Golden Fleece Volume 42 Issue 3

Who’s Next?

“All That Jazz”

This year’s musical production, “Chicago: HSE,” begins practice for show in April

Meadows seat opens for N.C. candidates in the 11th District

Page 6

Page 22

A Tale of Two Smiths A look into future plans for the Smiths’ retirement

Page 14

TC Roberson High School • 250 Overlook Road • Asheville, NC 28803 VOLUME 43 | Issue 3

goldenfleeceonline.com

March 6, 2020

“Life is about accepting the challenges along the way, choosing to keep moving forward, and savoring the journey.”

photo/ALEXA FEID/golden fleece

- Roy T. Bennet

The Golden Fleece is published by the Golden Fleece Media Group of TC Roberson High School. It is printed by Sun Coast Press located at 200 E Venice Ave, Venice, Florida (34285).

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

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The Golden Fleece, by policy and tradition, is a public forum for student expression. The students determine all aspects and content of the publication without any form of prior review. © 2020 Golden Fleece Media Group.

All rights reserved.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

News Who’s Up Next?:

06 09 Feature 10 14 Sports 18 21

U.S. House campaigns continue after Mark Meadows announces plans not to run for fifth term.

A Change In The Air:

Duke Energy completes transition of Lake Julian plant to natural gas.

page 9

Senior Load:

Senior year brings many joys and hardships. Read about what Roberson students are choosing to spend their class time on in their final year.

A Tale of Two Smiths:

Teachers who have announced retirement will create a change for the English and CTE programs next year.

page10-11

Bouncing Back:

Roberson’s basketball team begins turn-around for the program after previous year’s records.

On and Off the Mat: Catch up on how Roberson’s wrestling team spent this year training and competing.

page 21

Entertainment

22

“All That Jazz”: Read about this year’s musical “Chicago (High School Edition)” and the directors’ choices to feature a smaller ensemble cast.

Opinion

25 26

Versus on the royal family:

page 22-23

Who’s Next?

“All That Jazz”

This year’s musical production, “Chicago,” begins practice for show in

Senate seat opens for N.C. candidates in the

Page 6

Read about different perspectives on Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle relinquishing their royal titles.

Page 22

A Tale of Two Smiths A look into future plans for the Smiths’ retirement

Page 14

Columns:

Take a look at issues in education and how to break the status quo.

TC Roberson High School • 250 Overlook Road • Asheville, NC 28803 VOLUME 43 | Issue 3

goldenfleeceonline.com

On the COVER Teachers Helen Smith (left) and Mary Smith (right) move on to new adventurous as they prepare for retirement.

December 19, 2020

cover photo & design/ALLIE-GRACE POUPORE/golden fleece

Executive Director of Print Media Gretchen Waters Producer of Media Design Allie-Grace Poupore Editor of Media Design Alexa Feid GOLDEN FLEECE ONLINE goldenfleeceonline.com Executive Director of Digital Media Aleen Ammar Director of Social Media Isaiah Dickerson GF CURRENT BROADCAST youtube.com/gfmediagroup Producer of Visual Media Natalie Lonabaugh Director of Visual Media Gracie Reinhardt MEDIA GROUP ASSOCIATE STAFF Associate Editor of Print Media Isabella DeJong Sports Director Adam Eisen Special Projects Director Lucy Jung Digital Assets Director William Parks Photography Director Julia Reed GF Wave Director Izzy Sanchez Associate Editor of Digital Media Cici Sherman Director of Public Relations Meaghan Skelly GENERAL STAFF Cullen Ciocian Klaire Brown Miriam Illan-Martinez Molly Malachowski Riley Sharp The Golden Fleece is published by the Golden Fleece Media Group of TC Roberson High School.

Opinions expressed in the columns, cartoons, photo illustrations, and letters that appear in the Golden Fleece are the views of the individual writers and artists.

All unsigned editorials reflect the opinions of the Golden Fleece staff.

The Golden Fleece, by policy and tradition, is a public forum for student expression. The students determine all aspects and content of the publication without any form of prior review.

Contact and advertising information and methods to submit Letters to the Editor, or a correction request are located on this page of this issue.

Adviser: Mark Harrison © 2020 Golden Fleece Media Group.

All rights reserved.

Member NCSMA • Quill and Scroll • CSPA

drawing/MIRIAM ILLAN--MARTINEZ/ golden fleece

Our Voice

Political parties refuse to communicate Why is communication SO hard? the handshake, but it could have also been a Our world today encourages disagreement deliberate ‘diss.’ and strays far from a place of unity.

Maybe Pelosi was planning the action, or On Feb. 4, 2020, this year’s State of the maybe one angry moment led to another.

Union Address was held in the House Our country is so worried about the wars of Representatives chamber of waging outside our nation, yet they the United States Capitol before can’t seem to open their eyes to the Staff Congress. President Donald J. ones happening right inside the D.C Editorials Trump, the 45th president, delivered Beltway. And as unity strays far from are the his third Union Address alongside our hands, we continue to complain majority Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker, as well about how one party won’t agree with opinion of as Mike Pence, Vice President of the another. the Editorial United States.

The main issue is the concept of Board and Amidst the impeachment trials, agreement and disagreement. It’s stands as Trump was the second president always about being right and who is the voice in United States history to deliver wrong. If we can move past this petty of the the speech while being declared arrangement, improvement can be Golden impeached at the same time. made.

Fleece The speech ended with a Aside from all political beliefs, News controversial decision made by our nation’s leaders need to reflect on Magazine Nancy Pelosi as she tore her copy of their actions and the ‘why’ behind the address on live TV. Prior to the them. Was a ‘dissed’ handshake speech, it also appeared to the audience that necessary? And if unplanned, then maybe an Trump avoided a handshake with the House apology is in order.

Speaker.

Was the destruction of something that Why? represented many of America’s core values It is debated whether the moment really the thing that needed to be torn? afterwards was made as a remark of payback, Maybe a reaction speech would have been towards a dismissed handshake or a better. The State of the Union is about much planned attack on the president himself. But more than Trump, the Republican party or either way, both representatives refused to who you agree with. communicate with one another and display It’s time for a change of heart, and a the united front that America needs. different mindset amoung those who can It’s possible that Trump simply missed make the change: us.

Letters to the Editor

The Golden Fleece Media Group and the • Letters should not exceed 300 words.

Golden Fleece news magazine encourages • Letters may be edited for length, grammar, and welcomes communication from its readers spelling, and content. regarding the content or other subjects of • Letters will not be printed if content is obscene, interest. Please be advised of the following invasive,encourages a disruption to the guidelines when submitting letters: academic day or implies libel.

• Letters must be signed by the author and Mail: c/o Golden Fleece to TC Roberson HS verified by including an email and phone Email: GoldenFleeceMedia@gmail.com or number for contact by the editorial staff. gwaters.communications@gmail.com

NEWS

Around the World

by ISABELLADEJONG Associate Editor of Print Media

source/marketwatch.com/cnbc.com/haaretz.com/abcnews.go.com/cnn.com

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have announced their plans to step back from the royal family and to begin their life on their own. This was to allow themselves more flexibility and freedom outside of the royals. They are no longer accepting money from the Sovereign Grant, used to help with royal Ph iv ot at o duties. They must now re /N c OR / search for jobs and a stable CE TH E R N IR E LA N D O F FI place to live without having the royal family for support. om

The Coronavirus (Wuhang Virus) originated in China and moved its way to America with the first case filed in late 2019. As of Feb. 27, there have been at least 2,700 deaths and 82,000 cases in China. In the U.S., there are 59 confirmed cases and about 8,400 people have returned from China after being held r under observation. The s. o n Ph ot o mo virus is predicted to continue om / VT P O LI/ cr e ativ e c spreading and worsen over time.

