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Thursday, Jan. 26, 2016, Issue 4

YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE

TWICE

MORE THAN JUST FAMILY. Khris Downing Sr., Khris Downing’s father, hugs Khris’s aunt who gifted him her kidney to save his life. Photo courtesy of Khris Downing.

Student reflects on life changing gift father receives from aunt

Sydney Goggins A&E Editor

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he news rocked him. He had just buried his closest uncle and now his father revealed that he needed a kidney transplant to stay alive.

Junior Khris Downing remembers this moment vividly. He was in the eighth grade and the thought of losing his father haunted him daily.

“I would stay up all the way until 4 a.m. in this sad mood,” Downing said. “I would even cry because I would just feel like someone just took something from me.”

Downing’s dad suffered from diabetes and his medicine resulted in kidney failure. He went from a Stage 2 to Stage 5 and afterwards was on dialysis.

“The dialysis made him lose a whole lot of weight. He retired as a police officer because he couldn’t do it anymore,” Downing said.

On top of the thought of losing his father, a heat stroke caused his beloved aunt to pass away. Going into a coma and being pronounced brain dead, a decision was made to donate her kidney to her brother—Downing’s dad. “[My dad] and my aunt were a perfect match for each other,” Downing said. “When my mom told me this, he started crying and felt he was taking her life away even though she had already been pronounced brain dead. He felt like he killed her in a sense if he took the kidney.”

Grateful that his aunt gave his dad a second chance at life, he wishes he had the opportunity to tell her how thankful he is. He experienced a loss and a blessing at the same time—an aunt passing away and a dad with a second chance at life.

“I would tell her thank you for doing that because it means a lot and not everybody would do that. Some people can’t give their kidney because they may have other problems besides that. I would just thank her and be grateful for that because that shows you care a lot about the person.

That’s loving, caring and being a good Christian,” Downing said.

The most challenging moment of the transplant was the dad’s agreement. The family knew it would be a tough decision because it was his sister.

Even though the loss of his sister was heartbreaking, they felt that taking the kidney was best for him.

“That was the good out of the death,” Downing said. “Normally when people die, there seems as if there’s no good out of it. But that was the one thing they can say that was good.”

Organ donations affect more than just recipients. It helps families, friends and acquaintances cherish their loves that were in need of an organ.

It provides recipients the opportunity to grab the light of hope when discovering they have another chance of living.

Junior Maya Ifekouche believes that organ donation is a moral obligation for us to do as humans.

She feels as if it is pointless not to donate to somebody that needs it.

“Organ donations are important because there are those who are actually need organs in order to live,”Ifekouche said. “If someone has a match and are going to give you that kidney, why not donate.

It’s always good to help somebody in need because you may need an organ one day.”

Second Chance

cont. on pg 3

Are you or will you consider being an organ donor?

YES:

46%

NO:

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54%

A Look Inside

204 students polled

News pg. 2-3 Opinion pg. 4-5 Lifestyles pg. 6-7 Sports pg. 8-9 Spread pg. 10-11 A&E pg. 12

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News

Jan. 26, 2017

The Crimson Crier

Students rock the halls with rainbow locks Student expresses the difference in hair colors between schools Daniella Cardo Reporter

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verywhere they go, students with unnatural hair colors stand out. Whether they are in the cafeteria, on the bus or sitting in class they naturally call attention by their unnaturally-colored hair. While some students enjoy something different in the classroom environment, others find themselves questioning whether dyed hair breaks school rules from the Madison County School Code of Conduct which states “hair… must be styled and colored in a manner that does not cause a distraction/disruption.”

“We have some students that may have certain conditions that may cause them to get distracted,” vice principal Jennifer Gary said.

“Flashing lights could cause issues, and they may have that same type of disorder that causes them to get easily distracted. It could cause a problem.”

It may be for this reason that the topic of rainbow hair colors were discussed at the ninth grade academy.

Freshman Katie Munson, well-known for having bright pink hair feels that even though she loves changing it up from the normal she

is not willing to risk breaking regulations in order to keep her hair the way it is.

“If we get punished, I don’t want to get taken out of school, like suspended for having colored hair,” Munson said. “I had purple before, and [it was] just to do something different and crazy with it. I want to keep it because we should be able to do what we want with our own body, [yet] I probably wouldn’t say anything [if I was forced to change it to obey school regulations]. Education would be more important than ‘colors.’”

Several companies such as McDonald’s have similar rules in place against colored hair.

Moreover, it would not be much of a surprise for a person that looks more professional with natural hair colors to gain a position against a person that looks professional with colored hair who is also applying for the same job position.

“Companies have a little more freedom as far as what kind of dress code they want to restrict their personal to,” Gray said. “That’s part of their structure for their employees. It’s just like wearing a uniform for McDonald’s.

They consider their overall appearance as

Expressing the creativity. Junior Brittany Morris and sophomore Rose Bershere show off their love of hair dye. Both girls have dyed their hair various times and use it as another outlet of art. Changing the colors of their hair helps to show that these girls can not be defined. Photo by Mady Harding

a part of their uniform, and that’s probably why [some companies do not permit unnatural dyed hair].”

However, not everyone agrees that this regulation should directly apply to the high schoolers at the time being. Junior Amanda Franklin thinks that some may criticize the idea of unnatural hair due to biased assumptions.

“A lot of companies think that people don’t want to walk into a store and see someone with bright crazy-colored hair because, a lot of times that gets negotiated with people who do bad things,” Franklin said. “And it’s really not [true]. [Dyed hair] is becoming more popular, so a lot of companies are changing, but some still aren’t.”

Yet, according to the Madison County Student Code of Conduct, students with dyed hair are not breaking the regulations by coloring their hair. The regulations only state that consequences will take place if the style or color is in a manner that could cause a “distraction/disruption.”

“I’m not going to address any hair color, but let’s say a mohawk,” Gray said. “If they’re sitting right in front of you and you

can’t see because it’s so high up, that could be a distraction. It could be to the teacher [as well if] they’re focusing on it.”

Students are taking advantage of this opportunity to dye their hair bright unnatural colors, some of them following trends by their favorite actors and actress such as Ke$ha, Joe Jonas, Demi Lovato, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Zayn Malik and Ruby Rose. Even famous athletes such as Serena Williams, Usain Bolt, Jose Reyes and Hanley Ramirez have colored their hair at least once, and they too are setting trends for today’s teenagers.

“Just seeing other people and celebrities [made me decide to have colored hair],” Franklin said. “My hair has been a lot of colors, but I’m actually going to dye it purple and silver soon because silver has become trendy.”

The trend that Franklin refers to is similar to the dyed hair of Taraji P. Henson.

Yet, while dyed hair has become more of a trend, it is not the sole reason alone why they dye it.

“I had purple before, and I liked that just to do something different and crazy with it,” Munson said. “[Then] I

did the pink, a brighter color. I liked it a lot better than natural colors. Natural colors are okay, but for my hair I like just like doing crazy things.”

High school teachers do not complain about the dyed hair students in their classroom, so Gray has not made changes to the discipline policy at the end of each school year when the regulations are reviewed. At that time, any concerns brought up could impact the discipline actions towards students.

“Most of the teachers like it, and they compliment me when I do it,” Franklin said.

“No one ever says anything negative other than jokingly. Mrs. Hodgens was like ‘I’m going to have to write you up for class disruption,’ but she was totally kidding about it.”

Ideas developed over how colored hair could affect the academic performances of other students. However, Franklin denies that her hair has ever caused any problems in the classroom environment, leading ninth graders to ponder the reason why the topic was discussed at their school especially as high schooler teachers are never concerned about colored hair.

“I think [due to] the maturity level of the ninth graders, it’s probably more of a distraction and can easily get students off task,” Gray said. “By the time the students [are promoted to the high school], they’re usually a little more mature, and they’re used to seeing things like that on social media, television, things like that.”

Gray believes that if she implemented restrictions against colored hair, a majority of students would comply to the new rules, even though there will always be those that feel a protest in order. However, as cases against colored hair have yet to be brought up, she does not feel any need to change the only-if-thehair-is-a-distraction/ disruption rule in the discipline policy. “[I dye my hair] to express myself differently,” Franklin said.

“It’s just something different I do to make myself stand out. I’d feel bad if [we weren’t able to dye it] especially now that we’re just in high school and a lot of us don’t have jobs.

It’s our perfect opportunity to express ourselves and be different because when you’re older and you get a job you usually won’t get to.”

Chemistry teacher introduces students to life-long skill for the new year Ania Stover News Editor

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s the new year is being brought in there are goals being set in place. Whether or not these goals will be kept is the question.

Chemistry teacher Emily Pate has formed a new plan for the year.

She is teaching all of her classes the skill of responsibility, having every student create a non-academic goal that they want to achieve this year. The goal can last for a month, year or even a lifetime.

"I have seen articles that many students do not have the skills to make realistic goals post high school," Pate said. "I want my students to have a goal

that they are more likely to complete."

Senior Randi Swanson is in Pate's AP chemistry class. Her goal for 2017 is to make it into music school at South Alabama and expand her boundaries by studying abroad.

"I want to continue playing piano throughout my life so getting into music school is a good way to do that," Swanson said. "I love traveling and I think it builds character in a person and cultures them."

Swanson has done something like this before. Although the outcome had seemed to be better than she expected, she feels as if it is important for a person

Madison County 310 Board 4940 Research Drive, Suite B Huntsville, AL 35805

to set a goal themselves and learn the responsibility it takes.

