Livewire Vol 5 Issue 7 April 2015

The Final S t r e t c h

NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 1

4/24/2015 2:18:47 PM

Contents

April 2015 Volume 5, Issue 7

Student Life

4 5 6 7 8

Comstock Stocks Local Businesses | Amanda Comstock, business teacher, has been helping students find local parttime jobs.

Fantastic Four | One random student for each grade was chosen for a Q&A

Are Seasonal Jobs Worth it? | A feature on students who have local seasonal part-time jobs.

Spring Time Or Adventure Time? | A look at some of the things to do this spring.

Private Cole | A feature on junior Travis Cole who swore into the military a year earlier than most people do.

10

April 2015

NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 2

8

Th www.belivewire.com 4/24/2015 2:18:49 PM

Sports

12

Back On Track | A feature on this season’s track team.

13

Hitting Over The Net | A look at the tennis teams and their seasons.

13

Academics

10 11

11

Opinion

22 24 26 27

16 18 20

50 Shades Of Controversy |

Staffer Rachel Grant discusses her thoughts on 50 Shades of Grey.

Start Times | Two staffers go

head to head over whether or not school start times should change.

College Ready? | Executive

Editor Layne Cutler discusses the JCTC 12x12 program.

Study Halls | The editorial board talks about whether or not study halls are beneficial.

21

Get Your Engines Ready | A run down of the new engineering class offered at East.

AP Advancements | A preview of the new program, Advanced Kentucky, that will affect AP kids in the 2015-2016 school year.

Riding Through Life | Some of East’s students open up about their favorite hobby: riding horses.

Track Traditions | Students and staff at East discuss their favorite Derby day traditions.

Recruiting Advice | Upper-

classmen athletes who have committed to compete in college share advice for others wanting to do the same.

Derby Day Traditions | Assistant

Executive Editor Eliza Love shares her opinion about Derby and its importance.

adviser editor-in-chief executive editor assistant executive editor business & advertising cocopy editor cocopy editor copy editor copy editor copy editor sports editor creative editor photo editor

Larry Steinmetz Haley Steinmetz Layne Cutler Eliza Love Allison Drake Rachel Grant Isaac Shelton Jessica Mattingly Lindsay Renneisen Sydney Riley Grant Skaggs Kim Flaherty Gavin Blain

staff writers Tiffany Prell Brooke Collins Jasmine Meeks Derek Rogers Kyleigh Payne Jaiden Gividen Maggie Wisdom

Taylor Hollifield Savanah Hagan Luke Young Eric Sanchez Haley Snyder Brennah Denkhoff

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, and increased to eight in the 2014-15 school year. The staff remains committed 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 belivewire.com.

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 withheld 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.

The final stretch Layout: Haley Steinmetz NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 3

Cover: Kim Flaherty

3 4/24/2015 2:18:53 PM

Student Life

COMSTOCK STOCKS LOCAL BUSINESSES

By Tiffany Prell

tiffany.prell23@gmail.com | TiffffMPrell23

C

omstock, co-op, and cash.

Mrs. Amanda Comstock has been helping students find co-op opportunities for their senior year.

Bullitt East has been offering the opportunity for students to co-op at different jobs for many years. Co-oping gives kids the opportunity to find their strengths and interests, gain experience in the workforce, and a chance to earn some money while doing it. This program is available for all seniors with the access to do so.

At Bullitt East, certain seniors choose to co-op every year. This means they will take four classes a day and then leave and start working at the job of their choice. For Comstock, chairman of the business department at East, this is part of her job. Last year was her first year helping out with the program. She starts by sending out emails to businesses asking if they’re interested in helping the school. If they are, interviews are set up for students to see who the company wishes to hire. Students can also work at other jobs they find on their own.

Recently, Comstock took interested students on a field trip to visit three businesses. They went to State Farm, The Peoples Bank, and Kentucky Farm Bureau. The students got to talk with managers and view the working environment.

Comstock loves seeing the students who April 2015 NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 4

participate grow throughout the year. “It’s really neat for me to see the personal growth of students who work at jobs that most teenagers normally don’t. It’s also fabulous to see the opportunities open up to students and how they mature quickly,” said Comstock.

“Mrs. Comstock has showed me so many opportunities to help me grow as an individual.

It’s also cleared up stuff and opened my eyes to all the responsibilities of a real job.”

-Kameryn Hoffman

He is thinking of working at KORT Physical Therapy where Comstock is helping him contact. Kromenacker is thinking of being a physical therapist after high school. “This is really going to help me with my future career.

I’ll learn if I like that type of job or not,” said Kromenacker.

As far as the program being available to all, it takes a certain student to do the job. “I’m torn.

I loved high school. I loved being there. The experience was great for me, so I would have hated co-oping. I don’t think it’s meant for everybody, but it is good for those who want it,” said Comstock.

Junior Kameryn Hoffman is interested in co-oping her senior year. She attended the field trip over jobs and really enjoyed it. “Mrs. Comstock has showed me so many opportunities to help me grow as an individual. It’s also cleared up stuff and opened my eyes to all the responsibilities of a real job,” said Hoffman.

She may decide to work at a radio station that Comstock suggested, but wasn’t on the field trip.

Another interested junior that attended the trip was Derrick Kromenacker. www.belivewire.com 4/24/2015 2:18:55 PM

Gunner Mahoney 1. I might go to the Derby with

my family.

2. 9 3. Derby is a holiday Kentuckians

celebrate for fun.

1. Probably going to a derby par-

ty, but not going to watch it at all.

2. 15 3. I mean I’m all for anyone that’s

into it, but I don’t really care about it all that much. I’ve never been to Churchill Downs.

up close and personal

Four people chosen at random to be featured in the Livewire for you the student body to get to know who you are walking the halls with.

1. What are you doing to celebrate the derby?

2. What is your lucky number?

3. What is your opinion of the derby?

10223 Kentucky 44, Mount Washington, KY 40047 (502) 538-4538

Layout: Tiffany Prell and Kyleigh Payne NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 5

1. I will probably go to watch the

horses race at the Derby.

2. 3 3. I think its cool that Kentucky

has something that we all share

1.

My parents are throwing a party.

2. 7 3. It’s

alright I don’t think it should be a holiday though.

BY KYLEIGH PAYNE

kyleigh.payne@bullitt.kyschools.us | @kyleigh_payne

Cassie Beaton

SALON

Alyssa Heun

538

Blake Switzer

INSURANCE Options 10223 Highway 44 East Mount Washington, KY, 40047 (502) 538-4955 www.insoptions.com

DAVID LANGLEY

5

4/24/2015 2:19:02 PM

ARE SEASONAL JOBS WORTH IT? by luke young

clyoung1234@gmail.com | @camlyoung

A

re seasonal jobs worth it?

Tis’ the season to get a job

According to jobsearch.com, seasonal jobs, or seasonal employment, is listed on their website as, “employment that does not continue year-round but usually recurs.” There are many different kinds of jobs that are considered seasonal, such as working at the ballpark, Kentucky Kingdom, on a farm, and many more. People like seasonal jobs because they can work around school and sports, or just get to have a break from working.

