December issue

Song of the Day Students find ways to make morning bus duty a creative outlet. pg. 7

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Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013 Issue IV

Old tradition may return to graduation

Riley Wallace Editor-in-Chief

Homeless for the Holidays: exploring homelessness in Huntsville and the charity that aims to end it

Photo illustration by Sarah Jarnagin

Beryl Kessio Opinion Editor

I

t is that time of the year again — a time for families to warm themselves by the fire, enriching each other with the holiday spirit. It is a time for eggnog and plentiful feasts, and eating yourself into a food-induced coma.

But not all have it so easy.

While most Christmas feasting verges on gluttony during the holidays, some people sleep under bridges or in homeless shelters, hoping to make it another day. The days before Christmas, people flood to malls in a frenzy in search of the perfect Christmas present. Meanwhile, a mother with no place to go combs through a coin purse in hopes to buy her child something, a present to show him that things are going to be okay, even though they are only barely scraping by.

We pass these people

every day. Some are easier to spot than others. While many choose — consciously or unconsciously — to disregard the rising problem of homelessness, organizations in Huntsville lend a helping hand to people otherwise ignored.

One of those organizations, The Village Outreach, was formed in conjunction with the Huntsville Police Department and other groups who wanted to enact change in the lives of the homeless population.

The Village provides supervised work opportunities to people referred to them by First Stop, their collaborating case management partner.

Volunteers try to reach the hearts of those they assist in more ways than offering supplies. They spend time in camps building trust and

developing relationships in order to better aid each individual.

Community activist Nancy Martin is a former field worker. She worked directly with the homeless who did not live in shelters.

“When I first became involved, it was to deliver blankets during a particularly cold winter.

I was saddened to see people suffering in the cold so I started delivering those blankets along with coats, clothing, socks, gloves, firewood, tents, hygiene supplies, food and the list goes on and on,” Martin said.

While missions provide assistance to the homeless, some choose not to stay in them. Some, suffering from mental illness, opt not to stay in the “closed in” environment of missions, according to Martin.

Others cannot stay sober long enough to be able to stay in a mission.

There are many ways people become homeless.

A vicious cycle: once you fall in, it is hard to get out. The odds are against people who are trying to get off the streets.

“The majority of the people who are homeless have had a bad turn in their lives and lost most of their possessions. This can be due to family problems, prison or drug addiction, among other things; and then the next thing you know you have just the clothes on your back. No car means no job — unless you take a bus to work every day,” Martin said.

With the Huntsville shuttle service only operating from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, many are left without transportation outside of that window.

Then there is that uncomfortable dilemma

Homelessness

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n age-old tradition may be coming back to graduation in May, when students may be able to once again throw caps at the conclusion of the ceremony without the risk of a withheld diploma.

The change comes after student representatives posed a suggestion to Principal Mike Campbell, who first examined the implications of reinstating the practice, which was banned by administrators over 10 years ago in order to keep the ceremony as dignified as possible.

“Any time there’s a request for a change, I have to make sure it isn’t violating federal law, state law, local law or Madison County law. If it doesn’t violate any of those, now I get to make the decision on how it will benefit or help the students. But you also don’t want to upset any very conservative politicians or people in the community who have very traditional methods,” Campbell said.

While the idea is still due for review by the Madison County Board of Education, students are excited by the prospect, seeing the privilege as not only a change to the school, but as a gift to the student body.

“I was very excited at the thought of getting to throw my cap. I think it would be very fun and something different since in the past years it was not allowed. It may not be a big deal to some people but I feel that I have come far these four years and I should have a moment to celebrate it,” senior Megan Robinson said.

Although the old tradition may be approved by the school board by the spring semester, student behavior will also play a key role in deciding whether it will be finally allowed during each class’s ceremony. Campbell has ruled that any senior pranks or disruptions during the graduation will cause the suspension of the privilege, a responsibility to be upheld by the students themselves.

“You’ve got 600 seniors, and 599 of them are great, and one of them screws it up for everybody. It’s got to be everybody on board; I’m counting on peer pressure.

You see your friend about to screw it up and you’re like, ‘Please, I want to throw my hat,’” Campbell said. “We want a dignified, classy ceremony, and if everything goes really well, why not let them throw their caps?”

Students have similar concerns when it comes to behavioral restraints, doubting the power of the crowd despite the excitement that the pending amendment has caused.

“It seemed like everyone wanted to be able to throw our caps. I think that as a senior class we will be able to handle ‘no senior pranks,’ [but] the only problem may be individual people who do not care,” Robinson said.

Allowing students to throw caps will have to include a change of procedure, as graduates and attendees have in the past been required to exit the Von Braun Center immediately following the ceremony, in time for janitorial duties to be performed before the next graduation ceremony “We just have to get out of that place quick. You may not get your cap back. Or It may not be your exact cap.

But then we have the ushers to go back and collect caps and we put them in a box and you can come get one,” Campbell said.

The change has an emotional weight to Campbell, who hopes that it will improve the high school experience as a whole for all students, if the plan is approved.

“This year we have 600 kids graduating from Sparkman High School. 550, 500 will go to college, right?

If 500 go to college, you know what percentage will graduate from a 4-year university? 30 percent. Their last formal education is going to be high school. You have to make high school fun, you have to make people want to be here, but you also have to make sure that learning is taking place too. You try to balance all that together,” Campbell said.

CONT. pg. 02

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

2 News

The Crimson Crier

Dec. 18, 2013

Follow the change:

a donation’s journey from the Red Kettle to the needy Laurel Rogers Reporter

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CHANGE FOR THE BETTER. Senior Lucas Ward donates change to the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle, located outside of Sams Club. The Red Kettles have been collecting money for the needy in this area for over 50years. Photo by Laurel Rogers.

inging bells, cheerful volunteers and red buckets can mean only one thing — The Salvation Army’s Red Kettles have returned with the holiday season. The red kettles, manned by volunteers greeting customers in front of business establishments with a holiday greeting and bells ringing, are a common sight with Christmas right around the corner.

The Salvation Army has brought Christmas spirit to the Huntsville area by ringing bells and raising money for the needy in the area since 1955. This year, the kettles came out on Nov. 8, with 24 locations including Star Market, Kmart, Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club.

“It’s a time-honored tradition, [ringing bells] is fun, and the smiles make it all worthwhile,” a Salvation Army volunteer who wished to remain anonymous said.

Last year, the bell ringers raised just under $180,000 from the Red Kettles. They are aiming to raise more this year and hope to serve 1,110 families with the Christmas Outreach Program. The program provides families in need with dinner, toys and clothing. Money raised from the kettles also goes to the Community Kitchen, which serves three meals a day to anyone in need, as well as the Mobile Kitchen, which brings dinner to three locations for those who are unable to come to the kitchen. The money left over from Christmas is spent during the winter months — providing food, clothing and medicine to the needy.

“The beauty of The Salvation Army’s red kettles is that they give a lot of people [the chance] to give a

little bit of money. We are so grateful for the Godgiven capacity of so many here in Madison County to reach down a little deeper each Christmas to help their other Madison County neighbors,” Maj. Mark Satterlee of the Salvation Army said.

The Salvation Army relies not just on the donations from the Red Kettle, but from the volunteers who run them as well. The Salvation Army brightens Christmas for thousands of people in Huntsville over the holiday season thanks to local donations and volunteers.

Donating time and money helps The Salvation Army to do the most good and makes you feel good too.

“I love knowing that my church and I helped raise money for those inneed in the community by ringing bells,” Salvation Army volunteer and junior Riley O’Brian said.

$180,000: the approximate amount of money raised by the Red Kettles in 2012 1,110: the number of families the Salvation Army hopes to help this Christmas 3: the number of meals one can receive each day at the Community Kitchen, funded by the Kettles

Hoopcoming becomes reality Basic necessities to keep Daniel Judge

Business Manager

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ark Jan. 25 as a date that cannot be missed. The long awaited Hoopcoming is finally going to happen.

After being brought up at Student Congress meetings with principal Mike Campbell, SGA has decided to plan the event.

Along with the dance, another spirit week will be inserted into the schedule.

“The idea for Hoopcoming has been thrown around for two or three years now, but this is the first year we are actually planning the event making it more than just an idea,” SGA Sponsor Katherine Neis said.

With the excitement buzzing about the added dance, many people are

asking what to wear and how it is going to be different from Homecoming, held just three months ago. The dance is intended to be more laid back and just a night to have some fun, not something that has to be stressed about weeks prior.

“Everything about it is going to be casual.

There is going to be no decorations, all we are doing is the lights and DJ. The attire for the night is just the same, casual, something out of your closet, no one should have to go out and buy something,” Neis said.

To help with the laid back atmosphere, there will be no couple tickets sold, only individuals. No hustling around at the last minute, asking the first

person in sight to go. One of the most controversial topics surrounding Hoopcoming is whether the ninth graders are able to attend and get their first taste of the “big” school.

“The idea that ninth graders could come kind of worries me a little bit. We did not get that opportunity when we were ninth graders, so I do not think they should get one,” senior Nick Zupancich said.

Even with the possibility of the ninth graders attending, the student body is excited about making memories to talk about later in life.

“I am super excited about Hoopcoming, we have been waiting for it forever, and now we finally get one senior year.

