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The Thrill of the Game

Assistant principal Maurice Jones spends his free time calling the shots on the SEC diamond.

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rimson C Crier Forever with

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Thursday, April 17, 2014 Issue VII

PHIL Sarah Jarnagin

N

Photo Editor

ov. 22, 1963, the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. April 20, 1999, the day of the Columbine High School massacre. September 11, 2001, the day of the terrorist attacks on The World Trade Center and the Pentagon. These events were extremely influential in the lives of Americans.

These are days and dates that people often ask one another,

“Where were you?”

One such day in the lives of Alabamians is April 27, 2011, the day four EF-5 tornadoes ripped through the state, destroying homes and towns and killing dozens of people.

This day was especially significant in the life of Assistant Principal Cynthia Davis.

Davis was head principal of Phil Campbell High School from 2009- 2013. During the second year of her principal-ship, the April 27 tornadoes nearly flattened the entire town of Phil Campbell, destroying the high school and killing 28 people.

Wednesday, April 27 2011 On the day of April 27, Phil Campbell underwent two tornado warnings and experienced damaging winds and golf-ball sized hail.

After spending most of the day in tornado procedures, Phil Campbell High School dismissed their students at 1 o’clock. Davis was instructed to stay on campus until all of the buses returned safely from their routes. When Davis left campus around 3 p.m., the only person still on campus was the afternoon custodian, Delona Wynn. “[When I left], the sun was shining and I thought, ‘Oh, [Wynn]’s fine.’ I literally thought, ‘Oh this is no big deal, we’re getting off early and it’s a fun afternoon,’” Davis said.

Davis lived in Florence at the time, about a 40 minute drive from Phil Campbell. Once she was home, Davis received a phone call from a friend who worked at “The Times Daily” newspaper in Florence.

“She called me and said, ‘Cindy, what’s going on in Phil Campbell?’ and I said, ‘I have no idea what you’re talking about.’ She said ‘Well, the scanners are going off. You better call somebody.’

About the time I hung up from her, my phone was going off with text messages and I knew it was really bad,” Davis said. “So I called my husband, [who] works with the city of Florence, and he came home immediately and told me to pack flashlights, blankets, water and boots. And I was just so mad at him, saying ‘Let’s just go, we don’t need this stuff.’ But I’m so thankful that we had all of that.”

Davis and her husband made it to Phil Campbell in 20 minutes, taking county roads to avoid all of the traffic created by emergency vehicles streaming into the town on the two-lane highway. The scene driving into town reminded Davis of “The Walking Dead” TV show. People were walking down the side of the highway in a zombie-like state, holding all of the belongings that they could in their arms. Davis and her husband ended up in the back of the high school campus and what they saw was unbelievable.

“I stood in front of the school and it was still light out and I looked down the highway and you could just see this mile wide path [the tornado took]. What was so interesting to me at the time was that there was no debris. It was like the tornado sucked it up and carried it away,” Davis said.

The school building itself had sustained tremendous damage.

Broken glass covered the ground. The massive trees that had once stood in the central courtyard now lay collapsed onto and inside the building.

“I didn’t know this that night, but the band room was totally gone,” Davis said. “There was sheet music in my office on the other side of the school. The next morning when I walked around the building, there was just the foundation of the band room.”

Davis’s husband headed down the road to help a local youth minister and his family, whose house had been completely flattened

Calendar changes reinstate breaks, add half days to 2015 schedule April Oberman

Entertainment Editor

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BURIED TREASURE. Assistant Principal Cynthia Davis displays the only object salvaged from her office at Phil Campbell High School. The book, is about becoming a better teacher, and was shared at a professional development meeting in early 2014. Photo by Sarah Jarnigan

Join the Monrovia Volunteer Fire Department in honoring the victims of the April 27, 2011 tornadoes with a blood drive and open house.

April 26, 2014 345 Mt. Zion Rd. Madison, AL 35757 Blood drive: 11a.m.-4p.m.

Food served: noon-2p.m.

Valid photo ID and list of current medications required to give blood.

For more info, visit the MVFD online at monroviafire.org.

Tornado cont. pg. 02

A Look The Crimson Crier Inside crimsoncriernews.com @TheCrimsonCrier

ew schedule changes, in addition to Fall Break, have been approved for next school year.

In order to increase the availability of time for development and add to staff efficiency, the Madison County Board of Education has permitted to change four regular school days out of the year into half days. MCBOE has also approved a later start time of 8:30.

Board Member Jeff Anderson believes the new half days will be successful.

“All [the students, parents and teachers] should see a better, more thorough implementation of the identified-for-training professional skills of the staff which will hopefully lead to a better education experience for the students,” Anderson said.

In order to make changes to the schedule, a draft must be made by the Central Office. The principals, teachers, staff and the community should have input on the draft. Then, it is sent to the Board for approval. All changes must follow this path.

The new start time next year is planned to help relieve stress on the buses.

“I believe that the changes benefit was they are intended for. They will alleviate bus crowding,” assistant principal Maurice Jones said.

Sophomore Kaci Leopold, along with other sophomores and juniors, will benefit from the new start time too.

“I like the new start time because I will have more time in the mornings to sleep in and get ready for school,” Leopold said.

MCBOE searches for ways to make Madison County schools successful. By implementing a new schedule and start time, Anderson thinks these changes will help reach their goal.

“I believe that we should always seek ways to improve our educational process and this should do that and support our teachers and staff in continuing to be life-long learners,” Anderson said.

News pg. 2-3, Opinion pg. 4-5 Features pg. 6-7 Sports pg. 8-9 Spread pg. 10-11 Entertainment pg. 12

2 News

The Crimson Crier

April 17, 2014

Brazilian student describes “American Dream” Katlin Gillespie Reporter

I

t all began when history teacher Ben Stevenson was inspired by a post that assistant principal Tandy Shumate submitted on the Senator Spill—a daily newsletter distributed to teachers by email. It was an essay that an old student of her’s— which happened to be math teacher Rachael Simons—had written about the American Dream. This led Stevenson to assign a similar essay to his students.

“Interestingly enough, the most impressive speech came from a student in my third block class who is not an American and who is just now really figuring out what the ‘American Dream’ is all about,” Stevenson said.

Foreign exchange student Felipe de Souza had only been in America a few weeks when he wrote the essay, in which he wrote about Brazil and America. De Souza says in his essay “I do not have a dream about changing America. I came from a country where the living situation is not ideal, and in my opinion, the United States is a country with a reality I would like for my own country.”

Stevenson says the essay was not at all what he expected Felipe to turn in.

“I was really blown away by his writing and sentiment, so I asked him if I could share it with other people. Felipe agreed. The editor [Mary Beth Walker] of the Huntsville Literary Association read his essay

on my Facebook page and was also very impressed with his writing,” English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher Sarah Threlkeld said.

Walker decided to feature the essay in “The Write Stuff” which is a regular feature in the newsletters published by the HLA. She also invited de Souza to be a guest speaker at the annual Young Writers Contest Award Ceremony on Sunday, May 4.

“I was extremely happy and did not expect to win anything like that,” de Souza said.

Felipe is a truly extraordinary person who will be successful in LIVING THE DREAM. History teacher Ben Stevenson talks to Felipe de Souza. De Souza wrote an essay about his idea of the “American Dream,” and has been invited to be a whatever he puts his mind speaker at the Young Writers Contest Award Ceremony. Photo by Savannah Bullard. to, Threlkeld said. live as I am just now getting I think of my own country It seems that de Souza writing skills.

“I cannot envision this to know it. I see this place with so many problems,” impressed his teachers and fellow students with his country as a better place to as a great place to live when de Souza wrote.

Tornado

cont. from pg. 01

LEARNING BY EXPERIENCE. Sophomore Mason Foster buys supplies from the school store. It is open on Thursdays during lunch. Photo by Savannah Bullard.

School store continues to grow Caroline Barlow Reporter

T

he excuse of not having paper for class is no longer valid with the opening of the reformatted school store.

In the past the school store was led by Bev Massa, but the torch has been passed on to the Special Education wing. Teachers Amy Alsup and Chanda Haselman decided it would be a great learning experience for the students.

“Mrs. Haselman and I decided that we would want to use the store as project for the Special Needs. We decided it would be great for a transition, money skills, social skills, people skills and interaction with the other students,” Alsup said.

Every Thursday during all lunches, students from the Special Education classes rotate working the school store. The students collect and count money and also give back change. Everything the students do involving the store is a learning experience for them.

“We try to rotate through all of the kids, but only the ones who are capable and can handle going up on the stage. The ones who are capable are paired in a high, low and medium system so one is teaching the others,” Alsup said.

The Special Education students highly enjoy working the store and interacting with the other students.

“Working in the store is very fun because I get to help people, and I also get to talk to all the other kids during their lunch,” Samantha Morris said.

The store sells a variety of school supplies, including paper, folders, composition notebooks, pencils, binders, led, pens, book covers, erasers, highlighters and other miscellaneous items. The profits they receive transfer directly back into the school store.

“The profits go back into the school store. The way that it is set up we cannot spend it on just anything, so it is not like a fundraiser. We use the money to buy more supplies for the store, and to broaden the store’s variety of items,” Alsup said.

In the future, the Special Needs department hopes to incorporate fundraisers into the school store. With the new management of the store, Alsup and Haselman hope that it excels and benefits the students.

“Next year we hope we can run some Special Needs fundraisers in conjunction with the school store,” Alsup said.

by the storm, while Davis went into the school to search for Wynn, whose car was still in the school parking lot under a pile of rubble.

“We had had some scares earlier that week and she [Wynn] had said, ‘If a tornado comes, I’m gonna be on the seventhand eighth-grade hall. I walked all over that place and there was water everywhere. That was the hallway that had been hit the worst and I knew that anybody who had been there was probably not doing well. I ran into several other people that were looking for Delona and we were really, really worried,” Davis said.

Luckily, across the street from Phil Campbell High was a Baptist church with a tornado shelter.

Several people had ridden out the storm in the shelter and survived, although the church building had suffered tremendous damage. Davis and her fellow searchers went over to the church and found that Wynn had been there after the storm.

“We have security camera footage and it’s crazy that we could get this, but Delona goes to the gym doors, the doors fly open, she runs across to the auditorium, goes in a janitor’s closet, shuts the door, and she doesn’t remember anything after that,” Davis said. “She rode the storm out, the big brunt of it, in the closet, and then, in a daze, walked across the street. She did not work for the rest of the year; she was so traumatized by that.”