Seasonal jobs have become a more regular occurrence in our area. People, like sophomore Ryan Roby have taken advantage of this. Roby works at Honeybaked Hams, and has worked there for about 6 months. While Honeybaked Hams is open year round, they employ extra help around holiday seasons, like right now for Easter. When asked if he enjoyed only working certain seasons, Roby said, “Yeah, I love it; it gives me a break from work.”

Roby says that each time he goes back to Honeybaked Hams his pay changes. Roby doesn’t work anywhere else, so an inconsistent pay could be an inconvenience because he has no other source of income. Roby said that if he could find a job that doesn’t conflict with his current job, he would take it and work both jobs “if the money is right.”

The question remains. Are seasonal jobs worth it? Many would say that the inconsistent times and pay would make having a seasonal job a bad choice. But, others like the time off that they can focus on school and sports. Whichever side you take, seasonal jobs are a great alternative for people who play sports, are in a club, or take honors and AP classes.

There are plenty of examples of kids that work seasonal jobs. One is freshman Hunter Hardin who works on a farm in the summer and fall.

He says he loves working on the farm. “I’d much rather pitch hay than work fast food,” said Hardin.

Hardin enjoys being able to work around his schedule. He says that if he has a project or activity he knows about in advance, he can work around that. He also said that if he could find another job that doesn’t conflict with his current job, he would take it. “If they pay as well as I get paid on the farm,” Hardin said.

Business Hours Monday-Friday Saturday Sunday

9 AM - 5 PM 9 AM - 1 PM CLOSED

327 Eastbrooke Pointe Drive, Suite 1 00 Mount Washington, KY 40047 Phone: (502) 538-4362 Fax: 502-538-3551 myeyedoc@mooneyeyecare.com April 2015 NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 6

www.belivewire.com 4/24/2015 2:19:03 PM

SPRING TIME ADVENTURES B Y M A G G IE W I S D O M

@maggie.wisdom@gmail.com | @_maggielorraine

H

ave you ever wondered what fun, free things you could do this spring that are close to home? There are quite a few actually, and one of them is the river bottoms in Mt. Washington. This is a bridge that quite a few people go to hangout, take pictures, and tag the bridge. Some might even swim in the river below. Overall, it’s a place to hangout with some friends.

Another thing to visit is the walking bridge located in downtown Louisville. This is a walking bridge over the Ohio River that you can walk over, ride bicycles, take pictures on, and other fun things you can do with friends.

Something else to do over spring is go to the waterfront park, which is also located in downtown Louisville. This is the park that the walking bridge is on (or over). Being a park, there are swing sets, slides, and other park activities.

In the summer time, (or after labor day) it turns into a water park. There are sprinklers, and other water shooting fun filled things.

Of course shopping is still an option, and the new outlet malls just opened in Simpsonville.

Or, somewhere closer to home would be the Jefferson mall, St. Matthews, or Oxmoor, mall which are all in Louisville. The movies are always an option no matter what time it is, and Mt. Washington has Keystone Cinemas. If you’re wanting a little fun in the sun or some arcade games, Kart Kountry in Shepherdsville is as well.

If you’re more of an outdoors person, a good place for you to visit this spring would be Bernheim Forest located in Clermont, Kentucky. This is a forest with several trails to hike and explore. There are also parks, located all around the forest. You can fish in certain areas, or feed the fish. There are many different buildings around the forest that have fossils and facts about the animals located inside the forest with different activities to do as well.

This is something that you could check out during the spring.

Sophomore Alex Monahan expresses her opinion on the riverbottoms in Mt.Washington, “I like the riverbottoms because it’s a place where you can get away from everything. A lot of people from our school go down there so I like how everyone has their name or something to represent themselves tagged somewhere, whether it be on the bridge or not. It makes it feel more like a tradition to go down there every once in a while.”

Sophomore Brittany Hough expresses her opinion on the walking bridge in Louisville “Honestly, I think it’s a pretty good idea for Louisvillle to have. It offers a fun way to get outdoors and active. I like being able to walk from Kentucky to Indiana over the Ohio, that’s probably lame but I find it super cool, and guilty as charged. There’s a cute little ice cream shop at the end on the Indiana side.”

Shear Pleasure

502-538-3218

Monday-Saturday

Lola Roy, Theresa Dunn, Cindy Ward Cosometologist

771 N Bardstown Rd. Layout: Luke Young and Maggie Wisdom NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 7

Mt. Washington, KY 7 4/24/2015 2:19:03 PM

April 2015 NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 8

www.belivewire.com 4/24/2015 2:19:03 PM

PRIVATE COLE B Y : T AYLOR H OLLIFIEL D

taylor.hollifield0@gmail.com | @TayTay_Marie01

P

rivate Cole will be guarding our nation.

Getting a head start on his career, junior Travis Cole has just recently sworn in to the National Guard a year earlier than most.

Starting his career early gives Cole more of an advantage than most teenagers. Having achieved his Eagle Scout, the highest level of attainment in the various tests of skill and endurance set by the Boy Scout organization, he is able to go in a higher rank than other privates. While there are other branches to choose from, Cole decided to start out with the Guard.

“Honestly I went ahead and swore in early so, that way, after my senior year I would be able to just go ahead and officially start my career,” said Cole. Starting out, he’ll head to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, which is a military base, on June 2nd for basic training. Cole will stay there until August 27th and once he comes back he’ll immediately start his senior year of high school.

Once all the training is over with, Cole plans to go to college, where he will learn to become a game warden. A game warden is the line of defense between nature and humans. Basically they’re a law enforcement that enforces laws on hunting and fishing. Being in the Guard gives him an advantage due to them supporting their guardsman’s educational goals. Therefore, Cole’s entire college tuition is already paid for.

Troy Gibson, recruiter, said, “Since Travis has his eagle scout the National Guard will recognize that, and it will allow him to go into basic as an E2.” Most privates who are just starting out go in as an E1, which is a first class private.

Therefore, Cole gets to go in a rank higher than the other privates starting out.

Layout: Taylor Hollifield NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 9

Cole is also in ROTC, but the Guard could only recognize him for one thing, his eagle scout or for ROTC. If he were recognized for ROTC he wouldn’t have been able to go in a rank higher. Even though being in ROTC doesn’t technically benefit him, it has prepared him to know what to expect at training, such as the physical and mental strength needed to be in the military.

However, the National Guard is only parttime and Cole only had to sign an eight year contract, where he’ll only have to be active for six years and two years non-active. Active just means that he will have to keep going to drill, training, and non-active means he won’t have to do drill anymore but he could still get called to duty. Cole is signed up to be entering the National Guard as an MP (military police).

Austin Coulter, second class private, said, “The National Guard will be good for Travis to start out with because it’s only part-time. If he decides that the military is something he’d rather do than being a game warden then he could always switch to a different branch and go in full time, as most do. If not, his college tuition is still paid for and he can successfully become a game warden.”

“I, Travis Alexander Cole, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Kentucky against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to them; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the Governor of Kentucky and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to law, regulations, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, so help me God,” said Cole confidently swearing to protect the United States.