"I think it's a good project for students to take on responsibility," Swanson said. "I learned to prioritize my goals and when or when not to put time into a task."

Over the Christmas break, Pate’s aunt passed away in a car accident. She was inspired by her in many ways and decided to dedicate this project to her.

"I saw what a legacy she left by supporting and encouraging those around her," Pate said.

"I want to also leave this legacy with my students and hope that they continue this spir-

it of encouragement in their sphere of influence."

Junior Chaz Del Mar is also in one of Pate's classes. This is not his first time doing something like this but he has a different perspective on the idea.

He appreciates having a person to track his progress in the case he forgets.

"I've done something like this before in middle school," Del Mar said. "I didn't have a specific goal but I still didn't follow through.I hope to learn accountability and responsibility from this project," Del Mar said. "It teaches us how to work with accomplishing goals that could continue to

Get Organized. Setting up the SMART board, chemistry teacher Emily Pate, prepares to show her students the way she stays on track. Pate introduced the concept to her students the first week of class after being inspired by the sudden death of her aunt.

Photo by Mady Harding

help us in the future."

Pate hopes that this goal transfers to different students who are not in her classes, or even their families. She wants each student to learn a life long skill, that can be used inside or outside of the class-

room.

"I want my students to know the content of chemistry, but more than that I want my students to be positive, high-achieving, productive members of society," Pate said.

(256) 837-5886 Fax: (256) 837-5886 Email: jopoates@mcmrb.net

Jan. 26, 2017

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The Crimson Crier

News

Senator News Briefs Food class offers certification Makayla Tomaino Reporter

Adding the Numbers. SGA sponsor, Ashly Johnston, crunches the numbers need to put on another dance. Members of SGA decided to do a Sadie Hawkins dance to focus on raising money for Make a Wish. Photo by Ariel Thomas

SGA to host February dance for a good cause Jessica Turnage Reporter

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he Make-AWish Foundation grants wishes to children who are ill or on the transplant list.

They give the sick child an opportunity to do something they do not usually get the chance to. The child applies for the wish and the foundation held grant it.

"I always thought it would be cool to fund a wish kid. You get to actually grant their wish, whatever it is.

My nephew was a wish kid, so I always thought it would be cool to pay that forward," SGA sponsor Ashly Johnston said.

SGA will give the money earned from the dance, will be donated directly to the MakeA-Wish Foundation.

Then they will process it it and figure out who it will go to from that point. The child from Make A Wish Foundation is usually surprised.

"We are assigned a child after we fundraise enough money. So to begin with, you don't know who it is because you only get to grant the wish if you raise that amount of money," Johnston said. "Then they will tell us who the children are in this area, who are waiting on wishes and they will designate us a child to actually grant a wish for."

SGA’s goal is to

raise $7,000. They have to raise this set amount of money to grant the certain wish for the kid. If the full amount was raised, they would bring the kid to the school and grant it here.

"They usually don't know; they typically tell you what they like. Make-A-Wish actually came to us and spoke about it. They told us about a pep rally that a different school did,”Not only is SGA hosting the senior dodgeball tournament and a possible 5k, they are also hosting a Sadie Hawkins dance. The dance is going to be on Feb. 17th, from 8-10 p.m. in the school gym.

The tickets will be $6.

"The Sadie Hawkins is a dance where the girls are supposed to ask the boys to the dance instead of the girls asking the boys.

It was inspired by a hillbilly comic strip [called] Li’l Abner in the ‘30s," SGA Sponsor Ashley Johnston said.

The dance is not just for fun though. Sophomore, Jackie Damewood, believes that the school should come together and support the dance because it is for the children who are not as fortunate as us.

The dance has a bigger meaning behind it.

"All the proceeds from ticket sales go toward our fundraising for Make-A-Wish," Johnston said.

Johnston said. “The kid loved Star Wars.

[So] they had a Star Wars themed pep rally. Then the Star Wars characters came in and told him that he gets to go to Disney World.

So usually they will tell you what the kid likes and things that they're interested in and you can kind of cater to whatever the wish is."

SGA plans to throw the Make-A-Wish kid a pep rally to surprise them with all the things that they love. Johnston hopes to present a new child, a new wish every year.

"I hope that it will become a yearly tradition and that in the spring we will have a wish week every year and we will fundraise.

It would be nice to do that every year," Johnston said.

Johnston has had this idea for a couple of years now. In the past, it just has not worked out. But this year was different.

"I proposed [it] to my officers this summer when we were making plans for this school year. They thought it was [a] great idea,” Johnston said. “So they just jumped on board.

They are fully prepared to do whatever it takes to make that amount of money," Johnston said.

Johnston’s nephew was her inspiration for the idea of helping a child out through the Make-A-Wish Founda-

Quick Facts on Sadie Hawkins Sadie Hawkins was first introduced in 1937.

Girls ask guys on the dance date.

Inspired by famous cartoon-turned-musical “Li’l Abner” by Al Capp Based on the tale of unmarried women would chase bachelors around town. If caught, the men were obligated to marry. prom.about.com

tion. He was a previous Make-A-Wish kid, having to have a bone marrow transplantation for a rare disease. She said that so much has been done for her family that it would feel nice to give that feeling, she received, to someone else.

"The Make-A-Wish Foundation is very important. I think it's super important to allow these kids that have these illnesses to make their life better or as best as it can be while they're still here. And that's what we are raising money for," Damewood said.

Assistant principal earns doctorate, vows to remain the same guy Bradley Wright Reporter

JROTC wins big at competition

The drill team was named Alabama State Drill Champions on Jan. 21.

Second Chance

cont. from pg 1

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If you needed something to live and somebody could do it, would you want them to do it for you? junior Khris Downing

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ne of the most difficult steps to earning a doctorate is the years of school that must be put in, just ask assistant principal Jonathan Barron.

Barron recently earned his doctorate in education leadership from Samford University.

“My doctorate was five years, three years of coursework and two additional years of research and writing,” Barron said.

When it comes to long-term goals, motivation is a huge factor for Barron, who credits his wife, kids and commitment.

“The only way I know how to do this is through learning. I have tried to surround myself with wise, smart and experienced people who will challenge my thinking and assist me in refusing my skills and craft,” Barron said. “The better I am at my craft the more useful I am to my family and those in my circle of influence; therefore, indirectly affecting my family.”

Barron says that it is an adjustment to learning or accomplishing anything new.

“With any type of learning, be a trade, a new language, a new sport or a game, there is an initial level of adjustment. The most difficult part of my education has been learning to balance my family, work and school,” Barron said. “I also married a very supportive wife who understands education and the sacrifices that go along with being an ed-

Students taking family and consumer science can also receive certification for a future in food management.

ServSafe is a food and beverage safety training and certificate program administered by the National Restaurant Association.

ServSafe is based on personnel who work in the foodservice industry, specifically in management positions.

“We try to provide the opportunity for the students to get certifications that will push them to go down these specific career paths” Family and Consumer Science teacher Mishaella Ryans said.

ServSafe is an important program and it is also beneficial towards the future. In the future, some students may decide to go into the industrial field. When you apply for these types of jobs, the ServSafe certificate looks good on the application. Examples of things that ServSafe could help you with are: working in fast food places or drive-thrus, hotels and hospitals.

“As we graduate high school, one of the lessons taught (especially in your career tech classes), is how to compile an efficient resume.

You have to know how to sell yourself and make your skills standout, because ultimatley what you are doing is furthuring your education or going into the work force,” Ryans said.

Students in family and consumer science learn the importance of food safety and how to maintain a safe cooking center. After their course work, they are offered the chance to take the ServSafe exam to be certified.

“This certificate helps you because you grow to understand the safety practices in a food environment. It also helps you to advance in the workplace to different levels that others cannot accomplish without the certificate,” Senior Melanie Collins said.

Where Credit is Due. Dr. Jonathan Barron poses with his family for whom he gives credit for helping him complete his doctorate in December. Students are already joking on whether or not they should call him Doctor or just address him as they always have. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Barron

ucator. Her support allowed me to pursue my degrees as we navigated the balance of school, work and family.”

After several years of school, Barron’s goal is to be the same person he was before he earned his doctorate degree.

“With my doctorate, I’m still going to continue doing what I do now. I’m still the same person just with a few extra letters behind my name,” Barron said. “I am still a husband, still a daddy and still an educator. Those are the titles I am most proud of.”

Molly Short, senior, however has a different opinion on the subject of organ donations. She feels as though donating your organs is not beneficial in the long run.

“Organ donating is not really important: there may be a defect and half the time it may not even work,” Short said.

Majority of students feel as though they are important because they help the lives of many individuals. It is an humane and humble action that needs to be reciprocated among many people.

“To the people that do need [an organ transplant], it means a lot to them and just try to put yourself in their shoes. If you needed something to live and somebody could do it, would you want them to do it for you,” Downing said.

T C C Opinion When technology improves, it claims employment

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he

Lucas Hicks Reporter

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echnology is quickly improving and overall appears to serve modern society very well on the surface. To name a few benefits, without it we would not possess greater medical services, faster shipping and more prominent journalism and media.

However, nothing is a perfect situation. Progress always claims something, whether its life, labor or ways of living. As technology grows and expands certain fields, the needs for resources and labor within those fields of work will diminish. Systems will become greater and more automated, slowly but surely cutting out the human need in a service all together, efficiently and for less cost.