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Climate activist Lewis Pugh swam under a portion of the Antarctic ice in just a swimsuit, cap and goggles in order to raise awareness to how much the ice is melting. He became the first person to swim in an interglacial lake formed on top of m Ph c o a glacier due to melting ot e v i o/ t TIP S re a ice Because of the wide F O R TR AV EL ER S / c cracks, it was possible for him to swim in that area. on

The first lady of Lesotho, Africa, has been charged for murdering her husband’s former wife.

Maesaiah Thabane, the first lady, was also charged for attempted murder of a second lady who was with Thabane the night of the murder. She then turned herself in on Feb. 4, 2020, at a police station near the border of South Africa.

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Turkey’s president, Recep Erdogan is threatening to use force in order to remove Syrian armies from rebel areas. They are in observation posts behind Syrian lines. These posts were set up as a part of an agreement with Russia in 2018 to monitor a cease-fire that has now collapsed.

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A mysterious Egyptian artifact from the Bronze Age has been found off the Israeli Coast. Veterinarian, Rafi Bahalul, found a 3,400 year old Egyptian stone anchor during a morning swim.

It was decorated with hieroglyphics and carvings of goddesses as well as many decorations. It is now displayed in an exhibition of Egyptian .o s on writing at the Israel Museum m Ph om ot o in Jerusalem. / H ILLE L c re a tiv e c S/

GOLDENFLEECEONLINE.COM // March 2020 | 5

WHO’S UP NEXT?

photo/GAGE SKIDMORE/flicker.com

End of An Era: Mark Meadows will be replaced in the Senate in January 2021, after announcing plans not to seek re-election.

6 | March 2020 // GOLDENFLEECEONLINE.COM

Graphics & Design | Alexa Feid

Meadows’ decision creates opportunities for multiple candidates to run

DEMOCRAT CANDIDATES

GRETCHENWATERS | Executive Director of Print Media

T

he 11th district of North Carolina on, but all candidates have found something has been represented by one man in worth changing or keeping the same.

Congress since 2013.

Democrat Michael O’Shea has been able to At the end of the year in 2019, Mark see both sides.

Meadows announced that he would not seek “I’m sure there are several programs and re-election in the upcoming term for the U.S. policies we both support, but we disagree on Senate, allowing many to find interest in the many issues and I believe that he has spent position. too much of his time in Congress obstructing The large difference in numbers between progress for political gain, instead of focusing Republican and Democratic candidates on being proactive with policies to help the running in NC 11th District introduces a working families of WNC who have been challenge for the party of 12 active candidates struggling for years,” O’Shea said. on the Republican side.

O’Shea has been one of the few candidates Being the youngest candidate running running since the beginning, without knowlfrom either party, Madison Cawthorn, 25, is edge of Meadow’s future plans. hoping to serve his country and combat what “When I jumped in, I was expecting for he believes to be a rise of socialism. Once the Democratic primary (election) to be Meadows announced his decision, Cawthorn between me and Steve Woodsmall, and for believed this was the opportunity he needed whoever won to face Meadows in the general to get involved. election. All of that changed dramatically and As a senior in high school, Cawthorn surnow NC-11 is actually tied for 3rd, nationally, vived a severe car accident that left for districts with the most congressional half his body paralyzed. Unable to candidates. I think it’s great that voters serve his country physically, as he on both sides of the aisle have so many “I think it’s had hoped, the opportunity arose choices and that so many people wantgreat that to run for a seat in Congress. ed to be involved in the democratic voters on Cawthorn said there are parts of process as candidates,” O’Shea said. both sides Meadow’s perspectives he wishes All Republican candidates joined of the to continue while also pushing for the race after Meadows announced aisle have on his personal platform. his decision not to run for re-election. so many Speaking on behalf of CawMeadows has endorsed Lynda Bennett, choices.” thorn, a campaign member who has also received endorsement candidates.” from US Representative Jim Jordan and described the Republican party as having “a good message, but the House Freedom Caucus.

Michael not many good messengers.” And Bennett and her husband own a real O’Shea he believes a younger generation estate business together and she has needs to be represented in politics. been involved with politics for several Democrat Steve Woodsmall has years and works closely with the Republibeen running against Meadows since before can Party. She hopes to align herself with the he announced his resignation. After running Freedom Caucus if elected. in 2018, he was encouraged by a few peers to Republican Chuck Archerd and his wife run once more in 2020. have lived in Asheville for 22 and are small “I left my job as a Brevard College profesbusiness owners. This is the first time he has sor back in March (of 2019) so I would have delved into the ‘world’ of politics. a full year to run. I am in it to win this time.

Other Republican candidates in the I’m headed into my 242nd campaign event running include Jim Davis, Daniel Driscoll, tonight” Woodsmall said on Feb. 17.

Steven Fekete, Dillon Gentry, Wayne King, The main issue Woodsmall said he is lookJoseph Osborne, Vance Patterson and Albert ing to combat is money and how it’s used in Wiley Jr. the government. Before looking into the more For the Democratic party, Phillip Price, common problems in gun laws, women’s Morris Davis and Gina Collias are also in the rights, climate change and others, he said he running against O’Shea and Woodsmall. hopes to start with what he sees to be the root “With so many more candidates on the of all problems: money.

Republican side, I think it’s more likely we’ll The two major parties, Republican and see a runoff in that race. If that happens Democrat, have distinct opinions on what on the Republican side, but not the Demneeds to be changing in Meadow’s platform, ocratic side, that means whoever wins the and if things need to be continued.

Democratic primary will have weeks to start Cawthorn is one of the candidates wanting campaigning for the general election while it to further Meadows’ platform and represent is still being decided on the Republican side.

North Carolina as he has done in the past on It would be an advantage on the Democratic a national level. side,” O’Shea said.

The conversation about whether Meadows See web version of story for updated inforhas done well in his seat is one that continues mation and results of the election.

