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Turnbough takes road to athletic lifestyle From military to physical education, maintaining a healthy mind, body was his sole priority

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Sparkman High School | 2616 Jeff Road | Harvest, Ala. 35749 | Phone: (256)837-0331 | Fax: (256)837-7673 | www.crimsoncriernews.com|

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Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, Issue 3

Everyone Can Do It! Breaking prevalence of sexism in society Camille Herren

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Managing Editor

here has always been discrepancies between males and females but the 2016 presidential election and other events have made it a hot topic. With forms of media such as The View and The Huffington Post bringing it to the forefront and problems arising even locally, women and men alike are concerned about their futures.

Now, students and teachers are taking notice and addressing the issue. Public speaking teacher Evan Carter brought the matter to attention when he assigned his students a speech on feminism.

“The assignment was titled: Feminism. Do we need it or not? They were to pick out the pros and cons and make an informed decision based on that.

I really wanted students to think about some practical issues. I think America [is okay] but not perfect.

They are not where they need to be,” Carter said.

“And this particular assignment has been on my heart for the last few years. I used to be really good friends with a social worker who [advocated] women’s rights and men’s activism for the rights of women. I didn’t realize there was a problem.

She opened my eyes to it. She showed me that I — as a citizen — could be a voice of change and I wanted to do the same for my students.”

Carter’s assignment was initially met with a little reluctance and groans of disappointment, but he says after watching a documentary and being prepped with videos that show men and women’s level of playing field, the students got on board with the assignment.

“They were really well written. Any issues that were brought up were in a thoughtful way. People made sure they were speaking in a way that wasn’t going to be offensive. We got support for feminism but we [had] a few people who were making well laid out arguments against it,” Carter said. “The word feminism is a loaded word. When you say feminism, people hear what their preconceived notions allow them to hear. There were people who were on board with the idea and people who [thought of] stereotypical ideas. Once we barrelled through the stereotypes, I think they appreciated it more.”

Senior Rachel Hardaker shed light on sexism when she noticed differences at Boys’ and Girls’ State. Hardaker says Girls’ State was more competitive to get into than Boys’ State and dress code was different.

“Girls’ state is a week in the summer where juniors in high

Sexism

cont. on pg 3 Photos by Madison Harding

Literary skills lead to school-wide writing improvement Aliyah Thompson Copy Editor

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n the Alabama course of study, the College and Career Readiness anchor standards outline the milestones students from grades six through 12 are expected to meet by the end of each school year. The scale for these anchor standards is set by ACT for the state and is evaluated by a school’s overall testing results. On both district and state levels, Sparkman leads in all subject areas — except writing. The school is not below the average score for writing, but rests at the average writing score while other schools on district and state levels are above the average.

To some, the writing score might come as a shock, but for English and ACT teacher Ashly Johnston, the results were not so surprising. Being an English teacher, it was disappointing, but as an ACT teacher, it was a normal occurrence.

“Anytime they change any section of the test, you will see a decline and usually that’s made up the year after that,” Johnston said.

To theatre teacher Terry Harbison, Sparkman’s writing score can be taken and then used as constructive criticism. Although he believes that there needs to be some form of reference off which schools can be judged and their progress be measured, he does not think that standardized testing should be the one and only determinant of a school’s overall

subject area scores.

“I think it’s awesome that Sparkman is leading in so many areas. Every school is going to have some area in which they need to improve,” Harbison said.

“Yeah, that’s an area that we apparently — according to test scores — are struggling in. So it lets us know where we need to improve.”

Since receiving the school’s scores, motions have been made to help students’ writing scores improve.

In addition to the incorporation of more writing in other classes outside of English, teachers take half of their planning period to learn how to grade writing in a more effective way as well as help their students write better.

“We have professional development that we go to at least once a month. Ms. Hodgens and one other English teacher both work with writing. Ms. Hodgens worked specifically with holistic grading and how to grade writing,” Harbison said. “Some people are scared of writing because it’s tough to grade.

You’ve got to grade every little bit. But holistic grading is in some ways, much more effective at giving you the big picture of whether the person’s a good writer or a bad writer. ” Although incorporating writing across all subject areas is a positive step toward improving writing scores, Harbison does not think that simply having students write more often in class is enough. He thinks that students should be given the opportunity

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to write in an environment where they do not have to worry themselves over whether their grammar or structure is accurate or not.

“Ultimately, it will affect them positively because they will be more adept at writing [and] they will be less scared to write. Holistic grading doesn’t necessarily look at a lot of the nuanced details of writing.

It just wants to get big picture ideas. I think that’s good to give people the freedom to write without so much pressure,” Harbison said. “Once they’re writing, then we can take that, mold that [and] shape it to what it needs to be. [When] we remove the fear, they’re going to write [without pressure] and then we can work on correcting things.”

According to Harbison, the problem with writing moves beyond a fear of making grammatical or structural mistakes. In his opinion, a significant part of the problem is students not actively reading outside of what is required in school.

“They don’t read literature, they don’t read the news. They may read an Instagram post or something on Twitter or whatever else. [But] most of my vocabulary and sentence structure were developed because I just loved to read. Unfortunately, the majority of our students don’t enjoy reading or don’t like to read. And that hinders their ability to write because they’re not exposed to great writing on a regular basis,” Harbison said.

A Look Inside

News pg. 2-3 Opinion pg. 4-5 Lifestyles pg. 6-8 Sports pg. 9-11 A&E pg. 12-13 Spread pg. 14-15 Photo Story pg. 16

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News

Dec. 8, 2016

The Crimson Crier

New board members answer questions about pressing issues Bradley Wright Reporter

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On top of the world. Jacob Siefert sets out on the adventure that would change his life. Photo courtesy Jacob Siefert

Teacher takes hike of a lifetime in Nepal does mission work as well Emily Baucum Editor In-Chief

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ome people are drawn to adventure because of self, others are drawn because of the pull to make a difference. For example a trip to Nepal could either consist of feeding the hungry or hiking the Himalayas. Social Science teacher Jacob Siefert was drawn to both and had the opportunity to pursue them head on.

In April of 2015, Nepal suffered a worldly disaster, often referred to as the Gorkha earthquake. The Gorkha earthquake registered a moment magnitude of 7.8.

This velocity was strong enough to kill nearly 9,000 citizens, with plenty more injured, and tear down nearly 600,000 structures. From Oct. 1 - Oct. 15 Seifert and his mission group traveled around providing as much help for the victims as they could.

“The trip consisted of taking humanitarian aid to earthquake victims, building relationships and strengthening existing churches in the villages, and taking the Good News of the gospel to the unreached Himalayan mountain people groups of Nepal,” Siefert said.

His hike overall was roughly 47 miles. They would travel about six to eight miles, stop to engage with each village they entered in some means or another, then continue along their journey. They did a loop around the Anna Purna

South region, starting and finishing in the small village of Birethani.

“When we weren't trekking, we were usually so exhausted that rest & recovery couldn't be ignored,” Siefert said.

“However, we mostly played frisbee with the kids of the villages and made them balloon animals, played games, etc.

We talked with guesthouse owners, other trekkers, villagers, etc. and gathered useful data.”

While his main focus for outreach with the earthquake victims, Nepal appealed to him because of the physical challenge of hiking through the world's highest mountain, the Himalayas, ranging at approximately 29,029 feet tall.

“I also desired to go because I love the idea of seeing other cultures, meeting beautiful, interesting people, and seeing how they live and work to learn from them,” Siefert said.

Siefert grew up a curious child. Raised running around barefoot in the deep woods of upstate New York, in the Appalachian Mountains, he sparked his deep love and appreciation for the outdoors. As birthdays passed, his surroundings formed his adventurous personality. He lived in a total of six other states, not including New York — California, Indiana, Ohio, Alaska, Florida and Alabama.

“My parents were kind of crazy hippies, so my Dad says when I

was a baby they jumped the border and went into Mexico for awhile. I have also been to Canada,” Siefert said. “ In 2012, I took a trip to Rwanda, a small south-central country in Africa, also for missions work. It was amazing there.”

Traveling at a young age accustoms youth to open their mind towards worldly ideas and become more knowledgeable about their surroundings.

Senior Madison Harding has experienced this first hand.

“I have been traveling since I was nine months old. I have been to Ireland, Scotland, Jamaica and Haiti. Just to name a few,” Harding said.

“Traveling to all these places really makes me more accepting of people that aren't like me. When I grow up I definitely want to keep traveling, and I want my kids to be cultured as well.”

A top contender for most trekkers, including both Harding and Siefert, is Machu Picchu.

High atop the Andes Mountains in Peru. For Siefert this is mostly because he enjoys Inca culture and history.

“I want to go to Italy to see the village that my great-grandfather was born & raised in before he emigrated to America.

Ireland seems like a gorgeous country,” Siefert said. “In short, I would travel anywhere in the world, because it was given to us to explore, subdue and enjoy.”

Students make history at the national level Sidney Al-Dijaili Lifestyles Editor

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n any activity, it is rare that history is made, but juniors Camille Herren, Parker Boothe and Kaylyn Jones working along side of alumna Erin Stender were able to accomplish this feat.

At the most recent National Scholastic Press Association competition, these four journalists placed sixth in the nation in Multimedia Feature Story of the Year with a website package they complied about “slut shaming. This package included a variety of stories and videos centered around the idea of the immorality of slut shaming.

“A lot of work went into it. I planned out the entire package. I wanted a video about sexual bullying as a whole. Kaylyn and I spent five hours on the hour working on the main opinion piece. She worked very hard on her separate piece.”

Along with two written stories, the group incorporated different aspects to give a wider range of information.

Polls were taken by the group to gather knowl-

Raising the stakes. Juniors Kaylyn Jones and Camille Herren after winning sixth in the nation with a webite package labeled “slut shaming”.

edge about various students’ opinions. To coincide with it, a video was created, sharing the experiences of girls who were slut shamed Although the group enjoyed the creation process of the package. With a topic so sensitive, it was difficult to find girls to participate, while at the same time, trying to avoid asking questions that may offend them.

Finding time to work on the package also became an issue.

“We had other responsibilities and stories to write in the class so we couldn't always get together to work. But I

know that I picked the best people to work on it and even though it took a long time, it was well worth it,” Herren said.

Overall, the group in general enjoyed the process of the creation of the package, and the win helped to put this long road to a very successful close. This success showed them that anything can be accomplished with hard work, time and dedication.

“All I expected was an honorable mention, so to hear our names called when they got to sixth place was unreal,” Jones said.

rimson Crier: How do you feel about the current status of Madison County Schools?

Dave Weiss: I believe that overall Madison County Schools provide an excellent educational product for our students and do well to prepare them for the rigors of college or the work-force.

However, we must always be looking for ways and means to improve and increase educational offerings for our students.

Shere Rucker: As a parent, I have been very pleased with Madison County Schools. I believe that the teachers and administrators in our school system are, by and large, devoted to educating and caring for our students and that they strive for excellence.

CC: What changes would you like to address concerning Madison County Schools?

DW: I think it is important that I take time to review and assess where we are as a system before I can definitively determine what changes or improvements are needed. We are a very large, diverse, and dynamic school system and what works for one district might not work everywhere.

However, I do know that better communication between stakeholders and representatives is necessary.

SR: As a school board member, my goal is to closely evaluate the many aspects of the school system, and to challenge those who are responsible for its day to day operations to continually raise the bar of achievement.

CC: Why did you run for a school board position?

DW: I ran because I saw a need for attentive representation, particularly within my district, and to bring strong leadership to the board. That doesn’t mean that those on the board were doing a bad job, but I felt that I had the skill set, including leadership and communication skills, to guide the board of education to a more effective level of productivity for our school system.

SR: I want to continue to give back to our schools and community.

I have a passion for education and a concern for our students. I want to ensure that our students have the opportunity to receive the best preparation and training from their Pre-K year all the way through to their senior year in High School.

CC: What do you hope to accomplish as a school board member?

DW: I will focus on just a few areas but I want to see Madison County Schools be THE school system of choice for families moving into Madison County. I want to be the best advocate for our students and to ensure that they have the

necessary resources, in funding and tools, to be successful and to reach their potential.

SR: I have three short term goals. The first is to oversee the task of building a new high school in Monrovia. The second, is to provide leadership to the School Board so as to improve communication between the School Board and the Superintendent and the community, in order that decisions can be discussed timely and candidly and that the governing body can work more effectively. The third is to support and facilitate the efforts of the Madison County School Board to secure funding for our schools.

CC: Recently, Gov. Bentley said public education in Alabama "sucks". What do you think of these comments and the current status of public education in Alabama?

DW: I was disheartened to hear our Governor address the state of our, and for that matter the nations, public education system in such a manner. I think he could have used a different tone in his description. I would hope that his remarks were less an indictment of the hard-working teachers who do so much to help provide a quality education to our children, and more his opinion about the state of public education in general.

