The Hilight February 11, 2016 Cullman High School’s News Magazine Volume LXXIX Issue 4
Seniors, only 68 days until graduation!
Valentine’s Edition
Valentine’s Edition Table of Contents
Voices History of Valentine’s Day Sparks Fly Middle School Relationships Catwalking Dating Ideas and Single Person’s Valentine Options Love Songs/Movies and What to Buy Cutest Couples Most Elligible Bachelors and Bachelorettes Hot or Not Current News Sports Gun Control Featured Art
Ed Notes:
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Roses are red, violets are blue, in this new edition, we’re thinking of you! Valentine’s Day can bring people closer together, and in this edition, we’re ready to show you new and exciting ways to step up your love game. February is the month of love and, unfortunately for some, also the month of heartbreak. Luckily, you’ll get the opportunity to laugh-or cringe-at past couples, envy over Cullman High’s cutest couples, and gawk over this year’s most elligible In our first edition of the semester, the bachelors and bachelorettes. Hilight hopes to bring you insight of the student body’s latest activities and events. Happy Valentine’s Day! xoxo, Hope Mason, Editor
Dalton Bright
Hope Mason
VOICES VOICES Staff
Who is your dream Valentine?
Sydeny Crider, Senior
Editors
Dalton Bright Hope Mason
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Zac Efron
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Hunter Brannon, Junior Mrs. Hanson
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Staff Members Savanna Ball Emalyn Blackwell Hannah Chrisenberry Bryeleigh Davis Abbie Kate Hancock Katie Harbin Kabri Hogan Spencer Hyatt Camille Marsh Abby Mayhair Sally Ann Pappas Kelsey Rainwater Zan Sanders Shelbi Shabel Lydia Waters
Advisor
Jennifer Calahan
Cullman High School 510 13th Street NE Cullman, AL 35055 (256) 734-3923, ext. 2045
Kacie Griffith, Sophomore
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Ed Westwick
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Riley Bradford, Freshman
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Channing Tatum
Over 50% of all Valentine’s Day cards are purchased in the six days prior to the holiday
The Hilight encourages letters to the editors. Letters will be published only if they are signed by the author and are not of libellous content. The letter may be printed anonomously only if the letter has been signed. Please submit your letter to the editors, the advisor, or boxes placed around campus. Opinions expressed in The Hilight do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, staff, and administration of Cullman High School or Cullman City Schools.
Voices and photos compiled by Savanna Ball The Bottom Line 3 | 2.11.16 | The Hilight
Newest Celebrity Couples
it didn’t twerk last time, but maybe it will this time Katie Harbin, Staff Writer
Cyrus and Hemsworth are back together again! After calling off their engagement in 2013, reports have shown that the pair has recently reconciled. According to sources, Miley never wanted to split. Miley stated, “Things just got so bad that [they] really needed the break.” Rumors have been swirling after Miley rang in the New Year with Liam in Australia. A giant diamond ring was seen on her finger while strolling through JFK Airport and again later on social media. It’s still up in the air on whether it’s her former engagement ring or not. It seems Miley also thinks she needs to tone down her image to keep the former Hunger Games star by her side. While sources say she is trying everything to change herself they also believe that it might backfire. Also, rumors circulated just before Thanksgiving that Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik are a couple. The model and former One Direction member started sharing photos of themselves together over social media, which in this day inage is pretty much the equivalent of screaming, “I love you!” There are also rumors of the young couple shopping for apartments together. In Zayn’s new music video, starring the pair together, was released recently, practically leaving no questions on whether the two were seeing each other or not. After the release the the video, the two exchanged many flirty tweets, and in a radio interview, Zayn confirmed that the two were indeed dating. As with any young Hollywood pairing, there were whispers that Bieber and Baldwin were together long ago. The whispers died down, and Bieber was once again rumored to be in relationships with multiple women over a multiple period of months. Although earlier this year, Beibs posted a picture of the two kissing. They could just be friends that enjoy kissing, or it could be a signal of something more. Their entire relationship has spanned since 2009, according to a timeline created by MTV.
