Guys Ask Girls
All of your questions are finally answered
Homecoming Week ‘13 A summary in pictures
Chargers Go International Leaving hoof prints around the world November 2013 Volume 4, Issue 1
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CONTENTS VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1
Student Life 5 | Homecoming
East students celebrate school pride.
7 | Girls vs. Guys
Common questions that girls ask guys and guys ask girls.
Academics 9 | AP Classes
All aspects of AP courses offered at East and local schools are explored.
10 | The Struggle
The difficulty that some students face to graduate is explained.
11 | Pullium
Friend, Cassidy Grom, gives insight into the life of National Merit SemiFinalist.
12 | Riposo
As a senior, Amanda Riposo, intends on becoming a foreign exchange student in South Korea. November 2013 NewsmagazineBEHSfall2013issue1.indd 2
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Aro und Th e W o r l d 13 l Maps Many students around the school have taken the oppurtunity to explore varying countries. 15 l Current Foriegners Austrian foreign exchange student David Muster recounts his experiances of American food, weather and people 16 l Past Foriegner Former foreigner, Elsa Holmgren, describes her emotional return to her native Sweden after living a year in America. 17 l Helping Hands Around The World Students travel to impoverished parts of the world to spread their faith. 19 l Chargers in Uniform Active members and veterans of the U.S. Military recount their experiences.
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Sports 21 | Fall Recap
East’s successful participation in fall sports continues with great starts from multiple sports.
Opinion 23 | Head to Head
Lauryn Waldridge and Janna Klinglesmith agree to disagree over students being required to take a foreign language.
25 | Breaking Down The Barrier
Jennifer Cischke and Allison Drake share their views on the lack of diversity in Mount Washington.
On the Cover: With the diversity that exsists around the school, certain East students have expanded their horizons beyond the borders of the states.
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Sal Says
B y S a l l a nci
salvatore.lanci@gmail.com For those long-time readers of the Livewire, the absence of the picture of a man smiling as he looms off of some wooden fence might be a little weird. You thought you knew that you could count on that stout man producing that solid article that would always be there when you opened up the first page of your beloved school magazine. You may not have always understood what the hell he was talking about, but you knew he was talking about something and you were pretty sure it was important. Well, he’s probably not going to be writing any more articles like that for the Livewire; he wants it to be more of the students’ creation. So I volunteered, or, well, was asked, or rather was obligated (ok, enough euphemisms: actually, I was forced like the gears of a clock obeying the tyrannical laws of time, now try and keep it a secret for me please) to write this article. I don’t really know what to write about now so I guess that situation with the shutdown of the government earlier this month is a pretty nice place to start. But first I should probably let all of you new readers know more about the Livewire. The Livewire is the school magazine of Bullitt East. It has been ranked as one of the best student-produced magazines in the nation. The students chosen to have the opportunity to create something worth honoring so prestigiously go through a selective process, in which they submit an application to Larry Steinmetz (the journalism teacher and aforementioned fat, bald man) who then elects them into the class based upon merit and capability and potential. And then these students come to class everyday, eager to work diligently. Ok, well, honestly, we all don’t always work that hard, but we usually do. And then there are some who basically live in room 324, staying hours after school just working on the simple, 27-page creation that you now hold. We also have the constantly updated online version to maintain as well. But the most important aspect of our journalism party is that every single one of us contribute. And Together, We Get Stuff Done. And that’s how it’s been since I, a senior, remember it coming in to and out of Intro to Journalism as a freshman. Despite the many flaws of the Livewire I knew of and the many
flaws I’m sure I didn’t know of, I just always remember it being great. But one of the fundamental laws of greatness is that greatness cannot be achieved until improvement transpires; and improvement must remain an ongoing possibility. And this year should be another example of our greatness. The main form of global media and entertainment has been for a while videos. Whether it’s videos showing a hurricane hitting a city or videos showing stupid animals doing stupid things, video has become an essential part of society and its internal communication. We here at the Livewire are working to improve ourselves to accommodate our changing world by incorporating video into our normal journalism agenda. It’s just something we need to do, so we’re setting aside any pesky quarrels we have with uncooperative technology that always dissents with our views on how we want it to work, and we’re doing it. It’s not going to be perfect, but we’ll get it started now so that it can be improved upon by journalism posterity. However, I think the best part of our greatness is that we’re only getting a grade for our work. Every word written, every hour spent, every picture taken, every frustration, every elation, everything: all for a letter. Or so it seems. Our greatness actually stems from us doing this for everything but the grade. We don’t want to just show up and get paid with a passing grade so that we can just get on with our lives. We want to spread the news, we want to share our opinions, we want to write stuff worth reading as we do stuff worth writing. Now, earlier in the article I wrote something that I really don’t want to just skip over, so I’m going to clarify a statement now. Greatness comes from change and the willingness to change. We are just regular students here at the Livewire, just regular teenagers. We have our ups, we have our downs, we have families, we have jobs, we have lives beyond the classroom. And we have our own troubles and petty disagreements with each other. But, although we are just young, inexperienced adolescents oblivious to the problems that plague society with pain, we are willing to change and cooperate for the promotion of the General Welfare.
advisor editor-in-chief executive editor creative editor graphics editor business editor advertising editor photo editor designated grader copy editor copy editor copy editor copy editor
Larry Steinmetz Kendall Mayfield Cassidy Grom Kim Flaherty Mackenzie Perdue Jennifer Cischke Allsion Drake Nick Kinser Sal Lanci Layne Cutler Hannah Deaton Hannah Perdew Sammy Ewing
staff writers Tiffany Prell Savannah Warner Rachel Grant Lauryn Waldridge Haley Steinmetz Eliza Love Isaac Shelton Jessica Hanna Haley Simpson
Peyton Maki Sarah Link Emily Potts Austin Jewell TJ Rayhill Michael Murphy Sam Wertz Samantha Gentry Janna Klinglesmith
Livewire was re-founded in 2001 by journalism teacher, Larry Steinmetz. In the past, the Livewire has been a weekly newspaper, but moved to a newsmagazine published five times a year in 2011. The staff remains comitted to bringing the Bullitt East community the most up to date news in a quality format and timely manner. To get breaking news, sports updates, and more go online to ww2. bullittschools.org/behslivewire. The staff appreciates your patronage and, as a public forum, encourages any feedback you care to offer. Letters to the editor must be typed and submitted via e-mail, to Mr. Steinmetz’s mailbox, or directly to room 324 within one week of the publication to which you are responding. Letters will not be censored, but must be deemed appropriate by the editor and advisor in order to be published. In order to be eligible to appear in the paper, all letters must be signed and verifiable. Names can be witheld upon request, but must be submitted with the original letter. Livewire is published by the students and for the students of Bullitt East High School, E-mailing Mr. Steinmetz directly is the best way to reach the staff. His address is larry. steinmetz@bullitt.kyschools.us. The Livewire is printed by Publishers Printing Company. Bullitt East High School 11450 Highway 44 East, Mount Washington, Kentucky, 40047. (502) 869-6400.