I think everyone is pumped for it,” Zupancich said.

in your car

First aid kit, with medicines replaced regularly Blanket Towels Plastic grocery bags

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A flashlight Water bottles

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Zachary Lequieu

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ce, snow and cold weather can do a number on any vehicle, drastically reducing its lifespan. Here are some cold weather tips to consider when preparing for winter.

Antifreeze is crucial to keeping a car’s engine from freezing and seizing up; be sure to check it often and add as much as needed.

“Have your cooling system checked yearly, and checking the tire pressure will also help,” Sherriff’s Deputy Casey Thrower said.

When driving on icy roads, it is possible for a car’s tires to slip and lose traction, a slippery situation to be in, no doubt. However, people can follow a few basic steps

Dawn Eckardt

Lynn Childers

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

$10 off for first time guests

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Student gives tips and tricks for driving in winter weather Reporter

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if they find themselves in this situation. First, they should alternate between driving forward and in reverse while turning the wheel from side to side. If this does not work, people can place cardboard, or even kitty litter, under their tires to gain traction. It is important, though, to remain calm.

“Do not panic and get stuck worse; use snow chains or snow tires. If stuck badly, call a tow truck,” Thrower said.

A common mistake made when driving in cold weather concerns speed.

People assume they can drive as quickly as normal on icy roads, but this is not the case. It is important to remain in control of the vehicle, even if this means driving much slower than

the posted speed limit.

“Drive slow and carefully and look out for black ice,” Drivers Education Instructor Luke Lamm said.

Cold weather driving mistakes account for an average of three to five wrecks in the parking lot each school year. The most common cause of these accidents is applying the brakes too late, as vehicles need substantially longer to come to a stop in cold weather.

“The best way to prevent winter driving issues is to stay alert,” Lamm said. “Always brake well in advance and allow yourself extra time to drive at a safe speed.”

News 3

The Crimson Crier

Dec. 18, 2013

Early registration aims to alleviate stress, frustration

Administrators restructure registration process, schedule changes to be made easier Lauren Noble Reporter

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he long schedule pick up lines at the summer back to school festival are over.

Principal Mike Campbell is bringing changes to the way registration is being conducted. Instead of being at the end of the school year, registration is now in February. Campbell, discontent with what he saw at the back to school festival, decided to move the date up. Most schedule changes will be done earlier because there are many students to register.

“What we want to do is get all the registration done so that in May, you get a list of all your classes

Pros

that you have been enrolled in and if you want to change, you have all summer to do it. After we get back to school there should be no schedule changes,” Campbell said.

With the new changes, Campbell hopes to alleviate some of the typical frustration and stress associated with choosing classes. Early registration will allow students to know what courses they will have in advance of their return to school.

“They will be able to prepare well for their schedules and it will give them the chance to say. “I didn’t sign up for this course” or “I really don’t want this course” and they can change it then. Then when we get in the first week, we don’t have 30 students sitting in the counselor’s office waiting for a change. Everyone will be ready to go,” Campbell said.

In January, Dr. Sharon Clanton will review students’

four year progress reports. Then in February, students will begin scheduling their classes for the next year.

The goal is to have everything done and schedules out by May 1, so parents can sign off on them.

“Hopefully it will be a more efficient process. Students will be able to register and hopefully will know before the summer if they don’t like their schedules,” Campbell said.

Senior Victoria Jones felt the frustration of holding later registrations.

“I originally signed up for mass media and honors anatomy and physiology and didn’t get it.

Instead they put me in Great Wars and human body systems. I didn’t even know what that was. They also didn’t tell me Spanish 3 was online,” Jones said.

Early Graduation When senior year ends in December...

Cons

“I get to start college early.”

Senior Priscilla Rice

“I’m going to miss the school as a whole.”

“[I have] more time in general.”

Senior Daniel Holeman

“[It will be hard] not being in an academic environment and missing friends.”

“You get a break before college.”

Senior Sarah Garrett

“It’s harder to get scholarships.”

“You get more hours to work to save money for college.”

Senior Courtney Boyett

“You miss out on the last part of senior year.”

“I had more time to spend at the fire department and for hobbies.”

Alumnus Brian Burton

“It hurt me to not have math my entire senior year.”

we have all been placed in: a person begging for spare change on a street corner, often arising feelings of guilt and pity.

What would the money go towards? Do you give them money or not?

Martin advises against it.

“People feel like if they give someone five dollars at an intersection, that is the answer. That is not the answer and can be part of the problem. That five dollars may not go to food, but to alcohol or drugs, thus a vicious cycle,” Martin said.

Instead she offers better alternatives to giving spare change.

“Get involved with established groups who are helping with supplies, transportation to doctor’s visits, helping pay for a tooth to be extracted, or just sitting down and listening,” Martin said.

For instance, First Stop Homeless Outreach provides a place to shower, a mailing address, a laundry facility and two meals a day.

Offering emergency care, alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs, work training, access to computers and transportation to colleges for people to attain GEDs and degrees, the Downtown Rescue Mission also works around the clock to attend to the needs of the homeless with a Christcentered approach. Just this Thanksgiving, over 900 turkeys were given away.

“Our efforts increase

significantly during this time of the year. We’re serving over 22,000 meals a month, sleeping 250 or more a night and meeting more needs from people in our community,” Buckner said.

Manna House provides food, clothing and toiletries to people in need and the Salvation Army provides housing, nourishing meals, work and spiritual guidance.

The North Alabama Coalition for the Homeless (NACH) raises awareness about homelessness and also works with various communities, citizens and agencies to rouse change in North Alabama’s homeless population.

While there organizations in the area to assist the homeless and volunteer opportunities abound, those programs heavily rely on grants and donations.

Persons in transition do not receive public funds. With public housing vouchers’ infrequent allocation, those who are in search of a home can only save their money while hoping not to get robbed.

The homeless of Huntsville face difficulties in their day to day lives, and one has recently been in the news. A stretch of land underneath Interstate 565 overpasses is nicknamed “Tent City” because it is where a large homeless camp resides.

The state is shutting it down.

After complaints of urination and defecation under the overpasses surfaced, the state decided it was time to call it quits on the camp that has been sanctuary to the homeless

for 10 years. Martin says that it will hurt, but it is not the first time a camp has been closed in the area.

She admits finding land for people to live on is difficult.

“People don’t like their sanitary practices of having a bucket to use for a toilet.

Maybe if we had established areas and donated porta potties it would help. They [the state] complain about the trash – many camps will put trash out at the road for the garbage men to pick up and the city will not pick it up since they don’t pay the trash collection fee,” Martin said.

There are other ways that the public can assist those affected by the closing, but there are still some problems that are run into due to the lack of basics that we take for granted.

“Donations of private dumpsters and the associated disposal would help. There are a lot of toiletries donated.

Shampoo and soap are great, but if you have no running water it is hard to deal with personal hygiene,” Martin said.

Lineise Arnold, executive director of the NACH, is responsible for coordinating resources and services for the homeless of North Alabama. She witnesses first-hand the stigmas that surround homelessness.

She stresses that the face of homelessness is constantly evolving.

“Due to the economy, more and more people are finding themselves in predicaments and circumstances that they never would have envisioned. Our clients are individuals who are educated with college

degrees and felt they had stability in their employment yet after 15 years of service to their employer they were laid off from government contracts and government positions,” Arnold said.

From newly divorced moms and college graduates to veterans, homelessness is not exclusive to one demographic.

“Our clients are those veterans who have served their country by fighting in wars in distant lands only to return home to find that their spouse has moved on or that their previous employers no longer need their service or have gone out of business,” Arnold said.

Martin recalls a specific case dear to her heart as she worked with a man who tried to break the vicious cycle that is homelessness.

“We once had a gentleman who had saved his money and was ready to get into an apartment and someone burned down his dwelling with all his possessions. He asked me, ’How can you be more homeless then you already are?’ He had nothing at all left except the clothes on his back. He had to start all over again and last I saw he was living out of his car but still plugging away to get out of that deep rut,” Martin said.

She has many stories -- some sad, some happy.

Martin offers a suggestion to reduce “As citizens, as people, we must realize that turning our heads and not facing the homeless situations is wrong,” Martin said.

is confident that her student will be amazing and will be an outstanding individual at college.

Whitworth thinks that Nguyen is

deserving of going.

“She is probably one of top five students that I have ever taught in 12 years. She is so smart and has such

a good attitude toward learning, and she is naturally curious and has such great questions to ask. She will thrive in that environment

with students that are as smart as she is. She wants to be a doctor one day and I have no doubt she will be,” Whitworth said.

Homelessness CONT. pg. 01

MAKING HISTORY. Senior Angela Nguyen displays her letter of acceptance from Stanford University. Nguyen was the first student in school history to be accepted to Stanford. Photo by Sharon Clanton.

Student accepts Stanford offer Nick Arnold Reporter

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hat college do you want to go to? What do you want to major in? These are the two questions no high school student ever wants to hear.

Senior Angela Nguyen was torn over what college to attend. She had to choose between being closer to family in California and staying closer to her friends. In the end, she decided to go to Stanford University in California. She has also narrowed down the list of potential majors.

“I grew up in California and I was really stuck on going back to be closer to my mom’s family so I applied to University of California Los Angeles and Berkeley, and my back up plan to stay here was University of Alabama Birmingham. I want to either major in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology,” Nguyen said.