That being said, he is responsible for the public education in this state and if the public education in this state “sucks”, as he put it, then he bears the full weight and responsibility for it; and maybe it is time that we, as a state, have a solid discussion as to what we are going to do to improve our public education system. Generally, I believe that you shouldn’t raise an issue, or criticize something without being prepared to provide a solution and a solid plan to make it better, neither of which I have heard from the governor to date.

SR: I believe Gov. Bentley’s comments were completely inappropriate and hypocritical. As the President of the State of Alabama School Board and as the Governor, he has had the power and position to make needed improvements in education in our state. Having said that, we do need to improve public education in Alabama.

Poverty is a very large factor in the poor performance of our students and closing the gap in test scores between children in poverty and those who are not, is extremely challenging.

CC: The new Monro-

Madison County 310 Board 4940 Research Drive, Suite B Huntsville, AL 35805 (256) 837-5886 Fax: (256) 837-5886 Email: jopoates@mcmrb.net

via High School is still a tough topic. What is your stance on this and why?

DW: My position on the building of a new high school in our district has not wavered since before the decision to build that school was made. I believe that you build schools based on need and defined requirement; neither of which was established by the previous board. Additionally, we are leaving many major capital projects that need our attention now on the table for years to come.

Many of these capital needs could have been met with some of the BRAC funds. Our ability to upgrade, modernize, and maintain what we have will be greatly impeded based on our debt service and lack of revenue from local sources, chiefly taxes.

SR: I fully support building a new high school in Monrovia. I believe that while there are pros and cons to very large high schools, a graduating class size of 300 will allow students to form more meaningful relationships with their peers, teachers and administrators and a greater portion of the student body will feel connected and engaged.

CC: You represent the Sparkman High district.

What comes to mind when you think of Sparkman?

DW: Sparkman is a

Take Note:

To See the Complete Interview with Board Members Weiss and Rucker, visit: crimsoncriernews.com great high school. The administration, faculty, and staff at both the Ninth Grade Academy and the High School are second to none. There is a sincere desire at both schools to ensure the success of the students and to reach even higher levels of excellence. It is said that success breeds success and I see even greater things for Sparkman in the future. I know that the increased interaction between Sparkman HS and these schools is sparking interest in students to excel!

SR: I have a very favorable impression of Sparkman High School.

While we have not yet had children to go through Sparkman, I have had the opportunity to visit on a couple of occasions. My impression is that Sparkman is a very large school, with lots of good programs and many teachers who go the extra mile to invest their time and talents into the lives of the students.

Dec. 8, 2016

3

The Crimson Crier

News

Senator News Briefs Students wish for gay-straight alliance to make a return

Rescue Dogs - Jacob

Dylan Brotherton Reporter

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It’s a doggie dog world. Shug settles down for a rest in his new forever home. The Collins’ family adopted him from a shelter after their dog, Chopper died. Photo courtesy of Jeannie Collins

Family welcomes new additon to home

Jacob Whitlock Reporter

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his past month, a furry new member of the school family has settled into the home of secretary Jean Collins.

After losing their longtime family dog, Collins and her family realized life would not be the same without man’s best friend.

“I love the interaction.

I love being able to soak in their affection. I love their personalities and especially their loyalty.

When they come running out to meet when you get home, you know there is something special,” Collins said.

The family welcomed their new friend with open hearts and smiling faces, but etched in the back of everyone’s mind was the memory of their previous dog, Chopper.

“We had a boxer for 14 years that passed away this summer,” Collins said. “We knew it was coming but it didn’t make it any easier. He was the dog everybody knew. He would come to the lake with us and trav-

el wherever we went.”

After the sudden shock had subsided, Collins immediately began searching for their new perfect match.

After months of hunting and waiting for the right time, they adopted a 2-year-old American bulldog and named him Shug, after the legendary Auburn football coach.

“We got him out of Georgia and his name was Uga, which, being an Auburn fan, that wasn’t going to fly at our house,” Collins said.

“Another reason we named him Shug was because it sounded similar to his name before, so it might be a little easier for him.”

Collins rescued her previous dog, so she made adopting her next pet from a shelter or foster home a top priority. She knew the unique relationship that could only be felt between a rescue animal and their owner.

“I think they are more appreciative. They are happy you have brought them out of whatever environment they were in before,” Collins said.

“They appreciate the fact that you have given them a second chance.”

Tina Lister is a volunteer at A New Leash On Life, a north Alabama-based animal foster network committed to putting an end to overpopulation and euthanasia. She, too, understands the importance of adopting rescue pets and not buying from a breeder.

“These poor animals get caught in a vicious cycle where they are overbred and end up shelters,” Lister said.

“There is a misconception that rescue animals are less healthy and harder to train, but it is usually the opposite.”

Lister primarily works with pit bulls, a breed associated with aggressive fighting instincts. This reputation causes potential owners to be cautioned away from adoption, which is why the pit bull is the dog breed most commonly found in shelters.

“People should not be afraid of adopting a rescue dog because any animal can be transformed with training,”

cont. from pg 1

Women work LONGER to receive promotions Women make 77.5 than men. cents for every dollar men earn.

According to the book Enhancing Adolescents for Science, science teachers spend 40 percent more time addressing male students.

Money issues cause change to final exam schedule Andrew Atchley Reporter

The more education a woman has, the GREATER disparity in wages.

Sexism

school go and learn all about aspects of the government and how it works. Many boys were chosen to participate in [boys’ state] but only three girls were chosen to participate in girls’ state. The opportunities were the same but the girls had to wear nice clothes and dresses while the boys got to wear t shirts,” Hardaker said. “I think women are held to a different standard in politics so we are expected to dress a certain way that men might not have to dress like.”

Parents of Huntsville High School softball players are suing Huntsville City Schools over recent allegations against Huntsville High School claiming that facilities and amenities for the girl’s softball team and boy’s baseball team are unequal, a violation of Title IX. Title IX is a federal law that ensures no discrimination based on the sex of a student in not only educational programs, but sports as well. Athletic director Jason L. Watts says that the school’s athletics are equal under Title IX. “Title IX was put into place to make sure that females had equal access to athletics and as close to the same facilities. I think we adhere to it well. If you look at our sports, for example, we have baseball and softball. The facilities each group has are comparable,” Watts said. “There is not a football team for girls. But we have volleyball [in place of that]. So, as far as the sports we offer, we are definitely equal. As far as our facilities, I don’t think there is one group that gets more than the other. We try to look at what are we doing for the boys and what are we doing for the girls. I think we do a good job of making sure that what we do for one group, we do for the other.”

When it comes to sexism in the school, students see it most in dress code but according to assistant principal Jennifer Gray, dress code is fair and equal.

She says she has had just as many boys referred to her as girls.

“It’s about the same for boys and girls. For the girls, it just depends on the season. We poll the teachers about what they think and our department heads.

Then, we talk about it among the administrators. We discuss what we think is appropriate and we relate it to what it’s like in the workforce and girls’ style changes,” Gray said. “The first time they break dress code, they [receive] a warning and the second time, they get AAP.” Junior Meagan Karluk says sexism is prominent in our society and in our school. She sees dress code as the number one sex-based issue that students deal with.

“The dress code says if you’re a girl and you wear leggings, you have to wear a shirt that goes past your fingertips so as to cover your front and your back.

You can’t wear a shirt that shows your shoulders and it is not for the good of the girls. It is so the boys don’t get distracted. It puts male education above female education,” Karluk said.

During the presidential election, controversial flames ignited and almost all Clinton supporters were burned. Misogynistic remarks were thrown es-

Lister said. “They are the product of the environment they are in, so a loving and caring environment can change a dog’s attitude tremendously.”

With the holiday season kicking off, and more and more people begin searching for pets to give for gifts, her job becomes much more than a caretaker.

“It is my responsibility to educate others on the subject. I have to explain to them how essential it is do you research before taking the responsibility of owning a pet.” Lister said.

As for Collins, she and Shug are getting closer and his playful personality is coming out more and more each day.

“I was watching him run and play with another dog and I could think was ‘that is why you rescue them’,” Collins said. “It is so rewarding to know you have changed their life while at the same time they have changed yours.”

hen former club organizer, Karl Fernandez, took a job as an administrator at another school, the Gay Straight Alliance was left without a faculty sponsor.

“To get GSA back all you need is to find a teacher to sign off for faculty sponsor,” principal Chris Shaw said. “To be honest I did not know it was gone, it is still here you just need someone to agree.”

Students are disappointed. GSA had the purpose and meaning of listening to and helping others.

“We talked about however we felt and school standings with our friends,” former vice president Mary Derrough said.

“That was our emotional support and safe place where we could meet people.”

A teacher is needed to sponsor a club before one can even create it or keep it running. Without a teacher to supervise, the club was diminished and now there is one less place where some students can truly be themselves.

“It's required to have a faculty sponsor for clubs here,” member Brooke Etzel said. “GSA should definitely be student led with a supervisor but without one it would be pretty chaotic” With such high interests in this club, there is reason for needing an open minded teacher. GSA needs a strong representative with the time for their activities, and an open heart and mind to listen to and support them. It is a place needed to hear learning experiences and share some of their own.

“I would love to have the Gay Straight Alliance back at our school,” Derrough said. “I always felt safe and like no one could hurt me.”

Women earned LESS than men in 99 percent of occupations.

Over half of U.S. public schools have a dress code with

GENDER SPECIFIC

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recent change has been made to the final exam schedule. Exam days, Dec. 15 and 16, were previously intended to be half-days, but the school district has changed them to full days.

The change was made to save money on bus routes which was estimated to be an additional $20,000.

“It costs more money,” Principal Chris Shaw said. “We would have to run an additional route.”

However, students will be able to get a permission slip and leave at 11:30 a.m if they have a ride. On Dec. 15 students will go to first and second block and then be able to leave, but the students that stay will have to go to third and fourth block after that. On Dec. 16 students will go to third and fourth block and be able to leave after that, but the students that remain will then go to first and second block.

“Here’s the technicality; it’s still a half day, except for bus drivers [and people that can only ride the bus],” Shaw said.

“Students will go to either first and second or third and fourth and then all who have their permission slip may leave at 11:30 a.m.”

policies.

EXAM SCHEDULE pecially when Trump stated that Clinton played the “woman card” and referred to her as a “nasty woman.” Noticing these sexist remarks made during the election, Harvard University stepped up against a sexist tradition rooted in the men’s soccer team that sexualized the women’s team’s recruits, ranking them based on physical appearance. Harvard University canceled the rest of the men’s soccer team’s season as a result.

“I think that it’s nice to see a school finally doing something to combat sexism because far too often boys are just reprimanded and no real action is taken.

Men or other women for that matter treating women like that only perpetuates the idea that women are objects for men to enjoy and that certain physical characteristics are more beautiful than others,” junior Allana McCullar said. “I think that it is a step in the right direction to shut down sexism. Treating people like that should not be tolerated.”

Carter feels that although sexism is a big problem in today’s culture, it can be resolved. He says that since he and his students are not overseas in the more drastic issues, opening them up to something they may not have been aware of might help with this problem.

“If we can get an entire generation of people fighting the good fight. Then maybe in a generation, it won’t be a problem we have anymore,” Carter said.

Tuesday, Dec. 13 Check-Out Notes Due Tuesday, Dec. 13 3B and 4B Midterm Exams Wednesday, Dec.14 1A and 2A Midterm Exams Thursday, Dec. 15 First and Second Final Exams Friday, Dec. 16 Third and Fourth Final Exams Wednesday, Jan. 4 Return to School

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Opinion

Dec. 8, 2016

The Crimson Crier

Women in the draft?

Congress contemplates requiring women to register for the draft Alaura Gordon Reporter

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n the United States, the military is all volunteer, unless a conflict arises with a need for more soldiers. As a result of needing people for military duty, young male adults from the age of 18 to 25, documented or undocumented, are required to register by law for the draft. In February the Senate approved a military policy bill, voting 83-13, that will for the first time in history require young women to register for the draft alongside the men The United States has not had to use the draft since the Vietnam War. Under this bill passed by the Senate, women turning 18 will be required to register for Selective Service. Failure to register for the Selective Service could result in consequences such as getting a fine up to 250 thousand dollars, a prison term up to five years or both.

In 1981 the Supreme Court ruled that women were not required to register for the draft. Women could not participate on the front lines of combat therefore there was no need for women to sign up.

Of 1.4 million people that actively serve today, 2,000 are women.

Over the past month and a half someone of the nation’s most powerful military leaders have made the recent decision to move all restrictions on what jobs women can fill in the U.S. Armed Forces, like serving as a, first Lieutenant, Captain, Specialist and other

Photos by Alex Myers

major roles. The military has welcomed the first female Army Rangers, female Army infantry Officer, Marine enlisted infantry female and female combatant commander. This means if we were in dire need or Armed Forces, women would be required to fight in the front lines for the first time in history .

This has forced a gender equality in our military.

Women want to be accepted and have the same jobs as men; therefore, they should have the same opportunity to serve in any capacity. Women should have the same opportunity to serve for our country as men have done for the last 76 years.