Oh wait! I forgot to talk about the government shutdown. Volume 4, Issue 1
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STUDENT LIFE
The cost is about 500 dollars ($459) for 5 days. One full day will be spent in Florida. April 10-13. Ne-Yo will be perfomring live to attending students.
Senior trip
On 9.24.13, the cafeteria sold 800 chicken patties to students and staff. For the first time, there were not enough patties to go around for fourth lunch.
Chicken Patties
Students have complained that the same people always seem to be elected for homecoming court; however, other students have also brought up that those students are the ones voting.
Homecoming
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Zach Napier and Isaac Shelton broke the previous school record; Napier broke it the first time at Rumble in the Jungle with a time of 17:01. A few weeks later, at the Trinity Invitational, Napier and Shelton broke the school record again. Napier finished the 5k in 16:56 then a second later, Shelton finished in 16:57.
Over fifty different items have been brought up to the lost and found since the beginning of the school year, if not claimed, the items will be donated to Goodwill.
Lost and found
Boys Cross country
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Two representatives have been selected per homeroom. It’s all a part of the newly implemented house system and representatives will be in charge of school involvement of the each house.
House reps
Study hall is a generally accepted and appreciated concept at East. It is good for helping students catch up on assignments and a good break from a larger amount of classes at one time compared to previous years.
Study Hall
Are ranked first in the region after moving from AA to AAA, which is a harder class. Sierra Poppel is ranked 2nd, Abby Reburn is ranked 4th, and Julia Poole is ranked 5th. The current time for first place is 19:29 while Poppel is at 19:26.
Candy seems to be all around the school this year. People are fundraising for different causes such as the Ecuador trip, the Dominican trip, Band, and Journalism.
RAISING Money
Girls cross country After a two year absence, the girls golf team has sent a representative to state. Olivia Pruitt made it to state with an 88, placing 7th overall. She qualified as an individual, while the rest of the team did not qualify.
Girls Golf Layout: Kim Flaherty
Photo Credit: Yearbook
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homecoming
week ‘13
4
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#HOMECOMING on @brownlaura02:
I’m dressing up as a football player tomorrow for athlete day. Judge me.
@YellowBellyYork:
Tryin to look wild for Homecoming.
@BE_Soccer5: Nothing and
nobody means more to me than this years team. They really are my brothers and I will never ever forget this year.
@_jessicaraee7: Going all out
tomorrow for spirit day.
@TheGreatHigby: Mean Mugging it on #SpiritDay #homecoming #senior
#blackout #funday #charger #bullitteast
@masisanders3: Good
job seniors! We kicked butt! All four years undefeated!!
@andreaisaacs:
Super pumped about the Homecoming dance. It’s gonna be amazing. Putting the finishing touches on plans and decorations!!
@IanKerr28: the sadie hawkins
theme is so stupid.
@charger25RB:
Too pumped for the game tomorrow night #homecoming.
@J_Wowww333:
Sadie Hawkins/country day!
@blakebrewaa: Ready to
watch my boys get the W tonight!! @ trevor_payton @CrimeScene_48 @jakerush65 @shanesatori @BigRod_83
@BigRod_83: Layout: Kim Flaherty, Nick Kinser NewsmagazineBEHSfall2013issue1.indd 7
Photo Credit: Photojournalism Class
Ohhh KILL EM! 6 10/25/2013 12:19:42 PM
Girls ask Guys
We all have questions for the opposite sex. This is an attempt to help resolve the curiousity in all of us. Hopefully, the most popular answers given by the girls and guys to these questions will enlighten the students of East. We talked to people all over the school and enlisted staff writers Austin Jewell and Hannah Perdew to clear things up. Why are guys so obsessed with shoes?
What is the first thing a guy looks for when meeting a girl? What is the hottest sport for a girl to play? What do guys talk about when they’re together? Student Body Guys: Girls, gaming and sports. Austin Jewell, junior staff writer: Just about anything and everything: cars, girls, sports, food, school. The limit does not exist.
Do guys like the natural or the fake look better? SBG: A mixture of both. Guys want a girl that looks natural with a little make-up. AJ: Most people take this question the wrong way. They assume natural isn’t trying at all and fake is trying too much. I think girls look good when they don’t try too much.
Why do guys act differently around their friends? SBG: To impress them and they aren’t sexually attracted to their friends.
SBG: Her eyes and smile
SBG: It’s the only way guys can express themselves without being called out. AJ: Some are, but personally, I’m not obsessed with my shoes.
AJ: Either her eyes or her smile
SBG: Volleyball and cheerleading AJ: Cheerleading
Turn on / turn offs? SBG: On: A girl that knows how to carry herself and is intelligent Off: Bad breath and messy hair AJ: On: Blue eyes Off: Bad breath
Do guys look for long term relationships at this age? SBG: Yes, we are looking for a committted girl that we can stay with. AJ: Personally, I don’t see the point in having a relationship with someone if you only plan on it lasting a week or two.
AJ: Some guys aren’t very aware of who they are as a person so they feel the need to change how they are depending on who they are around. November 2013 NewsmagazineBEHSfall2013issue1.indd 8
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GUYS ASK GIRLS
Why do girls friend zone?
Student Body Girls: We either do not think the guy is attractive or do not want to lose him as a friend. It’s just a nicer way of saying no. Hannah Perdew, junior staf writer: Some guys are just more “BFF” material than “BF” material.
B y S a l L a nci a n d S a m m y Ewin g
Turn on / turn offs? SBG: On: Half smiles, tall, athletic, clean Off: Bad teeth, poor hygiene Hannah Perdew: On: Athletic, funny, talkative Off: Someone a lot of girls want
Why do girls watch romance movies if they make them sad? SBG: It’s just the happily ever after that every girl wants. Hannah Perdew: I’ve never really understood the whole romance movie thing, but in my opinion, girls can’t find their perfect boy in the world so they pretend the perfect boys in the movies are theirs.
Why do girls look for long term relationships at this age? SBG: Some do. It really depends on the girl and her history in dating. Hannah Perdew: A lot of girls do, but in my opinion, it’s pointless. Especially when a lot of us are moving away in the next few years. High school is just a time to have fun, not tie yourself down.
Why are girls in love with Taco Bell? SBG: It’s pure seduction, it’s comfort food, and it’s cheap.
What is the hottest sport for a guy to play? SBG: Any sport is attractive. If you play a sport you’re athletic and if you’re athletic you’re toned and sexy. Yeah. Hannah Perdew: Football, definitely.
Why the obsession with One Direction and Justin Beiber? SBG: Both Justin Bieber and One Direction have amazing voices and their songs have great meanings! Plus they are attractive! Hannah Perdew: I am probably the biggest Belieber in this school, so I’m a little biased. He’s got one of the most amazing personalities.