History Of Valentine’s Day sounds a whole lot cooler than a lousy card Spencer Hyatt, Staff Writer
Some say Valentine’s Day is on Saint Valentine’s date of death while some believe it is celebrated in the middle of February to Christianize it. Regardless, the holiday dates back hundreds of years and is celebrated acoss the globe. The story of the holiday’s namesake is a mystery. As of today, there are three known Saint Valentines. The first was believed to have rebelled against Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage for young men. Claudius felt that unmarried men were better fit for the military than ones with families. Valentine held weddings in secret for young lovers. He was eventually found and executed for his crime. The second Valentine was imprisoned for helping Christians escape harsh Roman prisons. While in prison, he fell in love with a girl who visted him regularly. He wrote her a letter and signed it, “Your Valentine.” He was later executed. Little is known about the third Valentine except for the fact that he died in Africa. The actual holiday has been celebrated in different fashions for years. It once was a Pagan festival held on February fifteenth. Two animals were sacrificed: a goat for fertility and a dog for purification. The goat’s hide was torn into stripes and dipped in the blood. Women were hit with the strips in hopes of blessing them with children, and the fields were struck with them for a bountiful harvest. In addition to these rituals, women’s names were placed into an urn and drawn; those chosen were sent to a bachelor.
Check out how other countries celebrate Valentine’s Day below:
France- Although it is now banned, people used to go to the houses opposite theirs and find partnerrs by calling into the windows. This was called a une loterie d’amour. Japan- Women present the men with chocolates called Giri-choco and Honmei-choco. Giri is courtesy chocolate and Honmei is the chocolate of love. Israel- Valentine’s Day is celebrated on the fifteenth of February, and is usually a date set aside for many Hebrew weddings. Denmark- Although Valentine’s Day is a relatively new holiday in Denmark (celebrated since the early 1990s according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark), the country has embraced February fourteenth with a Danish twist. Rather than roses, friends and sweethearts exchanged pressed, white flowers called “snowdrops.”
The Bottom Line
Who’s your favorite celebrity couple?
4 | 2.11.16 | The Hilight
Sparks Fly...
novels that make you feel loved Kabri Hogan, Staff Writer The Choice
This is a #1 New York Times bestseller Nicholas Sparks turns his talents to a new tale about love found and lost, and the choices we hope will never have to make. Travis Parker has everything a man could want: a good job, loyal friends, even a home on the water in a small-town North Carolina. In full pursuit of the good life(swimming, boating, and hanging out with his buddies), he holds the vague conviction that a serious relationship with a woman would only ruin his style. That is, until Gabby Holland moves in next door. This book makes us ask the question of how far you would go to keep the hope of love alive.
The Best of Me
In this novel, Dawson Cole returns to his hometown for the first time after twenty years to fulfill the last wishes of his dear friend and father, Tuck Hosteler. When he arrives, Dawson is suprised to find that Tuck arranged for Dawson’s high school sweetheart, Amanda, to join him in fulfilling these last few wishes. In fact, it soon becomes clear that Dawson and Amanda are seeing one another again and perhaps rekindling their old romance is the main wish for Tuck. However, Amanda is married and Dawson’s family, a group of criminals that pose a threat Tuck’s plans and Dawson’s future.The Best of Me is an emotion packed romance novel that fulfills the expectations readers have come to expect from Nicholas Sparks.
The Longest Ride
This story tells us about two couples in North Carolina. The first is about Ira Levinson, an old widow who became stranded after crashing his truck down an embankment. While struggling to stay alive he relives the memories of his late wife Ruth, and we get to experience the love they had and how they came to spend their lives together. The second couple follows they story of a young couple Sophia Danko, a college senior at Wake Forest University, and Luke Collins, a cowboy and Champion bull rider. After meeting during a rodeo after party, they begin to fall in love, but both have different paths and their love is tested. They have life decisions to make and put them aside until they finally have to face them.
The Notebook
A love story set in the pre and post World War II era. Noah and Allie spend a wonderful summer together, but her family and the realities of the time prevent them from being together. Although Noah attempts to keep in contact with Allie after they are forced to seperate, his letters go unanswered. Noah professes his undying love in one final letter. Noah travels north to find gainful employment and to escape the ghost of Allie, and eventually he goes off to war. After serving his country, he returns home to restore and old farmhouse. A newspaper article about it catches Allie’s eye, and 14 years after she last saw Noah, Allie returns to him. The only problem is she is engaged to another man. After spending two wonderful reunion days together, Allie must decide between the two men that she loves.