Davis and her husband remained in Phil Campbell until morning, trying to help people and understand what would happen next.

RECOVERY They returned to the school early the next day, ready to start cleaning up.

“It was a beautiful day. I can remember standing out on the lawn with a rake by 7:30 that morning, and all you could hear were chain saws and four-wheelers. I used to laugh and say that every kid at Phil Campbell had a four-wheeler, a

pocket knife at school and a chain saw. And it was a good thing,” Davis said.

For the next four days Davis, her husband, the rest of Phil Campbell and a variety of volunteers from different places worked to clean up the school and the city and salvage what they could. Every nearby utility department sent crews. The University of North Alabama and other school athletic departments turned up, work gloves on, ready to work right alongside Davis’s students.

To determine the fate of her students, Davis and her colleagues decided to post the class lists from every grade on a poster board and created a highlighting code for if that student was hospitalized, injured, deceased or all right. In order for them to highlight the name with the code, Davis and her colleagues had to make visual confirmation about the situation of that individual. They used this information to keep track of their student body and to coordinate services for those who had lost homes.

“We had 60-something kids who were without homes. I didn’t lose any of my students or faculty but many of [them] lost parents, grandparents or close family members. I had one student at the elementary school that lost a mom, a little brother and his leg was amputated after the storms.

We lost 28 citizens in Phil Campbell that day. There’s only a thousand people and, [with a] population of a thousand, that’s a pretty big percentage. Everybody knew somebody,” Davis said.

REUNION /RELOCATING The school building itself was a total loss. By the time people came to assess the damage, more rain had destroyed what was left.

With the building destined to be demolished, Davis had to find an alternative location for classes to be held. A vacant building on Northwest Shoals Community College’s Phil Campbell campus served the purpose well. By Monday morning, the entire school had relocated and reopened.

“I took a lot of criticism for [starting back on Monday].

My biggest motivation was to give the kids somewhere to gather and something purposeful to do. I excused

any absence that [was] needed to tend to family business or something.

I would get my football players who I knew lived close and had four wheelers [together] and we would hear of people who needed help or houses that hadn’t been put back together and we would send them out from there and kind of coordinate some relief efforts there. I needed them to have a hub because the school, for that community, is the hub,” Davis said.

For several students, that day was the first time they had seen their classmates since the tornado. They used that time to catch up and get status reports on how families and friends were coping and processing. The rest of the week, officials took groups of students back to the main campus to safely get what they could out of their old lockers.

As the students and teachers returned to school, the community rallied around them; for the rest of that school year, no student had to buy a snack or a lunch. Everyone donated food and some donated their time to cook lunches at the new school site. This coordinated support came not just from the Phil Campbell community, but the entire Shoals area and extended to Phil Campbell High’s prom a couple weeks later.

“One of our girls on the prom court lost her dress and her home and her family business, everything. We posted on Facebook and asked, ‘Does anybody have a prom dress they would be willing to lend?’ and from that grew this enormous effort to send prom dresses,” Davis said. “We had designers from all over North America sending us dresses. We ended up with hundreds of prom dresses.

We ended up sharing with so many people and one of the churches created a ministry out of that, a prom dress ministry from our left over prom dresses, for kids who can’t afford dresses.

“When we started getting enough prom dresses, everybody else wanted to help with prom.

We ended up having the best prom ever. Tuxedo rentals were donated.

Limousines took them

to [the dance].

The kids didn’t have to pay for a thing. [It was] an incredible outpour from many, many people.”

Returning to SemiNormal By August, Phil Campbell High School had relocated into a modular campus of 28 portables behind their old building site. Redstone Arsenal employees worked with Davis to provide all of the furniture needed to stock the new classrooms.

“The day before school started was the first time we had a key to the trailers for [the teachers] to go in [their rooms]. The Department of Defense stocked every portable. They brought truckloads of stuff and the men who worked there volunteered their time. We pulled the old desks out of the school and cleaned them off and Birmingham school system donated about a hundred desks and they sent them up, at their expense, on a truck. It was pretty impressive,” Davis said.

NEW BEGINNINGS On Jan. 3, 2013, construction officially began on the new Phil Campbell High School, feet from the portables where the students’ classes are held. The construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2014.

After the exhaustion that came from weathering the aftermath of the storms, Davis felt the need to rest from the duties of being head principal. She had not intended to stay at Phil Campbell because of the long drive, and decided to move on to Sparkman as an assistant.

“One thing I think is important to know is those safety plans that we do, what those do is give people a sense of calm, but when you have a catastrophe that large, you have to rely on people’s good nature, because they’re so busy tending to their own personal issues that the support system really does crumble. It’s your next door neighbor that is there for you,” Davis said.

April 17, 2014

The Crimson Crier

News 3

MCBOE: Common Core is here to stay Nick Arnold Reporter

A

t the March board meeting, the Madison County Board of Education voted in support of Common Core standards with Alabama and Career Ready Standards regardless of whether the state legislature opts out.

Common Core has been a highly debatable topic across the country since its adoption two years ago.

Principal Mike Campbell says Common Core makes sure that schools are all equal in the state because of what we teach and what we learn.

“It gives a consistent set of standards for all schools to follow and adhere to, instead of our local school board saying, Ok, you’re going to know how to do multi variable calculus and another school is going to say our student know how to add, multiply and subtract,” Mike Campbell said.

Common Core sets different standards than the previous No Child Left Behind standards which made schools focus on basic skills. Supporters of Common Core say that it raises the standard all around the county and the test scores of the ACT by having more standardized classes. Opponents of the Common Core say that it dumbs down the classes so everybody will learn at the same pace.

“I think there are pros and cons on both ends. I don’t like a lot of standardized testing, I like teachers to have the flexibility, but also see where the Common Core standards are trying to improve education across the state of Alabama. What I do like about it

is it will give teachers a curriculum, for example a social studies teacher that loves the Civil War will only teach six months of the Civil War. It keeps things moving and keeps everything consistent,” Campbell said.

The Madison County school board agreed to keep the Common Core standards even if Alabama decides to opt out of Common Core. Madison County schools did this along with Madison City and Huntsville City schools.

“The Alabama CCRS are directly linked with State Superintendent Dr. Tommy Bice’s Plan 2020 to improve our education programs statewide. The standards focus on making our educational progress measurements meaningful and useful to our systems and our students.

They are focused on skills and knowledge our students will need to be successful and competitive after graduating,” Anderson said.

According to Anderson, the Board of Education has not received any negative reaction. Common Core was first implemented in the math department in 2012-2013. It was then implemented into the English department this school year. Although Common Core gives a more consistent standard across the country, people are disappointed with some of the requirements it sets, including textbooks.

“I like the textbooks we have had in the past better than the textbooks we have now. I don’t think the textbooks we have now offer as much variety and don’t go into as much depth as I would like to see, so I constantly have to pull from other places. There are a few things that have been shifted from one grade level to the next, but it does not affect us like it does elementary and middle schools where they tell them how to teach something,” math teacher Jennifer Abernathy said.

Adopted two years ago

Implemented in the math department in 2012-2013

Implemented in the English department in 2013-2014

Madison County will stick with the standards, even if the state legislature opts out.

Apathetic attitudes reach epidemic proportions Beryl Kessio Opinion Editor

“

You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot force it to drink.”

When it comes to the question of how to teach someone who does not want to learn, teachers often bear the responsibility of finding ways to incorporate a student’s full attention and the full range of the curriculum.

In the hopes of enriching every student’s mind, teachers struggle to facilitate educational osmosis in students who are apathetic towards learning.

From AP English teacher Crys Hodgens’s perspective, it is painful to watch students fail—not because they lack potential and capability, but because they do not try. Whether the precipitating factors are “empty bellies, [an] unbearable home life, illness, [or] unexcused absences,” apathy manifests itself in academic performance—the side she sees— though it has arguably more important implications in the other

the destructive confines of drug addiction and poverty did little to motivate Paysinger. That is, until one person said something that still inspires him to this day.

“It would have been exceedingly easy for me to fall into that trap. At some point, I had one high school teacher that told me that I had no excuses. I was told, ‘You’re going to be better. You are going to break out of this cycle’,” Paysinger said.

Knowing students who are on the cusp of greatness that choose to give in to the culture of apathy, relinquishing the opportunities given to them not out of incompetence, but indolence, frustrates Paysinger.

“The amount of potential I see squandered every single day at Sparkman High School absolutely drives me insane. To have students sit here and care more about marijuana and cell phones more than anything else is the most frustrating thing for me. They absolutely put no importance in the act of learning, getting educated, and trying to become a better person. We have to change that culture,” Paysinger said.

His experiences in school have made Paysinger especially critical of the attitude of complacency he has observed among this generation of youth. Looking back on his 16 years of experience teaching, he can say without a doubt that this is the worst year yet for education.

He notes a lack of accountability from teachers and students in terms of expectations for learning and behavior—standards for which have deteriorated exponentially since he has begun his career.

“When your best discipline plan is to allow kids to sleep and use cell phones rather than engage you academically then herein lies a major problem. Teachers who condone apathy are just as big a problem as these students. These are adults— educational professional who should know better—who are allowing students to wallow in mediocrity at best.

Ultimately teachers need to make a choice whether they are going to expect more from students,” Paysinger said.

Changing this culture of apathy is possible, he says. It is being done at other schools. With the combined efforts of the administration, teachers and the compliance of students, change can occur. To Paysinger, change starts with teachers having to act like administrators are in the room all the time, and not putting on a “horse and pony show” when administrators enter the room. It starts with administrators observing teachers more often and holding teachers and students accountable for their failures. It starts with the end of teachers “just feeding kids historical facts which, in reality, matter very little.” It starts with students taking ownership of their futures, looking at the bigger picture. Change begins with the banishment of excuses, and active strides towards progress.

“There comes a point on your life where your decisions are predicated wholly on what you believe,” Paysinger said.

Disenchanted is a word junior Alex Holmes might use to describe himself. Holmes finds himself in the throes of apathy on a daily basis. Apathy has affected his scholastic endeavors, and even his social life.

For him, apathy spawned from a tense atmosphere at home.

“Apathetic tendencies have strained my relationship with my family in the past. Because my relationship slipped

“They absolutely put no importance in the act of learning, getting educated, and trying to become a better person. We have to change that culture.”

-Chris Paysinger

aspects of a person’s life, according to Hodgens.

