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Junior discloses pain, joy that came with day trial of being pregnant

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Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016 Volume XXVII

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New Normal Senior proves anything is possible with enough determination, support

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Issue I

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

T HR OUGH THE I R EYE S Photos by Madison Harding

Kaylyn Jones Web Editor

Students express the impact of immigration on their lives

America is portrayed as the greatest country and there is absolutely in doubt that people who travel here want to begin a new chapter in their life or are he Melting Pot is known for accepting looking for an escape. “The land of the free and the numerous varieties of cultures and combining home of the brave” lives within the citizens, attracting them into one. It is known as the American culture. many individuals and families.

That is what it is — a mix of immigrants. But, with immigration laws at question and consideration at a knowledge standpoint, “The Melting Pot” may go People come to America for opportunities to back on its ways and accept no more. However, if the change everything and if they stop accepting laws are regulated the same way and the immigrant is granted entry, harsh judgment with a fresh culture people or set more regulations, America won’t is waiting behind the dream life that is presented to be viewed the same anymore. them.

Senior Sana Arradi was born into the Islamic Senior Sana Arradi culture. She wears her robes with pride and goes “My mother is trying to get her daughter the about her day without forgetting her heritage. Her ability to enter America and it’s hard to have families home is where her heart is. separated.

In Yemen, the lights go off almost every “My father is American and I was born in Yemen. half hour and there’s no technology, so when It was easier for my father to bring me to America, it’s someone comes from another country, especially always been easier for the fathers to do so,” Arradi Yemen, to visit America they want to stay because it’s said. “It is different for me because I grew up here [in so different,” Arradi said.

America] so when I went back to Yemen, I felt like I Citizens in America constantly argue that there was new to a religion. Even though I felt exposed, I needs to be more regulations added to the immigration would go back.”

T

Sana Arradi

“

Matthew Ochieng Many believe the economy would be nothing without the millions of legal immigrants currently living in America. Although there is truth behind the statement, citizens still also believe there should be regulations on immigration laws but for different reasons to consider.

Senior Matthew Ochieng moved from Kenya just a few years ago and started fresh in America. With his Kenyan bracelets on his wrist, he enjoys the American life and gave insight into how the immigration process works.

“The process for me to be here today was incredibly stressful,” Ochieng said. “It took me about two years to complete the application; I had to wait another year for my visa, save the money I needed, and I had to go to the Embassy to do an interview.

I finally moved here in 2013 and I had to fly from

Hispanic 4%

Asian 2.6%

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Native Hawaiian .3%

Chicago to Nashville and then Alabama just to get to my new home. The only part I would consider easy, even though it was somewhat stressful, was growing accustomed to my new life.”

Every culture and religion will be different, but one of the things that seems so prominent in America is accepting people for who they are with little to no judgment. That is not always the case in every situation.

“There’s good people here who have accepted me and taken me in as their own,” Ochieng said. “I don’t really feel judged or limited to a certain extent.

Applying for a job is hard because I’m an immigrant and come from another country, but other than that, I’m good.”

Without the immigrants taking the lower paying jobs, the business world would most likely be a whisper of a memory. In order to run a business, there needs to be people willing to apply for a blue collar job and most of the people who choose to do so are immigrants.

laws for the interest of it only American citizens, but for the immigrants as well to help those who have a difficult time adjusting to their new life.

“Most people who enter America don’t really know English and the tests ask hard questions so I think if they place regulations similar to English needing to be a known language to them, it is okay,” Arradi said. “I don’t think there could be many alternative solutions to aiding the immigration laws; either you let people in or you don’t. It’s already stressful enough.”

All over the news, terrorist attacks and plots are broadcasted daily. The deaths of innocent beings are shown to the entire world to raise the awareness of evil, but the media does it in such a way that it has blinded people from seeing the good in others.

“The Islamic culture is a peaceful religion.

Themedia has given races and religions and cultures labels and it isn’t right,” Arradi said.

“African Americans have been named ‘slaves’ and now Muslims are being named ‘terrorists.’ I get judged by people I don’t know or even talk to. It’s not just the Islamic religion being judged, it’s every religion in my opinion.”

“America is made up by immigrants,” Ochieng said. “I don’t think setting regulations on immigration laws is bad because there are some immigrants with terrible intentions, but at the same time, there’s immigrants with peaceful intentions. We just need to find a way to single out the immigrants with bad intentions for protection so our economy can grow even more.”

Despite the many arguments disputed over by citizens, it all boils down to the morals of the country.

Not everyone agrees with how America runs itself, but peace and safety are some of the main priorities to aid the economy.

“People are always going to have something

BAKER

cont. on pg 3

a closer look at our senators

African American 30.2%

Mixed 1.7%

@TheCrimsonCrier The Crimson Crier

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Indian American 3.8%

White 57.2 %

Found Inside

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

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New logo helps to unify all school clothing, facilities

Jacob Whitlock Reporter

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his school year, administration is putting into action a new plan to rebrand the school, which includes the introduction of a standardized “S” logo.

When Principal Chris Shaw took the helm at SHS last year, he noticed a problem.

“There was so many different logos with so many different styles,” Shaw said. “We had the Stanford ‘S’, the Ohio State ‘S’, the Ole Miss rebel. There were so many different things going on.”

He began to work closely with Athletic Director Jason Watts to create a simple, unique and unified symbol that could be used across all school organizations.

They originally did not know where to begin, but they eventually turned to the public for answers.

“We used an online survey to get input from students, faculty and community members about which logo, or which ‘S’ they liked best,” Watts said.

With the help of the community, they agreed on the double “S” that has been working its way into many places around campus since the beginning of the year.

It was straightforward, recognizable and, most importantly, on its own. No other school in Alabama uses something similar.

“Some organizations were already using it.

I think the band had already adopted it and some other clubs were using it, so we decided to try it out,” Shaw said.

He has added several cosmetic improvements with the new logo including 60 flags around the softball field, 24 banners along the lightpoles out front and a new decal in the center of the football field.

“Another thing we did [is] we added a huge, three-print mural of the band, the soccer players and football,” Shaw said.

“It says ‘Home of the Senators’ and has the double ‘S’ at the bottom.”

The creation of an original logo also opens the door to more possibilities regarding brand deals and trademarking. Because the logo is unique to Sparkman, the school could register it as its own trademark and restrict sales of products including the logo.

“We have the option to sort of go in and trademark it so that it is specific to Sparkman,” Watts said. “If we were to have those branding rights we could go into a store like Walgreens or Kroger that sells spirit wear and tell them they can’t do that anymore.”

Shaw and Watts both hope that this new approach can help redirect more revenue into the school’s brand new online shop, because only school-licensed spirit wear vendors

would be able to sell.

“I kept in contact with the company that did some of our branding work,” Watts said. “I kind of worked with them in some of our artwork and also in creating an online store.”

Much of the administrative staff and the student body alike have expressed their enthusiasm for this amendment. Shaw is especially eager to launch this project into full swing.

“I think everybody is excited about it,” Shaw said. “Everybody is used to it by now and they have really embraced it.”

While the majority of students and faculty have welcomed and supported this transition, some still prefer the more traditional icons of Sparkman. The beloved Senator logo is still seen by many as the staple of SHS. “I was looking forward to having the senator on my class ring,” junior Christian White said.

The senator along with the many other logos Nevertheless, Shaw’s plan to unify the school is in full effect and it has given rise to a new era for the school and the community.

“What we wanted was a logo [that] when you saw it, you knew it was the Sparkman Senators logo, and I think we accomplished that,” Shaw said.

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HARD AT WORK. Evelyn Cross took over at the end of last school year after long-term manager, Tammy Hudson retired. Cross started the year by setting goals on getting more students to eat in the cafeteria. Photo By Madison Harding

New cafeteria manager takes over Jessica Turnage Reporter

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eople have had childhood dreams of being an astronaut, a race car driver or even a weatherman but only a few have ever wanted to be a lunch lady.

As a child, cafeteria manager, Evelyn Cross always wanted to be a lunch lady. She thought it would be fun and exciting. She wanted to be different from the lunch ladies she grew up with in the white attire.

She wanted to be different so that children were excited to come into the lunchroom.

Cross’s most favorite thing about her job is serving children.

“If I could open a large home, I would just serve children. I love

children,” Cross said.

Some children do not eat school lunches; they either just skip it as a whole, or bring their own lunch to school. Cross wants to change that aspect by having more kid-friendly foods, such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, salads and chicken wraps. She also wants to make a survey for students and bring their suggestions to the school board.

Before coming to Sparkman, Cross worked at Madison Cross Roads Elementary. She realizes the difference between the young kids and the high school students.

“The younger kids cried a lot. The high schools are more fun,” Cross said. “I want to bring you all into [the lunchroom] to eat to make it interesting, encourage you all to come in and

have a nice atmosphere to eat in.”

Cross is making an impact with the staff as well. The only male member, Kenneth Tillman, has had a smooth transition with her. Tillman’s mom also works with Cross too.

“My mom trusts her. I will follow what she says to do. She has not lead me wrong yet,” Tillman said.

Cross is also ensuring that the menu is published on the school’s website.

Cross believes if a person is hungry they are not going to get good schooling because they are more focused on their hunger. Cross and her teams goal is to feed students so they can learn in the classroom.

“Hunger [leads to] learning. I feed the future and I love that,” Cross said.

SEE program undergoes criteria changes Libby Reid Reporter

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tudents wait all their lives for senior year; it comes with power, freedom and SEE program.

SEE is a special arrangement made strictly for seniors.

It allows them to drop as many as two classes a day.

In years past, to access SEE, all students needed was the right amount of credits in order to still take their classes senior year and graduate. This year, the game changed.

“The district wanted to put more accountability on the students by changing it. They agreed that SEE program needed to be for students in the workforce or students who are signed up for dual enrollment,” assistant principal Jonathon Barron said.