Dear John
John lives in North Carolina, and after high school John enlists in the U.S Army. While home on a leave, John meets Savannah who is in North Carolina doing mission work. Their attraction is mutual and they quickly fall in love. John has to leave two weeks after they met to go back. Savannah agreed that she would wait for him to finish his tour of duty. They write letters to each other and picked up where they left off when home after another leave. However they start to drift apart when 9-11 occurs and John has to re-enlist in the army. After awhile Savannah sent John a letter that she is in love with someone else. John was heartbroken and doesn’t communicate with her anymore. A few weeks later, John cam home because his father died, and he decided to go see Savannah. She has married her best friend from childhood,Tim, whom became friends with when he met Savannah. Tim has melanoma, and there is nothing the doctors can do anymore. Savannah wants to sned him to a better hospital but can’t afford it. Before John leaves again he donates all the money from his dad to Tim’s fund. He never spoke to Savannah again and goes on living his life in the Army.
Nicholas Sparks
Nicholas was born in 1965 in Omaha, Nebraska. He lived in many different towns before settling down in Fair Oaks, California. He graduated valedictorian for his high school class and was a runner in high school as well. He accepted a full athletic scholarship to Notre Dame and set a record for his team. He was injured that summer and started writing his first novel The Notebook which became a bestseller and published in 45 different languages. He continues to write amazing novels that are bestsellers. He now has five children and most likely working on his next best seller.
15% of women send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day
The Bottom Line 5 | 2.11.16 | The Hilight
Tbt to Middle School the couples everyone remembers Bryeleigh Davis, Staff Writer
Questions Asked
1. How long did you date? 2. What is something you did together? 3. How did you break up?
Ann Carol and Austin Tankersley (Ann Carol’s answers) 1. We dated for like 3 or 4 months. 2. We went to the movies and saw Pitch Per-
fect.
3. I was sitting in a classroom at the CMS math tournament and ended it over a text message. Austin wanted to add: “While she was gone to the bathroom, I lifted up the arm rest. When she returned she asked why it was lifted and put it right back down...”
Wheeler Eastman and Jayla Crawford (Wheeler’s answers) 1. Uhhh like two months. 2. We kissed in the back of Sherri’s car; she had no idea. 3. She got mad that I was talking to other girls from Muscle Shoals at a football game, so I guess she ended it then.
The Bottom Line
On average, men spend $130 on Valentine’s Day
6 | 2.11.16 | The Hilight
We all remember those awkward middle school days...
• Gage Goodwin got kicked off the basketball team • Sally Ann Pappas and Shelbi Shabel matched head to toe on the first day of seventh grade • Everyone got detention for chewing gum • Coach Gragg’s eyebrows got burned off • Mrs. Turner printed off everyone’s charts and sat them in her living room floor to compare people’s answers so she could see who cheated. About 45 people received a 0 on that assignment. • Soffee shorts and a white shirt for P.E. class • D.A.R.E. • Valentines day dance in the lunch room • “The hill” on Friday night home games • After Sarah Brock found out she had made cheerleading, she did this weird jump/kick thing and ripped her pants. • Camille Marsh’s backpack weighed too much so she tipped over and landed on her back in front of everyone. Owen Lovell and Sydney Crider (Sydney’s answers) 1. A little over a year, I think. 2. Well, we went to Bama games with our families, and we also carved pumkins together one Halloween. 3. He told me he didn’t want a relationship anymore and broke up with me over text.
Kolby Robinson and Hope Mason (Kolby’s answers) 1. Maybe a month. 2. We would go to the football games together and hold hands. 3. She broke up with me over a text message.
Catwalking
Like jaywalking, only better! Hannah Christenberry, Staff Writer Questions: 1. How many years did the world’s longest marriage last? 2. How much money will the average person spend on Valentine’s Day? 3. What year did Hallmark release its first Valentine’s Day card? 4. How many heart shaped boxes of chocolate are sold each year? 5. How did the phrase “wear your heart on your sleeve” start? 6. What year was the first Valentine’s Day box of candy created?