Being the first graduate in Sparkman history to go to Stanford, Nguyen

is excited to go. Nguyen looks at her opportunity with enthusiasm.

“I think the idea of being at a top-tier school and achieving the highest I can has always been a part of my family,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen went through a long process of writing essays and working on applications because of the selectiveness of colleges like Stanford. It is even more difficult to get scholarships for a big name school like Stanford.

“First, I had to write two essays and fill out a regular application for Questbridge, which is just a program. After I got to be a finalist in the program, I had to submit a common application, more essays and recommendations, so they sent all of that to Stanford directly.

I got the scholarship for Questbridge called Questbridge College Match. Basically, it is a full scholarship, full tuition, travel and room and board for all four years, guaranteed,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen’s science teacher Dr. Jan Whitworth

4 Opinion

The Crimson Crier

SW

Dec. 18, 2013

TAFF EDITORIAL

Dances need to be thought out

e are glad there are more dances. We are glad we are supporting the basketball team instead of exclusively cheering on the football team. But let us face it. Hoopcoming is going to be a struggle.

Dances cost money.

Good money that can be used for much needed improvement, like soap or copy money for teachers.

And even if money is made, a dance is not the most inclusive way of fundraising. For the wallflower, recluse or really anyone who does not think a school dance is the ideal picture of fun; Hoopcoming is a swing and a miss.

With dances come dresses, dinner reservations, obligatory

pictures and many forced smiles for those who go.

To high school students looking to save a buck for college or a cheeseburger on the weekend, it is just not worth it. It costs money, time, effort and for a special occasion like prom, a pretty dress that you only wear once.

For a smaller event like Hoopcoming though, not the same can be said.

But say we go. Say we spend the money, find a date and make our moms proud with yet another photo. There are still bigger things to consider.

For instance, there is a possibility of allowing freshmen to attend the dance. If that is allowed, all bets are off for good behavior – not that we can blame them.

The dress code at best is vague and may be cause for worry. As for the “Sunday Attire” that is called for, what are people going to do? Twerk for the Lord? Some people’s Sunday best might consist of pajamas or yoga pants.

Is that acceptable? Will people be expected to ask each other to Hoopcoming in elaborate ways? Will our eyes be subjected to lunchroom announcements and shirtless guys with painted chests?

But at the end of the day, another dance, for many students, and even administrators in many aspects, is just not worth the effort.

Getting people excited about Hoopcoming is going to be an uphill

battle for SGA. It needs to be promoted as something more than an afterthought.

Editorial staff approved this editorial unanimously

Student makes up her mind on male cosmetics M Bria Calhoun Web Editor

Graphic by Noah Lombard

en should pay more attention to the way they shape their muscles than the way they contour their faces.

Fashion designers Marc Jacobs and Tom Ford both recently released male grooming lines. Jacobs’s line consists of lip balm, brow mousse and a concealer.

Ford’s line consists of two makeup products, a face cleanser, an anti-fatigue treatment, a lip balm, a mud mask, a moisturizer and a skin revitalizing concentrate.

Numbers of musicians in the 80s, like Prince, David Bowie and Duran Duran’s Nick Rhodes, wore heavy makeup and styled their hair to provide the androgynous look which is now called “metrosexual,” a heterosexual male who is in touch with his feminine side when it comes to personal grooming and appearance, i.e. makeup.

Sometimes makeup is used for on-camera purposes.

This is fine, because you do not catch those men who wear it on television out in the streets with makeup on; it simply conveys the wrong image. With the way media is today, a single image is always made a bigger deal than it truly is. And who wants to be remembered for that awful look?

According to slate.com writer Farhad Manjoo, “if it’s seen as necessary for a modern man to comb and sculpt his hair, why isn’t he expected to make up his face, too?”

Why would a man want to look the same as his woman? If a man were to wear makeup, it would take away from his masculine image and give him a more feminine look.

If a woman wanted someone who wears just as much makeup as she does, she would go out and get a woman. But no, she looks for a man. A strong man, a man who could go outside and cut down a tree, kill a beast or anything else those “manly men” do.

Television makeup is one thing but a man just going to the Wal-Mart all “dolled up” is another.

Donations for charity could be better, should be more heartfelt Logan Grant Reporter

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uring the holiday season, we see more of a presence of organizations taking donations to give to the portion of the community that does not have as much. These donations are uplifting for their recipients. However, a growing problem is the amount of giving that does not come from the heart; the “at least I am giving” attitude.

Organizations, such as the Salvation Army, set up their drives as a way to help others, not to be a glorified trash can. The drives themselves are a way to give back to the

community, but they only work if the correct thoughts and intentions are behind the actions of those who donate.

The astronomical impact of a small donation is hard to comprehend without first-hand experience.

Maybe that is why donors have started to take giving less seriously. Maybe those who give these donations without a thought have never put themselves in the shoes of those in need.

Imagine yourself as a part of one of these families.

The package arrives and your whole family is grateful for your friends and neighbors who were willing to donate, only to

open the box to find pie filling and Rotel Tomatoes?

Has society lost the ability to be empathetic?

Donations can help families get enjoyment out of the holiday season.

These families can finally have the time and resources to spend time with each other. All of this is done with relative ease from donors. The organizations running these drives have done most of the work for you. Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, Warm Coats & Warm Hearts, Goodwill the list could go on. All that is required is for the community to give from their hearts and not from their garbage cans.

Artwork by Noah Lombard

Loud parking lot tunes infuriate Noah Lombard Reporter

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magine a quiet world.

Every inch of it sits in unbreakable silence. There might be an occasional bird chirp, or even a rustling of leaves. It is possible to go outside and sit down for hours and be alone. It is possible to throw a rock down a canyon and hear every impact it makes as it tumbles to the bottom.

Most importantly though, it is possible to go to school without being subjected to bass-pumped music.

It seems as though every day, whether it be before or after school, someone is blaring the radio in their car. People seem to gain some kind of intangible pleasure from subjecting everyone to their taste in

music. My theory is that our society has evolved to have animal like rituals where the one with the loudest music is the alpha male. Given that it is only a theory, it is best to assume that it is for nothing else but self-fulfillment.

I enjoy music. Many people do, in fact.

However, it is not necessary to subject everyone within earshot to your personal tastes, especially when your taste lies within music that has not been popular since the 1950s. Not only is it unnecessary, it is also extremely obnoxious.

Sometimes I get trapped in the parking lot by a long line of cars waiting to exit. I would love to be able to listen to my own radio without it being overpowered by the sound

of how “dope” you are. If you have to blast music across the parking lot to get attention, you need to rethink where your priorities in life are.

It is not so much the volume of the music, but the grossly overused bass feature. It follows the same logic as when cooking.

A little salt is okay, but too much will result only as a horribly unpleasant experience. Maybe it is time to drop the bass.

There is almost always at least one student staying after school to make up a missed assignment.

Whether it is a test or an essay, it most likely requires a vast amount of silence.

Try recalling who the 32nd vice president’s best friend was while your sternum is rattling.

Behind mask, celebrities are normal McKenzie Ashmore Reporter

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ctress Jennifer Lawrence, also known as Katniss, has stolen the hearts of many Hunger Games fans who see her as a role model.

As admirers, viewers want to be like their favorite movie characters, even if they do not know the truth behind the movie.

The distinctive characteristics of common people are slowly diminishing as they try to act and appear more and more like celebrities. The more popular the movie, the more fans want to dress like or emulate the main characters. There are fans who dressed like Katniss to attend the Hunger Games just because they thought

her style was gorgeous.

Fans need to focus on how the movie showed her bravery by stepping up for her younger sister; she also stood up for what she believed in and showed her compassion by trying to help Rue during the games.

There are those who get plastic surgery to appear similar to actors and actresses such as Angelina Jolie. The meaning behind a movie may not be the viewers’ top priority, but it should at least be noticed after the director put as much work as they did.

The problem is not that actors are bad at acting, but the spectators do not get the full perspective of the story in movies. Movies are made for certain reasons,

and the majority of the time, a message is trying to be put out there or the morals of the director depicted.

The truth in the wake of this is that the celebrity people extensively try to be is just an actor who is given a script. The personalities and faces we see on the screen are normal people just like us who act like someone else for a living. The people we see on television are not their true selves. The truth in them hides behind their characters, so we do not see their true identity.

We should be trying to be our own person, accomplish our own goals and live how we want to live, not by how society tells us to live.

The Crimson Crier

Dec. 18, 2013

Steven Byrd Copy Editor

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s the nation passed a somber 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, numerous questions remain in the minds of a large population — conspiracy theorists — as to whether the “mainstream” explanation of Kennedy’s killing, the claim that Lee Harvey Oswald was the only one involved, truly lines up with all the facts of the case. Did, as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) concluded, Oswald act alone, or was it part of an elaborate cover up?

The preeminent theory surrounding Kennedy’s death is that he was killed by members of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

The idea claims that CIA agents were angry with Kennedy over changes he was making in the agency due to the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion. In addition, they did not want to be fired for disagreeing with Kennedy on policies and plans of action regarding the Soviet Union. In this theory, Oswald was enlisted as a scapegoat, the actual killers were a team of high-level CIA operatives, who fired

a total of four shots.

However, this theory has already shot holes in itself.