9 4/24/2015 2:19:06 PM

get your engines ready

academics

B Y ERI C S AN C H E Z

NamesSanchez@gmail.com | @NamesChiz

Mr. Vincents 3-D printed hall pass.

The engineering class has software that allows them to design 3-D shapes and then print them.

“I just opened up the software and designed the pass,” said Vincent.

G

et your engines ready, it’s time to go to class!

There is a new engineering pathway offered at Bullitt East.

One of the new pathways offered up at Bullitt East in an engineering pathway. The pathway is exclusive, only being offered to sophomores and two seniors.The class/pathway is being taken by students to get a head start in the engineering world.

During the 14’-15’ school year, the new engineering pathway has opened up to students.

In this pathway there is a two period part of the day in which the actual engineering class takes place, then World Civilization and HAVPA are taken online. The reason for the two periods is so that the majority of the class, sophomores, can also have a study hall with this class and other required classes at Bullitt East.

Within the class, students learn mostly through group work and computer work. “We learn from project based assignments and real world engineering design utilizing actual industry CAD software,” said Darrell Vincent, physics and engineering teacher.

“There can be a lot of group work, like the time we had to reverse engineer a car. It’s also a lot of work with the software we use, CAD. We also have a 3-Dimensional printer that we can use,” said Adam Moore (11).

According to the official site for this pathway, http://www.pltw.org/our-programs/engineering, “Students focus on the process of defining and solving a problem, not on getting the ‘right’ answer.”

“We will be working on certification as a school so that students can get college engineering credit,” said Vincent about the class.

With this class being taught at Bullitt East, it is one of thirty- three high schools in the state that has this option. Technically, only sophomores are allowed to start on the pathway, however two seniors, Tate Hatfield and Brooke Collins, managed to find themselves on the roster. The pathway is only offered to sophomores so they can complete it throughout their high school career. “It made sense to start with that group so they could complete the pathway,” stated Vincent. In order to get in the class, the seniors had to have special recommendation.

April 2015 NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 10

Tate Hatfield is one of the two seniors allowed in the class. “I took this class because I want to do something with engineering out of highschool,” says Hatfield.

This class is offered at Bullitt East to allow certain students to pursue their chosen career choice a little earlier in life.

“We have more students than ever interested in the engineering fields, and a program that offers a head start for these students was the next logical step in that progression,” states Vincent.

“I plan on building drums, so I need an background in acoustics, physics, and engineering,” said Moore.

With more and more pathways opening up and being started, Bullitt East is offering a great deal of diversity for students.

4810 North Preston Hwy, Shepherdsville, KY 40165

Dust-B-Gone Cleaning Services

Toni Cissell (502)523-6959 www.belivewire.com 4/24/2015 2:19:08 PM

AP ADVANCEMENTS B Y J E S S I C A M A T T IN G LY

jmr99253@gmail.com | @jmattingly_

H

ard work really does pay off.

Bullitt East will be adopting a new AP program that will be active for the 2015-16 school year.

The new AP program, Advanced Kentucky, is a grant that will provide help to East students.

For every math, science, and english test that an advanced placement student passes, they will receive $100 dollars. With this improvement, Bullitt East students will be better prepared for their exams and college.

In simple terms, BEHS has invested in a three year grant that will provide help for our advanced placement students and teachers.

Training for teachers, mentors, and incentives for students will be included in this new program. The goal is to get more students involved in AP classes so they will gain college credit and experience entering college.

Mr. Fox, math teacher at Bullitt East, said, “I think nine different schools have been selected to be a part of it [the AP program].

North Bullitt and Bullitt Central have already previously been selected.”

With this improvement come incentives to attract more students to join AP, and to reward the students that work hard. For every AP math, science, and English exam the student passes, they will receive $100. This money can be used for college payments, or it can just

Layout: Eric Sanchez and Jessica Mattingly NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 11

serve as a feeling of accomplishment. This a huge deal considering the money goes to a student just for passing, and the student can then go and use the money however they wish.

prepared to pass AP exams because our AP teachers will be better trained to prepare them. It’s one more step toward making our students college ready.”

Christa Sego, senior and AP student, said, “Receiving money from a program like this a huge deal. Especially since you can spend it on whatever you want. I think this will make a lot more students want to join the program.”

A drawback of honors and advanced classes is the summer assignments. An advantage to the new program is that there will be NO assignments for students to do over summer vacation. This is just to lure more students into the program.

Going along with that, the teachers also receive incentives. The staff sets goals for themselves, and if they reach or exceed the goal, money gets pulled from the funding to act as a bonus. For an example, a teacher might say they want 15 out of 20 students to pass their exams. If the reach or surpass the goal, then that’s when the money comes into play.

The new program will be active next school year.

As mentioned before, the benefits from this new program are phenomenal. The grant will provide training and mentoring to the AP teachers at Bullitt East. By doing so, our teachers will be a lot more prepared to help the students succeed. Also, the money provided will reward the students for their hard work in the classroom.

Dana Steinmetz, counselor at East, said, “Hopefully, more of our students will be more

11 4/24/2015 2:19:09 PM

Sports

BACK ON TRACK

School Records

B Y S Y D NEY RILEY

sydney.riley99@gmail.com | @sydgirl99

E

Girls:

ast is setting the pace for the season.

Track is about to take its course, and the Bullitt East team is ready.

The track team has had to face a few obstacles while preparing for the season. The main goal of the season is to always be the best they can be. The senior leaders not only help their team, but have set personal goals for themselves as well.

Most people may think that the track team is strictly about running. However, that is not the case. They do multiple forms of training before the season begins.

“At practice we lift occasionally and of course we run, but there is more to it than that. We also have to practice coming out of blocks and relay teams have to practice handoffs,” said senior Nick Cooper.

competitive in our region meet and qualify as many persons as possible to compete in the state meet. [We] would like to be a top three team in the region,” said Raley.

This year, the team has many senior leaders.

Some of the seniors include Teekay Brown, Michael Montgomery, Nick Cooper, Trase Milburn, Shelby Holt, Josh Dierson, Brandon Brown, Morgan Utterback, Sam Lowe, and Travis Minogue. Other than team goals, some of them have set personal goals they would like to achieve this season.

“I just want to beat the school record. I’m already very close,” said Cooper. His goal is to break the school record in the 100 and 200 meter dash.

Michael Montgomery, a senior who has been on the team his entire high school career, has also set a personal goal.

However, this season has been more challenging than most. The track team has had to face many challenges that they normally do not have to overcome.

“A goal that I make for myself every year is to make it to the state meet, but specifically this year, I want to place in the top ten,” said Montgomery, who competes in the 800 meter dash.

“I had a heart attack in January and will miss some practices. Head assistant coach Jessica Floyd just had a baby and is still out. The condition of our track is not good so it is hard to do quality training here. And we could always use more athletes,” said head coach, Lenny Raley. Training began in January, but it was a challenge to workout because of the severely cold weather conditions.

“Making it to state last year is my best accomplishment so far, but I’m really hoping to break the school record this year, which would top that,” said Montgomery.

