SIDNEY LANIER HIGH SCHOOL’S
April 15, 2018 Special Edition
The Blue & White
Inside this issue: Poets on 2 YouTube: Vlogs, Vocals, Victims
First Male Cheer Captain Brings It By Makaylah Harris
For the 2018-2019 academic year, Lanier will make history as it presents its first male cheer captain: Ja’Vonde Robinson.
Zaron Johnson: Chemistry ‘another language’
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This is his second try for captain, as all candidates are required to submit an essay and undergo an interview. Ja’Vonde is the first male cheerleader to make captain. In recent years, alumnus Patrick Pride served as co-captain for 2013 and 2014.
Prom: Then & Now
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Alexis Dulaney dances, does office duties
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Ja’Vonde first started cheering his sophomore year of high school. He describes his first year as being shy and self-effacing. But through the years he came out his shell and started expressing himself more.
Alabama teachers dodge bullet of gun-toting laws
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Although being a male on the cheer team can become hectic with all the expectations and criticism, Ja’Vonde still chooses to look past the ignorance.
Teachers, 5 students gear up for Physics battle
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Leading the squad: Ja’Vonde Robinson is the 2018-2019 cheer captain. Contributed photo
“At first I was terrified of what people would say,” he recalls, “but throughout the time I developed higher self-esteem”. Ja’Vonde is a role model for many boys who want to cheer or who are scared to be themselves. His advice to people who are similar to him is: “Be yourself and you're not here to please nobody on earth but God so just live your own life because you are not living it for anybody else”. Before cheering Ja’vonde liked to dance. He first started dancing at the age of three. At the age of seven, he first watched the movie, “Bring It On,” which tells the story of what it is like to be a cheerleader trying to make a squad and win a championship. And that’s when he made up his mind that he wanted to cheer. Ja’Vonde’s main focus behind cheering is inspiring others and being a leader. He cheers with ambition and loves what he does. “He’s a role model because through all of the obstacles he comes out on top every time , and he is very ambitious, energetic, and amiable,” says a tudent who asked not to identified. “Everyone deserves a person like him that they can look up to.”
‘Still here with me’ In memory of Chauncey Blackburn
Ja'Vonde teaches those who come in contact with him is to hold your head up high and to handle whatever difficulties you face gracefully. "You have to go into a situation with an open-mind,” he says, “and have faith so at the end you will conquer.”
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Poet YouTubers: Vlogs, Vocals, and Victims By Ragan Purter and ShiMiracle Patterson
Malik Stinson’s YouTube
Behind a pretty smile and major hoop talent is a young guy whose voice is as sweet as an angel. Malik Stinson, a 10th grader at Lanier High, has been singing since he was in elementary school. “My whole family can sing,”
says Malik, “so it’s in the genes.” Malik, 16, also lends his voice at the church he attends. “I like to sing all types of music genres, including gospel, but R&B is my favorite”
“I get up to 10,000 views on my channel, I was shocked when I saw that,” says Fred, who plans on increasing his views.
Frederick Ballard
Junior Teshawn Vaughn, who is also a gamer, makes a little money. “I got paid because the amount of subscribers I have,” says Teshawn, who currently has 200 subscribers and more than 10,000 views. Ethel Lane, an Honor Roll student, cheerleader, and rising Teshawn Vaughn senior, is known for her pranks and vlogs on YouTube. Most agree that she is a true character when it comes to pranking her family. “You a straight fool girl,” subscriber Jordan Flowers commented. “I can’t take you serious.”
Malik decided to launch a YouTube channel after scrolling and seeing people do covers. One wouldn’t expect Malik to be a singer because he is quiet, an A/B honor roll student and an athlete. Apparently, he’s a ladies’ man, too. “Yo voice so beautiful,” wrote subscriber Nicole Esau, “and those lips …” Rising LHS senior Frederick “Fred” Ballard is the opposite. Known to be goofy and smart, Fred plays video games on his channel.
“I plan on doing more than just games on my channel. I can’t say much, but just know I plan on becoming a prankster.”
Ethel Lane
Ethel gets up to 200 views on her videos and currently has 192 subscribers.
Chemistry teaches ‘another language’ By Taylar Meridith
Zaron Johnson, the new chemistry teacher at Sidney Lanier High who arrives with many talents and work experience in the in the field, did not aspire to be an in-class teacher.
