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days till the Centennial
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? Vol. 99, No. 5 February 24, 2012
What’s next for
District to respond to report calling for restructuring of city schools By Brandon Real
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fter the state takeover of four IPS schools, there is a dark cloud hanging over IPS which has left administrators, teachers,students and parents questioning the future of the school system. Next month, IPS Superintendent Dr. Eugene White will be responding to the Creating Opportunity Schools report prepared by Public Impact and the Mind Trust. IPS’s response will set up discussions over the issues brought up by the report and the overall future of IPS. The Creating Opportunity Schools calls for a complete restructuring of not just IPS, but all school districts. Key points of the plan would be uniting all IPS and charter schools under the banner of Opportunity Schools. Power would be shifted over to the mayor. It would allow educational entrepreneurs to invest in new charter schools. However, White said the plan is not the only option and that everyone needs to be involved
in the discussing the issues. “The Mind Trust Plan is simply a proposal meant to stimulate and start serious discussions about issues pertaining to IPS. However, we can’t deal with issues when we have just one side.” The Mind Trust’s ideas would not be easy to implement. “There is no easy way to implement the ideas presented in the Mind Trust Plan,” White said. “Even if we wanted to implement them it would take years. The mayoral control piece would have to be approved by the Indiana State Legislature and signed by the Governor just to present the question on the ballot for the voters of IPS. That could not happen before voting in May or November of 2013. If the people approved such a proposal it would not be implemented before January of 2014 and it would take another six months to become operational.” On top of that, White believes that IPS is already doing a lot to address its problems.
Indianapolis children with what they deserve: a “IPS has closed more than 15 schools in the world-class education,” Harris said. last six years; reduced its General Fund budget As of now, IPS is performing below state stanby more than $40 million over the last five years; dards. The state graduation rate is 86.%, while increased its graduation rate by 20 percent in 78.6% of students passed English and Math the last four years (64.6%); reduced its dropout assessments. The IPS graduation rate is 64.1% rate by 50 percent in the last three years,”White and only 43.1% of IPS students have passed said. both the English and Math assessments. This The Mind Trust is a nonprofit organization has led to four IPS that was HOW WILL TECH BE AFFECTED? schools being taken founded by David over and those that Harris the have not, such as CEO of the Tech, are not comorganization and former Indianapolis mayor pletely off the hook. The probation rotation is Bart Peterson,with the idea of improving the being switched from four years to two, leaving current public education system. In 2006, they little time for schools to improve. cooperated with the education policy and manThe overall future of IPS is still cloudy and agement consulting firm, Public Impact to put there will be much to talk about in the coming this plan together. The plan brings forth several months. “At this time the only thing the Mind ideas and calls for a complete restructuring of Trust Report is going to generate is talk,” White IPS. “The Mind Trust’s ideas are ambitious. But said. “Hopefully the talk and talks will produce we need bold actions if we are going to provide a greater interest in what is best for IPS.”
More information on page 2
Teen drivers need to take action to stay safe on the road
Tech provided career direction: Carson
By Ashley Ballard It’s no secret that in the United States, car crashes are the number one cause for teen death. It ranks higher than homocide, suicide and disease combined. Teenagers are four times more likely to get into a car crash than any other age group and car accidents take an average of 11 lives each day in the United States. With these statistics, many lawmakers and groups are working to keep teens and everyone else more safe on the road. Small memorials dot highways across the country where teen have died as a result of a car accidents. These grim reminders tell teenagers they need to be more careful on the road or face a similar fate. According to the Allstate Foundation, the reason that teens have more accidents is because they have less experience in high-risk situations. Driving at night also contributes to the high number of teenaged fatalities; approximately 40 percent of the crashes happen at night when visibility is low and a minor thing such a the glare from an oncoming headlight can cause a risky accident. Distractions such as cellphones and other teenage passengers also attribute to the high numbers. From 2000 to 2009, 20 percent of the victims in crashes were riding with young drivers. So, the question is what has our government done to keep teens and other drivers safe on the road? In 1984, Congress passed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act so that the minimum age that anyone can purchase or consume alcohol legally is 21 years of age. This was in part passed to help stop the number of teenaged drunk-driving accidents. The blood alcohol content or BAC was reduced from 0.10 BAC to .08 BAC due in part to the lobbying of concerned groups such as the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Since the
By Jana Warren
1980s, the rate of teen drunk driving-related accidents has declined, however there was still more that needed to be done. Florida became the first state in 1996 to implement a Graduated Drivers License (GDL) system. All 50 states now have some form of GDL laws to protect new and old drivers alike. Many from concerned parents to teenagers themselves have accepted and advocate for these laws to help reduce the rate of fatalities involving young drivers and passengers. Websites such a KeeptheDrive.com are helping teens find ways to help spread the word on keeping teens safe behind the wheel. They provide ideas and resources for teens to raise awareness in their communities about this leading killer of teenagers in the United States. Keeping up with your state’s driving laws is the first step to protect yourselves and others. Following these rules can mean the difference between a bright future and a young life ended too soon.