Some disputes this, saying women “are not strong enough” is just a stereotype. Staff Sgt. Jessica Packard scored the fastest time on both sexes in the 2009 Firefighter Combat Challenge in which she also carried a 175 pound victim while wearing full bunker gear. Yes, women commonly have less physical strength than men, but women know if they are going to be fighting with the men they have to be able to perform the same tasks as the men. If something happens to one of the men during the battle the 125 pound woman might have to carry a 200 pound man to protection.

Everyone should get a chance to prove their ability and strength and serve for their country. If a woman’s goal is to be in the front line she should be able to do so. All people of all races and genders should have equality,especially in a time of war.

YourView

“I feel if women want equal rights they should have to register for the draft.”

-- senior Andrew Stemple

“I think it is positive because women are being looked at as equal. We are not just being looked at as weak and not being able to do thing except for cooking and cleaning”-- junior Milan Hunt

“In order to be equal women also need to be drafted.”-Sophmore James Morris

Photos by Alex Myers

When life hands you stinky choices you still have to pick one Griffin Gonterman Sports Editor

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ow that one of the most controversial presidential races

by Donald Trump, and Hillary Clinton is over, the country can finally look ahead to Trump’s presidency. While the 2016 race is over, the American people should take a step back and look at the mistakes that entrenched us here in the first place.

Hillary Clinton, was under FBI investigation

until two days before the election for using a private email for personal and classified emails. Not only did she allegedly do this, she was accused of deleting around 33,000 of those emails so the FBI could not examine them while the case was open.

Looking back years from now this will probably be the best explanation on how she blew an almost 10 percent lead in the polls weeks before Election Day. The Democrats need to choose a better nom-

ination for the party’s ticket in 2020 if they hope to defeat Trump, as Clinton was obviously a corrupt, rotten politician from the beginning. Bernie Sanders would have been a far superior candidate for the Democratic Party, but was rigged out of having a chance at the nomination by Clinton and the Democratic National Committee. Even though Clinton’s policies were not as controversial as Trump’s, many still chose him over her because of how corrupt she

is perceived to be.

Donald Trump is known as a sign of hatred and also hope to millions of Americans.

Whether people think he is good for the country or bad, he is the most controversial figure in today’s society. From trying to place a temporary immigration ban on Muslims, which violates the First Amendment, or the many sexual assault cases filed against him even though some have been proven to be a paid sabotage from the Clin-

ton Foundation.

When Trump first announced his bid to run for president in the summer of 2015, many thought he was a joke and laughed him off. Hardly anybody gave him a chance, and now he will be the forty-fifth President of the free world. Many of his contenders like Rubio, Cruz and Carson were all strong contenders but were pushed out of the race. One after another, we as Americans will make better decisions, but as of now the coun-

try should want Trump to succeed.

Looking ahead to the Election of 2020, it is hard to pinpoint Trump’s competition but some believe that the current First Lady, Michelle Obama could run for office. Others believe that Senator Elizabeth Warren will run. Then the complete dark horse is musician, Kanye West.

At the end of the road, America learned our lesson and are ready to move forward to 2020.

Student vocalizes that rap is society’s newest form of poetry Lucas Hicks Reporter

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hythmically applied poetry, otherwise known as rap, has been a staple of hip-hop culture and modern music scene since the ‘70s.

It has produced an explosion of written works predominantly from the African-American community and has spanned into a multicultural artistic and social genre.

Rap stands as a modern approach to an ancient literary art-form, a new application to a classical platform of expressing in writing, with a thriving culture and plenty of poetic elements to grow itself with over the years.

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Rap should not be considered as anything other than poetry, because new styles and forms of expression are what advance literature and make it change over time. Literature and poetry today would be little without metaphors, simile, sonnets or any other literary device that once had to be developed.

Music is just another incorporation to stitch together a concept, just like all devices and words in an “average” poem.

Research will show, that opponents of this idea might dismiss the idea as being “low-brow” art, or that the modernity of the music and culture differs the poetic art-

form from more classical methods of poetry. However, that is bias against the vibrant and flourishing culture and serves for older, non-progressive methods to remain alone, leaving little room for change or movement within the classic art poetry.

The importance of keeping up with modernity, culturally and academically within writing cannot be understated.

Dismissing popular and newer methods for “classics” creates a stale form of entertainment and will ultimately result in academia and literature being left behind, collecting dust. Bias against rap will only create con-

tempt or disinterest in the classics because of keeping archaic beliefs within art. Progress is the essential movement of culture and expression within all writing, poetry included.

Overall, shown by its overwhelming international popularity, rap prevails itself as a trailblazing rhythmic, poetic device from the cultures derived in hip-hop, a musical expression of writing and feeling in a valid, vibrant and intelligent culture. The growth of rap shows no signs of stopping, but an increased renewal of interest in poetry, especially within the American culture.

Policy

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

The CC is a 2011 Silver Crown winner.

Co-Editor-in-Chief.......... ..Emily Baucum/Jake Wilson

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Shelby Lopez, Jessica Turnage

Opinion Editor.....................Natalie Craney

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The Crimson Crier is an open forum for free expression by the Sparkman High School Community. The Crimson Crier is a student-run publication produced in the state of Alabama.

All final design, reporting and content decisions are the responsibility of the student journalists of Sparkman High School under the guidance of their adviser. The views articulated in The Crimson Crier do not necessarily represent the views of the entire staff, Sparkman High School or the Madison County school district. Copies are distributed to the faculty, staff and student body free of charge. The Madison County Record prints 2,000 copies, eight times yearly.

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

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Dec. 8, 2016

5

The Crimson Crier

Our Writing is imperative Our View : to student success

Opinion

Natalie’s Nonsense

Student discusses her adoption Natalie Craney Opinion Editor

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Illustrated by Al Jackson

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he school rests on the average scale for writing writing is to encourage more reading. It is known while other schools in the county are above that avid readers make better writers. Also, if writthe average. This has prompted the administration to ing is not seen as a chore then students may apply make writing a focus this school year. This includes themselves more. We would like to see more writing bi-weekly professional development for teachers of assignments that are not tied to a grade. It would also all subjects and a curriculum that should implement help skill improvement if teachers would comment more writing activities in the classroom. on all writing assignments, whether a grade is givWe agree with the administration en or not. Constructive criticism has that writing skills need to improve. never hurt anyone.

In Favor We have witnessed the failing grades Ultimately, it is time for students given in English class for those who to realize that writing is important.

8-0 simply plagiarize their papers or just First of all, the effort one puts into do not put in the effort. Teachers have the ACT writing portion reflects on witnessed students refusing to comthe entire school. One cannot propplete the writing portion of the ACT because they erly apply for scholarships without the ability to deem it “stupid.” write a college essay. Writing is something we will We commend the administration for their efforts do in some capacity for the rest of our lives. With this to improve our writing skills. Having all junior histo- said, students should make more of an effort to learn ry and English students take the practice writing por- writing skills and apply those to all assignments, intion of the ACT was a good move in helping students cluding the writing portion of the ACT. improve. Writing in all courses could have an impact Students, it is time to take responsibility, kill the on writing scores. Engineers, lawyers, doctors, jour- apathetic attitude and pick up a pen. Listen to what nalists, mechanics and just about every other career our teachers are teaching us, complete our writing must write on a daily basis therefore, writing in math assignments, understand what constitutes plagiaand science classes is just as important as writing in rism and most of all quit being lazy. Our future caEnglish or history class. Another way to improve reers depend on it.

Illustrated by Al Jackson

Christmas music has gone down the drain Makayla Tomaino Reporter

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hristmas music has been enjoyed by tons and thousands of people throughout the years.

Traditional songs like Elvis Presley’s famous, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” are now played alongside more modern versions, like Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Christmas carols in English first appeared in 1426

by John Awdlay, a Shropshire chaplain who went house to house from New Year’s Day to Jan. 6. It became more mainstream in the ‘40s with Bing Cosby’s “White Christmas” and Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song.” These songs focused on the singer’s crooning voices. Lyrics spoke, not the music.

Now, it seems as if every singer in every genre wants to record a Christmas album. This season alone, Train and LeeAnn Rimes, are releasing holiday albums. The days of Christmas music being its’ own genre of music are over. Genres like pop, rock

and roll, soul, jazz and country are seeping into the Christmas music profits. One might turn to a country station and hear Kenny Chesney singing a song he wrote “All I Want for Christmas is a Real Good Tan.” This is not exactly a traditional Christmas song.

Artists are not only singing traditional Christmas songs, but like Chesney they are writing new songs that are quickly becoming favorites. It this an overload of Christmas music? In some cases, yes. There was nothing wrong with the traditional songs, but by adding new songs yearly and deviating from tradition, it seems like Christmas songs are on every channel I like the traditional songs more than the newer music. The purity is not there. These days Christmas music is full of auto tune and sounds effects and not the beauty of the singer’s voice. I enjoy hearing the clearness of the singer’s voice because it helps me connect to the voice, without the booming beats behind them. So, let the traditional music come back. It is what speaks Christmas.

popular joke in middle school was to go around saying that everyone would go around saying things like “You are ugly but it’s just because you are adopted” or “Your parents don’t love you. You must be adopted.”

These remarks, while not necessarily directed at me, still hurt. The stereotype on adopted children is just that, a stereotype.

When I tell people I am adopted, they often look at me funny because I resemble my mother in all ways.

The question that always follows is “Do you want to find your real parents?” And my answer is always no. This is not because my parents gave me up, but I believe it is because I do not want to be like them. They were definitely not role models. They are now separated and are not doing much with their lives. I know it was a difficult choice for them to give me up, but I will always be thankful that they did.

They were the definition of young and dumb. They already had a child together two years older than I and did not think they could take on another.

A common misconception about adopted kids is that we all feel unloved and unwanted. But as adopted children, we should feel special and more loved because someone wanted us badly enough to paid a large price for us.

Also, as birth parents, it would be very hard to give up something you carried for nine months and then have to live knowing that their baby is growing up with someone else.

The easy way out for them would be killing it before it became a large problem, but my real parents loved me much more than that and wanted the best for me.

I have always had a little part of me that wonders who I would be if I had never been adopted. It is a strange thought that if it were not for one little decision, I would not be here right now. I believe we are who we are because of the people around us, but some of it is hardwired. I wonder if I would have a love for the ocean or if I would have come to love the medical field as much as I do now. I wonder how many amazing people I would have never met. On the other hand, maybe I would have met different people. Now, that is just something for me to ponder.

My sister and I are both adopted. She is two years older than me and was born in Tampa, Florida. We were both adopted from birth and have closed adoptions, meaning that we are not allowed to have any contact with our birth parents. Parents often chose closed adoptions to avoid unwanted hoops for their children to jump through. This can make life easier for the child’s transition.

To this day, my family celebrates what we call adoption day.

We celebrate close to when me and my sister’s adoptions were finalized. My parents had quite a few adoptions fall through — meaning they could have had other kids, but at the last minute, they got called off — making them some of the most appreciative parents in the world.

Despite outcome of election America will persevere Zane White Reporter

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houts of triumph, tears of defeat, hopes for the future and feelings of our impending doom were all felt Nov. 8. The people of this great country cast their vote and had their voices heard. The past year, all we have heard about is the election and the bad qualities of both candidates. After so much campaigning, and innumerable posts on people’s walls about who they are supporting and why the results speak for themselves, it is over.

Hillary Clinton won the popular vote, and our now Presidential-Elect, Donald Trump, will be the President of the United States in a few days.

People will either be devastated or completely ecstatic, but regardless of political affiliation life will go on.

In a few decades, our current society will be able to look back and learn from its mistakes.

The majority of the world disapproves of our results, Russia being one of the exemptions, and hopefully we will all be the better for it. Some-

times it takes a great scourge to unite a deeply divided people, such as the one we are now.

Trump has managed to divide and conquer and the Democratic party allowed this to happen.

No one faction is perfect and this election year has shown us that more than ever. Our country had to decide between a man who mocks the disabled and boasts about molesting women or a woman allegedly full of corruption and self interest. Somehow, being the great nation that we are, these two were our options.

For many liberals things might not be as bad as expected. Trump has not even entered the White House and he is already changing his stance on several key policies. There may not quite be a wall, a feat that would waste billions of dollars and be extremely difficult to construct, along the entire U.S.-Mexico border.

Also, Trump will not repeal Obamacare, instead he reports that it will be amended to better suit the needs of the people.

It does not stop there, after Republicans already

wasting millions of taxpayer dollars with witch hunts against Clinton, Trump stated that we would only think about prosecuting her again saying “They’re good people. I don’t want to hurt them.” Finally, his website no longer mentions any absolute ban on Muslims, although Rudy Giuliani, an avid supporter of Trump, says that there would be no Syrians entering the United States. Even with Trump’s softening on certain issues, many still remain steadfast.

Donald Trump’s transition committee is composed of individuals such as Kris Kobach, Family Research Council member Ken Blackwell, and recently a wellknown nationalist Stephen Bannon. On the few issues that Trump has no problem with, especially that involving the LGBT community, his transition team is completely against. Mike Pence supports electroshock therapy to “cure” people who are not straight.