“This is the hardest for me to see because I know firsthand that education can save a person’s life. It saved mine. But I don’t think it’s always the drive the student is lacking. There are so many factors that have nothing to do with what happens in the classroom, but it affects the student in a way that makes him/her perform poorly,” Hodgens said.

Students often gauge the importance of a lesson by determining how relevant it is for their chosen career path. If becoming a welder is one’s dream job, chances are one will question the relevance of trigonometric identities in the broad scheme of life. Hodgens sees this all the time. She realizes that not everyone is geared toward an academic life and career; and yet, that is what is pushed in education.

“One way to correct this is to evaluate the purpose of higher education. I cannot tell you how many discussions I have had with students regarding this.

They feel 11th and 12th grade are a waste of their time unless they are going to college. They complain that their teachers say, ‘Well in college…’ while the students are sitting in class saying, ‘Are you kidding me? I just want to fix cars,’” Hodgens said.

The home lives of students can have ramifications on their educational experiences. History teacher Dr. Chris Paysinger is a prime example of this. Paysinger did not have the easiest upbringing. Witnessing his parents’ marriage dissolve, being semi-homeless during high school and having extended family ensnared in

with my dad, I lost privileges, and consequently was not able to do things like hang out with friends as often,” Holmes said.

For Holmes, inescapable feelings of disinterest sum up his approach to school. He often finds his mind racing with thoughts unrelated to the subject matter being taught to stimulate his otherwise bored mind. He often questions the relevancy of what is being taught, and yearns for an individualized path to accommodate his fast-paced learning style, but realizes the difficulty of accommodating the innumerable learning styles of students.

“Students walk into a classroom from all backgrounds and the teacher has to be able to adapt to that. If they don’t, then the teacher contributes to a cycle of apathy.

If I enjoyed working with a topic, I’d be more inclined to do assignments and think about it. Boredom is a difficult feeling to deal with; it’s easier for me to numb my mind.

After a set time, the lights are on but nobody’s home,” Holmes said.

Holmes attributes the prevalence of apathy among the student population to a general lack of self-discipline, and a clear disconnect between teacher and student.

“Everyone talks about how America is falling behind in public education compared to other countries. Part of the gap lies in our culture. US school systems do not stress developing [good] work ethic as often as [other nations], and this insinuates a culture of apathy,” Holmes said.

While general apathy can be observed in the student body as a whole, “senioritis” is one of the most specific and common variations and is often depicted in popular media. Students may become so apathetic towards their classes, teachers and assignments that they miss an extreme number of days or begin to let their grades fall.

Senior Cassidy Counter once believed the phase was an excuse for students to stop turning in assignments, but after beginning her senior year came to find that the problem was more than just an urban legend, but a real problem that would affect herself and her peers.

“At the beginning of the year I was determined to make good grades for my senior year and was also taking the ACT one last time, so I wanted to do well on that.

The first few months it wasn’t bad at all, but once I got my scholarship to Troy-- which was November-ish-- it all went downhill,” Counter said. “ I felt secure in my GPA; if I didn’t already have my grades where I wanted them starting off senior year, then my senioritis wouldn’t have been as bad. But I didn’t have any reason to worry so I stopped caring.”

The risks of apathy can be life-long, however, and more severe than many may suspect. Colleges can revoke acceptances based on extremely low grades.

“Apathy is a symptom of something much deeper.

If a student presented with apathy, I would realize that something else is going on. It would require getting to know that person and trying to understand where they lost hope. Bottom line, continue being the academically strong, involved person of integrity throughout and you shouldn’t have to worry. A drop in grade here or there isn’t too much of a concern but if they [colleges] see plummeting grades, they will want to know what’s going on,” college and career counselor Dr. Sharon Clanton said.

One thing Hodgens, Paysinger and Clanton can agree on is that apathy is not just an academic hindrance— academic repercussions are only the tip of the iceberg— but a problem that affects all aspects of a person’s life.

4 Opinion

S

The Crimson Crier

April 17, 2014

TAFF EDITORIAL

Student apathy is multifaceted, requires effort to solve

A

pathy is pretty much inevitable among the student population.

Whether it is in our personal lives, our extracurricular activities, our spirituality, adolescents are notorious for our apathy.

When it affects the classroom, however, it tends to become more noticeable.

When students do not feel that the subject matter is relatable and the teaching methods are boring, they often shut down in the classroom. They often do just enough to pass the class, held accountable for almost nothing. As a whole, teenagers tend to not want to do more than what is necessary. Going

above and beyond can be terms for ridicule. Trying can single you out.

Teachers are seen as conveyers of factoids, people who talk at us instead of talking with us. Meanwhile, teachers need to make topics more engaging and relevant, connecting it to the world their students interact with daily-- the things that captivate us most-- instead of telling us what we need to hear to pass a test.

But there are also other factors that play into a student’s disengagement.

Difficulties at home can distract from the curriculum at hand. Homework is not a priority when home is a rocky precipice to navigate.

Attention deficit disorders

can make it physically difficult for students to maintain their focus. The possibilities for distraction are endless.

Standards should be raised for both students and teachers, effectively encouraging both to be held more accountable for their actions. Students’ learning styles should be taken into account and accommodated as much as possible. Teachers need to seek to instill their passion for their subject in their students. And students need to do their best to shed their aversion to both the lesson being taught and to go the extra mile when it comes to school work --- whether we want to or not.

Keep it interesting:

Fool-proof small talk guide: 1. Keep your eyes under control.

What would your grandmother think!?

Editorial cartoon by Riley Wallace

Editorial staff approved this editorial unanimously

Small talk:

an unavoidable occurrence that does not have to be so difficult,

Kaitlin Gillespie Reporter

2. Do not discuss any strange diseases or infections you may or may not have.

3. No. The weather is not lovely today.

4. Nobody cares how many Instagram or Twitter followers you have.

5. Stay lighthearted. It is not necessary to discuss cancer or Watergate in a first conversation. Your optimal intelligence does not matter.

W

e all have had to make small talk.

Sometimes it becomes awkward, other times it turns out great. That all depends on the people, atmosphere and current mood. For instance, I ran into my English teacher in the Wal-Mart bathroom.

Of course she asked how I was doing and I responded, but the entire time I was thinking “small talk in the bathroom, really?”

Small talk in the bathroom is very awkward, but small talk in general is awkward. Especially when people are socially awkward and give short answers that kill the conversation. They make small talk… Well, small. The other person eventually gives up and leaves the conversation dead. No one wants to

Second-hand shopping is no cause for scorn McKenzie Ashmore Reporter

C

an we go thrift shopping?

Let’s pop some tags.

Years ago the slightest idea of even stepping into the doors of a thrift store scared society, but now it is considered to be cool.

After the song “Thrift Shop” by rapper Ben Macklemore and producer Ryan Lewis hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 list in January of 2013, individuals considered thrift shopping to be in style. It was the new way to find clothes and simple objects at a good price. Even with the popularity because of the song, people still look down on the hobby.

The problem with thrift shopping is: people think the stores differentiate between if a person is wealthy or broke. The realty of this problem is thrift shopping does not pronounce whether an individual has money or not but only signifies them as a deal seeker. In one’s opinion finding a good deal is always settling; therefore, leaving extra money to spend on something else.

Another problem is we are too quick to judge other human beings. Judgment is a part of being human, but we can always try to perfect ourselves and not judge.

Judgment can hurt others—which is not

acceptable in any case. If an individual were to go to a thrift store then tell her friends, what if they quit being her friend, said hurtful things behind her back and posted comments on social media affecting her social status. The effects of this shun and the comments could internally hurt the young girl who just wanted to find deals and shop at a thrift store.

Miss Georgia Kim Gravel of 1991, now hosting the show Kim of Queens, has made thrift shops a step of awareness. On her show, one of Gravel’s new clients was challenged to find an outfit for a pageant; though the girl felt dismayed to be in a thrift store and wearing something someone else had worn. Gravel made her claim by telling the client about how she used to shop at thrift stores and there is nothing wrong with shopping in them.

To fix the problem of judgment and self worth, as a community we can stop looking down upon others and create equal territory for us all to shop at thrift stores and not be judged. We should be looking at who a person is and not where they shop. So the next time one wants to point fingers at someone and make them look unqualified as a human, maybe they should look at themselves and see who they are as a person.

try to make pleasing conversation anymore because we believe it is pointless, thinking that interesting conversations will just spring up, but that is not always the case.

In order to have an interesting conversation there is one important necessity: effective topics that are not mundane, but actually likeable.

According to startribune.com, 45 percent of people’s goto topic for small talk is the weather. There have been plenty of times I have heard someone say “Man, the weather is nice today.”

But I am a teenager; I do not care about the weather unless I have plans. I would rather hear someone talk about unusual music or the newest comedy.

When adults and teenagers make small talk

it could end marvelously or disastrously, although most adults have a different preference on topics and might actually want to talk about the weather. Adults talk about work, family and the news unlike teenagers who talk about social media, drama and music. This is where a disconnect between adults and teenagers appears; we are not on the same page.

Small talk is unavoidable for everyone.

Try not to be like everyone else and bring up the weather, but bring up something intellectual or trendy, something you learned on TV or a new fashion accessory. Talk about something that you have a lot of background knowledge that will make a good impression instead of looking uneducated.

The Crimson Crier

April 17, 2014

CAUGHT BEHAVING BADLY. Students show some of the reasons why they are sent to AAP. Many feel that minor incidents should not be combined with more severe violations in the placement of students in AAP. Photo Illustration Savannah Bullard

Efficacy of AAP underrated, zero tolerance policies remain outdated Heather Webster Lifestyles Editor

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l t e r nat iv e A c a d e m i c Placement (AAP)— the elusive, exclusive club for wrong-doers, mislabeled innocents and class disturbers— takes place in a blank, white room with closed blinds and artificial lighting that sits at a constant state of around zero degrees kelvin Students cannot sleep, talk, pull out electronic devices or harbor any other distractions. They walk in single-file on the right-hand side of the hallway and eat lunch at the end of second block under the supervision of Viola Bournes in utter silence.

The question posed by the students and parents of this school is whether this semi-solitary confinement truly works for the repeat offenders who frequent room 304,

especially considering that studies (acy.org) have been published suggesting that suspension does not deter students from wrong-doing, and may even serve as an incentive for students wanting to avoid class.

