Athletes Signing Early
Troutman and Willis Signings Force Spotlight
Sixteen and Pregnant Reality Show Becomes Reality
Teen Partying Long Silent Issue Pushed to the Forefront
February 2013 Volume 3, Issue 3 NewsmagazineBEHSfall2012issue3fixed.indd 1
2/14/2013 3:32:52 PM
From the desk of the editor-in-chief It’s safe to say that the past few weeks have opened the eyes of the community. It is also safe to say that it is easier to write the good than the bad. This issue was nearing completion when several Bullitt East students found themselves at the mercy of law enforcement, their coaches, and, in many cases the most harsh, their parents. As a result, the Livewire staff had to scramble to cover something that is tough on a very short deadline. It’s not easy covering things that are controversial, especially when it involves their peers, their friends, and, in this case, their fellow staffers. Like I said, it’s easier to avoid the unpleasantness of the situation all together, but when Wave 3 and the Pioneer News get involved, it’s impossible to sweep it under the rug. Pioneer News writer and Livewire alum Alex Wimsatt is starting a multi-issue series on underage drinking. In talking with him last Tuesday, (Wimsatt was a judge for the Livewire Chili Cook Off) he seemed surprised at the information that he was uncovering. In reflection, I couldn’t see why. Parent hosted parties have been happening since I coached my first baseball team at Bullitt East in 1998. A parent of one of my players had been hosting such parties virtually every weekend in the spring. (Full disclosure: in 1998 as their coach, I was not old enough to drink.) Luckily, I had strong support from some other parents on the team. They came to me with the issue and asked what I wanted to do. At the time, I just wanted it to stop. It did when the parents broke up a party that they had thrown which was not parent hosted. In my best judgement, and the fact that a large number of my players were involved, I ran them...a lot. Before school every morning and Saturday and Sunday mornings they ran and ran and ran for one month. In addition, I suspended them for two games each. I was satisfied. The drinking, for the most part, stopped. I wanted to encourage them to have alternatives that were fun, so I hosted open gyms at midnight for years. Still, in retrospect, I realize I did not do enough. I missed an opportunity to set a precedent that this was not acceptable. And so it has continued, mostly under the radar, for years. Needless to say, when I heard the news of this particular party, I was not at all surprised. I was, in fact shocked to learn that so many people in the community were. When statistics started to roll in from our poll on underage drinking (which you can find with our coverage), it became increasingly shocking to me that our community was largely in the dark on the issue. No one has an excuse to be in the dark any longer. This brings the issue to the surface just above where it has long crept on warm spring nights in backyards and garages. And it’s not just here. Even though Mount Washington seems like a city that is isolated from the rest of the world, the same things are happening elsewhere. Some good friends of mine have a place at the lake where they let their kids and their friends fairly freely. They say that kids are going to drink regardless and that it’s safer if they do so in their company. That seems to be the thought that pervades teen culture today. I have listened to my student journalists debate the issue this week and one is very apparent. We have to talk about the issue and if we are to overcome this epidemic, it will happen from communication and giving teens viable options for fun on weekend nights. It’s just obvious that we have to do more. As a community, we have to give the time and support to our students that they deserve. It’s not okay to ignore it any longer. At the same time it’s not okay to hold this group of offenders with the disdain that some have just because they got caught in the act. They get it, well most of them do, and just want to move on. Several have seen this as a wake up call and have chosen to change their ways. It’s not only time to let them, it’s time to help them. As for the others who have taken to Twitter finding humor in the events or seizing the opportunity to berate those involved, it’s hardly a time to cast stones. Few of us are without fault. Scarier still, though, are the few attendees that have publicly made it known that they seen nothing wrong with their actions and promise to keep their current course. Regardless, they need our support too. They need that constant reminder that everything you do is a production. The production of your life. At the end of high school, the question will be as simple as it always has: Who will want to buy your product?