Graphics & Design | Alexa Feid

Morris “Moe” Davis Retired US Air Force Colonel

Gina Collias Attorney and Businesswoman

Michael O’Shea Audio Engineer and Music Producer

Phillip Price Small Business Owner

Steve Woodsmall Commander and Chief Executive in the US Navy

https://moedavisforcongress.com/ https://www.ginacolliasforcongress.com/ https://osheaforcongress.com/ https://price4wnc.org/ https://woodsmall4nc.com/

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES Chuck Archerd CPA and small business owner

Lynda Bennett Real Estate Manager and Broker

Madison Cawthorn Owner and CEO of a real estate investment company

Jim Davis NC General Assembly Senator District 50

Daniel Driscoll US Army veteran, Owner of investment firm and other business

Steven Fekete Jr Retired UPS Automotive Technician

Dillion Gentry Sales/Entrepreneur

Joseph “Joey” Osborne CEO of Authority Franchise Systems Albert Wiley Jr. Wisconsin Biotechnology and Nuclear Waste Committee member

Wayne King Deputy Chief of Staff for Mark Meadows

Vance Patterson American manufacturer and owner of 21 companies Matthew Burril (Candidate Withdrew)

https://www.vancenc.com/ https://archerdforcongress.com/ https://lyndaforcongress.com/ https://madisoncawthorn.com/ https://jimdavisforcongress.com/ https://dandriscoll.com/ https://www.stevenfeketejr.com/ https://www.facebook.com/DillonGentryUShouse/ https://waynekingforcongress.com/about/ https://joeyosborne.com/ https://avlrealestatenews.com/albert-wiley-for-ushouse-district-11-aren-144/

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A CHANGE IN THE AIR Dukes local power plant completes transition from coal

by KLAIREBROWN | Staff Writer

graphic /MIRIAM ILLAN-MARTINEZ/ golden fleece

photo/ERIN WATERS/ courtesy

L

iving in South Asheville means driv- us to retire the coal plant sooner than we ing past the towering stack of the otherwise would have we were able to power plant on Lake Julian, which build this natural gas plant to generate is usually visibly producing white electricity for customers,” Walls said. clouds along i-26. It’s something that’s The coal aspect of the plant will be been in Roberson’s backyard for years. completely eradicated; demolition work But things are changing at the Duke has already begun and is expected to be energy plant and the community finished by 2023. that surrounds it. As of recently, The Lake Julian location’s switch “There’s the plant has officially changed to natural gas will significantly certainly from coal to natural gas. change how the landmark facila feeling “The plant started providing ity functions. The plant, which of remorse electricity to customers in 1964 previously used over 4,000 tons of because as a coal-fired power plant, and coal every day, when operating at something is then in the early 90s we added full capacity, will now operate on a gone that a two natural gas-fired units to 560-megawatt combined cycle. lot of people generate electricity. Now we The 893 million dollar change cared for.” have retired those coal plants eradicates the use of coal but also and we have built a new larger increases the use of other processes Jason Walls natural gas combined cycle to provide power. power plant which just came The switch to natural gas requires online a few weeks ago,” Duke’s district the use of fracking, a tool commonly used manager, Jason Walls, said. to extract natural gas that is less costly The change to natural gas was a gradthan other methods. ual change for the company. Part of the Fracking is a process by which fracturprocess included adding new gas lines, a ing liquid is injected deep into the earthprocess that took around a year and a half. creates cracks among the rock formations “We first started using natural gas here which allows oil and other essential in Asheville in the early to mid 1990s, and natural gases to flow more freely among then through some legislation that enabled the rock, making it easier to extract.

“Fracking” is a small part of the development of oil and natural gas.

Fracking has produced more than seven billion barrels of oil.

Source// ipaa.org

Source// ipaa.org

“I think these changes are very positive for our region. The new power plant will emit 60 percent less carbon per megawatt hour of electricity generated than the coal plant and it emits significantly less sulfur dioxide as well as nitrogen oxide,” Walls said.

The switch from coal to natural gas will allow Lake Julian to return to its natural mountain temperatures. Previously, the warmest lake in North Carolina, with non-native species thriving in the warm waters.

The plant is removing the “cloud maker” stack, which has famously emitted white vapor for over 56 years. In place of it will be a much smaller piece of machinery which will emit water vapor, but in much smaller quantities.

The closing of the coal-fired plant on January 29th marks the end of an era in Asheville.

“People have been working there since 1964 so that coal plant had become a real concrete part of our community, so any time you close something that has been around that long there’s certainly a feeling of remorse. Something is gone that a lot of people cared for and kept running for a very long time,” Walls said.

Fracking has been used in the United States since 1947.

Source// ipaa.org

Scan to continue reading about the fracking process

Fracturing Facts Graphics & Design | Allie-Grace Poupore & Lucy Jung

GOLDENFLEECEONLINE.COM // March 2020 | 9

Senior

by JULIAREED Photography Director

L O AD

Senior year brings opportunity

A

ccording to Yale University’s and five Asheville-Buncombe Technical website, in the selection process a Community College classes taught at the high school transcript is the most school. important document in the application. It Students will sign up for next year’s helps to give them a comprehensive view classes in the beginning of March. The of the student as a whole. question of whether to take a senior leave Yale claims to be primarily concerned or an extra AP class is a question comwith the rigor of chosen courses and how monly brought to counselors. students perform in those classes. This “It just depends on the student. If you shows them how you will engage acahave the ability to, you should take the demically at their university. full class load. We have students “Loading your schedule up here who have to work to help pay “I needed a to get a higher GPA isn’t aloff stuff at home. Those are some lighter load ways the best thing. If you kill extenuating circumstances,” Roberthis year or yourself trying to get there, it son counselor Michelle Wagaman I would’ve doesn’t matter what you do. said. been that You’re just going to be burnt While some people are choosing kid that was out in college,” senior Jacob to take senior leave as an easy class Cady said. period, or as a break, they have to burnt out.

Cady falls into the 48 perweigh their options.

Jacob cent of Roberson’s senior class “If the student is applying to Cady|12 that has taken advantage of a competitive colleges, it usually free period this school year. does not work out in their favor.

Students have a variety of ways You have to look at the whole picture, to use their free class period. what they are looking to do after school “I can focus on school. I can work and why they are asking for the senior more and I get my work done a lot faster,” leave,” Wagaman said. senior Imani Dozier said. Assuming they According to Wagaman, different are taking a free period. colleges often have differing opinions Forbes magazine writer Chris Teare on senior leave. The more competitive believes colleges always have to take into schools, such as University of North account the courses offered at the appliCarolina at Chapel Hill, would rather see cants respective school. Roberson offers students take full advantage of what is a mix of classes, including 23 honors offered to them. classes, 14 Advanced Placement courses “Chapel Hill’s admissions rep came

BRAIN STORM: Senior Imani Dozier is only at school for half of the day because she is currently has two periods of senior leave. Along with her senior leave she is taking an AP and an honors class.

10 | March 2020 // GOLDENFLEECEONLINE.COM

Graphics & Design | Allie-Grace Poupore

FEATURE

How do you feel?

We posted polls on our Instagram page, @GFMediaGroup, to see how students feel about their school load during their senior year. These are the results.

Would you prefer to have senior leave during first or fourth period?

Was Junior or Senior year more difficult academically?

Do you prefer to take AP classes or AB Tech classes?

Photo/ALLIE-GRACE POUPORE/ golden fleece

for both advancement, leisure to talk to us and she said that they want to see each student take a full amount of classes. If your max at the school is four that they can take, they want to see them take all four classes,” Wagaman said.

With an acceptance rate of 26.9 percent, ranking 18th among public universities in the US according to the US News and World Report, Wagaman has found that Chapel Hill has a reputation of requiring students to be at the top of their classes and have something unique that sets them apart from other students.

“Not only do you have to take those difficult classes, you have to do something else to separate yourself besides just the hard classes that you take,” Cady said.

Often times the way a student stands out is by way of volunteer work. Having a free period can be used to complete these volunteer missions.

“I use my time to volunteer at MANNA [Food Bank] every week and just help out the community,” Dozier said.

“I also volunteer in the community, through both National Honors Society and with my family,” Cady said.

A handful of seniors have found a way to balance a rigorous schedule with the addition of a senior leave period.

