ever imagined working with your spouse in the near by future? At Northwestern High School, Bryan and Christy Smith are married and they also work together. Mr. Smith is a Math teacher, coach, happy husband, and proud father. While Mrs. Smith is an English teacher, happy wife, and happy mother. They sat down with Trojan Trumpet reporters and shared their experiences. Earlier in Mrs. Smith's career, she worked for an insurance business and later transitioned to teaching. At the start of her teaching career she worked for a high school in Charlotte. In 2012, Mrs. Smith began working at Northwestern and became co-workers with her husband, who has been teaching at NHS for 15 years. Although they now work together, Mr. and Mrs. Smith still try to maintain their own personal lives. They drive separate vehicles to work, work in different departments, and eat at different times. They often don't see each other while at work because they have such different schedules. Independently, Mrs. Smith goes shopping, cooks, travels, and they even cheer for different college football teams. While Mr. Smith coaches two sports, football and softball, and also is a proud helper of FCA. Mrs. Smith enjoys working with her spouse because “...when I forget Family photo courtesy of The my lunch money, he is always there with his wallet handy." She also stated that Smiths she could use his copies. Mr. Smith on the other hand thinks that a benefit of working at the same place of his spouse is that they have the same days off so it is easier to plan vacations. Even though it can be difficult working with your spouse, there are many ways to make the experience worthwhile. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been able to find a situation that works well for them and makes them happy. In any career, there can be complications or issues that arise, but when working with your best friend/ partner, you will always have someone there who can understand what you're going through both at work and at home.
From blow out to fro out: Hair trends at NHS by: M. Crawford & S. McCloud There are many types of unique hairstyles at NHS. Hair trends have changed from afros to braids and from long hair to short hair. Some males like a type of barbered cut called the temp fade or go with the popular “natural” look. The natural, messy look for males is really trendy. “I just like letting it grow out,” says freshman Trey McCullough. The trend for other males at Northwestern is a hairstyle called the ‘flow’,” said sophomore Will Rhodes. This hair style calls for males to grow long hair and wear hats or head bands to complement their added length. The females of NHS seem to be interested in dying their hair tropical colors like greens, pinks, and blues. Ombre is also another popular coloring trend. To achieve the In the photo above, junior Alissa ombre-look, females dye the ends of their hair where it fades darker or lighter than their Mingo shows off her Ombre root color. Junior Melanie Camargo says, “It’s different; it seems really popular for girls.” styled hair. Below is a picture of junior Logan Welborn sporting However, some females like Carmen Rea (11) and Areon Cox (9) prefer a more the “flow.” conservative look. “I like my hair down because it’s simple, it’s better than my curly hair,” says Cox. Rea states, “I like putting my hair in a ponytail or maybe a bun cause it’s easier to do in the morning.” Northwestern's student population is filled with trendsetters. There are students who love to use fashion and their appearance in order to make a statement about who they are. When it comes to hair, there is no difference. Everyone has a different hairstyle to express who they are and to show off their individuality. Although hair trends change from year to year, what they are meant to demonstrate about people will continue to stay the same.
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Winter Sports Preview
TROJAN SPORTS
TROJA N TRU MP ET V OLU M E 3. ISSUE 1.
by: J. Rubio & R. Covington
It's that time of the year for winter sports to start here at Northwestern High School! These sports include wrestling, dance, and basketball. Below is a preview of each team, their coaches, and what Northwestern students can expect to see from our winter sports teams. Larry Davis, ISS supervisor, is the coach for the boy’s varsity basketball team. Davis is very excited and hopeful for the season. His expectations for the team this year are to win the championship, beat county rivals, and make rounds in state playoffs. "We have a good group of kids who are young and eager that are led by seniors with game-time experience, so that brings optimism," states Davis. One of Davis's varsity seniors, Manzi Hill, is very excited for this season because he says, "I'm going to get points, a lot of points." John Bramlett, social studies teacher/ assistant athletic director, is the girl’s varsity basketball coach. “I'm very excited. We have a good group of girls who have a lot of experience," states Bramlett. Alexis Loney is a senior on the girl’s varsity team. Her expectations for the team are "to work hard and play as a team." She also predicted that her team is going to be number one in the region. Ray McCloud, ESE teacher, is the wrestling coach and the season Sophomore Cory McCoy prestarted on December 6th. "We have the most kids ever wrestling this year pares to defend the basket with 38 kids, and most are freshmen," McCloud states. There are wrestling after the free throw attempt. matches on some Tuesdays and every weekend in December. Lindsay Nance, ESE teacher, is the dance coach and the dance season starts with basketball. Although there are no dance competitions because there's none in the area, students can watch the dancers perform at the halftime show during basketball games. Make sure to support your Trojans this season and the staff of the Trojan Trumpet wish you all much success during your respective seasons.
