September 2018 Edition by crimsoncrier

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Thursday, Sept. 20, 2019 Issue 1

Activists share reasons behind suicide prevention projects Atty Constanza

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ore teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease, combined. Suicide is a growing problem among the youth of our community, and the month of September is dedicated to keeping people aware about this issue. English teacher Renee Quaife is currently asking for volunteers for an event, called “A Night of Hope.” This event will help those who struggle with or have struggled with mental illness, or people who just want to support the cause. “Suicide is something that happens everywhere, all day long,” Quaife said, “I just wanted to take some action to raise awareness and start having conversations.” Youth around the globe struggle with suicide and mental health issues, but they are never alone. Responsible adults and even adolescents have been stepping up to make suicide less of a taboo subject, and make it known that it is very real. “The biggest thing is, no one is alone in this,” Quaife said, “Start that conversation and let people know that they aren’t alone and they can get help.” According to the New York Post, 19 percent of teenagers ages 15-19 have had thoughts of suicide. That’s almost two out of 10 people, making it likely that everyone knows someone who has thought the unthinkable. Austin Jennings, is close to someone who has thought about suicide and understands the importance of being a friend. “There were times when she was really down and really sad and personally I know that sometimes times are tough, there’s a bunch of stuff that can happen to everyone,” Jennings said “This particular person had a bad childhood like me, and I said ‘Hey we can talk about it.’ That’s all you can do is just be able to talk together and get it all out.’” One’s response to struggles can influence their mental state heavily. As learned in most health classes, this is well known as the fight-or-flight response. Those who have suicidal thoughts generally cannot think clearly and make snap decisions that will affect their future, or lack thereof. “Some people will get so far and get so close to the finish line and give up,” Jennings said. “So you just have to be able to push yourself to overcome.” There are a variety of ways to support those who have thought of, or tried committing suicide, but one that stands out is “Project Semicolon.” This project is a nonprofit organization committed solely to the purpose of preventing suicide, spreading awareness and providing people with the right mental tools to help save a life. Project Semicolon has a website filled with useful information and merchandise to support the cause. Some people choose the more affordable route to support the cause. By simply drawing a semicolon with sharpie or pen, one can show someone that they matter. “It’s hard being alone, and if you see someone going through the same struggles, then it makes you hopeful that you aren’t the only one going through it,” sophomore Carson Powell said. The significance of the semicolon is also the main motto of the project, “Your Story Is Not Over.” A

fie

Reporter

semicolon is punctuation used when someone could have ended a sentence, but chose not to. This applies not only to the English language, but also serves the purpose of a metaphor. “Make sure that no matter what happens, you know that you’re gonna be okay and you’re going to be able to keep trying,” Jennings said. “Just remember that tomorrow is going to be a brighter day.”

Lions and Tigers and Bucks! Oh my! Check out the Homecoming Dress Up Days pg. 2.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255 Available 24 hours a day

You are NOT alone.

NEWS The Crimson Crier

Sept. 20, 2018

College career center opens doors up to student body Diana Pizitz Reporter

he fact that students go to college has not changed, but with a new office, counselor Dedra Muhammad is making the process easier. Located in room 117, the College and Career Center is one of the new resources available to students. The services were always available to students in the counseling office, but few people knew about them; now, with an actual center, it is much easier for students to reach. “With three counselors and 1800 students, the resources were probably not as readily accessible,” Muhammad said, “It’s the counseling office being expanded. It’s a localized resource. As far as the services offered, we meet the students where they are,” Last year, seniors gathered for Applications Day, where students had the opportunity to fill out college applications, as well as have the chance to talk to representatives from across the state about the process. This year, things are going to be slightly different. “Last year, it was harder to find the students that needed help, but this year they’re coming in and I always leave my door open, because kids and asking about scholarships, they can attend seminars and learn about essay writing and they can understand about the whole process.” Muhammad said. Meetings ranging from college representatives to

scholarship seminars, are held often. “What we have found is that the students, more than anything else, need support; that’s where the social resources, social capital, the people we can bring in to talk to the students about what they need, come into play, ” Muhammad said. Not every student plans to go to college, however many intend to join the workforce directly after high school or plan to go to a trade school then start work. The College and Career Center remains an important resource, no matter what someone’s post high school plans are. “We’ll be discussing careers, because this is a College and Career Center, but I do tell them that there are deadlines that students

Upcoming College Visits:

Sept. 24 Athens State University Sept. 25 Birmingham Southern University

going into college must meet, so we’re starting there to get everyone on the right track,” Muhammad said. “If you don’t think you’re going to college at all, it is better to not have an opportunity and be prepared than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.” Muhammad sent teachers information about signing up for the ACT, SAT, how to get transcripts and more so they would be able to answer any questions posed. Teachers say students are responding well.

“I’ve had students coming in, asking questions, and getting passes signed to go down there,” Ivey said. The College and Career Center is not just for seniors. Muhammad is willing to help with post high school planning, regardless of current grade. “My concern is students reaching senior age and not knowing anything,”n Muhammad said. “We will be having scholarship and college readiness seminars, and I am not be denying any sophomores. My door is open to everyone.”

Capitol plan funding will allow for the expansion of seating in cafeteria Ethan King

Reporter

he school has not undergone any major renovations since the year most students were born. This trend is coming to an end at the end of the 201819 school year with the capital plan expanding the high school’s lunch room. “Part of the expansion is eliminating those walls,” principal Chris Shaw said. “We would get more tables for people to sit.”

Creating more space is the main cause for the expansion, providing more tables and shorter serving lines are the key focuses, but the students may benefit with less lunch periods as well. “Instead of five lunch waves, we would be looking at four lunch waves.” Shaw said. “It’ll probably be the same amount of time, It may be a couple minutes more longer to each lunch wave.”