Imagine this: Why would a business owner or government

contractor like to rely on human labor for greater cost when it could become incredibly beneficial to rely on technology? It has already been shown to expand our capabilities in ways we would have never imagined a hundred years ago. We can communicate globally from the palm of our hand. We can shop for just about anything we might want with a few clicks, all without ever leaving the comfort of our homes. Virtual reality and automatic writing systems and prompts are revolutionizing journalism in a way that can keep up with the competitive global outlook.

However, what does this mean for writers, journalist, linguist and retail workers? As of right now the hit on these fronts is not too bad, however if technology continues this way, it will only become better. Ultimately meaning the demand

rimson

for human labor in these fields will become less required and less sought as a more prevailing and easier option becomes readily available.

These fields are not the only careers in jeopardy. CNN reported on January 18, 2016 that as much as 5 million jobs could be lost in leading economies by 2020, and as much as 65 percent of primary school children could be working in jobs that do not yet exist due to advances in technology. Think: What other jobs could be lost? Even our most creative fields could be outclassed by technology. Authors, painters and all forms of artists could one day be beat out by a machine’s work. Every concept imaginable is possible for a destiny on the chopping block of progress. Nothing is out of bounds, a hundred years ago none of the previously mentioned would be sci-

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Illustrated by Daniella Cardo

ence fiction, now we have cars that drive themselves and houses so connected that they can practically respond to our whims without us hardly lifting a finger.

While this might seem like a scary prospect, especially looking down the barrels of our most prized and coveted careers throughout history facing extinction, new needs and operations will become needed as new technol-

ogies arise. The creation of these technologies in STEM fields and the regulation of them such as in law become ever more pertinent. Not to mention the jobs created that have not yet been foreseen. A hundred years ago a competitive marketplace of invention on this current scale would not be imagined in the deepest fantasy.

As well, when creating works of art and literature a ma-

chine might be able to outclass in skill and technicality, but what about more abstract and emotional work.

Would a machine be able to write an opinion like this, or write it on a subject that predicts its potential obsolescence? That moves into the realm of sci-fi and artificial intelligence.

However in a hundred years, I could be eating crow just as those before us.

Coloring books are effective outlets for students to ease stress Alex Myers Reporter

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e grew up with the smell of crayons and multiple paper cuts from pages of our coloring books. Coloring inside the lines was never fun and we all experienced our hearts torn when our favorite color crayon broke. However, years passed and we out grew the puppies and the flowers that graced the pages of our endless coloring books.

Although the juvenile activity books that we grew up with are a faint memory now, a new pastime has reincarnated and it gives you a way to relive your childhood.

Your

Adult coloring books hit the shelves of retail stores everywhere a few years ago and have picked up the pace recently. With intricate mandala designs and other extravagant pages, adult coloring books can provide a creative outlet for people of all ages. Sales of the popular books have more than tripled in the last few years. It will only go up from here.

Neilsen BookScan, a data system used to publish books, estimated that in the year 2015, 12 million copies of adult coloring books were sold. An astounding growth compared to the previous year’s sales of only 1 million.

The same question still stands though. What makes these coloring books so popular?

Scientists and psychologists have tried to decipher the attraction of the fad and it all seems to come back to what happens in our brains when we are engaged in an activity such as coloring.

A plethora of benefits seem to emanate from creativity including relaxation, lower stress levels and reduced anxiety.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University even suggested that adult coloring can be used as an alternative to meditation.

While science backs up the health benefits

known to come from coloring, it is almost impossible to admit that it is not fun. Having spent countless hours myself with my head in a coloring book and a sharpie in my hand, I can say that they are entertaining. Filling in the complicated but beautiful designs can keep you busy for hours.

Once you finish a page, you are overcome with a feeling of accomplishment.

Being under the stress that teenagers go through at this time, maybe it is a good idea to stop and take a break from everything and relive your childhood for just a little.

Photo byAriel Thomas Photos by Alex Myers

View

“Calms me down when I’m stressed and it helps me focus better.”

-- senior Caitie Traynom

Adult coloring books are becoming a popular outlet for different reasons. How has coloring affected you?

“It was not too easy [which] made it challenging but also fun.”

--senior Matthew Rolfsen

“It helps you become stress free.”

-- junior Tyler Dixon

Student hopes Trump presidency lessens tension between U.S. and Russia Griffin Gonterman Sports Editor

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ver since the end of the Cold War in the ‘90s, the tension between the United States and Russia has eased, but it feels like they are tightening up as the two continue to disagree with one another.

Following Trump’s victory in the 2016 presidential election,

speculations have risen about Russian intelligence hacking or campaigning propaganda in the U.S. to help Trump win. To some this seems like an excuse used by the Democrats for why Clinton was defeated. Trump said before the election that he believed that somehow, Clinton would tamper or rig the election in some way. After Trump’s Policy

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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.

claims, former President Barack Obama assured the nation that “no serious person out there would suggest somehow that you could even rig America’s election.” So either Obama who has been running our country for the past eight years is not a serious person, or he did not know what he was talking about.

Obama’s sanctions,

which Trump will likely throw out, include orders to remove 35 Russian diplomats from America, sanction four individuals and five entities. Although it is too early to tell if we are in a second Cold War with Russia, these sanctions are definitely not helping the two countries grow a solid bond. Trump has had good relations with the Russian government

so far, especially with President Vladimir Putin, so hopefully he will fix these problems quickly.

Past disagreements between the two include the Russian annexation of Crimea and suspected indirect involvement in the Ukrainian civil war between Ukraine’s army and Russian-backed rebels. Since the Syrian civil war began

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.

Editor-in-Chief.....................Emily Baucum

Social Media Editors..................... Danni Jo Grider,

News Editor.........................Ania Stover

Jessica Turnage

Opinion Editor.....................Camille Herren

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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.

in early 2011, destruction has devastated the country. Since the start, the conflict has brought upon the Islamic State terrorism faction, who have been fighting for control of the country along with Syrian rebels, while government-backed forces led

by President Bashar al-Assad have been

U.S and Russia

cont. on pg 5

Atchley, Dylan Brotherton, Danielle Cardo, Saylor Cuzzort, Alaura Gordon, Andrea Graves, Quentin

A&E Editor.............................Sydney Goggans

Hanson, Cady Harbin, Lucas Hicks, Andrew

In-Depth Editor.....................Natalie Craney

McCoy, Alex Myers, Libby Reed, Makalya

Copy Editor...........................Aliyah Thompson Website Master.....................Christian White/Kaylyn Jones Photo Editors.............Madison Harding/Ariel Thomas Managing Editor....................Jacob Whitlock Business Editor.........................Saylor Cuzzort

Tomaino, Helen Tran, Matthew Walker,Zane White, Bradley Wright Adviser...........................................Erin Coggins, MJE

Jan. 26, 2017

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Non-traditional hair colors Our Our View : prove student expression It’s great to show my true colors!

Opinion

Camille’s Corner Teens should realize impact of political world Camille Herren Opinion Editor

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Illustrated by Helen Tran

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inker vs Des Moines, a 1969 landmark Supreme Court case for student rights, says that students and teachers do not shed their individual rights at the schoolhouse door. They have their First Amendment rights, including free speech and student expression, as long as it does not cause a disturbance in the school day.

To many students, this includes the right to color their hair in a non-traditional way. One’s look around the hallways may see a girl with green or blue hair or a boy with red hair. This is a clear way of seeing that our school honors student expression. This has not always been the case in the past and it shows that our community and our administration is progressing in today’s world of student expression.

Of course, students and faculty alike will say that we do not have all of our First Amendment rights in the school. We cannot just say what we want or wear what we want. That is true. There are rules we must abide by, but these are rules to protect the traditional school day, thus not a violation of the Tinker Standard.

We as students must continue to abide by such rules to make progress in the little things. We must be mature enough to exercise our rights in the proper fashion.

Coloring ones’ hair a plethora of rainbow colors may not be for everyone, but it is an individual’s right of expression. If it does not hurt anyone, then it should be not be a problem for students in the school and we admire our administration for recognizing that.

In Favor 8-0

UN Resolution is best for heated Israel affair Andrew Atchley Reporter

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he United Nations recently passed a resolution to condemn the Israeli settlement and military occupation of the West Bank, as being in violation of international law. The resolution passed with a 14-0 vote at the U.N. Security Council of which the United States is a key member. The U.S. government decided to abstain from voting, rather than using its veto power to block the resolution.

The response from Israel was harsh. For instance, Israeli Ambassador to U.S., Ron Dermer accused the U.S. of allowing the U.N. to “gang up” on Israel. However, just because we have a close relationship with a country does not mean we should allow them to get away with crimes at the international level.

The settlements and occupation that drew the ire of the U.N. consist of over 800,000 Israeli citizens living in the West Bank in land that was taken in the Six Day War of 1967. Israel demolishes Palestinian homes and villages to force them off their land and build gated communities where Israeli citizens live separate from Palestinians as a kind of segregation.

Many schools, hospitals and even roads cannot be used by Palestinians legally. Not only is segregation being practiced openly, but a genocide which closely resembles what the U.S. did to the Native Americans is ongoing as more and more traditionally Palestinian land is chipped away and settled by Israelis. In total, over 6.5 million Palestinians have been forced to flee from their homes and seek refuge abroad.

Israeli leaders are now stating that this resolution will hurt the chance to get a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority and that it will harm Israel’s national security.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “a Security Council resolution to pressure Israel would further harden Palestinian positions and thereby could actually kill the chances of peace for many, many years.”