Answer: 1. 86 years 2. $133.91 3. 1913 4. 36 million 5. During a Roman festival, men drew names to determine who would be their lady for that year, then the men men would wear those names on their sleeve 6. 1868
Justin Patterson ‘16 1. 100 years 2. $10 3. 1492 4. All of them 5. I’ve never heard that.. it might have come for Latin or Greek origin 6. 1493
Brooke Ledbetter ‘17 1. Um, like in the bible? 87 years 2. $200 3. 1907 4. 2 billion 5. Well, when people got surgery before modern medicine happened they accidentally dropped a human heart on the doctor’s sleeve 6. 1908
Ethan Hendrix ‘18 1. 100 years 2. $500 3. Uh, the fifties 4. Uh, it’s a lot of chocolate.. like 200 million *laughs* 5. Uh, someone just randomly said it 6. The early twenties
Chloe Zinsmeister ‘19 1. Ummm…80 years 2. $50 3. 1924 4. 78 million 5. Probably an old poem 6.Early twenties
Nearly 1 billion cards are exchanged on Valentine’s Day each year
The Bottom Line 7 | 2.11.16 | The Hilight
Expectations vs. Reality the perfect date plan for Valentine’s Day Lydia Waters, Staff Writer
Whether you are single, in a relationship, or somewhere in between, we all have an idea of what we expect on Valentine’s Day. We hate to admit it, but our expectations are usually 5,000 miles from the reality of how V-Day really goes down. Just because we drop hints does not mean our guys pick them up...Here is a look at what our CHS girls expect on Valentine’s Day versus what our CHS boys have in mind.
Expectations:
Reality:
‘My idea of a perfect Valentine’s date would be....”
My plans for Valentine’s Day would be....”
Freshman- Gracie Apel: “My guy would take me to eat at Ninja and then we would see a romantic movie.”
Freshman- Niklas Fondren: “Watching netflix 24/7 with a whole bucket full of M&M’s.”
Sophomore- Bailee Ponder: “My guy bringing me flowers, taking me to a fancy restaurant, attending a red carpet event as the star couple, and then watching fireworks to end the night.”
Sophomore- Fletcher Jennings: “Going to the woods to bear hunt and then playing basketball with dolphins while wearing togas.”
Junior- Ashley Grace Uphold: “My guy showing up in a horse and carriage with a dress for me and a basket full of puppies, eating at a really nice restaurant, and then sitting court side with Beyonce and Jay-Z at a basketball game.”
Junior- Zack Cone: “Going to watch a movie and then afterwards surprising her with a picnic under the stars at Welti Falls.”
Senior- Elli Dixon: “My guy calling in a private jet, finding a box of chocolates in the plane seat with a poem hinting where our destination is, arriving in Paris to eat dinner on top of the Eiffel Tower, then sky diving off and landing in a boat that takes us back to Alabama.”
Senior- Seth Andrews: “Surprising my date with flowers, going to Bridgestreet and seeing a funny movie.”
Single Persons Valentine’s Day Options Netflix and chill on my couch Abby Mayhair, Staff Writer
Valentine’s Day is usually a day where you spend money on gifts for someone else, such as flowers, candy or jewelry. If you are single, you do not have to spend half of your wallet on someone else; spend it on yourself. Buy your favorite gift you have been eyeing for a while. Other ideas for single folks include having a Netflix marathon to watch your favorite celebrity crush, going out on the town with your best single friends, or spending time with your family. Valentine’s Day is not a day just for couples. Think of it as a ‘me day.” Do not waste time dreading Valentine’s Day - spoil yourself and spend it with the ones you love.
Top 5 Ways to Spoil Yourself
Top 5 Popular Hotspots
1. Get a Mani / Pedi
1. Movies
2. Go out to eat at a nice restaurant
2. Fancy Restaurant
3. Take a road trip
3. Mall
4. Hit up the mall and go on a shopping spree
4. Concert
5. Sporting Event
5. Relax at the Spa
The Bottom Line
There is a town in Texas named Valentine
8 | 2.11.16 | The Hilight
Perfect gifts
top Valentines Day options for that special someone..
