Youth Magazine

April/May 2013

March-April 2012

A New Generation of Leadership

Makin’ Some Noise

School Band Forges Friendships

1

Students Connect through the Shared Passion of Art Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

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Contents 8

Youth Leadership Forsyth develops potential in high school students.

10

Teen Philanthropist

Ryan Garmon Advertising Director

14

Creativity Counts

Graphic Design Jeff Bucchino Josh Bugosh

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Classroom Flavor

Adlen Robinson Director of Content

Contributing Writers Tim Keyser Alyssa LaRenzie Crystal Ledford Jennifer Sami

A local seventh-grader receives honors for her work with national organization.

This club at Otwell Middle School hones students’ artistic ability.

Lambert’s food science and nutrition lab teaches healthy eating habits.

Photography Amber Cloy Carrie Ann Sienkiewicz Autumn Vetter

Youth Leadership Forsytth - Page 8

YOUth Magazine

is published bimonthly by the Forsyth County News Co., 302 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Cumming, GA 30040.

Advertising rates and deadlines available upon request.

Contact Ryan Garmon at (770) 205-8960 or rgarmon@forsythnews.com.

Follow us online at: forsythnews.com

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Growing Leaders

Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

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Arts ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 18

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Entertainment ����������������������������������������������������� 20

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Technology ��������������������������������������������������������� 24

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Sports ����������������������������������������������������������������� 28

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Education ����������������������������������������������������������� 30

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Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

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Welcome to

W

elcome to our second issue of YOUth! When we first decided to publish this magazine, many of us wondered if it might be difficult to find unique, talented students to profile in each issue.

Well, let me assure you, my list is seemingly endless. In fact, there are so many incredible young people in our midst, I feel honored to share them with you.

They include Kelsey Hirsch, who after learning about the Jerry Sandusky scandal at Penn State decided to do something to help victims of sexual abuse.

Besides individuals, we also feature organizations that support and involve students.

Youth Leadership Forsyth, which has been around

since 2000, has done an amazing job transforming motivated high school juniors into leaders for our community and beyond.

I loved meeting and getting to know Tammi Bramblett, executive director, and some of her graduating class, including Maddie Malmfeldt and Emily Walden.

This generation appears ready to meet the challenges of the coming years, head on.

As always, we are privileged when you read our magazine and offer ideas and suggestions. Please feel welcome to e-mail me!

Best,

Adlen W. Robinson is an award-winning columnist and feature writer who has been a contributor to the Forsyth County News for more than a decade. Adlen has lived in Forsyth County with husband Paul for 23 years and they have four children. Author of “Home Matters: The Guide to Organizing Your Life and Home,” Adlen is also busy working on her first cookbook. E-mail her at contact@adlenrobinson.com.

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Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

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Learning to Photos: Amber Cloy, Autumn Vetter

Lead

W

hile many Forsyth County residents are familiar with the popular Leadership Forsyth program, they may not realize there is an equally impressive component to the offering for local young people.

Established in 2000, Youth Leadership Forsyth offers qualified high school juniors the opportunity to participate in a nine-month course certain to positively impact their lives and, as a result, the community as a whole.

Tammi Bramblett, executive director of Leadership Forsyth, said the program is designed to engage students — those from public and private schools, as well as some who are home schooled — in a variety of ways.

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Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

“There is always a leadership component involved,” she said. “We partner with the YMCA and the activities depend on the topic.”

For example, the group recently visited with lawmakers at the state Capitol in Atlanta and learned how the legislative process works.

“We want the students to take what they learn and be empowered to put it into action,” Bramblett said.

About 40 of the as many as 100 youth who apply for the program each year are accepted. Applicants are selected based on a variety of factors, including grades and community service.

Emily Walden, center, and leaders Tammi Bramblett, left, and Tracey Smith, at a recent Youth Leadership Forsyth meeting at Fowler Park.

According to Bramblett, who went through the adult leadership program in 2006, service is one of the major components for both adults and youth.

“The program was a wonderful way for me to meet many people, as well as truly get to know the history of Forsyth County and learn so much about the community,” she said.

When the position for a director became available, she jumped at the opportunity.

“I was thrilled to be offered the job — I was born to serve my community,” said Bramblett, whose husband Kyle is a county native. “I knew what an impact Leadership Forsyth had on me. I was so excited to be an integral part of the organization.”