This is simply not true. If anything, Israeli settlements and not the U.N. resolution will be what hinders peace negotiations. The presence of Israeli settlers is another factor that would have to be discussed in any negotiations, as well as what to do with them. In any case, it is extremely unlikely that the settlers would ever be forced to leave or that Israel would accept such a deal. The Israeli government knows this, which is why they allow these settlements to be built — to slowly carve out territory they want to keep in any agreement such as areas surrounding Jerusalem.

Israel is also claiming that the U.N. and U.S. are threatening Israel’s national security, and this is also untrue. The U.S. gives Israel more foreign aid

than the rest of the world put together at over $3 billion a year. We have also pledged over $38 billion in additional military aid for the next decade. Some of that money is used to build missiles which are used to kill innocent civilians. We also share military technology with them including the Iron Dome, which they use to shoot down missiles. Nobody is denying Israel the ability to defend itself. The U.S. would not be giving them so much military aid if we wanted to deny them that right. If anything, up until now the international community has been denying that right to the Palestinians. They are a small nation with no army and they receive very little aid.

They are not completely innocent though, as small Palestinian militias have fired missiles into Israel on a few cases, but you cannot punish all Palestinians for the actions of a few.

Even as a Republican, I find very little fault in what President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry have done on this issue. In fact, I do not think they have gone far enough. For starters, the U.S. government officially considers Israeli settlements “illegitimate” but they have not done very much about it. Obama could easily threaten to cut foreign aid to Israel if they do not comply with international law. At the very least he could have put pressure on them earlier by not vetoing other U.N. resolutions that sought to bring attention to Israel’s wrongdoings. Instead he has chosen to bring up the issues with Israel with less than a month to remain in office and has very little time or power to get anything done.

Unfortunately, even this small action will likely be undone. President-elect Donald J. Trump seems to have went back on his earlier promise to remain neutral on the Israel-Palestine conflict. He lashed out against the U.N. resolution in one of his twitter rampages saying, “the beginning of the end was the horrible Iran deal, and now this (U.N.)! Stay strong, Israel, Jan. 20 is fast approaching.”

Even the soon-to-be most powerful man on Earth can fall victim to propaganda, as his Tweet proves. The resolution carries no legal obligations and is merely meant to bring attention to the issue, but Israel is framing this as a collection of larger countries bullying the tiny, powerless Democratic nation. But they are not powerless. Israel has the most powerful military in the Middle East and one of the most powerful militaries in the world. They may be small, but Palestine is even smaller. And they may be a democracy but that should never be a get-out-of-jail-free card.

The only reason Israel feels scorned by this resolution is because they know that what they are doing to the Palestinians is indefensible — and they don’t want it to be talked about. If this issue starts being openly talked about and with more mutual understanding, they may have to answer for their actions and justice may prevail after all.

s I sit down to watch TV, the news comes to my mind. Even when I am scrolling through social media, the news is always a priority for me. As inquisitive as I am, it does not take long for me to become aware of a political circumstance or issue and want to learn more about it. My affinity for it started when I was 13 and has continued to grow.

As I have grown, I have dug deeper into new issues. It began with social issues such as reproductive rights and then gay marriage and now I have branched out. I became intrigued by the issues of climate change, gun control and much more. Educating myself on these issues made me feel like I could do something about them.

When I look around though, I notice that my peers do not feel the same. When it comes to politics, teens often do not realize the impact it has on them. The truth is that what is happening in our state, our country and our world will affect our present and our future. We can be the change and have a voice, but first we must educate ourselves to develop a course of action.

I understand that as a teenager there is so much to worry about already. With school, extracurricular activities, community service and social and familial responsibilities, it is a wonder we have any time left at all. However overwhelming it may seem, politics is a topic worth taking the time to explore.

I have learned how much it is worth my time.

It is shaping me into the kind of American I want to be. Your political stances and values are a part of who you are and they can change as you learn.

It is easy to say “I hate politics” or “I do not get involved in politics.” But it also paves the way for corrupt leaders without opposition. It creates adults who blindly follow one party without truly doing research. If we are unaware of the political climate, we are not being noble. We are being enablers.

To be aware, we must do research. Watching the news and reading articles are a good start.

Since news sources have expanded to social media, it is easier to educate yourself on political issues. The key is finding an issue that you are connected to or feel passionate about then develop your voice. When I researched more and more about reproductive rights, I had a stance and became passionate about it. I developed my voice and was willing to defend it.

You might think “I’m just in high school. What can I do to make a difference?” As teenagers, we can not become politicians or vote but we still have a voice. You can get involved in the political world by volunteering at a political party’s campaign office and helping their causes or protesting social issues you believe in. With the social and political issues in our world today, we are bound to find something we are truly passionate about and make change.

U.S and Russia cont. from pg 4

Illustrated by Andrew Atchley

fighting them off. Russia has backed the government forces, while America has backed the rebels. But both can agree on one thing: ISIS needs to be stopped.

Of course, Obama has done little to nothing to combat ISIS besides a few airstrikes here and there. Trump needs to take action and choose with whom he will side. President Trump’s intentions for Russia would seem

to be positive, but we can never know for sure, although leaders around the world think he could improve relations with Russia. Putin did receive a letter in late December from Trump saying that he wished to restore relations. The two have praised each other in the past and hopefully there will be more to come.

6 Lifestyles

Jan. 26, 2017

The Crimson Crier

What is a Minority Group?

A distinguishing physical or cultural trait, such as skin color or language An involuntary membership in a group A distinct group that coexists with but is subordinate to a more dominant group

stats from www.racism.org

Students describe experiences of being part of minority groups Emily Baucum Editor-in-Chief

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sk anyone what the golden rule is and they will recite: treat others how you want to be treated. It is stamped in the heads of adolescents, but as they age it is heard less and less. People become numb to the concept of kindness and begin to classify others in minute groups that belittle self worth and diminish every bit of character or personality that they may have. Stereotypes and prejudice have given people the uncorroborated right to stick others in boxes, while the ones doing the stereotyping get whatever wiggle room they would like in life.

Webster’s dictionary defines a minority as “a part of a population differing from others in some characteristics and often subjected to differential treatment”. The basic groups are based on race, ethnicity, gender and religion, but it can even go as far as sexuality and disabilities. Right now our school is roughly 42.6 percent minorities. This is just race, but if all the other categories were added then odds are the minority would turn into the majority.

The racial majority in America is white. With a school so diverse, a peek in the hallway will end in a new face. This one just so happened to be sophomore Malik Nerelus. He is Haitian and has faced discrimination, whether big or small, first hand.

“I have been called racial slurs by people who were mad at me. I’ve been disrespected by an officer for not doing anything,” Nerelus said. “And they’ve called me disrespectful things like boy, or they’ve tried to demean me, like I wasn’t an actual person.”

This is not an everyday occurrence, but for it to happen once, it leaves an impact. The cop pulled him and his brother over for mistakenly leaving their brights on when driving by the cop car. So like anyone in the same situation, the were pulled over in order to be addressed. And to their surprise they were talked down upon.

“He took it to the next level when it didn’t need to go there. I have to carry myself differently so I won’t be considered a stereotype. I don’t purposefully do it, but I just try to be myself instead of falling into the stereotypical world,” Nerelus said.

Then there are the ethnic minorities. Hispanic and Latino Americans make up 17 percent of the population in the U.S. While most high school students opt for Spanish as their foreign language in order to fill a space on their resume or check a

required box for a college application, there are students who have moved here and face an everyday struggle with speaking English.

“I couldn’t say anything myself and I couldn’t read. I went to Tech school for ESL (English as a Second Language), but most of my English I learned by myself,” junior Rodrigo Rodriguez said. “It took me about six months to learn most of it. It’s hard because sometimes I don’t know how to translate fast, so I have to think about the words I’m saying.”

For senior Mary Derrough, throughout her life, religion and sexuality have gone hand in hand. The religious majority in the U.S. identify with some form of Christianity. She grew up first attending First Baptist Church and then Cross Point, where she continued until she faced an experience that would open her up to a self that was not molded by the majority’s persuasion.

“Growing up I didn’t know what being gay was.

The church I went to was very traditional Christian.

When I was in middle school I discovered that I am bisexual and I felt very bad about it because I still believed the “I am Christian and it’s not really supposed to be like that” [idea],” Derrough said. “After that I stopped wanting to go because I felt uncomfortable [at the church].”

With the hope of a God out there, who loves her for her, she stumbled upon agnosticism. Agnosticism is the belief in a God, or a higher power, but the choice not to worship them.

“I really just stopped and thought about it and realized if God is there then why would he punish me for loving whoever I want to love. I became very open with myself afterwards, because before then I felt the way that I was viewing things in the world was technically hand in hand with the way I was raised,” Derrough said. “Love who you want to love. There’s no way in this world that humans are the all powerful beings. There’s no way.”

As for the minorities that are not always the easiest to point out in a crowd, they still face challenges that the average does not. Senior Alex Hendrix was diagnosed colorblind in middle school. It does not bother him day to day, but it can restrict him from future possibilities.

“It’s definitely challenging for me to apply for a lot of things in my future because I’m trying to go the military route,” Hendrix said. “Even if I want to go to the naval academy, being colorblind is a straight no go. Same thing with many other areas, such as SEALS or any special forces really, colorblind affects whether you get it or not.”

There are only a few colors that he has a harder

time distinguishing from one another, such as purple and blue, but it does not change what he does or hold him back in any form. People do not often realize but colorblindness has just as many advantages as disadvantages.