For many seniors this posed a problem because quite a few are unemployed or simply did not want to take a college course. For others, they agreed that the changes were good and held this year’s seniors accountable for their decision to have SEE. “It didn't directly affect me since I hadn't planned on enrolling in SEE program in the first place, but it pressured some of my friends to get a job,” senior Randi Swanson said, “I like the changes; I think it ensures that kids can make better use of their time during the day.”

Another option for students which is similar to SEE is CO-OP. It is a program that is offered at Sparkman and the tech school. Some of the faculty was able to help with recommendations into the program.

“It’s similar to SEE, except students still get a credit for it. There’s a certain number of hours they

all have to work though. It gives students the option to pursue a career they might be interested in while still receiving school credit,” Barron said.

Along with all of those options, there is still one more left. If a student has an internship outside of CO-OP, they are also granted access to SEE. “I am planning on interning at my church a couple of days a week after school. It offers the flexibility I need to get my job as SGA president done and also allows me to remain on SEE,” senior AJ Brien said.

Most seniors have acquired some type of job or have started attending their college classes now. For those who have SEE and still have no accommodation, their school day is about to get a little bit longer.

“At the end of the first nine weeks as progress reports start coming out, we’re going to check for SEE program,” Barron said. “Seniors must show proof of employment, dual enrollment or an internship. If they don’t have any of those options, we’re going to put them into PE.” Barron stated that the students must go into PE, because putting them into any type of academically challenging class that late into the semester would hurt their grade tremendously.

Students are not required to have a full-time job, they just need consistent employment. Sheets are available now in the counselor’s office to provide proof of employment or dual enrollment.

“I think the changes are smart, as many students leave school early for no reason at all. I think they should be required to use their time out of school working or taking college courses instead of being lazy all day,” Brien said.

Homecoming Dance

Saturday, Sept. 24. 8pm-11pm Award Show themed.

Flu Shot Clinic Sept. 21 Consent Forms Required

8059 Hwy 72 West Madison, AL 35758 (256) 722-0086 www.DesignWorldStores.com

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The Crimson Crier Sept. 15, 2016

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Homecoming events will take place during AO Period

Bradley Wright Reporter

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ext week the hallways will be themed Friday Night Lights, Camera, Action in celebration of homecoming.

Starting with Monday’s Grammy dress up day and ending with the dance on Saturday night, the student government association has a variety of activities planned. Like last year, daily events are planned to be held during the school day. The lip sync contest will be held Monday.

“We are doing lip sync again, but unlike last year, we are holding auditions,” Johnston said. “It was hectic with students just jumping up on stage last year.”

Along with powder puff and the bonfire, the organization is hosting a Family Feud during Tuesday’s Activity Period.

Sophomores will square off against teachers and juniors against seniors in

the first round.

“I’m mostly excited about all the different activities and events we are going to be doing,” junior Grant Whitt said.

“I’m looking forward to all the excitement getting out of class early on the activity schedule all week.”

Another new addition to the week is the homecoming point system. Each class will be able to earn points depending on how many students participate on dress up days. Individual students can earn points by dressing up daily or participating in the major events.

“The mass media students will photograph the best dressed each day,” Johnston said. “The top four costumes will be posted on Instagram and voted on by students ‘likes’” The winners of the individual contest will be announced at the dance which will have a Hollywood theme.

“We are also going to have a Hall of Fame of the

event winners. These will be announced as well,” Johnston said. “Three years of winners will be immortalized and rotated out at the end of a threeyear period.”

Once again, the bonfire will feature food trucks, including I love Bacon, Bigfoot’s Little Donuts, Piper and Leaf and Rollin’ Lobstah.

“We will also have a dunk tank and a pep rally during the bonfire hours,” Johnston said.

Johnston believes that the new activities and the award for being involved will help bolster involvement and increase school spirit.

“The goals for this year’s homecoming week is to get more students involved. I think it will be more fun for the students, “Johnston said.

“It’ a week where we can all unite as Sparkman— students and faculty.

It’s a great way to celebrate our school and our football team.”

Homecoming Schedule Monday, Sept. 19

• Dress-up: Grammy/VMA/CMA- Dress like your favorite musician, group or genre.

• Lip Sync Battle during activity period

Tuesday, Sept. 20

• Dress-up: ESPY/Nobel Prize - Mathlete vs. Athlete.

• Powder Puff during second block

Wednesday, Sept. 21

• Dress-up: Emmy/Oscar - Dress up like your favorite movie or television show - superheroes, togas, “The Office”, Clueless, etc.

• Sparkman Family Feud during activity period

Thursday, Sept. 22

• Dress-up: Kids’ Choice Awards - Dress like your favorite childhood character or like a child yourself. #throwbackthursday • Tailgate and bonfire - Food trucks, Dunk tank, Pep rally and Bonfire

Friday, Sept. 23

• Dress-up: Sparkman Awards - Everyone wears red in unity/wear HC shirts - “Light up the Trojans” • Pep rally, after school Homecoming Court pictures, football game.

History club to complete project on the history of the school Alaura Gordon Reporter

W

hen it comes to the history of the school, most students are clueless. Attending school is mandatory, but learning about it is not.

That’s where the history club comes in.

The club, which is obtaining the National History Channel Club status this year, must complete a school wide

Baker

cont. from pg 1 say about America whether or not we have more regulations on immigration laws or completely stop it,” Ochieng said. “It will make America look bad if immigration is regulated even more or if it's stopped because people in America travel to many different countries and for us to say we don't accept anymore or start accepting fewer people, it's going to have negative effects economically.”

Cedric Baker

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s evil has enveloped the world as we know it, it has distracted people from seeing through the mist to an unbiased view of reality and religion. It has made the upcoming generation more skeptical about who enters America.

Junior Cedric Baker’s family moved from Jordan to America.

Although he was born and raised in America, he still continues to defend what he grew up knowing and sees his father's story as worth telling.

“My father was originally born and raised in Jordan. He wasn’t poor but he wasn’t rich either and he knew that in order to achieve more, he needed to go to schools in the United States. So he did,” Baker said. “He went to schools all over the U.S. and even went

project.

They have decided to focus on the history of the school as their first project.

“I think it will be good for the student body to learn more about Sparkman,” history club president Kacey Cole said. “I feel like a lot of people really don’t know anything about the school.”

Members of the club will create a website that will include video

interviews with alumni that have accomplished great things. It will include photos of the two schools that merged to make Sparkman High School and details of why the school was named after Sen. John Sparkman.

“There are some great alumni from this school. Our new speaker of the house, Mr. Mac McCutcheon isan alum as is Jonathon Wallace the

to schools in different up. It helps citizens and countries, but finished immigrants see through his schooling at A&M. the mist of evil has He found love, married hidden the fact that most and received his degree people have peaceful, in civil engineering. warm hearts and the Although this lady isn’t good intentions of others. my mom, she did help my “I can understand father gain citizenship in that past incidents would America. He hasn’t left make people want to the U.S. since.” believe there needs to be Many people believe more regulations on the there is no greater immigration laws, but if country than America immigrants didn’t want and that is why so many to truly become American people move here every citizens, shouldn’t most year. The “American of them fail the entry test Dream” has been praised instead of passing it with throughout the nation’s ease? If immigration was history but controversy stopped or regulated comes to those who truly deserve that dream.

“I feel like America There have been times should first when I’ve been out with my help people to understand father and people looked that not just people of at us with fear.

Islam, but junior Cedric Baker said thousands of people from different countries want to live that glorified even more, America will ‘American Dream.’ If be the opposite of what anything, immigration it was when it was first laws should be more founded,” Baker said. regulated because “Muslims, Buddhists [natural] born citizens or any religious are having issues finding communities shouldn’t jobs,” Baker said. “Who be based off of a small are we to deprive them percentage that causes of achieving their dream. destruction.”

People need to realize Only ten percent of that most people are not Islamic followers are terrorist[s] and that most considered extremists, just want to live their life but the world still sees the in peace without anyone whole Islamic population telling them how they as a menacing group who should live it.” wants to rule the world Beliefs and arguments and have one dominant begin to soften when religion. Through some past events are brought eyes, the media is the true

“

new assistant basketball coach at Georgetown University,” sponsor Erin Coggins said. “A lot of them are prominent and our kids need to know about them.”

A graduate from the first class will be interviewed. The club plans to get the media to help out with recruiting alumni for this project.

Coggins and Cole are working on more plans for the upcoming year.

The club is responsible for the annual Veterans Day program and plan to devote each month to an era in order to have guest speakers and other fun activities.

“We have invited Dr. Paysinger to teach us about the Civil War in October. He collects items from that era that he will share with us,” Coggins said. “Of course, we will focus on World War II because it is Kacey

evil in the world. Yes, the media does portray the truth at times, but it is not balanced when it comes to good versus evil.

“Islam means peace.

The culture is beautiful and amazing. We go to the mosque every Friday to pray and just connect with other Muslims,” Baker said.

“The media has always been a responsible factor in portraying Islam badly. Mainly because they only stream the extremist[s] of Islam and when it's what people in America see, they get this idea that Muslims are terrible people who only want to hurt us and kill us. The ones that are extremists allowed themselves to be that way and it’s embarrassing to have them put that image on Muslims. Those people misinterpret the Quran.

I think people should at least have a better understanding of what Islam truly is before they base their opinions off of the content the media provides. We want nothing but to be accepted and understood — not to be hated and despised.”

Discrimination, segregation and racism against different cultures, religion and ethnicities has always been a troubling factor throughout American history.

Though the youth is generally known to be accepting and judgment free due to the legalizing of gay marriage and passing of

other laws, people still end up judging religion, particularly Islam.

“It insults both of us because we just want to be looked at as normal people who strive for peace and happiness from everyone. We want to be accepted without being judged for keeping our normal ways. I don't feel judged or limited — mostly because I grew up with everyone here and I’m seen as Cedric Baker, the kid who went to Legacy Elementary School and Monrovia Middle School — but my father certainly does,” Baker said. “It's wrong to think that way about Muslims when we really don't think anything like that towards any [other] religion because who are we to judge what others believe in?”