Andre Carson, who is an alum of Tech and graduate of class 1994 is the U.S. Congressman for the 10th District. Carson was instrumental in working to get federal funding for Legacy projects. He spoke at the Legacy Center opening Feb. 2 and spoke to the Cannon at the St. Clair Apartments preview press conference in late January. What year did you graduate? “I graduated in 1994.” Did you live close to Tech during high school:? “I lived about two miles from Tech.” What was your favorite memory at Tech? “ I had a teacher named Ms. Makenna who was the best math teacher in the universe. I wasn’t the best at math
but she made the concept so simple. I’m married to a teacher, so that’s important to have, a teacher who can make complex idea applicable to everyday life and that’s what Ms. Makenna did for me.” If your could relive anything in high school what would it be? “There were some courses that I had that I probably wished I had doubled back and reviewed, particularly math. Ms. Makenna helped me develop it more, but probably to have been more concentrated on the materials really delivered and she tried to teach us.” How did Tech help you prepare for the leadership role that you hold today? “Tech had so many great programs, unlike some other high schools, that I had attended and I think Tech was more driven toward the vocation after you left Tech. So Tech really pushed the issue of what are you going to do in terms of your college plans and work-life plans. So I got a lot of that from Tech and I started really thinking more seriously about the next step, which was college and then work.”
NEWS
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Merit finalist, scholarship winner
Kniess stays focused on success “I did not deserve that scholarship compared to some other particiTech High School is once again home to the winner of the prestipants.” gious Kiwanis Abe Lincoln Scholarship award. Tyler Kniess is now one Tyler himself had to go through several trials in route to winning the of the proud few to be recognized as a recipient of the award. award. His essay was very personal and included some of the hardThe Kiwanis Abe Lincoln Scholarship Award is given out as a ships he has endured. recognition of courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. ”I basically grew up in a three-member family - my mother, my sister Every year only a small group of seniors are nominated and given and I,” Kniess said. “I had a father who was not around and when he the chance to win the scholarship. Tyler Kniess recently talked to The was he was abusive. My mother worked all the jobs she could work Cannon about the experience. in order to make money. Even so, a lot of winters we would have little After turning in his application and essay Tyler was called in a few electricity, and one winter we had no utilities.” weeks later to Ivy Tech to be interviewed. Despite his hardships, Tyler has accomplished a lot. But what is the secret to his success? “There was a board of about 35 people and they sat “That’s the question everybody wants me to anin a U-shaped table,” Kniess said. The experience was In Good Company swer,” Kniess said. “I can’t say that there is a simple very daunting for him. “It was kind of intimating.” Recent Tech Abe Lincoln winners answer to that question. “I think there is just someA ceremony was later held to honor the 28 seniors Daniel Dorsett, 2011 second place thing innate in some people who don’t want to who had been given a chance to win an award. These Luke Peeler 2010 first place succeed for any reason other then that’s what they 28 seniors were part of something called the Circle of want to do.” Valor, those who had overcome challenges to succeed. Tyler’s success continues with the recent notice he is IPS’s only NaDuring the ceremony the hosts told everyone’s story. “There was an African refugee, people who were born deaf,all these people suffered tional Merit Finalist; he was named a semifinalist last fall. “I told myself failure was not an option. I think everyone has that, terrible trials,” Kniess said. “In my mind there was no way I was going but at some point or another some people lose it,” Kniess said. “Some to beat an African refugee.” Despite his lack of confidence, Tyler ended up winning the $16,000 people say they don’t know how you didn’t go down that path. To them I would say I simply didn’t go down that path, not because I’m first place scholarship. “They all stood there clapping like I was some a better person, not because I’m a greater person who deserves a sort of hero,” Kniess said. $16,000 recognition, but because that’s just the way I was born.” Despite winning the award, Tyler remains humble.