There were numerous eye witnesses to Kennedy’s assassination, not one of which reported hearing more than three shots. If four were fired, would not someone have heard it?

This is by no means the only conspiracy theory surrounding the Kennedy assassination, though.

Other theories claim everyone from the Mafia (who were allegedly angry at Kennedy’s brother, Attorney General Robert Kennedy) to the Soviet Union (with Oswald acting as a KGB operative) were behind the famous presidential death.

A theory debunked in the 1970s even claimed that Kennedy was not hit in the neck by a first bullet, but by a dart fired from an umbrella. When it comes to Kennedy’s assassination, there is surely no shortage of off-the-wall ideas, no matter how distorted the facts must be to line up with them.

Kennedy’s assassination was not the first event to spark conspiracy theories, though. Another high profile presidential assassination, that of President Abraham Lincoln, bred similar rationales. Claims of secret

societies, cover ups and extended planning within not only Lincoln’s cabinet, but his personal circle cast shadows on the faces of many historical figures of the time, though most have been discarded in light of John Wilkes Booth’s guilt.

Conspiracy theories, particularly those surrounding so-called “secret societies,” have existed among the masses since the dawn of our country and before. The most prominent of these societies are the Free Masons, an antiquated social club originally founded as a coming together of masons, or brick layers, and other highclass men who worked with their hands, including farmers.

The Masons lend themselves perfectly to claims of their over-reaching power; everything about the club is a complete secret, from what happens at meetings to the handshake.

Membership in the Masons is selective, it requires a perspective member to be a male in good standing (no criminal record), and typically requires a family history of Masonry, or a recommendation from a current Mason. Any time there is an organization with such secretive

practices and exclusive membership, rumors will begin to circulate about the organization; people hate not knowing secrets, so they will make up anything to appear knowledgeable.

In the case of the Masons, this means rumors of everything from controlling political elections to devil worship.

The problem with this, though, is the basis of these rumors; they are simply made up by members of the uninformed masses with no reasoning or evidence behind them.

The Masons might be a “boys club,” but they are no devil worshippers.

And, while a large number of founding fathers and first presidents, including George Washington, were Masons, the Masons do not choose candidates or decide elections. All upperclass, white men were members of the Masons at the time.

No secret society receives more false claims of power, though, than the Illuminati. Not only is every major world decision, from who is in charge of each and every country to who wins the Super Bowl, made by the Illuminati, but they can also, according to some, even control the weather.

Many make claims that famous musicians join the

Opinion

Illuminati in order to gain their fame and fortune.

The Illuminati movement was founded in Bulgaria in May, 1776 as an organization of freethinkers, an offshoot of the Enlightenment era. Its original purpose was to discourage superstition and prejudice, and to decrease the Roman Catholic Church’s influence over government. The Catholic Church—still holding extreme social and political sway—was not fond of this attempt, and, in 1785, Bulgaria outlawed all secret societies, including the Illuminati. As the final nail in its coffin, the Bulgarian government seized and publicly printed all of the Illuminati’s secret papers, including rules for members, ideology and future plans. Since then, “Illuminati” has been used synonymously with organizations vying for political influence and a “New World Order,” a vast majority of which are fictitious.

Modern day claims of the Illuminati’s sphere of influence are wildly exaggerated.

While there are numerous organizations claiming a link to the original Bulgarian Illuminati,

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none hold any political power whatsoever. In addition, those who believe that “Hollywood is the Illuminati” or that most famous people join the society are sorely mistaken. For any organization to survive, especially one that supposedly pulls the strings on everything happening on the entire planet, there must be meetings. With paparazzi stalking Hollywood around the clock, any such meeting would quickly be caught and broadcast. However, that has never happened, nor will it, because such an organization does not exist.

In general, conspiracy theories tend to be founded on uninformed opinions and used to back up false personal views. Much like the claim from the Flat Earth Society (who believe that the Earth is, in fact, flat) that NASA is the largest conspiracy ever attempted, conspiracy theories are used to falsely justify antiquated or irrational ideas.

Arguing with a conspiracy theorist, though, is futile.

Those who disagree are either “unenlightened” or being “brainwashed.”

In Kessio Missed It...

Dr. Oz the great and powerful maddens Beryl Kessio Opinion Editor

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here is one person in the country that can tell people drinking water is deadly, and then later say water is the best thing that happened to humanity and get away with it.

Heart surgeon, Oprah protégé, “America’s Doctor” and daytime show host: Dr. Oz. is the one.

Oz is known for presenting useful information about how the human body works in layman’s terms.

Dramatic visuals, dynamic presentations and “experts” in a respective field captivate Oz’s 3.5 million daily viewers. This guy has some reach.

Wielding so much influence comes with tremendous responsibility.

One mention of a product from Oz’s lips and the product flies off the

shelves — that is just the amount of influence he holds; he is somewhat of a legal drug pusher, often endorsing pills and supplements that rake money into the arms of pharmaceutical companies.

Presenting alternative methods of treatment and venturing away from traditional methods are okay as long as the treatments presented are backed by evidence.

What is not okay is Oz’s acceptance of and preference to quackery.

When Dr. Oz reported that apple juice contained arsenic, his immense influence did its work.

Striking fear into moms who gave apple juice to their children, Oz caused people to stop buying apple juice for fear of arsenic poisoning.

The claim was false.

There was no evidence to back up his statement.

Staying true to his scientific training, Oz brought a psychic

medium onto his show to communicate with the dead as a means of therapy.

Really scientific.

His admission of bogus claims with little scientific backing into sound medical advice is dangerous, especially since it concerns people’s health.

Does the Hippocratic Oath mean nothing?

The problem is that dedicated Oz viewers regard him like a medical messiah — following every word, taking notes on which “magical weight loss supplement” to buy.

Oz is an entertainer, dare I say, more so than he is a doctor. How does he make money?

He pays the bills with ad revenue and viewership.

So whether it means advertising that olive oil is a cure for depression or that a rabbit foot can cure a form of lymphatic cancer, he will do it if it means his pockets will be lined. “America’s Doctor”

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News Editor.........................Erin Rountree Opinion Editor.....................Beryl Kessio Lifestyles Editor..................Heather Webster Sports Editor........................Will Bartel Entertainment Editor............April Oberman Spread Editor........................Kasey Stender Copy Editor...........................Steven Byrd Photo Editor..........................Sarah Jarnagin Ad Editor...............................Daniel Judge Reporters..........................McKenzie Ashmore, Katlin Gillespie, Taylor Holder, Zach LeQuieu, Shelby Balentine, Caroline Barlow, Laurel Rogers, Lauren Noble, Lucas Ward, Logan Grant, Brittany Robertson, Savannah Bullard, Carla Mack, Dakota Shamblin, Tanner Burns, Nick Arnold, Erin Stender, Victoria Lewis, Noah Lombard Adviser.........................Erin Coggins, MJE

Dec. 18, 2013

The Crimson Crier

6 Sports

Senior to showcase skills in France The Tweet Beat Student reactions to the SEC championship game.

Tanner Burns Reporter

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enior Lorenzo James says au revoir to Harvest and bonjour to France.

James was selected to represent the U.S. as a part of the American Football Worldwide (AFW) ELITE team. This game pits U.S. graduating seniors against the French team.

“I found out through an email that I had been selected to play overseas, I am very excited about the game,” James said.

James will travel to Paris on March 20. He will join a true cross-section of the U.S., representing nearly every corner and region of the country. This is the second time the game has taken place, with the U. S. defeating France 19-0 in last year’s match.

“It feels good to be visiting a different part of the world, I am really looking forward to it,” James said.

In a press release issued

by AFW, AFW president Jim Barnes stated that meeting one another for the first time and installing an effective and wellcoordinated game plan in less than a week will be a formidable challenge.

James is looking forward to the challenge, however.

“I am excited and really feel good about meeting the other players and playing with them. I am a people person and should make the transition

Let’s go!!!! WAR EAGLE!!! @Will_Tubbs

WAR FREAKING EAGLE!!!! #SECChamps @cal_lynn

Auburn is on fire! That onside kick was perfect! @Ryanlioncollum RUNNING WILD. Senior Lorenzo James sprints for additional yards against Austin High School. Lorenzo accumulated a record number 1,039 rushing yards this season which has garnered him much attention .

James is still undecided on where he will continue his football career. Photo by Alicea Morris

smoothly,” James said.

James’s senior season was cut short due to injury.

He underwent surgery after hurting his ankle in the Bob Jones game, but was recently released by his surgeon and practitioner to begin physical therapy. “[I am] Currently working out, I have been working out since I had the boot on. I am doing the same fundamental drills I did in the summer with

my partner [senior] Saul Linville,“ James said.

While in Paris, James will be able to visit sites like Versailles and the Normandy coast, making the trip not only focused on sports, but education as well.

“Observing these young men grow from the unique education that only international travel can offer will once again be a remarkable thrill,” Barnes

Will Bartel Sports Editor

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MAXING OUT. Junior Rob Russell runs for indoor track tryouts in late October. The indoor track season has started. Photo by Alicea Morris

Reporter

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ith many popular sports overshadowing it, indoor track is easily overlooked.

Although a lesser known sport, indoor track still holds the same excitement and competiveness as basketball or football Senior Kelcie J o h n s o n appreciates the undervalued sport that r e q u i r e s unwavering perseverance.