In order to receive respect, it needs to be shown first. People tend to judge because they do not understand their surroundings or certain topics and that is one of the major problems in the world.

“Talk to someone; allow yourself to interact with someone from a different culture and get a better understanding of what they are truly like,” Baker said. “We would rather be asked things about our culture than be judged because of what you may hear from others.

I promise you will learn that Islamic people aren't what they're perceived to be and it will open your eyes tremendously.”

and mine’s favorite.

I’m thinking of getting someone to teach us swing dancing.”

The club is currently looking for members.

They meet every second Tuesday of the month in room 127 both before and after school.

“Once we have all the members, we will work together to make this club great,” Cole said.

1.3 Million foreign-born individuals moved to the United States in 1914.

In 2014, India was the leading country of immigrants.

The 1st nativity of U.S. population was in 1850.

Ten percent were immigrants.

Since 1970, the number of United States immigrants has more than quadrupled rising from 9.6 million to more than 42.4 million in 2014. migrationpolicy.org

{opinion} Teens make bad decisions due to young age The Crimson Crier

4 Sept. 15, 2016

Alex Myers Reporter

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tep by step, we walk up the rickety and rusty steps fearing that each step we take might just cause us to plummet to our death. At the top of the fire tower in Monte Sano, courageous teens take the daunting trip up the towering stairs. The view is worth it they say.

As teens, we laugh, make jokes and dream about doing the unthinkable — the impossible. We often do not think before we act. As teens, the term consequences is not one that we incorporate into our daily vocabulary. But mostly, as teens, we have all done something we regretted. Whether it was for the story, the status or the spontaneity.

Constantly wanting that “remember when” story to tell, teens often lead themselves into more than what they bargained for. Sure, ending up in a hospital or in the back of a police car is something you will remember, but that kind of stuff sticks with you. Getting arrested or being kept in a small hospital room for an extended amount of time is no laughing matter. While those seem like extreme circumstances, it happens. More than people probably think. So it is something people should think about before jumping off the quarry or doing donuts in the school parking lot.

In high school, there is very much an order of people. They might not run off of the stereotypical jocks and nerds, but there are certainly differences between students and they do not stay that way without a little excitement. In most schools, almost everyone can point out the people who are painted up at every pep rally, or the ones who throw the best parties. The ones who are always in the spotlight.

Then, you have the people who you never notice. The ones who keep to themselves and have their group of friends and only that group of friends. The ones who are often overlooked.

Those top tier people do not get there by sitting at home on their couch either. They do this by getting out and doing those crazy and spontaneous things that put them at the top and keep them at the top.

Being able to tell the story and being that one person who everyone talks about and aspires to do what they did drives people to take these risks. With constant attention being drawn to them, there always has to be something new, fun and crazy to maintain that status.

Now, being our teenage selves, we often have lapses in our common sense. We have all done it and it is nothing to be ashamed of. However, it is something to be aware of. We are constantly living in the “now,” making the most of today. Do not get me wrong; not wasting a second of life is a great way to live. But, we as teens, must start thinking before we act and begin considering the consequences both immediate and long-term.

Doing donuts in the parking lot or jumping off the quarry might seem like a good idea now, but we never know how those kind of events are going to affect the future. If you get caught doing something like that there could be serious consequences. Those repercussions could very well alter your chances of getting a job, getting into a good school or playing the sport you love. If we can learn to start looking at the ramifications of our actions before we carry them out, then the results will not surprise us as much as they do now.

This does not by any means translate to living life on the sidelines and not taking any chances. It just means consider what happens next and determine if it is worth it to you. Be one step ahead of everyone and everything else. If you decide that it is worth it to you, then go for it. It is your life and no one but you has the right to tell you how to live it. But just remember, you only live once. So live it up and live it long.

HANGING IN THERE. James Clemens graduate Dylan Booker hangs from a rail of a fire tower. It is stunts like these that sometimes lead to teen tragedy. Photo by Libby Reid.

Friends will make you the person you want to be in life Natalie Craney Opinion Editor

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Natalie’s Nonsense

n high school our social circle means the world to us but we often do not realize how much it really impacts us. I have found myself asking why I am the person I am today; I have come to terms with the fact that it is because of who I choose to spend time around. Often it amazes me that we do not look more carefully at who we surround ourselves with because of the life long imprints they

leave on us.

As teens we do not know exactly who we want to be so we sometimes bounce from group to group trying to find who we feel comfortable around. As of now I am still trying to find where I need to be.

I am currently trying out new things to see where I fit best. I have found that life is like a puzzle, we are all pieces but we do not all fit together. At the end we will all make a beautiful picture but some people just do not belong right next to each

other.

When picking a social group to be in you have to make sure you are comfortable with the group’s regular activities.

I have on occasion found myself very uncomfortable around groups I have hung out with because they have all been friends for years and I am the newcomer.

Do not let that scenario scare you away because sometimes you are the missing link within that friend group. Other times you may feel like an outsider and they are not

willing to let anyone else in the group. I can usually figure out rather quickly which of those kinds of groups I am walking into.

We all know the stereotypical high school groups. There are the jocks, the smart kids and the kids who can not seem to stay out of trouble just to name a few. I have always felt as a school we were different in that we have a large variety of social groups. I believe we are diverse enough that everyone has a place although it can take a while to find just where

your place might be.

When picking a group try not to conform just to fit in but rather be yourself and look for friends that you have things in common with. With a school as big as ours you are sure to find your place if you are patient. I believe in life the best people are the ones we have not met yet.

In friendship it should not be about quantity it should be about quality.

If the friendship is healthy you will be more healthy.

Make sure to choose your friends wisely.

Like Pearl Harbor, 9/11 will soon be a distant memory for us to learn Zane White Reporter

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merica has never really known peace. At most times, in some form or another, we have always been involved in some sort of international conflict. This is even more relevant to the current generation than most. Our most recent campaign was the result of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Growing up, this generation has never been witness to a moment of peace.

Those attacks have had a huge influence on how we have acted as a nation for the past several years, from longer TSA lines to presidential nominee Donald Trump proposing an outright ban of all Muslim traffic into the states. However, to some people these attacks might seem to mean less than others. Some of this year’s freshmen, and all of next year’s, were born after the twin towers fell. This is not to say they do not care about what happened, because, like most teens, they grew up hearing the news and seeing the after effects of the attacks.

It seems as though this tragedy is losing its importance to our nation. World wide events may be to blame. Almost every single day, somewhere in some way, an attack to insight fear is carried out by some individual or group. We are constantly viewing an influx of media showing us the horrors that go on in the world. As with a constant sound or smell being phased out of our consciousness, so too can violence in the world. Death and destruction have become an everyday thing and we are getting used to it. A terrorist attack does not surprise a nation anymore. It Policy

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

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

is often viewed as a not if, but when situation. This world described above, is the only world the most recent generation has known. From the time that they have been able to understand the magnitude of what is happening around them, they have been living that reality. They do not know any other degree of peace.

The Sept. 2001 attack on our soil is well known to everyone in the states Illustrated by Al Jackson at this point, and it is becoming less and less relevant.

After 2011 with the memorial being constructed, not much has been done to honor those that were lost. To exemplify this, think of Dec. 7. While that date will not hold significance for most people, only a few will remember it in the way that 9/11 is remembered today. For those who do not know, Dec. 7, 1941 Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, forcing the states into World War Two. This year will mark the 75 anniversary of the assault, but the majority of people will not know how many people perished that day, or how many people’s families spent the rest of their lives grieving. Some might ask how we could forget such a tragedy, but it is happening before our eyes.

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.

A memorial has been built, the One World Trade Center has been erected and now it seems that 9/11 is only referenced by politicians seeking to further their own agenda. In 75 years 9/11 may be just be a cautionary tale that we tell our children, and sadly enough that may be the most that is done to remember those we lost. Pearl Harbor, 9/11 and all the other losses of lives we may have forgotten or are forgetting are just becoming words written on paper.

They are losing their importance to our society, and if things do not change they will be nothing more than a question on a history test. There always seems to be something grieve and because of this we often forget about what has once hurt us.

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

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

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

Shelby Lopez, Jessica Turnage

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

Video Editor............................Parker Boothe

Lifestyles Editor..................Sidney Al-Dijaili

Reporters..........................................Andrew

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.

Atchley, Danielle Cardo, Saylor Cuzzort, Jada Dutchess, Alaura Gordon, Quentin Hanson, Cady

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

Harbin, Lucas Hicks, Alex Myers, Libby Reed,

Copy Editor...........................Aliyah Thompson

Makalya Tomaino, Helen Tran, Matthew Walker,

Website Master.....................Christian White/Kaylyn Jones Photo Editors.............Madison Harding/Ariel Thomas Managing Editor.........................Camille Herren Business Editor......................Jasmine Turner

Hailey Watts, Zane White, Jacob Whitlock, Bradley Wright Artists...................Al Jackson Adviser.........................Erin Coggins, MJE

REACHING OUT TO THOSE IN NEED. Photo by Madison Hrding

{opinion}

The Crimson Crier

Our Our View : Desks fight back

Sept. 15, 2016

5

Photo by Madison Harding

Student gains respect for pregnant women Makalya Tomaino Reporter

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Illustrated by Danielle Cardo

R

ipped jeans. Cut legs. Borderline tetanus.