The idea of a “zero tolerance policy,” specifically, to slow down crime and rule-breaking can be dated back to the early 1970s when it was first implemented in the slums of New Jersey.

The problem with using this policy in school systems is that adolescents are just learning how to be decent citizens, and they are immediately brought into a system that tells them that they have one chance only to do things right. One small misstep (like arriving late to school due to traffic more than twice in a semester or walking out of class when a teacher demands that using the bathroom is

a privilege even when students are squirming in their seats) and students have the potential to fail their classes for a day or more, depending on their teacher’s preference and the severity of the “crime.”

Having AAP allows for a middle passage in between a parentteacher conference and suspension, allowing for students to face the reality of their crimes by owning up to them in a packet they must complete in the confined atmosphere, in which they are unable to participate in a normal school day. Once more, though this is efficient in drilling into minors’ skulls what is right and what is wrong, it also offers a prevalent inconsistency: teachers have the choice to send or not send the confined students’ work, and they have every right to refuse them their work— resulting in zeros

Changes to SAT are solely profit-seeking Copy Editor

n the year 2016, the world will be a very different place; or, at least the world of standardized testing. Citing dropping numbers of students taking the test and sagging performance from students who do take the test, the powers that be at College Board have chosen to revise the ever-dreaded SAT. In addition to reverting it back to a 1600 point scale, where it was for decades before it was bumped up to 2400, mandatory essays have been removed (again) and wrong answers are no longer to be penalized.

Other changes to make the SAT more “relevant” and “in-depth” have also been made, including the addition of primary documents for analysis and the removal of what were deemed “obscure” vocabulary words. All in all, the SAT is changing for what appears to be one very large motivation: money. As the SAT became more and more obscure, and less relevant to students’ actual education, a majority of students gradually began shifting towards the ACT, with more colleges jumping on board and what was seen as a test that, overall, better reflected the actual education and intelligence of students, rather than just their ability to push buttons on a calculator or recognize random vocabulary words.

As students shifted to the ACT instead, College Board began hemorrhaging money from the SAT as they were no longer receiving large numbers of SAT entrance fees (a hefty one of $49, with an additional $26 if you miss the deadline by even an hour). Therefore, College Board did what most any business would do when losing money to a rival (I am looking at you, Apple and Samsung), they copied. The new changes to the SAT reflect nothing more than College Board’s attempt to regain lost revenue by copying the growingly successful model of their biggest rival, the ACT. Whether it works, and the SAT truly becomes relevant again as a consequence, remain to be seen; but rest assured, it is nothing more than a ploy for money.

the paperwork students are asked to complete throughout their visit in this school’s version of juvenile “prison” is a sort of mental examination as to why these students are misbehaving. They are enabled to purge their feelings in a safe, controlled environment (sans profanity, of course).

AAP is possibly the only room in which students can avoid the daily drama that high school provides— primarily because they are not allowed to do anything other than school and AAP assignments. Students are enabled to complete, and even catch up on, school work for their regular classes if they have fallen behind, provided that the teacher gives them the work.

After almost two years of supervising the AAP classroom, Bournes has become well acquainted with specific students.

She realizes that a few students simply do not care whether or not they are punished and placed in AAP repeatedly, but the majority of students she comes to know are facing other challenges that seem broader, and probably are more expansive and important, than school at home. AAP is not simply a room misbehaving students are sent to for supervised wall-staring and awkward coughing.

Bournes takes it upon herself to encourage each student to avoid breaking the rules in individualized ways that she thinks will push the students to try to improve their behavior.

Another thing to consider in the debate of in-school suspension effectiveness is the ineffectiveness of out-ofschool suspension Temporarily removing

5

the problem does not solve the problem.

Students, while on leave, could more easily practice inappropriate behavior (smoking, drugs, vandalism) outside of school than in-school, so plain suspension would be ineffective. Expulsion would leave them in Alternative School, which would be like an extended version of AAP, though they are always allowed to complete their school work, but this solution is a bit extreme for smaller problems. Inschool suspension would be a better solution for misdemeanors than outof-school suspension, as they are removed from the atmosphere of their classroom to focus on school and school alone.

While AAP in itself is effective, the minor misconduct of students blown into bigger proportions than necessary (like situations mentioned above regarding tardies resulted from traffic and leaving classrooms before peeing one’s pants) shows the flaws in our school’s zero tolerance system. For all students to be punished in the same way as students who deliberately skip class to loiter in school hallways or disrespect teachers through verbal, profane attacks is a bit ridiculous.

A study done on Maryland schools discovered that “Suspensions are inconsistently and subjectively applied,” and more suspensions were given for attendance reasons than for weapons or dangerous substances The less concerning problems should be treated with less invasive punishments, like cleaning up the cafeteria after lunch or community service around school.

In Kessio Missed It...

Steven Byrd

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for the assignments that day (regardless if it is a simple daily grade or a final exam)— based on their personal opinion of the students in question.

If the student is in school, they should be given their work to complete to remain productive in an alternative academic environment; otherwise, they might as well spend their suspension at home.

Things we do not consider, which are entirely beneficial to the effectiveness of AAP, are the relief that a quiet and focused academic environment can provide for students who are enrolled in classes filled with obnoxiously loud students and occasionally impersonal teachers or what chaos these students face at home surrounding the seven hours at school.

AAP is not simply a box in which every rule-breaker is placed— Bournes states that within all of

Opinion

Fight for civil rights far from over, just beginning Beryl Kessio Opinion Editor

This summer, America celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. This piece of legislation was well, more than just a piece of legislation.

It was undoubtedly the brightest, most beautiful manifestation of the struggle for civil rights, an emblem of what can happen when people value the dignity of human beings over the burdening chains of ignorance.

The thing that was so striking about the passage of the CRA is that the legislators, who worked so tirelessly to pass it against almost insurmountable odds, were not slaves to lobbyists nor were they decision makers dictated wholly by poll numbers. They believed in doing what was best for the future of the country and not so much about pandering to their base. Against pressure, they did not surrender their principals—the

cherishment of human rights won over the opposing cries of naysayers.

The fight for civil rights is not dead. We live in a country where gays can be refused service at restaurants and other businesses for their sexuality. We live in a country where people who risk their lives to create The Crimson Crier The Crimson Crier

a better future for their families are chased away.

We live in a country where the gap between men and women is far too great.

We live in a country where the American Dream has decayed into something lesser than it once was: a dream that only applies to certain people.

Even as we reflect on the past 50 years, we must

remain vigilant about the future we are creating for other generations.

As Bill McCulloch, a man who played an instrumental role in the fight for civil rights once said, “For only in compromise, moderation and understanding are we able to fashion our society into a cohesive and durable structure.”

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Policy The Crimson Crier is an open forum for free expression by the Sparkman High School Community. The Crimson Crier is a student-run publication produced in the state of Alabama. All final design, reporting and content decisions are the responsibility of the student journalists of Sparkman High School under the guidance of their adviser. The views articulated in The Crimson Crier do not necessarily represent the views of the entire staff, Sparkman High School or the Madison County school district. Copies are distributed to the faculty, staff and student body free of charge. The Madison County Record prints 2,000 copies, eight times yearly.

Editor-in-Chief......................Riley Wallace

The Crimson Crier is a member of Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Alabama Scholastic Press Association and Southeastern Interscholastic Press Association, and Quill and Scroll.

The CC is a 2011 Silver Crown winner.

Website Editor.......................Bria Calhoun

Letters to the Editor The Crimson Crier will print all letters to the editor as long as space will allow, and may edit letters for grammatical mistakes. All letters to the editor must be signed and include contact information of the writer. Letters can be dropped off at the Sparkman High School newsroom (127) one week after publication.

News Editor.........................Erin Rountree Opinion Editor.....................Beryl Kessio Lifestyles Editor..................Savannah Bullard Sports Editor........................Will Bartel Entertainment Editor............April Oberman Spread Editor........................Kasey Stender Copy Editor...........................Steven Byrd Photo Editor..........................Sarah Jarnagin Ad Editor...............................Katlin Gillespie Reporters..........................McKenzie Ashmore, Caroline Barlow, Lucas Ward, Logan Grant, Brittany Robertson, Carla Mack, Nick Arnold, Erin Stender, Victoria Lewis, Noah Lombard, Ian Keel, Heather Webster Adviser.........................Erin Coggins, MJE

The Crimson Crier

6 Lifestyles

April 17, 2014

THE ORIGINAL SPARKMAN SENATOR. LEFT, Longest-running Alabama Senator John Sparkman meets with President Richard Nixon to deliver a plaque with “Congratulations and best wishes” written by the supportive congressmen for his inauguration.

Photo courtesy of Sparkman’s grandson, Tazewell Shepherd.

ABOVE, Sparkman’s congressional profile—He is Alabama’s longest running Congressman from 1937 to1985. Photo courtesy of bioguide.congress.gov

Grandson remembers late Senator John Sparkman Brittany Robertson

J

Reporter

ohn Sparkman took the road of hard work and dedication and embodies what it means to be a Senator.

Sparkman was born on Dec. 20, 1899 in Mt. Tabor, outside of Hartselle in Morgan County.

His parents originated from Tennessee but moved to Morgan County as sharecroppers.

Mt. Tabor was a small town surrounding a Methodist church.

“Sparkman went to a school that had one room for every grade. When he was in high school, he walked from Mt. Tabor to Hartselle, which is about four miles away, and he walked to school every day. He would tell me that he remembered Haley’s comet when it came through in 1910, and he used to joke that he would live long enough to see it twice,” grandson Tazwell Shepard said.

Grade school was ending, and Sparkman had dreams of college. He talked with his father who bestowed an acre of rented land upon him. Sparkman farmed it after school and grew cotton. He tended the land, weeding and hoeing through the blistering heat, until he was able to sell the cotton at the end of the season. Sparkman made enough money to pay for his fall tuition and board, a suit to wear and a train ticket. He was off to the University of Alabama.

“A story he told me once was when he was on the train: Some of the older kids found out he was a freshman. The train stopped once it had gotten into Tuscaloosa county,

they said ‘Freshman, this is your stop, get off here.’ And he said okay, grabbed his little suitcase, jumped off and the train left. He looked around and saw buildings, it did not look like a University, so he walked over to one, and it [read] ‘Rice Mental Hospital.’ So he picked up his suit case, and he walked.

He said, ‘Ha, I’ve been walking all my life. I can do this.’ So he walked to the University,” Shepard said.