“It’s helped me a lot in jumping. I’ve had a lot of better practice. Instead of just having an off season, I get to practice events and hopefully do better in outdoor track,” Johnson said.

Johnson is no stranger to the competitive atmosphere and nerveracking hours leading up to the starting block. She is familiar with the flurry of butterflies that come with each event and has simply accepted it as the price to pay for competition.

“I’m kind of both [excited and nervous]. I’ve

”

WAR EAGLE EVERYONE WAR EAGLE @emma_raby

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

Basketball teams prepare for holiday tournaments

Indoor track hopes to gain attention Erin Stender

said.

Besides playing in France, James hopes to continue his football career in college. The senior who rushed for 1049 yards was highly recruited prior to his ankle injury.

“Overall I’m very excited to play for the USA team and take it as an honor.

I am looking forward to playing on French soil,” James said.

been there and I’ve done it before but I’m nervous for every event even though I’ve done it before. That’s just competition,” Johnson said.

Head Coach Nekeysha Jones has come back to the track world that she herself cherished during her high school days. With one season under her belt,

already striving to be major competitors at the state level.

“Indoor track is geared towards those individuals who are already at their peak, so to speak. They’re well groomed, they’ve been practicing, and they’ve been working at it. They are actually using indoor as a realm to showcase their

I’ve been there and I’ve done it before but I’m nervous for every event even though I’ve done it before.

-senior, Kelcie Johnson Jones hopes to benefit the team and lead indoor track into the spotlight.

“I thought this would be more of a benefit to me, you know, to help out.

I ran track in high school and I loved it. I’m excited to come back and see what we can do to advance the program,” Jones said.

As a second year coach, Jones knows the students she is dealing with and how to get her athletes to the top. However, she does admit that the athletes are

”

talents,” Jones said.

Indoor track is a love for many young athletes. They adore that jubilant rush of the 60 meter dash, the floating freedom of pole vaulting, the exhilaration of high jumping.

As a senior, Johnson has been able to experience these adrenaline filled, nerve racking moments of indoor track before.

“When you’re in there, you can hear the roar of people cheering for you,” Johnson said.

ith the regular season underway and the state tournament looming large, the varsity basketball teams are using their winter breaks not only to celebrate the holidays, but to also improve their skills.

Both the boys’ and girls’ varsity teams will play in two tournaments over the break. The boys play in both the Huntsville Times Classic and the Steel City Invitational in Birmingham. The girls play in the Wills Valley shootout and a tournament in Montgomery.

“These tournaments help us have a postseason mindset where you are only guaranteed to play one game and after that you have to win or go home,” boys’ varsity coach Jamie Coggins said.

The girls’ varsity team has some heavy competition in their tournaments. In the Wills Valley Shootout they are matched against South

Forsyth High School from Cummings Ga. In their other tournament they are matched against a Blount High School team that was the state runnerup last season. These teams should test a varsity team that looks to make a deep run in the state tournament.

“Our goal is to get better every game. There are some tough teams that are coming up on our schedule in these tournaments and in area play. These opponents should help us get ready for February,” girls’ varsity coach Patrick Delay said.

The boys also have tough opponents coming up. The Steel City Invitational includes only the most elite teams in the state. The field includes reigning state champion Mountain Brook as well as some of the team’s biggest rivals, Bob Jones and Hazel Green.

In the Huntsville Times Classic, the field includes elite teams such as Hazel Green, Lee, and Madison Academy. The

Huntsville Times Classic Info Listen to the games live on 97.7 FM Tickets are $5 Dec. 26, Doors open at 8 a.m.

Games Begin at 9 a.m.

Dec. 27, Session I Games begin at 9 a.m.

Dec. 27, Session II Games begin at 6 p.m Dec. 28, Games begin at 10:30 p.m. players are excited for the tournaments despite having to sacrifice some of their winter break.

“I’d rather play basketball than sit at home over the break. These tournaments will help to get us more exposure against good competition,” senior BJ Johnson said.

The Times classic begins Dec. 26. The team’s first game is at noon against James Clemens.

The Crimson Crier

Dec. 18, 2013

Lifestyles 7

Former teacher remains hopeful with diagnosis Katlin Gillespie Reporter

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eople assume that when a teacher retires, he or she would get to venture out and have the time of their lives, but that is not true for former Spanish teacher Charlotte Madison, who was diagnosed with bladder cancer four months after retiring.

“I think I inwardly was hoping it was a mistake, but I got over that when I had almost immediate surgery to remove and biopsy part of the tumor. That was followed by a second surgery to implant a port that would be used for all my blood work and chemo,” Madison said.

Madison’s family was shocked and somewhat depressed by the situation in the beginning. Even though her health was good, it did not stop the tumor that was found on her bladder.

“My doctor was very surprised that I had bladder cancer since it is commonly found in people who smoke, and I do not smoke. We don’t know for sure what could have caused it. Since exposure to chemicals can be a factor, I have wondered if a hobby I had in my late 20s and early 30s could have contributed,” Madison said.

Currently in her second of three cycles of chemotherapy, Madison says there is only a week out of the month that seems to be the most difficult. Since some drugs and shots she receives cause loss of appetite followed by nausea and indigestion, it begins to frustrate her because she cannot drink or eat much. Her husband Ron Madison does the most he can to support her and takes care of things when she is not feeling well.

“My hardest challenge is to realize that I cannot take the suffering away from my wife. There is something very lonely about fighting any disease. I wish I could take it away from her, but that is not possible,” Ron said.

The negative aspects of cancer still do not stop Madison, though, she puts on her make-up and makes a list of things to accomplish everyday. She does not always get everything done, but she says it is something to work toward.

“A wonderful ‘joy-maker’ is my seven-month-old grandson Jack. He visits us most mornings, and my husband and I feed him his breakfast and dress him for his day at our church weekday program. Watching

FIGHTING WITH A SMILE. To prepare for extensive chemotherapy treatments, Madison reaches out to Stile Salon to shave her hair off. Here Madison poses with a former student who offered to shave her head and catch up on lost time. Photo courtesy of Charlotte Madison.

him grow and learn new things is fascinating; he’s a motivator for me to want to feel better and get well,” Madison said.

There has been endless support towards Madison, she has received cards, gifts, food, texts, e-mails and Facebook messages. Her special support group is her Mount Zion Baptist Church family and friends from across the years. Turning towards the Lord for prayer and having prayers lifted up on her behalf has helped Madison realize that the blessings outweigh the struggles.

“I spend time daily reading the Bible and devotional books. Just reviewing God’s promises to me helps me

be more positive. In the Bible I read that God is my strength and my refuge, that He is always present with me, that He has a plan and I can trust that plan, and that I have confidence in life with Him after this life ends,” Madison said.

Although cancer was the last thing Madison ever expected, she has not only prayed and received support, but written down helpful and encouraging notes to motivate and remind her of how blessed she is.

“When an unexpected, negative event happens in our lives, it gives us an opportunity to step back and realize things we might not have known apart from that event,” Madison said.

Front desk receptionist meets everyone with a smile

Alisa Parrish has fun while responding to students, parents, faculty Sarah Jarnagin Photo Editor

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t never fails that when students enter the office, for whatever the reason, they are greeted by the friendly countenance of the front desk receptionist, Alisa Parrish. However, few know the history behind the desktop.

Parrish began working as the front desk receptionist in March of 2012. She transferred from working in the office of the Mount Zion Baptist Church preschool department, a

dull moment,” Parrish said.

New this year, Parrish moved from a desk outside of the library to a reception area in the front office, an adjustment she is still getting used to. Parrish was moved into the front office and a new waiting area with an intercom and locked doors were added for LENDING A HELPING HAND. Alisa Parrish never fails to put a smile on security reasons. the faces of students and faculty. Happiness and helpfulness comes as “A lot of people second nature to her. Photo by Caroline Barlow. were coming in, making comments about me sitting position she held for nine Zion]. [Now] I love the people I work with and the out there. They want all years. schools to implement “I loved it [at Mount students. There’s never a

[more security measures].

We’re one of the first schools It has its pros and its cons. I don’t see the kids as much in here. When I was out there, I would get hugs from the kids,” Parrish said.

Parrish has been caught dancing on camera. Each Friday, she has a ‘Funky Friday’ in the front office.

She brings in her iPod, plays music and dances.

“I like funk music from the 1970s. I also listen to Alternative Rock on 95.1. My favorite band is Avenged Sevenfold. I just

like their music,” Parrish said.

Parrish has several other interesting hobbies.

She enjoys sewing, scrapbooking, going on Pinterest and watching hockey. Her favorite teams are the Nashville Predators and the Huntsville Havoc.

Parrish has two daughters.

“I just found out that I’m going to be a grandmother.

I’m super-duper excited.

I’m driving everybody crazy. I’m going to be one of those [grandmothers] showing everybody pictures,” Parrish said.

Student musicians bring joy, laughter to bland mornings Savannah Bullard Reporter

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us riders are required to undergo a daily routine of fellowship in the lunchroom before it is time to disperse to classes. Monotonous as it seems, students get to sit and chat with friends or finish homework at the lunch tables.

A spark of creativity, however, has risen through two sophomores, who are urging to bring music entertainment to bus duty customs.