Sophomore Omar Saleh is one of many students who have experienced the cause and effects of the current size of the lunch room and has been vocal voicing his opinions. Saleh expects big things from the cafeteria expansion in 2019. “I’m looking forward to some more tables,” Saleh said. “Hopefully there could be an extra door. An extra door would make the lines a whole lot shorter.” Looking into the big

Reporter

irst Sgt. Walter Jones, the long-time instructor for the team, is retiring in December, leaving the JROTC department with just two instructors. As a result, the JROTC raider team has been put on hiatus for the time being. “He was the raider team leader. The one that created its success,” Col. Lloyd Nathan said. “Because we have to have a rifle and drill team, it will be difficult for the two remaining instructors to take on the intensive administrative paperwork for three extracurriculars.” Everyone who was in the program last year were forced with a tough decision. They could either join another program or they could quit JROTC altogether. Most of the raider competitions are held in the fall so even getting an extra instructor before the year ends will eliminate the competition season. “It really has been hard and we’ve had a bunch of people quit because they only wanted to be in raiders program,” senior Sam Styes said. “I know people that wanted to do

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CAFETERIA CHANGES Due to capitol plan funding, the lunchroom awaits expansion. The construction will include taking out the stage portion and will begin in December. Photo by Anna Herren

picture of the expansion, students can be excited for what is in the headlights of the next school year. “It’s not going through

the same serving line,” Shaw said. “When you expand it’s not just more seating places, it’s more open space.”

JROTC raiders program left at abrupt standstill Josh Comer

RISING SENIORS College and career counselor Dedra Muhammad speaks to students about their plans after high school. The center has welcomed a variety of colleges already, including uncommon ones like Davidson College. Photo by Diana Pizitz

The

Sept. 20, 2018

NEWS Crimson Crier

leadership positions but because there is no raiders team they quit.” Nathan says the cadet command numbers show that the school has the interest numbers to hire a third instructor to replace Jones, however, that is a process that not only involves the school board but the federal government as well. “The person we hire must be vetted,” Nathan said. “They have to also be certified to be a JROTC instructor through the government.” Until then, the JROTC program will focus on the drill team and the rifle team. The rifle team’s main competition season is in April. Even though he is a senior, Styes has faith that the raider team will be back. He feels that it is too important for the program to just abandon because the program offers a fighting spirit and the chance to live the military dream that is not available to those outside JRTOC. “We can hire another instructor and when we do the program will definitely be back”, Styes said. Until then all we can do is wait.”

TAPPIN’ TUESDAYS Students work together to learn new dance moves for the upcoming musical, Singing In The Rain. With no past experience, introducing a new dance has taken time for the cast to learn this unfamiliar form of dance. Photo by Esperanze Yobo-Dasse.

Theatre taps their way into spring play Drama teacher offers new opportunity for those with experience Esperanza Yobo-Dasse

Reporter

eing involved in a space of selfexpression, creativity and opportunities allows Terry Harbisons theatre III class to come with many new experiences. This years innovative experience is “Tapin’ Tuesday”. Every Tuesday the theatre III students endeavor to expand their horizons in tap for their upcoming musical Singing In The Rain that is immensely tap based. Most of the theatre students have little to no experience in tap. Starting from a clean slate, Harbison made sure he could give his students a head start and the best prospects to succeed in auditions with a summer workshop. “We did a workshop this summer and we decided to continue that throughout the school year every Tuesday by just having a

tap class”, Harbison said. Peer teaching became an occurrence in the involvement of “Tapin’ Tuesday”. A small percentage of theatre III students are currently skilled in tap dance and have been taking classes for as many as 13 years. When it became evident that the inexperienced student needed more time to learn tap, Harbison asked those with tap experience to lead weekly classes. Two students with at most three years experience jumped at the chance to teach, becoming two of four student instructors. They are seeing their peers in a different light. “They pick up really well and ask questions. I They’re not afraid to ask for help if they know something’s off they’ll say hey can you help me and I love that,” Danecy said There are two main approaches these student teachers have when it

History teacher named top ten in the nation

comes to teaching. Some will just jump right into a combination then break it down for further understanding and another approach is to teach the basics and the do a lot of repetitions. “Currently we have four groups. We have a beginner, low intermediate and advanced group. We are kind of moving more people in intermediate to advanced so every week people are getting better with what they are doing,” Harbison said The play will be performed March of 2019. This gives the student plenty of time to learn more than the basics of tap. “We watched half of the show on Friday night the dancing was incredible so it’s going to be challenging to see how we can try to come near to that level, but we’re going to try,” Hope said.

First pep rally of the season is a big success The student body was asked to dress in sports attire.

“It was unbelievable, I did not think I would even be a finalist,” Erin Coggins said.

Take Note: Oct. 2

Changing Life Through Math Mathnasium of Huntsville 2124 Cecil Ashburn Drive Suite 140 Huntsville, Alabama 35802

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PSAT and WorkKeys for sophomores and seniors. E-Learning day for juniors.

OPINION The Crimson Crier

Sophomore shares experience with unusual family arrangement Lillie Howard Reporter

Banning plastic straws is non-solution to serious problem Jacob Whitlock Editor

he Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a floating isle of waste and debris roughly twice the size of Texas that exists in several areas between North America and Asia. Mostly made up of plastic waste, it has been growing exponentially every year, so unless the world wants more Swedish Fish than actual fish in its oceans, something drastic must be done. The solution, many local governments have concluded, is to ban singleuse, plastic straws. In 2015, a graphic and heartbreaking video of researchers pulling a plastic straw out of a sea turtle’s nose went viral, sparking outrage and igniting a movement to rid them from the environment. Since then, cities like Seattle and San Francisco, along with corporations like Starbucks and Disney, have led the charge in the battle against the dastardly drinking apparatuses. To an honest observer, the modern environmentalist movement, however wellintentioned and effective it is, has a habit of calling out the wrong enemies, and this straw ban is just the latest example. While it might be better than nothing, this campaign is unfortunately yet another instance of our society attempting to shift the burden of the ecological crisis onto the shoulders of individual consumers rather than holding big businesses to a higher standard. It is a cynical effort to convince people they're making change, without forcing the powerful to do anything to help. You, as an individual, are not extracting fossil fuels from the ground to create plastic. You are not manufacturing nonbiodegradable products. And most importantly in this instance, you are not actively tossing your used plastic into the ocean. Corporations, carefully protecting their profit margins, are responsible

for these actions. However, the neoliberalism pedaled since the early ‘80s has conned us into believing instead that we are personally accountable. Through a combination of guilt and thinly-veiled classism, collective political action has been replaced by eco-consumerism, an ideology that believes “voting with your dollar” within a free market system can save the planet. In terms of the plastic straw debate, purchasing reusable straws or not using them at all has been transformed into a lifestyle choice and a form of activism. Not only is this highly ineffective, but it often excludes and even shames groups like the poor, who cannot afford to participate, or the disabled, whose lives are made even more difficult with these rules in place. In this way, environmentalism has become nothing more than an extension of neoliberal capitalism: brutally individualistic, consumercentered and hostile to its most vulnerable. Companies like Starbucks have taken the plastic straw initiative because they have concluded that their lifestyle marketing and brand would benefit from these changes and they would not threaten their bottom line. Why then is Starbucks not falling over itself to quit serving plastic cups and wrappers? Quite simply, the profits gained from selling these products outweigh the social capital they would gain from replacing them. Basic economics can explain these interactions, which is proof enough that economics alone cannot solve our current crisis. All that being said, the most infuriating detail of this entire ordeal is that fact that plastic straws account for only about 0.02 percent of the total volume of plastic waste in the ocean. In comparison, commercial fishing nets and other equipment make up well over 50 percent of that volume. So much attention has been brought to a relative non-contributor to the problem it sets out to