Although track is more of an individual sport, they are still a team. They come together for one main goal: to be the best that they can be.

Whether the team is training together or competing individually, the team will work extra hard this season to help individuals and the team as a whole reach their goals.

“The main goal is to always be the best we can be at the end of the season. We want to be

100 meter dash: Michelle Wilson 1985 time: 12.27 200 meter dash: Meghan Roby 2012 time: 25.34 Discus Throw: Jackie Stevens 2009 distance: 122’-03” 3200 meter run: Sierra Poppell 2013 time: 11:24.13 Triple Jump: Teekay Brown 2013 distance: 34’-08.75” Long Jump: Andy Anthony 1983 distance: 16’-10”

Boys:

100 meter dash: Bobby Harrison 2008 time: 11.09 200 meter dash: Bobby Harrison 2008 time: 22.44 Discus Throw: Trevor Troutman 2011 distance: 186’-02” 3200 meter run: Isaac Shelton 2013 time: 9:48.85 Triple Jump: Bryan Krugman 2001 distance: 42’-04” Long Jump: Tony Brown 1983 distance: 21’-05.50”

$8 Haircut 99

Bring in ad for price. One ad per person. Only Valid at Great Clips Mount Washigton.

2 3 4

NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 12

FINISH

1 April 2015

www.belivewire.com 4/24/2015 2:19:10 PM

Hitting Over the Net B y b r e n n a h d e n kh o f f bdenkhoff83@gmail.com

T

he net has been raised for the Bullitt East tennis team.

The Bullitt East tennis team is working hard this season to make it the best one yet.

There are many reasons why the Bullitt East tennis players started playing tennis. The players have many individual goals set for this season. To reach these goals, they have to work hard both individually and as a team, and there are many benefits to this.

Although some may have just sparked an interest in tennis during their high school career, there are some that have been playing or just interested in it for a long time. One student who had just had interest, but never actually played until high school, is senior Taylor Carter. “I have always loved the sport and it seemed like a really neat sport to learn.

I loved watching pro tennis growing up, and when the opportunity came about to play for Bullitt East, I took the chance,” Carter said.

Another student, junior Jacob Staples, has not only been interested in tennis for a long time, but has been playing since 6th grade. “My uncle got me interested and I watched it on TV a lot,” Staples said.

tennis at Bullitt East. “My main goal this year for tennis is to not only win a match, but to try and do well no matter what,” Gaskins said.

Although this isn’t his last year of playing tennis for Bullitt East, Staples also has a goal he’s reaching for this season. “My goal is to have 17 wins this season and to remain undefeated at home,” Staples said.

Armstrong also has a goal for the boys’ team this season. “My goal for the team is to be much improved at the end of the season compared to when we started,” said Armstrong.

With the tennis team’s practicing and game schedule it may be hard juggling tennis between school, work, personal life, etc. The team can have up to four games in a week and can have practices every day they don’t have games. Their practices last about an hour and a half.

Although it may be difficult at times, there are many benefits that come through playing tennis at Bullitt East and even playing it in general. “Tennis has allowed me to meet many new people and has provided me with a close group of friends that I get to spend every afternoon with,” said Carter.

Also a student that’s been playing tennis for a very long time, even before Staples, is senior Hannah Gaskins. “I’ve always loved tennis and played it as a hobby with my grandfather since I was nine year old,” said Gaskins.

According to the boys’ tennis head coach, Dustin Armstrong, who has been coaching them for eight years, there are many inexperienced players for the boys team this season.

We are a very inexperienced tennis team as a whole with only returning two starters from last season, Jacob (Staples) and Nick (Starkey).

We have five players that I have been rotating that had never played before this season along with two that had some JV experience from previous season,” Armstrong said.

Whether they’ve been playing it since they were little or just started in high school, every tennis player has goals set in becoming a better tennis player and team as a whole.

Gaskins holds a strong goal that she would like to accomplish for her last year of Layout: Sydney Riley and Brennah Denkhoff NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 13

13 4/24/2015 2:19:15 PM

B Y G A V IN B LAIN gavin.blain@gmail.com

W

ith the year rounding the bend leading to the final stretch, it’s buckle down or get bucked off. Motivation is key to the success of a high school student from beginning to end. Approaching the end of the year, many students often think this is the time for relaxation and procrastination when in reality, it is the opposite. On days that I feel like not getting out of bed, I often lay there and think of my future, and the hope for an amazing one is what I use as my motivation.

What some students don’t understand about grades, in high school especially, is that if a grade on an assignment is lower than the overall grade, it will average out and pull down the overall grade. So saying the usual, “Oh, it’s just one assignment” is not the safest fallback. Keeping a good attitude while moving forward will help you as a student because the grading system is structured to where you must have the saddle reins in hand at all times. Each nine weeks, you receive an overall grade. After the first half of the year, the first two nine week grades are averaged together along with your final scores, outputting a new grade that could, depending on the current and final grade, end up tanking your grade even more.

This is exactly why trotting by in a fast paced race is never truly going to help you win.

As a junior, I have learned that without proper motivation, success cannot be achieved. The dictionary definition of motivation states that motivation is the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way. This means that everyone has motivation; it just all depends on whether or not it is positive or negative. But, you may be wondering- where does the problem lie? If you ask me, it sits in between the two metaphorical barriers called likes and dislikes. If a student does not like a certain class or subject, he or she will automatically begin to retreat from that subject in a variety of ways such as

April 2015 NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 14

www.belivewire.com 4/24/2015 2:19:16 PM

lack of studying, or turning in homework late. But what is misunderstood is exactly how a student makes up a failed credit, and the answer is as simple as summer school. Yes, while you were wishing for summer and lacking motivation in the winter, another student was working very hard with a lot of motivation in preparation for their summer in a pool or on the beach.

At the end of the year, the focus of all students should be to push the hardest that they have all year, ensuring that their grades will be in perfect condition for the end of the year. If a grade come finals is not to a point of salvation or above there is absolutely no fixing it. You will be in for the long haul. To fix this problem, you might as well just sit back and enjoy the horse ride to summer school and work your hardest there while all your friends who did not lack motivation and actually worked hard are enjoying their free time and lounging by the pool. But what if high school isn’t the only place you decide to lack proper motivation? Then what you can expect from life is to always see people lounging around the pool. Lacking motivation now come college time will cause it to be increasingly hard to find motivation to finish course work and pursue a career. Most people do not understand that bad grades in college can get you kicked out of college and leave you with nothing but minimum wage jobs. It may be hard to stomach at first, but it is a harsh reality for some.

Some things I like to think about when I am lacking in motivation and need a little pick-me-up is the fear of not making enough money in the future.

You may be thinking this person is crazy; why would you want to think of such a stressful thing? Well what exactly is a better motivator than stress? High school has this wonderful thing called “stress� hidden everywhere within its halls. But what people tend not to grasp is the concept of using stress as a sort of motivation, and often, people get stuck and give up, rather than moving on and pushing forward through assignments. Stress motivates me to keep moving forward, working harder, and pushing for a better overall grade.