Shelbi Shabel, Staff Writer
For Him Cologne Prices will vary
~larget variety can be found at Belk
Patagonia Hat $29.00 ~ can be found at Werner’s
Gift Card to his favorite place Prices will vary ~ largest variety can be found at Walgreens or Publix
For Her Big Plush Teddy Bear Ranges $100-200 ~can be found online at amazon.com and Costco
42 oz. Heart Shaped Chocloate Assortment
$39.00 ~ largest variety can be found at Walmart
Nicholas Sparks movie set $7.50 ~ can be found at Walmart
Valentine’s Day Playlist songs and movies for you and bae Emalyn Blackwell, Staff Writer
Nothing sets the mood on Valentine’s Day like the excellent choice of One of the most fun and classic things to do on Valentine’s Day is a sweet love song. From slow and serious to upbeat and happy, here watch romantic movies. From funny romantic comedies to heartis a list of songs that would be perfect to play on Valentine’s Day. felt romances, here is a list of movies that are great whether you are single or with bae. 1. A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton 2. Better Together by Jack Johnson 1. Valentine’s Day 3. Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran 2. The Notebook 4. Love Is a Verb by John Mayer 3. Dirty Dancing 5. Marry Me by Train 4. Titanic 6. I’m Yours by Jason Mraz 5. Pretty Woman 7. Sweet Pea by Amos Lee 6. Hitch 8. I Got You by Jack Johnson 7. Dirty Dancing 9. I And Love And You by The Avett Brothers 8. There’s Something About Mary 10. Falling In Love At a Coffee Shop by Landon Pigg 9. Crazy, Stupid, Love 11. She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5 10. How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days 12. Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton 11. Sleepless in Seattle 13. I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz 12. Definitely, Maybe 14. Ho Hey by The Lumineers 13. The Proposal 15. 1,2,3,4 by Plain White T’s 14. Clueless 16. Accidentally In Love by Counting Crows 15. The Fault in Our Stars 17. Rhythm of Love by Plain White T’s 18. Whatever It Is by Zac Brown Band 19. Just the Way You Are by Billy Joel 20. God Gave Me You by Dave Barnes Teachers are the recipients of the most Valentines
The Bottom Line 9 | 2.11.16 | The Hilight
Cutest Couples of 2016 let’s check out CHS’s favorite love birds Sally Ann Pappas, Staff Writer
Behind the scenes 1. How long have you two been dating? 2. What do you like most about the other? 3. Do you have plans for Valentines Day? 4. How did you begin dating? 5. What is the most embarrassing thing you have ever done in front of them? her answers: 1) 2 years 2) his personality 3) yes, he won’t tell me though 4) Mrs. Boyd’s English class, shout out to you Mrs. Boyd 5) one time I spilled a drink on him
JUNIORS
Gabby Orr and Aaron Phenicie
her answers: 1) almost 1 year, since February 13th, which was also a Friday 2) I can be my own weird self and wear a giant cat suit in front of him, and he doesn’t judge me 3) I have no idea what we’re doing but it’s the day after our 1 year so probably something cool 4) we went to Key Club in the same group, and he asked me to the big band dance, then we saw the Spongebob movie together 5) before we were dating, I had a Christmas pajama party, and he asked if he had to wear pajamas. I said he could wear a Christmas outfit...or pajamas...or nothing... and it was awkward
his answers: 1) a year 2) she’s nice 3) no, whatever she wants to do 4) she sent me a picture of Robert Clint 5) my car broke down on the interstate, that was pretty embarrassing
This year’s
SENIOR
cutest couple is...
Elli Dixon and Seth Andrews
SOPHOMORES
his answers:
1) 2 years 2) her personaltiy 3) yes, I’m taking her to Bridgestreet 4) Mrs. Boyd’s class 5) one time we were hanging out, and I got a bad leg cramp and couldn’t move
FRESHMEN
Gracie Apel and Niklas Fondren
her answers: 1) 2 years her answers: 2) I like that he likes me for me and 1) two months not my looks, and he has the same 2) he’ll go out of his way for me views as I do 3) go out to dinner 3) we might to to church and eat 4) we went to dinner with friends one night, and the next weekend he lunch or dinner 4) he acted like he needed my asked me to go eat with him number for homework, but he really 5) I was getting out of his truck at his house, and it was muddy, and I just wanted to talk to me 5) last summer we were swimming, slipped and fell flat on my butt and I can’t swim with my eyes open because of my contacts, so I swam into the side of the pool and bumped my head pretty hard
Anna Evans and Reese Harbison
his answers: 1) 2 months 2) the way she makes me laugh 3) yes, dinner 4) I took Anna home from the fair one night. We started texting some, and I asked her to go eat with me, and now we’re here 5) I let Anna pluck my eyebrows
his answers: 1) 2 years and 3 months 2) she’s the best at helping me remember things 3) not sure yet 4) I met her in science of 7th grade and thought woah, I dont know her. Who is she? I wanna know her 5) I sneezed one time and got snot on her shirt
Bachelors and Bachelorettes everyone wants their final rose Kelsey Rainwater, Staff Writer
Freshmen
Q: What do you look for in a girl/guy? Cooper Beck “Personality and looks.”
Anna Grace Murphy
“I guess I want someone that cares about his future like grades and stuff. Also, they have to be good looking and talk a lot because awkward silence is the worst.”