Why can’t girls go to the bathroom alone? SBG: We like to have someone to talk to and don’t like to go anywhere alone. PLL and Harry Potter are good examples as to why we don’t travel alone. Hannah Perdew: Girls can’t go anywhere alone, but seriously bathrooms are too quiet and creepy.
Hannah Perdew: Is this even a real question? It’s amazing! Basic, I know. Layout: Kim Flaherty NewsmagazineBEHSfall2013issue1.indd 9
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ACADEMICS
Catching up on AP vs. the struggle to g r a d u at e
East offers a variety of classes that differ from average high school classes. For students who want to be prepared for when they get into college, East offers Advanced Placement (AP) classes, which are designed by the College Board to challenge college-bound high school students. On the other hand, East offers alternative classes for students who are struggling to graduate. These classes aim to help students who may not have taken their regular classes seriously or who may not have functioned well in the classroom environment.
THE STRIVE FOR A FIVE B y H a l e y S t e in m e t z
haley.steinmetz72@gmail.com l @haley_steinmetz
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any changes have been made in the Advanced Placement program this year in response to the drop in AP scores last year. This year, for the first time, middle school students have the opportunity to take pre-AP classes at Mount Washington Middle School. Freshmen at East also have the chance to take AP classes, which has never been done before. However, high school AP scores actually went down last year. At Mount Washington Middle School, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders now have the chance to take pre-AP classes. Some of these include pre-AP science, language arts, social studies, and technology, along with having Spanish, Algebra 1, and geometry like they’ve had for a while. The reason for adding the pre-AP classes is to prepare students for AP courses
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in high school, and the classes are not all worth a high school credit. Mount Washington Middle is not the only one adding new classes to their curriculum. This year at East, freshmen also have the opportunity to take AP classes. One of the new classes is AP Human Geography, taught by Nate Fulghum. This class is very different than the normal freshman social studies class, Survey of Social Studies. Fulghum, who teaches AP Human Geography, said “There’s a lot more problem solving, and working and testing is more intense.” As for last year’s AP data, scores went down from previous years. The highest score you can get on an AP exam is a 5, but a 3 or higher is considered passing. In 2012, 100 out of 184 (54%) AP tests taken at East were passed. Last year, in 2013, 81 out of 254 (32%) exams at East were passed. According to College Board (the national AP organization), nationally, in 2012, 59.25% AP tests were passed. Then, in 2013, 58.96% AP tests were passed nationally. Dana Steinmetz, counselor and Bullitt East AP coordinator, said, “The AB schedule made it harder for AP students to prioritize and gain the depth of knowledge required for their AP exams. They had up to 8 advanced classes with no study
hall and it was too much to balance, so they had to make choices and literally blow off some of the studying they would normally do.” Sarah Akridge, who taught AP psychology lteacher at East, agrees that the AB schedule had a lot to do with the drop in scores. She believes that the 7 period days will help bring the scores back up. “I think that having it year-round will help, and having it every day will help, and I think students can focus more in 50 minutes compared than to 90 minutes,” she shared. In 2012, 17 out of 32 passed the psychology exam. Then in 2013, only 23 of 79 passed. Steinmetz said, “I think in the immediate future, our scores are either going to remain the same or even go down as we transition to another new schedule. But, with the implementation of pre-AP classes at the middle school, and with teacher training and experience with the 7 period days, I think our scores will begin to improve each year and we will eventually surpass the national average.”
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THE STRUGGLE TO GRADUATE B y tj r AYH I LL
tjrayhill56@gmail.com l @TJRayhill
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any seniors at East are facing a real problem. Graduation is sooner than it seems and some seniors are not on the right path to be graduation ready. These students are going to face many obstacles throughout this year and some may not even walk the line. The problem exists for many reasons, but students admit that they didn’t take classes seriously. However, teachers claim that normal classrooms aren’t the ideal setting for some students. Whether it’s a problem caused by the student or the classroom, there are programs set up by the administration to help students walk the line. Students taking classes in the library or in Mr. Egan’s room represent some of the students who are struggling to graduate. These students are pulled out of normal classrooms for the entire day. Some students are only out for certain periods. Like the saying goes, “To be able to do someLayout: Kendall Mayfield
Photo Credit: Yearbook
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thing well you have to try.” Many students who are struggling realized that too late. Paul Eldridge said, “I thought high school would be like middle school, where I could screw around and still pass. That’s not true, now if you screw around you will fail.” Eldridge also said that’s true for a lot of other students in Flex School. The programs that are set up explicitly for credit recovery were created to help kids like Eldridge walk the line. For instance, Mr. Raley and Mr. Egan both supervise students who take online classes to regain or make up credits. Students that only need to make up a few classes get access to the same online material but get to do it at their leisure. Other things like instructional aides and homework help center help students ensure that they get homework finished and turned in. Mr. Raley added, “Teachers are offering to give up their planning time to help.”
Flex School is a program where students have the opportunity to receive credits for classes that they have fallen behind in. Mr. Egan, the flex instructor, claimed that some students just can’t function well in a normal classroom, “They need to work at their own pace. Many students end up being bored or have conditions like ADD that keep them from being able to pay attention and keep up with work.” Whatever the reason may be, some students at East may not get their diploma. Counselors, teachers and principals are doing all that they can to prevent that from happening. “I really want to walk the line with my friends. It is an important thing to me and my family. I take school more seriously now,” Eldridge said.
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Alison Pulliam By Cassidy grom
cassidy.grom@gmail.com l @CassidyGrom
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lison Pulliam, the vertically challenged yet intellectually inclined senior that recently brought pride to East when she was named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist. Although she is quiet around most, when she does talk, she speaks with some kind of innate understanding that can only come from being born in some kind of super smart colony on the outskirts of Mars. I only say this because she is my best friend. I have watched her grow into the beautiful woman that she is today. Obviously, she is not from Mars, but to some people, her extra dose of intelligence may make her who she is. It is only when you get to know Alison that you realize that she is very down to earth, and super well rounded. She speaks Spanish fluently, plays piano in her church band, and has an enormous heart for people around the world. A few weeks ago, Alison was notified by a Bullitt East guidance counselor that her score of 211 (the national average is 144) on the Preliminary Scholastic Achievement Test (PSAT) earned her a spot as a National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist. While she was honored to be considered one of the best and brightest in the nation, the achievement did not come as a surprise to her or her friends. “I took the PSAT sophomore year. Mrs. Barr told me that I got a good score on it that year and to be prepared if I got a really good score the next year,” Alison explained. Our friend, Kylar Ware, who has been in a friendly competition with Alison in the academic arena for years, states, “I mean I am really proud of her and
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everything, but I kinda half expected it. If anyone were going to make it, it would be her.”