By Jana Warren and Brandon Real
“I think there is just something innate in some people who don’t want to succeed for any reason other than that’s what they want to do.” -Tyler Kniess
,
DEAN OF HEARTS: By Andre Poole
“All I tell young people is to think positive about that ‘I want to be’; no, it’s ‘I’m going to be’.”
Juniors, sophomores, and freshmen might not recognize him, but the seniors know the man behind the megaphone all too well. Frederick Kelly began his career at Tech in 1967 as a teacher in Treadwell. He taught in the vocational department, before being moved to the Dean’s Office part-time. “One of my favorite things to do was drafting. I did some woodwork, some metal work, as a matter of fact. I worked in a lot of areas in the vocational department.” Being so good and dominant at his job, kept him at the school for 42 years, until his retirement. When Kelly came back to Tech for a stroll down memory lane last month, he was stopped and revered by many former students. “You back, Dean Kelly? It’s about time,” said one. Tech changed over the years he was a dean, Kelly said. “Back then, parents were in charge,” Kelly said. “The students didn’t want to go home. They’d rather take whatever punishment I had for them here.” He said that parents have become less strict and won’t punish their child if they do something wrong. He even had a paddle at one point. With all of Kelly’s success at Tech, he didn’t let any of it interfere with his personal life. Kelly and his wife have been married for
60 years. “I got my head cracked a one or two times. You know how we males are,” Kelly joked. Mrs. Kelly pursued a career in teaching until she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He went on medical leave in order to stay home and support her. He also has a daughter who taught at Tech for two years. After more than four decades in education, Kelly has strong views. “We have a very good school overall. It all depends on what you want with what’s here, and the attitude of the students and the attitudes of the staff,” Kelly said. His influence remains for many of his former students. “As I walk the streets every day going different places and I come in contact with former students and listen to what they have to say, they make encouraging remarks about having had the experience of dealing,” Kelly said. “Many said they didn’t know what would have happened to them if it hadn’t been for me. I did my best.” He wants for his former students the same things he wants for his own kids. Kelly had goals that he wanted to accomplish while at Tech. “One goal was to deal with every individual at their level and if I saw them at a level that I thought they shouldn’t be, it was always my desire to try to pick them up and guide them into the direction I thought they should be going,” Kelly said.
CTM diesel program first of its kind By Tori Pippens The diesel program in CTM is the first of its kind in Indiana to be sponsored by International and Navistar. It is the only program in Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and the only one that is Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. “It’s all about repairing diesel and Navistar truck engines, trucks from bumper to bumper, transmissions, brakes, and electrical wires,” said truck and diesel technology instructor Tim Anderson. The program has been at Tech for four years now and it consists of a three-year program
that starts off during students’ sophomore year. Currently 30 students are in the program. When they graduate from high school, they will have completed their first year toward certification. Their second year of completion comes from actually working at the job they are giving after graduation. There are three girls who are now in the program, one of which is April Panigua, the second female to ever be in diesel. Panigua has been in the program since her sophomore year. Panigua says that it actually feels good to be one of the girls in there because it’s like a competition.
