The Gallery
2018
SENIOR EDITION
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The Gallery
THE GALLERY DSA’s newsmagazine 400 N. Duke Street Durham, NC 27701 dsagallery.com
STAFF EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Eleanor Dilworth Izzy Salazar LEAD REPORTERS Oyinda Ajasa, Caroline Batten, Ira Ilagan, Kyle Lewis, Diego Moncada, Anna Neal, Elise Roth, and Lezi Truesdale REPORTERS Stella Domec, N’Saun Gentry, Stephany Guzman, Ella Nuñez, Ayesha Sanchez, Mary Wang, and Oliver Weaver STAFF ADVISER Patrick Ritchie COVER ART Lawrence Halpin and Jo Shain
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Mr. Grier bids DSA goodbye after eight years BY N’SAUN GENTRY Sean Grier known as Mr. Grier to the Under Mr. Grier, DSA chorus has travstudents of DSA, has become one of the eled to places such as New York City, Germost beloved teachers at the school. many, Austria, Italy, and Atlanta during Recently, Mr. Grier sat down with all the course of spring break. These trips of his students from each period and told gave students a chance to relax and enjoy them some shocking news: he will be time away from school with friends, and leaving DSA to go back to college to earn travel to places they wouldn’t have visithis Masters and PhD. ed if it wasn’t for the choral department “I have been fortunate to work with and Mr. Grier fundraising money to make many students and have memorable these trips possible. conversations about life and who we are as people, which has made our music journey an enriching one,” Mr. Grier, DSA chorus teacher, said. Treating students like human beings instead of just students differentiates Mr. Grier from PHOTO BY N’SAUN GENTRY other teachers. For the past Mr. Grier with the fourth period men’s ensemble class. After eight years, eight years at DSA, Mr. Grier will be leaving DSA next year to Mr. Grier has pursue a graduate degree. connected with many individuals throughout the Even as the choral teachers look to find school by simply being understanding a new teacher as a replacement for Mr. and able to gain their trust. When people Grier, many of the students feel that no think of chorus, the first thing that comes one can replace Mr. Grier as he has left a to mind is often Mr. Grier, the foundation mark on DSA that will never be forgotten. of the largest elective concentration with“Mr. Grier is a teacher I could trust in the school. and I looked up to as a role model. I don’t “When I heard the news I didn’t know see anyone being as impactful as he was what else to think but ‘wow, where do we to the kids, both in chorus and personalgo from here?’ It was just too many mem- ly. But someone replacing him that is a ories to know what would happen next,” question only time could tell,” Desmond Khori Talley, sophomore, said. Martyn, sophomore, stated. Mr.Grier began his teaching career afThe school year is quickly coming to an ter he graduated from Michigan State end as students, faculty, and staff have University. In 2009, he got his first job at less than a months until Mr. Grier says Chapel Hill High School. At one of the per- his final farewells and takes the next step formances Mr. Grier met the principal of in his life, hoping to become even more DSA, David Hawks, whose daughter was successful than he has already established part of the choir at the time. Impressed himself to be. by the ensemble and by Mr. Grier, Mr. Mr. Grier was a special and influential Hawks told Mr. Grier that their is a job person that the DSA was lucky to have as opening at DSA if he was interested. one of the leading faces. From performing
at the DPAC to working with the Fisk Jubilee Singers and choral composers such as Eric Whitacre and Gwyneth Walker, singing sensation Susan Boyle, Mr. Grier has truly left a lasting legacy for the DSA choral department. “I believe that in life, we get pulled to explore the next steps. It is scary leaving DSA to pursue this next step in my life, but a great deal of excitement and intrigue is on the horizon as well. DSA chorus will always be home,” Mr. Grier concluded.
EDITORIAL POLICY The Gallery is an open forum for the free expression of student thought that fairly represents the voice of the students. Our mission is to inform the student body by exposing issues to the majority, allowing the minority a voice to be heard, and helping to connect to DSA’s community through the paper. The Gallery staff will determine the stories and material to be covered in an issue and reserve the right to accept or decline material for each issue. The decision for advertising relies on the discretion of the editorial staff of The Gallery. The Gallery staff will hold itself to the highest professional journalistic standard of honesty and integrity as guided by the Student Press Law Center. It is not the policy of this newsmagazine to downgrade or tarnish the reputation of an individual or group. The Gallery is a student edited and managed publication. The school assumes no responsibility for the content of The Gallery. The news magazine editorial staff urges all journalists to recognize that with student editorial control comes responsibility to follow journalism standards and ethics each school year. As a forum of free expression, The Gallery will welcome all letters submitted to the editor, provided they contain the writer’s name and grade. The Gallery does not accept anonymous letters, but will print letters using “name withheld,” provided the editor knows the author’s identity.