APRIL February 2011 2013 NewsmagazineBEHSfall2012issue3fixed.indd 2
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editor-in-chief managing editor executive editor writing cordinator
Larry Steinmetz Emily Nalley Keenan Cischke Kendall Mayfield
copy editor copy editor copy editor copy editor copy editor copy editor
Emily Priddy Jennifer Cischke Austin Jewell Leah Byars Jessica Despain Cassidy Grom
Teen Parties
creative editor Katie Warner business manager Bree Beichler
14
staff writers Blake Allen Zachary Allen Collin Britt Ashley Browning Nicholas Crawhorn Jacob Davis Breanna Devine Allison Drake Samantha Ewing Kim Flaherty Cameron Frank Samantha Gentry Jessica Hanna Bri Hare
Jasmine Hester Elsa Holmgren Zach Mattingly Kelley McCann Whitney Messer Taylor Miller Elynn Mullaney Hannah Perdew Mackenzie Perdue Alex Richardson Haley Simpson Logan Stone Lauryn Waldridge Jared Woodruff
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, Emailing 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.
Livewire NewsmagazineBEHSfall2012issue3fixed.indd 3
Cover: Charger Nation are forced to take a hard look at the parties teens are throwing and attending. Expanded coverage.
9
Moms in the School Teen pregnancy is becoming more common in high school. Kendall Mayfield and Lauryn Waldridge get stories from the expectant and recent mommies in the school.
Senioritis Spreads
18
Leadership: Class or Club?
20
As the year is quickly coming to an end, many seniors are getting lazy and tired. Katie Warner checks up on currently infected seniors.
Did Leadership work more effectively as a class or as a club? Haley Simpson compares our school now to how we were several years ago.
Responsibility
Everybody has expectations and responsibilities asked of them. Cassidy Grom talks about what those are and how we can achieve them.
22
Stuck in School 25 Is senior year the highlight of your life? Allison Drake finds out who is stuck in high school and just wont leave.
HUMAN Volume INTEREST 3, Issue 3 2/14/2013 3:32:56 PM
Making the Grade article by Leah Byars l layout by Katie Warner
Looks like BE is a little BElow average. Bullitt East ranked in the 63 percentile on the most recent school report card, making its official status ‘needs improvement’ because it falls below the required 70%. The school report card is a grading summary that highlights a school’s strengths and weakness areas. In order to raise the score for future years, East administration is looking to make some changes to the schedule and the way the staff operates. No matter what, though, the students’ personal success is still the most important factor in any decision. When you log on to the school report card website (http://applications.education.ky.gov/ SRC/), you’re presented with many different options to explore. You can check ACT scores by demographic, investigate school safety, and even see graduation rates from the previous year. With so much information available, it can be hard to tell what is the most important. The score received is determined by five different areas: Achievement, GAP scores, College and Career Readiness, Growth, and Graduation rate. While we may have scored high in some areas, the difference in others is what really brought us down.
ACHIEVEMENT Achievement scores are calculated from On Demand Writing and End of Course Exams. This past year, 42.2% of students scored Proficient on On Demand writing, and only 5.2% scored distinguished. That means that over half of the school were not up to par. Right now, Bullitt East has four End of Course Exams: English II, Algebra II, U.S. History, and Biology. In this configuration, it is the sophomores and juniors that are tested heavily while the rest of the students are hardly tested at all. In essence, it is only half the school that determines a good percentage of the score.
GAP SCORES GAP scores are calculated by comparing scores of minority groups to the rest of the school population. As BE isn’t exactly ripe with students of varying ethnicities and races, the main group that this factor focuses on are those that rely on the free/reduced lunch programs and special education students. This past school year BE accumulated 30.4 points for this area, making it the lowest score. February 2013 NewsmagazineBEHSfall2012issue3fixed.indd 4
COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS
the 22 group. They won’t be pitted against students that scored an estimated 32. Whatever student has the biggest improve-
As a new standard to graduate high school, students have to be considered college or career ready.
ment receives the most credit for their school.
To be college ready, you have to get at least an 18 in English on the ACT, a 19 in math, and a 20 in reading. The graduating class of 2012’s school averages were: a 19.1 in English, a 19.6 in math, and a 19.8 in reading. While the scores would have rounded up in the end, our school is technically still not meeting the college standard in reading.