“Color blindness can give you the advantage of seeing things that people without color blindness can’t see,” Hendrix said. “I read this story, in Vietnam they would send color blind soldiers in helicopters to look for people in trees that [non colorblind] people couldn’t see.”

Nothing can hold Hendrix back from his dreams, and nothing can hold Junior Evan Kachel back from living the everyday normal life how he wants to live it. Evan was born as Emma and soon realized that at a very young age he started feeling different; he did not like wearing feminine things and would always borrow clothes from his brother.

“But after puberty, I thought I had to be a girl.

After feeling like this for a while, I finally found out why I felt so different,” Kachel said. “After a month of realizing I was transgender, I told my parents in the 7th grade. My parents were sort of confused at first. I eventually got a non drastic haircut and started dressing how I wanted to.”

Luckily, it only took his parents a year or two to start calling him Evan. By the ninth grade, his teachers were finally calling him Evan and referring to him as a “he”. Once tenth grade came around, he could legally change his name to Evan. And finally last year in May, he was able to start testosterone, a hormone that causes a deep voice, and other masculine features.

“Almost everyone now, whether they know I’m transgender or not, calls me “he”, and some don’t really know I’m transgender. I kind of prefer to live just as a male, and not to let everyone who meets me know,” Kachel said.

An open mind is an open life. This motto can make bridges, regarding relationships, instead of breaking them. While the minority is growing, hop on the train of acceptance because this population is increasing by the second.

“I just want people to know that being transgender is just like being anyone else. Most of us are not trying to get any chance to shove it down anyone’s throat. And anyone who isn’t sure what to think about us should attempt to become friends with a person who is transgender, you might learn something,” Kachel said.

Senior partners with local business for recyling program Natalie Craney In-Depth Editor

I

n recent years, recycling is more prevalent than ever in to attempt to preserve Earth’s natural habitat and resources. Senior Arthur Lewis and his work place, The Juicery, are setting the standard by not only recycling their used plastic on caps but also giving back to the community at the same time.

“Arthur realized we were just throwing away plastic caps and thought to himself, ‘that’s a waste and not great for the environment’. He told me he heard about elementary schools recycling screw caps and asked if we could do the same,” owner of The Juicery, Jacob Birmingham, said.

Lewis grew up in Maine, where it was second nature to care and protect the environment, so this came as a natural instinct when he noticed the caps going to waste. He began researching where they could go to help the community the most and happened to hear about elementary schools collecting the caps. They then set out on the quest to pick which school they wanted to donate their caps to.

“Arthur literally called half a dozen elementary schools, and the school who responded first and was most excited got the offer for our donation,” Birmingham said.

At last they decided on Monte Sano Elementary because of their enthusiasm towards the offer. They toured the school and loved the environment along with the students. They got to see the donation and sorting spot for the caps set up in the library and knew it was their pick.

“We plan to donate a collection of caps, at least once a month. We’ve already made two drop offs at

Monte Sano Elementary, which included just over a few thousand of our caps already,” Birmingham said. Although the company is new, they are making a vast impact in the community and plan to do so whenever a need is there.

“I believe this concept will stay with the company as long as there is an elementary school ready to accept our donation of caps. It’s a great service for our environment, for the schools and it turns out this fundraiser is actually associated with a larger city government program called ‘Go Green Team’.

So as long as the city continues to support these type of programs to help our environment and schools, The Juicery will definitely do our part to help,” Birmingham said.

As a whole, the company is excited to do their part in the preservation of this beautiful Earth alongside helping the youth of the community. A bottle cap might not look like much to some but it can do a whole lot of good.

“I am just happy to help and stuff because recycling is important and the environment is cool as heck,” Lewis said.

As The Juicery rises to becoming one of Madison’s best local businesses, it is good to know that they are so involved with the community, and willing to help out in any way possible.

“Thanks to Arthur, we are now more than just a company providing fresh cold-pressed raw fruits and vegetables to our community. We are returning the favor back to Mother Nature and schools by recycling and helping raise money for a good cause,” Birmingham said.

Reaching Out To Help The Community. Senior Arthur Lewis helps raise money for local schools by collecting bottle tabs with his boss at the new Madison location of The Juicery. Sparkman has been one of the chosen schools. Photo by Natalie Craney

Jan. 26, 2017

The Crimson Crier

Receptionist moonlights as KISS star

7 Lifestyles

Love for music inspires costume Aliyah Thompson Copy Editor

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t was during the last half of 1975 that the hard rock band KISS’ album “Alive!” came out.

From that point on, guidance counselor’s office receptionist Jeanne Parrish would be a lifelong fan.

Having grown up hearing the music artists her older brother and sister listened to, such as The Rolling Stones and Alice Cooper, Parrish was already well acquainted with rock music when she first discovered KISS. But her love for the band extended beyond the giant KISS sign she painted on the wall of her bedroom as a teenager. When she began to emulate the clothes style and makeup of her favorite band member, Gene Simmons, it was just around her house for fun.

“I always dressed up as Gene Simmons,” Parrish said. “When I was born I couldn’t stick my tongue out so the doctor clipped the little skin part underneath my tongue. Now my tongue is freakishly long like Gene’s so I guess I just identified with him.”

When she became older, Parrish started dressing up as her favorite band member, Gene Simmons, at various places outside of her house such as parties and contests. One of the best parts of dressing up as Simmons for Parrish is the reaction she gets from people when she is dressed up and the fact that it makes people laugh.

“I have a lot of fun reactions. I dressed as Gene a couple of Halloweens ago and went to a party where I only knew a couple of people. I walked into the party and people flipped out. It was like I was Gene himself. Everyone wanted their picture taken with him (me) that night. I think I got about 30 new friend request on Facebook the next day,” Parrish said. “Also, I dressed up for a contest at the Huntsville Havoc. I was walking around at the hockey game and a 4-year-old boy and his sister came up to me and said he had seen me on Scooby-Doo (apparently there is a KISS episode). I shook his hand and

said goodbye. As they walked off his sister said, ‘That’s a girl!’ We had a good laugh over that.”

Parrish’s love for KISS is evident to most everyone she knows. Facebook friends share KISS-related posts on her wall almost daily and she has received more than one gift that was centered around the band.

“I get gifts all the time of things people have found and thought of me. I got a KISS nutcracker from Mrs. Coggins and Coach for Christmas last year. I put it on my mantle! [And] just this Christmas I got a set of coffee mugs shaped as each member of KISS from some friends,” Parrish said. “It is something that has taken on a life of its own, but all in good fun.”

For front office secretary Jean Collins, who has known Parrish for about five years, her love for KISS was not immediately evident. However, after spending some time around her, it was clear that Parrish truly loves and appreciates good music.

“I realized just how much of a fan she is when Halloween came around and she was showing me pictures of her Halloween costume the year before when she was dressed as Gene Simmons,” Collins said.

Despite KISS being Parrish’s favorite band, her loyalty to music she loves is not limited to them exclusively. To Collins, it is obvious that Parrish is a fan of rock and roll as well as hard metal music.

“Her love of good music is not limited to just KISS. She knows the lyrics to all the songs and loves listening and talking about the songs and artists.

She really is a lot of fun when it comes to her love of rock and roll,” Collins said.

Taking Hobbies To Another Level. Office Receptionist Jean Parrish spends free time dressing up as favorite KISS band member, Gene Simmons. Photos Courtesy of Jean Parrish

Student shares love of Girl Scouts, lessons learned from participation Saylor Cuzzort Buisness Editor

W

hen most people think of Girl Scouts, they think of little girls in brown skirts selling cookies. However, the organization provides girls of all ages more than just cookie delivery skills.

For over 100 years, the organization has taught G.I.R.L.s (go-getters, innovators, risk takers and l e a d e r s ) to help make a difference in the world. After being in the program for over eight years, junior Kelsey Underwood has learned skills that will last her a lifetime.

“In m y t i m e in Girl Scouts I have learned so much more than I could have ever imagined. It opened my eyes to all the people that needed help in our community and in the world,” Kelsey said. “The things I have learned have made a difference in my life and all around made me a better person.”

During her time in Girl Scouts, Kelsey has earned enough badges to fill two junior vests and two cadette vests. She earned badges in junior first aid, financial literacy, cadette entrepreneur, junior citizen, public speaking and practical life skills.

Each badge requires a series of steps and responsibilities one masters before ironing it onto the vest.

Recently she finished her senior vest and is now beginning her ambassador vest.

“When I receive a badge it feels great to watch all the hard work pay off,” Kelsey said. “Some badges are easier than others but when you receive a more difficult one it means more.”

TEAM

As a junior trooper Kelsey and Troop 10767 received the highest award a junior Girl Scout could receive. Like the requirements of the badge the troop chose a project, made a plan, put the plan in motion and spread the word.

“We did not raise money for the shelter, but we did collect items such as dog and cat toys, treats, food, blankets and towels. We also raised awareness of their needs,” Kelsey Said.

Troopers created flyers and began to spread the word around the community as the three month campaign began. The bags of pet food, supplies and cash donations started stacking up as the community filled the area of need. With service projects like these, Kelsey began to realize all the simple ways she could help others.

“Whether it’s helping someone put groceries in their car or raising money, there are so many ways to help people,” Kelsey said. “Girl Scouts has opened my eyes to that.”

Kelsey is working to receive her largest and most difficult badge, the gold award. For this badge, the highest award for Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors, Kelsey must complete two Senior or Ambassador journeys or complete one Senior or Ambassador journey and have earned a Girl Scout Silver Award.