Sophomore Jake Driver, an aspiring musician, has been practicing performing cover songs at home on his acoustic guitar. Since filming the covers and uploading those to popular social media website Facebook, Driver has been asked for a personal minishow by friends.

“My friends really wanted to hear me play so I thought the best time would be bus duty, when we don’t have classes.

People seemed impressed by what I did and one girl even told me I inspired her to play [guitar] again,” Driver said.

Teaming up with friend and fellow guitarist Paul Buwalda, Driver started bringing his guitar more often and played acoustic, feel-good vibes for his friends.

“Most people told us to move because the guitars take up a lot of space, but you could see some bobbing their heads as we played and I thought it was really cool,” Buwalda said.

Principal Mike Campbell expressed his interest to Driver and claimed he would enjoy expanding the concept to develop a fun, appropriate morning

experience.

“I thought [the music] was pretty good. I went up to him one day and we talked guitars for a while, and he really knows his stuff. Maybe it would be better if they wanted to play on stage or did something so it wouldn’t limit seating or cause issues,” Campbell said.

Driver and Buwalda are planning to collaborate with Campbell to work out the kinks in playing music entertainment in the mornings. With proper precautions and a wider variety to suit every student, the duo has a positive chance of starting a new form of morning amusement.

“I just love to jam in bus duty,” Buwalda said.

“If we can play in a way that’s fun and safe for the other kids then I would love to be a part of it.”

MUSIC IN THE MORNINGS. Friends Jake Driver and Paul Buwalda enjoy playing their guitars together, especially for their friends in cafeteria bus duty. Driver and Paul are even beginning to start a band called Prefecture. Photo by Savannah Bullard.

Dec. 18, 2013

The Crimson Crier

8 Lifestyles

THERE’S A LAW FOR THAT Underage sex can lead to life in prison Photo illustration by Savannah Bullard

Riley Wallace Editor-in-Chief

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aking love and breaking laws: for students in high school balanced on the brink of adulthood, the line can be little more than a feverish blur. Most students believe that statutory rape laws begin to apply at 18—the age when juvenile status is officially shed in the U.S. Unbeknownst to younger couples, however, their romantic tendencies could be a matter of legality resulting in severe punishment.

Section 13A-6-62 of the Alabama Code of 1975 designates 16 years old the minimum age for giving sexual consent and defines any sexual act of anyone over 16 with a partner two or more years younger between the ages of 12 and 16 a case of statutory rape.

The law was brought to teachers’ attention at the Nov. 5 faculty meeting, when a pamphlet outlining Alabama consensual sex statutes and penalties was handed out as part of an ongoing coalition against child abuse.

“Any type of abuse of a child has to be reported.

We have to report it. If a 17-year-old has sex with a 15year-old [we have to report it]. If they’re 15, even if it’s consensual [we have to report it],” Principal Mike Campell said. “Every year we do this training. It’s not something new, just telling the faculty, ‘Just FYI.’” In Alabama, minors are deemed legally incapable of having or obtaining permission to have sex. Therefore, any sexual contact within those defined bounds of minority is illegal.

“Certain individuals are deemed to lack the capacity to give consent. By the simplest of definitions, a person under the age of 16 cannot give consent. So, even if they gave that consent, it’s overridden by the fact that they lack the capacity to give consent. You hear people say things like, ‘Oh, she wanted it,’ well that’s not a defense.

By the very definition of our state code, she can’t ‘want it,’” criminal defense attorney Matthew Balch said.

The ability to consent to a sexual act—defined as an agreement to participate or permission for an act to occur can also not be given to any student under 16, even by a parent or guardian who, at that age, can give permission for a student to marry.

“While it may be a 15-year-old and a 19-year-old, and the parents love the 19-year-old and he’s the greatest guy or she’s the greatest girl in the world, and they’re the best person and all that, a determination was made that there is a bright line delineation between 15, 16, and 17. 16 is the magic number. A parent cannot impugn the ability to consent on a child,” Balch said.

Similarly, it does not matter if the minor was the one to initiate the sexual contact; the incapacity to give

Young money

consent makes them neither accomplice nor catalyst, and protects them from potential blame in court.

“The minor putting [himself or herself] in that situation is not technically doing the inverse, which is the person who is not a minor engaging in illegal sexual contact, so you would not truly be able to say that they are an accomplice. I would be incredibly shocked to find an instance in which a minor who lacks capacity to give consent be considered an accomplice to a sex act they’re involved in,” Balch said.

For the offending party, however, consequences may be severe. In most cases, the offender will be required to register as a sex offender and monitored throughout their life under that status. In others, jail time is the ultimate penalty: having sex with someone under 12 years old can lead to a lifetime in prison.

“The sentencing range — the judge has a certain sentencing range they can come to — is a little situationally dependent. If it’s a first instance, a person without a record, they may find themselves eligible for the low range for a Class B felony. Factors may be the length or amount of time between age ranges...

Whether it was under coercion, or whether there may have been an attempt to try to give consent,” Balch said.

Even if jail time is not involved, however, living with the stigma of being a registered sex offender can be just as severe a punishment, causing lifelong hardship to those who were just looking for a little fun. Sex offenders must comply with state guidelines and regular residence checks by local enforcement.

“There are restrictions on where you can live in relation to geographical distance to schools, churches with daycares; there are all kinds of restrictions. Not only do you have to register, but you have to check in.

You want to know the number one thing that could preclude you from getting gainful employment?

Being on the sex offender registry. It’s a scarlet ‘A’ that you can never get rid of,” Balch said. “Physical gratification, the desire to have sex, is fleeting. It’s momentary, but that registration is for a lifetime.”

The best defense against statutory rape charges is probably the most simple, though perhaps not the most favorable, for couples seeking a sexual relationship.

“You guys are in high school, you have your whole life before you. A decision to let biological urges take you somewhere could haunt you for the rest of your life. There are a myriad of reasons why it’s in your material best interest to not engage in conduct which fits into this category,” Balch said.

Teens sacrifice school potential to provide for struggling families Taylor Holder Reporter

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eing a teenager is normally about partying, having fun and taking easy classes to finish up high school. Most students only have their grades to worry about, not how the next utility payment is going to be paid or if the house payment is covered for at least the next month.

Although according to statistics 16 percent of students attend high school while also having a full or part time job, only 5 percent of students work to help their family pay bills.

“I usually work 35-40 hours a week. Sometimes it’s not really because I have to help but I do it because my mom has taken care of me all my life; it won’t hurt me to help out when needed,” senior Jane Murray* said.

According to a study from the National Center of Education Statistics, for some students increased time spent working results in decreased time spent on school, therefore lowering academic achievement.

This can be compared to other students whose work experience builds character and gives them a sense of responsibility that may actually increase achievement.

“I get out of school at 3, go to work right after, get off of work about 10:30 or 11, go home and do my homework, take a shower and finally getting in bed at about 2 or 3 in the morning, just so I can get up at 5:30 the next morning and go to school. I sleep in class a lot more than I would if I didn’t have a job,” senior Heath Cothren* said.

POLL: DO YOU HAVE A JOB? YES 21

NO 29

6,000 MILES TO LEARN. Lillianna Klinger has never lived away from her island home until recently moving to Alabama. Big changes have awaited her but she still keeps the beach close to her heart. Photo courtesy of Lillianna Klinger.

Sophomore leaves beach behind for new life in states Caroline Barlow Reporter

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magine living 6,098 miles away from the U.S. and 2,396 miles away from the nearest group of civilization.

Sophomore Lillianna Klinger lived in the Marshall Islands for nine years before recently moving to Alabama. Klinger is still trying to adjust to changes like going to a school with three times more people than her old school.

“I went to a private school which was more like a college prep school, and, of course, there were very few students in each class. Now I have to adjust to having almost 30 people in each of my classes and the hallways being flooded with people. Most classes on the island were more advanced than they are here; and in some classes here I am ahead and already know the information being taught,” Klinger said.

Klinger’s family chose to move Alabama when her father was offered a job working for Redstone Arsenal.

Her parents lived in the U.S. during their childhood and for a short part of their adult lives.

“My dad is a civilian contractor and he works for the military, so we moved to Alabama because he was offered a job here and he decided that it was the best decision. My parents lived in the U.S. before I was born, so they knew what it was going to be like living here,” Klinger said.

Island life is different from rural Alabama. With the lack of activities in Harvest, Klinger has been struggling to find things to do after she gets home from school.

“I never learned how to drive a car. On the island my friends lived next door or down the street so I could just ride my bike. Also the beach was fairly close to my house so I had the opportunity to go when I had free time,” Klinger said.

For any teenager that is moving across the world, leaving friends is the most difficult part. Staying in touch with them has proved to be even harder for Klinger. With the time difference, Klinger is not able to call them and long distance charges only hinders the communication.

But Klinger is beginning to make friends and feel more comfortable in her new home. It might take her awhile to fully adjust, but she is gradually starting to like her new home.

“Hopefully with the holidays coming up it will start to feel more and more like home,” Klinger said.

YEARBOOKS ON SALE NOW! SEE MRS. COGGINS IN ROOM 127 TAYLOR WIDEMAN

6945 Hwy 72 Suite C West Keeping motivated is a major part in going to school and having a job. Students have to want to keep themselves going instead of giving up.