Graduation rate was our highest score at a solid 86%. However, Mrs. Tammi Terry was quick to clarify that our actual graduation rate, if calculated based on the percentage of the graduating class, is actually higher. “The only reason why we’re not at the 98% or 100% is not about individual people. They track the graduation rate based on when you enter Bullitt East High School as a freshman and graduate as a senior. We have a lot of transfers, and that’s beyond our control,” said Terry.
To be considered career ready, a student needs to have taken and passed three career path classes and recieve a career certificate. According to the report, only 7 students that graduated last year were career ready. For more information on college and career readiness, you can check out an article by Kim Flaherty in Livewire Vol. 3 Edition 1.
GROWTH This year’s score was calculated much differently from how it will be in the future. This year, scores of this past year’s juniors’ ACT scores were compared to the previous year’s juniors. This system proved to be an inaccurate way of measuring success as it unfairly pitted two completely different castes of students against each other. Who was to say that each grade with be similar in intelligence? That’s like comparing this year’s Wildcats to last year’s team:; Even at their personal best, they aren’t going to measure up to that standard. That’s why the new system measures the student’s improvement from year to year. It compares the estimated ACT score of the PLAN test taken sophomore year to the actual ACT score when the junior class takes the test as a whole in the spring. The difference between the two scores is calculated. In addition, points are accumulated for the school by each student that improves the most. For example, if a student was to receive a predicted score of 22 on their PLAN test sophomore year, they will be compared with the rest of the students that got a 22. If when they take the ACT in the spring of their junior year and score, say, a 29, that will be compared to the rest of the students that were in
GRADUATION RATE
CONCLUSION The biggest concern for the administration now is adding more career pathways for students. As of this year, the only pathways available are business and family and consumer science. However, in the next few years we can expect the addition of agriculture, engineering, and audio visual (radio, television) career options. For achievement, Mr. Foster is also looking to add four more end-of-course exams. That would have been established this year, but the funds were not available for these additions. As far as improving the GAP score, Mr. Foster believes that the key is to start helping behind students as soon as they walk in the door. “If you don’t give freshmen a solid foundation when you know they’re behind already, you’re not doing anything different… If we know a student is behind when they get to us, I feel we have the obligation to start then,” said Foster More than anything, though, Foster believes that the best thing to do for the school right now would be to stay the course. “The State of Kentucky took on a lot of change at once. We had to adopt new standards in English and Math, a new testing system, a new testing reporting system, College and Career readiness; all of these changes happened at once, which is just scary. So for as what we could do, a lot of it is staying the course and allowing the things we’re doing different time to work.” ww2.bullittschools.org/BEHSLivewire/ 2/14/2013 3:32:56 PM
myStory
articles Bri Hare l photos submitted by Bri Hare l layout Bri Hare
Kalie Hahn
Trase Milburn
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Sophomore, Kalie Hahn has starring roles on the Bullitt East stage. Hann started her acting career at just five years old by watching movies and shows on TV. She soon realized she wanted to be like the movie stars. “Performing up on stage and being in the spotlight is what I love to do," the sophomore stated. Most people don't know that Hann is a professional actress. She has performed in many plays in all different churches, schools, at the Bullitt County Theater Company and even Disney World. Hann was in two plays in Disney The Lion King and Back Lot Tour (Pearl Harbor),which was a very big step in her acting career and one of the best experiences she's had. Marilyn Monroe is one of her big inspirations because “she is one of the best actresses of all time!" There is definitely a future career in acting for this sophomore as she shoots for the stars to reach her dream of someday being in movies, but for now she hopes to be in more local plays and major productions in Kentucky.