Sophomores
Q: How long have you been single? Josh Skinner Bailey Beckman “Since last year.”
“I dont know, a long time. Probably a year.”
Juniors
Q: What is your best pickup line? Garrison Hill “Are you a parking ticket because you have ‘fine’ written all over you.”
Lacie Bartlett
“Did you have Lucky Charms for breakfast because you look magically delicious.”
Trent Hulsey “Hey, tie your shoes. I don’t want you falling for anyone else.”
Kaitlin Cook
“On a scale of 1-10 you’re a 9 and I’m the one you need.”
Seniors
Q: Are you normally the heartbreaker or the heartbroken? Logan Shugarts “I don’t know. I guess both.”
The longest marriage on record spans over 86 years
Liz Tankersley
“Well, I’ve had one boyfriend and he broke up with me and moved to Australia, so I guess the heartbroken.”
The Bottom Line 11 | 2.11.16 | The Hilight
27 Dresses
what you should and should not wear to PROM. Abbie Kate Hancock, Staff Writer
Places to Shop around Cullman: SHOULDS: TIPS TO FINDING A DRESS 1.Make sure you get a dress that compliments your body. 2.Don’t base your opinion, on the stereotype in magazines of the “perfect prom dress” 3.Pick something that makes you feel good and that you’ll be comfy in for dancing till the end of the night. 4.Keep your options open. Don’t buy the first thing you try on because you might find something better at another store. (Prom stores have a NO- RETURN Policy)
First Avenue Bridals & Formals
Address: 1215 2nd Ave NW, Cullman, AL 35055 Phone: (256) 739-6209 Store Hours: Monday-Saturday
Classy Lady Formalwear
Address: 2038 Pear Dr NW, Cullman, AL 35058 Phone:(256) 739-1818 Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 A.M.-6 P.M.
Places to shop out of town:
Image’s Bridal Prom & Pageants
Address: 1034 Main St. Gardendale, AL 35071 Phone: (205) 386-8971 Store Hours: Monday & Friday 11 A.M.-5 P.M. Tuesday & Thursday 11 A.M.-6 P.M. Saturday 10:30 A.M.-5 P.M.
Something Blue Too
Address: 224 Main St W, Hartselle, AL 35640 Phone: (256) 773-4956 Store Hours: Monday-Sunday
Kathy Rose Formal Wear Outlet
Address: 2530 Sparkman Dr NWHuntsville, AL 35810 Phone: (256) 852-8465 Store Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M. Saturday 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.
SHOULD NOTS: DRESS CODE LADIES Popular Styles for Prom 2016:
“ The Jersey” Dress-- this season, girls are looking for simple,
understated dresses, a jersey dress is great for that look, it accenuates your body type without being too over the top “The Sleeved” Dress- whether it be short-sleeved, or long-sleeved, sleeves in general are everything this season, find your perfect sleeved dress at some of the shops listed above “The Nuetral” Dress- earthy colors such as burgundy, forest green, dark beige, and black are trending this year instead of bright, pastel colors “The High-Neck” Dress- instead of the classic, sweetheart neckline, people are opting for high-neck (turtle-neck like) dresses “The Short” Dress-if you’re not really into the long prom dresses, a short cocktail dress is always a good choice for your prom
The Bottom Line
1. Twopiece dresses are super trendy, but don’t wear one to prom unless you don’t want to attend. 2. C L E A V A G E- you can find a dress that looks amazing without showing cleavage; go find that dress!! 3. Ladies, I know that slits going up t the leg on your dress are trendy, but they if the slit is more than four inches above the knee, you will be violating Dress Code. Trust me, You will feel better if you’re in Dress Code during prom.
More than 36 million heart-shaped boxes are sold for Valentine’s Day each year
12 | 2.11.16 | The Hilight
The 2016 Iowa Caucus heads or tails?