College Football Playoff Predictions
by: S. Mobley & N. Carey
The BCS was a system created in 1998 that sponsored five major bowl games (other less prestigious bowl games were included as well). In the past, the BCS dealt with a lot of controversy at times when picking teams. However, it now appears like the selection committee has finally listened to the fans, sports commentators, and college coaches. For the first time since the end of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) era, NCAA developed a new playoff system. Starting this season the top four teams will compete against each other in two semifinal games. They will then battle it out in the championship. Many experts favor this type of system and think that in a couple of years the number of teams participating will expand from the four spots that were featured this year. The two winners of those four semi-final games will advance to the college football championship game. Currently, Alabama, Oregon, Ohio State, and Florida State are in the playoffs. Coach Page is a college football fan and he thinks that this year’s new system “…could be pretty good.” Coach Page’s top four teams are Fun Fact: FSU is the only Oregon, Arizona, Alabama, and Florida State. While sports experts are preundefeated team in this dicting Alabama to be number one, others predict that Alabama will finish at year’s playoffs! the bottom. Since the first rankings, there have been many shakeups and upsets. The final rankings reveal that Alabama, Florida State, Baylor, and Oregon are this year’s top teams. This year’s playoff games will be held on New Year’s Day. Alabama(1) will face off against Ohio State (4) and Oregon (2) will play Florida State (3). The final matchup between the remaining teams will be decided on January 12, 2015 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.
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TROJAN NEWS
TROJA N TRU MP ET V OLU M E 3. ISSUE 1.
College Scholarships: The road to success by: S. Mobley & B. Costner As the years go on, students are witnessing a rise in the price of colleges and universities around the nation. Parents and students alike are constantly on the lookout for ways to decrease the amount of debt that can result from student loans. Scholarships are a major benefit to students and can help ease the financial burden. Students can earn scholarships through participating and excelling in athletics, maintaining high grades in class, or playing an instrument in band or orchestra. Students can also earn scholarships due to their cultural background, academic interests (what they want to study in college), and their community service efforts. One sure way to earn a scholarship is to make good grades, A’s and B’s. Students must also work to be the best in their specific activity or area of interest throughout junior and senior year. “You’re only as good as your last performance,” said Coach Page, the head of Northwestern High School’s guidance department. Not only can students earn scholarships for their different activities and interests, students should also know that there are different types of scholarships as Work hard all throughout well. A “full ride” refers to a scholarship that will cover the cost of your entire tuition. high school, and you will be able to easily earn monThere are also “partial” scholarships, which means that the college pays half of the ey for college. tuition. There are also book scholarships and room & board scholarships that help students pay for a specific expense at the college or university of their choice. These types of scholarships are usually offered by different organizations (for example, sororities/fraternities) and companies that wish to help students in the community. It is not impossible to earn a scholarship. However, scholarships are not always easy to find and require that students work hard while in high school. Also, students have to work with their guidance counselors and should conduct research online in order to find a scholarship that fits them. Students can visit websites like http:// www.studentscholarships.org/ in order to get an idea of what type of financial opportunities are available for them.
Senior Poll: College Choice/ Major by: A. Holland & D. Blake It won’t be long before the seniors of Northwestern move onto college. The transition won’t be easy, but it’s one they’ll never forget. Some students will go out of state and some will major in English. Here are some polls of plans from the seniors themselves:
Senior Shamia Vanderpool wants to go to the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Go cocks!
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Sports
TROJA N TRU MP ET V OLU M E 3. ISSUE 1.