You may have seen sophomore, Trase Milburn on our school stage with the drama club, maybe even in the choir, but many have not seen him on the professional stage. Milburn started his professional career at only 7 years old in his first stage production, “A Christmas Carol”, and has been acting ever since. “My parents encouraged me to try out acting, which I was curious about at first, then once I tried it I really liked it,” Milburn stated. His brother, Reese Milburn, is also a part of choir and is a major help in Milburn’s career.Trase has been featured in many of the school plays throughout the past two years like All Shook Up,Our Town, and The Kiss Of Death. He has also been featured in some professional productions like Willy Wonka, Music Man, and Gypsy. Something that makes Milburn stand out from the other actors is his age. “When I first started acting, my cast partner was two years older than me. It gives you a good feeling knowing you’re just as good as someone with more experience,” explained Milburn. Being one of the younger actors can be a disadvantage at times, but Milburn makes the best of it by always practicing and trying out for roles in different plays. Trase expressed that his favorite thing about acting is the feeling you get from the audience and freedom to be whoever you want. “The feeling of performing in front of an audience is like no other. I can be whatever character I choose.” In the future Milburn hopes to major in musical theater in college and keep doing what he loves.
FEATURES 4 2/14/2013 3:33:01 PM
MONKEY SEE...
There aren’t any primates running around East, but there are some st
article by Mackenzie Perdue l layout by Mackenzie Perdue and Larry Steinmetz
Miles Hannah and Emily Miles are two sisters that are known for being some of the tallest girls in school, and they get confused as each other all the time. They have a lot of things in common besides their height and looking alike. The sisters are very close and think very highly of each other. Senior Hannah is 6 feet tall and freshman Emily is 6’1 they get a lot of stares in the hallway. “I always get ‘Hannah-ed’, actually twice today I got called Hannah,” said Emily. Hannah says that she occasionally gets called Emily but not nearly as much as Hannah. The girls look a lot alike, but they also like the same kind of music and movies, and they have the same sense of humor. “We are both smart and we like to goof around,” said Emily. The sisters had nothing but nice things to say about each other. “Em (Emily) is really funny and laid back. Whenever we’re together we’re constantly laughing,” said older sister Hannah. “Hannah is super smart. She’s my role model and I want to be just like her when I get older,” said younger sister Emily.
Davenport Avery and Hayden Davenport are two brothers who have played baseball all their lives. They think very highly of one another and have learned a lot in life from each other. People confuse the two quite often. Both of the brothers started playing when they were three or four years old, and have been playing ever since. When asked if Avery was the reason that Hayden started playing he replied, “It wasn’t because of Avery; it just happened that we both loved the game, so we both started playing it.” The baseball brothers are very close and say that they are each other’s best friend. “Hayden and I are very close, we do a lot of things together and hang out together. I could not ask for a better brother, he has always been there for me!” said Avery. “Hayden thinks that he is funny and always tries to act like me. He always follows me in my footsteps and looks up to me. For that, I believe he is a much better baseball player than I will ever be and for some reason he thinks that he is better looking than me,” stated Avery who is now a freshman at UofL. “My brother is probably the best bro you could ask for; he’s really fun to hang out with, he is a great role model, and I have learned a lot from him,” said Hayden, a sophomore, who does plan on going to UofL like Avery unless he gets a baseball scholarship for somewhere else. Since both of the brothers have played baseball at East and attended there they have been mistaken for each other a lot. “Well I have heard it about a million times in my life that we look alike. We both love baseball, and you could say that we are both very handsome,” said Hayden. February 2013 October APRIL 2011 2011 NewsmagazineBEHSfall2012issue3fixed.indd 6
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...MONKEY DO...
e some students that are following in their older siblings foot steps.
TROUTMAN Rusty, Rhett, and Mr. Robert Troutman are well known around school for being very good basketball players. All of the brothers are good role models for each other and enjoy spending time together. The athletic brothers have a lot of things in common like being funny and ladies’ men. All of the Troutman brothers, including their oldest brother Ryan, have been playing basketball all their lives. They all are either playing basketball for East right now or have in the past. “Ryan was the first one to start playing but we all started because of our mom who was a good athlete and played basketball in college,” says Robert who played college basketball at Tusculum College in Tennessee. Ryan also played at Tusculum along with Robert. “We are all bald, funny, and ladies men,” laughed Robert. “They’re (my brothers) my role models and my motivators,” said Rhett, who is the youngest of the Troutman brothers. Rusty and Mr. Troutman both said that their brothers are hardworking, dedicated, talented, and loving. All the brothers also agreed that they are very close especially Rusty and Rhett. “Me and Rhett are the closest but all of us are close,” said Rusty, a senior, who has recently signed with Bellarmine University to play basketball next winter. “We all play ball, we like to laugh and joke, and have a good time,” says Rhett, who is a junior.