couple years. “I’m pretty good at music too, not so much at singing,” she laughs, “but I play keyboard for church, and yeah I’ve worked at In the seventh grade, both Alison and I were it, but it was something I was already good at enrolled in Spanish I. While I was struggling to and that’s why I enjoy it.” pronounce the alphabet, she was whipping up difficult conjugated verbs. This is not necesAlison is not only a scholar, Spanish speaker, sarily because she is smarter, but because and music lover but she is consistently giving she has an amazing work ethic. Brandi Molter, back to the community and to the world. For her Spanish teacher and National Honor Soci- a few weeks of each of the past couple of ety Advisor says, “Alison has been the student summers she has traveled to Romania to work to go the farthest in Spanish that I have ever as a missionary. I have had the privilege to taught. She has been doing fabulous indesee her work first hand with the marginalized pendent studies, [mastering] work that I was children. Alison’s eyes lit up when she played doing in college. She is the equivalent of patty-cake with the kids and her words were Spanish VI right now.” kind as she served lunch to the group. But she doesn’t stop being compassionate when she Alison attributes her success to a love for steps back onto American soil. Alison is conforeign cultures, “It’s not just math and scistantly babysitting or working with the children ence and things that I am good at, I really at Kings Baptist Church. like studying other languages.” In addition to Spanish, she has picked up Romanian. The Alison plans to continue a life of service. Next summer of 2012, we were in the airport travel- year, she will attend Liberty University and ing back to America from Romania, she knew study to become a doctor. With her current enough of the language to direct an anxious stance as a National Merit Semi-finalist, she middle-aged Romanian woman to the correct will receive a full tuition scholarship. In Janugate. Since then, her skills in both languages ary, she will find out if she has qualified to have only improved. become a finalist, which would give her a full ride. She states, “I want people to know that Here is a secret: Alison gets stressed out, too. people who are smart have personality too. Last week I asked her how she was doing They have other talents and other things they and her reply was forthright. “Honestly, it’s just are good at. It’s not just school.” Well my little all piling up,” she admitted. Most of our peers Martian, you are so much more than a test view Alison as super woman whom the evil score. I think the rest of East would agree with stressors of senior year do not affect. Howme when I say thank you for making this world ever, I think that Alison always seems calm a better place and good luck with your future because she has a unique way of dealing endeavors. with pressure: music. If she is not listening to music, she is thinking of a song. In addition, she has been playing the piano for the past ww2.bullittschools.org/BEHSLivewire/ 10/25/2013 12:19:48 PM
Amanda Riposo B y P e y t o n m a k i a n d E m i ly P o t t s peyton.maki@gmail.com l @MakiPeyton emily.jade.potts@gmail.com l @ItsEm_again
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ow do you become your own foreigner?
Amanda Riposo, junior, answers this question by taking the steps to become a foreign exchange student in South Korea during her senior year. Riposo has been interested in South Korea for about a year now because she has a passion for experiencing different cultures. “Since I first heard the Korean language, I thought it was really interesting and I wanted to learn more about it,” said Riposo. She has already started to undergo the long process it takes to become a foreign exchange student. It may not be set in stone yet, but Riposo is confident with her chances. After looking into three other failed programs and researching several other ones, she found National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-y). This organization was created in 2006 to encourage the learning of different languages. The U.S. Department of State and the American Councils for International Education work together to award scholarships to high school students for partaking in summer and academic year programs. NSLI-y helps the participants learn the cultural life of the host country, teaching the formal and informal practice of the language they choose to prepare for their foreign experience. Not only is there Korean, but there are also six other languages you can choose from. These languages are Arabic, Chinese, Hindu, Persian, Russian, and Turkish. To be eligible for this
Layout: Kendall Mayfield NewsmagazineBEHSfall2013issue1.indd 13
program, you have to be a U.S. citizen that is enrolled in high school, 15-18 years old, has a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, and has not previously traveled outside of the United States on a long- term program sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. “It takes a lot more than filling out applications to go to school in another country,” said Riposo. She has to complete an online application displaying her extracurricular activities, honors classes, volunteer work, and two essays, similar to a Governor’s Scholars Program application. She also has to have a teacher recommendation and a parent statement. Next, she has to have Bullitt East send a school transcript to the American Councils for International Education in Washington D.C. and she has to complete and send in her paperwork to the American councils for international education. Despite her mother’s anxiety over her daughter being in a completely different country, Riposo is trying her hardest to make her dream come true.
project so she can ensure that she had all the necessary credits she would need to graduate. As of now, Riposo does not know if she will be an exchange student yet. If she qualifies as a semi-finalist, she will be notified by mail or an e-mail from the NSLI-y around December. After that, she will go into the second stage of the application process and will be interviewed. The interview will serve as a way for the student to further explain their online application, demonstrate their passion for the language, and answer questions about how you would react in certain situations. She will know if she is eligible to be an exchange student in South Korea by April.
“It’s hard for any parent to let their child travel outside of the country on their own, but I know it is in her best interest in terms of where she wants to go in life,” said her mother, Christine Riposo. Instead of spending her high school years going out and having fun every weekend, Riposo spends her Saturdays at the Korean School of Louisville to learn the Korean language and prepare herself for her trip. Knowing she wanted to be a foreign exchange student, Riposo had to double up on all her core content classes throughout the last three years of high school by participating in all required senior activities, like the senior 12 10/25/2013 12:19:51 PM
AROUND THE WORLD
east goes global By Eliz a Love
eliza.love29@gmail.com l @liiza24
Name: Anthony Fitts Destination: Spain
Names: Jacob Bowles and Tate Hatfield
Reason: studied there and to see how he would like it
Destination: Saskatchewan, Canada Reason: watched Bowles’ older brother, Matt, play baseball
Name: Collin Britt Destination: Comaygua, Honduras Reason: participated in mission work with his church
Name: Laura Acevedo
Name: Zach Napier
Destination: Colombia and Canada
Destination: Haiti
Reason: visited family
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Reason: participated in mission work with his church
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Some Bullitt East students have traveled to different countries at some point during their high school career. The reasons vary from mission trips to visiting family, but a few of these students’ experiences are relayed here in this map of the world.
Name: Lucas Alcorn Destination: Germany Reason: visited his old foreign exchange student, Ercan Celik
Name: Mr. and Mrs. Barr Destination: Italy Reason: attended a wedding. While there, they stayed in the Tuscany region and visited Florence, Pisa, and Rome Name: Jessi Lance
Name: Allison Pulliam
Destination: Malawi, Africa
Destination: Romania
Reason: helped set up and run a vacation bible school
Reason: went on a mission trip where she interacted and spread God’s word
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A foreign experience TODAY B y S a r a h l in k
sarahgayle.21@gmail.com l @sarahgayle_33
David Muster is a current Foreign Exchange Student at Bullitt East from Austria. He told his story through his experiences so far in America. The foreigner described his first impressions of American food, the humidity, and the students in America.