We are excited about the new items popping up These three things have one common factor all over campus, including updates to sports facilities — desks. It does not take a rocket scientist to see the and the addition of Chrome books in the media deterioration of the desks in all classrooms. center. These are important items, but we can’t The school’s main concern for us is safety, but our help but wonder if some money could be spared to desks cause harm to the student body and are deemed purchase new desks. We have looked up the cost of unfit to pursue their original purpose without the desks and we understand that desks are expensive potential of snagging an innocent victim. Not only and it would cost a great deal of money to replace all are desks a safety hazard, they desks in this building. are unsanitary. Roughly 20 years Principal Chris Shaw has worth of gum is located beneath proven to us that he agrees every desk. with making our school better, Not only are desks a safety The sheer fact that new desks especially when it comes to have not been purchased since facilities upgrades. We also hazard, they are unsanitary. before many of us were alive is understand that unless a unacceptable. The current desks millionaire walks into his office Roughly 20 years of gum is were originally purchased when and donates money to cover the located beneath every desk. the school was built in 1997. The purchase of desks then we will issue is not that the desks are probably not get them. However, merely old, but due to their age it would be nice for this issue to they have begun to collapse and brought to the attention of the pose a risk to students physical Madison County School Board health and property. Desks are and the community so we can already falling apart and with find a solution to this damaging their age increasing, it is not a matter of if, but when problem. a student is going to be injured. Not to mention that Only two pairs of jeans were harmed in the clothes are expensive and parents cannot be too making of this article. happy with recently purchased apparel being ripped Staff voted unanimously in agreement. on broken desks.

“

o my mom and I talk a lot about dating and she jokes around that I will have many first dates.

So it must have been shocking news to her when I came home from school announcing my pregnancy.

In my family consumer science class, I had to wear a pregnancy suit for the entire day.

The suit has a 30 pound sack of water that rests on the stomach and weights at the bottom that lay on the bladder. The suit is designed to make you feel as if you are carrying a baby at full-term. I am only five foot two inches and weigh under 100 pounds. I am tiny and a suit like this is backbreaking and one heck of a struggle.

When I wore the suit I felt pain and joy at the same time. I felt pain because the suit was really heavy and kind of annoying at times. I had to overcome the challenges of being pregnant such as going to the bathroom as well

as walking up the stairs.

It was really difficult for me at times to feel comfortable when wearing the suit. I felt joy from the laughter of my friends and teachers and how “supportive” and kind they were. A lot of my friends put their hand on my belly and jokingly said, “I can feel the baby kicking.”

A few people looked at me awkwardly and were surprised to see me like that as I walked into the classroom. I mostly laughed at those who did not understand that it was just a suit, but there looks also made me think, “Why are you looking at me differently than usual?”. When a girl is pregnant it does not make her any different than the rest of us and it is not right for anyone to judge. Women go through this everyday.

Being pregnant is hard work and although it was just a pregnancy suit, it had a big impact on me. These ladies are strong and tough to carry a child for nine months and I must give them a lot of credit.

When it comes to politics, voters should take a look at big picture Andrew Atchley Reporter

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t may be easy to think of Donald Trump as the more bigoted candidate in the presidential race given how often his controversial statements flare up in the corporate media. However, Hillary Clinton has said and done her fair share of horrific things and Trump’s tolerant views have been shown to be ahead of the curve on a multitude of issues.

For instance, Hillary voiced open opposition to gay marriage until 2013 when she flip-flopped on the issue. It was not politically convenient for her at the time, so she threw one of her more loyal constituents under the bus. As soon as it would benefit her more politically to support it, she did. Of course, now she claims she was in favor of gay rights the entire time, but she showed an utter lack of conviction on the issue when it was important.

A public figure with enough conviction to take a principled stand on the issue was New York businessman Donald Trump who has

supported gay rights his entire life. He gave frequent donations to various nonprofits focusing on the AIDS crisis in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. In an interview with the Advocate in 2000, Trump suggested amending the 1964 Civil Rights Act to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation. “It would be straightforward.” Trump told the Advocate, “It would only be fair.”

In addition, earlier this year Trump told Politico that “transgender people should be able to use whatever bathroom they want.”

Even after immediate pressure from more socially conservative elements of the Republican party, Trump never gave in on the issue even when it would have been politically beneficial to do so.

Former president Bill Clinton was trying to pass his 1994 Crime Bill including provisions for the “three strikes” policy for repeated felonies, 100,000 new police officers, and nearly $10 billion to fund the expansion of federal prisons. Hillary was extremely in favor of it.

She delivered a raciallycharged speech to C-Span in favor of it in 1996.

Hillary, referring to black teenagers in particular said, “they are not just gangs of kids anymore, they are often the kinds of kids that are called super-predators.” Hillary continued with C-Span, “We have to bring them to heel.”

Trump purchased the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach in 1985 for $10 million and refurbished it into a country club.

However, at the time all other country clubs in Palm Beach did not admit black or Jewish people as members. Trump refused to discriminate and insisted on keeping the Mar-a-Lago open to all.

In retaliation, the town council placed restrictions on membership and limited party attendance.

Even then, Trump did not buckle under pressure and instead started a legal battle with the town council which he eventually won. Even today, the Mar-a-Lago is one of only a handful of country clubs in Palm Beach that does not restrict membership due to race.

In 1975, Hillary was an attorney in Arkansas

Illustrated by Al Jackson

and volunteered to defend a man accused of raping a 12-year-old girl. Hillary viciously defended the alleged rapist and attacked the psychiatric state of the alleged victim accusing her of being “emotionally unstable with a tendency to seek out older men and engage in fantasizing.”

Hillary admitted on interview during the ‘80s that she knew that he was guilty and laughed about it. Hillary said in an interview with Roy Reed, “I had him take

a polygraph, which he passed, which forever destroyed my faith in polygraphs [laughter].”

If her faith in polygraphs was destroyed by this case, that means she knew that her client was actually guilty.

The rape victim, now 52, interviewed with The Daily Beast saying, “I would say [to Hillary], ‘You took a case of mine in 1975, you lied on me ... You call that [being] for women, what you did to me? And I hear you on tape laughing.” She

added, “Hillary put me through hell.”

The truth is that Hillary has said and done bigoted things in the past, but they are not heavily reported in the corporate media because the lobbyists and the special interests that represent big business as well as Wall Street support her political campaign.

The special interests are refusing to support Trump because they fear that he will shake up business as usual.

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The Crimson Crier

Sept. 15, 2016

Swim coach teaches outside of the pool Natalie Craney Opinion Editor

E

ven though swim coach Monica Davis was not a swimmer before coaching, she might as well hop in the water and join her team.

She has coached for four years now and knows the sport very well for never having participated in it.

Davis taught herself how to be a swim coach with just a book and by attending practices. She taught herself because she saw that the kids needed a coach fast, so she rose to the challenge.

“I took the position because the children needed me,” Davis said. “I downloaded a book called ‘The Swim Coaching Bible’ and read through it. It is sort of baptism by fire you just kind of get in there

and pray about it. My philosophy is if it’s not brain surgery or rocket science I’ve got a shot.”

As a relatively new coach to the swim world, Davis has a technical coach that works with the new swimmers so they can learn the correct technique. She also asks her older students to help out the less experienced, because she cannot just hop in and show them.

“We help each other learn to swim and newcomers have more one on one coaching time,” senior Kayla Hammer said. “Some days swimmers teach lessons.”

As a non-swimmer, Davis must verbally communicate with the team very well even though most of her swimmers are visual

{Sports}

learners. She does this by assigning drills and other exercises to keep them on the right path.

“I tell them this is what is happening, but this is what should be happening,” Davis said.

“So let’s try to fix that with this drill.”

Through her passion for the students, Davis has also developed a love for the sport. She is devoted to the students and will do whatever it takes to get them where they need to be for their future swim career.

“I love competition and I love sports, but am not an athlete. I have always wanted to be one so I just live vicariously through the children,” Davis said.

Coach out of water. Swim team coach Monica Davis coaches a swimmer from poolside, at a swim meet held at Alabama A&M University. Photo by Eden Fletcher

Senior sets sight on breaking records, setting new ones

Catch These Games

Matthew Walker Reporter

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enior cross country and track and field star, Jake Russell is poised for an outstanding year.

His stellar performance has already landed him scholarship offers, including a verbal commit to DII school in Southern Mississippi called Mississippi College. Among landing more major scholarship offers, Russell hopes to make the All-State team in cross-country. This team is comprised of the 16 best runners in the state of Alabama. He is also determined to run a 15:45 5K, and to best assistant coach Allen Poole’s 4:19 mile time record.

“No guy in SHS history has made all-state in cross country. I want to be the first,” Russell said.

“You just can’t stop when it hurts. You have to push through. That’s when you become a really good runner.”

Nobody gets to the point Russell is without tireless hours dedicated to getting better and an intense workout routine.

At the beginning of the year Russell set a lofty goal: to run 500 miles over the summer. He accomplished this goal running roughly 8 miles a day which took him about an hour. He also does 200 pushups a day and hits the gym twice a week to make sure his body is in peak condition heading into the cross

Sept. 16 Home Football game vs James Clemens Middle School/Youth League night

REACHING THE FINISH LINE. Senior Jake Russell stands with his teammate, Harrison Miller, while receiving their awards for the first cross country match of the season. Photo by Madison Harding

country season. Russell also follows a meal plan so that his body properly recovers after his workouts and runs.

“I bring my own lunch and consume lots of carbs and protein,” Russell said.

Cross country head coach Cedric Austin requires some of the workouts, but Jake does most of his training on his own.

“His work ethic is what separates him as one of our leaders. Cross country is a unique sport that requires a lot of discipline and mental toughness, ” Austin said.

There are more younger runners on the cross country team.

Dr. Charles Brown Chiropractic Physician

Russell has taken them under his wing and showed them how to excel at this sport both verbally and by example.

He has ran competitively since fourth grade and works hard, which makes him an ideal person to follow. According to Austin, Russell has been a leader in practice and in the weightroom.

“My expectations for Jake this season are high. We lost two outstanding runners last year, (Seth Graham and Bailey Herfurth) so I’m expecting him to help fill those shoes,” Austin said.

Sept. 20 Home Volleyball game vs Bob Jones *Second Home game of season*

Sept. 23 Home Coming game vs Hazel Green *Wear Red*

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{ } 7 Former Senator makes his way in the big leagues The Crimson Crier

Sports

Shelby Lopez Reporter

A

recent spark was ignited in Madison County teachers when alumnus Bruce Maxwell, who was drafted into the MLB and catches for the Oakland Athletics, made his debut on July 23, 2016.