“I needed a lighter load this year or I would’ve been that kid that was burnt out.

I kept my schedule difficult but also took a senior leave to give myself a little bit of a balance of both,” Cady said.

Students, like Cady, take advantage of a senior leave as a gift to themselves for all of the hard work they have put in over the past three years. Or they have it in place to ease their schedule after all of their tough classes.

“I have some students that have a really, really tough course load or maybe they play a sport. Depending on where they’re applying, it might be nice to have a little bit of a mental break from all of their tough classes,” Wagaman said.

Although having senior leave is appreciated by 48 percent of the senior class, and may make things easier now, according to Roberson counselor Michelle Eldridge, AP and AB Tech classes also have an added benefit that could help with future successes in college.

“Students can also potentially get some college credit for the AP classes if they do well on the exam. The benefit to a tougher class is that students can get college credit if they make a certain grade in the class,” Eldridge said.

“You have the possibility of earning AP credit which can get you out of certain classes in college. It keeps you in the idea of taking a next-level class because in college it’s only going to get harder. By taking these college level classes now, you are preparing yourself for that work load,” Cady said.

“If you have the time, and have done all of your classes, do it,” Dozier said.

BRAIN STORM, TOO: Senior Jacob Cady, who has one period of senior leave, is taking three AP classes this semester. Students who have enough credits their senior year have a number of class options.

Graphics & Design | Allie-Grace Poupore

GOLDENFLEECEONLINE.COM // March 2020 | 11

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FINELINE

Styles’s release shines in risky holiday season

by IZZYSANCHEZ | GF Wave Director

BILLBOARD HOT

200

Top 10 DEC 29- JAN 1

Fine Line Harry Styles

1 2

Christmas Michael Buble

3

relationships.

“Cherry,” another fruit reference, exhibit Styles playing with all kinds of music, with this track being more folky than the rest.

Styles ends this track with a voicemail from his ex-girlfriend, revealing a bigger connection with his fans about his love life.

Self-reflection, the hardest thing anyone can do. Judging our actions is complicated, but Styles immaculately calls out his own mistakes in a relationship, it takes two to create a relationship, but also end it. Styles’ raspy voice and piano ballad feels as if you are invading his private thoughts. “Falling,” the latest single, emphasizes Styles’ vulnerable voice, “And the coffee’s out / At the Beachwood Cafe,” remembering his and his lover’s spot, the pain Styles goes through is visible and clear within this track.

My number one favorite song, and Styles’ most interesting hit, “Sunflower Vol. 6,” has unique lyrics and beats. Styles’ compares his past love to a sunflower in the most majestic way. Reflecting on the good memories his previous relationship brought, “Sunflower, Vol. 6” is about the growth and death of love but through a sunflower. Minor details are major symbols. “Tired eyes are the death of me ? Mouth full of toothpaste.” Styles’ holds these recollections and indicates no regret of this love.

While the love is dead, the melody of this track are the seeds. “Your flowers just died / Plant new seeds in the melody.” By writing and creating the refreshing hit, their memories are alive and blooming like sunflowers.

Debuting at No. 1 on both the Rolling Stone and Billboard Hot 200 for two weeks straight, Styles’ second album became the first No.1 of the new decade and year, according to Billboard. Styles proved that he can top his previous rock album by pushing boundaries. Through 12 songs, Styles expresses himself freely surpassing his sales from his debut album by a double.

Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial Roddy Ricch

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Merry Christmas Mariah Carey

source/ https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200 Graphics & Design | Alexa Feid

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When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? Billie Eilish

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Hollywood’s Bleeding Post Malone

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drawing/ALEXA FEID&MIRIAM ILLAN-MARTINEZ/ golden fleece

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rock star in the making, Harry Styles showcased his own work in 2017, with his debut album “Harry Styles.” Debuting at #1 on the Billboard Hot 200, Styles, inspired by rock legends, played it safe with his debut album.

His work surprisingly lasted for one week on the charts, and the question many wondered, will Styles top his first album?

“Fine Line,” Styles’ sophomore album, is marked by honesty and vulnerability. In a recent interview the ex-One Direction member, Styles mentions his fear after the band’s departure, whether he’ll get a hit or not.

“Fine Line” became the record that separated him from his One Direction roots.

Styles divides “Fine Line” in three sections: the break-up, the healing, and the realization of love.

Continuing his rhythmic music, “Watermelon Sugar’s” beat drop is predictable, but not with trumpets, which is the fun twist Styles adds in this song. With repeating lyrics, one can definitely get behind Style’s sweet words. Blending easily with the instrumental, the lyrics leave an impact and have you missing the delight of those hot summer days.

The energetic song gives you “Kiwi,” from his first studio album, with some sugar added into it, like the artist once tweeted: “‘Kiwi’ ran so ‘Watermelon Sugar’ could walk.”

Entering very soothingly, “Adore You” features heartfelt lyrics along with Styles’ beautiful range, showing the growth in his music. A radio song that doesn’t get annoying, “Adore You” dropped a week before the full album as a promotional single. Along with that came a music video where Styles created a whole fake island, the Island of Eroda. The accompanying music video had Styles as a peculiar boy protecting a fish, where the fish represents his dying love with his lover, trying to do his best to protect it.

However, he ultimately lets the fish swim on its own like his love.

A bright acoustic, Styles accepts his lover’s change and new relationship. The melancholic lyrics describe Styles’ jealousy, (“Don’t you call him baby”) in a melodic lullaby. A personal song to Styles, he proves he can top his previous album by becoming more raw and open to his true feelings about love and

The Best of Pentatonix Christmas Pentatonix

The Christmas Song Nat King Cole

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Frozen II Soundtrack Frozen II Soundtrack

So Much Fun Young Thug

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GOLDENFLEECEONLINE.COM // March 2020 | 13

Preparing

f o r

New

Destinations

by GRETCHENWATERS Executive Director of Print Media

by ALEENAMMAR Executive Director of Digital Media

A tale of two Smiths:

photos/ALLIE-GRACE POUPORE/ golden fleece

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or the first time in decades, the Roberson faculty phone list will be missing a distinctive name in the “S” section.

After working for a combined total of 50 years at Roberson, AP English teacher Helen Smith and Family and Consumer Science teacher Mary Smith will both be retiring from their teaching positions.

“High school kids have an energy about them, and I love it because it keeps you young. They make me really happy,” Mary Smith said.

M. Smith struggled to finally retire, as she felt that she couldn’t leave the students year after year.

After making the commitment to retire after 30 years of teaching, Smith is planning to continue on with her sewing and alteration business, but step down from fulltime teaching.

After teaching for 33 years all

together, Helen Smith said she thinks the initial change will likely be hard for her.

“I can’t imagine not being a teacher.”

H. Smith has taught in six different schools and three different states. Through the changes she said she has seen the students stay the same.

“There have been changes in curriculum and definitely in leadership. I don’t feel there have been that many changes with students though,” she said.

Helen Smith is looking forward to traveling and catching up on her list of books to read with her retirement. After teaching for 33 years all together, she says “I can’t imagine not being a teacher.”

“My department is really easy to teach with and be around. I have met a lot of other people in departments because my children went to school here, too. I wake up every morning and I want to

SAYING GOODBYE: Helen Smith(left) and Mary Smith(right) are leaving their teaching careers at TC Roberson at the end of this school year. They both have left an incredible impact among their students, and will be missed for years to come.

