Virtual Y&G Conference | 2
An interview with Gavin Guion | 4
What’s Yaggin’?
New to the game
Students participate in annual YMCA legislative conference
Gavin Guion shares his rap influences, artistry, and aspirations
The Hurricane CAPE FEAR ACADEMY
Friday, March 19, 2021
Wilmington, North Carolina
Volume 16, Issue 3
A matter of honor
Curriculum changes strengthen academic opportunities by J.R. Johnston
Honors classes aren’t going away-- but they are changing. When news of proposed changes to honors credit first broke in early February, students were concerned. “As someone who was planning on taking many honors classes next year, hearing that [they] may be eliminated was very troubling. I am enrolled in Honors Mandarin, and I think that colleges may see a disconnect if I am not able to take Honors Mandarin again,” sophomore Jagger van Vliet said. Some teachers hesitated to embrace the possible changes to their course offerings. “A lot of band students take the course for the honors credit, and many students might stop taking band if honors wasn’t a thing anymore,” band director William Camp said.
Parents were also worried about the potential impact of the change. “My daughter (senior Alex Johnson) has taken advantage of many honors classes, and I’m confident that taking [them] made her a better student and helped her get into the college of her choice,” Mrs. Beth Johnson said. There were legitimate reasons behind the decision. Upper School Director Lynne Kenney and Head of School Ed Ellison noted that leading private schools across the nation either have already eliminated or are beginning to eliminate honors courses in an effort to achieve “mastery” and reduce grade inflation. Removing the honors designation would eliminate having to have a certain average in the prerequisite course. The change would allow students opportunities
to take classes and electives that they had previously been ineligible to take. On March 10, the administration announced that the new curriculum will retain honors courses and offer a plethora of AP options as well as additional courses that will count toward the Engineering Certificate program. Fine arts students must take one year of a class such as filmmaking, chorus, photography, or publications before applying for honors credit. Teacher approval is required. In the English department, juniors and seniors not enrolled in AP-level courses will take semester courses such as Contemporary Literature, Sports Literature, Power to the People, Environmental Justice, and Readers as Writers that will
Reward for honors. Hurricane section editor Makenzie Mills works on the March issue in Honors Publications. A third-year staff member, she was responsible for editing student articles and designing the layout of the Activities page. Photo: Jan Reid
fulfill the English requirement for graduation. Other changes include new semester classes and an expanded slate of computer science offerings, including Cyber Security and Web Design. Mandarin I will be added as well. Most of these changes will affect rising freshmen and
sophomores. “No matter what, student well-being is always the root of our decision-making as an administration. Our top priority is to continue all of the academic achievement that makes CFA so special now while being sure to grow the school to new heights,” US director Lynne Kenney said.
Crushing Corona Prom postponed: is it even going to happen? Making it through the rest of the year, safely by Bellamy Koonce
One of the most anticipated events in high school usually happens in April, right before AP exams. But will prom even take place? The original venue was the Bellamy Mansion, which changed to Bakery 105 in downtown Wilmington. However, administrators felt
that this location would not be safe to socially-distance in such a small space. Dancing six feet apart seemed impossible. SGA members are unsure if and where prom will take place. “Prom is currently on the leadership’s team agenda for
discussion. We are still in a holding pattern and are unsure whether we will be able to hold a traditional prom,” Dean of Students Jamison Fee said. As of March 16, prom had not been officially canceled. If it does happen, it will certainly look very different from all of the rest.
Last prom ever? Will Dahl, Liza Murtagh, Alena Gianoplus, Hope Gallop, Sophie Mitchell, and Delilah Mills were sophomores when Prom 2019 took place at the Cameron Art Museum on April 13. Photo: Jan Reid
What’s inside
Academics......................................2 Activities.......................................3
Arts and Entertainment..........................4 Lifestyles..........................................5
by Anders Ljung
As COVID cases slowly decline nationwide, and with only a couple of months left in the school year, many schools across the nation are starting to return to in-person learning. The CDC has stated that it is appropriate to open schools back up to the public, as long as students are aware of the safety precautions. “I didn’t think we would be in school for more than a month when we first came back in August. I thought we were going to be like all the other schools across the nation and have to do remote learning for a while,” Andrew Basinger said. An increase in positive cases across the upper school after the holiday break caused administrators to stress how important vigilance is to ensure safety. “I’m very proud of the
way the CFA community has handled COVID, and as long as everyone follows the regulations we should be able to make it through the rest of the year safely,” Nurse Amy Croom said. The CDC has predicted that the COVID vaccine will become more available in the future, and estimated that most people will be vaccinated by the fall of 2021 (in the US). Many faculty members have already been vaccinated. Students looked forward to a time when life would be easier. “During COVID it’s been difficult to learn, just because it feels so abnormal compared to other years. I hope when I get to college vaccinations will be available, and also that we can return to a normal lifestyle,” Anne Frances Frazier said.
Opinions..............................................6 Senior Feature........................................7 Senior Stats.............................................7 Sports...........................................8