If that were not horrid enough, those working with Trump’s committee have voiced their plans to work to overturn the

national legalization of gay marriage, although Trump himself is uninterested in doing so, and overturning Roe vs.

Wade, which Trump has confirmed himself. A far right, if not alt-right, justice will be appointed to the Supreme Court under a Trump administration and this could very well wreak havoc on various progressive strides this country has made over the past few decades.

The paragraph above alone is enough to incite legitimate fear into the numerous minorities we have in this country.

However, if the past is examined we can see that the results of oppression have always been fought with understanding and acceptance. Having someone in office, such as Trump, may be what it takes to finally unify those who want to help everyone and not just the “silent majority”.

Numerous times throughout history this country has fallen in line to counter a great threat to us whether that be foreign or domestic.

Change will always take place, and mistakes will always be made but the

Well, time to move on.

Illustrated by Al Jackson

one thing we can always count on is that eventually we will get it right.

All we can do is hope that Trump will continue to soften on his policies and not take away the rights belonging to the people of this country. The next few years

will be rough on our country and its people, but in the end we will all be the stronger for it.

We will endure, we will learn and hopefully we will not make a mistake like this again.

6 Lifestyles

Dec. 8, 2016

The Crimson Crier

Helping spread the gift of education. Alumna Amiri Lampley particpates in Teach for America to help futher the education of less fourtunate children. Photo Courtesy of Amiri Lampley

Alumna does her part in helping in education of underpriviledged Jasmine Turner

Business Editor

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very child and person has a right to learn, but in our country today, the education one receives depends on where they live, what their parents earn and the color of their skin. Viewing this as a serious injustice, countless Americans have joined the national movement to advocate change beginning with college graduates — influential students who are chosen to become leaders to impact struggling students in poor schools through the mission to relegate educational inequality.

Senior alumna, Amiri Lampley, strives to fulfill any learning gaps among children who may not have an equal opportunity to receive an education.

During her sophomore year of college, she participated in Jumpstart, an AmeriCorps that recruits college students to assist head start teachers in urban city schools by promoting literacy skills.

“When I discovered that many black and brown children were already years behind in terms of development and vocabulary in comparison to their peers due to socioeconomic circumstances, before they even entered kindergarten, I was very troubled,” Lampley said. “Due to scholarships and God’s favor, my mom was able to put me through private school. Having such a great educational foundation has made all the difference in my life, and it sucks to know that others have been cheated out of that opportunity because of factors outside of their control.”

In conducting research on educational achievement gaps, Lampley discovered another AmeriCorps program called Teach for America whose initiative was working towards equalizing the playing field by putting TFA members into some of the most under resourced schools so that all students could receive a quality education.

“TFA is a very competitive post graduate program and recruits graduates from some of the best schools in the US with the intentions of providing students with teachers that are knowledgeable, reliable, socially aware leaders within their community,” Lampley said.

Unlike being a typical public school teacher, being an educator in the TFA creates challenges that other teachers may not face. Some of the countless challenges they may face are due to the lack of discipline among the students and the lack of educators on staff. They are committed for two years to teach in underprivileged public schools in rural and urban areas around the country.

“I was definitely under prepared but I think it’s almost impossible to prepare teachers for what I’ve been through without just putting them in it. I’m sure the traditional route of student teaching would have been beneficial, but unless I would have student taught in an urban setting, I would have still never been prepared for what I deal with everyday,” Lampley said. “It has been fulfilling but emotionally and physically exhausting. My school is under resourced and understaffed. Last year we had four permanent subs at any given time. It’s not so much TFA that shapes our experience, but the school we are actually placed at. TFA functions as almost a supportive union or temp service that places you in a city, shares your resume with potential interests who choose whether they want you or not. Once you’re hired, you are a regular teacher who happens to receive professional development and take trainings through TFA, so your school is what really determines your teaching experience, not TFA.” Before making the decision to become a teacher in the TFA program, Lampley did not always wish to seek a career in education. Growing up with a teacher mom, she saw how stressed her mom was and entered college to major in journalism or law. It was her mother, though, who influenced her to become a teacher after she had always believed that it was something she would not enjoy doing.

“I naturally grew up wanting to be a teacher because I looked up to her. I also loved to read and

Teach for America’s Mission

write so as a child I would line up my teddy bears along the wall and pretend to teach them. I would take my mom’s old forms and mark them and pretend to give them grades,” Lampley said. “However, as I got older and saw how stressed my mom would be and heard her complaints about lack of support and resources, inadequate pay, and disruptive children, I decided that teaching wasn’t for me. I still really had no idea exactly what I wanted to do or how I was going to get there, but I never thought I would pursue education.”

With the TFA allowing future teachers to choose a list of preferences of schools to work with, Lampley chose a school in Detroit. Out of a list of 10, Detroit was placed number nine out of her 10 choices.

“When I found out I had been placed in Detroit, I cried in the middle of the hallway on my way to class,” Lampley said. “I went to church a couple of weeks later and my preacher shared the sermon about Jonah being sent to Ninevah and how he eventually had to face his fears and answer his call. I decided if I had to go, I might as well avoid the belly of the whale experience and accepted my placement with major reservations.”

This year, Lampley was promoted to Lead Teach-

ed proficient in English Language Arts. The other 98 percent of students were not equipped to read and write at or above an eighth grade level,” Lampley said. “That means for the majority of our students, their college and career opportunities are severely limited before they ever step foot inside of our doors. However, this is in no way a reflection of their intellectual capacities. An institution that professes equality has instilled a fear of books, vocabulary, and learning. The education system has failed our children.”

The greatest takeaway of being a part of TFA, for Lampley, is the relationships she creates with her students. She becomes close with them as she teaches them how to succeed in school and also the world by dreaming beyond their means. No matter what the students are faced with, she strives for them to push past anything. Being in a tough urban environment like Detroit, Lampley feels developing relationships helps students deal with their sometimes rough upbringing.

“I have really strong relationships with my students. Many of the students have grown up in environments that have made them distrusting of others.

That along with a lack of skills in content, can make students defensive, for obvious reasons. I usually start with sharing my background with my students,” Lampley said. “Children can easily When I found out I had discern when adults are not being themselves. I try to be as transparbeen placed in Detroit, I cried ent with them as possible. I educate them on the state of our education in the middle of the hallway system, the obstacles that we face in urban settings, and the need for on my way to class them to advocate for themselves.

Although they are young, they have Amiri Lampley a major responsibly and somewhat burden, to work twice as hard to get where they want to be.”

Journalism teacher Erin Coger where she is responsible for coaching other teach- gins advised Lampley while she was an editor and ers and assisting with professional development and reporter for The Crimson Crier. They often talked the instructional leadership team at her school. With about education and Lampley’s feelings about her her promotion, she is given direct access to her ad- mother being a teacher. ministration to voice issues and find solutions within “Amiri was always an advocate for someone or the school system. She uses her experiences to be- something. I always knew how she felt about educacome a more influential impact on her students. tion because she would comment on the stress her “I have grown exponentially as a teacher because mother was under and her mother struggled to raise of the responsibility. If I can continue to develop in her in a better world,” Coggins said. “I read her Facethat aspect I could definitely see myself working to- book posts now and see how much she is enjoying wards an administration position or an instructional helping kids learn and value their education. She is coach,” Lampley said. “Teach for America is only a like her Mom, ensuring that kids grow up in a better two year commitment so it will end this school year home and better world.” and I will be considered an alumna, however I plan To Lampley, TFA is an organization, not just for to stay in the Education field in some capacity.” someone who wishes to become a teacher, but for Lampley has hoped to gain numerous things out anyone wishing to make an impact on someone’s of her experience in this program, but the one thing life. She is passionate that no child should have to she wishes to accomplish is to have an impact on the face the hardships she has seen for many of her stueducation system, to make change. She plans on do- dents. ing this by experiencing what it is like in a program “[If you begin your career with the TFA] make that challenges her. sure you are doing it for the children. TFA is a two “I want to go into education policy to make year commitment of your life. It will be two years changes to curriculum, allocation of funding, zoning of selflessness, sleepless nights, lesson planning, and laws, etc so that all students receive effective teach- tears. However, it will be an overabundance of love ers and a quality education, but I think there are too as well. Despite how harsh the world has been to my many policy makers making decisions about our babies, they love hard and relentlessly. I’ve learned schools that are negatively impacting teachers and so much from them. This job is not for the faint of students because they’ve never taught a day in their heart and if you’re just looking for a graduate boost life which is absurd, and I didn’t want to be another for your resume, look elsewhere,” Lampley said. ignorant politician imposing my beliefs and prefer- “Every day I am shaping lives. Knowing that you ences on others without understanding their experi- have the power to kill or build dreams with your ences,” Lampley said. words is a powerful thing. This has been the most Lampley says It does not matter what obstacles emotionally taxing period of my life. To want the are pushed in front of the students, they always man- world for your kids and know that as one person you age to fulfill whatever goal is set before them. With can only do so much, can be disheartening. So I start each standardized test, whatever the results, the stu- with a book, or a news article, or a college fair, hopdents continue to pursue their education and dream ing that if I plant enough seeds, and give them the big. She has noticed major issues with the Michigan skills and tools they need to thrive, they will grow Merit Exam, a standardized assessment that tests into the leaders, ball players, lawyers, doctors, chefs, student proficiency for college and career readiness. veterinarians, and teachers they dream to become.”

“Last year only 1.8 percent of our students test-

There are more than 16 million children growing up in poverty in the U.S.

“

There mission is to enlist, develop, and mobilize as many as possible of our nation's most promising future leaders to grow and strengthen the movement for educational equity and excellence.

Stats from teachamerica.org

TEAM

HOPE

MINISTRIES

1801 Jeff Road Suite B Huntsville, AL 35806 256.417.1697

Dec. 8, 2016

The Crimson Crier

7 Lifestyles

Students make big mark on modeling world Jessica Turnage Reporter

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ew York. Fashion Week. Exotic locals in Hawaii. These are just some of the benefits and experiences that, Senior Grace Pendergrass and Junior Harrison Klutts, have encountered in their up and coming modeling careers. ` Pendergrass’ selfies were the small beginning of being discovered as a model. She started modeling for Eden Fletcher in photography class. . Fletcher then sent pictures of Grace to different agencies thus blossoming her career as model.

“I really like the creative side because you work with a lot of different people and you meet a lot of different people. You get to be creative with your clothes, the styling and posing I like that part of it,” Pendergrass said Pendergrass keeps her modeling life and personal life separate. She finds it easier and less stressful for her. She even has separate Instagram accounts for it.

“It looks more professional for agencies if they can go to this one account that is just strictly modeling of videos and pictures instead of seeing your homecoming pictures. It’s better for them just to go straight to that account and it has all my information like my email for modeling and measurements,” Pendergrass said Pendergrass’ focuses the most is runway and print. Pendergrass’ feels most memorable photo shoot was with Scott Roberts.

“It took place downtown and I got to use a scooter which was really cool and a different prop to have on set,” Pendergrass said Even though print was fun for Pendergrass, runway is her favorite. This is where models walk down the catwalk for other designers and stylist. Sometimes at fashion shows you might get added in last minute due to a model being sick or they just randomly want you in. She remembers one hectic moment at Fashion Week in Atlanta. This particular fashion show last from ten in the morning to eleven at night. There was not any air conditioning the whole day. This what Pendergrass does the most out of the two. “{Fashion Week is ) crazy, stressful, but really fun. I would have to check out of school everyday that week. Change clothes and run up to the where the fashion show was, they do our hair and makeup.

And you would meet all the designers,” Pendergrass said. “They would show you what you were wearing and you would try them on. You also introduce yourself to other designers, that other people were walking for to see if you could walk for them. Then you start walking. Then you have quick changes and clothes just start flying everywhere.”

Fashion Week has allowed Pendergrass to meet a variety of people. She met a contestant Tyra Banks’ America’s Next Top Model season 19.

“I’ve meet this girl named Victoria Henley. She was in a dressing room with me. And we talked about modeling and why I was there and we followed each other on Instagram at Fashion Week,” Pendergrass said Out of the five years Pendergrass has been modeling for Smart Models Agency she has one catwalk that stays with her. This was walking for celebrity designer Mycheal Knight, who handpicks all his models.

“It was a really big honor to walk for him. And first I had a fitting that was like an hour long and then after I had walked for everyone else I went to

Staring their careers early. Junior Harrison Klutts and senior Grace Pendergrass spend their free time modelling. Klutts began modeling six months ago after being first discovvered by alumna, photographer Eden Flecther. Klutts now is modeling for Onyx. Though he has been modeling for a short time period, Klutts has had the oppuruntiny to model in places such as New York City and Hawaii. Pendergrass has been modelling for her current agency, Smart Models Agenecy, for five years. Pendergrass participates in diffrent photoshoots and catwalks. Pendergrass has also has had the oppurtunity to particpatre in events such as fashion week. Photos printed with permission by Harrison Klutts and Grace Pendergrass.

his dressing room because all of his models were in their own dressing room,” Pendergrass said “The energy was really great when I walked for him and the line I walked for was sporty so we were all in neon colors and we had big hair and neon lipstick. It was an interesting look but I really enjoyed it.” Pendergrass said Pendergrass is not the only model in the school.