Maxwell graduated in 2009 and went on to play baseball at BirminghamSouthern College until he was drafted in the second round in 2012. After three years of training and preparing to play in a game, Maxwell made his debut on July 23, 2016 as a catcher helping his team defeat the Tampa Bay Rays. Growing up with a love for the game, Maxwell had many role models and players he always dreamed of meeting. One of these players was Covelli Loyce “Coco” Crisp who happens to be an outfielder for Oakland.

“Coco Crisp, he’s a great ballplayer and he’s like my big brother.

He’s taken me under his wing and I made a pact with him three years ago during Spring training. I told him I was going to play with him side-byside before he retired,” Maxwell said.

Not only did Maxwell get to meet one of the people who inspired him to play baseball, but he got to play alongside him before Crisp retires at the end of this season.

Maxwell has also met

many other people he looked up to as a kid such as the former left fielder Barry Bonds who is considered the greatest hitter in baseball and Ken Griffey Jr. who is Maxwell’s “favorite player ever.”

“I’ve met a lot of people and have continued to play with amazing baseball players that I watched growing up so it’s surreal to be a part of it,” Maxwell said.

Maxwell believes that Sparkman has definitely helped prepare him for his career in baseball and his most vivid memory of Sparkman was a tough tournament he played at Vestavia during the playoffs. Maxwell still keeps in contact with his former teammates and comes back to Huntsville to visit them and his family as often as he can.

“We had a lot of familiar faces at Sparkman and then Coach Greer coming in just helped to develop our talent and prepare us for college. We’re a really close-knit group of guys and we played travel ball together so I still talk to guys from Sparkman, especially my baseball friends,” Maxwell said.

The road to becoming a MLB player is not an easy one. Maxwell said it was even harder than he expected. The constant travel and long hours can be very grueling and chaotic, but the distance from your family is even more stressful.

Sept. 15, 2016

Photo courtesy of Bruce Maxwell

“I put in probably a little over 12 hours a day with baseball normally.

If I go in at 11 a.m., I probably come home around 11:30 p.m.. If we have a 7 p.m. game, with video reviews of my stretching and hitting and throwing, it takes a lot. Everybody sees what we do on TV and thinks it just magically happens but some of those guys are at the field at noon every day and we dedicate our lives to it,” Maxwell said.

Being a professional athlete comes with a lot of responsibility. Not only do they have to worry about themselves, their team, and their family, but they have to worry

about all the people looking up to them.

Whether it is a four year old boy with a dream or a 18-year-old deciding if he wants to play in college, athletes help many people make decisions and inspire people all around the world.

“We push ourselves to do better, and to start a better life for our kids and be good role models, so it takes a long time. It takes a lot of time out of our lives,” Maxwell said.

Maxwell has an intense diet he has to follow and a workout regimen daily in order to stay in shape. No matter what sport it is, this is true for all professional

athletes.

“Especially during the offseason, we have a strict diet and exercise program we all have to follow that’s customized to what we want to be and what our organization wants us to be by the time Spring training rolls around,” Maxwell said.

Knowing that some players listen better to advice from people who have been where they have before, Maxwell has his own words of wisdom that he wants to leave the athletes of Sparkman with.

“My biggest thing looking back is behaving, and having a respect for the game of baseball.

Nowadays, and I coach during the offseason, a lot of guys don’t have respect for the game or they take it for granted. There’s no hustling, there’s no this or the other,” Maxwell said.

Maxwell knows giving oneself is the best way to succeed.

“Everyone feels like they’re guaranteed and what I would say to them is always play the game the right way,” Maxwell said. “Always give your best and never leave the field without leaving it all out there .That way if things don’t work out, you don’t have any doubt or regret.”

Freshman volleyball standout starts varsity Saylor Cuzzort Reporter

D KICKING. Junior Grant Whitt lines up and kicks the field goal against J.O.. Johnson. With Johnson players in the background hoping for a miss. Whitt suffered a broken leg last season Photo by Cassie Chapman

Junior football kicker ready for comeback Christian White Web Editor

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hen junior Grant Whitt suffered a devastating leg injury during the 2015 football season that would result in serious surgery and no more of the sport he loved for the rest of the season, the near future seemed dim. However, he would trudge through and make the comeback we knew he could.

“My coaches were very helpful. My teammates kept me going, they motivated me in the weight room and on the practice field to keep getting better,” Whitt said.

With the support of family and friends, Whitt kept going and kept working to get stronger to the point where he could play again. Their support influenced him above all else except his own desire to play again.

“Their support was incredibly influential,” Whitt said. “It’s what got me through getting hurt and back to playing again. They were there for me and they inspired me to do the best I could.”

When the 2016 school year rolled around and with football season looming, there was not a more motivated, excited or nervous person than Whitt.

“It felt good to get back into the swing of things, practicing again, kicking again. It felt right at home because I’m so used to it. It felt great to be doing what I loved again,” Whitt said.

In the preseason game against Guntersville, Whitt finally took the field in a game scenario and kicked for two extra points, making one and missing one, but it did not matter. His teammates and coaches could not have been more

proud. Whitt himself was ecstatic.

“I was a little nervous.

I had butterflies in my stomach, but I knew in my mind that I had to get back out there and do the best I could to help my team,” Whitt said.

With preseason marking just being the beginning, Whitt looks forward to having a long football career in high school and looks to the future with a high level of excitement.

This inspires his teammates and puts pride in the hearts of his coaches.

“I think I played alright, but I always know I can do better. I can always make progress.

I hope to play football throughout high school and to be a leader for my team and to always do the best I can to help them no matter what life or football throws at me,” Whitt said.

for the sport. She never has an off season and is always practicing, expressing her deep love for the sport of volleyball.

“As a parent, Jasmine’s mother and I have taken her to camps, clinics

espite her age and recent change in schools, freshman Jasmine Brooks is dominating the court as a varsity volleyball starter.

Measuring up I have to start off doing to 6’2 Jasmine everything becauseI’m a is the tallest on the team. Along freshman, but other than that with her height, they treat me good. I work her skills playing middle have really hard, and am dedicated helped with her to volleyball. volleyball career and her dad Freshman Jasmine Brooks knows it.

“You don’t get too many freshman playing and individual training varsity these days,” sessions”, Jessie said, volleyball coach and “She [Jasmine] started dad Jessie Brooks said, working on her skills and “If a freshman makes gained fundamentals at varsity it is because they an early age and has been are exceptionally well at it ever since.” and talented.”

Jasmine’s parents have Playing since the been there for her though age of seven, Jasmine it all and supported her has always had a talent in every way possible.

“

Like all kids, playing for a dad brings on pressure but Jasmine and Jessie seem to make it work.

Being coached by her dad before in middle school, has made the adjustment of high school ball easier knowing how she would be coached.

“Having a coach as a parent has definitely helped me,” Jasmine said, “It motivates me to do better, pushes me to worker harder and makes me want to be the best I can be.”

Jasmine is already leading the team to the start of a great season. In the games against Randolph and Arab, Jasmine had a total of 10 blocks and 15 kills.

“Jasmine’s like a weapon on the offensive and defensive ends of our team,” Jessie said, “With her and the team’s talent we should have a successful year.”

{Lifestyles}

The Crimson Crier

8

Sept. 15, 2016

Sophomore reigns as pageant queen in national competition Danni Jo Grider Reporter

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uly was a very special month for sophomore Erin Szuba who was named Miss Junior Teen America Pageant held in Atlanta.

Erin competed with girls from across the country in three different areas: interview, fun fashion and formal gown.

Erin has been in pageants since she was in first grade when she competed in the Harvest Beauty Walk, but did not get serious until fifth grade when she participated in a competition in Athens.

“The pageant director in Athens has bigger pageants in Cullman,” Erin said.

“Meeting people just lead to bigger things.”

Since then Erin has participated in 21 pageants, she has won 21 titles, seven of which were overall supreme title and seven division queen titles. Her biggest, most recent titles were 2013 Miss Model Alabama Young Teen Queen and 2015 International Jr. Miss Alabama Jr. Teen.

Erin’s motivation is her mentality to do her best and always improve, she strives to be the best she can be. She gets this from her grandpa who

died of cancer in March 2015 who she says is her inspiration.

“I had just won my first big state title and we stopped by his house which was a couple weeks before he died and he was just so happy seeing me and [seeing] that I won,” Erin said.

“He said that I had this sparkle in my eye, so my mom always tells me keep the sparkle.”

Despite popular belief, pageants are more than just looking pretty. They are about community service, developing relationships with people and gaining important life skills. The most important however, is promoting a worthy cause. Each girl picks a cause to support as her platform and this year Erin’s was Rett syndrome. This is a genetic mutation affecting brain development in girls. Over time they lose coordination, speech and use of hands. Erin is working with a little girl named Blake who has the disease and lives in Nashville.

“I was mostly excited [about winning] just so I can promote this [disease] so I can help her,” Erin said.

Erin competes with the full support of her friends. Last summer,

they threw her a surprise party before she went to the International Junior Miss Pageant. Her favorite part of competing is meeting new people, which she admits is what every pageant girl says.

She has friends all over America who talk with each other daily.

“This gives you an opportunity to meet people with the same interests as you, considering not many people around here do this kind of thing,” Erin said.

Preparation for a pageant is quite extensive. Luckily, Erin has a “momager” to be there with her step by step. Erin’s mom, Dawn, juggles all of this and more. Some of her responsibilities include filling out paperwork for pageants, finances and shopping for the perfect gowns and pageant attire.

The amount of time Erin takes to get ready before a pageant is pretty long.

It is spread out through the day with interviews, judging and last minute rehearsals in between.

“It takes hours but with a lot of stuff in between,” Erin said. “It’s kind of chaotic actually.”