Bramblett said she is privileged to work with “such amazing kids.”

“You hear so many bad things about the younger generation, but I am always defending them because I see these kids and all of the things they do that positively affect others,” she said.

As an example, she shared how a student had seen a homeless man at a soup kitchen who wasn’t wearing any socks.

“She ended up doing a sock drive, and eventually started her own nonprofit organization for her mission,” Bramblett said.

See Leadership pg. 16

Katie Nolley, center, wo

rks with a group during a recent Youth Leadership Forsyth meetin g at Fowler Park.

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A Gift for Giving ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Teen raises thousands for cause

A

young south Forsyth resident is drawing accolades and attention for her determined fundraising efforts in support of a national cause.

Kelsey Hirsch, 13, recently received the HOPE Award from the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the country, RAINN. She was honored for raising more than $16,000 for the organization, whose name stands for Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network, by selling wristbands.

What began as a Bat Mitzvah project — she raised $10,000 — has evolved into an ongoing effort that aims to collect $25,000 by the end of April, which is Child Abuse Awareness Month.

“I wasn’t thinking it would ever get this big,” said Kelsey, an eighthgrader at Piney Grove Middle School.

“I was just thinking it was a good idea for a volunteer project.

“But now that it has gotten this big, I want to continue raising money to help victims.”

According to her father, RAINN uses Kelsey as “a shining example of their ‘RAINNmaker’ project.”

“They have been supportive and amazingly appreciative of Kelsey,” Charles Hirsch said.

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Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

Hirsch will accompany his daughter to Washington, D.C., next month after she was named a recipient of the Prudential Spirit of Community Award.

Prudential chose one middle school and one high school student from each state to travel to Washington, D.C., to represent their service project.

Kelsey’s interest in RAINN dates back to November 2011, when the Jerry Sandusky child molestation case broke. Sandusky, a former football coach at Penn State University, was ultimately convicted of 45 counts of sexually abusing children.

Charles and Tonya Hirsch, both Penn State graduates and football fans, felt they needed to explain what had happened to Kelsey and her younger brother, Devon.

Kelsey immediately asked what she could do to help the victims of the violence and abuse. In response to an inquiry from her father, an office manager at the college told the family about RAINN. The organization has phone lines manned around the clock by people trained to assist victims of sexual abuse and violence.

“They really want survivors to know there is a place they

Photos: Autumn Vetter

How to help

The “bands4RAINN” can be purchased online at www.store.rainn.org.

Kelsey Hirsch has raised more than $16,000 for an anti-sexual violence organization. Her efforts were encouraged by father Charles, right, a Penn State alumnus.

can go and be heard and get help,” Charles Hirsch said.

Kelsey decided to take on the fundraiser as her Bat Mitzvah community service project. She sold wristbands for $3 apiece or 4 for $10.

Her reasoning was simple: Most children and even adults may not have $25 to buy a T-shirt, but they could probably afford $3.

Her marketing strategy paid off. By the time Kelsey was ready to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah, she had raised $10,000.

She then decided to continue on with the cause and has raised more than $16,000 to date.

There is no doubt Kelsey’s ideas have inspired others, including brother Devon, a fourth-grader at Midway Elementary, who has begun work on his Bar Mitzvah project.

Devon plans on selling Bands4Brains to raise awareness for concussions.

While Kelsey isn’t sure what she wants to do when she grows up, she said it will — perhaps not surprisingly — involve philanthropy.

-- Adlen W. Robinson

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At Home ON STAGE Peers and pros sing praises of young performer One of the pinnacles of her young acting career to date came in August, when Kealy attended the Metropolitan Atlantic Theater Awards.

Nominated for two honors, she won “Best Actress” for her role as Helen Keller in “The Miracle Worker.”

The Gypsy Theatre Company at the Cumming Playhouse put on the popular production and it was Kealy’s first major role. Also nominated for “Best Actress” was Danielle Gustaveson, the company’s manager and an inspirational mentor to young Kealy.

“Ms. Danielle and Mr. Mercury [the director] helped me so much,” she said. “I appreciated everything they taught me for the role.”

To help her experience what it might be like to be blind and deaf, Kealy spent

S

ome children are just born performers.

Twelve-year-old Kealy Ford seems to fit that description.

“I have loved being on stage for as long as I can remember,” Kealy said. “I took ballet lessons as a preschooler, and then began taking jazz classes in first grade.