“I have to prove to myself to be better than the guys,” said Panigua. “In the class I’m one of the guys but to other people it’s like ‘Oh, she’s the only girl so she can’t do this.’” After high school Panigua plans on enrolling in the Air Force to put what she has learned into effect. “I actually had a choice between auto mechanics and diesel, but I chose diesel because if you think about it, trucks are always being used to transport.” And the job will always be in demand. “It (the diesel field) will just get bigger,” said Panigua. “Plus who doesn’t love the money?”
Photos by Tori Pippens
Kelly returns to reminisce He wanted to get students ready for the world. “I call this the Jungle. You’ve got to get it together to survive out here. You can’t half step out here and survive; you’ve got to get it together.” With many of his former students doing well, it is apparent that he met his goals. Kelly had insight on what he sees for Tech’s future and his future. “I’ve always advocated since the first time I came here, that this should be a prep high school. This should be a school just for those young people to get whatever they want out of the educational process and I always thought that this should be the place. This is where all of the magnets should be located, and I hope that one day it’ll get to that,” Kelly said. With all of the questions that Kelly was being asked, he was still interested in knowing what students planned on doing with their lives. “All I tell young people is think positive about that ‘I wanna be’; no, it’s ‘I’m going to be’,” Kelly said. The fact that Kelley spent over four decades at Tech shows something about his character. “I never told a student what they couldn’t do. I always encouraged them,” Kelly said. The smiles, the greetings, all reflect on how Kelly treats people. As floods of students walked past, there was a loud “Pull your pants up” and “Take that hat off.” None of them got mad, however, because they knew that he meant no harm and is a only telling them for their benefit.
NEWS
Feb. 24, 2012
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Keep It Posted Yearb o Cent ok Sales en $25 G nial Year b e the f t your fo ook ront table rm at cafet in th eria. e
FAFSA Deadline March 10
The Future Of IPS
• Founded in 1997 • Operates 31 charter school in three states; Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana • Now including Indiana; Howe High School, Manual High School, and Emma Donnan Middle School
EdPower: • • •
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Operates over two charter schools in Indianapolis Now including Indiana; Arlington High School Awarded designation as a Turnaround School Operator (TSO) by the Indiana State Board of Education Over the course of the next few years, EdPower plans to build up Arlington’s systems and processes to support student success and achievement, and ultimately return a more successful school to its Indianapolis Public School district
Prom Tickets go on sale Feb. 27- March 23 $40 for 1 $70 for 2
ECA test countdown English May 21 Algebra May 28
Check out Legacy Center after-school programs: Legacy Media Sat Prep Dance
Tech using data to improve curriculum, students’ test scores By: Jana Warren
Charter Schools USA:
Stud y mov tables e w cafe from t ill h t Med eria to t e h i Feb a Cente e . 27 r .
looking at the data and we’re doomed to fail.” It has been six months since the State Board Another form of data that proves where the of Education announced that four Indianapolis school’s level of achievement is is the Adequate Public Schools were to be taken over. However Yearly Progress. If a school doesn’t meet its before six months ago, IPS was already known required score for AYP, it is still possible for to make major changes. the school to be fully accredited by the state. “IPS has closed more than 15 schools in the Though the Federal Department of Education last six years; reduced its General Fund budget has now given Indiana a waiver on the Adby more than 40 million over the last five years; equate Yearly Progress. increased its graduation rate by 20 percent in How will this influence Tech? last four years (64.6 percent); reduced its dropIts effect on Tech is determined based on the out rate by 50 percent in the last three years,” state test and how many of the students meet said IPS Superintendent Dr. Eugene White. the ECA requirement, which is minimum,” YarEdPower and Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) rell said. “It has gone from a cohort of 3 percent are two companies hired to revamp schools’ increase to 60 percent of your students have to curriculum and improve test scores. EdPower pass the test in order for you to get a point.” has been contracted by the State for $900,000 Points are distributed based on the level of the to turnaround Arlington Community High school’s graduation rate; 60 percent or more School. In doing so they plan to execute passing