Layout: Eric Sanchez NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 15

15 4/24/2015 2:19:16 PM

RIDING THROUGH LIFE B Y I S AA C S H EL T ON

JIShelton362@gmail.com | @Isaacshelton1

T

rotting to the beat of a different horse

Several Bullitt East students have either been raised or recently started to ride horses and plan on exploring their passion into their future.

East students have had different ways of encountering the riding lifestyle, but they continue riding together. Riding horses gives riders several satisfactory reasons that will impact their future. Also, being involved in horses can set a path to a brighter future.

From a young age experienced riders like senior Emily King and sophomore Jacob Orr have been raised around horses. Other riders like Lauren Barbee have just started riding as a passion. After beginning a relationship with Orr, Barbee has started riding every other day.

Orr actually bought Barbee her first horse, Flicka. Right now Barbee and Flicka just ride with Orr and his horse Rain on the local trails.

Barbee did not only meet her boyfriend on the trails, but other friends such as King. “Having a background with horses gave me sense, because it has allowed me to connect with other people,” stated Barbee.

Riding horses is no different from any other sport. There are multiple competitions involving riding horses such as dressage, jumping, racing, and barrel racing. King, competes in local county barrel racing through the late spring to early fall. The rider has to go around three barrels on the horse in a specific pattern.

The fastest rider that completes the course first wins. The winner of the race can earn awards and money.

Having knowledge about horse’s helps students in their agricultural classes and extracurricular activities. Agricultural classes offer basic equine and other livestock anatomy and care. This new program doesn’t offer in depth classes at this time, but is still growing in popularity and experience each year. A lot of the same students are part of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) club at B. E. The members of FFA learn new material from the agricultural course and from their previous knowledge about animals. “Through FFA we use the things we learn in class to compete against other FFA members in livestock and horse judging competitions. Our FFA chapter has a livestock judging team,” stated King, president of her FFA chapter.

Riding horses gives the rider experience that transitions into colleges and respectable careers. After riding for fourteen years King expects to attend the University of Kentucky and major in Equine Science and Management.

This career pathway specializes in animal biology to agricultural marketing.

Barbee is a FFA reporter, a reporter is in the advertising portion of the club, and she hopes to receive a higher position in the club next year. After high school Barbee hopes to specialize in large animals and is glad that she has a background in riding horses to prepare her for the future.

Whether its next year or the next decade there’s a possible future in horses, there are several career pathways that involve taking care and learning about horses. Having a familiar background with horses prepares every student for any future.

153 North Bardstown Road Mount Washington, KY 40047 (502) 251-5359

www.gamedaygraphicsky.com April 2015 NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 16

www.belivewire.com 4/24/2015 2:19:16 PM

photo submitted by: Jacob Orr

photo submitted by: Jacob Orr

Several Bullitt East FFA members spend their free time riding trails.

photo submitted by: Emily King

Layout: Isaac Shelton NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 17

photo submitted by: Emily King

17 4/24/2015 2:19:17 PM

T R AC K T R A D I T I O N S B Y H ALEY S NY D ER

haleylsnyder@gmail.com | @haleysnyder3

L

ouisville- the only city that celebrates two weeks for a two minute race.

Kentucky is known for its horse racing, and people all around have different ways of celebrating the fastest two minutes in sports.

Deshia Harris, English teacher, has her own theory on “the fastest two minutes in sports”.

“All the hype and build up leads to a race that lasts less than two minutes. Most other sporting events require more time...” Said Harris.

So, whether you spend Derby day at the track, or watching from home, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the fun.

“We go to a huge derby party every year,” said Morgan Gentry, sophomore. “There are people playing horseshoe, cornhole, football, volleyball, soccer, the whole nine yards. While we’re waiting for the Derby to start, we watch the other races and bet on horses throughout the day,” Gentry added. “We have a huge feast, too; everyone really enjoys themselves.”

The Kentucky Derby is the oldest consecutively held thoroughbred horse race in America. It is the first race of three (the Preakness in midMay and the Belmont in early June) in the Triple Crown of races, which has only been won by eleven horses since 1919.

The first Kentucky Derby was held on May 17th, 1875, which included 15 horses, running 1.5 miles from start to finish.

Today, about 20 horses run at a distance of 1.25 miles. The fastest Derby was run by the famous Secretariat, the only horse to ever finish in under two minutes. Along with the derby, the Kentucky Oaks, held on the Friday before derby each year. This race features only fillies, (young female horses) and the grand prize features a blanket of lilies, rather than roses. Hence the term, “Lilies for the Fillies.”

April 2015 NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 18

Others spend their time in the grand stands, watching the races from their boxes. Harris is a veteran of the Derby festivities, attending both Oaks and the Kentucky Derby for the past 8 years, along with Thunder Over Louisville.”It is a work event for us. My husbands’ company brings in guests to entertain during the weekend.” Said Harris. “We both look forward to the Derby each year and love meeting new people. I first attended in 2007.”

Harris explained.

“Getting to see all of the beautiful people and my favorite part...getting to walk down and see all the horses in the Paddock before they race.” Said Harris. The horses spend a few minutes in the paddock before being transferred to the gates on the track, while the University of Louisville Marching Band plays “My Old Kentucky Home”.

The atmosphere is something that you have to see to believe according to Harris. “ It is electric, it feels like you have stepped back into the lifestyle and time period of the 1920s.” Said Harris. “Our seats are on the patio at the finish line.

There are always tons of celebrities present. It is so cool to see them socializing with everyone and enjoying themselves.” Harris added.

Next month, the 141st annual Run for the Roses will be held.

However, the celebrations begin far before a victor is crowned. Two weeks before Derby, the festivities kick off with Thunder Over Louisville, which happens to be the largest annually held fireworks show in North America. After the kickoff, other festivities include the Pegasus Parade, the steamboat race, concerts, the Fillies Derby Ball, and more.

R

the comfort of the infield of the track.

AR

Whether you spend Derby at home, with family, or at the track, the possibilities are endless for celebrating in Derby City.

For those who celebrate at the track on Oaks Day or Derby Day, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Students often spend time in the infield, where sponsors set up tents for the enjoyment of everyone in the infield. Guests can bet, eat, drink, and watch the race, all in

Z

Z

Z www.belivewire.com 4/24/2015 2:19:17 PM

T R I V I A T R AC K H ow much d o YO U k n ow about D e r b y?

Q: The Kentucky Derby is called the Run for the Roses because the winning horse is draped with a blanket of roses. How many roses does it take to make the blanket?

A:The red rose becames the official flower of the race in 1904, and it takes 554 red roses to make the blanket.

Q: What song is played as the horses move from the paddock to the starting gate?

A: The University of Louisville Marching Band plays “My Old Kentucky Home� by Stephen Foster.

Q: The mint julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby.

Roughly, how many are served during the Derby?

Q:What horse was the fastest Kentucky Derby winner? Who was the slowest?

A:Secretariat ran the Derby in under two minutes (1:59) in 1973.

The slowest winner was Kingman in 1891 with (2:52) Q: How many horses have won the triple crown-The Kentucky Derby, The Belmont Stakes, and The Preakness Stakes?