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hen I was twelve years old, I became interested in participating in the foreign exchange program. Being a foreign exchange student didn’t require extra classes, so it wasn’t a lot of extra work. The only thing was, the paperwork never ended! I didn’t get to pick my host family, so I didn’t even know who they were. When I got to the Vienna airport, I wasn’t nervous; however, I completely missed my plane. I had to wait another twelve hours to board another flight. Then, flying took almost as long as the wait, and I was so tired that I could barely even fathom what was about to happen in my life. Not really knowing what was going to happen, I just hoped for the best. My host family was really nice, it was just weird that I had never met them, yet they knew everything about me. They asked a lot of questions, but all I really wanted to do was sleep. I snapped out of that when I walked outside and the humidity hit me. I’m still not used to it. The humidity in Austria never even compared. The weather here is different than what I’m used to back home. Once I finally got settled in, they took me to
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see the Dragway in Indiana and to several other places before the school year started. I even experienced Taco Bell for the first time. The hardest part is that I never know what to order because I have no clue what the menu says. I usually just guess, but it always tastes just how I imagine. The portions are so much larger here too, so that always adds to the goodness. I pretty much just stayed with my host family over the summer. On the first day of school, I was so confused. I spent the entire homeroom trying to figure out my schedule. Once, I figured it out, I realized my schedule was going to be a breeze. In Austria, you don’t get to choose your classes, and I got stuck in Mechanical Engineering. In America, my hardest class is U.S. History. The rest of the day, people kept talking to me and asking me really weird questions like “Do they have pop-tarts in Austria?” Which, we don’t. It was a little rough trying to get around the idea that almost everyone here has a gun and in Austria it’s nearly impossible to get one. I could tell that things were going to be a lot different here, but I was up for the challenge.
do something, you just do it. The first time I noticed these attitudes was when I joined the cross country team and the people there work so hard and it’s really difficult for me, getting used to that much running. All I did in Austria was snowboarding, so running in the humidity is definitely a lot more difficult. Overall, my experience so far has been interesting. I’ve started working my way into the student body and I am attempting to adapt to all of the new experiences that I’ve been faced with. I look forward to what’s ahead of me while I stay here.
The main difference in people here and back home is that people are just more open here, like they just welcome me. Students here kept talking to me like I didn’t know what they were saying, and it wasn’t even that hard to get over the language barrier. People are a lot friendlier though, they come up and ask “Do you need help?” That would’ve never happened in Austria because everyone there is more reserved and keep to themselves. I love the “can do” attitudes here, like if you want to ww2.bullittschools.org/BEHSLivewire/ 10/25/2013 12:19:56 PM
A transition home Tomorrow By Elsa homlgren
elsajohannaa@hotmail.com l @elsajohannaa
2012-13 Foreign Exchange Student, Elsa Holmgreen, recounts her own experience after returning home.
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fter very many heartbreaking and tearful goodbyes in Kentucky, arriving home was one of the most odd experiences I’ve ever had. As soon as I crossed the borders to Europe, I could tell the difference. I still remember clearly how I walked around at the airport in London - used to the southern hospitality by that time - trying to make eye contact with people, smile, and maybe even say, “Hey.” However, my attempts failed and everyone either kept their gaze straight down on the floor, or looked at me like I was a weirdo smiling to someone I didn’t know. I had totally forgotten that in Europe, we don’t talk to strangers. After this little back-to-reality-check I was very excited to come back to Sweden, to my friends and family whom I actually could talk to, and I remember almost running through the airport to hug them again after ten long months. I ran right into the next shock: the language. The complete travel time from Louisville to Gothenburg took about 21 hours, and 18 of them I flew by myself. Which means, ever since I hugged my chatty German foreignfriend goodbye in Chicago, I hadn’t said a word. So after the hugging, laughing, smiling and crying, I was kind of stuck. Sentences came out in with the words in the wrong order, Layout: Sammy Ewing NewsmagazineBEHSfall2013issue1.indd 17
my entire Swedish vocabulary was mixed up with Kentucky-jargon and my brain almost overheated trying to translate everything from English to Swedish. This problem was extremely annoying since I was jetlagged, had tons of energy and had TONS of stories to tell. From that point on everything was kind of blurry, but I’m guessing my friends and family had to really focus to keep up with my jabbering tales about Kentucky. I still remember one more thing about the homecoming-day: the welcome-back to using my legs again after 10 months in a place where there were barely any sidewalks. Where I live, everything is, in our measures, pretty close. We walk everywhere, especially in the summer. So my friends suggested that we should take a little walk, to say hi to my town again. I think I walked more that afternoon then I did collectively my entire year in America. After that little adventure, my brain shut off. Suddenly it felt like I had traveled in time back to the first weeks in Kentucky where all I did was nod and smile to what everyone said, answered questions with one word, and then fell asleep and dreamed in English. Which I did for about a month before the language turned to Swedish. Oh, I might as well mention, for all of you Americans who complain about writing essays, and how real the struggle is and so on? Please, try being a foreigner, stuck between two languages, mixing up the grammar. Because first, when you’ve lived in America for a couple of weeks, you’ve gotten pretty used to the language without yet being fluent,
and at the same time almost lost your native language, so you’re suddenly not 100% in any of them. And after improving, becoming better at the English and getting used to it, it’s time to deal with the problem all over again in your home country. School has begun, you’ve been home long enough to get used to your old language but you still haven’t let go of the English, and there you are. Stuck between two very different grammatical types of both speaking and writing, not being able to consider yourself grammatically correct in any of the languages, and basically not being good at anything. THAT struggle, my dear friends, is REAL. However, I think the fact that is hardest to accept and the biggest shock is how fast it goes to return to your life when coming home. As the real exchange-student cliche says; “It’s not one year of your life, it’s a life in one year”. For something that big - as big as an entire life that you’ve created - becoming so small and feeling so far away after such a short time, it’s heartbreaking. After only one day I realized that everything was the same at home, nothing had changed. For every day that went by after I returned home to Sweden, the year I spent in America, the second life I created, felt further away. Now, it’s more like a blurry dream of something perfect and golden that exists in the back of my head and at the same time, a day won’t go by without me thinking of my year at Bullitt East. Of all the experiences, the amazing people I got to know, and how much I actually changed. Every day, I miss it. I miss the teachers, the hallways, the classes, the games, the parties, the trips, the people, the school-spirit, even the hallpasses and the early mornings. 16 10/25/2013 12:19:56 PM
FAMILIAR FACES IN BY haley Simpson, isaac shelton, AND samatha Gentry haley.simpson7@gmail.com l @haleysimp7 JIShelton@gmail.com l @Isaacshelton1 samantha.gentry01@gmail.com | @BEcheerleader2
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essi Lance, junior, visited Africa for a month over the summer. Lance went for a mission trip to help set up and run a Vacation Bible School for kids. Lance went to Malawi, Africa with her grandparents, uncle, and uncle’s friends. “I always wanted to do mission work but I never really had the opportunity, and I have always wanted to go to Africa so it all just fell into place for me,” said Lance. Visting another country introduces new cultures and new perspectives on the way people think. “My life is different because I look at things in a new way and it helps me see how privileged we are in America. While I was in Africa, there was a little boy who was two and his mom knew we had it better off and he would have a better life in America, so she tried giving him to me and told me that I needed to bring him home with me. Many people don’t understand the seriousness of poverty in Africa and how lucky we are
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in America to have a family,” said Lance. The culture and way of living is very different in Africa than in America. “A lot of their clothes are old and worn out, but one of the main things is how boys here will wear blue and girls will wear pink, they don’t know the difference, so you will see grown men in bright pink jackets,” explained Lance. Some other differences she noticed, while people in America will spend spare time watching TV or on cell phones, people and kids in Africa spend most of their day outside playing sports or netball, which is like basketball, and a lot of different jump rope games. Also, Africans don’t own the latest technology; many people utilize the mail service for communication. Many people own flip phones to use in case of an emergency, but post offices are the main source of communication. A normal day in Africa for Lance was waking up at 6:30 am, going to one of the
churches and teaching a morning lesson for an hour with Anthony (one of the guys with her on her trip), then she would eat lunch, after lunch she would spend most of the afternoon playing with the kids. Then she would finish out the day by acting out a skit from one of the stories in the bible. However, every other night she would go to a pastor or friends house to eat out of respect. One of the things Lance learned while in Africa is you can’t take life for granted and even when you have nothing, you will always have God. “I plan on going back to Africa soon, my grandma wants to open an orphanage for kids which is something I am definitely interested in doing,” stated Lance.