During his four years, Sparkman was part of Phi Beta Kappa— one of the founders of IKA fraternity— Most Outstanding Student for grades, editor-in-chief of the Crimson White, an assistant to a paying professor and was in the top five percent of his graduating class.

When he was half-way through his first semester, he went to see the president, George H. Denny. When he finally got to see him, Sparkman said, “President Denny, my name is John Sparkman. I am from Morgan County Alabama up in the North, and I really need a job.”

President Denny told him, “Now son, I can’t accommodate you. You see that boy that just went out? He’s a junior and he needs a job. See those three boys and girls out there? Those are seniors and they need a job.

I can’t give you a job, just come back next year when you’ve been here a little longer, and I’ll see what I can do for you.

Sparkman looked at president Denny and said, ‘Sir, I had to work after school for a year to get the money to come down here, and I was happy to

Officers offer more than legal advice Logan Grant

S

Reporter

ome students see police officers on campus and become wary of them. People most often see law enforcement writing tickets and putting people in jail. Although that is part of their job, it is not their sole purpose.

The school resource officers are not here to threaten anyone with jail time at the slightest wrongdoing.

Deputy Jeff Graves and Deputy Jonas Wilson are here to support the students as they get an education.

“We live in a culture where people don’t go to the cops, but we aren’t just there to solve crimes. Students can ask us anything and we encourage them to come to us with personal issues that maybe they feel like they can’t go to parents or teachers about. We try to keep a certain trust because when you lose respect from a young person, that’s it,” Graves said.

As with parents, it can be difficult for students to realize the fact that police officers were once exactly like themselves. Wilson was a graduate of Buckhorn High School before working as a resource officer there for three years. Wilson even enjoyed driving fast and had to pay the consequences from it. Although not funny at the time, Wilson now tells it as a light-hearted story.

“I went to the military straight out of high school,

do it. I’m not complaining but the point is, I can’t do that now that I’m studying down here.

I’m a lot more involved in the University and my studies. I run out of money after Christmas, and if I don’t have some kind of job, I won’t be here in the spring. I gotta have a job.’

“Denny looked at him and told him, ‘Well there is one job that everybody but one other boy has turned down. It’s really hard, and you won’t like it, and I’m pretty sure you’re gonna quit within the first week, but I will give it to you if that’s the way you want it.’ My grandfather said, “Yes sir I will take it, you don’t have to tell me what it is I will take it.” Shepard said.

The next day, Sparkman took the graveyard shift shoveling coal at the University steam plant that runs the radiators. He shoveled coal from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., got a few hours of sleep and went to class that day. He did this for two years alongside a boy named Claude Pepper, who would become a politician in Florida.

“Both [Sparkman and Pepper] were poor boys willing to work hard and get an education. Both work[ed] at night and stud[ied] during the day,” Shepard said.

SENATORSHIP Sparkman met his future wife, Ivo, before they moved back to Huntsville, where he started his law firm. Sparkman was elected to the United States House of Representatives in the 1936 election, defeating Union Party candidate, Harry J. Fran.

He was continuously re-elected into the House until 1946, when he was chosen to represent

Alabama in Congress.

“He was the campaign manager of the Congressman he [succeeded] before the man retired. He told me that when the Congressman decided to retire in 1935, he called my grandfather into his office and said, ‘I’m not gonna tell you that I’m retired. All I’m gonna say is get ready,’” Shepard said.

Sparkman was influential in passing numerous laws; however, very few have his name on them. When his wife fussed at him over this, Sparkman replied with the same answer every time: “The most important thing is to get it done because it’s a good measure and it’ll help people. If I need to give someone a little credit to get them to sponsor it, I will always do that.’

“He wanted to know at the end of his career that he had pushed several things, and he didn’t need to have his name on them to know that,” Shepard said.

In 1952, Sparkman stood as the potential vice president with Adlai Stevenson, who ran in the presidential election against Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Sparkman and his wife traveled to multiple Asian countries— including Japan, China and Vietnam— and to the Middle East for Foreign Affairs to get to know world leaders. Even though Stevenson lost the election, Sparkman made a friend in Eisenhower.

A LEGACY TO REMEMBER As the years went on, Shepard became a lawyer like his grandfather. He covered the walls of his firm with pictures of his father and grandfather,

and when I got back in 1997 I decided to buy a sports car.

I was on a road out in New Market that came to a hill, and when I topped the hill a police car topped it going the other direction. I saw smoke in the back windshield from him turning around. Even after I had slowed down he clocked me going 98 in a 45. Then I got another ticket in Florence while going to see my brother. I was flat broke after paying all of that,” Wilson said.

The title, School Resource Officer, is not given out as an undesirable assignment. Police officers put in an application to be placed in a school system. Both Graves and Wilson are fathers and hold the belief that they can make a difference for the youth through their job. Both of them encourage students with gestures as simple as learning names or giving high fives in the hallways to put a smile on a student’s face.

“I put in for this job and this is where I want to be…

We are here to build a relationship, not to be a bully,” Wilson said.

Graves and Wilson have been through numerous experiences as police officers. Wilson has been a deputy for 12 years and was even Graves’s training officer. Both have worked street patrol. Wilson’s first call as a deputy on his own was a 1033, better known as an armed robbery. Graves worked 6 years on street patrol.

“I’ve written my chapter on patrol. I have arrested drug dealers, made DUI arrests, caught burglars, but my number one rule on street patrol was at the end of the day, go home,” Graves said.

The resource officers are interested in students

each with their own marks on US history. Sparkman was still in Congress during Shepard’s high school years in Washington, D.C., so they saw each other every day. Sparkman missed the farm life and bought 360 acres on Pulaski Pike; he took his grandson and would identify every tree and tell him where to look for blackberries.

“He was so comfortable with the land, and it was interesting because he was also comfortable sitting next to John Kennedy or negotiating with President Johnson. He [w]ould sit with his grandson and say ‘That’s a hickory tree, and those pecans will be ready in a month.’ That was one of those important things to understand about him: he was still the boy who grew up on a farm 30 miles outside of Huntsville,” Shepard said.

Sparkman died of a heart attack in 1985 and is resting in Maple Hill Cemetery. Sparkman High School is more than just a bunch of students and teachers; it is a school named for a great Senator who stayed true to himself and his home.

“He contributed money for the Sparkman Scholarship, he visited often and he was very proud of the students,” Shepard said.

Bob Jones succeeded him in Congress, and they worked together. If Sparkman were to give students a piece of advice, he would say, “You have to set high goals, you have to work hard, and you should be nice to everyone. If you leave out one of those you will not be as successful as you want to be.

They are all important.”

DIGGING INTO GRAVES. Deputy Jeff Graves recently moved to Sparkman after Deputy Thrower retired in December. He loves interacting with the students who come up and ask him questions.

Photo by Savannah Bullard.

continuing their education just as much as the teachers.

Although they are not standing at a white board or calling on distracted students to answer a question, they are educators.

“I want you to get that education, both here and outside of this building. I love to see people in the store and have them recognize me from Sparkman and tell me what they have accomplished,” Graves said.

The Crimson Crier

April 17, 2014

Lifestyles 7

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

WHAT lIES

BENEATH

Hepatitis B virus in liver biopsy at microscopic level (x20). Picture from intechopen.com

Teacher bursts “invincibility” bubble, discusses “hush-hush” topics with freshmen Erin Rountree

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News Editor

ecause April is STD Awareness Month, a special emphasis is being placed on educating today’s youth about the diseases no one wants to discuss. In a time when young people ages 15 to 24 are contracting almost half of the 19 million new sexually transmitted disease, or STD, cases each year, sex education in public schools is a hot topic: the young generation says they have not been taught, and the old generation is afraid to teach about what is seen as a taboo subject.

To understand the disconnect between students, teachers, parents and legislators in regard to current sex ed curriculum, it is important to realize how curriculum is derived in the first place. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, as of Jan. 1, 2014, 22 states and the District of Columbia require that sex education be taught in public schools, but only 19 states specifically designate that the curriculum must be “medically, factually, or technically accurate.” Definitions of what constitutes this accuracy vary by state.

Currently in Madison County, fifth graders attend a gender-separated lecture that discusses puberty, but parents are given the opportunity to opt their child out of the session. For older students, anatomy, character development and health courses typically include brief lessons on STDs, but at this time there is no course solely dedicated to sex ed being offered. This is also the final year that freshmen will be able to take CARE, the course that, of all classes currently being offered, incorporates the most discussion of reproductive health.

“I think [teaching sex education in schools] is important because STDs are real, teen pregnancy is real and teenagers going in unaware is real. In order to be a good teenager, they need to be aware of all of the problems and situations that sex can [lead to],” CARE teacher Darlene Stanford said.

Stanford believes that being open with students about typically hush-hush topics helps to burst the bubble of “invincibility” that she sees trending in the teenage population.

“The media has [teenagers] thinking that everything is okay and nothing will happen to them and they don’t talk about it. Media has a lot to do with where they are right now, and all you see is sex and people not protecting themselves,” Stanford said.

While she is able to see some patterns in the way teens respond to societal influences regarding sex, Stanford has had to adapt to teaching a wide range of students who have made various choices regarding their sex life.

“I learned— starting out— that everybody is at a different place. I have to teach to the haves and the have-nots— the ones who are sexually active and those who are not sexually active and those who have chosen to abstain until marriage,” Stanford said.

Teaching a class such as CARE, which covers subjects that may be viewed as controversial, does not come without occasional backlash from parents and guardians. Stanford faces occasional adversity from parents and criticism of the class’s curriculum, but a majority of the time critics change their tune once Stanford is able to explain why she uses the curriculum that she does.

Junior Mary Kopp experienced this type of parental censorship in fifth grade when her parents opted her out of the lecture on puberty.

“In elementary school, [my parents] thought it was the parents’ responsibility to teach it [sexual education], not the government, and that was like their main thing,” Kopp said.

Coming from a background that did not include much discussion of sex or related subjects, CARE was “shocking” for Kopp. Learning about diseases such as HIV was all new for her, but Kopp, who is now in Medical Academy, is ultimately glad she took CARE. For students who may not be comfortable discussing sex, or who have never been taught about it, Stanford covers other topics beforehand to help them acclimate to the more intimate discussions.

“I don’t start out talking about sex. We start out talking about families and relationships, personalities, what makes you who you are and how you are, what background did you come from, and then we build on top of that. We don’t just start talking about sex,” Stanford said.