But when I first performed in theater, I knew I found what my true passion was.”

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Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

Kealy Ford, left, and Danielle Gustaveson.

hours roaming around her home with a blindfold over her eyes and cotton balls in her ears.

Kealy’s mother, Tammy, said they will always be grateful to the Gypsy Theatre Company for taking a chance on Kealy, as well as to the many people who have helped her achieve her goals.

The seventh-grader at Otwell Middle School has a voice teacher, dance teacher and drama teacher, all of whom receive high praise from the family.

“She has learned so much from all of these amazing adults in her life,” Tammy Ford said. “We are so thankful for all of their help and their support of Kealy’s goals and aspirations.”

Acting, singing and dancing are all an integral part of Kealy’s busy life, but there is another component that trumps her extracurricular passions — academics.

A straight “A” student for years, she puts the same amount of energy into her school work as she does her other activities. With a challenging load of advanced classes, Kealy said juggling it all takes dedication.

“I do my homework and study wherever I am — in the car, back stage at rehearsals, wherever,” she said.

History and language arts are her favorite subjects, while reading and writing are among her academic passions.

“When I read, I love getting into the characters’ minds,” she said. “I imagine what they are thinking and feeling, which sort of goes along with what you do when you act.”

Besides acting, Kealy loves to sing, noting that she has wanted to be a singer “ever since I can remember.”

Her mother said Kealy sings all of the time, which can sometimes drive her two younger brothers crazy. Even so, the entire family is incredibly supportive.

“I feel like it is both my job and my joy to raise my children and support them in whatever they choose to do,” Tammy Ford said.

“We do want them to have a complete education while they are pursuing their dreams.”

When Kealy does have down time, she enjoys having friends over and creating videos for fun.

As for what the future holds, Kealy said she hopes to always be performing in some way.

“I love the thrill of being on stage,” she said. “When you are nervous before going out there, but then you do and you see how everything comes together and unfolds, it is just such an amazing experience.”

-- Adlen W. Robinson

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Right: Kealy Ford trains with hip hop instructor Jenelle Lovell.

Photos: Autumn Vetter

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Middle school club finds many happy mediums

O

ne characteristic about artists is universal: Passion.

When you take an artist who also is a teacher, the result is enthusiastic and passionate teaching.

Ashley Mayabb, the art teacher at Otwell Middle School is one such person.

Mayabb has been teaching in Forsyth County for the past six years, and her love of children, art and teaching, extends beyond the regular classroom hours. In 2009, she founded the Otwell Art Club.

“I wanted to connect students through our common passion — art,” Mayabb said. “I love that we bring together children from all middle school grades to work on various projects.”

The club has worked on paintings

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Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

and murals at the Forsyth County Administration Building, as well as other projects not normally found in an art room.

“We work with all sorts of mediums, including duct tape, melted crayons, aluminum foil and more.”

Consequently, visitors to Mayabb’s art room will find — among other creations — encaustics, aluminum foil resists, piñatas, wooden sculptures, dragon puppets and polymer clay jewelry.

“My students are amazingly creative, they are always creating things that surprise me,” she said.

“There is nothing more fulfilling than when I see these kids working on their projects and then seeing the finished product. The process is just as fun as seeing the end result.”

Art teacher Ashley Mayaab made this creative piece for the Chinese New Year.

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Boasting nearly 40 members, the Otwell Art club meets once a month to tackle exciting projects that are fun and engaging as well as contemporary.

Mayabb said the club provides a way for students who may not otherwise be able to take art classes in middle school, to pursue artistic ventures.

“We love to participate in community activities and plan on doing more things out there in the future,” she said.

The club also plans to take part in art shows, art-related field trips and, as always, experiment with new mediums.

One thing is for sure — this is a club that has fun with its art.

-- Adlen W. Robinson

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Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

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: p i h ders

a p g. 9 Le t ’d f ro m con

.” t i r i p s r i e th h t i w m o o t up the r

h

y lig l u r t l l a y “ The

Maddie Malmfeldt, a junior at West Forsyth High School, said the program has offered her valuable insight into how the community operates and opportunities for participation.