A: A total of 11 horses have won the Triple Crown, Sir Barton( 1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977), and Afirmed (1978).

A: Over 100,000 mint juleps are served during the Kentucky Derby.

P Layout: Haley Snyder NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 19

Z 19 4/24/2015 2:19:18 PM

RECRUITING ADVICE B Y D ERE K RO G ER S

derek.rogers108@gmail.com | derek_rogers_

“Never at first shut down a college because you don’t think you’ll like them or haven’t liked them growing up. You have to give yourself variety and then it will make everything much easier to find the right fit with teammates, coaches, and your education.” - Sophomore Lindsey Duvall

“You should avoid saying anything over social media that you wouldn’t want your college coach seeing. Coaches do look at social media. Also, you never know when a coach is watching you. So when you’re playing, always hustle and have a positive attitude because one slip up could get you marked off a college coach’s list.” - Senior Jacob Bowles

“Avoid getting yourself into situations that can ruin all the work you’ve put into your designated sport. If you think it could end your chances of doing the sport you love, remove yourself from the situation before it’s too late.” - 2014 Graduate Cruise Coulter

3.4%

6.5%

94.5% Only 6.5% of high school football players will go on to play college football.

April 2015 NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 20

96.6% Only 3.4% of high school basketball players will play basketball in college.

6%

94% Only 6% of high school baseball players will play college baseball. www.belivewire.com 4/24/2015 2:19:21 PM

DERBY DAY TRADITIONS B Y ELI Z A LO V E

eliza.love29@gmail.com | @liiza24

T

win spires, mint juleps, garland of roses, and “My Old Kentucky Home”- sounds like it’s Derby time in the Commonwealth.

The annual horse race, hosted just thirty minutes away from Mt. Washington, is traditionally on the first Saturday in May. The long awaited race ends a two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. The Derby is a long-distance race for the three-year-old Thoroughbreds, coming in at 1 1/4 miles.

The famous race is not just for Kentucky residents; it’s also for celebrities and royalty. In 2007, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip made an appearance at Churchill Downs. Every year there’s a vast number of celebrities that sit in Millionaire’s Row, such as Kim Kardashian, Jessica Simpson, Lauren Conrad, Miranda Lambert, and Luke Bryan.

The Derby isn’t solely about the horses. The Kentucky Derby is a historical place to see people and be seen. What you’re wearing does matter at the track, especially on Derby day.

First of all, a hat is a must for all spectators.

No matter if you’re sitting in Millionaire’s Row, bleachers, or the infield- a hat is a must.

Some spectators go all out with huge hats, others stick to a traditional one, and some even choose a unique homemade one. A newer trend and alternative to the hat is the fascinator, which is a decorative headpiece. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

With the race being so close to the Mount, Layout: Derek Rogers and Eliza Love NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 21

many people in the area host parties and take the race very seriously. People place bets not only at the track, but also at the parties. In some instances, the betting is taken lightly, but in many cases people bet big money.

Everyone has a thoroughbred that they pick to take home the garland of roses; you can tell when Twitter explodes, and people are “cheering” for their favorite. It’s a big deal when you pick the winning horse in Kentucky.

For the two weeks leading up to the big race, the Kentucky Derby Festival is held in different areas of Louisville. The festival has various events throughout the two-week span including concerts, rides, a balloon fest, and the steamboat race. Those are only a few examples of the vast amount of activities that are available. One of the biggest events during the festival is the Pegasus Parade. The familyfriendly parade includes marching bands, equestrians, bright floats, and characters.

Every year the parade never fails to excite the public of the upcoming Derby race. Perhaps the most popular event, right next to the Derby, is Thunder Over Louisville. Thunder is the nation’s largest annual firework show and also one of the top five air shows in the country.

The fireworks at Thunder are far better than average and a Louisville

tradition. The estimated average attendance is around half a million people. Throughout the entirety of the festival, Derby is looked forward to, and it is evident.

While many locals attend the Derby, people say that the Oaks race is the one for the locals.

The infield is, to say the least, a crazy place. A lot of people compare the infield at both races to Bourbon Street on Mardi Gras. Over 80,000 people pack the infield every Derby, and it is an atmosphere full of fun and laughter that no one forgets. Kentucky Oaks race is one for the three-year-old thoroughbred fillies.

The race is 1 1/8 miles and is held the Friday before the Derby every year. Instead of a garland of roses, the winner is presented with a garland of lilies, more affectionately called “lilies for the fillies.” The fashion attire is still the same as Derby, plus pink-- bright dresses, bowties, am and a whole lot of seersucker.

10239 Highway 44 East Mt. Washington, KY 40047

Come Worship With Us 21 4/24/2015 2:19:22 PM

opinion

FIFTY SHADES O B Y RA C H EL G RAN T

eliza.love29@gmail.com | @liiza24

F

ilthy shades of shame, some might say.

Ever since the popular novel hit the shelves back in 2011, Fifty Shades of Grey has been causing many different controversial disputes across the country.

Society today is so influenced by the media that people will go as far as changing their own appearance to look like a character from a movie. Not only is society prone to conform, but adolescents are even more likely to adapt to ideas they see and hear from the books and big screens. The recently premiered movie Fifty Shades of Grey has caused much controversy over whether is it appropriate for the high school age group or not and what specifies in making this porn-culture storyline inappropriate.

As many things that I’ve learned and heard from my three years of high school so far, I believe that this top selling story isn’t going to do much damage to the minds of teenagers these days.

Yes, I’ve seen the movie and read the book because I wanted to find out what all the big fuss was over and honestly, Fifty Shades of Grey has a bland storyline; I am almost positive I already knew about everything ‘sexual’ in the plot.

I think the reason high schoolers are so obsessed with the story is because they want people to think of them as mature adults who can handle such a movie. Back in February, around the time the movie came out, I remember seeing tweets and posts about how excited people were to go see the movie. I think if you want to go see a film about BDSM, go for it; I sure did. The thing is, though, I didn’t want people to know I saw it. Even when I was reading Fifty Shades of Grey, I put a different book cover over it so nobody would know that I was reading it. I believe that when it comes to media, there’s always going to be books, movies, music and different things that make viewers ogle and criticize it. Everyone is going to have their own opinion about it; they’ll love it, hate it, or just say, “I really don’t care.”

When it comes to the visual representation in the story, junior, Candice Bradford said, “I never really got the presentation of sex in a movie.” For some people it doesn’t make the story any more interest-

April 2015 NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 22

www.belivewire.com 4/24/2015 2:19:22 PM

S OF CONTROVERSY

ing than if sex wasn’t in it at all.

Almost all movies have sexualized content in them these days. I’ve even seen Disney movies with sexual references in them. Personally, I don’t see the point. If it doesn’t add to the storyline in any way, why put it in there? It just puts up borders for younger people to see the movie.

Because of how popular the Fifty Shades series is, everyone has been talking about it.

“I never watched 50 Shades, but I’ve heard enough about it to know what to expect. Nothing more than sex.” said Bradford.