Kelsey is currently raising money for her efforts to receive the award that keeps her going.

“For the gold award I must make a mark on the community,” Kelsey said. “My goal is to get an outside light outside the band room at Sparkman Middle School because the darkness is causing some difficulty when students leave. If this doesn’t work out, I’d like to work on getting a sidewalk leading to the high school’s soccer field.”

Like most young girls that join Girl Scouts, Kelsey got involved to make new friends and to become a part of something.

Girl Scouts is a family undertaking for the Underwoods. Kelsey’s mom,Lisa, is her troop leader.

Her mom became involved once Kelsey’s other troop leader retired.

“I chose to be an active and involved parent in my children’s activities and Girl Scouts are always looking for volunteers and leaders, so this was a win, win.”Lisa said.

HOPE

Because her mom is troop leader, Kelsey feels that she has more responsibility than the typical Girl Scout. She helps her mom get meeting information together and helps with getting the word out about meetings. The two have enjoyed doing activities together through this organization.

“We do volunteer work. We do special take action projects. We go camping and hiking and go on trips,” Lisa said. “But above all we have fun doing what we do.”

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Learning Responsibility by Having Fun. Junior Kelsey Underwood, a girl scout since middle school, poses with her fellow Girl Scouts while on a trip to the Smokey Mountains.

The trips allows the girls to learn skills such as camping and outdoor survival. Underwood uses love of Girl Scouts to teach her responsibility and leadership. Underwood’s vest shows the many badges she has earned throughout the past years. Photos courtesy of Kelsey Underwood

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8

Sports

Jan. 26, 2017

The Crimson Crier

Sophomores help lead girls basketball to state ranking, good season Danni Jo Grider Reporter

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ominating the 7A classification, the varsity girls basketball team has made a name for the school over the years.

Playing together since they were freshman, four sophomores have stood out and helped to make this season a great one.

Rachel Daneri, Deserea Walker, Deyanna Dodd and TJ Webster have played basketball as a team since they were 9-years-old. Their years together have helped them grow as individuals and bond together as team.

Daneri is a post averaging 3.5 points and 2.6 rebounds a game, Walker is a guard that averages 5.2 points and 1.4 rebounds a game, Webster is also a guard that averages 3.4 points and 1.4 rebounds a

game, and Dodd is a point guard that averages 5.3 points and 2.1 rebounds a game.

“They have very good chemistry on the floor that comes from the years they have spent playing together,” coach Patrick Delay said.

Working hard in the off season and taking instruction from the caches, helped them to secure their position on varsity. Being the youngest on the team, they learn much from the upperclassmen.

“The seniors have taught us the meaning of leadership by taking charge because there are so many underclassmen,” Dodd said.

The girls have all started at some point in the season contributing to a major part of the team’s success. They agree that being on varsity as a sophomore is challenging but it makes them

want to work harder and push themselves to be the best they can be.

“The seniors have taught us that you have to have a good work ethic and a good attitude at all times to be successful on varsity,” Daneri said.

The girls are especially unique because they skipped junior varsity altogether. They pushed themselves in such a way that it enabled them to reach the top level quicker than others. Their years of training with each other and individually have set them apart from others their age.

“Skipping junior varsity didn’t affect me much because, on varsity, I get to play in a harder level of competition,” Webster said.

The girls have grow in the skill and defense area of the game since they began playing.

Reading a defense and

And One. Sophomore Rachel Daneri leaps over a Buckhorn defender to make a basket. There are more sophomores on the varsity team than any other class. The team is currently ranked number one in 7A. Photo by Scott Lowe

making calls accordingly is skill they have almost mastered.

“None of the girls have reached their potential yet. It takes time

to learn our defensive system and expectations that come with the different positions.

They have done a much better job executing this

year. This year they are not having to think as much and can just play,” Delay said.

Senior track standout named best male long jumper, keeps getting better Reporter

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fter being ranked first in the state, senior Daryl Bowden not only made a name for himself, but also a name for the school in the world of track and field. Dominating his competition, Bowden is now ranked highest in the Alabama high school boys’ long jump.

“He’s very critical of his form and his technique,” coach Cedric Austin said. “He wants to be great and that alone separates him from his competition.”

Lacking the proper equipment needed to train, Bowden has had to train in places other than his school. Local schools and facilities have helped prepare Bowden to be the best in everything he does.

“For the first couple of years, I just made do with what I had and I

did alright,” Bowden said. “Eventually I was able to drive, and started going to Bob Jones to use their long jump and triple jump pit.”

On the track team since the eighth grade, Bowden has developed a great work ethic.

Training more than just during scheduled practices has put him ahead of his competition and

to practices and training as often as he can.

Unlike many others.

Bowden keeps a great attitude while putting in as much work as possible.

“He’s very enthusiastic,” Austin said.

“Whether its dancing in the weight room or entertaining his teammates, he always has a positive attitude and

my mom ran track “Well in high school. I think

“

Shelby Lopez

I’m just a natural born athlete. senior Daryl Bowden

inspired his teammates as well.

“We have younger kids that are interested in competing in the same events as Daryl,” Austin said. “By teaching them what they need to know, he’s also fine-tuning himself as well.”

Bowden has developed a love for the sport and enjoys going

there’s never a dull moment with Daryl.”

As many athletes do, Bowden has some traditions and rituals he follows before and during his track meets.

Whether it is his prejump clap or his “special shoes”, Bowden follows his track habits to a tee.

“I have my special shoes for running and

my special shoes for jumping,” Bowden says. “ Also every time before I jump, I do a slow clap that everyone in the stands participates in. It’s a ritual.”

As a senior, Bowden’s high school meets are coming to a close and graduation is drawing near. Bowden plans to continue competing and hopes to maintain his ranking as he gets older.

“He’s currently had a few colleges interested in him,” Austin said.

“Taking his motivation into the rest of these meets will elevate him as an athlete and cause him to go farther than just high school.”

With every great accomplishment comes great envy. Bowden counts each rival as another win and sees each jealous competitor as another sign of being the best. “ It feels like a lot of people are coming after me,” Bowden said.

“That’s what I want. It pushes me.”

Inspired to compete by his mother, Bowden sees her as one of his biggest supporters.

Jump for the Record Books. Senior Daryl Bowden competes at the Metro-Birmingham meet. Bowden has put hours into practicing to be the state’s best. Photo by Greg Machen

Other than his coaches, Bowden pushes himself to be the best that he can be.

“I’ve been coaching myself and helping myself when I train alone and always push

myself to my limits,” Bowden said. “If I’m not working hard, someone is always going to outwork me.”

Hockey players comment on having to play for non-school teams, growth of sport Christian White Web Editor

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ootball is the United State’s most popular sport, baseball is America’s pastime, soccer is the number one sport in the world, where does hockey fit in?

In the south, fall brings about that football season attitude, but if you are a hockey fan or player, it signals the start of the NHL, college and youth hockey across a country that gives it little attention.

“I play at the local rink here in Huntsville and everything is self-funded compared to the north,” junior Brandon Weis said.

“When I go to hockey camp all the way in

Michigan, the teams there ride buses to their games and play in college rinks. They always seem to have so many luxuries that players and teams down south do not have.”

High school players in north Alabama only have two real options for teams, the junior Chargers of UAH and the Point Mallard Ducks, based in Decatur. Every year these players have to participate in tournaments that make up a large percentage of their season games. These tournaments take place in cities across the country in all directions such as St. Louis, Columbus and even as far as New York City. For high school players to

travel this far for their games costs a fortune between tournament costs, travel, food and accommodations.

“We have a great program at our rink in Decatur, plenty of people play and we have a great facility,” senior Michael Bautista said.

“Our last tournament was in Pittsburgh and it was a hassle but we had a good time. I think getting to visit all these different places all over the country is a good experience but it would be nice to form leagues and teams closer to us.”

High school players in the south express the difficulty of forming teams in the south due to lack of participation and reputable coaching, but express a hope-

ful disposition that this will change in upcoming years and many believe that it will.

“I think hockey will grow rapidly in the south. It is getting bigger and bigger every year as more people show interest in it and it gets shown to more people through advertising and people introducing it to their friends and such,” sophomore Michael Keefauver said.

While high school participation sees a minimum in the south and many colleges have only small club teams, the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) is known as the hockey capital of the south. Being seated in the heart of the Tennes-

see valley and on the edge of the Cumberland plateau that seem to lock the city inside, it may amaze outsiders of what hockey potential there is to offer.

“You probably do not expect to find Division one hockey in a city like Huntsville, Alabama but its definitely here,” Weis said.

“The UAH Chargers are still the only division one team south of the Mason-Dixon line and after almost four decades of successfully contending with teams from the north, they are living proof that hockey belongs in the South.”

On the Ice. UAH’s junior team senior Michael Bautista skates down the ice avoiding opposing defenders. Courtesy of Michael Bautista

Jan. 26, 2017

The Crimson Crier

9

Sports

Wearing the shirt comes with tough skin, devotion to game Matthew Walker Reporter

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ports fans from all over flock to marquee games to cheer on their favorite teams, and parents cherish every joyous moment of their children’s young athletic careers. We as a society love sports, and at the root of this love affair between man and sport there is an insane amount of controversy and conflict; at the center of the controversy and conflict we find the humble referee.

Jason Jones is the president of the North Alabama Officials Association (NABOA), and has refereed for almost 20 years. NABOA serves most of the schools in the Huntsville, Madison City, and Madison County school systems as well as a few schools in the Marshall County, Blount County, and Limestone County school systems.