“Service has always been a big part of my life,” Malmfeldt said. “When you have the ability to serve others, you really learn to appreciate what you have and all of the blessings in your own life.

nd ndships a y new frie n a m . e th th y es ip Fors lden valu Leadersh Emily Wa gh Youth u ro th e d she’s ma

“The service projects I have been a part of have helped me grow as a person and helped me be even more compassionate toward others.”

To Malmfeldt, the group’s field trips have been particularly interesting. Touring Northside HospitalForsyth was one of her favorites.

ons

connecti

Photos: Autumn Vetter

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Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

“We got to see the behind-thescenes operation that you normally do not have access to and really see how things work,” she said.

Emily Walden, who plans on graduating in May from Forsyth Academy, said her older sister, Erica, is an alumnae of the program.

“She loved the program and I watched her evolve into more of a leader,” Walden said. “I wanted to grow as a person just as she had.”

Like Malmfeldt, Walden has particularly enjoyed the field trips.

“I also like that I get to meet students from so many schools that I would not otherwise get to meet,” she said. “I have gained many friendships.”

Walden plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in social work and then a master’s in public administration, adding that she hopes “to advocate for children with learning disabilities.”

Both young women emphasized how the program has opened their eyes to the county’s diversity and abundance of offerings.

The 2013 class — 42 strong — will graduate at the end of April, taking their numerous new skills and ideas out into the community.

“They inspire us all of the time,” Bramblett said of each class. “They all truly light up the room with their spirit.”

-- Adlen W. Robinson

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Maddie Malmfeldt is a junior at West Forsyth High.

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EOI

Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

17

A Welcoming Role

South students thrive in drama, choral programs

J

uliana Lima and Emily Hering love becoming different people.

And the juniors at South Forsyth High get plenty of opportunities for that through the school’s drama and choral program.

Both girls have been active participants in about six different productions since their freshman year.

Lima said the program provides unique learning experiences that can’t be found in any other area of campus.

“It’s just a really awesome opportunity to get to express yourself that you really don’t have anywhere else in the school,” she said.

Hering has enjoyed acting since elementary school and South’s program has become a passion.

“As soon as I joined, everybody was just so welcoming and it was just one big family,” she said. “We all love each other here.”

Teacher Kirk Grizzle oversees both the drama and choral programs, which he said attract more than 100 students.

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Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

“Our program is open to anyone who is interested in being a part of it and it’s a very welcoming program,” Grizzle said. “We have all different kinds of kids here and anyone who becomes a part of our program, they feel welcome.”

The participants work on a one-act play and a musical each fall, as well as a spring musical and class showcase. Freshmen and sophomores also present their own spring musical each year.

This year the students

presented “Nora’s Lost,” “Pippin,” “The Music Man” and “Anything Goes.”

The spring showcase, which Grizzle described as a series of short pieces students have worked on during class throughout the year, will be presented at 7 p.m. April 25 and 26. It’s open to the public.

Performances provide students a chance to learn skills they can’t in a classroom, Grizzle said. “[The stage] is such a good place for kids to kind of get out of their shell and learn some life skills through dramatic arts,” he said.

Lima agreed, adding that the South stage is a “very accepting place to be.”

“In South’s theater program, it’s just as much of a learning environment with performance and how to present yourself on stage as it is a family environment,” she said.

Grizzle, who started off as South’s choral director in 2004 before taking over both programs four years ago, said the 2012-13 school year has been

a successful one.

He noted that students took second place in the state literary meet, which includes dramatic arts and music, as well as third place in the regional one-act play competition.

South also claimed first place for boys and girls solos at the literary meet, as well as second place for quartet and trio.

As far as which shows stand out the most in his mind, Grizzle said “all of them.” But he noted that this spring’s “Anything Goes” was a major accomplishment.

“That was huge for us because we had worked on tap dance for a year and a half and that show had a big tap number,” he said. “It took us a year and a half to get to that level, so we had been planning that show for a long time.”

The show also provided a unique acting opportunity for Lima, who portrayed the 50-something-year-old Mrs. Harcourt.

“It was probably one of the hardest roles I’ve ever had because I had to

be able to act like I was in my 50s,” she said. “So I was trying to act old — but not too old — and be able to match that character well enough to make the audience believe it.”

Those sorts of chances, however, are always positive, Lima and Hering said.

[The stage] is such a good place for kids to kind of get out of their shell and learn some life skills through dramatic arts.

- Teacher Kirk Grizzle They encouraged any rising South students to get involved with the drama and choral programs.