*NOTE: At time of publication, the Smiths were the only ones to officially announce retirement. Any additional teachers choosing to retire will be covered in the next publication.

14 | March 2020// GOLDENFLEECEONLINE.COM

Graphics & Design | Molly Malachowski &Allie-Grace Poupore

English, CTE teachers look to retire be here,” Helen Smith said.

M. Smith agrees that a lot has changed. Although she has worked with over 30 years of students she has noticed changes for the better.

“The diversity has changed.

We’ve always been diverse, but it has gotten more positive,” she said.

Several students have voiced their love for the teachers, in both the skills they learned and the character of each of them.

“She (Mary) has taught me how to do so many things that go into making a garment. I’ll miss her class, it was so much fun and we (the students) had a great time,” senior Abby Tate said.

Junior Zoe Britt took Apparel 2 from M. Smith and enjoyed the environment of the classroom.

“She has a very laid back atmosphere but would push us at the same time. She gave students the opportunity to design more of

what they want and express themselves creativity,” Britt said.

For H. Smith she brings her love of reading into the classroom, and the students have felt that effect of it.

“She loves what she does. It’s obvious that she loves to teach us and loves to read. She is very passionate about both teaching and the books we read,” senior Anna-Marie Reed said.

H. Smith looks forward to visiting her family more often and traveling with her husband.

Although she will miss teaching, she is happy to be walking into a new journey.

Mary Smith will continue on in her own personal business, and eventually hopes to delve into the academic world later in her retirement, part-time. She will miss watching students learn, and helping them alongside the process.

“I’ve always loved kids. I

seem like I’m always teaching; I continue to tell kids ‘oh, I’ll show you how to do that’ because I love to see people learn. When I see someone learn something and they get really excited, it’s a new lifestyle skill,” Mary Smith said.

Although the school phone list is losing a few names, many staff members and students appreciate what they have done while at Roberson.

“I will miss both of the Smiths very much. I have had many years of helping students find the right Mrs. Smith with both of them being at the school together. Mrs. Helen Smith is my teaching best friend and Mrs. Mary Smith has been really important in my son’s life, from his time in the day care. Both ladies are thoughtful, nurturing, kind tough. We will miss them a lot,” English teacher Joi Keen said.

Mary Smith has been teaching at Roberson for 30 years and teaches CTE classes. She plans to continue her personal business during retirement.

Above Smith (1993) is in her first years at Roberson.

Helen Smith has been teaching for 20 years at Roberson.

For retirement, she is looking forward to traveling and visiting family. Above is Smith during her first year of teaching at North Hunterdon High school in New Jersey.

Graphics & Design | Molly Malachowski & Allie-Grace Poupore

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Sports Update

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Wrapping Up: The boys’ and girls’ swim teams both brought home the conference crown this season along with having 12 swimmers go to state in Cary, North Carolina on Feb 7. They had many swimmers place in the top 10 along with Senior Fiona Arwood, who placed 3rd in the 200 IM.

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Wrapping Up: The cheerleading team here at Roberson competed in two competitions so far this season, placing second in the first one at Mountain pre-state, and third in the following at UCA regional Carolina Championship. Their to /A Fl e state competition was on n LL I Elde GR December 7th where they placed /G o A CE P O UPORE 6th overall.

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Wrapping Up: The boys’ basketball team ended the regular season with a final record of 17-9 along with a 2nd place finish in conference.

The girls’ basketball team ended their regular season with a final record of 5-20 along with a 1-15 conference record.

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Wrapping Up: The indoor track team had groups qualify for the state competition at the JDL fast track in Winston Salem in February. Runners will now look forward to the upcoming Track season which has the first meet of the season March 9th at home.

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Wrapping Up: The boys’ wrestling team closed their season finishing 8th in the conference along with competing in the regional tournament.

Check out page 17 for more information about the season on and off the mat.

o o r Tr a d n

by ADAMEISEN Sports Director

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Looking ahead: The boys and girls lacrosse team as of February 25th have completed their tryouts and have begun practicing for their first upcoming game which is on sy March 10th against St. te r u Stevens.

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GOLDENFLEECEONLINE.COM // March 2020 | 17

photo/EVAN VORHIS/ golden fleece

Team buy-in, strong second half completes season turn-around

by ALEENAMMAR | Executive Director of Digial Media

S

enior Cameron Phillips’ first dunk of the season against roles, becoming a much better basketball team,” junior Rayaan Crest High school, the first one since the 2017-18 seaBashir said. son, may have been the announcement to what would Head coach Billy Phillips said he has seen each of the playprove to be a different year for TC Basketball. When ers work individually off the court in order to improve their he broke the school record for blocked shots on Feb. 11, the time playing on the court. message was clear.

“We’ve improved a ton. They’re a good group of kids that “It feels great to know that I have that record, but I feel like have bought into what we’re trying to do, and they dedicated the improvements within the team from last season a lot of time in the off season to make sure that they have greater value. We went from last in the conferget better individually so that they can get better as a “We set ence to second,” Phillips said. team,” he said. goals for As of Feb. 24, 2020, the boys’ team has a record of For many of the boys, they began training for tryourselves 17-9, with a conference record of 12-4. After losing outs during a three week period in the summer, as that we may to A.C. Reynolds on Feb. 14, with a score of 56-42, well as throughout the fall. At the end of October, the not attain, Roberson got the 2nd seed in the WMAC (Western boys begin practicing everyday for two hours during but we push Mountain Athletic Conference). This title is the highthe regular season. Bashir believes that working as ourselves est ranking Roberson’s team has gotten since 2008, hard as possible during practice has helped him and at games when the team was last named Conference Champihis teammates get closer to their individual goals, nonetheless” ons. assisting in their frequent wins.

For the past four years, Reynolds’ basketball team “At practice we try to go as hard as we can. We set has been ranked as one of the top Conference teams, goals for ourselves that we may not attain, but we Rayaan being ahead of Roberson every time. In the 2016-17 push ourselves at games nonetheless,” Bashir said.

Bashir |11 season, Reynolds was 1st in WMAC while Roberson After experiencing a string of low-ranking years, was ranked 9th. In the year following, Reynolds was the basketball team decided to change their mindset. ranked 4th in conference, and Roberson was ranked 8th. This “We’ve started focusing on the ‘Mamba mentality,’ meaning year, Reynolds is placed 1st while Roberson is close behind at we are striving to do our best, never giving up, and pushing 2nd. others to do their best,” Phillips said.

“At the beginning of the season we struggled. We lost our Another way the team continues to improve is through first two games, but we’ve come together as a team. Our shots coaches’ advice. Looking at game film, Coach Phillips looks are starting to fall now, and we’re beginning to figure out our for errors on the court, using practice drills to advise the

18 | March 2020 // GOLDENFLEECEONLINE.COM

Graphics & Design | Alexa Feid & Riley Sharp

TAKING IT TO THE RIM: Junior Austin Johnson, scored 10 out of the 38 points during the playoff game on February 25.

photo/EVAN VORHIS/ golden fleece

“WE STARTED FOCUSING ON THE MAMBA MENTALITY MEANING WE ARE STRIVING TO BE OUR BEST, NEVER GIVING UP, AND PUSHING OTHERS TO DO THEIR BEST.” teammates on how to improve their plays and skills.