Like with any other class, sex ed curriculum must evolve with the times. Stanford has had to adapt her teaching to mesh with the increase of same-sex relationships.

However, while some of the class discussions have changed, Stanford’s message is fundamentally the same to heterosexual and homosexual couples.

“It’s so prevalent and kids are so curious that I’ve had to allow the dialogue and remember that with the same sex, you still have the same problems,” Stanford said.

While taking a course that incorporates sex ed can be intimidating, it is simply a part of high school that most students will endure at some point or another.

Educating students helps to promote smart decision-making about choices that can have potentially fatal consequences.

Father teaches kids karate, self-defense Carla Mack Reporter

S

isters Marissa and Keana Swanner have grown up with karate all their lives. Their father, Kevin Swanner, owns Spirit Made Steel, a studio that has offered karate classes for the past 10 years.

Kevin has studied karate for the past 30 years and taught it for 25. He started training his girls for karate at young ages due to his daughter Marissa breaking her arm. It sparked an idea that the girls would find karate helpful for more than just a show of combat prowess.

“I started training them when they were young to give them good solid training to

maintain balance, and protect themselves when needed. It also possesses many other important skills they could find valuable,” Kevin said.

The girls practically grew up in the studio. They not only had more time to spend with their father, but time to branch out and meet new people, making long-lasting friendships along the way.

“Growing up in the studio was cool. There are people I’ve grown up with, who are practically like my mentors. It’s a great environment,” Marissa said.

Having their father as an instructor was a slight advantage

to the girls; they received athome training. But their father never showed special attention to the two just because they were his daughters.

“He is really firm in his teachings, but he is a great at what he does. He never showed favorites towards us either, he treated us the same as other students,” Keana said.

Spirit Made Steel is a traditional dojo, where everything is performed in a modern and relaxed environment. Not a tournamentbased school, it focuses more on self-defense and individual skills of the students. The teachings hold on to traditional methods

as well as incorporating newer ones while always trying to remain welcoming and family oriented.

“It really isn’t for an offensive purpose, but for comfort in a threatening situation. It helps make someone feel more secure in an uncomfortable position and build up personal confidence in their abilities,” Marissa said.

With their father also having an engineering job, balancing the studio and quality family time can be difficult. The girls assure their father does a great job despite this and always spends time with them when he is able.

“He works his day job until about three and then heads to the studio. He always makes it home in time for dinner and spends times with us afterwards as well,” Keana said.

Kevin says he has a supportive and understanding staff helping him accomplish this.

They respect his personal life outside of work and understand he is not only a teacher, but a father, as well.

“I am very lucky to have passionate and supportive teachers who allow me to travel and spend time with my family.

The business has almost gotten to the point where it can run itself,” Kevin said.

Sports 8

The Crimson Crier

April 17, 2014

Assistant principal finds passion in officiating Jones travels the south for the SEC April Oberman Entertainment Editor

T

he scorching sun beats down on the softball diamond. Little to no clouds cover the sky. Sweat pours down the pitcher’s face as she throws a curveball to the batter. The softball collides against the aluminum bat, making a “ding” sound.

The batter sprints as the softball travels through the air and out of the stadium.

The batter slides onto home plate and umpire assistant principal Maurice Jones calls the run “Safe.”

The stadium goes wild.

Jones has been umpiring softball since he was in college.

“I started umping just to make some extra money and then I started doing high school. I’ve been umping high school softball for years and years. I happened to be working with a guy in high school that umped in college and he thought I was pretty good at it, so he recommended me to try out to be a college level umpire. After going to a couple college camps, I was selected. That’s how I got into college umpiring,”

Looking official. Assistant Principal Maurice Jones dons his official SEC paraphernalia. Jones officiated softball games since his college days. He now officiates games for some of the most high profile softball teams in the country, including Alabama, Auburn and Kentucky. Photo by Heather Webster

Jones said.

He has had the love for softball as well. Umpiring softball has pros and cons, but for Jones, the pros far outweigh the cons.

“I just like softball more so than any other sport. It’s fun, it’s exciting, it’s fast and it keeps you on your toes because you always have to know what’s going on. It’s a thrill to go to Alabama, Tennessee and LSU and watch teams that you see on TV every day.

The only problem is that you do have to travel so far. This year I’ve been to Missouri, Kentucky, South Carolina, LSU, Auburn, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Alabama. But, it’s exciting.

Once you know the game, you can appreciate it,” Jones said.

Assistant principal Tandy Shumate has watched Jones umpire in

the past and believes he does very well.

“He has very good mechanics and correct form, and he also has an amazing punch-out,” Shumate said.

Of course, one of the biggest parts about being an umpire is dealing with negativity from the fans.

It is of utmost importance that referees of any sport call what they believe is the right call.

“You try to stay away from that [bad calls]. One rule of thumb for being an umpire or an official is that you want to call such a great game that no one notices that you are there.

Those are some of the best games. But, sometimes you have to make the tough calls and when you make the tough calls, there’s a 50 percent chance you’ll call it right, 50 percent you’ll call

it wrong. You can’t worry about that, you have to make in your judgment, the right call,” Jones said.

Jones prepares for the worst, with negativity comes inappropriate actions. Jones must stand his ground no matter what situation he is in and continue to referee what he believes is a fair game.

He recognizes being yelled at is just part of the job.

“That’s part of it; you expect to get yelled at. Even though you go in with a mind set that you’re going to call a good game and nothing’s going to happen and you have to make a tough call, somebody in the stands is probably going to react.

Some of the classics I’ve heard about me are, Hey Blue, get your hair out of your eyes! I made the mistake one time in-

between innings; I turned my back to put my eye drops in because it was dusty and windy outside.

Later in the game I heard from the stands: I knew

“You have to be dedicated to the game. You have to study the game, just like in any class. They give you rule books and you must study the rule

“I just like softball more so than any other sport. It’s fun, it’s exciting, it’s fast and it keeps you on your toes because you always have to know what’s going on. It’s a thrill to go to Alabama, Tennessee and LSU and watch teams that you see on TV everyday.”

-Maurice Jones you couldn’t see! Little things like that you learn not to do,” Jones said.

In order to become an umpire, Jones believes you must have dedication to the game. He advises that one seeking to be an umpire should be prepared for anything and be ready for hard work.

books because rules are constantly changing. You need to know as an umpire.

Once the coaches know that you aren’t up-to-date with the rules, then you’re going to find yourself in trouble. So, you better look at the rule book, study the rule book and be prepared for anything,” Jones said.

Discovery Weekend “The Pause” April 25-27 Grace UMC Sign up at youth.graceumchsv.org Sun. School—9:45am Sun. Night—5:30am, snack supper @ 7 Check out facebook.com/graceumy, twitter @gumy, or youth.graceumchsv.org for info on trips and special events!

9 Sports

The Crimson Crier

April 17, 2014

The Tweet Beat Baseball started out on fire What is everyone thinking?

Number 5 Sparkman beats Bob Jones, 11-3. @bonbonrolls

Falcon baseball falls to Sparkman 10-0 in the 6th. @pmpsports.com Sliding into action. Junior Will Sipes slides into third base to beat the throw. The team hopes that they can make a late season surge to power them into the playoffs. Photo by Greg Machen

Wins over rival BJ equals playoffs Will Bartel Sports Editor

W

hile the baseball program has always been consistent, this year’s team has excelled above and beyond expectations to become one of the top teams in Alabama.

The team has been clicking on all cylinders.

The baseball team currently sits at 28-8 and is ranked fifth in the state.

The team rocketed off to an incredible 18-1 start, but has cooled off in the past few weeks, going a mortal 8-6.

Despite this semislump, the team positioned to make the playoffs. The team has

achieved this mark through hard work.

“We have worked hard every day in the offseason.

Everything we have done this season goes back to all of our hard work in practices as well as on our own,” junior Brian Robinson said.

The team has enjoyed this recent success but has not let it go to their heads.

“We have stayed humble despite how well we have played. We never let an opportunity to win slip by and we stay energized and excited for every game. We play together to try and get the best results,” senior Tanner Burns said.

The team has found

success by focusing in on every opponent instead of just having a vague goal for the season.

“We go out and take games one at a time.

We know what we have to do to win a state championship so as long as we stay locked in and play how we know we can, wins will follow,” Burns said.

The team was pitted in a battle to have a postseason appearance.

Despite their record the team, their games against area opponents are what determines which teams go to the playoffs.

These critical games came down to playing rival Bob Jones. The team captured the first win, 11-3.

and the second win, 4-2. In the third game, the team rallied from a 1-5 score but came up short, losing, 9-11.

With Hazel Green’s sweep over Buckhorn, the Senators secured the playoffs.

“These were the two most important games of these guys’ playing careers to this point. The good news is that these guys believed in each other and I certainly believed that they could rise to the challenge and live in the moment in this series so they could continue to write this team’s story,” head coach Kellen Greer said.

The team enters the first round of the playoffs tomorrow night.

On the brink of playoff elimination, Sparkman gets crucial win. @alsports.com

It’s a beautiful day to take in some Sparkman baseball. @SHSSports_med

Make yourself heard! Follow us on Twitter at @TheCrimsonCrier!

Column: Gymnast begins training from early age All sports need support Victoria Lewis

Swinging into action.

Junior Katie Silvey grabs onto the bar to attempt a complicated gymnastic maneuver.

Silvey has been active in gymnastics since she was only two years old. Katie was inspired to start gymnastics because her sister Megan also participated in gymnastics. A family rivalry has not been started though, Megan is five years older than Katie so they have never competed against each other in competitions.

Photo courtesy of Angie Silvey

Reporter

Noah Lombard Web Editor

E

ver had one of those moments when you did something incredible, but then realized there was no one around to see it? If you have, perhaps you can step into the shoes of the girls’ soccer teams.

For example, the girls varsity has had approximately 20 games this season, and have only lost two of them. I am no soccer expert, but I would say that is pretty good.

I have been to several of the games and have seen their hard work, and I am proud that our school has a soccer team of this merit. Despite all of that though, there is always a gaping hole in the bleachers where the students should be.

So, if it is basketball or football, we will flood the stadiums. We will dress in all white, we will dress in all black. We will throw glitter, shoot silly string, and blow air horns. Every other school out there is going to know who they are dealing with. We have got spirit, oh yes we do. But only when it is convenient.

A widely publicized sporting event where I can get together with my friends and watch teenagers tackle each other? Go team!