“I would say just take a chance and don’t be afraid,” Hering said.

“Everybody is so accepting, and they all love each other, so don’t be afraid to go out there and share your love of theater with the world.”

-- Crystal Ledford Photos: Submitted

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S

pring has sprung. Finally!

Sure, the weather’s warmer, flowers are blooming, skies are blue ... but more importantly, it’s time for music and art festivals.

First up, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival on the weekend of April 19.

For more than 75 years, the festival has celebrated the blooming of its native dogwood trees with live music, arts, crafts, food and the U.S. Disc Dog Southern Nationals — that’s right, Frisbee dogs.

There’s also an eclectic mix of music, including bluegrass, country, rock and soul.

The weekend after Dogwood is the Inman Park Festival, which was started by residents of Inman Park and includes a tour of the Victorian-style homes in the neighborhood.

Me, I’d skip the tour and check out the street parade and crafts. The procession will feature the Seed & Feed Marching Abominables. Having seen them perform before, they are one of my favorite marching bands.

There’s no surprise that on Cinco de Mayo there will be the Fiesta Atlanta.

Held at Centennial Olympic Park, the fiesta celebrates Hispanic culture with live musical performances on two stages, featuring Conjunto Atardecer, Alacranes Musical, EvaFe and Conjunto Rio Verde.

For non-Spanish speakers, the lyrics might get lost in translation, but not the energy. There’s also mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and crafts.

Of course, that same weekend of May 4-5, Masquerade Music Park is holding the Shaky Knees Festival.

If you’ve got the $122 to attend both days of the festival, it’s going to be a lot of fun.

Headlining the show are the 20

Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

IN CONCERT Lumineers, who are riding high on the success of hit single “Ho Hey.” Other headliners include Band of Horses, Jim James and Drive By Truckers.

While a pricy event, it is in my opinion a good chance to see a bunch of bands that could be the next big thing.

You may not yet know about Dr. Dog, Delta Spirit, The Antlers, Kurt Vile & The Violators, The Black Angels, Frontier Ruckus, Moon Taxi, Vintage Trouble, The Orwells, Swear & Shake or Von Grey, but Shaky Knees can help you learn.

The following weekend is the Sweet Auburn Springfest, one of the largest in the Southeast.

During the three-day gathering, which organizers say draws more than 300,000 attendees, there’s no shortage of rap, R&B, hip hop and gospel. But there’s also rock, pop, soul and country blues.

Then comes the Buckhead Spring Arts & Crafts Festival at Chastain Park May 11 to 13.

About 175 artists and artisans will be showcasing their crafts at the festival. There will also be live acoustic music and, of course, food.

May 25 brings a choice between jazz and art with both the Atlanta Jazz Festival at Piedmont Park and the Decatur Arts Festival.

I’m a bit of a band geek, so I’ll be at the jazz festival, which will feature more than 100 performers. There’s

a youth jazz band competition in addition to some seriously talented local and national jazz musicians.

The Decatur festival features a two-day juried artist market with an art walk event around downtown Decatur.

Of course, spring is not all about festivals. There are some great arena shows coming up, including Taylor Swift and Rihanna and at Philips Arena, Carrie Underwood at the James Brown Arena and the Black Keys at Lakewood Park Amphitheatre.

-- Jennifer Sami

R

Jennifer Sami writes a weekly entertainment column for the Forsyth County News. In each issue of YOUth, she’ll alert readers to upcoming concerts and events in the metro Atlanta area.

Contact her at (770) 205-8975 or jsami@forsythnews.com.

Upcoming

April 14

They Might Be Giants Variety Playhouse

$22.50

April 18 & 19 Taylor Swift Philips Arena

$33.50 - $88.50

April 19 -21

Atlanta Dogwood Festival Piedmont Park

Free

April 22

Rihanna Philips Arena

$39.50 - $125

April 26 -28

Inman Park Festival Inman Park

Free

May 2

Black Keys Lakewood Amphitheatre

$38 - $61

May 5

Fiesta Atlanta Centennial Olympic Park

Skills for Soccer. Skills for Life.

All Ages. All Skill Levels.

United Futbol Academy P.O. Box 1168 Cumming, GA 30028 678-648-7033 info@unitedfa.org

It’s time to register for some summer, soccer fun!