THINK positive, BE Positive by: J. Davis & C. Shirley Are you a person who often finds yourself stressed about school, peers, or situations surrounding you? According to stageoflife.com, "1 out of 4 teens say it's easier for them to remember the negative moments in their life than the positive ones." This isn't surprising considering the amount of negativity teens are exposed to. There are ways to effectively handle negative thoughts and situations. Positive hack #1: Dwelling on the negative moments in life will do nothing for you but bring sadness. Surround yourself with people you create good memories with and do things that make you happy, regardless of what anyone else thinks. With the rise of various social media websites/apps and the peer pressure at school it becomes easy to be put down. So when teens are enforcing negativity rather than attempting to lift each other up, it seems exhausting. Have you ever been put down by your peers? Instead of giving in to the negativity, you can learn to react to these circumstances differently. Positive hack #2 : If something in your life makes you feel unappreciated or puts you down, remember the good things in life that you've done and think of where you are because of it. Positivity does not mean the same thing to everyone and it's not all about rainbows and butterflies. Positivity for a lot of people is how they create a mindset for themselves that pushes them to succeed. To freshman Bri Williams positivity is "having a good or pleasant attitude." To us, positivity is to focus on your happiness and to do everything with purpose. Although the meaning of positivity might vary from person to person, the basic principles are still similar. Positivity is an essential key to eliminate the burden of stress during the school year. Although it's important to try your best in school, it's also important to not insanely stress yourself over grades. A number does not determine you as a person. Mary Catherine Cobb, freshman, chooses to pray when she is stressed. While, Abby Spirkowyc, freshman, decides to eat food. Just as individuals' definition of positivity take on their own personal meanings, the way people deal with negative situations differs too. Positivity hack #3 : Find something you enjoy that can be used as an outlet for your stress. Whether it be your favorite book, artist, or place. It should make you feel like a renewed stress- free person. As cliche as this all may seem, it is very important to maintain a positive attitude throughout your life. Positivity greatly impacts the people that surround you. When you're happy, you are capable of so much more.
Mrs. Burdette's fourth block class come together to display positivity.
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Lifestyles
Favorite movies and tv shows of 2014
TROJA N TRU MP ET V OLU M E 3. ISSUE 1.
by: N. Hansen & J. Beckham
Whether it’s to see into the private lives of celebrities, or experience intense action scenes, most people enjoy watching TV and movies. In fact, according to a study done by Interest.com the average American spent as much as $2,605 on entertainment alone in 2012. Though American’s undeniably share the love for TV, everyone has their favorites. IMDb recorded “The Walking Dead”, “American Horror Story”, “Arrow”, “Sons of Anarchy” and “Game of Thrones” as the top 5 most-watched TV shows in 2014. However, students at Northwestern have more diverse opinions. Freshman Jason Floyd says his favorite show is “Duck Dynasty”, and Junior Ashley Timmons says one of her favorites is “Law and Order: SVU”; neither of which even appeared on IMDb’s top 50. Seeing movies in theaters though, can be a little different. Popcorn prices are rising and lines can seem endless, but nothing beats seeing a film on the big screen. Contrary to TV shows, students at Northwestern take a liking to the movies at the top of the charts. Sophomore Mik- Websites like Netflix are revolutionizing the kel Gimena said he was looking forward to seeing Mocking Jay, way we watch TV and movies in the 21st which holds its place at the #1 most popular movie in 2014. century. However, with websites like Netflix and Amazon Prime, that thrill of the big screen may be coming to an end. With thousands of movies and TV shows available instantly online for less than $8 per month, TV viewership and DVD sales are falling rapidly. Hollywood Reporter says TV network services have seen a decline in viewership due to streaming websites like Netflix. In fact, many students at Northwestern said they prefer Netflix to TV. Freshman Emily Tench said she no longer watches TV anymore and prefers to catch her favorite shows and movies on streaming websites and apps. As generations pass, regardless of preference or platform, Americans will continue to share a common love for one thing; entertainment.
Rocking Resolutions by: K. Rios & L. Faulkner At the start of every year, people around the world plan out their New Year's resolutions. New Year's resolutions often vary from people wanting to learn a new language, try a new sport, travel to different countries, make better grades, or even lose the last 15 lbs. from their holiday festivities. While other people around the world are developing their resolutions, students at NHS are doing the same. Sophomore, DJ Williams, stated that his New Year's resolution is to "make good grades and to do good in sports.” The key to accomplishing any new goal or resolution is to have a plan in order. Williams already has a plan in mind as to how he will make his new year's resolutions come true. Williams stated that “…by working hard and studying” he would be able to achieve his new year’s goals.Sophomore, Jalen Loveless, also shared his goals for the New Year. He wants to "get a job and gain more weight for football.” While some New Year’s resolutions are examples of short term goals, other students have developed long term New Year’s resolutions. In order to get a higher paying job, college education is required; therefore, freshman Aeron Cox's New Year's resolution is to "get better grades to get into a better college.” New Year’s resolutions can be short term or long term; howLoveless knows that in order to accomever, they always need to be realistic. Focusing on getting better grades plish his New Year’s resolution that he will be beneficial in the long run. When making resolutions, always make needs to start early. Here he is seen perdecisions that will benefit and not cause harm or unnecessary disappointforming push-ups — an exercise he knows ment (if they are not accomplished). will help him get stronger!