Until now, Mr. Johnson had not taught science in public schools, but he has more than 10 years of experience in de“Both teaching and research is my passion,” says Mr. Johnson. veloping and facilitating “I want them to have that sense of academic confidence to know S.T.E.A.M programs. that I can accomplish and learn anything. Mr. Johnson moved to “Many people try to make science to be complex, but it’s really Montgomery three years ago, not,” he add. “It’s just another language to learn.” after earning a bachelor’s Mr. Johnson’s first love is to develop youth programs that degree in Biochemistry at involve Science, Technology, Engineering, Agricultural, and University of North CarolinaMathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) subjects. It seemed that the best way Greensboro and master’s in to get his foot in the door to impact youth were to go through the chemical engineering from public school system. North Carolina A&T UniversiZaron Johnson ty. He found out that Sidney Lanier was looking for an opportunity to work in the community and several people were telling him to The driving force for his move to Montgomery is his fiancé teach. LaShaundra Ross, also an educator. Finally, he saw a position specifically for a long-term substitute in Chemistry and decided then to take advantage of this opportunity.
“Because she was stable in her career and I was seeking to begin mine,” Mr. Johnson said, “I moved here to be with her, until at least she gets my last name.”
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Staff reports
“Prom used to be about the experience of going, and now it’s more of a fashion show.” ~ Raven Minnifield
Proms back in the day were said to be “ceremonious” as opposed to the male prom date pulling up and girl dashes to the door and hops in the vehicle. Prom dates would meet the parents, present the corsage and boutonnieres, go to the prom, then to dinner and have the girl back home by curfew. Nowadays, curfews are unheard of. Prom dates reserve a hotel room and stay if they please. While many things have changed, one thing remains the same: It’s one of the most important events of the high school years. From them being able to look at and try on nice suits and dresses/gowns, cut and style their hair, “beat” their faces, and manicure their nails. Simply put, prom is just one of those nights where students can have s tons of fun and look like a movie star.
With all the extravagance that this rite of passage can bring, prom tickets didn’t cost as much as they do now. Dresses and suits were way cheaper to purchase back then and some were even handmade. Now prom dresses are expensive compared to those then — some even compare the costs to that of a wedding.
Shamarianne Peterson
“No prom is not different. You still have mostly the same activities such as dancing around with friends, going out to dinner afterwards, and making sure you arrived back home on curfew,” says Shamarianne Peterson, math teacher. The only thing different now is that students are spending way too much for it. “I paid $25 for my prom ticket,” Ms. Peterson says, “and my dress was somewhere around $150.” Lanier’s prom tickets started at $40 and increased to $100 at the door. Girls are paying more than $200 for their dresses.
Raven Minnifield, right, and her date
Annice Jessie, an English teacher, said her high school prom experience was “really fun” and the event is similar. However, the dresses and gowns differ drastically. Ms. Jessie paid $40 for her prom ticket.
English teacher Raven Minnifield, who spent $400 on her dress, notes: “Prom used to be about the experience of going, and now it’s a fashion show. Dresses back then didn’t look like they look now. Simple is classy.”
Candice White-Petty
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Dulaney Dances, Does Daytime Office Duties By Javonde Robinson and Makaylah Harris
There are many phenomenal women in The Castle and many go unsung. One of them is your majesty, she is Alexis Dulaney.
She considers the Magic City Classic as a great Stingette moment. One of the best athletic events in HBCU history, the MCC pits ASU against Alabama A&M University.
Ms. Dulaney, a former Stingette for Alabama State University’s Marching Hornets, rhythmically handles front office duties at Sidney La"MCC is a memorable moment benier High School and serves as a dance coach cause you see the fans by the thoufor The Dazzling Dolls. sands and all eyes are on you,” Ms. Dulaney Dulaney says. So, she’s no stranger to hard work. When asked about becoming a member of the most renowned dance teams at an historically When the crowd fades and the eight black college and university (HBCU), Ms. Dulaney says that it counts stop, most remember the flow is not easy. of the music. Some people focus solely on careers and stop, but Alexis “No one starts off a Stingette. You start off as just a dancer,” she continued. explains. “You work hard. You push yourself through the blood, sweat, and tears to become the best. “I never stop dancing. When I get up in the morning to brush my teeth I "The only obstacle I had to overcome to be a dancer,” she adds, dance, when I cook I dance when I walk I dance,” she says. “is becoming a dancer". Ms. Dulaney adds that her experience at ASU prepared her to be a better person. "HBCUs are the higher learning guides for From the stands, to the field and the office, Ms. Dulaney does young blacks to understand a culture of black excellence, pride, her thing. While at ASU, she studied communications with a concentration in public relations. Not many know that she start- and unity.” ed as a theatre major.
Teachers Dodge Bullet With Gun Laws By Deandre Reeves
One Alabama gubernatorial candidate says arming the state’s classroom teachers is an “idiotic idea” and most educators at Lanier High agree.
classroom management, but not to break up. Nonetheless, they know their job is to make students feel safe.