The pageant industry has taught Erin confidence, good work

HARD WORK TURNS INTO SUCCESS. Sophomore Erin Szumba was named Miss Junior Teen America at the national competition held in Atlanta. Photo Courtesy of Erin Szumba

ethic, responsibility and leadership. She has grown as a person and has learned to be comfortable with herself and how to “be true to you.” “The experience Erin has

gotten through pageantry has given her poise and confidence,” Dawn said.

“This confidence will serve her well as she goes off to college and later as she starts her career. She

will have the strength to go after her dreams and be able to succeed in whatever she wants to do in life.”

Alumna achieves dreams, makes it in Million Dollar Band Camille Herren Managing Editor

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his was it. She envisioned herself here and now her dream had come true for her senior year.

All her dedication, time and energy finally paid off.

Sparkman alumna Destiny Martin had made it into the Million Dollar Band.

“Being a drum major for me at Sparkman was a dream. When I was in middle school, I would go to the games and see the band there and the only thing I could focus on was the drum majors. Once I graduated from Sparkman, I made the decision that I was going to try out at [the] [University of Alabama],” Destiny said.

Though it is all still surreal to her, Destiny achieved the title of drum major this year and is grateful and excited for the opportunity.

“At the end of every year in March or April, they have auditions for drum major. At [UA], it is a three-step process.

The first round is conducting.

The second round you have an interview with the directors and the third round is conducting at A LIVING THE DREAM. Destiny Martin practices in the hot day which is the football Alabama weather to prepare scrimmage,” Destiny for the upcoming football said. “It’s pretty nerve season . Photo Courtesy of wracking.”

Destiny Martin The first time Destiny auditioned for major, during her freshman year, she was rejected.

However, she proved her resilience when she turned that misstep into motivation.

“This is something she really wanted to do. I know how she felt when she didn’t get it the previous year and we were just overjoyed that she didn’t let it stop her. She tried it again and she didn’t give up,” Destiny’s mom Subrina Martin said.

Destiny says that practice is long, but fun. They practice daily for almost two hours and with the hot weather they have ways to cope.

“It’s just mental endurance. They tell us the difference between being uncomfortable and actually needing to go sit out. We have an athletic trainer here as well. She is at every single game and she is there if we have a medical emergency,” Destiny said.

Through the long practices and the continuous playing of “Yeah Alabama,” the friends she makes in the Million Dollar Band are the biggest perk.

“It’s reassuring to know that you have a family to look out for you. I see these people every single day for two hours and on game days, [I] [see] [them] all day. I can call any of these people if I need anything. I would have someone to have my back,” Destiny said.

“Even people from Sparkman I marched with, I still to this day talk to.”

SMILES ALL AROUND. Senior Kya Qvale poses for a picture in her car, which was specially made to fit her needs and allow her to drive.

This is Qvale’s first car. Photo by Madison Harding

Dad surprises senior with custom gift Jasmine Turner Business Editor

G

etting dressed takes a little longer. So does combing her hair. And driving has been out of the question until now.

Senior Kya Qvale was born with upper extremity limb deficiency, a condition that has left her with shortened arms. She has always wanted to drive so when her Dad surprised her with a car that was custom adjusted for her condition, Qvale was ecstatic.

“I have been looking for almost two years for a car, and I’ve had no luck because money is tight. I was very excited when I learned I was getting one,” Qvale said. “My dad realized that I needed a car, so he gave it to me for free.”

Her dad purchased the car on Craigslist for a different project, but soon realized it would be a perfect fit for Qvale. He added a custom steering orthotic which is the reverse model of Qvale’s right arm.

“It makes turning corners much easier for me and seats me further away from the air bag which is a lot safer,” Qvale said. “I needed the car to drive to my new job at Pizza Hut.” Besides conquering driving, Qvale has had to make adaptations to other daily routines. To help Qvale pull up her pants while getting dressed, she uses what she calls a dressing stick. This stick has a hook on it.

“Buttoning my pants is still a work in progress,” Qvale said. “I’m still trying to figure that one out.”

Qvale finds an outlet that allows her to surround herself with people that truly inspire her, such as her creative writing teacher, Renee Quaife. While in Quaife’s class, she has been able to be herself without constant worry of being judged.

“Kya has a great sense of humor. She doesn’t

let the things that may cause struggle to bring her down,” Qvale said. “It is Kya’s positive outlook on life, and her overall congenial personality that make her endearing — both in person, and in her writing.”

Qvale has become an inspiration to her fellow peers because she is not afraid to be herself. She does not allow negativity to get in the way of her work.

“Kya doesn’t know the word - no. She does accept “no” from other people, and if she can help it - she doesn’t say “no” when someone asks something of her. In my working with her - in my creative writing class, at the Sparkman Arts Festival, and now with the robotics competition, Kya is driven and gets the job done, and done well,” Quaife said. “She doesn’t let something like not having arms keep her from experiences every opportunity before her.”

Growing up as a child, most kids deal with the common school bully who would occasionally make a snide comment or laugh at whatever someone was wearing, but for Qvale bullying came to her because of the way she was born. She has been able to overcome any and all indifferences towards her with just simply surrounding herself with friends who support her.

“I experienced bullying when I was really little from the older kids at school. I was in kindergarten and this huge football player, who was in sixth grade, was chasing me telling me that I was stupid and I was never going to do anything with my life because I didn’t have arms,” Qvale said. “You’re not supposed to judge people by how they look or how they talk because you should get to know them and even then you shouldn’t be judgmental but I believe since I have grown up with people giving me weird looks and being judgmental I have learned that it is annoying and to just walk away.”

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The Crimson Crier

Lifestyles

Sept. 15, 2016

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LIFE AFTER SPARKMAN. Alumni Carrie Gore and Beth Allen adjust to everyday life after graduating as part of the Class of 2016. Photos Courtesy of Sharron Allen and Kathy Gore

Alumni adapt to life outside school walls Things-to-know about the Sparkman Learning Community Name: Amy Alsup of the Sparkman Learning Community What do the teachers teach?: “We teach reading, math, science, social studies, writing, language arts, life and social skills and how to function.”

Students: 47 self contained How long can they stay? “They are allowed to stay up until they are 21 but can leave when they feel they want to do so.”

Their outside jobs: “We work with the World of Work program which transition them into the job world. They work at iHop, Chick Fil A, Sunny Street Cafe, thrift stores to sort and stock and hotels with Mrs. Stanley. They even get their own uniforms”

Haselman said.

Few places hire people with disabilities like Beth.

Her most recent job at IHop as a greeter did not pan hey wake to the sound of silence. Alumna out. This too added to her isolation in life without Beth Allen is at a loss for words when she her school. Beth’s love for making friends has not comes to realize school is in the abyss. Her home for gone away though. The family does not go anywhere six years is now sublime memories. Alumna Carrie without Beth knowing someone. Carrie, on the other Gore sits out to watch the bus go by and notices now hand, who was born with Down’s syndrome is just that it is not her time to get on it. Her home for seven as perky as she was in the hallways. years has her reminiscing every day and every hour.

A little sad when school began in August, Carrie Sparkman was their home. has bounced back to work in her mom’s real estate Beth who was born with microcephaly, a rare business, @ Homes Reality, as the “Director of genetic disorder, is trying to adapt to life outside Smiles” .She has taken this time to live her life with of school. On Tuesdays, new experiences. She has been keeping Wednesdays and Thursdays, up with her friends, Snapchatting she attends a senior center’s them when she gets the chance day program for children “She struggles. The days she and has been planning to return to and adults of special needs.

Sparkman to continue her legacy and Allen constantly brings home doesn’t go to the senior center teach students. puzzles, game and colors.

“We’ve just been vacationing, She writes and rewrites her are hard for her. It was such a big taking road trips and going to the beach name over and over. This is part of her life and she misses it and Houston. She hasn’t had a hard the closest she gets to feeling time with keeping in touch; everyone like she is at school again. so much. loves Carrie. She’s just having fun,” Beth’s emotion has affected Carrie’s mom, Kathy Gore said.

Sharron Allen her family and friends The constant is that the Sparkman around her as well.

Learning Community has to continue “She struggles. The days to answer the question “How do we prepare these she doesn’t go to the senior center are hard for her. students for the future?” Kathy has involved Carrie It was such a big part of her life and she misses it in a fall program to partner with Phoenix industries so much. We’ve spent hours crying and she gets all to get her into services which may include case of these thoughts and it confuses her. It’s been hard management, professional support, service referral, for me as a parent also,” Beth’s mom, Shannon Allen job coaching and competitive employment referral. said.

With the help of their former teachers, Haselman and It has been difficult for Beth to transition. She Amy Alsup, both Carrie and Beth have truly made misses her friends. On a recent trip to the school for their mark and will continue to grow in success with her mom to run an errand, Beth refused to get out of support from their family and friends. the car. The pain was too unbearable.

“I was sad to leave Sparkman at first. I miss “I knew it was going to be difficult for her and Jason, Kimberly and all my friends. I get emotional, I wish coming to see us would be exciting for her. but I’m also happy for my future with my family and I miss Beth so much. Hopefully, she will get into a what’s ahead of me,” Carrie said. new routine and she’ll get to a happy point outside of school,” special education teacher Chanda

Hailey Watts Reporter

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Student’s love for vintage video games leads to ultimate collection Al Jackson Reporter

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ome people collect DVDs while others collect coins. Just like how some people are collecting Pidgeys and Rattatas with Pokémon Go, junior Riley Arnold is collecting video games both old and new, and his collection is not limited to Pokémon games. Gotta catch ‘em all, right.

Arnold started his video game collection two years ago when he was looking at some older games with his brothers. The price tags on the games caught his attention, initially giving

him the idea to sell them.

It did not take him long to change his mind from attempting to sell them, to collecting them.

“I could just collect these, and play them later if I want to.” Arnold said.

“I collect for pretty much everything, except for systems that I don’t have …the NES [Nintendo Entertainment System], Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, GameCube, GameBoy, pretty much everything except for the Nintendo 64 and Sega Master System.”