Harrison Klutts has started modeling in the past six months. He was also discovered by Eden Fletcher and is now part of the agency Onyx. Klutts had the opportunity to model in a number of places already: Hawaii, Nashville, Birmingham, and New York City.

The place that sticks with him the most is New York City.

“I like New York City [because] of the environment and what was around the city itself. I used to live up there, it was a good experience to go back up there,” Klutts said According to Klutts, the photographer is the most vital to successful shoot. “[They] tell you what they want to see like if you want to be aggressive happy calm chill. It’s just a like a really cool environment to be in you just can adapt to it to where you are comfortable. The photographers make you feel comfortable so you are not pressured or nervous taking pictures,” Klutts said For every model, their is one photo shoot that is a favorite. Klutts recalls his favorite photoshoot for the experience that made it the most memorable for him, not just the shoot itself.

“My memorable shoot was in Birmingham with Alyssa Rosev. The atmosphere and the vibe that came from the her was amazing. We shot around urban places and overall had a good time talking about

UAB and she showed me around,“ Klutts said Both Pendergrass and Klutts share differences, insights and expectations of models. They both stress that height is a huge thing for modeling. For girls they have to be at least 5 feet and 8 inches and boys have to be at least 6 feet’. Pendergrass is 5 feet and 9 inches and Klutts is barely six foot. Along with height, hair is another interesting thing photographers love. Pendergrass says that sometimes they only look for one look but usually they are flexible and work with your hair by adding extensions. But for men hair is viewed in a different way.

“A big for men is hair. New York the some of the agencies don’t like the casual hair style I have right now. They like looking for the long wavy or flowy hair,” Klutts said The expectations for women and men are different. For women Pendergrass mentioned that skinny is not everything. They are getting more into the healthier look. For men they like skinny or muscular.

“There are some guy who are skinny. Most of them are really tall and skinny. It’s an extra benefit if you are masculine,” Klutts said A downside to modeling is cost. Traveling for models can be quite expensive but if according to Klutts if you are lucky enough, you will earn the expense back from whatever you were booked to do.

Some people might do some fundraiser to help them for travel cost. They mentioned that agencies don’t pay for travel expenses but the money is from the things they book you.

“Modeling is a business where you have to work your way up. You have a pay a lot of money to get a lot to model,” Pendergrass said.

Student speaks out during drug free week, joins fight against use of drugs Cady Harbin Reporter

Everyone has a voice, whether it’s for talking to friends or complete strangers, it impacts everyone in some way. Simple words of encouragement can lead someone down the right path. Speaking in front of a large group of people is very challenging for most people, something you are passionate about and believe in what they are speaking about, they feel at home, comfortable and accepted.

As for senior Glenda Booker, she spoke out for drug free week at a local non profit agency Partnership-A-Drug-Free Community meeting in Huntsville. The agency administers the Today’s Youth Tomorrow’s Leaders program. This program is meant to educate young teens committed to preventing prescription pill abuse and the resurgence of heroin. At first, the program was to highlight her resume for college then when she began to further her education on prescription drugs and heroin. Booker is a third year member of this program and all her credentials earned her the right to speak during a fall board meeting during Drug-Free Week. One of her sponsors asked her to speak about the dangers of drug abuse and use and how it has affected our community in different ways and she felt it as a necessity to speak about it. Her speech was small and an introduction to who she was and facts about how Alabama has one of the highest heroin use in the nation and how recently how the president spoke out about it also.

“I felt great after speaking,” Booker said. “I think that I made a difference for someone.”

Booker originally joined Today’s Youth Tomorrow’s Leaders as a suggestion from her 10 grade

counselor. The TYTL is limited to 30 students who are recommended by school counselors from any high school in Huntsville, Madison or Madison County school systems. Members are trained by law enforcement officials and community leaders to promotes health and drug free lifestyles for the community.

When Booker attended her first meeting and listened to the other speakers, that consisted of law enforcement and drug users inspired her to continue with the TYTL program. Booker has a huge role at the program, she is the website manager of titleonline.com where she updates and edits blogs about the dangers of heroin, some address how celebrities have also been affected from drugs and overcame in in the end.

“Each selected member must have a positive attitude, average or better grades, a good school attendance record and school pride.” sponsor of TYTL Elaine Carlton said.

Booker has learned at these meetings that many students in the Huntsville - Madison County schools have problems with drugs and these students have come to the community looking to beat the battle with the drug abuse. Having meetings in our school, and every school in the county addressing weed and educating students about the dangers and why it is bad for them can help many avoid the path. Booker wants to continue her education on the problem by attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham and learning about it on a deeper level.

“During our TYTL workshops or meetings guest speakers provide training for the [TYTL] members on the latest drug trends, how to reach out to peers and advocate a drug free lifestyle, how to make good friendship choices, and how to say [no] to an offer to drugs.” Carlton said.

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Speaking out. Senior Glenda Booker speaks out against the use of drugs during drug free week. Photo byDylan Brotherton

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Lifestyles

Dec. 8, 2016

The Crimson Crier

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. To celebrate the holiday season, Medical Acadmey teacher Angela Holland and husband Fred Holland decorate to the extremes, covering the exterior of theit home in Christmas lights. People from all over the Hunstvlle and Madison areas drive to obsereve and enjoy thier decorations every year. Photo by Natalie Craney

Teacher takes decorating to the next level Natalie Craney

Opinion Editor

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s of 2014, one in ten households in the United States put up Christmas lights, but there is one teacher that goes above and beyond just Christmas lights. Medical academy teacher Angela Holland and her husband have put up lights for 29 years and with each year the lights get more extravagant. When Holland was a young girl there were never any lights for her and her family to go see nor when her daughter was young.

The Hollands originally started off by putting lights on their single pine tree in the front yard, then each year adding new things. After being nominated multiple times for the best light display in Huntsville we realized they needed to step it up.

“We started realizing that people were actually driving by to see the lights so we starting going Griswold. The most challenging part is finding the time to actually put the lights up,” Holland said.

The Hollands only have the weekends to do all of the set up so putting everything up is stressful. This is definitely not a quick process to do even with their years of experience.

“We usually start in October pulling all the lights out of storage and testing everything. We really get going in November actually putting lights in the bushes and trees. We don’t put out the sculptures un-

til the last minute so as not to look too tacky. We like to have them on by December 1st which is a stretch some years,” Holland said.

Nevertheless the lights go up every year, amazing hundreds of people in the community. The Hollands enjoy watching cars go by and people stopping to look at the magnificent display. Another one of the little joys of the season for the Holland is watching her granddaughter see the lights.

“Last year, on Christmas Eve, the doorbell rang and there stood a former student, his wife and their two children. I had taught him over 20 years ago.

They just wanted to say hi! It is so special that I have the opportunity to connect with them this way,” Holland said. “So that means I have to work harder every year to make it worth their while to drop by.”

This motivates the Hollands to put up their display so other families will have a place to see lights during the Christmas holidays. At their light display they often do a donation bucket for a charity of their choosing.

“This year we are having our whole street join in the fun and construct a “Tomato Cage Tree”, decorate it, and put out in their yard. We are setting up food collection boxes in everyone’s yards and encouraging the public to bring canned food when they come to see the lights. We will donate it to the North Alabama Food Bank,” Holland said.

Helping in the midst of fun. Along with their lights, Mecical Academy teacher Angela Holland and husband Fred Holland have boxes at their home to drop off goods to help the less fouranate. Photo

by Natalie Craney

Student takes initiative, creates own business designing shoes Sydney Goggans A&E Editor

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eople express their artistic abilities through different ways such as dance song and drawing. But one senior expresses it in an unthinkable way — with shoes.

Senior Curtis Fletcher recently started to design shoes as a business on Nov. 9. He was inspired by his friend senior Jada Steele, who created her own clothing line, to pursue a business. His interest in designing shoes started a year ago when he was a junior.

“Jada’s business was very productive,” Fletcher said. “I thought to myself ‘let me do something that’s not hers and put my own twist on it.’”

This is his first time trying to pursue a business.

As a start, he is designing certain shoes such as Adidas and Vans by spray painting, along with other forms of painting and putting his own twist on it.

“I’m not copying anyone’s designs. Vans usually go for $70 and I’m selling them for $50. I will buy the shoes for full price then sell them for cheaper [when I design them]. If somebody wants a pair of shoes customized and they look beat up, I’ll try to do the cheapest I can for them. Like if it was a pair of beat up Timberlands, I’ll resell them to be $25,” Fletcher said.

He designs a variety of different creations on the shoes. This ranges from miscellaneous, triangles, names, paint blotches and any customs.

“The creativity is not boring or bland,” Fletcher said. “It’s not just a pair of shoes that you put your feet in and look the same everyday anymore.”

Fletcher has always had a passion for drawing and putting his own unique style into everything that he creates. That is one of the reasons why designing shoes peaked his interest.

“I love how you can mold yourself into every piece of art that you create. It’s like a little bit of you in everything that you make,” Fletcher said.

His plans for this does not stop after high school. Once Fletcher joins the Air Force, he wants to continue and pursue this business throughout his deployment. But he wants to start small with the people at his school.

“I would love for it get bigger but right now I’m trying to open it to the people of Sparkman and let the student body see what I can do before I make it huge,” Fletcher said.

His dad was the first customer to buy from him. That marked an unforgettable moment for his expected career.

“When I sold my first pair for my dad, I was really happy because it was like ‘yes I sold something’ and he looked at me and said ‘I’m proud of you’,” Fletcher said.

Turning passion into business. Senior Curtis Fletcher takes his loves of shoes and turns it into a business, designing shoes to sell to his peers. Photo by Natalie Craney

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The Crimson Crier

Sports

Junior never gives up on making varsity team Player’s hard work allows him to return to his freshman teammates Shelby Lopez Reporter

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ike other children around the country, determined 16-yearold Johnathan Bolden was born with a passion for basketball and a love for the game. Dribbling since the young age of three, Bolden has played on multiple teams ranging from the Orange Kings to the Alabama Challenge and currently the Sparkman Senators.

Unlike a majority of the varsity basketball team, Bolden has not been a member of the team since he was a freshman and was not ready to play on junior varsity his sophomore year. After seeing Bolden in the hallway, coach Jamie Coggins changed his mind for the better.

“This year I saw how much he grew as a person and how much he matured,” Coggins said.

“I thought this guy’s got some ability and size and maybe he can help us later down the road.”

Despite not making the team as a sophomore, Bolden kept trying and never got discouraged.

Even though some players would quit or give up, Bolden refused to let this obstacle get in his way.

“I just had faith and having a lot of confidence kept me inspired.

I just have to look past my obstacles and give everything 100 percent,” Bolden said.

Never giving up. Junior Jonathan Bolden got his first start as a varsity basketball player against Huntsville at home where the team won, 61-55.

Bolden is one of the tallest boys on the team and expects to get more playing time as he improves throughout the year. Photo by Mady Harding

Contrary to what some may think, Bolden’s absence from the team has not created a division between him and the other players.

Practicing and working out with each other for so long, Bolden considers his teammates as family.

“I’ve been playing with most of them my whole life and we knew each other even before

Sparkman basketball,” Bolden said. “I really feel at home.”

As expected, Bolden looks up to multiple people that he loves to watch play. Whether it be NBA players or kids Bolden has played with for years, certain people inspired him to follow his dreams.

“Mostly it’s been self-motivation, but other than that it’s Amarius.

He’s a great role model and so is Stephen Curry.

I look up to them both,” Bolden said.

Playing almost every position at one point or another, Bolden has gained experience in almost every area of basketball. The sport has become second-nature to him and has been with him for as long as he can remember.

“I’ve played point

guard, shooting guard, small forward, center, almost everything really,” Bolden said. “It’s been probably 12 or 13 years since I started.”

Spending so much time together, character traits can rub off on teammates. Positive attitudes shown by Bolden have helped the team stay motivated and inspired.

“His character is phe-

nomenal. I think he fits right in with our team,” Coggins said. “Just his size, his leadership, and his ability to get better every day rubs off on his teammates. His hard work becomes infectious.”

Not only is Bolden determined on the court, but he gives his all in everything he does. Whether he’s lifting weights in the weightroom or encouraging his teammates, Bolden’s character is one to remember.

“I think he’s a great guy. He’s improved himself in the classroom and off the court,” Coggins said. “Seeing him this year, he’s a more well-rounded, person and he’s grown a lot.’

Despite not being a senior, Bolden inspires players older and younger than him. Whether as an athlete or just a person, Bolden’s drive can encourage anyone around him.

“The way he comes in every day, is ready to work and fits in with everybody just inspires all of us,” Coggins said.