Photo by Jacob Whitlock

veryone wants to have a typical American family, but it does not always work that way. Some families have just one mom or one dad. Some have dogs instead of children. In other families, you have two moms or two dads. Well for me, it is even more different. I live with my uncle and his partner, Despite the oddity, living with my uncle has helped shape me as a person. I have lived with my uncle since the beginning of eighth grade. Before moving in with my uncle, I was living with my mom and two cousins. Making a change like that was extremely difficult because I did not want to live with my uncle. To this day, I see how much better my life is without her. My mom let me do anything and everything I wanted. She only cared about if I had a B or higher in all my classes. Otherwise, she was never to be seen in my life. Also, she was extremely bad with money, and could never hold the same job longer than six months. Living with my uncle is definitely a lot better, but it does come with downsides. One of the downsides is I cannot “In today’s have any contact world, one with my would hope that it would mom. I do not have be frowned a personal upon to judge life. someone based Everything on something I do, he as small as who knows. However, they decide to this does love.” keep me out of trouble.

Although it is 2018, I still find it troubling that people are not open minded enough to accept that my uncle is gay and that he is raising me. Things like this get easier, but still something hard to take in. It makes you feel like you are doing something wrong, when in reality all your doing is trying to grow-up. Of course in June 2015, gay marriage was legalized, yet you still see a great number of American citizens that are against this. In today’s world, one would hope that it would be frowned upon to judge someone based on something as small as who they decide to love. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. The positives, however outweigh any negative. I have learned how to accept people, and make assumptions about them over the small things. I also have higher grades because my uncle makes sure I get all the help I need. I have even been taught how to do basic skills I will need in the future. I have definitely learned how to handle my money, something my mom was never able to do. I also learned how to manage my time, so I can get my work done to get the best grade and still have time to do all the fun things I want to do. I also have more freedom in how I spend my time. My mom gave me one choice for something to do outside of school: cheerleading. The problem with that was that I didn’t want to cheer, and she did not like anything else. With my uncle however, I can spend my time doing pretty much anything I want. Since he is so open to me doing what I enjoy, I not only dance at Heidi Knight, and I also do color guard. So my mom may not be supportive of what I’m doing, but my uncle supports all my choices. When looking into the past, it was harder for LGBT couples to adopt because of conservative views, especially in the south. Today however, it is fairly common to see gay couples raising children. As long as child has a safe and loving place to live, it does not matter what lifestyle someone decides to lead. Don’t believe me? Then just watch me.

The

Sept. 20, 2018

solve, that many have lost focus and found a way to blame everyone but the real culprits. Of course, it is great to be aware of your own carbon footprint and strive to individually limit your effect on the environment. The First World, after all, is notoriously wasteful and exhaustive of natural resources. But as a whole, now is not the time for small gains. The world is on the brink of ecological catastrophe, and some scientists even prophesize that we might already have fallen from that brink. It is more obvious than ever that the only real solution is to hold corporations and other wasteful institutions accountable through stiff regulations and by collectively withholding labor, not consumption. In order to strive for meaningful change, the environmentalist movement must not only divorce itself from the forces of capital, but oppose them altogether.

STAFF EDITORIAL

College and Career Center is useful addition W

ithout a College and Career Center for the last four years, counselors have been splitting duties between their standard tasks and writing college recommendation letters. So it was a welcoming site when it was announced at the beginning of the year that a dedicated office and special counselor would be returning. In the first five weeks of school, over 20 colleges have visited campus to recruit students and discuss scholarship opportunities. Besides the usual in-state universities and community colleges, there have been the uncommon visits, like the University of Chicago, expanding the opportunities for students to places that were not easily accessible prior. Counselor Dedra Muhammad has planned a variety of activities

Reporter

he only things on our mind when we were younger was what was being served for lunch and what we would be doing in gym class. Gym class always guaranteed us time to catch up with our classmates without “obnoxious” teachers scolding us to be silent. Everyone looked forward to the simple, competitive activities the gym coaches allowed us to play such as dodgeball, tag, red rover or even musical chairs. Well, not anymore. The Alabama Department of Education placed these activities, along with numerous others, on a list deemed inappropriate for children in public school physical education classes. Their

The Crimson Crier September 20, 2018 Issue #1

www.crimsoncriernews.com thecrimsoncrier@gmail.com

Enrollment: 1854 Faculty: 105 Mission Statement The Crimson Crier will report objectively on issues directly and indirectly affecting the student body and the school community. As student journalists, we understand our role in a global society to abide by the ethics of professional journalism in order to ensure a more informed student body. Policy

cartoon by Storm Jesset

that address the college application process, scholarship opportunities and career planning. She has recognized the importance of focusing effort on job placement for those entering the workforce immediately

after high school. We feel that because our school is such a large, diverse and successful school, the College and Career Center was not only a helpful addition, but a necessary one. So much of a typical high

school student's time is spent preparing for the future that there must be a dedicated place to provide help and guidance. Now that it is here, it is up to us to take advantage of their services.

The Crimson Crier is a student publication produced in the state of Alabama. All final design and reporting are the responsibility of the student journalists of Sparkman High School under the guidance of their adviser. The paper does undergo prior review as mandated by the principal. 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. Mid-South prints 2,000 copies, eight times yearly. 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. Staff Editor-in-Chief Shelby Lopez

“It’s like dragging a metal pole on the ground or like a messed up lawnmower.” senior Nathan Baker

“It reminds me of the PA on a cruise ship and sometimes its like a strange doorbell.”

“It sounds like the bell they ring in prison for the inmates to go to lunch.”

junior Emily Wirth

sophomore Rebecca Stell

Department of Education should not restrict competitive P.E. activities Anna Herren

2616 Jeff Road Harvest, AL 35749 256-837-0331

Your View

The school is currently testing new bell sounds. What do you think of the ones they have used so far?