The chance to get out of school without having to wait an hour at the

dentist? Sign me up.

Wait, I would have to drive out to some place after school? No, thanks.

Even at home games, there seems to be a good deal of students missing. The girls played their biggest game of the regular season on April 3 against Huntsville High.

Those supporting the team numbered roughly 25. And of that 25, how many were students?

Maybe three or four.

That is pathetic. Can we not muster up more than that to support them? I understand there is not always the drive to get out and about, but they have worked hard to prove that Sparkman is to be taken seriously. We should be there to cheer them on when they win.

We should be there to support them when they lose.

I am not on the girls’ soccer team (shocker,) so I cannot speak for them. I know though, if it were me putting effort into something I loved, it would be great to look out in the stands and see I had someone other than my parents supporting me. This does not just go for soccer. As a school we need to pull our efforts together to encourage all of our sports teams so that we can move towards excelling in all sports. We are Sparkman, and we are worth more than that.

T

he average twoyear-old takes part in games like ring-aroundthe-rosies and tag, but at the age of two junior Katie Silvey was learning the fundamentals of gymnastics.

Katie’s sister, Megan Silvey, already took part in gymnastics at Southern States Gymnastics located in Huntsville.

Katie’s mother, English teacher Angela Silvey, decided to put Katie into gymnastics as well. The girls are five years apart, so they never competed at the same level.

“I looked up to her because I wanted to do the tricks she was doing. She was very encouraging of me,” Katie said.

According to Katie, that all of the members at the gym encourage each other and that keeps the morale high. The team practices five days a week for three and a half hours a day.

“I love gymnastics. My gym friends are like my family, and my coach is like my second mom. I love being with my teammates,” Katie said.

The competition season starts in October and ends in March. The team usually attends eight meets a year, competing against gyms at a state level and national level. Katie competes on all apparatus’- vault, beam, floor and bars. She believes that sometimes she has good meets, and sometimes she has bad

meets.

“Meets are exciting and nerve-racking, but she always does well,” Angela said.

Katie has had one major injury; she dislocated both of her elbows tumbling at practice. She had a cast on each arm and was unable to practice for three months, missing an entire season of meets. She still spent many hours in the gym.

“My casts were terrible.

I couldn’t just sit at home.

I often went to the gym to just sit and watch because I just wanted to be in the gym. Watching my teammates in the gym made me realize I cannot just give up,” Katie said.

Right after the injury, many of her teammates came to see her and encouraged her to have a quick recovery. Katie wasted no time getting back in the gym and trying new things.

“When I got back I was weak, and I felt really behind so I worked and practiced a lot to get back to where I was. I felt stronger than I did before. Now, when we tumble, I still am afraid of it happening again, but I have to forget about it and just go for it,” Katie said.

Despite her daughter’s injury, Angela does not discourage gymnasts for the sake of safety.

“She was quite calm,

but it was very scary. We have only had one injury, even though it was a big one, I think gymnastics is relatively safe. I think if you go to a reputable place they do everything they can to keep you safe,” Angela said.

Katie showed off some of her tricks in the drama’s production of “The Wizard of Oz,” allowing her to do flips around the set.

“Because of the wood floors all I could do was round off back hand spring back hand spring, and a front walk over. I was not sure if I would like it, but I had so much fun. It was a great experience,” Katie said.

10 In-depth

The Crimson Crier

April 17 , 2014

THE EVOLUTION OF

MODERN THEN

. NO DATING. JUST MARRIAGE . FAMILY RADIO NIGHT . CHATTY CHAPERONES Back in the 1800s, girls, with no say in the situation, would just be handed over to older men at ages as young as 13. Luckily, that is not how it is anymore.

Taking a girl out used to imply taking her whole family out. Which meant a lot of dates with everyone.

Chaperones on dates are not very common anymore. In the dark ages (Victorian times really) however, two opposing genders could not even be in the same room without a chaperone.

Teachers remember how dating once was

CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHT? Biology Teacher Leslie Machen and husband Greg Machen are enjoying just over 3 decades of marriage. Photo courtesy of Leslie Machen.

Riley Wallace Editor-in-Chief

L

etters smuggled across enemy lines, flowers delivered with a flourish to the door, dates to the drive-in theater, late nights “getting down” at the local hangout: since its inception, the idea of American courtship has changed dramatically, evolving with the culture and its people.

And as expectations changed, so did the relationships themselves, altered in attitude.

INTRODUCTION Biology teacher Leslie Machen met her husband Greg during their sophomore year of high school. The meeting, which would someday result in a 34-year marriage, sounds much like many relationship stories one could hear between classes in a modern hallway, as

classmates and friends but little more.

“We had English together at that time. We sat next to each other in class, but I was only interested in him as a friend. He was dating a friend of mine. Once she broke up with him, we started hanging out and that eventually led to us dating,”Machen said.

Meanwhile, journalism teacher Erin Coggins did not meet husband and fellow teacher Jamie until college, but remembers her high school dating experience as a strict, traditional institution that involved planning dates in detail and relying heavily on parental guidelines such as a 10 o’clock curfew and a meeting with the date before they left, although she was disenchanted with the idea after graduating.

“I was not allowed to date until I was 16 years old. There

was no dating before that. If I was going to go out with a boy they had to come knock on my door and come into the house. That was protocol,” Coggins said. “I dated a lot in high school. Like serious dating in high school, and then when I went to college I was like ‘This is so stupid’ and stayed single for a long time.”

By observing their students, both women have been able to mark the changes in the dating that have occurred between the days when they themselves were seeking significant others and today.

DATES As Leslie and Greg’s relationship blossomed, they, like many teenagers of the time, took to both the town and the school in search of time together, going to sporting events and restaurants as they made memories together, ” During football season, we would go to the games and then to Burger King or McDonald’s. Most of the time, we would drive to Huntsville (from Scottsboro) and go to the movies and out to eat. On our way home, we always stopped

by Krispy Kreme and would take at least a dozen donuts back with us,” Machen said.

Coggins recalls many similar dates, but most of the time, they were also accompanied by visits to her house, where her date would meet her parents before

the two left alone, whereas she observes that couples now tend to prefer a group setting.

“You guys tend to date in groups or if you’re out-andabout and see someone you meet. Ours was very traditional, what my parents would have called courting, I guess. There’s always a specified place to go and a person to pick you up at a specified time,” Coggins said.

It was also customary for males to pay whatever cost their date accrued, making it unusual for their dates to “go dutch,” though Machen says she believes this attitude is one that is slowly changing among her students as well.

“It was expected that the guy would pay for everything and now it seems that both individuals share the cost, which I think is fair in most circumstances,” Machen said.

ATTITUDES While students now may begin seeking relationships in early middle school, it was not always so. Coggins recalls that crushes were the norm for early teenagers when she was younger, while serious dating was mainly for older students, in late middle school or high school.

“We were aware of boys and thought they were cute…

But as far as seriously looking at someone like you might want to date or might want to smooch, probably seventh and eighth

grade. I know now my niece is in sixth grade and she’s got some people talking about sex. Nothing like that was ever broached when I was in middle school. No one would have thought about that,” Coggins said.

Coggins also believes that her generation saw more serious relationships in high school, with intent for longterm dating or even marriage, as opposed to the more casual dating that modern students do not necessarily feel obligated to participate in.

“I don’t think I see as much serious dating in high school as we had in high school. I may be wrong, but I don’t pick up on that. When I was in high school you had a boyfriend, and if you didn’t something might be wrong with you, and I don’t see that nowadays. I like that a lot better,” Coggins said.

Meanwhile, parental attitudes toward dating have changed very little, Machen thinks, as most parents are concerned about keeping their child’s focus on what lies ahead.

“Parents still worry about long-term relationships or how the intensity of the relationship could affect their child’s school work and possibly their future,” Machen said.

JUMP continued on next page

April 17 , 2014

The Crimson Crier

In-depth 11

D A T I NG NOW

. TEXTING....ONLY TEXTING Now-a-days, people “talk” over text messages, with rare actual face-to-face interaction.

.SCHOOL SNUGGLES .

A common occurance is couples only seeing each other in school. This usually leads to very disgusting PDA, to the distaste of the rest of the students.

ONE DATE = RELATIONSHIP

You can date different people at the same time, unless

you know as a couple, you are exclusive. There is nothing wrong or promiscuous with testing the waters.

Student provides solution to dating woes Bria Calhoun Web Editor

*P

hone rings* Ring!

Ring! Buzz! Buzz!

Nosey teen girl: “Oh my gosh! John and Brooke broke up!”

Nosey teen girl’s friend: “Girl, what? How do you know?”

Of course nosey teen girl knows John and Brooke broke up, as does everyone else who follows their tweets, because they had an argument on Twitter and they were “subtweeting” each other.

Cellphones plus Twitter and Instagram plus nosey classmates and friends equals the problems with modern

COMMUNICATION While students now have access to instantaneous text messaging and Snapchatting, relationships of the past also had to deal with the communication gap, resorting to what some now would consider “old-fashioned” ways of keeping in contact with one another.

“Since we did not have cell phones or computers, we either exchanged notes between classes or left notes in the lockers. We would talk on the phone at night. There wasn’t call waiting either, so you didn’t stay on the phone too long in case someone was trying to call your parents,” Machen said.

dating.

The issue with social media and modern dating is that everyone knows everyone’s business. It is how we deal with our dirty laundry being strewn across cyberspace that helps us deal with the new way of dating.

Point one: Technology, social media and friends can equal trouble Teens use social media as a way to communicate with a person they have interest in or want to get to know. This act is not good for teens, we are not learning good communication skills. Young people already use social media to hurt, push and provoke each other. It is

also a place where words are misunderstood, given how little context surrounds them.

A simple tweet like “I don’t like him, he’s just too much, and I can’t deal” can be interpreted that a girl is talking about her boyfriend, she might be talking about another student or teacher, but because of those characters a problem has been created when there was not one to start. Now the boyfriend has retaliated through Twitter and the entire school is talking about their relationship and creating unnecessary drama.

Point two: How to fix it Stop voicing your business and stop complaining about it.

How can a couple delete

social media, friends and anything that is toxic to the relationship? Keep personal business personal. Do not fall into the hoopla of #MCM (man crush Monday), #WCW (woman crush Wednesday), “das bae” and all those other hash tags and themes on social media.

That way, outside people will not know your business. Do not listen to everyone, only those you really trust. Remember breaking up is not the end of the world, and every time you and your significant other have an argument, do not retaliate by going to social media.