Being a humble person, Bolden said he does not want anyone to look up to him. While overcoming adversity, Bolden tries not to let his past or any obstacles get in his way.

“My past is the reason I’m here right now and people can’t really go through that, “Bolden said.

Wrestling enters season with new coach, mindset Andrew Atchley Reporter

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or the second time in three years, a new coach has taken the reins of the wrestling program. Ronnie Watson worked as the assistant coach last year. This year he intends to teach people to be both better wrestlers and better people as the wrestling coach.

“Last year as an assistant, I fell in love with the sport and with the athletes.” Watson said, “I am a competitive person and you can’t get much more competitive than wrestling.”

Watson appreciates in wrestling is that the team can go through the

training together before a match - which is a year long task - but once the match begins each person gets to compete on their own. Last June, the wrestling team had a summer program that incorporated strength, agility and leadership training.

“Wrestling is one of the only sports where it is one person versus one person. It is a very demanding sport. We have lots of cardiovascular and lots of weight lifting in our training.” Watson said, “We had a summer program where they did strength and agility training. It has really gotten us ahead of where we were last year.”

Watson is enthusiastic about the growth of

the team and is positive about how he expects the team to perform this year. A good amount of the players from last

year are returning, along with a multitude of new players.

“My outlook is good.

Our team has doubled in size this year. Right now we have 52 [wrestlers] while last year we had

do this by continuing to do what worked in the past and working hard.

“My approach is more about the wrestler as an individual,” Watson said. “What I’m doing is buildOur team has doubled in ing on the successes size this year. Right now we that the forhave 52 [wrestlers] while last mer coach had and basing my year we had 26 approach Coach Ronnie Watson on the program’s past achievements.” coming back.”

Veteran wrestler, SeWatson has experience with wrestling from nior Cameron Harbin is being an assistant coach, happy about Watson’s and wants to learn from efforts to bring new that experience to con- wrestlers into the team tinue to make the pro- and the effect that that gram better. He plans to will have on the wres26,” Watson said. “We have a lot of upcoming athletes that I think will do well and we have a lot of experienced people

“

tling program in the long term.

“He brought a new energy to the program,” Harbin said. “By reaching out to increase the size of the team, he is working for the years to come rather than just on the now.”

Watson is overjoyed by his reception as the new coach and with the cooperation he has received so far with implementing his new ideas as coach. ”I could not have asked for more support from teachers, parents and the wrestlers,” Watson said. “It has really been overwhelming.”

Basketball team prepares for upcoming local, regional holiday tournaments Shelby Lopez Reporter

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s winter break approaches, the basketball teams prepare for their annual holiday tournaments.

Facing teams from around the area, they hope to bring home more tournament wins.

On Dec. 19, the freshman girls’ team will kick off the five tournaments at James Clemens High School while the varsity boys’ team will compete in Bardstown, Kentucky.

Playing out of state, the boys will not only be able to expand their range of competition but enhance their familial bond.

“The boys will get the chance to spend a couple of nights there and develop a sense of camaraderie with the players, managers and coaches,” coach Jamie Coggins said. “We’re really excited about that.”

As they do every

year, the varsity boys’ team will compete in the Huntsville Times tournament after Christmas and will face local teams once again. The tournament has been renamed the AL.com tournament and will now be played at Jemison High School and the Von Braun Center. This tournament is expected to have a huge turnout, and the boys hope to bring home a win as well as in Kentucky.

“A lot of fans come out and see it and hopefully we can make a competitive run in that and win the Huntsville Times,” Coggins said.

“It has a lot of tradition and is really important to us.”

Instead of being nervous, or anxious about playing teams in different states, the boys are excited and are ready to take on the competition confidently and willingly. “We’ve been working

hard during practice and have been getting business done as a team,” junior Kaleb Mack said.

“I’m not worried about anything. We’re going to win all the tournaments we go to.”

On Dec. 27, the varsity girls’ team will compete in Birmingham and are excited to face new competition as well.

Playing teams from all around the Southeast, the girls will be able to show off their skills and dominate more than just locally.

“We play a team out of Georgia, Louisiana and a team out of Florida. Hopefully we’ll do well,” coach Patrick Delay said. “At the beginning of Christmas Break, we will go to Murfreesboro, and play Stewart Creek which is traditionally a strong team.”

Excited about the competition in Birmingham, junior Derriene Black believes their hard

Coaches wives. Erin Coggins, wife of the basketball coach Jamie Coggins, poses with former student Krista James. Coggins will be supporting the varsity boys teams at the upcoming tournaments. Photo by Ronda Cartee

work in practice will pay off just as it has in the past.

“I’m really excited that we get to play the game that we love during Christmas time,” Black said. “We’ve focused on bettering ourselves as a team instead of worrying about others and I think that will definitely pay off in the end.”

Bringing the holiday tournaments to an end, the freshman and junior varsity boys’ teams will play in the Big Orange tournament at Grissom High School on Dec. 30.

Expecting all teams to do well and perform to the best of their ability, Coggins is more than confident that wins will be brought back to the gym.

“I’m excited every time we tip it up. There’s no one game that is more exciting than the other,” Coggins said. “We’re just trying to develop chemistry and improve every day.”

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10 ports

Dec. 8, 2016

The Crimson Crier

Coaches wives speak out about their role in, out of the stands Parker Boothe Video Editor

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Family Tradition. Junior Grant Whitt poses for a family picture at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. He is with his father, mother, and sister. In his family competing in athletics are a tradition. Printed with permission from the Grant family

Athletic tradition in family lives on through generations Ania Stover News Editor

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hen it comes to passing down family legacies, the Whitt family has established a Senator sport dynasty.

Junior Grant Whitt, along with his sister freshman Drew Whitt, are within the third generation of their family to play sports at Sparkman. The first generation started back in the ‘60s with their grandfather’s basketball career.

“My grandfather was the first person to dunk a basketball as a Senator.

It feels like I am just continuing a family tradition,” Grant said. “It just feels good to continue the tradition down the line.”

Mom, Jennifer Whitt, was a cheerleader in 1993. She cheered on the first national winning team. Jennifer then went on to cheer at Athens State College and The University of Alabama in Huntsville. She has been the only member so far to continue an athletic career after high school.

Her father, Kenneth Hilliard, got offered a scholarship to The college of William and Mary in Virginia, but refused.

“I never dreamed I would get a scholarship to be cheerleader in college,” Jennifer said.

“Winning the National High School Cheerleading Championship my senior year opened up a lot of doors for me.”

Hilliard knew after his sports career that he would want his children to get into sports as well.

He realized that it would be the easiest way to help them learn about dedication, sportsmanship and teamwork which are three qualities needed in life.

“My dad always encouraged my sisters and I to participate in sports,” Jennifer said. “I was a leader, motivator and hard worker.”

As for dad Andy Whitt, golf was the only sport played in his high school years. His own father felt that working a job was more important than sports. Andy on the other hand encouraged becoming active in sports to both Drew and Grant as a part of introducing them to teamwork.

“Even at my work, I consider my employees as teammates and that everyone plays a part,” Andy said. “The team will always outperform the individual.”

Andy vividly recalls coaches and their impact on him, especially softball coach Dickie Ferguson who lead the team to a state championship Andy’s senior year. Besides softball, Andy supported cheerleading because he was dating Jennifer.

“I went to just about every cheerleading competition around in those days,” Andy said. “Mrs. Holiday and her husband, Lynn was good friends and I truly admire the legacy that she and her daughter Lisa have left on Sparkman High. They truly have touched many lives in our community and it is better off because they

Kicking. Junior Grant Whitt lines up and kicks the field goal against J.O. Johnson. With Johnson players in the background hoping for a miss.

Whitt suffered a broken leg last season. Photo by Cassie Chapman

were in it.”

Sports has always made a huge impact in the Whitt family. From watching ESPN daily and never missing a football game to sitting in 30 degree weather just to be at the football game.

Grant suffered a broken leg in last season’ James Clemens’ game. It was one time the Whitt family was nervous about the impact of sports. “ I knew that if he didn’t at least try, he would regret his decision not to play later on in life. Jennifer and I wanted to make sure that the injury did not define him and that he was able to put the pads back on and face his fear of being reinjured,” Andy said.

“While the season didn’t go quite as planned for Grant, he pushed thru and completed the season. Looking back on it now, he showed tremendous courage and character, and he can go through life knowing that he can overcome

and concur his fears.”

With such a legacy like this being an athlete is something that started at an early age for everyone in the Hilliard-Whitt family. No one ever felt obligated to play sports, the feeling came naturally.

“I really love sports, I’ve played sports all my life so it just felt natural [to join a sports team],” Grant said. “We are just extreme sports fans.”

Grant hopes to further is kicking career in football at the University of South Alabama. Drew also plans on continuing volleyball in college as to follow her mother’s footsteps and pass the legacy down to her own children.

“My past involvement in sports gave me the confidence I needed to set high expectations for myself and the work ethic vital to help me achieve my goals,” Jennifer said. “I want the same and more for Grant and Drew.”

hen it comes to sports, it seems that players and coaches are in the limelight, but behind all coaches is their biggest supporter — their wives.

“Coaching is a full-time job. When November rolls around, I become a ‘basketball widow.’ He is home late and constantly watching film or talking on the phone to other coaches. I share his passion to win so I understand the work he puts in,” Journalism teacher and wife to basketball head coach Erin Coggins said.

When it comes to the role of being a coach’s wife, Coggins has 18 years of experience. Head softball coach, Dale Palmer, has made his wife Stacy a coach’s wife for 21 years. “[I would describe all my years as a coach’s wife as having] ups and downs.

More ups than downs. But we’ve had a good run here at Sparkman High School,” Stacy said. “My husband has only coached here at Sparkman High School so it has been really good to us. And it’s just been real good to be at Sparkman High School and be a senator.

But being a coach’s wife is not as easy as it seems. Coggins has not believed the things she has heard people say about Coach Jamie Coggins both on and off the court. She has to be strong and just ignore it.

“I know he is a great coach and most of all, I know that he loves all of his players and cares about their future,” Erin said.

“When he became a head coach, I was told by one of his former coaches to always sit away from the crowd. That is why at home games you will not find me in the bleachers. It is advice that has served [me] well.”

While these wives take a backseat during the season, as Stacy does, they also like to try and help in anyway they can. If she sees something that might need to be fixed, Stacy is not afraid to help give constructive criticism.

“Sometimes I criticize, but he is such a good coach that he listens to what I have to say and then he does what he is going to do anyway. I don’t criticize too much because he does such a good job,” Stacy said.

“Sometimes I bring up things that he may not see or hear and that sometimes helps when he makes decisions about certain things.”

Aside from helping out by giving advice to their husbands, they also help the team do things. Erin will give the players hugs and high fives, bake cupcakes or make buffalo chicken dip. Stacy will sometimes go and run errands when Coach Palmer cannot.

“I know when Mr. Wallace hired my husband to be the head coach, he said that he was a great choice because the team got me also and he knew we would do things together for the betterment of the boys that play basketball at Sparkman,” Erin said.

“We are a team when it comes to coaching.”

There are many joys that come along with being the coach’s wife. They get to tag along and make memories the same way a coach and player would. They feel the same way as the team does.

“My favorite memory is when my daughter, Hannah Palmer, played for her dad here at Sparkman High School,” Stacy said. “[It was] the first time that we won in the state championship with her on the team. As soon as the last out was recorded, she ran from the outfield all the way in and jumped into her dad’s arms. That’s my favorite all time memory.”

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Mackenzie Nutt- Auburn

Kailey Stoker- Belmont

Savannah Hayes- UNA

With five college signees, softball continues legacy Matthew Walker Reporter

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ew sports programs can say they are successful year in and year out. However, there is a dynasty at Sparkman High School.

Since head coach Roger Palmer took over the program in 1997, he has led the team to win six state titles, including one championship in the 2016 season.

“The key to building a successful program is consistency.

We have maintained a consistent work ethic in the offseason and on the field,” Palmer said.

It is no secret that Palmer has a talented team returning for another run at a state title.

According to Palmer, he has coached more talented players in the past; however, this team has more depth than any he has ever coached, more talent top to bottom.

Palmer has developed numerous talented players and helped them through the recruitment process. He has helped roughly 60 girls from Sparkman get college scholarships.

“I help our girls in the recruitment process as much as they need me to. I help them find schools who are looking for the skills they exhibit.

We know what our kids need to work on in order to play in college, so they leave here ready to play on the next level,” Palmer said.

To avoid this problem of complacency, Palmer has instilled the qualities of a winner into each and every kid who joins his program. His kids will work hard, always give their best effort and sacrifice for the good of the team as a whole.

“My team is only satisfied with their best effort in every aspect of their life. Those type of people don’t even know the word complacency,” Palmer said.

The latest example of this program’s success happened Nov. 9. Five seniors from the team signed to play softball in college. Each of them are dedicated and have worked exceptionally hard.

“If you are a softball

player wanting to play in college you eat, breathe and sleep softball,” Senior UNA commit Savannah Hayes said.