OPINION Crimson Crier

justification for asking teachers to steer clear of these harmless, entertaining recreations is completely ludicrous. The Physical Education Instruction Guide states, on a section titled, “Specific Games or Activities to Avoid,” that several games should be avoided in the curriculum due to the fact they are “Inappropriate practices and behaviors.” Some of their rules are put into place to prevent children from physical harm, while others are included to spare a child from the feeling of hurt or embarrassment due to a loss. An adolescent sheltered from losing a simple game of musical chairs will live their life perplexed anytime something does not go their way. They will not understand the perception of a win/lose situation.

Someone else will get their dream job, while they are waiting around, expecting the job to be handed to them on a silver platter. As silly as it sounds, these brief distractions given to children allow them to grow and prosper, gaining a greater understanding of the concept of perseverance. If we take time to reflect on it, all games are usually expected to include a winner and a loser. So if we are removing games like these for the fear of disappointment, then the Alabama Department of Education might as well remove all activities similar to this, such as football, basketball, baseball, etc. Better yet, let’s just prohibit all games to preclude discouragement. Student morale would be expected to go down due to the lack of amusement in their

physical education class. As for physical harm, we can all agree that students get wounded or injured from time to time performing physical activities in gym class. Although, I cannot say I have ever heard of anyone getting injured in musical chairs. Students could get injured simply from running or even exercising in gym class. In fact, we could get injured at any point, whether or not we’re even in gym class. I realize the state department has good intentions, however, it would be in our best interest to drop this issue entirely. These activities offer a better chance of success for our future generations, as well as our current ones and it is important that they remain in the curriculum.

Opinion Editor Jacob Whitlock In-Depth Editor Saylor Cuzzort News Editor Dylan Brotherton Lifestyles Editor Alaura Gordon Sports Editor Bradley Wright A&E Editor Danni Jo Grider Business Editor Jordan Waldrop Web Editor Dylan Brotherton Video Editor Jacob Whitlock Reporters Sarah Chase Josh Comer Atty Costanza Madison Duboise Julia Helms Anna Herren Lillie Howard Trey Howard Storm Jesset Ethan King Claudia Martinez Grace Moore Diana Pizitz Briana Ratley Brody Wallace Esperanza Yobo-Dasse Adviser Erin Coggins, MJE

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INDEPTH The Crimson Crier

Sept. 20, 2018

Student Adapts to Finding Food Due to Massive Allergy Brianna Ratley Reporter

t can happen in a split second. One bee sting, one whiff of peanut butter or simply passing a dog or cat can trigger an allergic reaction that can be life threatening. Senior Brittany Grisham is a first hand example of how anything can trigger a reaction. When one student created edible, fake blood for a theatre production--made with cherries and red dye--instead of things ending sweet, they turned sour when Grisham ate the concoction. She was aware of her allergy, but was not of what was inside the fake blood. “When I ate the fake blood, I could taste the dye a little bit,” Grisham said, “I didn’t suffer a severe reaction.” Unlike Grisham, junior Daniella Cardo’s allergy list is extremely long and has limited her diet to only a few types of foods. Cardo is unable to walk into any store and get whatever

she would like; there are only a few items that she is allowed to eat. “My normal, everyday diet consists of potatoes, rice, almost any meat out there and fish,” Cardo said, “this means no candies, no canned goods, no sugary drinks, no pizza, nothing you can find on the shelves in stores.” Cardo is forced to choose from only a select number of foods. There are some exceptions, such as, scrambled eggs, sweet peppers and certain specially-made food. Her strict diet is due to her allergy to corn, meaning Cardo can not eat anything that contains corn syrup, which is present in most foods. In addition to her allergy to corn, Cardo is also lactose intolerant, like most of her family. Even gluten-free products contain milk and soy, which means Cardo is unable to eat it. “I can’t have cookies,” Cardo said. “I can’t have cake, not even on my birthday.” Throughout her childhood, Cardo and her family

traveled to Germany, where doctors there specifically treated her. However, when they returned to the states with no diagnosis and no signs of improvement, they went to a doctor in Alabama, where Cardo was diagnosed with an almost unbelievable amount of allergies. She has been tested and confirmed for all the allergies, turning her unbelievable diagnosis to facts. “Many people don’t believe me or they think I’m making it up in my head,” Cardo said. Cardo is limited when it comes to eating out. Her choices are limited to two local restaurants, Mason Dixon and Nothing’ but Noodles. Cardo eats some of their exclusively made dishes, but even then, she is not able to eat everything off of their menu. Nothing But Noodles is the other restaurant Cardo often visits. She orders the gluten-free rice noodles. Cardo is also limited to only drinking water. “My mom often goes to Mason Dixon to get bread, which is the only bread I

I’m Allergic To? Junior Makayla Callahan is on the varsity soccer team but deals with the issues of being allergic to grass and sweat. She always thought the reason she was breaking out while practicing was because of the grass, but she began breaking out while exercising indoors. After going to the doctor multiple times, Callahan found out she was allergic to sweat. To make it possible for her to play the sport she loves, she wears long sleeves and pants for practice even when it is hot outside. “I love playing with all of my best friends so I just deal with it,” Callahan said. Junior Jordan Phillips found out that she was allergic to dogs when she was 4-years-old. When her parents brought home her first dog, he licked her and she broke out into welts. Being allergic to dogs causes Phillips to not be able to just go to a friend’s house. If her friends have big dogs, she has to make the decision to not go or to take medicine before she goes which causes her to be tired. Being around dogs make her itch and swell. Despite her allergies, Phillips has two dogs and a cat. The dogs stays outside and she bottle feeds her cat, so she has become immune to him. Sophomore JJ Jones plays football as a hobby but ever since he discovered his allergy to grass four years ago while at practice, the irritation is just something he deals with. Being in grass for an extended period of time leaves Jones itchy with watering eyes. He has gotten used to the side effects but when it rains everything gets worse. Even though Jones plays a sport that revolves around the outdoors, he plays because it is something he enjoys doing. Sacrificing the game he loves is not an option.