UFA Camps are aimed at players aged 5 and up. The players will be split into age and ability appropriate groups to better facilitate the developmental level of the players.

There will be plenty of emphasis on foot skills and smallsided games to help develop the technical and tactical aspects of soccer. During each session, mini competitions will be organized to encourage players to sharpen their play...and have some soccer fun!

SOCCER SUMMER CAMP

Free

Summer Challenge Camp 1 - Forsyth (Polo Fields) Dates: June 10-14, 2013

Shaky Knees Festival Masquerade Music Park

Summer Challenge Camp 4 - Lumpkin (Yahoola) Dates: June 10-14, 2013

May 10-12

Summer Challenge Camp 2 - Dawson (Rock Creek) Dates: June 17-21, 2013

Free

Summer Challenge Camp 3 - Forsyth (Polo Fields) Dates: July 8-12, 2013

Buckhead Spring Arts & Crafts Festival Chastain Park

Free

Elite Ball Mastery Camp - Forsyth (Polo Fields) Dates: June 10-14, 2013 Times: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Atlanta Jazz Festival Piedmont Park

Elite Striker/Keeper Camp - Forsyth (Polo Fields) Dates: July 22-25, 2013

May 4-5

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Sweet Auburn Springfest Auburn Avenue in downtown Atlanta

May 11- 13 May 25-27 Free

May 24-26

Decatur Arts Festival Downtown Decatur

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May 25-27

Atlanta Jazz Festival Piedmont Park

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Fall Rec Soccer Registration Opens May 1st

Visit our website for more information and to register!

www.unitedfa.org

Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

21

North musicians forge friendships in tight program

T

After spending plenty of time together rehearsing and performing, the band members get pretty close.

Madison Hurt said she always knows she has someone to talk to.

“We have a great group and a lot of friends,” said Hurt, a junior flutist.

CJ Nelms, senior euphonium player, agreed that “everybody always has your back.”

He said in the fall, the group spends about 10 hours per week outside of class preparing for the shows.

“We’re all pretty tight together,” said junior saxophone player Josh

wind ensemble, as well as symphonic and concert. Each group works on different pieces during the spring season.

Everyone plays together and performs with the color guard in the

“My biggest goal for them when they do a concert is I say, ‘What’s the CD going to sound like? Did you make a great CD?’” Thomas said.

“For them, I think they get that because they understand it’s a performance that they can take with them that they would want to put in the CD player or put on the iPod and listen to again and again.”

Fostering a love of music is the top priority for Thomas, who has led the North band program for about 10 years.

Whether a student hopes to make the top band and pursue a career in music or simply have some fun playing with a group, Thomas said there’s a place for anyone.

North has three levels of performance band, including the top

fall for marching band, taking the field at halftime of football games and competing in events with other high school groups.

The North band includes Caroline Minter, top right, and above The spring from left, Alex Wiggs, Gina Daniels, Maggie Owen, Ashley Radstadler, Abbie Findley, Brittany West, and Brianna Boucher. season requires less Vankempen. time after school, but the groups are Playing music with a group can busy on several projects to close out forge those bonds, something that led the school year. many band members to continue on The band will travel to play in a from their middle school days. parade at Epcot in Walt Disney World Nelms said he saw high school in mid-April, followed by the jazz and band as a good way to meet new percussion concert at the end of the people with similar interests. month.

Others, such as junior percussionist Spring performances will be May 2, and the student banquet will close out Brigette Mazuram, joined with the goal of success in mind. She was inspired the season with a celebration of the year’s accomplishments and memories. by another female drummer she saw

22

Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

Photos: Submitted

he “superior” ratings and trophies the North Forsyth High School bands earned at their recent festival appearances are nice, but Raymond Thomas asks his students to consider a more full-circle outcome.

during a performance at the school.

Vankempen can add tradition to the list, since his older siblings were part of North’s program.

Mother of three band members, Wanda Collins knows a bit about Raider traditions. The eldest of her three sons started band as a freshman the year Thomas took over the program, and her youngest is finishing his junior year.

With that kind of history, Collins has taken on the role as president of the band’s booster club.

She can name pretty much any band member without a problem and some of them even call her and the other volunteer parents “mom and dad.”

Her boys have “friends for life” from their years in band, and she’s seen plenty of other benefits from membership.

“There’s so many things that they learn from music that fit with so many parts of their lives forever,” she said.

in the three feeder middle school programs, working to give younger students a sense of what high school band is all about.