Senior Edition 2018
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Teachers rally for respect on NC’s Teacher Advocacy Day BY STELLA DOMEC Thousands of North Carolina teachers schools that are not crumbling and in dis- the proper funding to teach, it will be- er, said. and educators are taking a day off to ad- repair. We love our public schools and we come harder to help students learn. Educators are fighting for both teachvocate for better school funding and qual- deserve better!” the NCAE stated on their “I would like to see North Carolinians ers and students alike to have the ability ity. website. realize that teachers’ impacts on NC kids to teach and receive a better education. Teachers in North Carolina are paid Public schools all across North Caroli- are real; that teachers matter; that advo“My students deserve better and teachsignificantly less than in other states, na are underfunded and many teachers at cacy and grassroots efforts play a role in ers deserve to be paid a professional which can negatively impact students’ DSA have emphasized the need for better policy changes,” Ms. Sauer explained. wage,” Ms. Mace said. learning and school quality. textbooks and resources for schools. Though some students think of May Other teachers are fighting for their “I am protesting right to be paid to demand that the more for what State Legislature they are doing and stop defunding contributing to the schools in favor school. of tax breaks to “We care about corporations,” Ms. our students, but Mace, 8th grade we also feel a resocial studies and sponsibility to 9th grade world fight for better history teacher, circumstances for said. ourselves. If we Ms. Mace is one don’t show up for of the many DSA ourselves, who teachers who are will?” Ms. Sauer leaving school on continued. May 16th to march The NCAE’s and rally in Raplan for the 16th is leigh. to march down to “Teachers are Capitol Grounds, paid $9,000 less Bicentennial Plaper year than the za and then to the national average. Legislative buildAs a single mom, ings, where they I have to ask mywill meet with self every year if I representatives. am neglecting my There will also be duties to my chila rally at the Bidren. Am I a bad centennial Plaza mom for choosing later in the afterto teach instead of noon. finding a job that Organizers of PHOTO BY ELEANOR DILWORTH the event hope provides a better life for my daugh- Protesters march past the state capitol building on the way to the General Assembly building to meet with representa- that around ters?” Ms. Mace tives. On May 16, thousands of teachers, students, and others, protested in Raleigh calling for better teacher pay and 15,000 teachers access to resources across the state. said. and school staff The organizawill attend the tion behind the rally, the North Carolina “Needs that I see--in DSA specifical- 16th as simply a day off from school, oth- protest, and many of DSA’s teachers will Association of Educators, stated that they ly--are overcrowding of classrooms (i.e. ers are supportive and encouraging of be marching as well. are protesting for more resources, better we need new buildings to support growth their students taking that day off to pro“Public Education is a right. Public pay, and making schools safer places for of our student and teacher populations), test. schools are one of the last places people students and educators alike. updated facilities, textbooks or digital “I fully support my underpaid, under from different backgrounds come to“Our students deserve better. They de- resources for every class, and technolog- supported, and under credited teach- gether and exchange ideas” Ms. Mace exserve resources to help make them suc- ical access for everyone,” Ms. Sauer, high ers demanding better treatment they plained. “The citizenry has awoken to the cessful. They deserve professionally paid school science department chair, said. shouldn’t even have to demand in the power we collectively have; this is democeducators. They deserve safe schools and Teachers feel that if they are not given first place,” Josephine Wilson, 9th grad- racy in action.”
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Olivia Fernandez works her way to the top BY ELEANOR DILWORTH On weekdays, senior Olivia Fernandez amazing. It has brought me and my sisIn addition to the band, Olivia has been is hard at work keeping up with her class- ters so incredibly close and all of us love in the advanced guitar class at DSA since es and studying for tests, but on her freshman year, and as a the weekends she can often be senior is now in the jazz artfound on stage at a music festival istry class as well. plucking away at her mandolin “I’ve met a lot of realalongside her two sisters. ly cool people through the After seven years at DSA, Olivguitar and jazz programs. ia, the class of 2018 valedictorian The guitar class is more like and a talented musician, will ata family than a class and I tend UNC Chapel Hill next year love that about it,” Olivia where she plans to major in bioexplained. “Coach [Davis] medical engineering and minor has hooked me and a few in music. other classmates up with Olivia was drawn to biomedisome really amazing mucal engineering because of how sical opportunities, so that much she enjoys her AP Biology has also been amazing and class and finds the subject interI really appreciate him for esting. that.” “[After college] I’ll probably go Olivia is passionate about to graduate school and hopefully PHOTO COURTESY OF OLIVIA FERNANDEZ music, and even though will still play at music festivals in Olivia Fernandez (center) tunes her mandolin before she will be leaving to go to the summer,” Olivia said. college next year, she still playing a set with her two sisters at a music festival. OlOlivia has been involved in ivia’s pathway at DSA is guitar and she has been in the wants to be able to play at music her whole life, playing at advanced guitar class for four years. music festivals with her music festivals around the counsisters and continue to imtry with the “Fernandez Sisters,” a band it, love all the people we’ve met through prove as an artist. comprised of Olivia and her two sisters. our band, and the places we’ve gone be“[Olivia] embraced herself a lot in the “[Playing in a band with my sisters] is cause of it,” Olivia explained. past four years, I think. She knows the
things that make her happy and pursues those things with passion and is still incredible at the things she may not care as much about,” Aidan Halpin, senior and one of Olivia’s best friends, commented. Olivia has grown a lot throughout her time at DSA, being in an environment where she and those around her were able to dedicate time to their talents. “The biggest thing I learned from DSA is that there are really amazing people who have all sorts of different hobbies, and being able to be somewhere like DSA, I’ve learned so much about other pathways and interests,” Olivia said. “I learned how to be appreciative of what makes people unique.” As for what makes Olivia unique, Halpin says that it is her attitude towards the things she does. “Olivia, unlike many of her peers, doesn’t really care that much what people think. She likes what she likes and pursues what she likes, without much worry of what others think,” Halpin explained. “It’s an amazing trait and it’s something that impresses me a lot. This also means that the things she is good at are things she really cares about.”