math on ECA the school will receive changes including hiring a staff with at least 70 one point, 72 percent passing math will receive non-union teachers who will receive a certain a point, and so on from there. If the school’s colsalary based on their experience. Though with lege and career readiness is on a certain level, EdPower’s new authority over Arlington this as well as much more factors that contribute to fall, IPS is still being held accountable for supply- it, the school will receive a point, which helps ing transportation and maintenance assistance. give the school an overall grade that deterCharter mines if the school “If the data doesn’t drive our Schools USA is in need of help. will be taking instruction, if data doesn’t drive our Though it did not over Howe and a turndecisions, then we’re not looking at become Manual high around school, schools and the data and we’re doomed to fail.” Tech failed its AYP, Emma Donnan -Principal Lawrence Yarrell which is a fedMiddle School. eral No Child Left Broad Ripple Behind requirement. However since the state and George Washington have a consultant has received the waiver, Tech will still receive a making recommendations to be implemented grade that will be on a 4.0 scale. this fall. Excluding changes the school board has The State determined all six schools should already established, there are some proposals be taken over based on their test scores, atthat are still being contemplated, such as ideas tendance record and graduation rates. Tech in the Mind Trust Plan. fought its way off probation with last year’s How will the Mind Trust Plan and its ideas afimprovment in test scores but still needs gains fect Tech and IPS? in all areas to remain off the takeover list. “I don’t think that the Mind Trust Report will So what is Tech doing to prevent that from affect IPS right away because I think that a lot happening again? of the recommendations in the Mind Trust “It (Tech on the verge of being taken over) Report, IPS is already doing,” Yarrell said. “Dr. can always happen again,” said Principal LawWhite has already discussed with schools that rence Yarrell. “We have to make sure that our there will be a configuration of schools, and the curriculum meets the needs of our students so more successful schools will able to be to operthat when they sit down and take the End of ate autonomously.” Assessment test, they can be successful.” With all these changes what will be left of IPS? Currently Tech’s administration is focusing on “I think IPS will always be a public school data to target areas for improvment. system and it will always be around in some “We’ve got to look at the data,” Yarrell said. form,” Yarrell said. “It might not be the same IPS “If the data doesn’t drive our instruction, if data that you grew up in, but there will always have doesn’t drive our decisions, then we’re not to be an IPS.”
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Centennial group selling raffle tickets for Kroger cards Are you feeling lucky? Are you willing to help with a little fund-raising? In order to raise some money for some of the celebration expenses, the Centennial Steering Committee is selling raffle tickets for a grocery giveaway. Tickets are 5 for $5. The drawing will be held on the night of the Centennial Dinner Dance (you need not be present to win). Prizes are Kroger gift cards in the amounts of $1000, $750, $500, and $250. Send your check, made payable to Tech Centennial, to PO Box 1223, Greenwood, IN, 46142. Your tickets will be mailed to you. Contact Mrs. Hartshorn or Mrs. Meyer in Moon Hall for more information. The Tech Centennial Celebration is planned September 14-16.
ENTERTAINMENT
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SUPER
Performances By Corey Tibbs, Jr.
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ebruary was certainly an exciting month for the city of Indianapolis. As the host city for Super Bowl XLVI, Hoosiers experienced many star-studded performances in the Super Bowl Village and during the halftime show. Here are my top five performances of the event:
Graphic by Donneisha Squires
#1
Madonna, M.I.A., and Nicki Minaj’s halftime performance of Madonna’s new hit single, “Gimme All Your Love”. There was a lot of negative criticism, but you can’t knock the original Pop/Rock Queen.
#2
Shaquille O’Neal, along with DeRay Davis hosted the outstanding All-Star Comedy Jam, featuring Corey Holcomb, Michael Blackson, Gary Owen, Capone and also featured Dj Spinderella.
#4
Mike Epps hosted his own comedy show alongside Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa and local guests such as Dro Man. Special guests included Nick Cannon and AJ & Fee, ex-hosts of 106 and Park.
#3
The VH1 Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam featuring Gym Class Heroes, B.o.B., All-American Rejects, Adam Levine and Neon Hitch. All the artists gave great performances at the Pepsi Coliseum.