Thomas also works to dispel any misconceptions the rising high school students may have about the program, such as the idea that a student can’t play sports and music.

“The transition to high school is different because the kids see a lot more opportunities,” he said.

No matter which students decide to make band a part of their high school experience, Thomas has seen a common thread over his years as director.

“The group here is full of a lot of wonderful people,” he said. “I feel like I come back every day because I teach such wonderful students in the band program.”

-- Alyssa LaRenzie

R

UGAforever.com OUtlet stOre ®

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The group spends about 10 hours per week outside of class preparing for the shows The students learn leadership roles as they work together to make the band better, and they get a sense of achievement from learning their instruments and musical selections.

Nelms said he feels the band’s biggest achievement is the “response we get from our audience whenever we play.”

For Thomas, that’s what he hopes to hear from his senior students as he says goodbye to one class and opens the doors to a new one.

He spends as much time as he’s able

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23

Intended uses guide decision

W

hen deciding which tablet to purchase, it’s important to ask yourself how you intend

to use it.

Features such as browsing the Internet, e-mail, movies, music, posting to social media and playing games are available on all mainstream tablets.

It’s common to see people combining ecosystems between phones and tablets, such as an Android or Blackberry phone with an iPad, or an iPhone with an Android tablet.

It’s up to the individual to decide which tablet will work best for their purposes, and there can be significant differences in cost.

Google/Android

Several manufacturers make tablets with the Android operating system.

Android tablets come in a variety of screen sizes, but the most popular models range from 7 to 10 inches.

The Nexus line of tablets (Nexus 7 and 10) receive operating system updates from Google as soon as new OS versions are released, which means these tablets will stay up to date for a longer period of time than many other tablets.

Apple iPads are quality tablets that set the standard in the industry.

They work well for productivity and entertainment, but are generally more expensive than other high quality tablets, especially in the 7-inch category.

There are multiple generations and models to choose from with varying storage capacities.

The full-size iPads have a 9.7-inch screen, and the iPad Mini has a 7.9inch screen.

If you’re planning on using your existing 30-pin Apple accessories, consider that the iPad Mini and the fourth generation iPad use the newer Lightning connector.

If you’re looking to spend less on an iPad, the second and third generation iPads are both excellent tablets that can be bought as refurbished items directly from Apple.

24

Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

an Amazon or Barnes & Noble custom user interface.

These are media consumption devices designed to offer content from Amazon and Barnes & Noble, though they do have access to the majority of popular Android applications, or apps.

These tablets are also designed to have users download apps through their own app stores rather than the official Google Play store.

Microsoft Microsoft has recently launched new tablets along with the release of the Windows 8 operating system.

Tablets such as the Microsoft Surface RT are designed to compete with the iPad and high-end Android tablets.

Although these tablets are newcomers to the market, they are certainly worth researching when comparing products.

Size

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab line is popular, as well as its Note tablets for people who want advanced stylus features.

Several other mainstream manufacturers make quality Android tablets, including Motorola, Asus, HTC, Toshiba, etc.

The Kindle Fire and Nook tablets use the Android operating system with

Many people prefer the smaller 7- to 8-inch tablets since they’re more portable, and they work for reading e-books.

They are generally less expensive, which translates into a less disastrous situation if they’re lost or damaged.

The larger tablets offer more screen real estate for watching movies and productivity, but it’s ultimately up to each individual to decide which tablet to purchase.

-- Tim Keyser

R

Tim Keyser is an instructional technology specialist for the Forsyth County school system.

Growing together and depending on each other.

Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

25

Students gain seasoning for their life skills

L

ambert High teacher Chris Bestor’s enthusiasm for what she does is obvious, as is her passion for all things related to food.

“The food and nutrition classes taught here at Lambert explore the history and necessity of food, and also focus on the importance of food choices for a healthy and active lifestyle,” Bestor explained.

Although Lambert opened four years ago, the school’s food science and nutrition lab is in just its second year of operation. The program is not a “culinary” program per se, since there’s a strong emphasis on aspects besides food preparation.

“We discuss developing good eating habits now, things that will carry with the students when they are beyond high school,” said Bestor, who has been teaching food and nutrition 26

Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

classes for nine years total, the last two at Lambert.

One interesting development in the world of nutrition is the My Plate Program, which has replaced the “food pyramid” of yesteryear.