An ‘HBCU’ Experience: Why more and more black students are attending HBCUs BY OYINDA AJASA Students swag surf in the bleachers for a homecoming football game, dance on step teams, join historically black fraternities and sororities, and learn more about what it means to be black in America. This is the HBCU experience. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are institutions that were established prior to 1964 with the principal mission of educating Black Americans. They have been a source of accomplishment and great pride for the African American community. These institutions were founded and developed in an environment of legal segregation and, by providing access to higher education, contributed profoundly to the progress Black Americans made in improving their status. “I wanted to attend to an HBCU because growing up, I wasn’t really around a lot of people who looked like me. I grew up in white neighborhoods, went to predominantly white schools, and in elementary school, all I was around was white peo-
ple. So, when I started hanging around black people in 10th grade, I wasn’t used to the way that black people communicated and it took some time getting used to. Now, I’ve decided to attend to an HBCU because I want to get to know my black culture way more and be around people who deal with the prejudices and social standards from the world just like I do everyday,” Nia Applewhite, senior, stated. HBCUs have been an ideal choice for African Americans because they are able to learn more about their heritage with people that look like them. The many traditions and customs of HBCUs are acknowledgments of the traditional practices of African Americans dating back to when HBCUs were first started. Swag Surfin’ is a popular song and the dance has become an important step in the black college cultural experience. This dance is performed at football homecomings. Pledging fraternities and sororities are an important ritual at most HBCUs, and they have been respected for a long
time. “At my school, I hope to bring another chapter of Young People Unite and collaborate with people from UNCG. Also, in my sophomore year, I’m hoping to pledge Delta Sigma Theta. When it comes to fraternities and sororities, black people take them very seriously. So, being in a sorority, you have more connections worldwide because that is the tradition for Black Americans. Then, with Young People Unite, this organization will be open to all. I want Young People Unite to break barriers in the black community such as mental illnesses, LGBTQ, etc.,” Applewhite commented. HBCUs have grown tremendously since the 19th and 20th century. Today, there are 101 HBCUs in the U.S., and the Virgin Islands. The combined total enrollment is now 293,000 compared to 234,000 in 1980. This is an increase by around 50,000, showing the impact that HBCUs have had in more recent years. “I am proud of being a black woman,
but when I go to my HBCU, it’ll be so empowering to see my fellow brothers and sisters chasing their goals and achieving their successes so they can be on top. It’ll be inspiring to see intelligent black people that go for different internships, making new foundations, and proving our society’s black stereotypes wrong,” Saraya Ashley, commented. More and more African American students are choosing to honor their roots and enroll in a place of education that honors them. HBCUs account for a fair number of college degrees earned by black students. Around 27,000 bachelor’s degrees were awarded to black HBCU students in 2015, making up 15 percent of all bachelor’s degrees earned by blacks in that year. “I hope to learn what any college student wants to learn which is being independent. Also, learning about my cultural background, networking, black excellence, and black pride.” Applewhite concluded.