#5
Performances by LMFAO, Fitz & the Tantrums, Gentleman Alphonse, En Vogue, Bashiri Asad, Morris Day & the Time, Blackberry Jam, and DJ Limelight. These free concerts packed Downtown with over 100,000 people!
Student Council sponsors chess and sweet surprises
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his month’s Student Council activities gave Titans the chance to match wits and to share sentiments. CTM student, Willie T. Williams III defeated Magnet’s William Vanschaik to emerge as the champ of the Chess Tournament. Williams, in preparing for the final match, stayed up all night with his uncle playing chess. He played 30 games total the night before, 15 matches as white and 15 as black to be ready for the championship. “His hard work and dedication to being prepared paid off as he came out victorious,” said Student Council sponsor William Gadd. “I was so proud of Willie that day.” Student Council also sponsored Valentine’s Day singing telegrams and candy-grams specially delivered during lunch periods Feb. 14.
Photos by Alexus Scott
OPINION
Feb. 24, 2012
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Is Black History Month dying? By Robert Sherrell
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Graphic By: Kamen Rose
Black History Month How did it start? Black history has been celebrated in the United States since 1926. However it was not an entire month as we know it to be today. The second week of February was Negro History Week. That week was chosen because it marked the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. This week was announced by African American historian Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study Negro Life and History. In 1976 this week was expanded to cover the entire month of February. Today, Black History Month is also known as African American History Month and is also celebrated overseas in the United Kingdom.
ay back, when we were in elementary school, the month of February was a familiar routine - sit down and listen to a few biographical facts about the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks or Madame C.J. Walker. We’d repeat this ritual every school day, learning more about those African Americans in the history of our country that have made a significant difference, and to be quite honest, this routine was played out over and over again. But for some reason, I find this routine to be dwindling, fading out of existence as we get older. Each year, in our early grades, we’d listen to the same “I Have a Dream” speech. Even though we’d relearn most of the same things as in the previous years of elementary school, it was good to know that we were celebrating such a holiday, sometimes studying for hours the works of Dr. King and retracing the Underground Railroad. But, as we grew older and our grade levels increased, I started to notice that every year after the 5th grade, we covered Black History less and less. Could it be that once we reach a certain age, we grow tired of hearing the same reheated MLK lessons or we don’t care anymore or perhaps the teachers of the higher grade levels find it unnecessary to go over the life and times of Malcolm X or Sojourner Truth?
By Robert Sherrell
I don’t like the fact that some teachers feel that they can lower our grades beacuse we tend to misbehave in class. I complete all my classwork and turn it in on time and yet I get a “C”, all because I was talking when I when I wasn’t supposed to be. Our grade should be determined solely by our level of academic merit, not by how we behave. Yes, there should be consequences for those who don’t “act like they have sense”, but there are other ways of doing so. Phone calls home, detentions and conferences, but to lower our grades and possibly prevent us from getting a credit all because we talk too much is not right.
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a certain amount of urgency that African Americans should have when it comes to learning about their own history. This is a holiday specifically directed at teaching the history of black people, and to be of this classification and bluntly not care, I consider disrespectful. It is not often in a country there is a whole month designed to celebrate the history of a single race of people. We are now nearly finished with the Month of February and I have seen small traces of the celebration of Black History Month. I see small 15-second
Today’s lesson: Tuck in your shirt! Shirts must be tucked, belts must be worn, shoes must be closed-toed, and now, apparently, our socks must be solid colored. Just when it seemed like escaping the all-seeing eye of the administration was impossible enough, now if a student even so much as dares to rock polkadots, stripes, or swirls on their socks, they will get sent to GLC with an apathetic gesture. Somewhere along the way appearance has become the solution to quality education, and it is not only the students who are affected by dress code. The teachers are now forced to scramble around, checking for tucked shirts and no hoodies, wasting valuable teaching time. It puts them between a rock and a hard place when the time calls to either continue teaching and risk being fired, or possibly send their star pupil to GLC. The enforcement does not stop there. Deans have been known to come into classrooms, stopping the process just to check for apparel, including socks. The dress code is becoming aggressively important and I fear that IPS will one day casually expel students because they decided to wear blue and black socks.