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nthony Fitts, senior,
went to Spain for eight months to try something new. He went by himself to Spain because his parents offered him the chance to study there and see how he liked it. While he was there he stayed with his aunt and uncle. “I see life differently, I take school much more seriously and I have also matured a lot,” said Fitts. He also acknowledged how school in Spain is harder, it's like college and it’s up to you if you want to go to school or not, and take the final exam or not. If you don't go, you get a zero, and the first day of the semester they set the dates for each test. Which are only two tests per semester and that’s what your semester grade is based on. “Over there a hobby is going to the club or bar or play street soccer, our neighborhood against other ones. My team always won though,” laughed Fitts. People don't have to rely on a car to go places and there is a lot more freedom and a lot less crime. “I’m glad to be back here in Kentucky school wise because I could get into college easier, but I miss my family and friends there a lot,” said Fitts.
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UNCOMMON PLACES
Z
C
ollin Britt, junior, traveled
to Honduras for a week long mission trip the summer after his freshman year and plans on returning this spring break.
In school, students are taught how different other cultures are than the ones here in America. During his freshman year he never knew he would be experiencing that up close and personal when he traveled to Comaygua, Honduras to do mission work with his church. “I felt like God was calling me to go, it all happened really quick, I was already past the deadline day and thankfully God provided,” said Britt.
ach Napier, senior, and nine others from First Baptist Church went on a ten day mission trip to Haiti over the summer. Napier first decided to go to Haiti after a serious talk with his youth pastor and much online research. Looking back, he knows that going to Haiti was the right decision, because the trip really impacted his life. “My eyes are definitely opened. They have nothing and we have everything and [we] still want more,” stated Napier.
When Napier was in Haiti, he saw many differences from the United States. “There was a lot of fresh foods and natural singing, but one thing that really stood out was the poverty,” explained Napier.
grocery, it just hits me how simple we can get our food. People in Haiti have to travel miles to get water and food. All we have to do is get into our car and drive to Kroger,” stated Napier.
He stated that some houses didn’t have shelter, and some citizens couldn’t even afford medicine. “You would see kids that died from simple things such as common colds, because they couldn’t afford medicine,” stated Napier.
Besides the poverty, he described the people of Haiti as joyful and happy. One story he told was how all the children would surround him and laugh while saying his name wrong. Typical American teenagers wouldn’t want to go to a third world country, but Napier stated, “without a doubt, I would go back.”
Everyday activities remind him of the struggles that Haitians face. “When I go to the
During his week long trip in Honduras, he gained a sense of appreciation for everything Americans are privileged to. “They are just so thankful for rice and clothes, stuff we take for granted,” stated Britt, “It really helped open my eyes to everything we have here.” This spring break he is traveling back to Honduras for another mission trip. “It hasn’t left my mind since I left. I can’t wait until I go back,” said Britt.
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CHARGERS IN UNIFORM B y H a nn a h D e at o n
hannahgirl45@gmail.com l @HannahAshlyn14
Jordan Orr swearing into the United States Marine Corps.
Mr. Edwards served in the United States Navy from 1988 to 1996. November 2013 NewsmagazineBEHSfall2013issue1.indd 20
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Tyler Potter A Bullitt East alumnus is now an active duty member of the U.S. Marine Corps. Playing with G.I. Joes as a child and watching war movies is what piqued his interest in the military. He decided his freshman year of high school that he wanted to join. He said that his first day of boot camp was “mass chaos.” The most difficult aspect for him was being away from family. The two things that kept him motivated were thinking about the look on his mom’s face when they would be reunited and thinking about the freedom he would have outside of basic training. As a result of his time in the military, Potter said that he is “more calm and aware.” So far, Potter has traveled to Paris Island, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina with the Marines. Now that he is done with basic training, he will travel to Camp Geiger in North Carolina for infantry training.
Mr. Monty Edwards A current social studies teacher at East, is also a military veteran. He served in the Navy from 1988 to 1996. Edwards originally joined the armed forces because he wanted training in the medical field and he knew it would pay for college. By the end of his time in the service he was a Hospital Corpsman third class. While in the Navy, Edwards was never sent overseas. He said he started in Waukegan, Illinois for basic training. Then he spent time in the desert at Camp Pendleton, California. He later joined the reserves and spent time Portsmouth, Virginia.
Lt. Justin Owens The JROTC teacher here at Bullitt East has spent several years serving in the Army National Guard. Owens decided at a young age that he wanted to serve his country by joining the armed forces. He knew that the military would give him special training that he could not receive anywhere else and that it would provide him with opportunities he didn’t have in his small hometown. He went to Fort Benning, GA for infantry training at only 17 years old. After he completed his training there, he went back and completed his senior year of high school then continued his career in the National Guard. This is what is called ‘split training’. After he returned from Fort Benning, he worked in unit supply for a transportation company. He later decided to go to Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in August 2010. He is currently a 1st Lt. and looks forward to earning the rank of Captain soon. As a member of the National Guard, Owens has responded to local natural disasters such as the ice storm of 2008 and the tornado that hit West Liberty, Kentucky last year.