Senior Edition 2018
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Mirage heads to a new adventure: Military Academy BY IZZY SALAZAR After nearly a year of contacting North Carolina representatives, proving he is physically fit, and gathering teacher recommendations, Mirage is finally ready to leave DSA to explore new horizons. Mirage Vyas, senior, was accepted into West Point, Kings Point, and the Naval Academy. He has decided to attend West Point next year. Being accepted into all three schools is very rare, and after much deliberation, he has chosen to go to West Point. Mirage has attended DSA since sixth grade and his pathway is guitar. “Only about one percent of [all] students can get accepted to multiple (three or more) Academies. Apparently I am first in the history of Durham School of the Arts to make it to three Service Academies,” Mirage explained. The process to get into the schools was far more intensive than that of applying to non-military colleges. “The application process was very thorough. They required a nomination from a congressman or a senator, you also need-
ed to do a physical portion... and after that you need to get teacher evaluations and a whole bunch of other stuff, but it was very long. It took me roughly a year to finish it,” Mirage explained. Mirage first found out about these schools when he was researching colleges to apply to. “First of all, I found out through online, I was looking up universities and stuff... trying to figure out what I’m gonna do, and that’s kind ofwhat led me to see Naval Academy. Also, I found out through Ms.Corey ...that one student, Ryan, he went to the Naval Academy and I kinda like looked up to him, and then I just tried online,” Mirage said. Ms. Griffeth, physics teacher, has taught Mirage for the past two years. She is impressed with the growth she’s seen in him in that time. “He’s definitely grown as a leader. I think last year he was more concerned with fitting in and trying to navigate the social circles of high school and now he’s
starting to stand out on his own,” Ms. Griffeth said. “And so I think that he’s definitely matured, he’s become a lot more disciplined, and ... if he needs to focus, he can push things aside and focus, and I think that that’s definitely a way he’s grown this year.” Having a student accepted into these schools is a great honor for both Mirage and DSA. “It’s certainly rare to have a student accepted into the Naval Academy, ...from my understanding, a school of DSA’s size will send maybe one or two kinda every five to ten years, so it’s a great honor for Mirage, and for DSA as well,” Ms. Griffeth said. Ms. Griffeth thinks that Mirage’s experiences at DSA will help him succeed in the future. “As cliche as it sounds to say, ‘Don’t forget the folks back home,’ I think that unlike a lot of his [future] classmates..., he comes from a public school that’s committed to the arts, and committed to
expressing yourself, and committed to freedom of thought and expression and openness in a way that other students don’t necessarily have access to. I would hope that he would use what he’s learned at DSA from his classmates and his teachers and Durham as a whole to inform him as a leader,” Ms. Griffeth said. Mirage agrees that his time at DSA will influence his future. “At DSA I really learned to work hard, what’s unique about DSA is that we have …. an art perspective. I took guitar, and that led me to think differently about school and classes. I really enjoyed my time [at DSA] with ...not just my teachers but my best friends,” Mirage said. Ms. Griffeth hopes that Mirage’s experiences at West Point will positively affect him. “My hope is that he’s able to persevere through what I know will be extreme challenges because he will come out such a stronger, better person on the other end,” Ms. Griffeth said.
Q & A with Ben Kearsley: a man on a mission BY CAROLINE BATTEN As the end of the school year approaches, many graduating DSA students will prepare for college, a gap year, military service, or a new job. However, senior Ben Kearsley will take a unique experience on a two-year journey post-graduation. His trip will inspire new personal growth and connections abroad as he travels to Bangkok, Thailand on a mission through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kearsley will attend Brigham Young University in the city of Provo, Utah in 2020 following his long and impactful mission away from home.
to the missionary training center, which is where I will start learning how to speak Thai and just how to teach people and I’ll be there two months. After that I’ll fly to Thailand and I don’t really know where I’ll be for the next like 20-22 months; I’ll just be in different areas in Thailand.
What do you think will be the hardest part of your experience overall? I think the language will be really hard. Thai is a tonal language so how you say the word changes its meaning; there is like five different tones. I need to start How did you become involved? learning before I go! What motivated you to do this? I’ve known since I was a little kid that What are you looking forward to I’ve wanted to do it. My dad has served a the most about the next two years mission in Norway, and lots of my cous- on your mission? ins and other family members have too, I’ve heard the food is really good and so it has kind of just always something I’ve also heard that the Thai people are I wanted to do and something I thought super awesome and super friendly. In would be fun and a good opportunity just the United States I feel like we are very to go outside my comfort zone a bit. closed off to what happens out there in the world. In other countries people usuWhat does your agenda look like? ally know how to speak more than one I’ll leave July 18th and I’ll go to Provo, language and it makes them more aware
PHOTO BY CAROLINE BATTEN
In July, senior Ben Kearsley will be leaving for a two year mission in Thailand through the Church of Jesus Chrish of Latter-Day Saints. Once Ben completes his mission he will attend Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. of the world around them and so I think then to be able to see how other people it will be good to be out there and have live their lives and to be able to learn a a little bit of a culture shock at first, and little bit more about their cultures.