“We as coaches look at game film to figure out what went wrong, and come up with a practice plan to work on the deficiencies. The kids have been very resilient, they do a good job of accepting coaching to make sure that they grow, and don’t make those mistakes again,” Phillips said.

Junior Spencer Cable hopes to see more growth next year, and to carry on the work ethic to become successful in the future seasons as well.

“We want to build on this and become better. We have a lot of returners, so we’ll hopefully have another successful season next year,” Cable said.

After the conclusion of the 20192020 season, Coach Phillips believes that while the seniors are moving on from high school, younger athletes will continue the success brought this year with continued hard work and dedication.

“The JV (Junior Varsity) team is really good this year, and I think we have the capabilities with work and dedication to have some sustained success for the next several years,” he said.

photo/MEAGHAN SKELLY/ golden fleece

photos/MEAGHAN SKELLY/ golden fleece Graphics & Design | Alexa Feid & Riley Sharp

CAMERON PHILLIPS|12

photo/EVAN VORHIS/ golden fleece GOLDENFLEECEONLINE.COM // March 2020 | 19

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Onand Off the Mat

STEPPING UP: Trey Haney (above) steps on the mat in preparation to start his match.

Graphics & Design | Lucy Jung

Regulations on wrestlers requires team-wide discipline for matches

by MEAGHAN MEAGHANSKELLY SKELLY | Director of Public Relations

“I

f you’ve never wrestled, it’s the hardest six minutes of anything you’d ever do in your life,” Damon Brown

In the off-season, they push themselves to not gain or lose significant amounts of weight in order to avoid a quick and severe said. weight-loss spree, close to the start Brown has been the wrestling of the season. coach at Roberson for 15 “Lifting and cardio. Gotta run years. This year, he recordin the off season,” junior Oscar ed his 300th win as the Edrada said. head coach.

These requirements are unique “When it hapto wrestling, and dissimilar to any pened, I was like other sport regulations at Rober‘Ok. It happened son. let’s move on.

“A wrestler has to have a lot of We’ve got self-discipline because while other more wreskids can leave practice and go to tling to do.’

McDonald’s and get a hamburger But then, and hang out, somebody like Chuy sitting has to be constantly conscious at home about what he weighs,” Brown said. thinking For some, this force of disciabout it, pline is why they enjoy the sport so I was like much.

‘Wow...you can “Wrestling has shown me more win a lot of matches discipline and it’s just kept me betif you just do something ter in shape,” Hernandez said. long enough,” Brown said.

When the school year and Brown’s years of experience wrestling season collide, wrestlers are used to assist Roberson’s have to find the balance between wrestlers in addressing the physworkouts, practice, matches and ical and mental challenges, on and still having time for homework. off the mat.

“Managing school and Wrestling presents a wrestling is tricky because “Wrestling series of regulations that some of the bus rides are has shown limit wrestlers to a specific super long. Managing that me more weight at the beginning of and homework requires a discipline the season that determines smart allocation of time and it’s just along with wanting to get their allowed weight for kept me the rest of the season. better at wrestling off the better in “North Carolina and 75 mat. So, usually it’s just shape.” percent of the states in the knowing when to bury country have to register your head and work,” Chuy with an OPC (Optimal Edrada said.

Hernandez| Hernandez Performance Calculator).

Between the five 12 The wrestlers are never alseniors on the team and lowed to be below 7 percent the dedication that each of body fat. They can lose 1.5 percent the teammates have, the team has of their body fat per week. It then been successful with a record of narrows down to how much you five wins. The team finished eighth can legally lose every day,” Brown in the conference. said.

“We’ve had our ups and downs With the tight restrictions on over the years; but, for the most weight, body fat percentages and part we’re not an easy out for anyworkouts, the boys must maintain a body,” Brown said. high-level of discipline throughout However, even the ‘downs’ that the wrestling season. wrestlers have been through, they “I always have to cut weight still are pushed by their coaches to and watch what I eat and being take every match as an opportunity surrounded by food is not easy at to grow. all. Sometimes I get tempted and “Coach (Scott) Mead always says eat a cookie at work,” senior Jesus you get more from a loss than from “Chuy” Hernandez-Guzman said. a win,” Brown said.

GOLDENFLEECEONLINE.COM // March 2020 | 21

All

ThatJazz

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‘‘

After years of large-cast shows, directors choose ‘Chicago’ for spring musical

drawing/MIRIAM ILLAN-MARTINEZ/ golden fleece

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right lights, jazzy rhythms and a broken justice system.

A few of the things an audience member may catch a glimpse of starting April 30.

Rehearsals have started in full swing and Roberson students are preparing for the upcoming musical, Chicago -- a more ‘risqué’ decision than years previous.

Controversy has circled the idea of putting on Chicago within a high school setting, but Choral Director Aleisa Baker decided to take the risk and put on the musical; despite the small cast and nature of the show.

“This show is ‘scandalous’ for a high school to be doing, so it’s really exciting when it comes to the girls’ dancing and costumes,” senior Jayden Fisher said.

Fisher plays as the “Hotcha” ensemble member and practices a love of dance throughout.

“I have really enjoyed a heavy ensemble musical because it’s nice to be on stage a lot more (than in the past) and I love dancing. It’s why I auditioned and with a heavy ensemble we have more chances to dance, which I enjoy,” Fisher said.

Senior Emma-Leigh Brookshire is playing the lead role of Roxie Hart, a woman who has

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: TCR students rehearse Chicago as they prepare for opening night on April 30th through May 2nd.

22 | March 2020 // GOLDENFLEECEONLINE.COM

by ISABELLADEJONG Associate Editor of Print Media

by GRETCHENWATERS Executive Director of Print Media

been convicted of murder after shooting Fred Casely, played by junior Harrison Best.

Because the cast was so small, a well performed audition was vital to the actors. According to Baker, they had to be a triple threat, which means the actor has to be able to sing, dance and act in order to get a role.

“We had 49 people audition and we cast 23. This time we had to be extremely picky about the cast, the people who had all were chosen over other people,” Baker said.

Brookshire knew it would take practice to land a leading role in the musical.

“I had to make it count. The singing audition and the reading audition went very well and I did what I had been practicing,” Brookshire said.

Although she wasn’t necessarily a triple threat, senior cheerleader and dancer Ashleigh Martens landed a key ensemble role.

“For the auditions, you had to dance and sing, and I cannot sing. So it was really nerve-wracking. I felt really confident during the dance part,” Martens said.

Martens decided to do the musical to receive a more diverse

ONE LAST PERFORMANCE: Katie Stevens was chosen to play the role Velma Kelly, a singer at the Onyx and one of the leads.

Graphics & Design | Miriam Illan - Martinez

experience within school, aside Cast members are also being from her current involvement with urged to step out of their comfort the Roberson cheer team. zone in order to embrace their “I’ve watched [the musicals] in characters. Junior Will Cowan was previous years and they’ve been given the role of Billy Flinn, a corvery good. So I kind of wanted to rupt lawyer who is well known in be a part of something so big and the musical for helping murderers known at TC,” Martens said. get out of jail.