I guess what I am trying to say is, is this really the main focus in education? Perhaps it is not a student's physical appearance that determines his/her educational success. It's not just me that believes so. “You're putting our dress code over our education,” said senior Dominque Sims. “Nobody's socks are that attractive enough for me to get distracted. The rule is pointless.” If it seems like I am overreacting, read what recently happened to a student. Feb. 16, junior student, Ambrea Spivey, was walking through the hallway on her way to her first period class when she was called out for wearing socks with penguins on the sides. Ms. Barlowe condemned the socks as out of dress code and Ambrea was forced to reside in the depths of GLC all the way until 10th period. After she was released, she found it hard to catch up on all the work she had missed for her pair of socks. Is the Dress Code in the best interest of the students’ education? I don't think so. Ambrea seemed to agree when she said, “It's an outrage. This dress code and GLC does more harm than good. It makes you miss out on your education for that day.” What is worse is that when poor Am-
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brea offered to change her socks, she could not. If the student has a replacement for their clothes, why not allow them to change? It seems as if the administration just wants to write anyone off. I wonder if the administration realizes that they are depriving the students of their education. If the student was completely out of dress code, then it would be understandable to send them to GLC. “'Missing a whole day of school over a pair of socks is not worth it,” said student Charlene Rogers. Exactly. This fuss over the importance of dress code is getting out of hand. I say until the administration eases up on this strict policy, good students like Ambrea will continue to be dragged away from their education by the ends of their socks. These petty rules of nit-picking sweeps has to stop. I say we actually get back to focusing on the actual learning process. How about sending students to tutoring because of a bad grade? What about lending the student the necessary school-approved clothes so they can continue on to class? Last time I checked, school is for learning, not looking like we do, and what is the point of having a school if a large portion of the students are being sent to GLC?
I say we get back to focusing on the actual learning process.
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slides being shown in our cafeteria of some of the champions of black history. Some days I hear barely audible, 46second announcements read over the intercom to the students about more of black history’s trailblazers. Don’t get me wrong, I am glad that we have any amount of exposure to black history during the month of February; I am just disappointed that we only have an allotted time of 61 seconds a day. I understand that class time is important, and has to be utilized effectively, but why not take a few minutes out to recognize those of the African American race that have made a difference in our country? Pay homage to those black people that gave their life for the fight for civil rights, or recognize those that revolutionized an industry by inventing some otherwise unimaginable contraption. Remember those that have set milestones in their endeavors. Schools have an unprecedented opportunity to share a darkened part of history, which during the time of slavery or Jim Crow Laws or the Civil Rights Movements was ignored. Don’t let Black History Month die as we grow older. This holiday cannot be taken for granted; this is a chance to remember. This is Black History Month, the only month of the year where some people of color feel free to say it loud, that they are black and they are proud.
Don’t let Black History Month die as we grow older.
By McKeith Pearson
Editor’s Rant
Need I remind the people of this school that the African American culture and history is rich and full of success and such people and events deserve to be taught? Of course, who am I to say what should be taught in the classrooms? Under any normal circumstances, I would say that I in am in no position to voice such things. However, this is Black History Month, and I am a black, so I would say that this alone makes me more than qualified to speak up on the matter. Whether you prefer the term Colored, Black, African American, or even the controversial “N-Word”, Black History Month should mean something to you. Although you don’t have to be black care about this holiday, I find that there is
Page Design: Donneisha Squires
1500 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46201 The Cannon is a public forum of speech that is produced by the students of Arsenal Technical High School once a month. Bylined columns represent the writer’s opinion, while editorials are designed to persuade, warn, criticize, inform or inspire. Letters to the editor must be signed and may be edited. The editorial board reserves the right to refuse any letter or advertisment that is not in the best interests of the school. All editorials are the opinion of the editorial board unless otherwise stated. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the administration, newspaper staff or journalism adviser.