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OLIVIA FERNANDEZ “Olivia Fernandez is one of my top players. There are few students I treat as a professional and hold them to that high of a standard. Olivia is one of them.” - Coach Davis
BEN KEARSLEY “[Ben’s] piano skills are incredible. His ability to play with accuracy and passion are truly amazing and his dedication to the Arts is remarkable.” - Mr. Davis
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PH OTO S BY IZ Z Y S ALAZ AR , IR A
AVA LOZUKE “Ava is the model of what it means to be an artist. Ideas seem to course through her, and she takes her work in unexpected and fascinating directions.” - Mr. Watson
SURRELL BRODIE AND AIDAN HALPIN “Surrell Brodie is a true musician who can make a good band sound great!” - Mr. Davis “Aidan has been a stand-out in the Digital Media Arts pathway for the past four years at DSA and he has set a standard for new ways of creating.” - Mr. Maya
LAURAN JONES “Lauran Jones is the essence of commitment to writing. It’s been a privilege to get to know Lauran over the years; she’s inspiring as a person and a writer.” - Ms. Garvoille
Senior Edition 2018
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CAILIN CLARKE “Cailin is not only an outstanding cellist but she goes out of her way to help others. She has been a tremendous asset to the orchestra. Music is her passion and she will make an exceptional orchestra teacher.” - Ms. Crafford
ANNA MEYER “Anna is a well rounded student who has participated both on stage and off. She is always seeking out new challenges and ways to improve her craft. We are a better department because of her involvement.” - Ms. Winchester
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WYATT GROSE “Over his four years here, Wyatt has worked at refining his ‘wild’ try anything enthusiasm and attitude into a focused art making practice that has yielded a plethora of well-crafted, detailed, and thoughtful works.” - Mr. Martinez
GRAHAM BUHRMAN Graham has always gone above and beyond with his digital artwork. He pushes the envelope by exploring new tools and techniques. And, he is always there to help anyone who needs it with a smile.” - Mr. Bourgeois
YOSEF CROCKETT “Yosef Crockett is an outstanding senior dancer. Yosef is a joy to have in class and is the example of what a true dancer should be in today’s world.” - Mr. Patten
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Raya Ashley finalizes her time at DSA BY LEZI TRUESDALE Starting her day off announcing the current events around DSA, and ending it with family and friends, Saraya Ashley takes charge throughout her life, both at DSA and outside of school. Better known to friends as “Raya,” this Georgia-born, North-Carolina raised senior makes her final marks on DSA as she prepares for the next four years of her life. Under the chorus program, Ashley has found ways to fill the four years she’s been attending DSA. Also being involved in independent study, Raya studies the evolution of the black American. Whether Raya is working on something in class or helping out around the school, her personality always shines bright. “Raya is bubbly, friendly, inquisitive, and open. She loves to share all of her good news with us. Overall, she a well-rounded student,” Marlene Alpizar, data manager, said. Positive energy and happiness is some-
thing one can never have too much of. Involving herself in the chorus program, helping in the main office, as well as being the class of 2018’s president, Raya makes it her everyday goal to spread these characteristics around the school. “I started a gospel club, I’ve been in student council all four years, I participated in Young People Unite, as well as poetry club and being active within the chorus program. As far as student council goes, I’ve always been involved because I’ve enjoyed being in governmental positions and seeing how the democratic process works. Representing the school is really important as well as evoking change in the student body, which allows them to have more of a say in what goes on,” Raya stated. The involvements and interests one holds in high sch00l can transfer into the future and career paths later on in life. This is the case for Raya.
“Every morning I do announcements for the school and I can say that it’s an honor to be in the office because not everyone gets to do that. Working with the ladies in the office is pretty fulfilling. I enjoy doing announcements because I hope to be on radio. This gives me the experience. It’s overall really fun, as I enjoy being able to speak and make people’s mornings better,” Ashley stated. As college approaches, Raya makes the final preparations for her entrance of college in the fall of 2018. “I am attending the illustrious Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. I’ll being doing either a joint major in political science and english, or political science and business. While Fisk originally wasn’t my top choice, they gave me financial aid and they met my criteria of being an HBCU. In my sophomore year, the DSA choral department actually sang with the Fisk Jubilee singers, which was a great experi-
ence. I fell in love with the campus, I fell in love with the people, and I’m very excited to be a Bulldog,” Ashley said. Plenty of opportunities await Raya as she enters college in the upcoming season. While other options were available, Ashley only applied to historically black colleges and universities. This also served as a tactic that allowed her to narrow down her options for college. “I only applied to HBCUs because I felt like that was important for me to do in my undergrad college career,” Ashley mentioned. As Raya leaves, she reflects on her time at DSA and states what she would like to leave behind for other students. “I want to leave leave positivity and positive vibes. I want to have a really strong end to my senior year allowing the underclassmen to feel powerful. This school is a part of me and it’s what makes me me,” Ashley concluded.