Even though Martens hasn’t “It’s a once in a lifetime opporbeen involved in this area of Robtunity. It’s a very different character erson before, she says to be having than who I normally am cast as, so a great experience already. it’s a fun challenge,” Cowan said “I met a lot of new people, who I The ratio of men to women in wouldn’t necessarily always talk to the play is drastically different, also at school. All of the cast members marking yet another difference are so nice. I felt very welcomed from past Roberson musicals. going into it, so it’s been really fun “I love being a part of a female for me,” she said. heavy show. It’s really empowering The cast members have noticed having so many strong girls doing a benefit to having a smaller cast their ‘thing’ on the stage the whole crew, with more interpertime,” senior Jayden Fisher sonal connections and said.

“All of conversations.

While the cast is female the cast “Everyone gets to know dominated, the remaining members each other one-on-one. are so nice. third of the cast is male.

Usually we’ve had bigger Best has found it to be I felt very casts and I haven’t had welcomed an experience unlike any time to individually meet other musical he has been going into everyone and achieve a part of while in high it, so it’s more personal relationbeen really school. ships,” Brookshire said.

“I’ve been doing the fun for me.”

The directors and musical since my freshcast members said that man year, and this is the Ashleigh they have not seen many first year that they’ve truly Martens|12 problems yet, despite the taken a really small cast. experience being very new I know a lot of men were to them. cut and it’s just pretty cool to be Playing the roll of Velma Kelly, able to be one of the ones that has senior cast member Katie Stevens the privilege of being on stage and also explains how this show is a bit doing something that we all enjoy different than previous ones. very much,” Best said.

“After doing ‘Shrek’, and ‘CinBoth Cowan and Baker touch derella’ two years ago, they wanted on the fact of new details that are more of an adult show, and ‘Chica- needed to be perfected for this go’ is exactly that,” Stevens said. musical.

Despite the themes in this mu“We are very, very excited about sical, the directors are using a high our set design and try some new school version in order to better things that we haven’t done before cater to the audience at Roberson. that are top secret,” Baker said.

“There’s a lot of dancing in this Cowan also alluded to this by show that can be taken a little more explaining how different this show provocatively. But as we’re chois going to be. reographing, the teachers are very “This show is all about the little conscious, and they’re definitely intricacies and the moments here toning it down from how it is in and there. Getting those down is the Broadway musical,” Stevens probably the most important and said. challenging part,” Cowan said.

ENTERTAINMENT

photos/ MIRIAM ILLAN-MARTINEZ & ISABELLA DEJONG/ golden fleece

HARD AT WORK: Cast members block in preparation for off-script rehearsal of the full musical.

Graphics & Design | Miriam Illan - Martinez

ONE LAST PERFORMANCE: Emma-Leigh Brookshire is playing the lead, Roxie Hart, a convicted murderer.

GOLDENFLEECEONLINE.COM // March 2020 | 23

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OPINION Royal family should be respected for their decision

by ALEXAFEID | Editor of Media Design

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Markle should have upheld expectations placed on her

by MEAGHANSKELLY | Director of Public Relations

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eghan Markle said “I do” on May 19, 2018, earnany little girls grow up with dreams of living in a castle. ing her the title of Duchess of Sussex by marryAll the gowns, crowns and fairytale weddings that ing His Royal Highness Prince Harry, the Duke.

Meghan Markle had in her marriage to Henry Charles On January 8, 2020, Prince Harry and Albert David, better known as Prince Harry, are a little girls’ Meghan Markle released a statement relinquishing their dreams come true. royal titles by choosing to step back from their royal duties.

However, in January 2020, Meghan and Harry posted an announceAlthough many may consider their decision irresponsiment on their website that officially declared their separation from the ble, the couple managed to take control of their own lives Royal Family and the titles that they hold, stating “we intend to step in a way that few before them have been able to. back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family.”

When posting their initial statement on the Sussex While the couple does have honorable intentions, Meghan had the Royal Instagram page (@sussexroyal), they delivered their knowledge that on the date of their marriage (May 19, 2018) she was point in a respectful and justified manner. But instead marrying the Duke of Sussex, thus becoming a Duchess and thus of receiving support as hoped for, most of what they accepting the requirements of the position.

Editorials received in response was a plethora of angry comWhen Meghan had her extravagant wedding with her represent mentary. This harassment has been building over $135,000 wedding dress, she didn’t seem to be bothered by the the course of Meghan’s involvement in the royal the spotlight on her. And now, only two years later, Meghan viewpoints family, providing a motive for their departure. discloses to Royal Family insiders about how she struggles with of individual the spotlight.

Not only do the comments have a deeply negauthors and ative effect on Meghan and Harry, but they also Sorry Duchess, but, when you accept a job, you are paid to not those affect their almost-one-year-old son, Archie. They work and do what is asked of you. should have the ability to raise their son in respect of Golden When Meghan married Harry, not only was she marrying of the monarchy but not under the control of it, and the man she loves, she also was knowingly accepting the job Fleece certainly not under the influence of the media.

Media or its title of Duchess of Sussex.

Much of the anger has risen from the feeling Now, the couple said they are stepping back in order to bestaff. that Meghan is quitting a job that she signed up for, come “financially independent” and to give their son the space when in reality it wasn’t Meghan who even made the to grow, apart from the hierarchy. final decision. Harry married Meghan out of love, not duty, Along with this, 100,000 letters are received and answered each and he was the one who made the final call after watching year by the Royal Family. That equals out to be 233 letters per day of his wife be torn apart by the press. The Queen also released the 365 days in the year. Each year, the Royal Family also attends to a statement in January fully supporting the couple in their around 2,000 official engagements that strengthen the country’s global decision saying, “I recognize the challenges they have relations. experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two In relinquishing their titles, Meghan and Harry forfeited every asyears and support their wish for a more independent life.” pect of their old life. All of the engagements previously required of the In the end, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have the couple were put onto other members of the rest of the Royal Family, as natural right, as human beings, to make their own choices. if they don’t have enough on their plates already.

Frankly, it is not anybody else’s business. The only reason Yes, Meghan and Harry should have the opportunity to some why they have been a controversial topic is because amount of an ordinary life. However, giving up responsibility and the crown and all of its relations have been mass throwing all of their work onto the rest of the family for a slim chance publicized. Any comments made to reprimand at a normal life, should be considered unacceptable.

Meghan and Harry will not have any physical The establishment of the monarchy that reigns today dates back effect because the decision has already been made. to the 10th century-- over 1,000 years ago.

The only role of the comments is to be “The history of the British monarchy is steeped in tradition and emotionally damaging. pride,” reads the couple’s website.

What many people often forget The contradiction between the couple’s actions and the is that the couple is only human. As tradition they seem to recognize with such attentiveness human beings, they are entitled to should be considered in observing their following actions their opinions and their choices just and their reliance on the income and fame produced by like anybody else. Also, they are not their ties to the throne. superheroes. They are not gods. No Just because the family is moving to Canada doesn’t one should have to go through the mean they are starting a new life with no history. Everyone trials that they have. will still know who they are and know their ties back to the In the Spring of 2020, according to Royal Family. Therefore, they will still receive the prestige that the Royal Family website, Prince Harcomes with ties to the throne. ry and Meaghan Markle will officially Therefore, Meghan we will see you on another magazine be stripped of their titles. One way or cover the next time you have to decide whether your son, Archie, another, with or without the criticism, they will be attending a private or public school. That’s just the way it will be freed from the burdens of royalty and go on to live will be. Leaving to have a normal life? Nah, I’m not buying it - or the their own lives. magazine you’re on the cover of either.