The

Sept. 20, 2018

Medical professionals open up about EpiPen use Swelling

In emergency situations, medicine saves lives Diana Pizitz Reporter

A DAILY ROUTINE Due to her special diet, junior Daniella Cardo must bring her own lunch to school. Cardo has been eating a specialized diet since she was diagnosed with severe food allergies. “It’s something you get used to,” she said. Photo by Dylan Brotherton

can eat,” Cardo said, “I’m very much a regular at Nothing But Noodles, one of the workers knows exactly what I order.” Instead of dwelling on what she can not eat, Cardo mostly looks at her allergy in a positive way. She says her diet “forces her to be a very healthy person.” Although she has to eat the same general food every, she has found ways to add peppers, salt, and lemon juice to the meat to make it tastier.

If Cardo consumes a food that contains anything she’s allergic to, she describes her reaction as becoming extremely nauseous and developing a rash. Although Cardo’s allergic reaction is not life-threatening, it causes major discomfort and motivates her to stick to her diet. “This allergy can be a blessing or a curse,” Cardo said. “I have gotten to the point where I don’t even want to eat anymore, it causes me too much pain.”

POLL: Top Allergic Reactions

100 Students Polled Illustrations by Canva

Peanut allergy is the second most common allergy among children. Currently on the rise, about 1 in 50 children and 1 in 200 adults experience anaphylaxis due to peanuts which can lead to death.

INDEPTH Crimson Crier

hen kids come to school, they worry about unfinished homework and if their breath smells a bit funky; for a kid with severe allergies, the worries are more extreme. Anaphylaxis can be brought on by anything, from peanuts to penicillin, and it can be deadly. Medical academy teacher, Angela Holland takes precautions to make her classroom a safer place for those with allergies by keeping an eye on the students in her classroom. “ I like to make sure I always know the allergies of the students in my class, like with the kid with the popcorn allergy, we put a sign on the microwaves saying ‘no microwave popcorn’,” Holland said. “I check my emails and make sure that I know if they have allergies and then just watch for signs and symptoms that they are having an allergic reaction.” Everyone knows to alert the teacher if someone stops breathing, but allergic reactions rarely “When the start with reaction the throat reaches the closing point of up. The minor anaphylaxis, ones is when it usually becomes an come emergency. with rashes, nurse hives and Teffeny Collier-Wright itching before anaphylaxis sets in. “When the reaction reaches the point of anaphylaxis, which is where their throat starts to close, is when it becomes an

emergency situation where the epipen would need to be used,” nurse Teffeny Collier-Wright said. Epipens hold a possibly life-saving hormone called epinephrine. When injected into the bloodstream, it raises blood pressure, decreases swelling, opens airways and stops an allergic reaction in its tracks. If the epipen does need to be used, the first steps are always to alert the teacher and call 911. “You need to notify a teacher, because most of them are trained to administer an epipen.” Wright said. After the epipen is administered, emergency services must be alerted. According to Holland, this step is crucial; that way if a second dose of epinephrine is needed, an ambulance is already on the way. Inside school, the life-saving shot has to be administered by a teacher who is certified or one of the nurses; outside school is a bit of a different story. “There are some people who have felt it coming and injected themselves, others have trained their best friends,” Wright said. In America alone, 70 percent of citizens are allergic to something; still, so few people are confident, yet alone trained, to give an Epipen. To combat this, Holland trains all her students to administer an Epipen, but in her eyes, that isn’t enough. “It should be a public responsibility, everyone should learn how to do basic first-aid, it should be a law,” Holland said, “Everyone should know how to control bleeding and how to give an epipen or you don’t get your license.”

Lips, tongue or airways

Skin Rah, itching, hives

Respiratory Wheezing in lungs

CVS Dilated blood vessels, drop in blood pressure

Stomach Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Source: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Photo Illustration by Saylor Cuzzort

LIFESTYLES The Crimson Crier

Sept. 20, 2018

After several doctor appointments, junior receives diagnosis of Cushing’s disease Saylor Cuzzort Editor

here is nothing a mother will not do to protect her child. This was the case for Misty Grochowski while she monitored her daughter, junior Peyton Grochowski, develop symptoms of what would later be discovered as a brain tumor. With the assumption that something was going on, Grochowski underwent hormone testing through her saliva at Madison Drugs. The results discovered nothing other than the fact that her cortisol levels were off the charts, a symptom that would shed no light on the disease until half a year later. After a quick Google search including each symptom, Misty discovered three possible conditions that seemed to be likely. All three conditions listing the exact same symptoms with the exception of one under Cushing’s Disease. Elevated cortisol. “Where I did not necessarily believe Peyton had Cushing’s disease, I had to be sure that she did not,” Misty said. Symptoms noted and potential diseases found, the difficult part was just now coming to light. Appointment after appointment and still not a doctor seemed to “Five months be willing ago when to run I heard the the tests word tumor, I needed to thought of it as diagnose something that Cushing’s nor could kill me. anything Today that is a else for different story. that matter. junior Sitting Peyton Grochowski in the

The Diagnosis

Three major doctor visits later, the Grochowski’s finally stumbled upon the doctor they had been praying for. The endocrinologists agreed there was a possibility Peyton could be suffering the effects of Cushing’s disease and placed her under appropriate testing. With positive results of two out of three tests, the next steps could be taken to identify the source of Peyton’s problems. Peyton passed all three. “I thought, finally we have an answer, we can begin to help her get through this,” Misty said. “Then I got a little scared - there was still so much uncertainty of where the tumor could be.” A disease was one thing, a tumor was another. For almost two years Peyton had been experienced

symptoms across the board but never did a tumor come into mind when she thought about why she bruised so easily or why she ached every time she swung a tennis racket. “I figured I would be put on another round of pills to fix whatever was wrong and be on with my life but then the doctor said tumor,” Peyton said. “I guess you see it in TV shows and hear people talking but you don’t think it is going to happen to you.”

The Cure

Two obstacles down but now faced with a new one, the family began preparing for the next stages of locating the tumor. Each scenario seeming equally as worse as the last, a tumor in the pituitary gland, adrenal gland or lungs, there was not much to do but test, discover and pray. In April, yet another procedure was run in which Peyton lied awake on the operating table while dye was pumped into her brain and small cameras began exploring. Still, eyes closed in pain, Peyton recalled a quote that would guide her through the rest of her journey, “God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers.” Once wheeled back to her regular room, the doctor came in and uttered the words “you are going to have to have brain surgery.” “I wasn’t really sure what to feel at first,” Peyton said. “Part of me was glad it wasn’t in my lungs but the other side of me was absolutely terrified of

Teacher has special touch in motivating her students

Student conquers life threatening brain tumor endocrinologists office pleading for answers, Misty remembers asking “what kind of mother would I be if I sat back and did nothing?” “The first time I went to UAB, the doctor came in, looked at me and sent me home,” Peyton said. “All I was told was that it didn’t look like I had anything.” Seeming to take over her entire life, from skipping dance practices for doctor’s appointments to being mentally drained from all the worry, Peyton began to question the likelihood of something actually being wrong. Were her muscles actually weakening or was she just tired? Did she always have a headache or was she just overwhelmed? The daily struggle of living with a unfound brain tumor worsened as each appointment seemed pointless, worthless and unnecessary yet Misty still searched for the cause of the numerous symptoms. “It got to a point were I was in full denial,” Peyton said. “I hate to say this but I began to think I just wasn’t good enough for my mom and she was trying to find excuses for the reasons I wasn’t perfect.”