The women’s soccer team strikes back BY OLIVER WEAVER Chants of DSA ring out as the ball flies down the field. Two strikers pass the ball back and forth, progressing towards the goal. Once the goal is in range, she takes the shot. The swish of the ball hitting the back of the net sends the fans wild. The DSA varsity women’s soccer team is having a season to remember. The soccer team had a very strong season. One of the best records for the girls team has been made, with thirteen wins in nineteen games to close out this season. The team is made up of a variety of students from ninth to twelfth grade. “Our team is young, but very talented! It is exciting to coach them and watch them play so well together. So far our season has been heading in a very positive direction. I love this team not just because of our record, but because of the way the team plays together and respects each other,” Amy Green, the soccer and gym coach, said. Women’s soccer began in the 1930s in Europe, and later spread to the U.S. in the 1950s. More organized women’s soccer teams were developed in the U.S. once the Title IX Legislation was passed, which enforced gender equality. The
United States is now regarded as one of there has been less injuries for the girls Johnson, the athletic trainer, said. the top countries in the world for wom- vs the boys, although studies have shown The girls greatest opponent, Carrboro, en’s soccer, since the U.S. national team that girls are at a greater risk of getting beat the girls twice this season. Next seawon their third World Cup son the girls will definitely be in 2015. Women’s soccer is looking for revenge. still viewed differently than “DSA women’s soccer had men’s, especially the style of a great season this year. We play. had a lot of new talent and we “In general, women’s socare very competitive in our cer as a whole tends to be conference. We took a tough more finesse while men’s loss in the second round to soccer tends to be more powCarrboro in PKs but I’m coner and strength. I think at fident we will be back next DSA we have a good balance year,” Sophia Griffin, a senior of both finesse, power and and captain of the women’s strength on both our men’s team, explained. and women’s teams,” Coach This new group of girls has Green commented. definitely shown their worth The girls soccer team this season. The team is very this year is also very healthy. young, with lots of freshmen Unlike the boys team, there and sophomores. Next year PHOTO BY OLIVER WEAVER new leaders will have to step hasn’t been many injuries. Sometimes the boys team Coach Green gives Zora Jackson, sophomore, instructions up and captain the team. would have four injured play- in the middle of a home game vs Carrboro. The team fin“I’m going to miss our ers at once. beautiful seniors on this team. ished the season with thirteen wins. “Luckily, this year the team They have led our team, and did not have as many injuries. The goalie injured. Research is showing with the everyone looks up to them. I can’t wait to did break her nose, but otherwise it was girls having a greater hip angle, they are start a new chapter next season,” Coach just the bumps and bruises. This year at greater risk for knee injuries,” Willy Green said.
Senior Edition 2018
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Seniors pass along tips for college applications BY STELLA DOMEC As the end of the year approaches, se- tions on the weekends and doing home- planned out and not procrastinate. Writing the essays for college applicaniors prepare to leave for college, and to work during the week. “To balance school and applications, tions is something that many students leave tips about applying to college for the “On the weekend, carve out time specif- I got time to do college apps in English struggle with, but there are some things rising seniors. ically just to focus on college applications class and I also did them on the week- that can make it easier. Bella Dorfman, 12th grader, urges fu- so that a little bit of everything gets done ends,” Hart said. “Just write one generic essay that you ture seniors to start their college appli- by the end of the week,” Ms. McAllister If seniors are feeling uncertain or con- can slightly tweak so that it answers the cation planning promain point of all the cess early, so that they questions. That way, are prepared for when you only have to ‘write’ school starts next year. one essay and just “There is no such change it a little bit to thing as too early to make it most appealing start a college applito each school,” Clark cation! As soon as the said. common app opens, Figuring out what to make your account and write for an application start getting the boring and how to write it can application questions be difficult, but getting out-of-the-way and them done and out of start drafting your esthe way early is worth says,” Dorfman said. it. Ms. McAllister, 11th “Be prepared for a lot and 12th grade counselof writing, but also trust or, agrees that starting that when it’s done, it’s early is the best thing DONE. Just keep your to do. head up and keep go“You should start ing!” Clark continued. forming your college Hart also advised list the spring semester having people to look of your junior year so over the written parts of you can start looking at the application before stuff over the summer submitting it to make when you don’t have sure everything is good. the stress of school Being truthful is also and homework on your plays a big part in apshoulders,” Ms. McAlplying to college, and PHOTO BY IZZY SALAZAR current seniors urge the lister advised. Many seniors feel that The board outside of Student Services has various flyers and posters advertising different colleges for seniors future seniors to be as working on applications to apply for. 12th grade counselor Ms. McAllister advises seniors to talk to their counselors if they have any sincere as possible. during the school year is problems or questions about applications. “Be honest about harder than working on yourself. You don’t them over the summer, mostly because of continued. fused about how to apply to schools, the want to go somewhere under false prethe extra load of schoolwork. Most of this year’s seniors followed that counselors are available and ready to tenses,” Brooke Davies, 12th grader, said. “I think that the stress students are advice, and spaced out their homework help. College applications are complicated feeling about having something ‘extra’ time and application time. “Set up a meeting with your counsel- and time consuming, but overall, planto do on top of their everyday responsi“I did my homework every night and or; we are here to help!” Ms. McAllister ning and finishing them early will make bilities creates this feeling of dread when tried my hardest to stop school work from said. “Also, there are a couple of days in it easier for the whole application expethey think about completing college ap- rolling over onto Saturday and Sunday. the fall where we open the media center rience. plications,” Ms. McAllister said. That way, the weekends were for college on Saturdays and help seniors work on “It’s going to be exactly as difficult and To help with the extra load of school applications,” Ian Clark, 12th grader, said. their applications, scholarships, financial stressful as you think it will be, howevwork and college applications, Ms. McAlKai Hart, 12th grader, agreed, say- aid, or anything else that they may need er I really do believe that it will be 100% lister recommends working on applica- ing that seniors should get everything assistance with.” worth it,” Dorfman finished.