Other people are taking a liking to the recently released movie. “I liked the movie, it was mysterious. I feel as if it was a movie about a less conventional way to show an expression of love between two people,” said Noah Payne, Junior.

When It comes to maturity, I believe that it depends on the person watching the movie. Many sixteen and seventeen year olds still giggle like a six year old when talking about sex. I think it depends on the person watching the movie to see if they can handle it. I believe that most of the teen age group only wants to read the series because they know it has sex in it and not for the literary aspect of it.

East Librarian Kellie Davis said, “I don’t think the book has any literary value; it’s very poorly written.” When it comes to the book being appropriate for high school students, she believes that if teens want to read it, they will find a way to do so.

In my opinion, Fifty Shades of Grey’s plot wasn’t the best, but wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever seen. The director worked hard and believes it is a work of art. If you look at it that way and not some kind of porno, then you can actually get caught up in the storyline and enjoy the movie and book. Everyone is going to have an opinion on such a controversial story whether you don’t care about it at all, absolutely hate it, or are completely in love with Fifty Shades of Grey.

Layout: Rachel Grant NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 23

23 4/24/2015 2:19:22 PM

SLEEP ISN’T EVERYTHING B Y G RAN T S K A G G S

cg.skaggs11@gmail.com | @gucci___guap

A

nother day, another hour.

The new proposed times look at changing the schedule of school times within Bullitt County entirely. The time changes will result in many different scenarios and problems for a variety of people.

But, many people argue back that it’s just a more comfortable situation.

Others who are for the new times, argue the variety of proposed benefits from the new time, including scientific research and studies.

Mrs. Laura Pierce, English II teacher, said, “According to all of the studies listed on the survey, it lists multiple advantages that are given when your start time is later.”

Next year Bullitt County students may or may not see a change in time schedules all throughout the county. The changes including elementary school starting at 7:30 am, middle school starting at 9:30, and high school at 8:30.

If the change does go through, I’m looking at a couple problems myself. I’ll be looking at less time after school,and with the same work.

With basketball and school, most of the year I have to manage my time evenly if I want to even get near done. If the changes go through, practices durations, I assume, will be the same, except pushed back on the clock. So I may be looking at getting home near the 6:00-7:00 hour range. Being that I’m also taking multiple honors and AP classes, that’s just an insane amount of work in less time most days. I’m also looking at how brother is going to get home He is six years old at the moupset and uncomfortable when My family, as well as many really afford to spend money on are going to have to make a separate

The survey she states has information proposed by scientists, researchers, and other studies that help defend their case.

Research including natural wake up/sleep cycles, biological reasons, fewer driving accidents, and it also involves less depressive behavior.

my and watched over. ment, and he gets he is home alone. other students, can’t after school care, so we plans for those in need.

Though there are many points that the new times propose, some of the benefits may not be true. It’s a popular opinion that even if students get to wake up later, they will just go to sleep later. Also, the total amount of time a high school student outside of school has along with extracurricular activities is cut even shorter.

Zach Taylor, sophomore golf player, said,”Since afternoons are shortened, I’ll probably have to wake up at the same exact time next year just to get my homework finished before school. Myself and many others are taking three AP classes and a couple honors classes, which means a lot of homework.”

Reese said, “It’s for one hour, plus up later.”

just like delaying everything teenagers are just going to stay

Jake Reese, sophomore baseball player, said, “ It wouldn’t benefit me and other athletes because no matter what practice lengths are still going to be the same time leaving us less time to do homework.”

April 2015 NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 24

www.belivewire.com 4/24/2015 2:19:23 PM

PUSHING BACK HOURS PUSHES FOR SUCCESS B Y ALLI S ON D RA K E

alllison.drake14@gamil.com | @allisondrakee

E

arly to bed and early to rise makes students unhealthy, unrested, and unwise.

Keeping start times for Bullitt County public schools on the current schedule is not promoting the best learning environment, especially for high school students.

While many students were hesitant about the proposed school start times, nation-wide research indicates that current school start/end times are not benefitting student’s physical and mental health. Not only later start times help students, but they will benefit the schools overall as well.

As of April 15th, the Board of Education officially announced their decision to not change school start times in Bullitt County. After conducting an online survey, which had nearly 6,500 responses, the Board determined that current start times worked best for the community, despite research by the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) that indicated high school should start later than what is currently practiced in Bullitt County. “Though [the results are] equally divided, those opposed are not just a little opposed,” explained Superintendent Keith Davis, “ a significant are strongly opposed.” Davis theorized that if the Board did follow through with the proposal time changes, it could lead to a loss in support of the schools and their programs by almost 50 percent of their current supports. “This is a price that is likely not worth paying,” Davis concluded.

At the forefront of reasons as to why school times should be changed is the mental health of all students of each grade level will be greatly benefited. Because of puberty, there is a shift in teens sleep-wake cycle.

Therefore, adolescents get their best sleep between the hours of 11 p.m. and 8 a.m.. In a study done by the AAP, it was found that middle and high school students that began school later in the day are reported to feel less tired throughout the day, have less tardies, and a better academic-performance than students who started at an earlier time. There was also a significant increase in test scores in schools with delayed start times in a report published by the Brookings Institute, and also found that disadvantaged kids benefited by nearly double with the later times.

Current Elementary School Times 9 a.m. - 3:35 p.m.

Current Elementary School Times 7:40 a.m. - 2:20 p.m.

Current Middle School Times 8 a.m. - 2:55 p.m.

Current Middle School Times 9:15 a.m. - 4:10 p.m.

Current High School Times 7:20 a.m. - 2:05 p.m.

Proposed High School Times 8:30 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.

Not only do schools with later start times have positive gains academically, but they also provide safer environments for students as well as the immediate community. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, after delaying high school start times in Lexington, Kentucky, by one hour there was a decrease in the average crash rate for teenaged drivers by 16.5 percent. Later high school start times will allow for better driving conditions for students, thus lowering commuting hassles for other community members.

Layout: Allison Drake NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 25

A primary adversary of the later start times for school is students will struggle even more than they currently do to balance out-of-school activities. Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors are all eligible to have part-time jobs, which often start right after school, and with school starting at a 8:30 and ending at 3:20, they might have an even bigger rush to leave on times. after factoring in the monstrous traffic jam that occupies Bullitt East’s parking lot everyday, one can only imagine how stressed a student will get trying not to clock in late for work.

However, it is a general understanding that schools comes before work, meaning that employers should respect the fact that as a student, your school priorities triumph over your work duties, and that you should not be penalized for having work at 3:30 when school let out 10 minutes prior. Student employees should act responsibly and ask for their shifts to be pushed back to a more reasonable time instead of stressing over something that is easily fixed. Don’t worry over losing hours, either, because according to Kentucky state labor laws, minors 14-15 years old can work a max of three hours up until 7 p.m. on school days, while minors 16-17 are allowed up to six hours and can work no later than 10:30 p.m.. Therefore, any high school worker can begin working a shift at 4-4:30 p.m. and still work a full amount of hours and not have to fret over leaving school early to be on time to work.