Jordan Orr Another Bullitt East alumnus who has joined the United States Marine Corps, he signed his papers to join on March 9, 2013. He said “I joined because I wanted to become something bigger than myself. I also like protecting people.” His first day of basic training “sucked.” He and the other recruits were unable to eat like they were used to and didn’t get to sleep. The most difficult part of his basic training is not being around his normal group of friends and family, but they are also what keep him motivated. Right now he is in Paris, South Carolina going through basic training. Afterward, he will come home for a while then go on to school in North Carolina. Layout: Kendall Mayfield NewsmagazineBEHSfall2013issue1.indd 21
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SPORTS
FALL SPORTS BY MICHAEL MURPHY, JESSICA HANNA, AND LAYNE CUTLER mmichael.murphyy@gmail.com l @murphymichael25 jessicahanna@gmail.com l @JessNicole8 laynec17@gmail.com
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1 42 35
*as of 10/16 Football 6-1
Key players - Pierce Kelly, Austin Colvin, Evan Kerr, Cruise Coulter, Brandon Samuels H@sd Coach Cood1 -- Darrell Vincent Head Advantages ~dva nilal!lls!l - Consistent, high scoring, rushing attack offense; Exceptional defensive tackling Disadvantages - Several injuries and an altercation at practice keeping a few players off the field.
The 4-straight win start by the Football team this year was the best starting record since the 2005 team who lost in the State Semifinals. This team has a lot of passion and wants to be as successful as that 2005 team. With an offense that is primarily based around a solid rushing game and a solid defense, this year’s team could go down as one of the best to ever play here at East.
Boys golf
10-0
Cross country
Girls golf 5-5
Key Kay Player Pillysr - Olivia Pruitt Head Helld Coach Crollrn - Andy Oder Advantages ~Cl'll'lIl1tag e!l.- Many Underclassmen who
will be able to improve and will provide good seasons to come Disadvantages - Very inconsistent this year. Very small team.
The girl’s golf team experienced an up and down season this year which continued into the Regional tournament. Senior Olivia Pruitt is the first female golfer to go to state since 2011. She qualified by shooting an 88 and hopes to continue her success at the state tournament in Bowling Green. The girls are now looking to come back for a strong season next year.
17-1
Key Runners - Zach Napier, Isaac Shelton, Sierra Poppell, Julia Pooler, Abby Reburn
Head Helld Coach COIICI1-- Lenny Raley Advantages ~dlla nilal!lls!l - Really close as a team Disadvantages Di!llld'll'lIl1ilal!lla!l-- Moved classes this year and will be tough making it to state
Running for the gold. The cross country team has had a great start to their season with a 17 to 1 record and a couple of key runners on their side. Coach, Lenny Raley, has been leading them to victory and hoping to keep the season on a good streak. However, this is the new year in a different class after moving from the double A class to the triple A class because the growing population of the charger nation the team hopes to keep their close family-like bond as they travel to regionals and state.
7 6
Key Key Players Pllllyern - Michael Murphy, Ethan Breeden, Zach Taylor
Head COIIICI'1 ·- Kyle Downs HSllld Coach Advantages - Very deep team with many Advlllnilal!lls§
players that can shoot good scores anytime. Disadvantages Di!llld'll'lIIlltraJ!llC!l§ - Top 5 players have had no experience in the state tournament.
The boy’s golf team finished this season with an undefeated record. They had a tough day at the Regional tournament and finished with a team score of 330 and one stroke away from a playoff bid to the state tournament. It was a successful season and the team is already getting ready for next year where they expect to do even better.
Girls soccer
17-6
Key Players - Meghan Roby, Alnee Tut-
son, Christian Foster, Kacie Heichelbech , Layne Cutler Head COIICI'1 - Steven Gentry Head Coach Advantages - Speed, new coach, defense Advanilal!lles Disadvantages DIMldlllll1traJ!lIteJS-- Alicia Schwenker’s injury, multiple small injuries throughout season, lack of experienced/older players
volleyball
Key Kay Players Pillysrn - Shelby Graham and Morgan Lucas
Head Hlllld Coach Crollrn - Ed Fisher Advantages - Very experienced ~Clllal1traJges. Dislldll:Bmilalgs§ - Hard district Disadvantages
Servin’ it up. The volleyball team keeps up the fast pace and motivation as they face new opponents each week. With a winning record of 8 wins and 4 loses, the team hopes to stay on the running streak. Ed Fisher is getting the girls prepared for their toughest battles against North Bullitt, Bullitt Central, and Mercy. The team counts on seniors, Shelby Graham and Morgan Lucas to lead the team to success and achieve their goal of going all the way.
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boys soccer
9-8-1
Key Players - Nick Heichelbech, Calvin
Conaway, Dillon Heichelbech, Dylan West, Michael O’Neil, Brandon Hottois Head Coscl'l •- Michael Brangers HSlilrdl Coach Advantages ~dlla nilal!lls§ - Offense, good chemistry Di§Sld'll'lIl1ilal!llC!l§ - Dustin Roeder’s injury, Disadvantages defensive speed.
The Chargers did not have the best season, but they fought hard and learned a lot. They know what they need to work on in the future and plan to put that into action next season. The team did have hard competition this past season and will continue to improve.
Despite the 0-2 beginning, the Lady Chargers have had one of the most successful seasons in team history. This team has determination and the skill to be one of the top teams in the state. With the team’s incredible speed, they will fly by competition. In the regional tournament, they placed second. Layout: Kendall Mayfield and Kim Flaherty
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Photo Credit: Yearbook
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OPINION B y J a nn a k l in g l e s m i t h
jannamichelle097@gmail.com l @jannamichelle97 Speak foreign to me. In order to be “college ready” at Bullitt East High School, it is required for a student to have at least two credits of the same foreign language. A foreign language prepares students for college. Students should pick a foreign language that best fits them. By knowing another language, it opens many other opportunities during a lifetime that may not have been available before.
Although many people disagree, requiring two years of foreign language was done with the students in mind. Many colleges, including all Kentucky universities, are making it mandatory for incoming freshmen to have taken a foreign language before enrolling to their school. If it was left up to the students, many would not take a foreign language during high school, which could potentially close first choice college or career opportunities. Even if a student plans on going to a college out of state, schools all over the country require some sort of foreign language. While several students do not see a foreign language to be a part of his or her future career goals, things can always change. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 80% of college students change their major at least once or are undecided about what to study. Whatever someone chooses to study, learning a foreign language always keeps options open.