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The Gallery
Seniors of The Gallery sign off
BY ANNA NEAL
Kyle Lewis - Attended DSA for 7 years. - Member of The Gallery staff for 2 years. - Will attend Durham Tech after graduation. - “My favorite part of newspaper was getting to branch out from paper media and create podcasts.” - Kyle wants to live a fulfilling and health conscious life after college, filled with friendship and lots of exercise. His favorite class at DSA was newspaper, because he was able to be a part of a team: The Gallery.
Ira Ilagan - Attended DSA for 7 years. - Member of The Gallery staff for 4 years. - Will attend UNC Greensboro after graduation. - “My favorite memory will be getting my first article published in the paper. I also loved the UNC J-day trip!” - After college Ira plans to travel the world, something she was not able to do when she was younger. -Her favorite experience at DSA was being coached by her freshman year softball assistant coach. Coach K didn’t only improve her softball skills, but helped her grow as a person and had a big impact on who she is today.
Diego Moncada - Attended DSA for 7 years. - Member of The Gallery staff for 3 years. - Will attend Durham Tech after graduation. - “My favorite part of The Gallery was the friends I made and the bonds I formed. These will last past high school.” - Diego hopes to have a successful career after college, and plans to start his own business. Diego will always remember his piano teacher, Ms. Davis. She taught him the importance of hard work and kindness.
Anna Neal - Attended DSA for 4 years. - Member of The Gallery staff for 4 years. - Will attend Appalachian State after graduation. - “My favorite memory from The Gallery is when I got my article featured on WUNC radio.” - After college Anna hopes to move as far north as she can get, and attend law school. -Anna will miss her biology and AP biology teacher, Ms. Sauer. Ms. Sauerwas the only teacher who could keep her interested in STEM subjects,and helped push Anna to go outside her comfort zone.
Senior Edition 2018
page 11
Ellie Dilworth is in pursuit The little-known history of Izzy Salazar of the great outdoors BY IZZY SALAZAR
BY ELEANOR DILWORTH
Scientist. Writer. Friend. Leader. Lover that to my experience and reflect on what Stumbling across Izzy Salazar, one is of green beans. works and what doesn’t.” likely to find her nose tucked in a book It’s difficult to find a person who fits Not only is Ellie an excellent student, or marking up articles with a colorful pen even one of these descriptions, but Ellie but she is also an excellent friend. (because, yes, she actually enjoys editing) Dilworth more than successfully matches “She’s really caring and she’ll worry or snooping out some piece of history that all five. about you if you’re not in school one day. no one has yet to bring into the light. Izzy, Ellie is graduating. She has attended [S]he’ll check up on you if something’s in fact, is busy, working in and around DSA since 9th grade and is the co-editor happened, [and] wants to see how you’re DSA in so many different fields. of The Gallery. She’s also a member of doing, and that’s really awesome,” Olivia After seven years at DSA, Izzy now prethe DSA women’s soccer team and helps Fernandez, senior, explained. pares to take her talents to college, but lead HOMIES. She will attend the UniMs. Griffeth agrees that Ellie’s person- not without leaving behind her legacy, versity of Virginia in Charlottesville in the ality has and will take her far in life. and taking the things she’s learned here fall where she will study environmental “She has a lot of strength and confi- with her. science. Next year, Izzy Ellie joined the newspaper staff will attend Wesher freshman year. She was initialleyan University in ly unsure of what to expect from Connecticut where the class, but has since learned to she plans on studyenjoy it. ing history, a love “Newspaper really pushed me that was encouraged out of my comfort zone, especialthrough her work ly at first, because it forced me to with the John Hope go interview people that I didn’t Franklin Young know and be willing to find out Scholars Program information by actually going out (JHFYSP). and getting it instead of just wait“I’ve been a part of ing for someone else to give it to [JHFYSP] since sixth me,” Ellie explained. grade. We focus on Though she won’t be studying little known histories journalism in college, Ellie preof North Carolina. dicts that she will still be able to It has strengthened use the skills she has learned in PHOTO BY OYINDA AJASA my love of histoother applications. ry and it’s taught Izzy Salazar (left) and Ellie Dilworth (right), seniors and co-ed“I think that doing newspaper itors of The Gallery. After five and four years, respectively, in me so many things has made me a better communi- newspaper, Izzy and Ellie are handing over the reins. that I wouldn’t have cator and made me more comfortlearned in school,” able speaking to people that I don’t know, dence and is very intelligent, but also has Izzy explained. “I think that because of as well as holding me accountable for my a lot of spunk,” Ms. Griffeth said. “She’s that I want to