“I have days all the time where I just want to give up but I persevere because I know that it is my duty to help out. When you have bills you have to pay them; it may not be fair but it’s life and life is never fair,” Cothren said.

Keeping up with school and work can be a real hassle according to Murray and Cothren, but both of them manage to get through the stress.

“I’m basically working full time and going to school so it’s hard to find time to get all my projects and homework done. I’ve had to manage a lot of my time so that I’m still getting all my hours and getting all my school work done. But, I don’t have that much free time to do things I want do and be a teenager. It doesn’t affect my grades.

It’s just more stressful than it would be if I didn’t have a job,” Murray said.

According to Cothren, working and going to school can and will make it hard to focus and can make you tired constantly. But by no means does that mean that anyone is not capable of managing both.

“If you’re working and going to school the best thing to do is just stay positive, have a little faith and never give up,” Cothren said. *Names changed to protect privacy

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The Crimson Crier

Dec. 18, 2013

Entertainment

9

Unclaimed Baggage: The life of lost luggage

Carla Mack Reporter

F

“

inders keepers, losers weepers”, should practically be the acclaimed Unclaimed Baggage store’s motto.

The store’s name says it all, as Unclaimed Baggage features unclaimed, new and unused items, from various airlines and transportation companies all over the country.

After multiple attempts to return luggage over a 90 day period, items are shipped to the only Unclaimed Baggage Center in the country, located in Scottsboro. The store, established in 1970, started as a small source of

income for founder Doyle Owens and family. But as the media began to take notice of his ingenious idea, Unclaimed Baggage became the full time family business that it still is.

Owned by son Bryan Doyle and family today, the store has significantly changed since the times of his father. The vast 40 thousand square foot facility features a wide range of items for everyone. From laptops, cell phones and cameras to shoes, bags and clothes galore, the store has an item for every visitor to come.

With its various departments for

Total: $.47

Save a buck,

organization, a customer can find items from 20 to 80 percent off market price.

Experts research each item specifically to determine the discount, but in any case, anyone can score a great deal. But with these major discounts, items sell quickly; luckily Unclaimed Baggage restocks new items every day, leaving the treasure hunt of deals endless.

The best sellers tend to be clothes and electronics, where some of the best deals are found, but besides finding deals, you can find unique items at the store. An authentic Chinese dragon kite, McDonalds golden arches, even an

Craft Corner: Hot Cocoa Candles Lauren Noble Reporter

Save your wallet

Ingredients: Candle wicks, Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, holiday themed mug or Mason jar, crayons, scented oil, soy wax, sprinkles, peppermints.

Step 1: Measure 1 cup of shortening in a microwave safe measuring cup.

Add one brown crayon and a half of black crayon. This is to richen the color.

Tips and tricks to coupon like a pro Heather Webster Spread Editor

T

he term “couponing” sounds exhausting and time-consuming, but the skill is acquired and applied quickly and easily. All that’s needed are salesearching strategies, cutting abilities, and knowledge of stores with the best prices-to-rewards ratios. Lack any or all of the latter skills? Read these tips:

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Make a list prior to couponing. For the most savings, start the list with general items, rather than brands, i.e. shampoo, sweater, razor. Then find the best deal at each store and compare the prices and quality of the different brands at the different stores to decide which to purchase. By making a list to stick to, “binge shopping,” or making unnecessary purchases, is avoided.

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Circle any items on the list found in Sunday ads. Find the best deal for the product among competing stores.

Wal-Mart may sell 2-liters of Coca-Cola for $1.50 each, but Dollar General has them at 3/$3, and Target prices them at 5/$5. Go for the 3/$3 to save space in the fridge or pantry, unless planning to host a party or start a stockpile for the impending zombie apocalypse.

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eight and a half foot boa constrictor snakeskin, some of the craziest things lie behind the walls of this one of a kind store.

But this unique store is not a secret, have being featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, Oprah and a wide range of other television programs, Unclaimed Baggage has been dubbed one of the few “ Extreme Superstores” in the world. Visitors from all over the country come to the store every day and buy astonishing items at astounding prices, so who is to say what one might find next.

similarly. Each week, the stores pick items to advertise for points, and if those are purchased when using the card, they accumulate to dollar values that are taken off the next purchase. Rite Aid offers similar rewards amounts and similar amount of products listed offering rewards as CVS, but fails to advertise the monetary value as well as CVS. In the ads, CVS also demonstrates the amount of savings by showing the sale price minus the manufacturer’s coupon printed that week in P&G or Smart source, and minus the rewards bucks earned from purchasing the item. Though Walgreens offers coupon books within stores that can be paired with their Balance rewards; the reward values are normally around $1-$2 for $10 purchases, whereas CVS often offers the price of the item bought in extrabucks rewards for the next purchase.

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..and loyalty cards. Some retailers— whether grocery stores, superstores, gas stations or department stores— offer discount cards or credit/debit cards with discounts on their products. Mapco offers a card that takes three cents off every gallon and racks up points per gallon to be used on drinks or food in the store. Kroger has a free card to redeem their sales and to load coupons onto online to save the time and effort of clipping and keeping up with coupons. Belk offers a credit card that sends more rewards via mail or email, though who really wants to keep up with another credit card just for some extra deals? Target offers a credit card or a debit card that links directly to a checking account, used exactly like a debit card that takes an extra five percent off every purchase. It also offers free shipping and a 120 day return policy (30 days extra).

Step 2 Step 3: Microwave shortening and crayons till melted then mix the melted shortening and crayons well. Be Careful! This is hot!

Step 4: Add your essential oil. For the strongest smell, use 1 part scent to every 10 parts candle base.

Prepare your candle wick.

Twist 2 wicks together. This will ensure a usable flame.

Step 5 Step 6: Glue wick to the bottom of the cup or jar to prevent it from floating up.

Step 7: Slowly and carefully pour in your candle base.

Let it cool in the refrigerator or at room temperature until it solidifies.

Step 8: While candle is cooling, melting some of the soy wax in the microwave. Only melt enough to liquefy a portion of the wax.

Pick the best store for deals on the groceries YOU prefer. Whenever buying in bulk, it seems a bit ridiculous to shop for items individually. For that reason, grocery couponing is a bit different. When grocery shopping, make a list of all the groceries you need, keeping in mind the preferred brands. Clip coupons following the list, and then, visit the grocery retailer’s website for extra coupons, for example, coupons.target.com (Kroger also Pour the partially liquefied offers online coupons, but they normally mirror those in Stock up during holidays sales. The key to getting a wax on top of your candle. the paper, and they cannot be stacked), and select and great deal is patience.

But only if there’s a sale over the print the necessary coupons. When buying seafood or meats, membership at Sam’s Club is highly rewarding, as horizon— sales generally follow a holiday, even small ones like Columbus Day. The bigger the holiday, the buying in bulk can drastically lower prices. bigger the sale. Alternatively, the more stock kept of a Check the retailer’s coupon policy. Kroger only allows specific genre of retail, the more that needs to be knocked Step 10: Add some sprinkles and Peppermints. one coupon per item and discounts must be presented off the shelves for the next holiday. An example of this is at time of purchase. However, Target lets shoppers fireworks after the Fourth of July. Fireworks stores are use one manufacturer’s coupon, one target coupon, a closing shop until New Years Eve, so all fireworks must Target Red Card (see loyalty cards), Target’s pharmacy go (normally for 80 percent off). If candy is necessary rewards coupon (five percent off a purchase for filling on a daily basis as incentive for children (and adults) to five prescriptions at a Target Pharmacy) and Cartwheel, behave or work competitively, take advantage of posttheir discount app. If any discounts are missed, the Halloween, Valentine’s Day and Easter sales, when the shopper can simply return to the store with the coupon bulk bags of candy drastically drop in price as stores and the forgotten discounts. Wal-Mart’s coupon policy try to clear out stock (On Nov. 1, all Halloween stock at Target went on sale for 90 percent off). Want to revamp follows that of Kroger.

Christmas indoor and outdoor holiday décor? Retailers, Keep in mind, rewards cards.. Walgreens, CVS and like Hobby Lobby, knock off from 70-90 percent off all Rite Aid offer free rewards cards to use to get the Christmas items on Dec. 26 every year. Black Friday is advertised deal. These cards are usable with coupons. the biggest nationwide sale-day of the year but mostly These drug stores have different names and different for the newest electronics that every family “needs” for Step 11: Light it up and enjoy. values for their points reward systems, though they work Christmas (TVs, smart phones, etc.)

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5

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Step 9

10 In-depth

The Crimson Crier

Dec. 18, 2013

SIBLINGS GALORE:

THE TRUTH ABOUT BIRTH ORDER Large family and age gaps disrupt birth order sterotypes April Oberman

Entertainment Editor

I

f a high school student were asked “Who are the Brady Bunch,” they would not have a clue how to answer.

They may even call it a cereal brand. This early 70s TV show includes three boys, their father and three daughters and their mother who must become one family in result of their parents’ marriage.

Junior Charity Dyer knows the Brady Bunch life firsthand.

The only difference is she has seven other siblings.

Dyer is the sixth child in her immediate family.

She shares a house currently with

one of her older brothers and her younger brothers while her oldest brother and her sisters are out of the house. Dyer enjoys the company of living life like the famous family of 21 members, the Duggar family, even if she has to curb her desires of attention.