Dalton Bright, Staff Editor and Zan Sanders, Staff Writer
Early Sunday morning, political supporters and voters from all backgrounds came swarming into Iowa for the traditional Iowa Caucus, held on Monday, Febuary 1st. Armed with bumper stickers, buttons, fliers, and a strong sense of patriotism, supporters flooded the streets of rural and urban Iowa in a hopeful attempt to endorse and promote their favorite candidate in the 2016 Presidential race. A small history and information on the process of caucuses: Beginning in 1972, the Iowa Caucus is hailed as the first major electoral involvement during the time of running in the American Presidential campaign. The first caucus that took place in Iowa was the Democratic caucus held in 1972; the Republican Caucus was held four years later. In the caucuses, voters meet with the candidates and rather small venues and discuss their beliefs and disbeliefs within the candidate and their current policies. Many voters use this time to learn more about the prospective president’s stance on certain issues and to also endorse their candidate through many various means. This year’s Iowa Caucus began just as any other, but it certainly did not end that way. Throughout the day on Monday, February 1st, politicians and American citizens met and discussed the prominent issues taking place in contemporary America (amidst some mudslinging betweeen candidates as well). Some of these topics and issues ranged from the proposed tax plan by progressive, Bernie Sanders, all the way to civil rights issues such as civil unrest in Flint, Michigan, the legalization of marijuana, and the status of Syrian refugee acceptance. While most of the topics remained that of each mundane political address, the polling results shocked many. The political race thus far has been rather close, but not entirely this close. On the Republican bill, Ted Cruz out-polled the Right-Wing Goliath himself, Donald Trump, with Marco Rubio polling just merely a 1.2% behind Trump and Dr. Ben Carson with 9.3%. Many Iowans and Americans alike remained quite confused as to why Trump lost the caucus in Iowa, but Donald Trump stated in a tweet on February 2nd that he believed he lost the polls in Iowa due to him missing a rally in Iowa weeks prior.
Republican Polling Results
Democratic Polling Results
The Democratic polls also shocked Americans throughout the country as previous first lady, Hillary Clinton beat out Vermont senator, Bernie Sanders. Once the votes were counted, Clinton ended with a polling rate of 49.9% and Sanders ended with a rate of 49.6%. While the results themselves shocked many Americans, the use of chance in the race (a coin flip) seemed to flabbergast voters the most; taking to social media and the news, American citizens could not seem to grasp the idea a coin flip to be used in a United States political setting, but the use of a variable of chance is - while rare - not an entirely unforeseen method of decision. While the caucuses in themselves cannot single-handedly turnover the results of the presidential election so far, they remain a great form of electoral representation and aid greatly in the pavement of the road toward further American primaries. In the Middle Ages, young people drew names from a bowl to see who their Valentines would be
The Bottom Line 13 | 2.11.16 | The Hilight
Cullman Basketball in Review dribble it, pass it, we want a basket! Camille Marsh, Staff Writer
VARSITY BOYS After losing multiple seniors, including Lawson Schaffer who is currently playing at the D1 level at the University of Alabama, the 2015-16 varsity boys team have had a highly successful season thus far. The boys have a 12-5 season with tremendous wins over Holly Pond and two wins over the Hartselle Tigers—our huge rival. Nicholas Handley, Gage Goodwin, Seth Swalve, and Fletcher Reeling(starting seniors on the varsity team) all agreed that their season was going very well although they do have some things to improve on. One thing mentioned that was unanimous between the four seniors was that height was a huge weakness on the team. The drive this team has, however, makes up for the absence of a few inches. A memorable game for the boys was the Thanksgiving Tournament game against Holly Pond. As the whole school probably knows, the first loss against Holly Pond was a rough one. There was tension and all emotions were high between the two teams and the student sections. Coming into the second game, Cullman had to play against Holly Pond; both teams were on fire to win. Cullman needed their morale and confidence back and Holly Pond wanted to prove the first game wasn’t just luck. After a hard fought 4 quarters, the boys pulled a 75-73 victory over the Broncos.
VARSITY GIRLS The 2015-16 season for the Varsity girls has had a very slow start. The players and the new coach are starting to feel more comfortable and learning to adjust more as the season progresses. The past few games the Lady Bearcats were defeated by last minute shots at the buzzer. Seniors Laura Lindsey, Taiya Ponder, Christina Skinner, and Elli Dixon stated that the team improved in different ways with each game. “We have different weaknesses, but as the season goes on we are turning them around and improving,” expressed Laura Lindsey. Some weaknesses of the team, according to these seniors, are turnovers and ball handling. However, the girls have many strengths that they use to their advantage. Christina Skinner espressed that most girls on the team have been playing together for quite some time. They have a real chemistry and close knit relationship. The girls exclaim that the Lady Bearcats are truly working hard every practice to improve their weaknesses and finish the season strong.
The Bottom Line
Hallmark produced its first Valentine in 1913
14 | 2.11.16 | The Hilight
Gun Control
helping or agrivating this country? Zan Sanders, Staff Writter
The following article does not reflect the personal opinion of the writer but is rather a researched, informative piece.