NABOA currently has over 120 active basketball officials, and they officiate all games from 6-yearold rec. league games to high school varsity games.

Jones presides over all meetings of the association, and communicates with the AHSAA as well as many area coaches and schools.

“I love my job,” Jones said, “What I have enjoyed most is seeing a student-athlete, that I officiated in 6-year-old rec. league games, blossom into a college student-athlete. It is a great feeling watching student athletes mature as students and athletes over the years.”

Those that officiate the sport of basketball have a particularly difficult job due to the fast paced, yet crowded nature of the game. Referees are human so, of course, calls will be missed; which is where the aforementioned conflict and sometimes unfair criticism stems from.

“Every single game I get mad because the referees miss so many calls. I understand that they have a very difficult job, but sometimes I feel like they are cheating me and my team. I feel like the majority of referees do a poor job,” junior Quin Frazier said.

Jones agrees that a thick skin is needed to wear the stripes and accepts that being criticized is part of the job.

“I deal with criticism on a daily basis. No matter how old we get, where we live, or what we do, we

will be critiqued. While I in no way believe I am always right, I always do what I think is right; this philosophy helps me deal with criticism,” Jones said.

In every game there are two contrasting sides. One of the most difficult things a referee must do is remain professional in all situations, which is particularly challenging when passionate fans are screaming at the referees as if they knew more about the game and its rules than them. A good official blocks out the noise and stays unbiased.

“We as officials do not care who wins. We are on the court or field to be the only unbiased party. While we may get a call wrong or miss an infraction, it is not on purpose. Our only desire is to provide a safe, enjoyable environment for the student-athletes,” Jones said.

According to Jones, to become a basketball official one must be well-versed in the rules of the game as well as be in good enough shape to run up and down the court throughout the game.

While there is no physical test, the AHSAA gives a rules test prior to each season that all officials must pass in order to be eligible to call school games.

“Training to be an official is not easy, but anyone who is willing to commit to becoming an official can do so. It takes dedication, study, and the ability to run with students half your age,” Jones said.

The AHSAA wishes to get youth involved in officiating. Jones says, in the last year the AHSAA has begun an officiating class within state high schools which gives students the opportunity to learn how to officiate various sports during the school year, and even waives their first year membership fee should they choose to join an officiating association.

Jones says that NABOA is always looking for officials and those interested should email the association at NABOA@mediacombb.net. The association has an outstanding training program; they hold oncourt training from 1:30-3 p.m., and rules training

from 3-4 p.m. on almost every Sunday from September through February “It would be great for all AHSAA sports if more students took advantage of this opportunity,” Jones said, “The best advice I could give anyone considering becoming an official in any sport would be to start now, nothing is stopping you. Officiating is great for the mind and body.”

Super Bowl has delivered good games Jacob Whitlock Managing Editor

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s we near Super Bowl LI, let’s take a look back at the top four greatest Super Bowl games of all time.

4.

3.

Super Bowl XLIII: Arizona vs. Pittsburgh, 2009 The forty-third edition of the Super Bowl pitted the high-powered offense of the Cardinals, led by 37-year-old quarterback Kurt Warner, against the rock-solid defense of the Steelers, known as the “Iron Curtain.” The game was a tight, competitive match right up until halftime, when linebacker James Harrison intercepted the ball in the end zone and battled his way 100 yards back for the touchdown as the clock ran out to give the Steelers a 17-7 halftime advantage. The subsequent game-winning drive by Big Ben Roethlisberger and Company was capped off by a breath-taking catch in the corner of the end zone by Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes.

Super Bowl XLIX: New England vs. Seattle, 2015 The most watched program in American television history will forever be remembered by a single call at the end of the game.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll insisted on throwing the ball at the 1-yard line with 26 seconds on the clock, despite having the nearly unstoppable Marshawn Lynch in the backfield. Instead of running in the TD and effectively ending the game, Malcolm Butler, the undrafted rookie from West Alabama, came up with an interception to save the season for the Patriots. Tom Brady, the MVP of the game, led his team to a 10-point comeback in the fourth quarter. For many, this game solidified Bill Belichick and Tom Brady as the greatest NFL coach/player duo of all time.

2.

1.

Super Bowl III New York Jets vs. Baltimore Colts, 1970 The first Super Bowl to officially be given that title also saw the greatest upset in the game’s history. The 18-point underdog Jets strutted into Miami and took care of business early, jumping to a 16-0 lead in the 4th quarter and holding on strong until the final whistle blew, winning 16-7. A week earlier Super Bowl MVP quarterback Joe Namath made the bold promise that his team would win, and he delivered. The reason this game is second on this list is because of its significance. This was the final game played between the AFL and NFL before the merger.

This game, which the AFL won, gave the organizations and fans confidence that AFL teams could compete with the NFL teams in a single, united league. This game shaped the NFL we know today.

Super Bowl XLII: New England vs. New York Giants, 2007 This game is number one for the simple reason that it was an underdog story for the ages. The Giants entered this match-up as the 12-point underdog to the undefeated Patriots, who were vying to be the first team to go 19-0 in an NFL season. Twenty-one of the 31 total points scored came in the fourth quarter where, on the Giant’s last drive of the game, perhaps the most memorable catch in Super Bowl history took place. With a minute left on the clock, Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning escaped a sack and lobbed it downfield to David Tyree, who pinned the ball up against his helmet with one hand and came down with it to make the remarkable reception. The so-called “Helmet Catch” set up the game-winning touchdown and the Giants completed one of the greatest championship upsets in sports history.

Dr. Charles Brown Chiropractic Physician

102 S. Malone St. Suite B Athens, AL 35611 (256) 216-1717 griggsorthodontics@gmail.com

600 Saint Clair Ave. SW Building One, Suite Z Huntsville, Alabama 35801 256-489-4151

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Jan. 26, 2016

The Crimson Crier

Student shares insight on suicide Kaylyn Jones Web Editor

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epression and suicide is often joked about by high school students as they endure the stress of classes and learning how to balance time.

The gravity of the topics is not realized until someone is truly depressed and desires what they believe will make everything better: suicide.

Junior Ania Stover fell into deep depression and still struggles with it at times, but manages to pull through by surrounding herself with those who make her happy.

“My depression started around four and a half years ago, and it was on and off. I think it was always there for the most part, but it really began to show when my mom died,” Stover said. “I was in a slump about everything and I just never really got over it. I remember that day like it was yesterday. It was my sister’s birthday and I had just left my mom’s house, maybe an hour before it all happened.”

Michelle Stover had an unknown heart condition and had been back and forth to the hospital the week of her death because she had fallen sick.

While waiting for the doctors to call her back from the waiting room, she had a heart attack in the chair and passed.

“I noticed everyone was acting strange. I walked into my room to find my dad and grandma in there.

My dad was sitting on my bed, so I sat down next to him, and my grandma just looked at me, crying.

That’s when she told me,” Stover said. “My mom was the only person I really talked to, and when she died, I bottled everything I felt up because I felt like I couldn’t talk to anyone.”

Despite a close friend being by her side, Stover still felt as she if she was in her battles alone. Junior Jessica Turnage stuck with her through her hard times, and reminded her daily that things would eventually become better because of Ania’s ability to overcome her darkest moments.

“I wanted to kill myself. So, I tried. I attempted to overdose on pills the first time and tried slitting my wrists the second time. At first, I went to a grieving counselor, but then I stopped because it never helped me. I’m at a behavioral counselor as of now, but my grandma is just afraid that they’ll send me away,” Stover said.

A study completed by Kevin Caruso, the founder and executive director of the non-profit suicide. org organization, reported that on average, one young person, ages 15 to 24, dies every two hours and 12 minutes due to successful suicide.

“She was anorexic for a while and I remember asking her every day to eat. It didn’t matter what it was, I just hoped she would eat. She loves oranges, and even to this day, I get an orange everyday at lunch just in case she hadn’t eaten anything yet,” Turnage said. “She used to cut her wrists. A different persona would be put on to cover up how she

felt in public. The thought of losing someone you’re close to because they aren’t happy with their lives is so heartbreaking. If Ania was successful in her past attempts, I would’ve blamed myself simply because I would’ve felt like there was something that I could have done but didn’t do.”

Arguments can be made because the simple understanding of such a situation is so far out there, especially if the one trying to help has not experienced it specifically. It causes those who are suffering to close up and hold in more of their feelings.

“I didn’t like going to therapists or counselors because they can’t tell me it will get better. They haven’t been in the same situation as me,” Stover said. “They don’t sit at home every day, hating everything about themselves. They don’t know what it’s like to hate your body so much that you starve yourself and take a blade to it. They don’t know what it’s like to cry for hours and wonder why you aren’t good enough for anybody. Sure, their life isn’t perfect, no one’s is. But it’s definitely not the same. That was my mindset two years ago, and a part of it is still with me.”

Observing Stover’s journey from a distance, Turnage remains continuously grateful that her friend decided to take a different road in life. With a therapist as a career choice, Stover hopes to relate to others on a level that someone else cannot reach.

“Ania was dating a close friend at the time her mom died. He left her because she was ‘too depressed’ for him. To an extent I can be angry with that situation, but at the same time I’m grateful that he left her because she didn’t need that in her life,” Turnage said. “It’s beautiful to know she’s overcome it all, and wants to help others suffering in return. Patience is key, and many people don’t possess that. Sometimes, it can push that person over the edge. But all it takes is one person to make a difference and save a life.”