“The program focuses on food groups, the amounts needed daily from each group, the nutrients

supplied by each group, as well as the nutrient deficiencies,” Bestor said.

In addition to class lectures, there are weekly labs where students observe a demonstration led by the teacher. They then head to the lab to reproduce the lesson.

The labs are not just about cooking, but cover everything from personal

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hygiene and kitchen equipment to operational information, food preparation and meal planning.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the labs are popular among students, especially when they involve cooking. Asked her favorite part of the class, 10th-grader Maddison Hoover didn’t hesitate.

“Probably the cooking and the eating part,” she said while enjoying a homemade soft pretzel the class had just pulled from the oven.

Fellow classmate Sam Herrera agreed.

“I like learning how to make good food,” he said. “I also cook at home. I make a good chicken parmesan.”

Bestor said there also is an emphasis on exploring career possibilities in the food and nutrition related industry.

“Students research food careers that might interest them, and then present their findings to the class,” she said.

“We also invite business people from the community to discuss their career paths from all standpoints — from education to various requirements, to experience, to the pros and cons of their current job and salary.”

Bestor’s friend, Heidi Nel, recently talked to the class about her popular cookie company, Heidi’s Heavenly Cookies. Nel was able to share what

it was like to start a business at home and grow it into a multimillion dollar empire.

At the end of the school year, there are demonstrations where students choose a recipe and prepare it for the class.

“This is a great way for students to show off their food preparation and presentation skills they have learned,” she said.

According to Bestor, the entire food and nutrition program is well rounded and relevant for students in today’s world.

“In the end, students gain knowledge and life skills that will take them through college and beyond,” she said.

-- Adlen W. Robinson

R

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On a

roll

Photos: Amber Cloy

Piney Grove students learn the benefits of bowling

The bowling club at Piney Grove Middle School teaches students teamwork and good sportsmanship.

W

hile there was a time when bowling may have been a prime source of recreation for many, bowling alleys are not nearly as commonplace as they once were.

Jim Wiles, instructional technology specialist at Piney Grove Middle School, said he grew up bowling for fun in Ohio, and thought a club for the activity would be great to offer students.

“I think there is more bowling up North because winters are so long and people are looking for things to do indoors,” Wiles said.

One of his colleagues, Dan Praskovich, shared his enjoyment of the sport, and drafted a presentation outlining the benefits of bowling and some of the possibilities of a club.

“Dan found out that several colleges offer bowling scholarships, so that was of interest to us as well,” Wiles said.

After making their pitch to Principal Terri North, the two got the go-ahead to form a group at Piney Grove.

“At our first meeting about the

28

Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

Congratulations to the Youth Leadership Forsyth Class of 2013!

Classes for 2014 are forming now!

Visit leadershipforsyth.org for more information.

club, we had close to 40 kids,” Wiles said.

“But at our actual bowling meetings we average around 10 or 12. Plus we bowl with the kids and we even have a parent who bowls with us.”

The club usually meets on select Fridays at Stars and Strikes in Cumming.

The facility features bowling lanes, as well as billiards, laser tag and a myriad of games.

Wiles said he and Praskovich offer tips to the students about technique as well as bowling etiquette.

“We want them to know that it is not just a free-for-all out there,” Wiles explained. “Of course, you can still have proper etiquette and still have a great time.”

Because Wiles also serves as the Academic Bowl teacher and coach at Piney Grove, he decided the endof-year party for the bowling club season would be an Academic Bowl “Bowl.”

Academic Bowls follow a sort of “Jeopardy” format and are always competitive and fun.

Wiles said their hope is that other middle schools in the county will form bowling clubs so that they can compete against each other.

-- Adlen W. Robinson R

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Youth Magazine | April - May 2013

29

Growing Your Child’s Potential

Wwisdom ord : Now, that’s a lot

no·vem·de·cil·lion noun, often attributive \ˌnō-ˌvem-di-ˈsil-yən\

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ords have always fascinated me, but some can make my eyes glaze over.

Novemdecillion is such a word.

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition is “the number 1 followed by 60 zeros.”

In a recent ACS Chemical Neuroscience journal, it was theorized that 1 novemdecillion is the equivalent of 1 million billion billion billion billion billion billion (presumably the same equivalence) and it represents the amount of new medicines that can be created by scientists!

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