Senior first baseman, Haley Cope, has committed to the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

She fell in love with the school from the beginning. It was always her first choice because she wanted to stay close to home and it had a beautiful campus along with offering the majors she was looking for; it was a perfect fit.

“Signing was the biggest relief of my life.

It’s like a giant weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. It’s a very satisfying feeling,” Cope said.

Cope practices yearround and she started playing travel ball when she was seven. She only takes major holidays off (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter). She is going to leave after this year with many fond memories of this school.

“I will never forget when I hit in the winning run to win the state championship. I was just a freshman and I felt a lot of pressure. After I realized we won, I was so happy, and it even made the news,” Cope said.

Senior pitcher, Kailey Stoker, has committed to Belmont University. She chose Belmont because it has a good softball program, they offered the majors she was looking for and the campus was gorgeous.

“It feels great to know that I will be playing in college. It was worth missing out on all the things I needed to miss out on because of practices or games,” Stoker said.

Stoker has worked very hard for this opportunity; she works all year for roughly three hours a day. The hard work has payed off and she is on to the next step in her athletic career. She is leaving a lot behind, but she is going to miss her teammates the most.

“We have played together for a really long time and at this point, we feed off of each other. I am always eager to help out the underclassmen through the recruiting process. Believe me,

I knows how stressful it can be,” Stoker said.

Senior second baseman, Mackenzie Nutt, has committed to Auburn University. For her, Auburn was the obvious choice. It was her dream school and her entire family are big Auburn fans.

“It feels great for my work to pay off and prove my doubters wrong,” Nutt said.

She is one of the hardest workers and is always trying to get better.

A few years ago, people told her that she was too slow to play second base at the next level. This motivated her and she lost some weight and gained a lot of speed.

She silenced her critics when she reeled in an offer from a big time SEC school.

“I’ve worked my whole life for this. Every single day I go practice hitting or workout, trying to better myself in every way possible.

Now that I’m getting my college paid for the work was totally worth it,” Nutt said.

Senior catcher, Courtney “Squiggy” McFarlen, has committed to Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee. She chose the college because she wanted to stay close to home and wanted to go to a small college. She also loved the look of the campus.

“I started playing when I was 4 years old, and I’ve loved the game ever since,” McFarlen said.

McFarlen practices and plays year-round.

Her dedication is only matched by few. She also has an interesting nickname. When she was 7 years old, some of her teammates started calling her “squeaky” because she had a squeaky voice.

This evolved into “squiggy” and has stayed the same ever since. The biggest moment of her softball career came in her freshman year, when she was not even playing.

“We won state my freshman year, but I didn’t get to play. Being there, in that moment, made me work much harder so that next year I would be on the field playing. That moment

Courtney McFarlen- Martin Methodist

has defined my softball career,” McFarlen said.

Senior first baseman/ outfielder, Savannah “Boo” Hayes, has committed to the University of North Alabama. She decided to commit to the school because she loved the coach and the softball program and also found the campus to be beautiful.

“Getting a scholarship is a great accomplishment for me because I’ve basically been working my whole life.

All I can think right now is ‘Thank goodness all this work pays off,’” Hayes said.

Like her peers, she works around the clock.

She started playing when she was 11 or 12 years old and immediately faced discrimination because she was bigger than everyone else.

She bounced around from team to team trying to find acceptance.

This motivated her and she worked extremely hard. Hayes has an interesting nickname as well.

When she was younger she resembled Boo off of the movie “Monsters Inc.” and she also had the same laugh as Boo, so her dad started calling her that and it stuck.

“Getting a scholarship was like telling my doubters “Hey, you were wrong,’” Hayes said.

Continuing this tradition of dominance is important to the coaches and the returning players. Junior center fielder, Taylor Davis, has already committed to the University of Western Kentucky and will sign some time next year. The older players helped her through the recruiting process and she hopes to do the same for the underclassmen on the team. Even though they are coming out of a state championship, Davis says the team is still hungry and has a lot to prove. After this year, the burden of this great dynasty falls on Davis and her soon-to-be-senior peers.

“I do feel a little pressure because the seniors have carried a lot of the weight and are doing a great job. Since we have so many seniors leaving after this year we are going to have to carry the

Head Coach Dale Palmer Tenure: 1996-Present Over 800 Career Wins State Championships (7): 2006, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016 2016 Season: 50-16-1 responsibilities they left for us; especially their leadership. I think we are more than capable of doing so,” Davis said.

Palmer has built all of this: a great team, with great people on it, who have outstanding outlooks on life, both on and off the diamond. Palmer does not want his legacy to be about winning, though. He wants to be a positive role model for the kids he comes into contact with on a dayto-day basis. He wants to help those kids realize that they are not average, but special in their

Haley Cope- UAH

own way. He wants to know that he has taken the abilities that the “Good Lord” gave him and done the most possible good while he had the chance. One thing is definitely certain - he loves his team.

“This team is unique.

We have everything you need to be a great team-quiet ones and loud ones, fast ones and slow ones, funny ones and serious ones. They all bring something to the team that no other kid brings.

We are a complete team.

We lack nothing that we don’t have,” Palmer said.

12

A&E

Dec. 8, 2016

The Crimson Crier

Gadgets X Gizmos

Photo by Ariel Thomas

WiiU conquers gaming world with new console, games Throwing a little shade. Seniors Molly Smith and Carly Busby display their artistic talent with makeup. Photo by Alex Myers

Al Jackson Reporter

Seniors express the art of makeup I Alex Myers Reporter

B

eing able to turn a blank canvas into a work of art is a talent possessed by few, even fewer are able to accomplish this by using makeup. Two students hold this ability of being able to transform themselves through their art.

Seniors, Molly Smith and Carly Busby, are two girls who choose to express themselves through cosmetics.

Like many other passions, the drive starts at a young age. They are five years old, standing on their tippy toes, digging through their mom’s makeup drawer when that bright red lipstick catches their eye. This is the moment that spark is ignited— the inspiration that is within these two young women.

“I have a lot of older cousins and family members and I was the young-

est girl for a long time,” Smith said. “When I was young all the older girls were in their 20s and I remember seeing them do their makeup and it just struck a spark in me.”

YouTube and Pinterest provide aspiring makeup artists with endless tutorials and motivation. Popular Youtubers such as Manny MUA, Jaclyn Hill, Jeffree Star and countless others have found success through the Internet and provide endeavoring make up artists with an outlet for learning and growth.

“I have learned so much from my favorite YouTubers Shaaanxo and MannyMUA. She taught me so much and her collection and success inspired me to pursue this passion,” Busby said. “She was there when I first began makeup and really inspired me to pursue it. Now that I am more experienced, I am able to rec-

reate looks that YouTubers like Manny put out there.”

There is a very wide array of unique looks that artists can create.

Not every one is the same and with a multitude of products to choose from the possibilities are endless. Plenty of artists find themselves drawn towards a fallback look that they favor doing or wearing. “[My favorite look] changes all the time.

That is a reason I love makeup,” Busby said.

“A general favorite look of mine is very bronzed with a blindingly bright highlight, warm toned red or pink eyes and lots of glitter.”

Just like people are influenced by their art, lives are also influenced by their art. It can bring people out of dark places and show them into brighter ones. Providing people with a creative outlet allows them to have a method of expres-

sion and they become impacted by the art around them. Smith is able to boost her confidence through her art and is very passionate about it. To her, no one can ever tell you are wearing too much because it is your expression of who you are and what you want it to be.

“Makeup has totally transformed my life. It has made me more confident and has opened so many doors for me,” Smith said. “I’ve made new friends because of a common love for makeup, which I am very thankful for. Makeup is my passion.”

Artists use passion in creating works Danielle Cardo Reporter

W

hen an artist displays their artwork, other students may recognize creative talents in their friends, and they respect them for their flamboyant skill. Two students that have received this recognition are juniors Dwaist Hughes and John Williams.

“It interests me how [famous cartoon artists] managed to make one idea in their head into a reality,” Williams said. “[Likewise] I’ve had ideas that wanted to come out. When I’m in free time I'll just draw whatever come to mind, whether it's a classic car or a cartoon character.”

Williams started drawing around the age of four, similar to the age in which Hughes also began. Both artists have their own creative styles and while Williams enjoys to draw cartoon and

realistic images, Hughes leans more personally towards anime and manga art.

“I used to do [draw characters from] Soul Eater [the manga series],” Hughes said. “[I also drew from] magnas, like Afro Samurai.”

Hughes and Williams first were compelled to begin to develop their interest into an admirable art by events or moments in their lives that first motivated them. Their backgrounds ignited their interest in different styles of art.

“Whenever I was younger, [my sister] would draw,” Hughes said. “Back then my drawings weren’t really well developed, and as time grew, my art improved.”

Similar to Hughes, Williams also has childhood memories that provide him his purpose to draw. However, his own passion for art sparked from an interest in auto-

motives.

“When I was little I was always raised around cars,” Williams said. “I got a real interest in old classics. And then I thought, ‘Well, I don’t have a phone or a camera’ so instead I would just draw a rough sketch of it.”

Hughes plans to someday actually invest in his abilities by returning to a college close to his hometown — the Art Institute in San Francisco. While also being able to return to his old city is one reason Hughes wishes to attend this particular college, it is not the only factor that affected his decision. “[I want to attend this art institute because I want] to stay close to my brother because he’s in the hospital,” Hughes said. “We can't really move him around. I just want to be there for him.”

Both artists have their own outtake on

how their art should look and be designed, whether it is anime art from famous mangas such as Afro Samurai or Soul Eater or simply an open road that stretches toward the unknown.

Art does not have to be a solo project. Hughes enjoys working together with his brother to make manga series.

“He comes up with the stories [to create a manga strip],” Hughes said. And I make [the idea] into a [manga series].”

Williams and Hughes agree that drawing is helpful when they want to clear their mind. They feel that even drawing a rough sketch provides them a sense of peacefulness.

“Sometimes I’d be feeling down,” Hughes said. “But then I can create a character that’s having the time of his life.”

Mario Bros. U, Super Mario 3D World, Mario Kart 8 and Super Mario Maker everyone’s favorite plumber was bringing the Wii U to light.

Other franchises like The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong Country, Pikmin, StarFox and Super Smash Bros. had gotten amazing successors to their games on earlier systems. Also some new franchises like Splatoon and The Wonderful 101 originated on the console.

Even though other developers were hesitant to make games for it, the Wii U had some good games from other developers. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, Bayonetta 2, Disney Infinity and Assassin’s Creed Black Flag. Especially in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, there were characters featured from different non-Nintendo franchises including Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Man, Pac-Man, Ryu from the Street Fighter series, Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII, and Bayonetta.

Though the Wii U did poorly compared to both the Xbox One and the PS4, and Nintendo’s preceding consoles; its performance with first-party

t’s the end of another year, and unfortunately the end of another game system’s life. Nintendo’s Wii U was an attempt to put some of gaming’s most beloved characters such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Kirby, Link and others in HD unlike its predecessor the Wii. Not only was it expected to catch up with the competition’s modern visuals, but to utilize its new feature, the Gamepad.

Unfortunately the Wii U was not what Nintendo or the gaming audience expected. Though it technically has the ability to put out the HD graphics it promised, compared to opposing consoles like the Playstation 4 and the Xbox One it came short.

Another downfall of the Wii U was the lack of outside game developer support. Yes the Wii U had a lot of other interesting games during its first few months, like Batman: Arkham City, Assassin’s Creed III, Tekken Tag Tournament 2, Watch Dogs and Rayman Legends. But what hurt it was the fact that these games were either already out on other systems and the Wii U version was inferior in \ power.

Or developers • Well-designed hardware could not make their • Cheaper than Xbox One games on the and PS4 Wii U since • Excellent exclusive games again, the system was trustedreviews.com not as strong as its competitors. The games just performed games and for the decent better on other systems third-party support it due to the Wii U being had is worthwhile for weaker than the PS4 or both hardcore and casuthe Xbox One. al Nintendo fans. ComDespite Nintendo’s pared to the Xbox One system not performing which ranges from 350 to like it should have, that 450 dollars and the PS4 did not stop them from which ranges from 320 to doing the best they could 700 dollars, the Wii U is in their own games. Nin- the less expensive choice tendo has always done a for a gaming console to good job with promoting play games on. its mascot Mario. With games like New Super

It’s Better Because

Dec. 8, 2016

The Crimson Crier

Tis the Season

13

A&E

Staff gives advice on best gifts, stores

e Relativ

Signifig ant Oth er

Friend

Who are you shopping for?

l Wel

No

Hobbies?

Un Candles

Camping gear

Reporter

1. Ulta This store is a makeup lover’s heaven. Ulta also carries skin care products, hair dye and perfume.

2. H&M H&M has dressier clothes for the more stylish friend.

3. American Eagle If you are looking for comfortable but stylish clothes for a friend, this store is where to go.

They also carry thicker hoodies for the colder days.