The

Sept. 20, 2018

LIFESTYLES Crimson Crier

Sarah Chase Reporter

MOTHERLY LOVE Junior Peyton Grochowski and her mother, Misty Grochowski, pose during a photo shoot with Bookout Studios. The celebratory shoot meant more to the Grochowski’s after a successful brain surgery. Photo courtesy of Peyton Grochowski

anything or anyone going into my head.”

Post Surgery

The entire family weary about what the future may hold, waited for June with one thing on their minds, Peyton’s tumor. Prayers continued to flood in along with texts and pep talks but no amount of words can take the worry off of a mother whose child is about to undergo brain surgery. Misty kept describing the journey as a path with the answers at the end but with hints and clues now in sight she tried looking at it like a puzzle: some pieces right, some pieces that only fit one, others that only form the border. With over 5,000 endocrinologists in the U.S. alone, she began to wonder if this would be the right one, if this was the one they had been praying for. A few days later a puzzle piece showed up in their mailbox with the words “God’s comfort” engraved in the back. “To this day we don’t know who left that puzzle piece,” Peyton said. “I know it was meant for my mom but I was so busy

being strong for everyone around me in that moment I realized I didn’t have to be because it was out of my control. June 26 is the day the Grochowski family will never forget. After a successful removal of the tumor, Peyton’s cortisol levels came back even lower than expected. The word “cured” can technically never be used, but Peyton walked away with no brain tumor and in its place a lesson. “Five months ago when I heard the word tumor I thought of it as something that could kill me,” Peyton said. “Today, now that’s a different story.”

An estimated 10 to 15 million people are diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease every year. About 60-70 per cent cases are in children and adolescents. Source: American Association of Neurologists

reative writing teacher Renee Quaife enjoys her job and wants students to be engaged while she is teaching. She uses her knowledge of writing to keep her class aware while she is bringing out their inner writer. “I like to have things engaging for the kids, so they can connect with the topic more than just read it in a book.” Quaife said. In Quaife’s creative writing class, she often wants to get kids to write different styles of writing. She also believes that students enjoy school more when they are able to think freely and creatively. “It’s creativity that’s given us the light bulb, and the car and all these other things,” Quaife said. “So creativity, I think is the paramount when it comes to education.” Quaife likes to be open-minded with her students. Other than writing she uses different ways for her class to be creative.

Some students may not get the concept of writing or just don’t like to write. “She lets them draw pictures instead of writing.” sophomore Ryan Eason said. “If we did a topic about maybe courage someone might draw Courage the Cowardly Dog.” Quaife’s class is also very hands on when she does activities. In the start of the year her class writes with the five senses. They work on sight, taste, smell, touch and hearing. They use their five senses to interact with their inner writer. “On the first day of the week we do sight writing, so I show the picture and they have to describe it,” Quaife said. “And then the second day is sound. I play a song and they write to the music.” Students can often get lazy and unmotivated, but when students feel like they’re being understood and feel the teacher is trying to relate, they feel inspired to do their best. “When Mrs. Quaife teaches she tries to relate

A TEACHING MOMENT Creative writing teacher Renee Quaife helps student Dallas McDonald complete his assignment. Quaife has also advised the literary magazine where she has incorporated even more creative lessons. Photo by Sarah Chase

to everybody,” sophomore Gianna Moore said, and when I listen to her writing it inspires me to get out of my comfort zone.” Although school can be stressful for students, the connection and openness

students have with their peers and Quaife is the best part about teaching for her. Being vulnerable and opening up is often hard for students to do with their mutuals especially their teachers.

“The fact that the students are willing to open up about their innermost thoughts and feelings,” Quaife said. “I love the connection with them, building that trust with my students is important to me.”

Stuchlik takes her figure skating to new heights in judge testing Madison Duboise

GOLD, SILVER, BRONZE Showing off their medals from a meet in California, junior Amy Stuchlik and McKenzie Edwards take the time to pose for a quick shot. Stuchlik has competed in meets in Decatur, Birmingham, Nashville and Ohio. Photo courtesy of Amy Stuchlik

Stuchlik is considered a juvenile figure skater. To receive the rating she has to skate correct steps, turn on good edges with good flow, form and power. Stuchlik had to complete three different single or double jumps as well.

Reporter

birthday party led to the development of a passion for ice. Ice skating that is. Junior Amy Stuchlik has been figure skating for six years, a hobby she fell into due to her mothers persistence. “My mom found a flyer while attending a birthday party, the flyer was for ice skating lessons,” Stuchlik said. “She signed me up for lessons and I’ve been ice skating ever since.” Stuchlik spends her spare time outside of school developing as a competitive figure skater. She practices four days of the week and spends time with her coach to continue developing her skills for competition. Though practice comes with its own dangers. “I cut my leg once and there’s a scar there, but my most serious injury was when I fell and hit my head on the ice and almost had a concussion,” Stuchlik said.

Over the last week of summer Stuchlik was in California for a friend, McKenzie Edwards, who was participating in a figure skating competition. Stuchlik went for support. Edwards was in the Anaheim Glacier Falls Competition, an annual figure skating competition with different experience levels. While she was in California, Stuchlik and Edwards trained two to three hours every morning. She had the opportunity to skate in a private owned Olympic ice rink, the same place the hockey team Anaheim Ducks train. She also received a lesson from Todd Eldredge, who was a six-time World Champion and a former Olympian that competed at three Winter Olympics. “I was so excited because it was the first time I’ve ever skated in an Olympic rink. The ice was perfect and it was

definitely the height of my entire trip,” Stuchlik said. “It was such an amazing opportunity.” Although Stuchlik’s mom did not realize that Amy would become competitive, she is happy to continue to support her daughter. Recently Stuchlik participated in skating testing, where she was critiqued by a panel of judges to determine her competitive level. It was her first time testing her skating level and she successfully passed. “It can be very nerve racking figure skating in front of a panel of judges, but it is an amazing feeling,” Stuchlik said. “I would absolutely love to be a part of the Olympics, if I wasn’t able to compete in them I think I would want to become a doctor for the Olympics so at least I had an opportunity to be involved in something like that.”