79%

Males make up of all suicides, while women are more prone to having suicidal thoughts.

3rd

Suicide is the leading cause of death for to -year-olds.

15 24

51%

Over of all suicides are completed with a firearm.

one

There is death by suicide in the US every minutes.

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https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-suicide

Jan. 26, 2016

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Q& A

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The Crimson Crier

Director of Crisis Services answers important questions Parker Boothe Video Editor

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Crimson Crier: What is the success rate when someone calls the Suicide hotline?

Jessica Kalathas: I’m not really sure how to answer this question.

We do our best with every call, and honestly we never really know what happens after someone gets off the phone with us. We could have done everything right and they may still feel hopeless.

CC: How often does your center receive calls on the hotline?

Kalathas: We take calls 24/7, so we have the potential to receive calls any time of the day or night. Last year we took 3,027 calls on the suicide hotline.

CC: What is the protocol when someone calls the hotline?

Kalathas: We always begin by doing our best to build rapport with all of our callers. If someone calls on the suicide line we always ask if they are having thoughts of ending their life, even if the caller doesn’t bring up the topic themselves. If they are having thoughts of ending their life we discuss their triggers and also assess for risk. If they are found to be at high risk we do our best to encourage them to seek help from the emergency room; if they refuse to go we will call the police. The police will do a well person check to assess if the caller is

truly at risk for ending their life. If they find the person is at risk the police will contact HEMSI and have the person taken to the hospital.

CC: What advice do you have for teens who are feeling suicidal?

Kalathas: I would strongly encourage you to reach out for help if you’re struggling.

There are people who care about you! I know that it doesn’t seem that way right now, but I promise they do, and I PROMISE that no one would be better off if you were gone! Tell someone you trust and let them help you, you don’t have to do it all by yourself, you just need to take the first step!

The end does not mean the pain stops Zane White Reporter

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silent epidemic has been growing in this country and it is beginning to take its toll. Over the years, the suicide rate has grown 24 percent since 1999. Aging millennial are being affected more than many other groups, suicides being the third leading cause.

This has become such an issue that some state governments are looking at revising laws allowing for both suicide or assistance in the suicide of another without fear of persecution.

However, changing laws does nothing to prevent the problem.

One of the many statements of someone considering suicide tends to be that when they are gone everything will continue as normal. The sun will rise tomorrow and the world will still go about its business.

This viewpoint seems extremely prevalent in first-world countries, where a sense of meaningless can take over. There is so much going on in our world, and we can seem so insignificant among it all, but in reality we impact those around us. Even with someone gone, those who will miss them will be pained by every

reminder of what they have lost. Every morning they see that empty chair that used to be filled with someone so full of life.

Every night w h e n there is one less person to tell they love.

People make space in their hearts for those they

24 hour hotline

:

love, and if that space becomes empty it is impossible to ever fix.

Yes, memories fade but there will always be reminders of what was lost.

Parents, siblings, teachers, friends: all will be hurt because suicide does not end the pain.

All it does is pass onto those around the one lost. True,

it may end my suffering, but it would merely transfer the pain and sorrow I felt onto the ones I loved. Nothing in this universe ever ends, everything is simply transferred in some way, shape or form.

It is basically a law of physics. The pain and suffering that we feel will not be destroyed if we ourselves meet our end, it will simply seep into those who care for us. Personally, it is the only reason that I am still here. This realization no longer made suicide an option. This year alone, I have been to three funerals of those I held close and looking around I could see the effects of love lost and I could never wish that upon someone.

In the end, we all matter and we all make a difference in the lives of those around us.

At the time it may not seem to be a noticeable difference, but people never know what they have until they lose it.

Once lost, it can never come back. People are what make all the differences in our lives.

To lose someone that has become apart of another’s life is essentially robbing them of that relationship. Pieces of people’s lives are torn away and without them nothing can be complete.

1-800-273-8255 or 256-716-1000

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Jan. 26, 2017

The Crimson Crier

Be My Valentine

Reviews

Illustrated by Emily Bacuum

Super Mario Run is changing game world with new platform Quentin Hanson Reporter

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The CC asked 5 girls and 5 boys the same questions regarding Valentine’s Day. The responses show there is a definite difference between the sexes.

1.“I guess they would want dinner and some flowers.” -Reid Powers 2.“Dinner and movies I guess. Just keep it simple. She’s not picking the movie though.”

-Maxwell Moore 3.“Definitely a card.

With a short and sweet note.” -Alex Strachan 4.“No, because that makes your anniversaries weird because they’re always on Valentine’s Day.” -Blake Overmyer 5. “No, that’s just weird. Valentine’s Day is a day of love. Unless we were friends for a long time it’d be awkward and a lot of work.” -Jonathan Everheart

1. What do girls want for a Valentine's Day gift?

2. What is your ideal Valentine’s Day date?

3. Card or no card?

4. Should Valentine’s Day be your first date?

5. Can a friend be a Valentine?

1.“Flowers, candy, and a card saying something sweet. It lets me know that he cares and makes me feel special.” -Francesca Dempsey 2. “Going out on a date to a fancy restaurant with the person you love.” -Cierra Bolden 3.“A card so I know they have feeling for me and it tells how they feel about us.” -Molly Short 4.“If you want to. It just depends where they are taking or who is the one taking you.” -Caityln Murphy 5.“Yeah, because you will not have to spend as much money on each other and you still have a great time with them.” -Juli Chapman Photo illustrations by Danielle Cardo

Youtube changes format, leaves users unaware Andrea Graves Reporter

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ouTube has evolved a gracious amount since its creation in 2005. Most recently, however, Google implemented numerous changes that have been widely discussed by the YouTube community — both YouTube channels and their viewers and commentators.

One of the changes discussed is that they will also incorporate surveys along with the current ads, which gives the impression of an obligation to complete them to many viewers. This has been said to mimic the system of many stories on Facebook, where one must like a post and complete a survey in order to visit a website to read an article.

Another issue that plagues both viewers and creators is the problem of random unsubscriptions by YouTube.

Various well-known YouTubers such as Pewdiepie have s a i d that their subscriber count has declined an alarming amount, and have been approached by viewers saying that they did not intentionally unsubscribe and had no intention of doing so.

Pewdiepie, whose real name is Felix Kjellberg, has stated in one of his videos that he himself had been automatically unsubbed from some of his favorite channels.

A variety of viewers have enacted an ad blocker, which pre-

vents the appearance of the ads that are so common on the platform and occasionally pop up in the middle of longer videos. With the new changes, if you have an ad blocker, the “skip button” is removed and there are ads that appear before videos that are 1 0 minutes long (or longer).

Google implemented this system in an attempt to discourage adblock users.

A few more changes are the buffer times and ad content. Various viewers have said that videos now take longer to buffer and load.

Ads have also taken the forefront on the home page, with larger sized ads that take up a ma-

jority of the page. The amount of content per page has changed as well. In the past, pages had a fairly consistent amount of content per page. While now, the thumbnails on videos are much larger, putting the visual aspect over the text and actual content and focus of the video.

While these changes are not life or death, several viewers argue that YouTube has taken a more capitalistic approach through their excessive incorporation of ads in their basic layout, valuing money over their functionality of being a platform for people to share their passions and creations and drifting away from their intentions of connecting cultures around the globe.

hile facing numerous challenges, Nintendo has managed to put together a new experience for gamers on a modern platform from its previous games. Nintendo has also changed its formula for how to play traditional Mario games from new controls to a completely fresh mind set.

I am not saying Mario Run is not a great start for Nintendo's first smartphone game, but it could still use some work. Super Mario Run is exactly what many active users of gaming apps might expect in a smartphone game. As seen in past Mario games, it has the same layout, enemies and gaming objective.

The biggest downside to Mario run in my

opinion is the fact that you have to pay to unlock new worlds. Once you complete the first three levels in the first world, you have to pay $10 to unlock each of the other new worlds.

Within the game there are six worlds, so your total cost of the game would be $60, which is too expensive for most app users.

In my opinion, cost is not really worth it.

With Mario Run, all you are doing is tapping the screen to jump and collect coins, while Mario runs automatically. I would really like to see a more balanced cost to unlock new worlds and I would also appreciate it if Nintendo could make the game more hands-on. I personally do not like that you cannot control all of Mario's movements.

Photo by Madison Harding

Two worlds link in new novel Cady Harbin Reporter

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hey say do not judge a book by it's cover, but “The Sun is Also a Star” by New York Times best-selling author Nicola Yoon is just as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.

This is the book for which I have been waiting for. It is fast paced, has diversity in the characters and faces real life dilemmas happening in the world such as illegal immigration and racism. This book takes place in the time period of one day in New York City from the points of views of Daniel and Natasha.

Natasha is an illegal immigrant from Jamaica and moved to America when she was eight, hoping that her father would pursue and make his dreams come true as an actor but her family is about to be deported. She spends her last day in Ameri-

ca trying to escape her family's deportation by visiting immigration lawyers.

Daniel is the son of Korean immigrants, but he was born in America. His parents have extraordinary expectations for him and impel him to go to Yale and become a doctor, but that is not what he strives to be. His interview for Yale is the same day as Natasha's deportation.

Daniel believes in love and dreams, Natasha does not. When their worlds collide, anything can happen.

This book beautifully portrays the impact of their parent’s mistakes and pasts on their life. It describes the events building up to the deportation of Natasha's family, the push for Daniel to be a doctor and the contrast between her disbelief in love and dreams and Daniel’s infatuation with the both.