In light of the recent school shootings, the question remains: Is there ever a time that an educator should be permitted to carry a Solutions, some say, include securgun? ing all doors, hiring more school resource officers, installing cameras, and being alert of sur“Absolutely not!” said Jeanetta Underwood, a math teacher at roundings and students changing attitudes or behaviors. Lanier High. “Honestly for what? For a teacher to have a panic attack and shoot the wrong person or to have the gun taken by In the meantime, a bill calling for teachers to carry guns in the students or the intruder? Really? schools died in the recently completed legislative session. In recent weeks, President Donald Trump has spoken in favor “Most teachers are not equipped physically or mentally to use a of arming teachers. gun for protection,” Ms. Underwood added. “Some teachers are afraid to break-up a fight; no, they are afraid to interrupt stu"We need to arm them with the tools they need to educate our dents arguing before the fight.” children," Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, who is running for governor, told AL.com. "When you start putting guns in school, Some teachers argue that their training is in instruction and you are setting off a time bomb that's constantly ticking.”
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Teacher, Students Battle for Physics, Other Advanced Sciences By Makiya Salter and Tondrea Bryant
Science has always been a neglected subject at Lanier, and people have finally decided to speak up about it. Lanier doesn’t offer many science classes, and many people are quite tired of the boring main sciences such as environmental and chemistry. After forensic and physics made their departure from The Castle, many students have found science somewhat dull and uninteresting now. Due to this development, students of Lanier have decided to get together to fix the problem of the missing classes one step at a time. “Physics is the one science that students literally engage in every single day of their lives,” said science teacher, Candice White-Petty. “When students buckle their seatbelts in a car and go to the store or on a trip, the are engaging in Newton’s 1st Law of Motion, and principals of speed, velocity and acceleration.” Many students have gotten involved in the fight for a physics class to be administered into Lanier. From walking around asking people to sign the petition, to hanging up signs promoting the movement. They’re determined to help bring more color to the science world at Lanier. The math in high school physics, for instance, is basic addition, subtraction, multiplication , and division. Mrs. White-Petty noted that her physical science students perform better overall by the second semester because the standards of physics are covered. “We’re talking about content they can actually see and experience,” she added. Jasmine Grayson, an 11th grader, is in full support of Lanier having diversity in class offerings.
“Science is a fun subject. But when you’re surrounded by the same concepts of science 24/7, it can become a bit of a bore.” ~ Jasmine Grayson “If physics is an option next year, I’m gonna jump at the chance to be in it.” ~ Brandon Lowery
It is still unclear whether or not the physics petition will be successful or not, but it has definitely shown that students are eager for more classes to be offered at The Castle, and are willing to work to further their education. “I’m excited about the petition. I was honestly dreading my twelfth grade year because I didn’t want to take it as a class,” said Brandon Lowery, an 11th grader. “If physics is an option next year, I’m gonna jump at the chance to be in it.”
Students are excited about the development, and are happy that their voices are finally being heard. Although they don’t know if the movement will be successful, they are happy that they can contribute a change.
“Science is a fun subject, but when you’re surrounded by the same concepts of science 24/7 it can become a bit of a bore,” Jasmine said.
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‘Still Here With Me’ In Memory of Chauncey Blackburn By Shagarian Lane
The text messages and phone calls I received on February 24, 2018 haunt my memory. I learned that by BFF, Chauncey Blackburn, had been shot in the head. I didn’t know what to do, but to run to my grandmother and cry.
Chauncey was like a brother to me. He knew my family. We shared a lot of fun memories. He was even my date for the 2017 JuniorSenior Prom. I rushed to the hospital, but I couldn’t see him because he was in ICU. That hurt. I had hope, though. Weeks passed and people were saying he was doing OK. The news would take another turn. On March 14, 2018, I got another set of text messages and phone calls, this time people telling me “Shay he’s gone. He’s dead. And Chauncey’s gone, et cetera.” All I could do was cry, because I never lost anyone close to me. Holding on to memories Going to the funeral home, seeing him laying there lifeless broke me down because he’s always full of energy. The funeral was so emotional, I cried when I walked in and didn’t stop until it was over.