SPORTS The Crimson Crier King of the Hill By Ethan King

Football has chance to put school on map

hy going undefeated and winning the championship is the most the important focus this year Last year the varsity football team had the opportunity to achieve something that only one team a year can achieve, winning the state championship. Though falling unsuccessful with a near perfect season (7-4) in the first round, the squad almost made school history. Before the arrival of new head coach Laron White, the team was a below average offense and defense, finishing at 4-6. After acquiring White the team saw an almost immediate turn in style, finishing with their first winning season in years. Some players are entering their final year of high school and have only yet been able to discover the taste of winning which makes this year fight or flight season. Undoubtedly, every player on the team wants to win and is working with limited time to be able to achieve this goal. Returning players on the team now know what it is like to have a winning season and, even better, making the playoffs. Though they do not have the experience that other teams may have in playoff situations, the squad is ready to show that they have what it takes to make an impact this year. If the team is able to progress from last season, improving on record, standings, playoff seeding and depth will all be a factor in bringing eyes to the school’s football team and start a prestigious legacy in school history. Bringing a championship home and giving the students the best send off possible is the biggest goal now, most had already been achieved except for a ring, and this year is the year.

Sept. 20, 2018

Receivers prove skilled in last season

Seniors recognize senior year means more on the field Ethan King

Reporter

laying a high school sport has its ups and downs. Varsity wide receiver Rondell Cole has seen it all since his freshman year. The seniors have gone through multiple coaches, losing and winning seasons. Cole thinks the new coach is here to stay and lead them to the playoffs. “When Coach White came in he had the attitude that we are going to win,” Cole said. “We want to prove to everybody we can go to the playoffs this year. Playing wide receiver is not an easy job. One has to be able to adjust this on the fly. Senior Josh Warner knows what it is like to have to adapt to different styles of play quickly. Changing quarterbacks has been an adjustment and a learning responsibility that Warner holds high though. “This is Jacob’s first year and we gotta help him out,” Warner said. “We’re getting there and in the end I know we’re going to be alright.” The receivers both have the respect and praise of their coaches because of the hard work they put in everyday. Hard work and determination to football has also earned the two trust with Head Coach Laron White. “They are seasoned guys that can handle it,” White said. “I can rely on their play and i trust them.” Both Cole and Warner have not only been phenomenal athletes and role models for the team but they have also been teachers for the younger players. Having a new quarterback, each player is working to mature and be

PASS CAUGHT Senior Rondell Cole gains yards after catch after a missed tackle from a Gadsden City defender. Cole scored the first touchdown of the game on a 39 yard catch. Photo by Scott Lowe

better teammates . “They have to be patient, they have to be humble and they have to be unselfish,” White said. “They have both matured a ton, They have came a long way.” Cole and Warner are in the last season of their high school football career. They have both seen the program change over the past years. From losing to winning, Cole has the importance of taking it every game at a time for one final year. “Every game is even more important now,” Cole said. “Even the area games, these are the games that determine if we go to the playoffs.”

Runner’s high propels team to finish meets Julia Helms Reporter

Upcoming Meet When: Sept. 22 Where: Scottsboro

Replacing key positions proves no problem for team Brody Wallace

Reporter

MAKING STRIDES Senior T.J Patterson runs in the Panther Prowl on Sept. 5. He placed 57th in the 5K run which is a gold level finish. “The runner’s high allows me to increase my mental endurance because it takes a lot of effort to run three miles a day,” Patterson said. “It also provides me an escape.” Photo by Kathie Tomaino

The

Sept. 20, 2018

any things are associated with the sport of cross country; running, outdoors, distance, endurance and runner’s high. Runner’s high is defined as a feeling of euphoria coupled with reduced anxiety and less ability to feel pain. “It's fantastic to experience a runner’s high. It is honestly so great because you can just keep running,” junior Elisha Jones said. “I can not explain it because you actually need to experience it to understand. It's pretty much when you can run and you feel good while you're running. It's like you're floating.” Long distance runners experience a sudden explosion of energy that overcomes them. Cross country runners often experience this when

training and when racing. It gives them the extra push they need to compete. The cross country team runners also experience this rush. “You run strong and you know you did well. I know whenever I have a good day and run fast it just makes it so worth it because you know you used your legs and training and everything else to do your best,” Jones said. Cross country requires intense training to build up the strength and endurance that is needed to compete in high school-level competitions. Runners have to condition their bodies for the lengthy distances by participating in strenuous training. They work together as a team to push each other to run faster, push harder and go farther. “The first week will feel like you are dying but then you get in shape and your body gets used to running that long and you build

up your endurance,” Jones said. “It takes at least two weeks to run four miles well.” Though this training takes a lot of time and effort, “it is completely worth it on race day, the fun energy and intensity of racing makes all the training worth it,” sophomore Jackson Alsup said. Alongside the excitement of racing, runners get to experience the rush of a runner’s high. This rush is something most runners look forward to and like to experience as they run. “Towards the end everything picks up and you have way more drive than you thought you did. You're running and you feel like you're gonna die and then all the sudden you're running really really fast,” Alsup says. “It feels really surreal because of all the cheering and the people around you.”

fter making the playoffs for the first time in 11 years, the 34 seniors on the football team are primed and ready to delve deeper into the playoffs than last years’ senior class. The coaches and players alike are thinking how this season will be different than last year. “Everybody, including myself, are looking to win. And any pressure that comes with that will only want us to improve what we did last year,” defensive coach Ronnie Watson said. Senior running back Chris Joiner has some big shoes to fill, replacing former player Hunter Gibson. Gibson made All-State from 2015-2017 and had averaged 1500 plus yards per season with double-digit touchdowns as well. “It is a big position to be in,” Joiner said, “I’m prepared for it and I’m ready for it.” In his first two games, Joiner has rushed for 284 yards and two touchdowns. His teammate, senior Xavier Hopkins, works out with Joiner after practice

and feels he is more than capable of replacing Gibson. “Chris told me that he was going to put the offense on his back and carry us to the state championship,” Hopkins said. “I think he is made for this because he works so hard for the team.” Senior free-safety Allen Betts also feels pressure on him, after replacing Ethan Caselberry as free safety. Caselberry made All-Region and 1st team All-State in 2017 with 112 tackles and eight interceptions. With Caselberry now playing at Virginia Military Institute, Betts is replacing a key position in the team’s secondary. “Hopefully I can come in and just be another leader on this team,” Betts said, “This is a team that can do great things and hopefully goes undefeated.” As the senior middle linebacker, Hopkins knows the impact that Betts makes on the defense. He sees him as a part of the defensive puzzle. “The defense is a family. It didn’t take us too long to come together,” Hopkins said. “Our job is do three and out so the offense can