“I love it. It is so loud and there is not enough hot water usually, but we always have lots of food in the house. I do get a lot of special treatment for being the youngest sister, but I also understand a lot about older people getting priority,” Dyer said.

The Dyer family calls themselves the Dyer Tribe since they are known to be wild. When they are out in public, wherever they go, The Dyer Tribe has crazy adventures. Saving gas by double-buckling is a routine for the family and just

1 The firstborn

Graphics by Kasey Stender.

a part of the numerous comical moments Dyer goes through as the sixth child.

“My brother was left at an aquarium two times on a family vacation. We went back to get him and we forgot again,” Dyer said.

As a middle child, she must not only share what she owns, but she must also watch her younger siblings. Dyer believes that her birth order is the best position to be in, apart from eldest and youngest.

“I love my position in the family. I get favored because I am one of the younger ones but I also get to do lots of fun different things because of my older siblings,” Dyer said.

Dyer has had to watch her older siblings graduate into adulthood, which was an emotional process. When she realized she would not be seeing two of her relatives for a great amount of time, Dyer had to stay strong. “[It is] extremely hard living without them.

My sister moved to Arizona with my nephews and I

hate it. My other sister and brother left on two year mission trips for my church where I can’t see them for the full two years. Those two sisters are my best friends,” Dyer said.

Dyer’s close friend, senior Eric Busby, enjoys the Dyer Tribe. He finds it interesting that so many kids can have fun even though there is an extreme age gap between the oldest and youngest children.

“I think that them having a large family is unique. It’s cool that the oldest grew up in a completely different time, being the 80s versus the youngest who is in elementary school now,” Busby said.

Dyer plans to have a Dyer Tribe of her own in the future.

Her family influences her decisions positively.

“Sometimes, I definitely want a big family too, but sometimes I don’t because I get aggravated. I want my kids to have a lot of little friends,” Dyer said.

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The forgotten The baby

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st The olde child is to thought have the ip leadersh quality.

Last born children are sometimes considered the “wild child”

The Crimson Crier

Dec. 18, 2013

In-depth 11

Personality Profiles Firstborn:

“Overall most of the characteristics fit me.

It’s pretty spot on”

-Reliable -Conscientious -Structured -Cautious -Controlling -Achievers

-senior Taylor Jennings

Middle Child:

“All of the traits seem to fit me, except I don’t think I’m very rebellious.”

-People-pleasers -Somewhat rebellious -Thrives on friendships -Has large social circle -peacemaker

- junior Miller Matzek

Last Born:

“None of these characteristics seem to fit me except for being fun-loving and uncomplicated”

-Fun-loving -Uncomplicated -Manipulative -Outgoing -Attention-seeker -Self-centered

-sophomore Emma Welch

Only Child:

“I feel like I am all of the above. This is pretty accurate about me.”

-Mature for their age -Perfectionists -Conscientious -Diligent -Leaders

-senior Trey Leonard

Birth order does not determine relationships Brittany Robertson Reporter

B

eing in a family with one sibling, there are good times and there are bad times.

Research shows that siblings, whether one or more, are always looking to gain more attention from their parents than their brother or sister.

Behavioral geneticists have shown that only about 5 percent of the difference in personality

from one individual to another is associated with growing up in the same home. About 40 percent of the difference in personality appears to be genetic in origin, and 35 percent of the difference is the unique experiences that are not shared by siblings.

The ups and downs of having a sibling vary from one family to another. For example, if the living environment is calm and collected, siblings learn to like

each other and be best friends.

However, if the conditions are opposite, yelling and screaming over whose turn it is to take out the trash, it can have a negative effect and sibling rivalry is born. Having a brother or sister makes life difficult, no doubt about that. The screaming, the fighting, the long hours of the silent treatment, it can all be enough to wish of being an only child. However, when we really look down to the core of

things, having that little brother or sister can be the best thing ever.

My own sister and I have this wacky tradition that on Christmas Eve we spend the night in my room and talk all night about anything and everything.

We laugh together, we fight together and, obviously, we live together. I wish we had a better relationship, admit it, we all do, but building a bridge takes time, energy and cooperation from

both sides.

Birth orders, parental attention and personality traits should not determine whether or not siblings get along; love, hugs and a deeper friendship should. Having a sibling has taught me that good or bad, she is still my sister and I do love her no matter what trials we both go through.

Information from http://www. faqs.org/childhood/Ar-Bo/BirthOrder.html

12 Entertainment

Dec. 18, 2013

The Crimson Crier

Christmas Break inspiration: local events to help sleigh boredom during holidays

December

20

Congrats early grads!

• Living Christmas Tree: - 7:30 p.m. @ First Baptist Church - Feat. music group Prosper • Santa Meet & Greet: - Parkway Place Mall

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2 days until Christmas

• Your Yoga with Casey:

- 6:00 p.m. @ Lowe Mill - $14 per session

•Tinsel Trail:

- @ Big Spring Park - Admission is free

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• Huntsville Museum - Space Exhibit

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4 days until Christmas

• Rudolf Run 5K:

- 8:00 a.m.

- @ Constitution Village • MythBusters: Behind the Myths: - 7:30 p.m. @ Von Braun Center - Located in the Concert Hall

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- $10 per person - $3 per pair of skates

• Harry Potter Exhibit: - @ Huntsville Public Library - Admission is free

Set out the cookies and milk!

Enjoy a family feast!

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• Artist Market: - 12:00 p.m. @ Lowe Mill

• Polar Express movie: - @ IMAX Theatre

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• Volunteer: - @ Downtown Rescue Mission - @ The Manna House

• Panic over college

January

Christmas Day

• Saving Mr. Banks movie: - @ Monaco Pictures • A Christmas Story movie marathon: - on ABC Family

• Galaxy of Lights: - 5:30-9 p.m.

- @ Botanical Gardens - $20 per car

• Catch all major post-Christmas sales • Return the bad presents

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• Big Spring Park Ice Skating:

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Christmas Eve

• Huntsville Havoc hockey game: - vs. Knoxville - 7:30 p.m. @ Von Braun Center

• Buy gym membership • Thank you letters

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3 days until Christmas

2

• Finish dinner leftovers • Kickout family

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New Year’s Eve Be safe!

• Fireworks - @ Bridge Street • Concert: - in Nashville, TN

• Break resolutions

• Finish Christmas Break homework

New Year’s Day • New Year’s resolution • Get pumped for SEE program

• Take down Christmas decor

Art Highlight: student actress shares love for the arts Kasey Stender Spread Editor

W

hen most people ponder art, wistful thoughts of paintings and sketches float through the mind. Yet art is not just confined to the barriers of pencils and paintbrushes. Art is songs, dance, poems and plays.

Senior Michaela Walton falls among these different outlets as a young actress.

“I started acting in 5th grade during summer theatre workshops at New Albany High School in New Albany, Indiana. I was inspired by the program’s productions and student talent,” Walton said.

In this math and science age, the finer arts have been put on the chopping block. Schools prune it from the curriculum and

most of today’s society sees them as flippant.

However, Walton’s family is very supportive of her acting.

“My family typically tries to see all of my performances and they’re happy that I enjoy it so much,” Walton said.

A good amount of people –especially teenagers –suffer from stage fright. The mere thought of stepping onto a stage is enough to discourage quite a few from following through with their dreams. Walton, on the contrary, embraces the stage.

“I’ve had the honor to perform at the VBC playhouse and the UNA auditorium. Those stages are extremely intimidating but the experience is

exhilarating,” Walton said.

Pursuing a career in a fine art is risky in today’s economy and society. One should always follow their heart. Walton plans to do just that.

“I don’t plan to major in theatre, but I would love to PERFORMING WITH A PASSION. Senior Walton performs in the play Flowers do community Michaela for Algernon. Walton was the teacher of theatre when Charlie, an adult with mental disabilities.

I’m older Photo by Arman Jahandarfard. and have the “I have made amazing time.” friends and memories Currently, Walton through the Sparkman is slated to portray the Theatre program; they’re wicked witch in the more important to me than drama’s production of any role I could receive,” “The Wizard of Oz”.

Walton said.

Book Club recruits readers Kasey Stender Spread Editor

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his week in book club, the readers have chosen two books to read. The freshly picked novels are “Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell and “The Maze Runner” by James Dashner.

“Eleanor & Park” follows the life of two odd teenagers over the course of one school year in 1986.

Rowell mixes in sarcasm and cynicism along with dashes of humor here and there to concoct a novel that would be a quick and easy read for just about anyone. 328 pages, a cup of tea and a couple of tissues later, there is no doubt “Eleanor & Park” has been deemed a splendid and recommended book.

“The Maze Runner” came about at the beginning of the Young Adult Novel Dystopian Age, back when they were unique and well-written. This book focuses on Thomas, who suddenly finds himself in a camp of young boys called the Glade. Massive walls slide closed around the camp to protect the Gladers from the horrors in the Maze outside. The Glade has no adults and no women. That is until Teresa comes along with a message that rocks the camp and its inhabitants to their very foundations. The intensity of the novel, mixed with suspense and curiosity, make Dashner’s book a must read.

Book Club is an open club with no dues. All are welcome to join. Meetings are after school until 4 p.m.

Also, bring snacks and tissues.