On Tuesday, January 12th, President Obama gave his last and some say his most emotional State of the Union speech. He discussed his plans to curb gun control, making it mandatory for background checks for weapons being sold online or at gun shows with administrations also hiring 200 new federal agents to bear down on the new gun control laws. He gave this speech at the White House, with an audience of many loved ones who have lost family and friends as a result of shootings. Many famous stars such as Ashton Kutcher and Mark Ruffalo agree with Obama and his gun control plans, both making tweets about how they are in favor of background checks and keeping guns out of the wrong hands. Many other people are not only scared about te homicides, but also the suicides related to guns. There are actually more suicides with guns than there are homicides with them. More than 60 percent of all the gun related deaths are suicides. Suicide is the second-most common cause of death for Americans between 15 and 34, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So most people who have lost a person due to gunviolence, suicide or homicide, are most likey going to be pro-gun control. Even though at this moment, the gun restrictions only make background checks on weapons mandatory, people are afraid the gun restrictions may evolve into weapons being banned completely. One must be 18 years of age to own a rifle and 21 years old for a handgun. You must also have a green card, and no criminal record with a year of prison. The buyer must not be a fugitive or a user of a controlled substance, and the buyer must not have a current restraining order on a child or an adult. The buyer also cannot be recently admitted into a mental institution.
There were up to almost 34,000 firearm related homicides in America in 2015 which 60% of all homicides in America were firearm related. There has already been 1,183 gun related deaths in 2016 and a total of 4,728 gun related incidents in The Unites States of America. 50 of those being children under he age of 11. 263 being teenagers between the ages of 12 to 17. 12 being mass shootings. 433 being officer related. 219 being home invasions. Only 146 of these shooting were self-defense, which raises suspision of the use of guns for self-defense. There were also 224 accidental shootings, meaning unenteded victims, weapon malfunctions, hunting accidents, etc. All of this violence leads to the question of weapons on both sides of the arguments. Some people think that all of this violence is caused by guns and not the person, that if guns were banned that none of this would happen. Others think that this is all the person doing this, and whether weapons are banned or not, violence like this would still go on. That people would still find ways to find guns, do things like this and injur or kill people. Through all of this, its all about opinion and point of perspective. If you look at guns as a sense of self-defense, then you will most likely be against gun control. If you look at guns as weapons of destruction, you will most likely be for gun control. Whether you are Democratic or Republican you will look at this topic differently. Some people look at this topic as a political topic and some look at it as a matter of safety. No matter what people look at this from a different perspective. There has also been heated discussions over the ban on gun magazine rounds that hold more than ten bullets. Some people say that magazines with an overly-large round capacity is unnecessary for recreational and safety purposes, while others think that it is their right to have as many guns and as big guns as they want. While yes, the Second Amendment does give the right to bear arms, some people question the rationale of varying factors. There have already been multiple high-capacity magazine bans such as, San Fransisco banning weapon magazines with a capacity of more than 10. Most places with high-capacity magazine bans are usually highly populated areas. For example: San Francisco, California, Los Angeles, California, Buffalo, New York, Rochester, New York, Chicago, Illinois, Oak Park, Illinois, and New York, New York. Then of course there is the Federal Weapons Ban of 1994, which outlaws the manufacture and importation of hand guns with a magazine capacity higher than 10. There have also been many protests concerning pro, and anti-gun control. Sush as the ‘Leave Us In Peace’ anti-gun control protesters in Oregon. President Obama was greeted by these protestors as he went to Oregon to visit the families of the lost victims in the Umpqua Community College shooting. As he arrived, they were holding signs that said, “gun free zone = kill zone”, and “Obama is wrong”. They were diagreeing with him in the fact he thinks that if guns were limited, shootings would be diminished. There were also the protests for tougher gun contol laws, such as the protest across Brooklyn Bridge. They marched with signs that had pictures of loved ones mostly to gun violence, and that said, “Not One More”, resembling the act that they are fed up with losing people, loved ones, family members, and friends to a bullet. In 2011, Iran banned Valentine’s Day
The Bottom Line 15 | 2.10.16 | The Hilight
Art Showcase
a small showcase on some of Cullman’s young artists Complied by Dalton Bright, Staff Editor
Art by Kayla Smith, Senior
Art by Zan Sanders, Sophomore The Bottom Line
The roots of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to a Roman fertility festival
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