I know Chauncey is in a better place now, because he had a good Godly spirit. I just wish he was still here
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Honors in the Castle A Honor Roll
Roberts, Jaterrika
Grade level 9 Paul, Freddie Jay Ponder, Justin Grade level 10 Jackson, Kendarrius E Mccloud, Kiearra A
A/B Honor Roll Grade level 9 Beamon,Charles Beamon,Jada Coleman,Tajana Davis,Shayla
Stokes, Jaliyah D
Golson,Takymbria
Thomas, Eldon Theodore
Hall,Timisha
Grade level 11 Davis , Tomarian Harris, Diamond Holt, Tia Hooks, Marcus Knight , Kendon Salter, Makiya Williams, Jasmine WILLIAMS, Mya
Jackson,Andrea Jackson,Kenya Jackson, Destiny Jones,Kenya Porch, Andre Rogers, Daylon Russell,Jameria Sweeney, Zykeria Thomas, Takhia
Wilson, Shekinah
ThomasHall,Cassandra
Grade level 12
Walker, De’asia
Williams, Lashonda Williams,Renard Wright, Krishawna Grade level 10 Bowman , Jordan Butler, Altoria Cain , Labrea Ellington , Ja’maia Ford,Antonique Gordon,Rongie Hall,Karisma Hill, Mariunna Holt, Alesia Jackson,Jasmine Jackson,Rakiana Jones,Amaiya Jones,Johnathan
Powell,Kendell
Maddox,Zarria
Ellis,Alexis
Rudolph,Justin
Mays,Tykeria
Foster,James
Rudolph,Tyriana
Mcdaniel,Ambria
Glover,Charity
Simpson,Canaya
Mclemore,Rodrian na
Goldsby,Ashanti
Sims, Taylor
Harris,Ashley
Phelps,Deaundre
Laprade,La’precious
Provo, Avione
Matthews,Kierra
Rogers,Camryn
Mitchell,Mercedes
Timmons,Ja’Myia
RosalesBarrera,Esperanza
Moten,Kamille
Willis, Camry
Rowell,Chyna
Moten,Kamiya
Grade level 11
Smith,Camron
Pash,Emko
Blakely,Johnny
Smith,Roderick
Richardson,Alexia
Cunningham,Tashara
Timmons,Andrew
Richardson,Amber
Wheat,Shakeyria
Thomas,Alfred
Wilson,Jayla
Tolliver,Delancey
Grade level 12
Trawick,Jasmine
Smith,Destinee Smith,Kadresha Smith,Shanairia Stintson ,Malik
Dorsey,Kejoco Ford, Connell Harris,Makaylah
Jordan,Juwan
Hawthorne,Shakeria
Lewis, Ta Kari
Holt,Tamera
Mcbride,D’andre
Jones,Alexis
Mccall, Zedrick
Myles,Jayshun
Lane,Ethel
Baxter,Jakobee Caldwell,Ashley Coleman,Gerald
Turner,Marquez Williams,Katerria Williams,Tyra
CrumBrown,Jo’shanell
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Royal & Loyal Patrons
Cubie Rae-Hayes
Gregory Barnes
Roberto Reed
Clayton Hutsler
Dr. Quebe Bradford Jasmayne Robbins
Jomarlan Ford
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1st Sgt. Tyrone McFadden
Fannie Harris
Porsha Redd
Stevie Holloway
Laquasha Stokes
Tashunta White
Lt. Col. Gregory Harris
Preston Boykin
Vicki Keith
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Royal & Loyal Patrons
Tislam Ellis
Chicketta Smith
Rose Penn
Dr. Antonio Williams
Jasmine Pate
Candice Petty
Latae Pickett
Nicholas Dalton LaToya Patterson
Henry Tellis
Annice Jessie
Yolanda Huntley
Dr. Aundria Green
Annie Mathis
Lovell Seals
Staff members of Blue & W hite Productions are grateful for our Loyal and Royal Patrons, one of the major key funding sources to offset printing costs, repair equipment, and to operate the school-based multimedia outlet, which includes the full launch Poet Vision. Again, we thank you for your support.
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The Blue & White
Sidney Lanier High School 1756 South Court Street Phone: 334-269-3726 E-mail: ken.spear@mps.k12.al.us
Anonymity will be protected, if requested. The staff reserves the right to edit submitted material.
MPS The pen is mightier than the sword.
Editorial opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper staff or school administration..
Ebony Allen
Makaylah Harris
Shimiracle Patterson
Malik Stinson
Bernicia Ballard
Jeremiah Howard
Deaundre Phelps
Jasmine Trawick
Tondrea Bryant
Kenneth Isaac
Ragan Purter
Teranisha Treadwell
Ashley Caldwell
Andre Lamonte
De’Andre Reeves
Cornelius Wright
Tatiyanna Campbell
Shagarian Lane
Denise Ringo
Kamryn Young
Serenity Dorsey
Imani Lott
Ja’ Vonde Robinson
Jamarious Fulks
Brianna Mays
Makiya Salter
Taylar Meredith
Simmone Slaughter
Shakasa Oliver
Isaac Smith
Emko Pash
Caleb Stephenson
KenShaun Gipson Joseph Haigler Amiracle Hampon
Advisor: Ken L. Spear Co– Advisor: Yolanda Huntley
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