Graphics & Design | Riley Sharp

GOLDENFLEECEONLINE.COM // March 2020 | 25

Sticking to the Status Quo A look at some common misconceptions in today’s society

by GRETCHENWATERS Executive Director of Print Media

Journey proves to be more than we make it out to be

Raves

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tepping off a plane in cultivating currently are shaping September in a whole new who we will grow into. The ‘right country with a completely now’ is creating us and setting us different culture than the all up for all successes and failures. one back in America.

Sometimes the journey takes This will become my reality you across the world, many to a soon. Leaving my comfortable neighboring state. And sometimes, world for something completely for the ones who have really stuck unexpected. to the status quo, down the street A journey worth embarking on. becomes a journey of its own.

To find myself, and to find others.

For me, the journey begins in a I’m leaving it, to find it. whole new country, but it can look Founder and CEO of completely different for you.

Adventures in Missions, Seth But first it starts with a choice.

Barnes, wrote on the concept A choice to be different and to of having a “kingdom journey” go against the grain. and how to harness life in order Barnes quotes John A. Shedd in to rediscover discipline. Life his book: “A ship in harbor is safehas become ordinary, -- but that is not what ships and ordinary brings are for.” Just think about Editorials ‘shackles’ that often seem that, how many of us are represent the staying home and living the to feel unbreakable.

Barnes delves into life we were all EXPECTED viewpoints the ability to leave our of individual to live. An unhealthy comfortability in order authors and amount. to build a foundation Want to know why not those for our lives, and launch everyone around you has of Golden us into the rest of our anxiety? Probably because Fleece future. we are all sitting around in Media or Our world, and our public school desks, its staff. specifically Generation wondering when things Z, has lost the are gonna change. We feed fundamental meaning of into the constant thread of what life is supposed to be like. instructions about college and Life’s a journey. And we waste working, and stress out. And for each day away with another good reason too, because just the Netflix series and homework thought of going to college makes assignment. my anxiety peak.

All too often we accept Stop feeding into the energy life as boring, ordinary you are surrounded by. The second and mundane. We you decide in your mind that life accept average and will be different for you is when imagine that life will the environment and attitude get real and raw after begins to change. high school and I look around in a room full of college. Or maybe students and see tears and burdens things will really that have been unnecessarily start once we get placed on my peers. 18 year old that job or an guys and girls are trying to figure amazing spouse. out their next 60-70 years. Why Little do you can’t we just be kids right now? know that We want to live, and we want to life starts be successful. That shouldn’t be a now. The burden. habits So what are you going to do? we are Sure you can wait for the high school to end. For college to end.

For the right job. For the perfect husband/wife. Waiting is always an option, whether it’s the right one or not.

It’s up to you.

Leave it, and find it.

Break the Status Quo.

26 | March 2020 // GOLDENFLEECEONLINE.COM

Groundhog Day After a month of cold and windy weather, Punxsutawney Phil has predicted an early spring for the year of 2020. Be prepared for more sunny a warmer days!

Instagram Filters Tapping through Instagram stories, you have the ability to see which type of princess, Marvel character, or state you and your friends are. There are many other filters that guess characteristics such as your emotion -- and even your future!

Rongs

Coronavirus This virus has been causing illnesses from small colds to more severe diseases. The virus has affected more than 20,600 people in China and 23 other countries.

Cats: The Movie Receiving a 20% rating on the review site, Rotten Tomatoes, this musical film has been criticized for its lack of accuracy to the Broadway musical, “Cats”, as well as its confusing elements and aesthetic.

Graphics & Design | Molly Malachowski & Alexa Feid

Ramblings What are you excited for this spring break?

“I’m going to go skiing in Canada.”

Matthew Campbell,10

“I’m going to the Siesta Keys, and hopefully I get a tan.”

Emerson Hoyle,10

“I’m going on a bike trip with my dad in France and Belgium.”

T.R. Newnam, 9

Photo/MOLLY MALACHOWSKI/Golden Fleece

“I’m excited to have time away from school and go on vacation.

I’m also excited to binge watch Netflix and relax.”

Malaysia Stokley,12

“I’m excited to hang out with my best friend and to work on my stained glass.”

Andaluna Malki ,11

“I’m going to New Orleans -my birthplace!”

Lila Berry,12

“I’m excited to be going to Florida with my family!”

Madison Luckett,11

Education system creates huge monetary problems

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omeone once said “being and explore something different rich means you don’t have from high school. to think about money.” And There are over 30 million jobs although you don’t hear that that can pay around $55,000 quote often, it still remains true. without a college degree. If you Some students, such as myself, think college is necessary, find are currently preparing for college options that are best for you and and planning “the rest of their lives.” your future self. You can consider But we believe that the opposite also trade or tech schools, and even holds true. taking a gap year. This can give Students are required to pay colleges the chance to improve thousands of dollars in order to their curriculum and decrease their attend a college. And this is after tuition as time passes. paying a large amount to simply No college is a bad college either. apply to the schools they were Unless it’s a requirement for you to interested in. go to the biggest college you can for In summary, colleges and the major you plan on having, going universities have students to smaller schools that have pay money in order to smaller tuition costs is never a see if we will pay them bad thing. You take the same Editorials more money to attend represent the classes and receive the same afterwards. degree you would anywhere viewpoints According to the 2018 of individual else.

Education at a Glance For me, I’ve dreamed of authors and report, Americans spend going to a school like Chapel not those more money on college Hill, or even an Ivy League of Golden than any other country. like Columbia University.

Fleece With parent assistance, I never realized how much Media or financial aid and money I would be spending its staff. scholarships that aren’t to attend either one of those guaranteed, students colleges even after I’ve gotten spend around $30,000 per my degree. With student loans; year, which is nearly twice as much however, that money will follow you as the average in other countries. around for the next 30 years of your Ohio State University’s 2015 life if you don’t pay it back.

National Student Financial Wellness Whichever ways you believe study found that 70 percent of would make it easier for you to the student population in college attend the school you choose, feel stressed about their finances. without stressing over Because of this, the students are tuition costs, can help you beginning to neglect their studies in with a positive mindset order to make up for their debts. following college, and So why is attending college so lead you one step expensive? towards breaking the In July of 2015, the Federal system.

Reserve released a report which stated that government subsidies were responsible for rising tuition costs. This means that the government’s ability to provide help to students has increased, student loans are now provided freely, making college hike their tuition.

And although this may be a never ending circle for high tuition costs, eventually these schools will begin to lower down their costs if enough people agree to fight the cycle.

First, ask yourself this. Do you need to go to college? For some people who are pursuing majors in the medical field or engineering, college is the right choice for you.

For others, college is considered a “right of passage,” a new chapter in your life where you leave the house

Graphics & Design | Alexa Feid & Molly Malachowski

Breaking the System How our educational process needs to be rethought to address future needs

by ALEENAMMAR Executive Director of Digital Media

GOLDENFLEECEONLINE.COM // March 2020 | 27

AMERICA RUNS ON DUNKIN’

10% off Your Order Must be redeemed

by April 30, 2020

Redeemable at Hendersonville Rd & Airport Rd locations Coupon must be from magazine. Copies and pictures will not be accepted