The same struggle is apparent with student athletes.

Pushing back school times would also delay when sport practices can start, which if every team had its own practice area this wouldn’t be a big deal. However, other than the football, baseball, and softball teams, many sports have to share practice space. In many cases, one team would practice right after school, while another waits for them to be over so they can begin their own. If this was to happen on the later school schedule, practices that are already getting out around 8 p.m. would be getting out closer to 9 or 10 at night.

There are two solutions to the problem at hand. First, shorten practice times, which is equivalent to asking a coach to give up for the season. This leads to the second solution; rather than Team A always practicing first and Team B getting stuck with the later practices, have the coaches other each team that share a practice area work out an agreement for alternating practice times.

Its evident that we do not live in a perfect world; there are many factors that keep schools from having a schedule that is 100 percent feasible for everyone. However, when it comes down to it, we must put our priorities in line. Education is a driving factor of our society and culture. If we are willing to hinder the mental growth of our youth over inconveniences that have simple solutions, then what have we come to as a community?

25 4/24/2015 2:19:24 PM

With AP classes, a student must receive a three or higher on the AP test to get the college credit. With JCTC classes, a student only has to receive a passing grade in the class to get the college credit. Colleges across the board, though, vary in what college credits they accept to be transferred from an AP or JCTC class. “The credits are most transferrable to state colleges,” Roeder said.

While getting out of East may be the biggest pro for some, many claim that to be the biggest con. “You miss out on half of senior or junior year. You miss having lunch with your friends and going to pep rallies,” Barr said. The senior year “experience” does take a hit with this program, and for that reason, it’s not for everyone. Students in the JCTC 12x12 program are somewhat out of the loop, and while counselors do their best to spread news, it is essentially up to the students to remain updated.

COLLEGE READY? B Y LAYNE C U T LER laynec17@gmail.com

A

re you a high school student or a college freshman?

The Jefferson Community and Technical College 12x12 program allows BE students different opportunities for their junior and senior years.

Students participating in JCTC 12x12 attend East for three or four classes a day, then leave to go to the JCTC campus for classes. This program gives the opportunity to acquire college credits during high school, along with providing other benefits. While JCTC 12x12 is great for some, it does have downfalls that deter many.

few classes. “I like getting college credit and leaving [BE] at 10:30,” said senior and JCTC student Dustin Roeder.

JCTC classes also aren’t Monday through Friday. So, for JCTC 12x12 students, if they don’t have a class on the JCTC campus that day, they are done after third or fourth period. These students are also free to eat lunch whenever and wherever they wish, as they aren’t at BE during that time.

There is a difference in taking AP classes and in participating in JCTC 12x12. Both options give a weighted grade on a GPA, but actually obtaining college credits is a different matter.

“It’s an amazing opportunity, but I don’t think it’s for everyone,” said Barr. Barr knows that many students are on the line about the JCTC 12x12 program, and hopes that JCTC will decide to teach one or two classes at East’s campus in order to open up more options.

Schoenlaub recommends 12x12 to “anyone with motivation and anyone who wants to get a few basic courses for college down.”

In the end, doing JCTC 12x12 is a big choice to make. For some, a change of scenery is needed. After three long years at BE, some students need to get out and mix things up.

But, many can’t stand the thought of missing out on any senior opportunities, so 12x12 isn’t the option for them. No matter what schedule a student chooses, though, it needs to satisfy them during their senior year. Weigh out the pros and cons, and the choice will be obvious.

The program requires participants to take two JCTC classes a semester, equating to four per school year. Each class is three credit hours, so just one year in the program gives a high school student twelve college credit hours.

One major advantage JCTC 12x12 offers is taking college classes at a highly discounted rate.

“It’s about half the price of normal tuition,” said counselor Crystal Barr. Also, many choose to take their general education classes out of the way through this program. General education classes are usually required to be taken by all students at all colleges, so getting these mandatory classes out of the way at a discounted price is a huge benefit.

Senior Alexis Schoenlaub decided to partake in JCTC 12x12 to get a jump start on college. “I think it is a great opportunity for anyone going to college because they get a head start while in high school,” Schoenlaub said.

To many, the main factor of choosing JCTC 12x12 is simply being able to leave East after a April 2015 NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 26

SURFACE MAGIC

“Making your old surfaces look new again” Nick Hawkins

Faux stone countertop fabrication Tub/shower reapir & refinishing Tile repair & installation

(502) 819-7777 www.belivewire.com 4/24/2015 2:19:25 PM

VS STUDY HALLS sta f f e d ito r i a l

S

tudy hall or sleeping hall?

Some students at East take advantage of having an hour of time to do homework, while others use that time to socialize and sleep.

Bullitt East provides students with the opportunity to have the elective of study hall. Many students use this time wisely and get all of their homework done. The problem is, a lot of kids don’t do homework and just waste time and if everyone would use a study hall beneficially, the overall grades at BE would go up.

“I think that having that opportunity to work for an hour at school, to go ahead and knock homework out, is very beneficial,” said study hall teacher Chelsea Mullennex.

“I think you just have to reinforce your norms, that you have certain responsibilities as study hall teachers. So I think you need to have work for them, that way it would encourage them [students] to work on their homework so they don’t have to do the alternate assignment. Maybe students can earn their study halls by semester, where a teacher reports if the student deserves to have a study hall for the next semester,” said Mullennex.

There should definitely be more rules enforced with the study halls so that students get the most out of it that they can, whether they like it or not. Students begin to take advantage of their teachers in this elective and it should be stopped. If a student is not doing what they are expected to do, it is up to the teachers to take a stand. It should be reported, and that particular student can be taken out of the study hall and put into another elective class.

This is the reason that Bullitt East still offers a study hall. Sophomore Konnor Polson said, “We get a lot done in that class because it’s a good opportunity to get homework finished.” Senior, Morgan Saylor, had a similar opinion, “Yes [they are beneficial]. Especially because I take AP classes. So it gives me time to get caught up on school work since I have a hectic schedule.” But in some classes, this isn’t the case. Many teachers let the students choose whether or not to work on something all class.

“It can be beneficial if you focus on doing your work, but it’s really easy to get sidetracked and talk instead,” said sophomore Sarah Crenshaw.

But doing the work is all on the students. Ultimately, it’s up to the students to use the time usefully. It is a problem, though, that some teachers are letting their students slack off in study hall.

“We do so much school work throughout the day that if we want to use it for a break and rest, then I think we should be allowed. It’s our fault if we don’t use it to our benefit,” said Saylor.

In these types of study halls, it serves as a “social hour” instead of using it to do homework. In these classes, it is not beneficial to students at all.

Teachers should be more strict and treat it like a normal class.

Layout: Layne Cutler and Lindsay Renneisen NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 27

Do you think that East’s study halls are beneficial or a waste of time? Let us know. Send all letters to: larry.steinmetz@bullitt.kyschools.us Editor’s Note: The editorial board is compiled of 11 selected journalism students.

27 4/24/2015 2:19:27 PM

Member

NewsmagazineBEHSapril2015issue7.indd 28

4/24/2015 2:19:28 PM