discover history that isn’t work and meeting deadlines,” Ellie said. definitely one of the best scientists I’ve learned about a lot or try to find out about “I definitely think that being able to crank ever worked with.” things that have been pushed aside.” out an article and being comfortable with Ellie plans on using her degree in enviNow Izzy holds a leadership role in the writing frequently will help me in college ronmental science to become a park rang- program, working with and guiding the with writing papers and getting things er. However, this was not always her plan. younger kids as they explore the state’s done.” “When I was little, my goal was to run history. Alice Griffeth, physics teacher, has a hot dog stand. I don’t think that will “You get to see kids with the same taught Ellie for two years. Ms. Griffeth is happen now even though it sounds great, passion that I had when I was their age. impressed with Ellie’s scientific abilities. but who knows! After college my goal is to Seeing them learn about stuff that’s not “Whether Ellie majors in physics or become a ranger with the National Park taught in schools and seeing them have not, or ever takes another physics class, Service or the Forest Service. I want to the same rage that nobody knows about seeing her be a strong willed and strong be able to work on public lands and have them and their declarations of ‘What? minded, confident woman in physics has a job where I am able to be outside and Nobody knows this?’ that’s really fun been really great for me,” Ms. Griffeth be moving around all the time,” Ellie ex- to see because that’s the same energy I said. “It’s been great for me to see how a plained. “There’s so much to learn in na- have,” Izzy said. strong female scientist developed in front ture and I want to try and learn as much Aside from her work in history, Izzy is of my eyes, but also be able to compare as I can.” in the 2D art pathway, and is currently in
AP Studio Art. “I’ve liked [2D] since through the years you get more and more freedom with what you’re allowed to do and get to make your own projects and decide what to focus on,” Izzy said. Despite having art as her pathway, Izzy also has been in Newspaper since eighth grade. “I think Izzy’s a great example of someone who’s actually not even in the writing pathway, she’s actually in a different arts pathway,” Patrick Ritchie, The Gallery advisor, explained. “At the same time she still remained committed to newspaper all the way through. I find that to be really impressive. I don’t think I’ll see that any time soon.” Through Izzy’s years in newspaper, Mr. Ritchie has seen her writing and leadership skills develop as she became assistant editor in her junior year and co-editor as a senior. “I really like newspaper because it’s given me an opportunity to talk to people and to be involved with things that I wouldn’t have otherwise,” Izzy commented. “What I will take with me is a desire to learn new things and try stuff that maybe I’m not super comfortable with.” Over the years, it has not just been her writing and art that have grown and changed. “She’s still her funny, weird self, but so accomplished and confident- it blows me away what a strong woman she’s become,” Bella Dorfman, Izzy’s best friend, said. “There isn’t a thing about her, from her halloween costumes to her Doc Martens, that isn’t fascinatingly unique.” Being at DSA for seven long years has contributed to who Izzy is, and left a lasting impact on her. “I might joke about being tired of [being at DSA], but I really am not. It’s been really great and I’ve loved being part of this community,” Izzy said. As she prepares to leave, Izzy sincerely, though not regretfully, apologizes to the teachers whose classes she missed because she was reading instead of listening. “I’m sure they were good classes,” Izzy admitted. “But I was reading some really good books, also.”
WHERE ARE DSA SENIORS HEADED?
140 Seniors Responded to the Survey
Map by Elise Roth
North Carolina Appalachian State University Art Institute of Raleigh Bennett College Brevard University Chowan University Durham Technical Community College Elon University East Carolina University Guilford College Meredith College North Carolina A&T State University North Carolina Central University North Carolina State University Pfeiffer University UNC Asheville UNC Chapel Hill UNC Charlotte UNC Greensboro
UNC Pembroke UNC Wilmington Wake Technical Community College Wingate University Winston-Salem State University Queens University of Charlotte California California College of the Arts Connecticut Wesleyan University Florida Eckerd University Georgia Emory University
Michigan Kalamazoo College
Rhode Island Rhode Island School of Design
New York Alfred University New York University Tisch School Of the Arts The New School: Parsons United States Military Academy
Tennessee Fisk University
Ohio Oberlin University Oregon Lewis and Clark College Pennsylvania Drexel University University of the Arts
Utah Brigham Young University Virginia Norfolk State University University of Virginia Virginia Commonwealth Virginia Tech Washington, DC American University George Washington University South Korea Yonsei University