Point three: How dating is supposed to be The purpose of dating is to

enjoy each other’s company, and allowing outside parties to intervene in relationships can doom one before it gets started. Yes, problems are going to arise if the relationship is not meant to be, but couples do not have to convey their issues to the entire world. If an issue arises or a break-up is pending, discuss it with your significant other and then only share the issue with close friends.

Take the time to get to know the person you chose to date. Enjoy their company.

And keep your business off of social media. This is how dating was intended to be— blissful.

Like their earlier counterparts, these students rebelled against distance using the traditional mail system to maintain relationships, writing letters back and forth.

“Letters, lots of letters.

We used to write letters even in high school; if you wanted to see your man, you wrote a letter,” Coggins said.

Despite these attempts, however, couples of the past faced a problem that many still find relevant: college and the distance that so often disconnects those who were once close. Without those instantaneous outlets of communication, though, it may have been more difficult for them than it is for modern students.

“It was harder to keep a relationship going once one of the people involved went to college. Friends of mine that had older boyfriends stopped dating shortly after the guys went off to college. Distance was detrimental to most relationships,” Machen said.

Since the Internet’s relatively recent spike in popularity, connectivity for the sake of dating has been made more easily accessible overall. 2003 and 2004 saw the creation of MySpace and Facebook respectively, opening up allpurpose social media for easy communication between interested parties. At the same time, this connectivity does not include only the people involved in the relationship. By publishing

photos, statuses and updates, modern daters are making their activities public for their friends, family and—in some instances—random viewers.

“What I have noticed that is different from my generation to this one is that the details of our relationships were not posted on Facebook or Instagram for people to know about or comment on. It seems like our relationships were more private.

The only way your friends knew what you were doing or where you were going is if you told them about it at school the following Monday or if you invited them (double-date) to go along,” Machen said.

may have changed over the years, the growth of relationships has not, still springing, like Machen’s, from simple interactions every day. Looking back on their experiences, both teachers have formulated their own strings of memories, of joys and regrets, but one particular piece of advice has stuck with Machen over the years. “ I think it is important to be friends first. If you truly like the person, let the relationship develop before getting too serious. I think being friends first was important to [mine and Greg’s] relationship. After 34 years together, we still consider the other as our best friend. We still enjoy hanging out together,” Machen said.

CONCLUSION While

the

dating

game

The Crimson Crier

April 17, 2014

. .

I spy with my little eye...

Entertainment 12

Student reviews spy-themed entertainment Kasey Stender

500 BC

Spread Editor

T

he world has become obsessed with spies.

Movies, books, video games, music and nearly anything else you can think of have a massive spy genre.

Here are some samples to please your espionage-loving hearts.

Movies:

13th Century

15th Century

18th Century

the village of Koga in Japan.

“Spy Kids:” “Spy Kids” is awesome and you cannot deny it. (Just the first two. Do not even watch the others.) If you have not seen it already, you should do so as soon as possible.

The basic premise is about a brother and sister finding out their parents are spies after the ‘rents get caught on a mission and the villains go after the kids. Action and comedy and a few heartfelt moments ensue and all-inall, end with a wonderful childhood movie.

“Mr. and Mrs. Smith:” Bradgelina: The super couple portrays husband and wife, both with a deadly secret. They work for enemy spy agencies but do not know until they become each other’s targets. Again, snarky comments, comedy and a few plucks at the heart strings add up to a pretty enjoyable film.

In Revolutionary War, espionage agents against the British fed information to George Washington.

1940s-1990s The Cold War involved intense espionage activity between the US and Russia, related largely to nuclear secrets.

Books: “The Gallagher Girl” series by Ally Carter:

This series is everything a teen reader could hope for.

It has a snarky tone and dialogue, action, plot twists, suspense, mystery and cute boys (and girls if you are a male reader). The basics are that it’s an all-girl school that teaches them how to be top spies—the very top.

So of course there are going to be conspiracies and Ninja and spies for hire chases and kidnappings. What else can a spy-obsessed became active around reader ask for?

Mongols used espionage in their conquests in Asia and Europe.

“James Bond:” These movies and books have been around forever.

Most of them will do fine for a good espionage fix. Except for maybe the Pierce Brosnan “Bond” era because that was sort of “meh.” Also some of the older ones; I think “Octopussy” can explain that.

Chinese military strategist Sun-Tzu compiles information on deception and subversion.

1962

The first James Bond film, “Dr. No,” is released.

2014

New TV show “Turn” on AMC releases info about Revolutionary War spies. New episodes on Sundays at 8 p.m.

“The Specialists” series by Shannon Greenland: This series follows a girl who, through misuse of here superb computer (*cough * hacking *cough*) skills, gets tangled up in a program that utilizes skills of similar youth to complete covert operations. It, too, has sarcasm, action and, as typical of most YA novels, a side of romance.

“Also Known As” series by Robin Benway: This focuses on a young teenaged girl also. Sorry about it, guys. Anyway, her parents are spies who work for the Collective, an international spy organization.

Maggie has a special gift that also makes her part of the Collective, safecracking skills. She may just be the best in the world. These skills, and her latest assignment, to get information from a boy about his possibly criminal father, get her into mounds of trouble.

Timeline of Spies

Top nine media game-changers since 1990s Erin Stender Reporter

T

here is no question that today’s society is impacted by entertainment. But how has the media of the past brought us to where we are now? From messaging to scandals, the events below are no doubt an important influence to modern entertainment.

1

1992: The Text Message

4

1999: Columbine Columbine. The word rings clear to those who know the tragedy of the shootings at Columbine High School in Columbine, Colorado. On April 20, 1999 from 11:19 a.m. to 12:08 p.m., students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold entered Columbine High School with various weapons and proceeded to terrorize and attack schoolmates, teachers, and administrators. The perpetrators’ attacks resulted in 15 deaths, including their own. Both boys committed suicide shortly after massacring students and faculty. After the tragedy at Columbine, new safety standards were implemented nationwide in order to try and prevent a repeat of the horror in Columbine.

America’s transportation security and provide freedom of movement for commencers. TSA monitors passengers and baggage to ensure that transportation is safe.

Messaging with friend miles away with an object that is now fits in the palm of your hand. A casual thing, right? But it wasn’t always this way. In 1992, the first SMS text message was sent from a computer to a mobile phone in the UK. In 1993, the first phone to phone SMS was sent in Finland. The rest is history. The text message has had an extreme effect on culture changing things Streaming Media from dating to friendships by making it possible to send thought virtually and instantly. The text Youtube: 2005 message completely changed the relationships people Netflix: Created-1997 Streaming-2007 Hulu: 2008 of today via communication.

Imagine a world without movies at the fingertips. Cringe worthy—I know. Websites like Netflix and Hulu Plus have 1992: The Internet/Social Media There is no denying we are in an internet dependent age. changed the game when it comes to entertainment.

But where did it all start? In 1992, internet went public Other websites such as Youtube are even inspiring and was embraced with open arms. Now, there are a people pick up a camera of their own and share their plethora of websites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, stories for free. These outlets are offering alternatives to name a few) that have added fuel to the online fire. to movies and shows on the television, by providing These websites, known as social media, have influenced a diverse number of platforms for society’s viewing not only the way the internet is used, but also the way pleasures. people communicate in today’s world.

1997-2012: Harry Potter Myspace 2003/Facebook: 2004/Twitter: 2006 “Yer a wizard Harry.”

Tumblr: 2007/Instagram:2010/Snapchat: 2011 We all know the story whether through literature or film. Orphan boy finds out he 1994-2004: F.R.I.E.N.D.S has magic powers and goes So no one told you life was gonna be this way? to magic school. But what a Cue the claps. F.R.I.E.N.D.S was a phenomena that swept lot of us don’t realize is the the world and provided the foundation for the sitcoms impact J.K. Rowling’s Harry we know today. When F.R.I.E.N.D.S finally called it after Potter has truly had on our an astounding ten seasons, it was a conclusion of an era. generation.

The story is one The show influenced many beloved sitcoms including that has performed seemingly How I Met Your Mother, Parks and Recreation and The miracles among both youth Office.

2

5

and adults. The story not only holds a place in the hearts of many, but also in the history books by creating an industry for children’s literature. Harry’s tale is one that has changed the game, bringing many children to literature and leaving its mark on mythology and plots used throughout the children’s genre.

7

Supernatural The Walking Dead: Comics2003 TV series-2010 Twilight: 2005-2011 Teen Wolf: TV series2011 Since the beginning of time, the supernatural has been viewed with a sort of terror filled curiosity. Dracula, the original vampire is the staple o f this image, striking fear into the hearts of readers. But in recent years the supernatural have become less of a feared staple and more of a fascination.

With Twilight’s shimmering vampire’s and Teen Wolf’s sexy shirtless hunk, werewolves and vampires have become ‘cool’ instead of eerie. Even The Walking Dead, which does show the creepy side of it all, glamorizes how life would be like in a zombie apocalypse. If it were the 1800s, the show would be an abomination as opposed to the devoted following it holds today.

8 6

3

Dawn Eckardt Lynn Childers

6945 Hwy 72 Suite C Huntsville, Al 35806 (256) 722-3001

$10 off for first time guests

2009: Michael Jackson’s death The king of pop took his last breath on June 25, 2009.

Although he is gone, MJ has left his mark on modern music by recreating the pop genre. When he first broke into the spotlight with his brothers as The Jackson Five, it was clear that Michael was a star. After breaking away from his brothers, Michael successfully became the talk of the 80s and remained relevant into the 90s and 2000s until his tragic death. The Death of Michael brought on a controversy all its own when it seemed that his doctor -he suffered cardiac arrest due to acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication. The LAPD investigated his death after autopsies revealed high doses of many drugs, bringing into question whether Michaels death was intended or not. This investigation questioned Michael’s doctor and brought facilitated suicide back into the public spotlight. Eventually, his personal physician was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and served a two-year sentence in prison.

9

1992: Bill Clinton goes on Letterman “I did not have sexual relations with that young woman.”

This quote is not what made former President Bill Clinton famous. He was the first presidential candidate to go on late night television to campaign for president. He also played his saxophone during the broadcast, making him the first entertainment president. President Bush and Obama have followed in his footsteps, appearing on Jay Leno and the Letterman show.

Read other major milestones in our history online at: www.crimsoncriernews.com All artwork by: Noah Lombard