Arnold has a preference for playing games made for the NES, GameCube and the

original Sony PlayStation, which is more commonly known as the PS1. A lot of gamers nowadays are more focused on current generation consoles because of the modernized HD graphics. Which isn’t wrong. But he says that the argument that better graphics meaning better games is unfair.

“I don’t really think graphics have a problem which is why people don’t like old video games, and I think that’s sort of like a bias that shouldn’t really be there. There are some good games even though the graphics aren’t as good.” Riley said.

Arnold has numerous classic critically acclaimed games, Mega Man 2 for the NES, Super Smash Bros. Melee for the GameCube, Final Fantasy VII for the PS1 and in his words a bunch of the Marios. He impressively collects the physical copies of these games.

Every gamer has a specific preference for what games they like to play. Some play the older and harder games for a challenge, while some play the sports games that come out every year, others will sit down and play Call of Duty and call it a day. It is clear to see that Arnold is a gamer

Tips for Building a Collection 1. Make a list of wants 2. Shop before you purchase 3. Attend gaming events 4. Be seen as a gamer and a collector 5. Seek out buys at thrift stores.

Photo Illustration by Mady Harding

that has respect for the video games of the past.

And he recommends each of the games he collects.

“It’s really enjoyable, it kind of lets you learn about [the] history of

video games as a whole.

And I just like playing video games anyway.

I never knew a lot of consoles existed,” Arnold said.

{ in-depth}

The Crimson Crier

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Therapists prove to be a good outlet for victims of emotional abuse Andrea Graves Reporter

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hen people think about therapy, they think of tissues and laying down on couches as a person spills their feelings to someone who is essentially a professional listener. Not many think of the person who is listening. Therapist Natalie Alexander explained not only emotional abuse, but therapy in general.

“Emotional abuse occurs when an individual is a victim of threats or continually abused. [They are] humiliated, insulted or intimidated,” Alexander said.

“Typically by individuals who are in authority.”

Emotional abuse is a serious issue. Many believe that because it is not physical, it does not leave scars.

Emotional abuse leaves scars, just like any kind of physical harm -- these scars just manifest themselves in different ways. “[Some signs of abuse are] low self-esteem.

They are usually very apologetic,” Alexander said.

“Usually they’re not very assertive.”

These symptoms can often make things more difficult for those being abused. Because of the ongoing abuse, the victim’s mental health can also suffer. Children are especially vulnerable to mental issues later in life.

“If there’s a child witnessing abuse, that translates into a psychological issue as well on many levels,” Alexander said. “For children, there’s a lack of predictability and structure that happens when there has been some abuse observed or experienced.”

These children can grow to be dysfunctional adults if they continue to stay in an unsafe environment without any therapy. Luckily, there are always ways to get help.

“Therapy is always good,” Alexander said.

“Securing a strong support system, taking care of oneself … Just reaching out for help.”

One thing to consider, however is that victims are unable to get help if they are unaware that there is anything wrong in the first place. Often enough, those

being abused are not aware that what is happening is, in fact, abuse. Some are conditioned to believe that they deserve the treatment, or that it is normal.

“Many times there are situations in which the victim does not realize [they are] being abused … or [they are] being intimidated by the abuse and see no way out, despite the family members that are reaching out to pull them out [of the abusive situation],” Alexander said.

“They stay and endure.”

Emotional abuse occurs when There are also many instances when an individual is a victim of threats they know or continually abused. [They the abuse is occurring, are] humilated, insulted and but they are intimidated. unable to get help, whether therapist Natalie Alexander it is because of the abuser or because of their culture.

“There are other situations where the perpetrator seeks out the victim and pulls them away from their support system and continue to abuse and victimize,” Alexander said. “Some cultures are abusive. But if you’re from [that] culture, then it’s not gonna be seen as abuse. [But for] somebody if a different ethnicity, or from a North American standpoint, [the actions would be considered as] abuse.”

It is often difficult for therapists to see others in bad situations. After seeing so many victims and their issues, Alexander’s worldview has been changed, as well as the way she approaches therapy.

It can be risky for a therapist to allow themselves to involve their personal feelings in a victim’s situation, but for Alexander, it is very important that she is emotionally involved in the issue.

“I allow myself to be affected by the person’s

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problems while they are talking to me about the issue because of the situation is bad or serious, then I want them to know that I care enough about them and that I empathize and feel with them about whatever it is that they’re going through,” Alexander said. “That they’ve got me in their corner supporting them through whatever the problem might be.”

There are some instances where things are a little too much for some therapists to handle. In that case, it is vital to step away from the situation for a while. That way, therapists can help their patients better and their mental health does not suffer either.

“I there’s a situation that is particularly difficult for me, then I have to take care of myself and find a personal outlet so that I don’t take it home and allow it to affect my daily life,” Alexander said.

Self-care is important for both therapists and victims. It allows those suffering to re-evaluate their situation and mental and emotional state. To show just how vital it is to the recovery process, Alexander clears up any misconceptions about the practice.

“Self-care doesn’t always involve dressing up and looking good,” Alexander said. “It comes down to drawing boundaries for yourself and taking better care of your health and just being more aware of your feelings, more aware of your environment, [and] more aware of the healthy people as opposed to the toxic people in your life.”

Self-care is a very important step to recovery.

Recovery itself does not stop there, however. There are many more challenges and inner demons to face edited the improvement starts to show. Patience is key in recovery.

“It doesn’t happen overnight,” Alexander said. “It’s a very difficult journey.”

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Students overcome the mental scars left from emotional abuse Lucas Hicks Reporter

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motional abuse is a blow to mental health that carries a bruise for years to come, but is taken lightly because the bruise is not visual. It affects its victims’ ability to grow emotionally and prosper in their relationships, both present and future. Its victims are often left feeling demeaned and irrelevant.

Experiencing emotional abuse often creates a troubled road with mental health for those who have suffered incidents of abuse. Trust and responses to their relationships change, from decision making to their self-esteem. As a result, getting much needed help for recovery is often a daunting task.

“It drastically altered my emotional and personal responses to others. [It caused a] lack of self-value, inappropriate responses to various events and the reinforcement that my own thoughts and feelings are never important and must be hidden to please others,” Catherine Cecelia said. “It’s difficult with a considerable amount of people telling you that something isn’t a problem and it makes you feel like you are pathetic; like the ‘hard cold world’ is too much and you’d never lived your life. You begin to question everything you are told and everything you tell yourself.”

Self-esteem is hindered by these events, often creating a sense of irrelevance or that the victim matters less than anyone else. This can create a

picture of someone who is, in fact, self-sacrificing and kind who pushes aside and hides the deeper meanings or causes.

“It’s definitely left me in a deep pit, so to speak. But, after dealing with it for so long it’s been programmed in my mind to be normal. Anyone that’s even [the] slightest bit nice to me seems like someone handing me bars of gold and I immediately think I shouldn’t take the gesture and they should keep it. I basically put everyone before myself. It’s left me feeling that everyone matters more than me,” Ashley Nichole said. “I personally have to say it has ended up leaving me stronger as a person, but my experience has left me more depressed than I should be.”

In some cases the experiences produce a kinder and stronger person, both from the perseverance and recovery of the victim as well as ingrained thoughts and habits from abusive incidents. Recovery and understanding can produce someone who shows more compassion for others suffering from abuse. It can also create a more understanding and less biased person who knows the struggles of mental health brought on by emotional abuse.

“It’s definitely increased my level of empathy and understanding towards others who are going through it. I feel like I’m open minded and ‘relatable’ to people who talk to me about their experiences. I know how to better help and comfort them when I can,” Cecelia said.

The path to recovery is not short and is often hindered by a lack of seriousness of the matter when dealing with victims. Mental health often takes a

backseat to physical health and is not always believed due to there being no visual evidence of damage.

Mental illness is not readily accepted, which causes further harm to trust that lengthens the recovery process.

“Most people don’t even think mental illnesses are even a thing because there is no physical sign of emotional abuse unless the person who is being abused causes physical pain to themselves. Not all think it can be a real thing if there isn’t a physical sign of it,” Nicole said. “With people who don’t believe it’s a real thing, it destroys trust and hinders the recovery process a great deal.”

The mental wounds caused by emotional abuse are not impossible to heal.

T i m e , trust, therapy and belief can help a great deal with mending the wounds. While scars may remain, this reality is not a fact of life that must be accepted. Help is possible and with that, so is recovery.

“It has taken several years just to get to where I am and only within the last year or two have I made noticeable progress,” Cecelia said. “Therapy has been a good help in correcting the mental damage that has been done, but it’s a long, slow process.”

{ in-depth}

The Crimson Crier Sept. 15, 2016

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Verbal abuse victims suffer just as much as physical victims Aliyah Thomson Copy-Editor

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he first thing that comes to mind when one hears the word “abuse” is that of physical abuse. It is the most infamous of all the types of abuse and is renowned for leaving numerous women across the country with more than one scar. These scars serve as testimonials to their endurance, but also as permanent reminders of the wounds that will never fully heal. Victims of emotional abuse are in a similar position, but there is a line where the commonalities end. This line is the barrier between visible and invisible — the line between what is perceived to be real and what is not.

For some emotional abuse victims, the evidence of their battles are invisible. To the outside, it may seem as if they are being overly dramatic or sensitive when that may not be the case. The word abuse is not only defined as “violent treatment involving sexual assault … on a repeated basis,” but also as “insulting and offensive language.” Therefore, emotional abuse can be classified as a form of abuse. But at the end of the day, physical abuse is often paid the most attention over other forms of abuse.

The polarizing thing about emotional abuse is that the scars it leaves are not confined to just one part of the body. It is abuse that permeates both the mind and heart — two things which no human can escape.

What affects the mind and heart can only be numbed

by so much. Unlike physical pain or scars, there is no possible way to completely undo the damage that was done and erase the evidence to the point where it seems like it is truly gone.

I remember several years ago in elementary school, a former teacher of mine taught a short lesson on feelings and how what a person says to people can hurt them and affect them permanently. She showed us a heart cut from construction paper and pointed out how pristine and perfect it was. Then she crumbled it up. She then tried to flatten it out and fix what she had done to the heart, but she could not.