Lifestyles
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TROJA N TRU MP ET V OLU M E 3. ISSUE 1.
Trojan Horoscopes by: T. Miracle & A. Odom Interested in knowing what the new year may hold for you? Do you have a birthday coming up ? Here is what you have to look forward too throughout second semester. Capricorn December 22-January 19 You might witness a sudden rise in your expenses that may become a tough task to handle, if you fail to give proper attention to it. Aquarius January 20-February 18 In your bid to enhance your individuality, you may miss out on some lucrative opportunities, this year. Pisces February 19-March 20 Your efforts at work/school may not be appreciated, leaving you confused and disappointed. Have patience. Aries March 21- April 19 You may get into disputes, due to your aggressive stand. Taurus April 20-May 20 Don’t lend money to anyone, but rather invest.
Don’t see your horoscope here? Log onto www.thetrojantrumpet.weebly.com to find out what is in store for your astrological sign!
Gemini May 21 - June 20 Be positive and try to look at the bright side of things.
New restaurants add flavor to Rock Hill by: G. Richar & W. Rhodes
Newk’s menu features salads, sandwiches, pizza, and lots of other delicious dishes! Check them out!
America's favorite past time is food, and in Rock Hill, SC local residents love food too. This is evident by the number of new restaurants that have opened in the past two years. Local residents and Northwestern students have been frequenting the new restaurants and enjoy what they have to offer. Local students were asked to share their favorite restaurants in Rock Hill. Sophomore Marshall Freeman states that Newks is his new favorite restaurant in Rock Hill. "Newk's [is my favorite restaurant] because they have the best macaroni in town," said Freeman. Freeman stated that he preferred to dine in there because he likes to be surrounded by a nice environment when he eats. Although the new restaurants have brought about excitement among the citizens of Rock Hill, students at Northwestern still enjoy the old favorites. The staff of the Trojan Trumpet was surveyed in order to find out what restaurant was an “oldie, but goodie” among reporters. The staff favorite was Olive Garden, coming in a close second was Chick-Fil-A, and coming in third was Zaxbys. Rock Hill has a lot to offer those who consider themselves “foodies.” When time arises and finances permit, be sure to give the new restaurants a try in the near future! New restaurants in Rock Hill, SC: -Popeyes - 2445 North Cherry Rd. -Newk's - 2338 Dave Lyle Blvd
-Texas Roadhouse - 2367 Dave Lyle Blvd -Mellow Mushroom - 1940 Cinema Dr -Five Guys - 1460 Meeting Blvd -Buffalo Wild Wings - 1460 Meeting Blvd
editorial
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TROJA N TRU MP ET V OLU M E 3. ISSUE 1.
Trojan Trumpet Art Show by: S. Boulware & A. Holland Northwestern has many artistic students; however, sometimes their hard work can go unnoticed. This issue, the staff of The Trojan Trumpet, wanted to highlight the talent of Northwestern's art students so the staff is hosted an art contest. Art teachers submitted the best work from each level class. Journalism voted and here are the winners!
Art 1 Winner: Troyanna Adams
Art 2 Winner: Yetsenia Mendoza
Art 3/4 Winner: Emily Beckley
F 2014 Journalism 1 students pose for a class picture in front of our informational bulletin board. Are you interested in journalism? See your guidance counselor or Mrs. Brown in A 217 TODAY!
The Trojan Trumpet: Code of Ethics At all times The Trojan Trumpet staff will remain: Impartial: Our stories will always remain unbiased. Honest: Our stories will always be truthful. Considerate: Our stories will never attempt to cause harm. Authentic: Our stories will always be the original work of our staff members. School Appropriate: Our stories will always refrain from containing inappropriate material. Responsible: Our stories will always be reflect ethical journalism practices.
F 2014 Trojan Trumpet Staff Bailey Adkins Natalie Hanson Janaija Beckham Alisa Harbison Daisha Blake Asha Holland Serena Boulware Shakeem McCloud Nick Carey Tyler Miracle Bryant Costner Sam Mobley Rose Covington Amber Odom Malaya Crawford Will Rhodes Jada Davis Garrett Richar Alexis Douglas Kiana Rios LeighAnn Faulkner Jailene Rubio BreAnna Floyd Camryn Shirley Savannah Wright