STAFF WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS: Princess Kimbrough, Ashley Ballard, Andre Poole, Brandon Real, James Sherrell, Tiara Sherrell, Dominque Sims, Easzira Mason, Corey Tibbs, Jr., Donald Mosley, Dajuan Venerable, Devonta Washington, Alexus Scott, October Kniess, Anton Jones, Alex Whitfield
SPORTS
6
Feb. 24, 2012
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Tech defeats Rockets, IPSAC Champs After nine years of losing to the Broad Ripple Rockets, Tech Titans Basketball team is officialy the best in IPS. With the Feb. 17 win over the Rockets, the Titans are now 15-4 and have their best record in 22 years, along with their first Conference title since 2003. The win extends the Titans’ streak to 8 heading into tonight’s Senior Night game versus Gary Wallace at Tech. IU recruit and the Titans’ leading scorer, Trey Lyles exploded offensively in the 5850 victory over the Rockets. Another strength of the game was defense, led by LaMonte Crain, who stopped the Rockets’ best player Ron (Buss) Patterson. “I felt like I could have done better. I could have stopped fouling as much as I was. I had two fouls, but it should have been zero. If they wouldn’t have called those fouls, then Ron Patterson wouldn’t have scored. I want to thank my coaches for giving me a
chance to guard him.” As tournament play approaches, the Titans fully expect to make some major noise in 4A. Tech will host the 6-team, Class 4A, Sectional 10 next week. The Titans face Lawrence Central, Feb. 28, 6 p.m.
Current Stats Leaders: Points: TREY LYLES 20.6 pts/game Blocks: TREY LYLES Assists: JEROME CAMPBELL 1.7 ast/ game Steals: JEROME CAMPBELL 2.3 stl/ game
Class 4A, Sectional 10 at Arsenal Tech High School, Feb. 27-March 3 Warren Central Lawrence Central
Mar. 2 6 p.m.
Feb. 28 6 p.m. Arsenal Tech
Mar. 3 7:30 p.m.
Sectional Champion
Roncalli Lawrence North
Feb. 28 7:30 p.m.
Mar. 2 7:30 p.m.
Indianapolis Cathedral
Sectionals: $6 per session; $10 all games
Q&A with Coach Delaney Q: What is your game plan going into each game? A: “The plan is to focus on fundamentals and the details of each opponent.”
Alex Whitfield, Ed Darden and Vivian Bell contributed to this report.
Q: Do you have a motivational speech? If so, what is it? A: “Go for success - since we have not had it in the last 22 years. Also, to just change/turn the program around - just to make progress.”
Above: Trey Lyles beats the pack for a flying dunk in a recent game; left: Jerome Campbell drives around a Hornet defender.
- Alex Whitfield
Lady Titan seniors By Ayana Mahone
Myrisha Colston
Tech Wrestling 2011-12 IPSAC Champs
Position: Forward/ Guard Future: Plans to attend Ball State and get masters in architecture Best Memory: Playing against Northwest. I scored a double-double and fought hard.
Jazzmin Williams Position: Guard/ Post Future: Plans to graduate with a bachelor’s in social work Best Memory: Last year for pregame playing Duck Duck Goose, Simon Says and Musical Chairs.
The Tech Wrestling Team, took first place in the IPSAC Wrestling tournament. The team had two 4th place finishes, two 3rd place finishes and 5 wrestlers took home 1st place in their weight class:
Sophomores Laron Sylvest, King Hubbard, Noah Perdue, DeSean Mills and Freshman Rasheed Abdul-Haqq. The team also finished second in the city wrestling tournament in January.
Zakavia Reed Position: Power Forward Future: Plans to attend Purdue to study financing and play volleyball Best Memory: Sophmore year playing Pike in sectionals. One of my best games.
Jessi Sanders
Ashley Yateman Photos by Makaela Modlin
What do you think of the Pacers’ chances this season?
By Ed Darden
I think that Paul George is having a great season and George Hill is very skillful. -Ashton Dillon
They’ve been having a great season, they even beat my favorite team, the Bulls. -Jason Beck
I’ve been a fan of the Pacers for a while and was with them before they were winning. -Shannan Williams