“
...Make the most of what you have and try to learn it. ”
Out of all the foreign languages high school students can take, Spanish is usually to be the most popular one. “If you already have two years of Spanish, you might as well go all the way through,” says Spanish IV student, Jared Guillaume. He believes that being bilingual is very beneficial, and it can help in his career path to becoming a pharmacist. It may even raise his salary. He continues, “It makes you very individual.” His teacher, Mrs. Molter says, “Learning languages also helps you understand the English language better, increases your vocabulary with Latin-root words, and so much culturally.” Cady Cornell, who graduated last year, was able to test so high on her college placement exam in Spanish that she did not have to take a foreign language her November 2013 NewsmagazineBEHSfall2013issue1.indd 24
first year of college. Her last Spanish class was with Molter during her sophomore year, yet she was still able to do so well on the exam. There are even some scholarship programs that are only applicable to foreign language students. Marissa Maurer, who is also a Spanish IV student, shares about the Commonwealth Diploma Program she wanted to apply for. To apply, you must have four credits of a foreign language. When she found out this program was no longer available, she chose to proceed to the next class level anyway, because she can use the language outside of school or work. With the large number of Americans whose primary language is Spanish, knowing the language can become a very useful talent. A common way to use a foreign language is through travelling. One of East’s foreign exchange students, Elena Sergiampietri, who is from Italy, is taking Spanish this year to prepare for an upcoming trip to Spain. Although there are several obvious benefits to learning a foreign language, students still argue that these classes should not be a requirement. Whatever the excuse may be, they most likely will not win this argument. If you are not enjoying Spanish class, try another language. Senior Megan Davis decided to take French instead of Spanish, because she wanted to have a different experience than what she heard from her friends. It turns out that French comes easily to her, and she even wants to take it in college. If there isn’t another language that sounds more interesting than Spanish, then make the most out of what you have and try to learn it. It is definitely more beneficial than you think.
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Can’t
Bullit why not m
Stu a fo “It’s Sin are to of la c t h
foreign language: requirement or not?
By l auryn waldridge
waldridgelauryn@gmail.com l @laurynhaleigh Can’t commit to one... I’ve got options. Bullitt East students shared their thoughts on why foreign language should be optional and not mandatory. Students provided many reasons as to why a foreign language class should be optional. “It’s just a waste of time”, students explained. Since students are required to take a total of two foreign language courses throughout he/she’s high school career, students feel as if they could put their skills to better use. The fact that they can be taking other classes to further their future career has impacted their belief that foreign language classes should be optional. Bullitt East faculty and students believe taking the time to prepare students for real world problems would better prepare students and give them skills that will be more beneficial in the future. Although learning a separate language isn’t a bad idea, many students are choosing not to pursue a career that requires the skill.
“
native language.” Many students also feel that they aren’t getting much out of their classes. Most claim that they don’t even remember the curriculum after passing the course. “I took two years of Spanish that was a total waste of time, I could’ve been taking a business class or an art class,” stated junior Jennifer Fahl.
A lot of people learn it, but when they grow up most people do not use foreign language.”
Let’s first look at the statistics regarding why learning another language could hold you back. According to Psychology Professor Erika Hoff, author of the book Language Development, “learning multiple languages simultaneously limits the number of words that a child can learn in a set amount of time. For example, people have the cognitive capacity to learn approximately 20 new words a month, but this number is for total words. When a person’s language input comes in the form of two languages, they might only learn 10 words in their native language a month, learning the other 10 words in her foreign language, which puts them behind in her Layout: Haley Simpson NewsmagazineBEHSfall2013issue1.indd 25
“Life skills, money, common sense, counting change, balance checkbook, counting clock, and financial literacy; you need more of these classes in school. Shouldn’t that be the things that should be required to graduate?” Stated Brock. Although foreign language classes would provide a great deal of good to students looking to pursue a career in such a field, the students who have no intentions of applying it should be excused from learning it.
Not only does Fahl think a foreign language is a waste of time in high school, but Bullitt East math teacher
Stephanie Brock feels the same way. “If you don’t use it you lose it,” said Brock. “A lot of people learn it, but when they grow up most people do not use foreign language,” she stated. Many kids just believe there are other beneficial things that would be so much more useful in life, especially when some people don’t have the desire to learn it or pursue a foreign language in life. “If the kid doesn’t need to know it and doesn’t want to, it will be a waste of time where the student could be learning something important to them”, stated freshman Ashley Kingsley. For example, things such as “art and music classes, those are things I like,” stated the freshman. As East is pushing the “career or college ready” requirement, many students are finding it difficult to balance their necessary classes while having to learn a language that they don’t intend to ever use.“I think students that have individual goals or if they have a career in mind that is more of business career, that is what they should be focusing,” stated Brock. “Instead of taking Spanish, I could be in classes that will help me in the future. Like more business classes,” agreed Fahl. 24 10/25/2013 12:20:15 PM
EDITORIAL BOARD In each issue the editorial board tackles an issue. The thoughts included are refelctive of the editorial board as a whole. Fourteen journalists were chosen to participate this year. Please join the discussion by emailing your replies to larry.steinmetz@bullitt. kyschools.us
BREAKING DOWN THE BARRIER It’s no secret that Mount Washington is predominantly white. According to the 2010 census, out of the 9,117 residence living in the Mount, 8,849 of them are Caucasian. That is roughly 97 % of the city’s population. Morgan Utterback, a recent junior transfer from Pleasure Ridge Park High School, believes that this lack of racial variation leaves a negative impact on the community. “Mount Washington is close minded because its not diverse,” explained Utterback. Typically, people who are close minded do not even realize the prejudices they are making. These people are not trying to intentionally be mean or discriminate against others, but the way their actions are perceived by others holds a very large value in every society. Citizens of Mount Washington often describe people of different races or demographics with derogatory titles, such as “towel heads”, “coloreds”, “camel jockeys”, and do not believe the titles to be offensive. Even sporting the confederate “rebel” flag falls under this category. However, when told that racial slurs are not taken lightly by the offended, people tend to use them anyway. Close mindedness and stupidity go hand in hand. Ignorance is when you are unaware that the title is offensive; stupidity is continuing to be disrespectful despite knowing how offensive the statement is.
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Ignorance is okay. Not knowing is okay. Refusing all attempts of finding out what you do not know and adjusting accordingly is not okay. A lot of the close mindedness stems from the fact that a majority of Mount Washington community members have known nothing different than the 97 percent Caucasian and predominantly Catholic or Protestant society. “Everybody just stays here. A lot of people in my classes say ‘I can’t wait to leave this town’ and then they never do,” stated senior Morgan “J-Town” Lucas, who recieved her nickname when her peers found out she was from Jefferstontown. While opportunities to explore different cultures and demographics are available to nearly every student at Bullitt East, there is a lack of motivation to gain experiences outside of their comfort zone. Doug Osborne, psychology teacher, described how exposure is necessary to diminishing negative prejudice. “By having exposure (i.e. travel) people get to experience different cultures first hand, they get to see for themselves... and usually -hopefullyhave a positive experience.” Just through East alone, there has been a wealth of opportunities to gain that necessary exposure. Whether it was applying for the Dominica trip or attending a culture fair downtown, the chances were there, but only a few have taken advantage of these offers. ww2.bullittschools.org/BEHSLivewire/ 10/25/2013 12:20:17 PM
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