The message she was trying to convey to myself and my classmates was that once one says something that hurts a person, they can never completely take those words back and reverse the effect that it had on the other person.

This is why emotional abuse should be taken just as seriously as any other form of abuse, if not more.

The effects it has on a person can last a lifetime. For a lot of victims, it ruins their sense of self-worth and can turn even the most confident, independent person into a self-conscious, dependent one.

For some reason, people today in general find difficulty with believing that something is real if they cannot see it. Others believe that a person is faking it or just trying to get attention. While there are people who will manipulate a scenario to make it look a certain way or even create a scenario in order to attain revenge or gain something, not every person who claims to be emotionally abused is looking for revenge or personal gain.

The people who are not true victims of emotional abuse only make things easier for the abuser, giving them more reasons to negate the victim’s cries for help. Aside from making the abuser’s job easier, false victims’ actions only serve to solidify in the general public’s mind the stereotype that a person who claims to have been emotionally abused is simply “weak,” easily hurt, or affected by everything other people say to them.

In order for true emotional abuse victims to receive the acknowledgment and help that they need, people as a whole need to stop and listen to the person’s story before they write them off as lying or overly sensitive. Emotional abuse victims need to be treated on a case by case basis, as no one’s emotional abuse experience is identical. If treated on a case by case basis, the false victims could be weeded out from the real ones, reducing the amount of false testimonials and hopefully shrinking the stereotype surrounding victims of emotional abuse.

When it comes to victims, the principle of innocence “until proven guilty” should be applied. That does not mean that one should blindly believe everything that a supposed victim may say without any legitimate reason behind it. Of course, a person should use good judgment, but if one knows the person it is simply a matter of determining whether what the person is going through is real or not. If the person was brave enough to tell someone else, then they are more than likely are telling the truth, unless they are the type who tend to exaggerate.

{arts & entertainment }

The Crimson Crier

Sept. 15, 2016

Arts festival set for Saturday in October Danielle Cardo Reporter

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he Arts Festival is coming back for the second year in a row.

This event is open to the community and it will have plenty of fun games, special guests, tasty concessions and gregarious vendors.

However, with artisans, woodworkers, and photographers who will be returning to the festival this year, it is an impending question what new activities will come with the SAF of 2016.

“I want this to be another celebration of the arts,” coordinator Renèe Quaife said. “I hope this year will be an opportunity for people to share what they created as well as people to come, shop and enjoy what others have created.”

Several new additions to the event include a special film booth in which students can choose to enter a film competition for $10 with a seven to ten minute long piece of film.

Teacher Erin Coggins will be doing on the spot poetry with an oldfashioned typewriter in a vendor’s booth. Poems will be free of charge, and will also make for a great memory souvenir.

Anyone can request a poem by giving Coggins a few specific keywords.

She will then create an instant piece of art through poetry.

“I was out of town last year,” Coggins said. “I hate that I missed it, and

so I wanted to make sure I was involved this year.”

Another recent addition that Quaife has brought to the festival are family-friendly games for everyone. These games include hula hoops, a booth for face painting and the unmissable 5 feet and a half by 8 feet giant mural.

“This will be the first year that we had a mural,” Quaife said. “The idea is for people to paint what art means to them.”

Currently, SAF is

running low on volunteers for the festival. This year, the festival is accepting volunteers from Sparkman Nine as well as SHS students, and there is no deadline to become a volunteer as help will always be welcomed.

“My vendors last year kept going on and on about how much they appreciated the volunteers being there to help them set up their exhibit, take down their booth and bring them

water,” Quaife said. “The volunteers would be used for that purpose again.”

The few generous students who did sign up to assist in the festival are all volunteers from last year’s celebration.

It was thanks to the help of the people of the school community that everything ran smoothly last year.

“I only have 12 volunteers,” Quaife said. “ W e

meet in my room from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays.”

Similar to the previous year, students will have the opportunity to perform on a set-up stage as many songs, martial art demonstrations, dance or drama scripts as they can in ten minutes.

The cost to sign up is $30.

“We had bands last year,” Quaife said. “I don’t have any bands

signed up yet [for this year]. I am still waiting for them.”

Returning food truck vendors from Badd Newz BBQ and Tropical Sno have confirmed their appearance at SAF, but a new food vendor with the four-time Guinness World of Pizza champion will also be arriving to bring his specialty appetizers to the festival.

“Joe [the vendor] from Joe’s World Famous Pizzeria will be selling his garlic knots,” Quaife said.

T h e festival is also welcoming recognized artists of the written word.

Melanie Dickerson is an author of Christian romance who was present at the SAF last year and Quaife is excited to a n n o u n c e that she will be returning.

However, she is not the only author who will be at the festival.

An author of young adult fiction, first-time SAF attendee Ashley Chappell will also be attending. Both authors will have a booth where one can personally meet these great writers.

“The whole experience — last year’s experience — was all I hoped it would be,” Quaife said.

“It was a day of fun, celebrating in the arts and a chance for people to come together and share this common love.

I’m hoping this year goes even better.”

A Day In The City. Civilians enjoy a casual day shopping, dining, and socializing in the streets of Huntsville’s downtown. Photo by Ariel Thomas

Downtown offers unique dining options for all Sydney Goggans A&E Editor

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here are a variety of spectacular dining options in downtown Huntsville and sometimes to be able to go to those dining places the parking spaces are blocks away from the restaurant. Many of them are unique and it is worth the extra walk from these parking spaces.

Cozy Cow: Right beside Big Spring Park, the Cozy Cow has an array of food ranging from sandwiches to diverse flavors of Blue Bell’s ice cream. The Cozy Cow is most popular during its breakfast and lunch hours. The cafe is a great place for friends to go hang out and enjoy a pleasant meal. One of the highlights of this cafe is their view of Big Spring Park. The view from the

patio oversees the park and gives an opportunity to see civilians chatting up with friends, taking a stroll in the vast green grass or feeding the ducks and fishes in the pond.

Humphrey’s Bar and Grill: With an incredible selection of food, this restaurant’s high point is their live music featuring different musicians who play Tuesdays to Saturdays. You can enjoy the music while you eat and dance to the beat of the music. On Tuesdays, they have burger nights.

On Sundays, Humphrey’s Bar and Grill has Brunch and Blues, which features blues music to chill to while eating brunch.

The Chocolate Bar: This chocolate-inspired place serves more than just desserts but also sandwiches, soups and salads, appetizers, entrées

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Gadgets X Gizmos Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Quentin Hanson Reporter

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very year Samsung releases a new high quality smartphone, with tons of new features that customers can enjoy.

The new Galaxy Note 7 provides users with more improvements ranging from an upgraded S pen to an all new iris scanner. Even Verizon employee,Tammy, chooses the Galaxy Note 7 over any other smartphone.

“I would personally choose the Note 7 over any other smartphone, because it provides the user with more features. I really like the new iris scanner because it’s more secure and Iphones don’t have that,” Tammy said.

The Galaxy Note 7 is Samsung’s newest smartphone and Samsung brought back its most cherished feature the removable SD card. The SD card allows users to expand storage to 256GB. The improved S pen can translate texts, take screen shots and create GIFs. The body of the phone has a better and different design and it is also waterproof.

The most interesting feature the Galaxy Note 7 has to offer is the brand new iris scanner which provides the user with more security to their phone.

The Galaxy Note 7 comes with better graphics, a larger memory and a longer lasting battery.

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iPhone 7 Dylan Brotherton Reporter

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he iPhone 7 is being released with its annual new update, iOS 10, in mid September. With iOS 10 many changes have been made including: Touch ID, text features, new emojis and different ways of organization throughout the phone. Some things may never be tweaked or featured on the new iPhone, but that does not mean we cannot dream about them.

Apple has changed iMessage forever, adding new in text animations making emojis look more “Android like” along with exchanging the gun for a water gun, texts moving and seeming invisible, shooting fireworks, dropping confetti and a laser light show.

It might take some getting used to all these new effects. Since the iPhone has not had any major updates recently and almost no software changes at all, everyone will be glad to see new updates with messaging and even the new lock screen.

Other additions to the lock screen have also been made. The biggest one is the option to now slide right and get a full list of all notifications with personal ones still on the main page. This is including: Maps, Amazon, calendar, reminders and alarms all with the option to remove or reposition categories.

As far as physical features the new iPhone is rumored to be released with new body features and updates including: the removal of the headphone jack, longer lasting battery, moving and thickening the two lines on the back of the phone, adding a dual camera and maybe even some new body colors.

The two major new updates to the back of the phone are said to be the placement of the two lines on the top and bottom edge of the phone instead of farther out and a new dual camera. A dual camera would give better image quality and better angles, making picture taking experiences much more enjoyable.

The new features, updates and iOS 10 will change the entire iPhone experience. New iPhone features, software changes, new emojis and the body style itself will greatly impact the iPhone forever.

Huntsville Premier Men’s Hair Care Center

An Interior View of The Cozy Cow . The Cozy Cow is a comfortable, cozy cafe that offers multiple coffee choices and warm sandwiches.

Courtesy of The Cozy Cow

and more. Most of the desserts have chocolate that goes along with their chocolate theme, not only for families, but for those crazed chocolate lovers.

Pints and Pixels: This vibrant bar features over 50 vintage arcade games that are available for anyone to play. On Tuesdays, they have Tabletop Tuesday where game enthusiasts can play games from 4 p.m. until closing time

which is 10 p.m. It is also an opportunity to bring your favorite board games.

On Wednesdays, Pints and Pixels have pinball tournaments and prizes are awarded for having a high score or for being the overall champion.

Pints and Pixels is definitely a place to come with game loving friends to have friendly competitions with one another.

7449 Highway 72, West Suite A Madison, Alabama 35758 Call 256-325-8746 for an appointment or Book Online at www.whiskerstrim.com Monday-Friday 9 a.m.- 8 p.m.

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