SPORTS Crimson Crier

put up points.” As the middle linebacker, Hopkins has secured 19 tackles in the first two games. After having a positive season last year, Hopkins is trying to be the X-factor that the team needs. With Hopkins being a senior, he is looking forward to stepping up and becoming a leader on the team. “The way we have been working during the offseason is going to pay off,” Hopkins said. “The training I did this summer and continue to do after practice three days a week has helped me to lose weight to become faster off the block and to get more tackles.” The road to the playoffs can be challenging, and winning the state title has proven to be daunting, especially in the 7A classification. Despite the difficult path ahead, the players and coaches are prepared for a great season. “We have to execute, and if we struggle it's going to be because of our execution,” Watson said, “We have a great group of guys, and I see us building on top of what we did last year and making the state championship.”

Getting into the Spirit Each game has a theme and students are encouraged to get involved. Themes: Huntsville: Hawaiian Buckhorn @Home: Camo (HC) Austin: Neon Bob Jones @Home: Pink James Clemons: Space Jam Florence @Home: Whiteout

HYPE OF FALL Showing their emotion and skill, seniors Xavier Hopkins, Chris Joiner and Allen Betts make strides on the football field. In the Gadsden City game, Joiner led the team with 112 yards on 25 carries. Hopkins and Betts made an impact on the defensive side of the ball, helping their teammates to hold Gadsden City to just 21 yards in the first half. Photos by Scott Lowe

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A&E The Crimson Crier

Sept. 20, 2018

Pizza lover explores world of pies Saylor Cuzzort Editor

Pane e Vino

If you were looking for a pizza expert, Pane e Vino is the place to go. With a five star feel and reasonable prices, located in the heart of Huntsville, it’s no wonder the restaurant owned by Chef James Boyce is the first in its class. Starting with the menu full of handcrafted pizzas unique to any pie you’ve ever seen, to custom options you would have never imagined could be on a pizza, there is something to satisfy every taste bud. Great toppings are one thing but the base is a whole new ball game. What kept me reaching for another piece was the stonefire cooked crust. Hand tossed to perfection and heated to the epitome of what pizza crust should be. Pane e Vino reminded me of what one of America’s favorite foods should taste like.

Photo Illustration by Danni Jo Grider

The first place you might go for the best pizza in Huntsville is probably not a “hole in the wall,” but “don’t judge a book by its cover” has never had a better example. Located in East Limestone, Village Pizza is better than your typical pie shop. Offering the usual toppings, crusts and sides, there is nothing that really makes Village Pizza special other than the amazing taste each slice offers. Fresh out of the oven, after the dough is tossed by hand, pizza does not get more original or fresher than this. Unlike any other restaurant, Village does not sacrifice taste for toppings, each ingredient tastes fresh and made just for you, something you can only experience firsthand.

True to its name, Mod Pizza is all things modern. Just like Subway or Moe’s, you choose what you want and walk through a line where the possibilities are endless. With a standard price based on size and crust the amount of toppings is strictly up to you. Whether you pile it high with four types of meat and six different peppers or stick to plain cheese your price stays the same. At first glance, the personal sized pizza looks delicious before it even goes into the brickstone oven but the walk from the counter to your table makes it look even better. Generous toppings accompanied with fresh made dough, deemed my custom creation of ham and pineapple a great pizza option.

Village Pizza

Mod Pizza

Mellow Mushroom It is difficult to completely butcher an abundance of foods. Like chicken fingers and hot dogs, I feel pizza is one of the things it takes talent to make taste bad. For only ordering a plain pepperoni pizza at Mellow Mushroom, they have talent. Before we get into the details of the bland taste, it could be my fault for ordering only pepperoni and cheese on a pizza from somewhere other than Dominos. Despite my need for discovering the best tasting pizza there was no flavor in any part of the pizza. There was not a distinct taste of tomato, crunch of toasted crust or even melting of cheese just plain, bland pizza.

Other notable pizzerias Big Ed’s Pizza

Pieology

Uncle Maddio’s

Pizza 360

Stevie B’s

Book enthusiast reviews most circulated books in library Trey Howard Reporter

arie L

by M

he second book in Lovelace’s Women are Some Kind of Magic series is a call for women to realize the importance they hold and take hold of their own lives and futures. The Witch consists of a collection of poems which are split into four distinct parts: the trial, the burning, the firestorm, and the ashes. Each section represents the various tribulations women

are forced to face on a daily basis and how they learn to adjust and cope with the difficulties they are put through. Lovelace lets her readers peer into the mindset of a woman, the witch, as she learns to take control of her story and find her own self love despite the litany of bigotry and misogynistic ideals with which she is faced. The Witch Doesn’t Burn in this One will resonate anyone who considers themselves a feminist or is simply struggling with finding their own self worth.

Elites

he first book in a finished trilogy; set in an alternate version of Renaissance Italy, a plague has ravaged the land. It left almost all affected adults dead and children left with strange marks. Eventually the children began developing strange, unnatural powers. They are called “malfettos”- tainted, unholy and persecuted by the Inquisition. Adelina Amouteru is one of these

The Witch Doesn’t Burn by Amanda Lovelace

oung The Y

children and when her father finds out about her new abilities, she’s forced to escape with her younger sister Violetta. The two flee in search of a group of malfettos with strong powers who protect their kind and fight the Inquisition for the liberation of their people. The Young Elites offers up fast paced action scenes, compelling moral dilemmas, interesting characters and powers and even a surprising twist ending. Fans of the I Am Number Four series may enjoy this trilogy.

The Witch Doesn’t Burn by Amanda Lovelace

The Young Elites by Marie Lu

Books of the Month Photo Illustration by Danni Jo Grider