4. Forever 21 You can find trendier clothes here for your more fashion-forward loved one.

5. Barnes and Noble Your friend or family member not that into clothes as gifts? We understand. Barnes and Noble has all sorts of gifts, from books and trinkets to dvds, cds, and

vinyls.

6.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Dick’s carries not only sports equipment, but athletic apparel, shoes and yoga equipment.

7. Mountain High Outfitters Mountain High is great for the friend looking forward to hiking in the spring, with fleece jackets, tents, cooking gear and hiking boots.

8. Best Buy While a tad on the expensive side, Best Buy is a great place to buy for a tech-savvy friend or family member.

9. Hobby Lobby Hobby Lobby is an awesome place for interior design pieces and DIY gifts.

10. Bath & Body Works Bath & Body is great for the sibling or parent who enjoys long soaks in the tub. As well as body wash, they carry lotions, candles, sanitizers and gift packages.

Anything for the kitchen

Fuzzy Socks

Top 10 Gifts for Gift Giving

Top 10 Places for Gift Giving Andrea Graves

3 der

r 30 e v O

Girl

Gu y

Jewelry

0

Age?

Guy or Girl?

Tickets to an event

ell Not W

Indoor

How well do you know them?

Outdoor

Yes

Romantic?

Andrea Graves Reporter

1. Gift Cards This is the perfect gift for those who you are not too close to or do not know what to buy for.

Most places offer gifts, such as Starbucks, Olive Garden, Charlotte Russe, etc.

2. Movies Most love movies.

We often love to go out to the movie theater with friends or family to see the most recent releases.

Here is a great opportunity to give them one you know they will love.

3. Clothes Here is where the stores listed above come in handy. Hit up some stores they frequent and give them something they will most definitely love.

4. Something Handmade Everybody appre-

ciates a cute DIY gift.

Give them something a little more personal with something you made with your own hands.

5. Plans For a Trip Do they love amusement parks?

Zoos?

Plays? Give an adventurous friend some tickets for an awesome time.

Plan for them to go solo, or offer to come with for an opportunity for some bonding and memo ry-making.

6. Something They May Use a Lot Broken headphones?

Out of their favorite coffee or tea? Phone charger shorting out? Get them something that would be useful in the moment (and quite possibly save their day).

7. Phone Cases Most do not have more than one case for their phone or tablet. Get them a few new ones to coordinate with an outfit

or to go with plans later, such as a waterproof case for the beach.

8. Movie Tickets Midnight screenings are most memorable, but it is a good gift if they are really anticipating an upcoming movie and haven’t reserved seats yet.

9. Food Everyone loves food.

And even if they do not “love” food, they have to eat it anyway. Regardless, everyone prefers some kind of food over others. Whether it is a gift bag of their favorite sweets or a reservation at their favorite restaurant, it is almost guaranteed to be an enjoyable experience.

10. Books Lots of people have read books they have really enjoyed but do not own. Get them some thing they can enjoy over and over by gifting them a good book.

To learn creative DIY gifts for the holdiay season go to crimsoncrier.com

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14 pread

Instead of:

Soda

Burger

Dec. 8, 2016

The Crimson Crier

Cold Pressed Juice

Try This: Eggs

s t u n h Doug Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Pizza French Fries

Organic Vegetables

GRIND

Don’t

Stop

P.E. teacher makes being fit look easy There’s always going be something in the way to distract you from accomplishing what you are trying to accomplish, You’ve got to stick to the process and stay Jada Dutchess committed and disciplined,” Turnbough said.

Reporter Turnbough does not just train himself. He also trains people at his job at Champs gym and student athletes verybody wants to be fit, but throughout the community. He enjoys training other only the dedicated few can people and keeping others in shape because that’s what achieve this standard. Staying he loves to do and he has been doing it for years. in shape is not as easy as everyone thinks. It “The most rewarding part of being a personal traintakes commitment and time in the gym as well er is making a difference in people’s lives for the better. as making sacrifices. Physical Education teachIt is your job to motivate the clients, but the clients must er John Turnbough makes it all seem so easy but in be truly commitreality, it is not that ted to their goals simple. as well. It’s imBefore he became portant to estaba physical education teacher Turnbough Fitness is just a part of my life. People need to lish this up front before signing was a civil contractor on the military base understand that being healthy is about quality a new client,” in Fort Hood,Texas. of life. Their sometimes intense, almost full-time Turnbough said. rnbough Turnbough started in experience of everyday life; it is like brushing teeth sawT ufocusing on his early 20’s because would he felt that staying in or any other daily activity. When you create your health pay off the oldshape would make daily lifestyle of being healthy er he gets he so him quicker on his Coach Turnbough glad he took the feet and he wanted to time and dediprove to himself that cation to stay fit he could accomplish and keep himself healthy. staying fit and having a healthy lifestyle throughout “It’s not easy by any means. Structure, commithis lifetime. It was a road to a healthier future. ment, accountability, sacrifice and discipline, that’s just “Fitness is just a part of my life. People a few things. It’s definitely a lifestyle commitment,” need to understand that being healthy is Turnbough said. about quality of life. Their sometimes Turnbough says he would not be doing any of this intense, almost full-time experience of if it was not for his dad who inspired him. He wanted everyday life; it is like brushing teeth or to be like him when he was older so he took that as moany other daily activity. When you cretivation. With the family supporting him made things ate your daily lifestyle of being healthy,” easier for him knowing they were behind him to supTurnbough said. port him through it all.

Eating right is highly important in “My inspiration came from my dad. He was a career order to stay in shape. Turnbough does soldier in the U.S. Army for 20 years and the way he not consume caffeine or sodas which looked and the way he carried himself. Staying active can be difficult especially when you surand eating healthy makes me feel good. It’s always a round yourself around it. better choice when it comes to how it makes me feel, “It”s hard for me to stay away from sugbut there are so many other benefits to leading a healthy ar and sodas but that’s just the mental part of lifestyle,” Turnbough said. being discipline, when you‘re trying to attain a goal.

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Photo by Madison Harding

Dec. 8, 2016

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The Crimson Crier

Senior’s commitment to gym, helps make him a professional Christian White Web Editor

I

n high school, students are more self conscious than ever, especially about their body. They want to have the Calvin Klein model body or the perfect “Hourglass” shape, so they become obsessed with body image.

While some resort to the detrimental method of taking performance-enhancing drugs or steroids, others find a passion in working out and natural bodybuilding. Only these dedicated, determined few will see and feel the true benefits and results that accompany the art. Senior Josh Little is an example of the dedication and results of natural bodybuilding when taken seriously and managed properly.

“My dad got me into bodybuilding for football around sixth or seventh grade. That’s when I really started loving working out and lifting weights. When I started seeing the results, that’s when it really got addicting,” Little said.

Little works out at Bees Fitness on Wall Triana Highway or in his basement gym every day of the week, before school and whenever he can find time.

He has been doing it for almost seven years and takes pride in “reppin the hive.”

“I like getting the most out of every workout, so pre-workout does not start when I get to the gym. I like to write my workouts ahead of time and visualize what I have to do. I start thinking about what i’m going to be doing that day. When I get in the car, I like to play Rock music to pump me up. I get to the gym and I put the bag down and get started,” Little said.

One of Little’s best elements is preparation. He plans out his workouts ahead of time, sometimes days ahead.He gets up every morning Monday through Friday and goes to the gym before school with his pre-planned workouts ready to go. He drinks a protein shake in the car before he gets to the gym and usually stays there anywhere between an hour and an hour and a half. When he gets home, he eats. As one can imagine, after a hard workout, it is not surprising to be pretty hungry.

“I made myself a diet plan a while back with the help of coach Turnbough. Its pretty easy if you just plan it out. I can cook my meals in advance and pre-portion them out and take them to school with me or eat one after the gym. That simplifies it a lot.

Take out a container, eat it and go,” Little said.

As a professional at the gym, Little knows what it takes to be successful in the weight room, dedication, preparation and patience. He acknowledges the people that take the damaging routes to fitness and strongly asserts that steroids and performance-enhancing drugs are not the correct routes to take.

“Do not expect to see results too quick. It’s a process. I just say stick with it and that results will come,” Little said. “They may come slowly, but they will come. You just have to keep working hard and eating right. If you put in the time and effort, they will pay off.

Making a difference. Sophmore Amy McAllister places Post-it notes on the mirrors of different girls’ restrooms with messages like “you are valued.”

She has used hundreds of Post-It notes, bought with her own funds, to continue this project. Photo by Madison Harding

80% 28% 47%

of teens do not meet recommended guidelines for muscle strengthening and aerobic physical activity. of Americans aged six and older are physicaly inactive each day. of Alabamians report exercising three days a week for at least 30 minutes. https://www.fitness.gov/resource-center/facts-and-statistics/

Student answers questions about her fitness routine Mady Harding Photo Editor

H

ow do you encourage others to be fit?

I seek to encourage by being my best self which inspires other people. People see me happy and making jokes all the time and then they see what I do and I guess that’s how I encourage them, by being an example of the fitness industry. I’m always encouraging the people close and not close to me to follow their passion whatever it is.

How many times do you work out a week?

I workout 5-7 days a week What got you interested in bodybuilding?

I honestly don’t have a straight answer. I’ve always had a thing for health and fitness and being your best self and bodybuilding was to me was the highest form of being not only healthy physically but mentally.

Plus there’s nothing wrong with having a solid looking body.

Describe a typical workout.

I always start with a compound exercise to get the primary and secondary muscles a good blood flow.

For example, if I’m training legs I always start with squats followed by another compound exercise and a machine exercise such as leg extensions. I’ll do about as many sets as I can while increasing the weight until failure because if I don’t I don’t feel as if I’m working hard enough.

What is your goal everyday that you go the gym?

My goal everyday when I step inside the gym is to not hold back, to not go all out no matter what. The goal is to become better not only physically but mentally because the body will always give up first and when you get your mind in a “do not give up” mindset, you’re going to crush your goals.

Do you have a special diet?

I eat 5-6 meals a day every 2-3 hours. It’s currently bulking season so I’m eating a lot of chicken, steak, and complex carbs. I drink one protein shake before and after the gym. I occasionally have a cheat meal which is 9/10 donuts. I’m in love with donuts.

We heard you meet Arnold Schwarzenagger Meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger will forever be the best day of my life, my wedding and the birth of my children will not top that. I went to Golds Gym in Venice, California while on vacation because it’s where all the top bodybuilders train and when you’re in that setting you’re going to be inspired.

I was training back and arms and as I was going through my workout I look across the gym and I see Arnold and i run over to my mom (I wasn’t 18 yet so she had to supervise) and I’m freaking out because well it’s Arnold Schwarzenegger, he’s the basically the father of bodybuilding. I walk over to him as he’s doing machine presses and I’m looking at him with the biggest smile on my face so he stops and talks to me and I’m trying to stay cool because shaking and I don’t remember anything that happened a few seconds after that, I was too excited. When we posed for the pictures I’ll never forget what he told me. “Hug me like you’re in love with me.”

What are your future plans for bodybuilding?

I plan to compete in figure in college while studying kinesiology. I hope to either become an athlete for a supplement company or create my own. My dream is to one day compete in the Olympia and the Arnold so I can meet Arnold again.

My hero. Senior Olivia Jones met her idol Arnold Schwarzenagger in a gym in California. She hopes to meet him again some day. Photo printed with permission from Olivia Jones.

16

News

Dec. 8, 2016

The Crimson Crier (LEFT) Faking a charge, coach Kevin Abernathy lies on the floor hoping for a call.

(RIGHT) Basketball coach Jamie Coggins prepares to shoot while girls’ basketball coach Patrick Delay referees and scopes the game for rule breakers.

(ABOVE) Junior Justin Walker dribbles his way across the court and prepares to dodge his opponents while guidance counselor Dedra Muhammad runs in hoping to take the ball.

(ABOVE) Social science teacher Jacob Siefert high fives his fellow team members and opponents at the end of the game while smiling about the teachers’ inevitable win.

(BElOW) Crowd carefully watches wondering if either the students or teachers will take the game while players on the faculty team cool off on the bench.

(BELOW) Boys’ basketball coach Jamie Coggins shows off his ball handling skills before the game.

(ABOVE) Senior Moses Hobbs attempts to drop the ball out of physical education teacher Cedric Austin’s hands.

Photographers Madison Harding and Tommy Ross caught all of the highlights of the student versus faculty basketball game. The teachers won the game, 38-29

Go

BIG

or

Go

HOme

(ABOVE) Journalism teacher Erin Coggins strikes her pre-game power pose to pump herself up. “Just call me Steph Curry, “ she said.

(ABOVE) Junior Justin Walker prepares to play on the court while students on the bleachers wait for the game to begin.

(ABOVE) English teacher Monica Davis amusingly sits in the middle of the court and causes laughter in the crowd.

(LEFT) Running down the court, senior Dailyn Hereford meets up with sophomore Morris McPherson to start defending.

(RIGHT) Leaping for the jump ball, physical education teacher Jessie Brooks and senior Dailyn Hereford try to get the ball to start the game.