LINK Many teachers and students at East confuse sisters Hannah and Sarah Link as each other. The sisters are very close and have a lot of things in common. Both of the girls look up to each other and think highly of the other one. When asked if she and Sarah get mistaken for each other a lot Hannah said, “All the time! I walked into a freshman class the other day and somebody said ‘Hey Sarah!’ Hannah also recalled days when people would ask if they were twins. “When we had a family reunion one time Hannah didn’t go and so I pretended that I was her and opened both of our presents and no one noticed,” said Sarah. Hannah and Sarah are both athletic, Hannah runs cross country and track, and Sarah plays soccer and does archery. The sisters go to the same church and go on mission trips together. “As far as sisters go, I would consider us to be pretty close. We have our disagreements like all sisters do, but at the end of the day we get along more often than not and she will always be my friend for life,” said Hannah. Sarah said that her sister is very loud and funny. “I would describe Sarah as a weird, yet hilarious girl. There isn’t really a moment where she is not cracking me up because of some random things she says. She is the master of being weird, and it’s awesome,” said Hannah.
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HUMANFEATURES INTEREST FEATURES 6 2/14/2013 3:33:03 PM
Child Development Grows Up, Who said what?
Match the foods or child development student and his/her quote
1. Lindsey Miles
2. Blake McGill
A) “The thought of cooking food in school and eating it can’t be beat!” B) “I was interested in both classes.”
“Th is fo e top den r the goal 3. Jared Guilluame with ts to l stuskil eave be ls u the sed o that c Ms. classr utside an o Cole o man om”, ex f plai ns “I’
m sch going and ool so to nu me”, nutrit I thou rsing Giff state ion wo ght fo d se o ord u . nior ld hel d Lau p “Iw ren a I di si
ben dn’t f n Lati it’d efit o eel li n Am Bell be m ut o ke I w erica C) “I was in ucc ore f the as n cl i get ass, inte c l a b rest ss a ting History and ing”, nd I any ut said thou American pop music Lind ght see and I’m not really into
that.” 1. B, 2. C , 3. A
October APRIL 2011 2011 February 2013 NewsmagazineBEHSfall2012issue3fixed.indd 8
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Up, While Food Gets Cooking article by Sammy Ewing l layout by TBT
The game of life becomes real. With the beginning of the second semester, two more classes, child and human development and food and nutrition, were added as electives for students to take. This is not the first time these classes have been in the ciriculum. In past years the school had the courses but ended by choice of the principal, but now they’ve been brought back this year for college and career readiness for the students. The two new courses are beginner level making them available for any student to take. The students have been switching into the classes for a variety of reasons. In the past East was more structured to be college ready rather than being career ready, so the principal made the descicion to take out child devolopment, food and nutrition, in order to focus more on college preparing classes.
l
However this year, East decided to bring back the classes to broaden the elective selection to create both college and career readiness. Throughout the course of food & nutrition the students will be learning how to prepare healthy food choices. In child & human development the students will be learning the phases of life. “The top goal is for the students to leave with skills that can be used outside of the classroom,” explains Ms.Coleman.
s
A good portion of the students switched into the new elective class due to an interest of learning skills that could be beneficial to their future. “I’m going to nursing school so I thought food and nutrition would help me,” stated senior, Lauren Gifford.
d
However, other students wanted to switch due to the fact of not liking their previous elective.“I was in Latin American class, but I didn’t feel like I was getting any benefit out of the class and I thought it’d be more interesting,” said sophomore, Lindsee Bullucci. No matter what the reason is for switching out, the students, and the teachers, have been reacting in a positive way towards the classes. “ I love it! It’s awesome! The students love it and our excited about the career paths being opened up for them. Nothing but good things, full classes, and next year maybe even more!” exclaims counselor Mrs. Steinmetz.
t
For the rest of the year, Coleman plans on having her students learn how to cook, clean, and take care of children.
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FEATURES 8 2/14/2013 3:33:17 PM
books, boyfriends &
BABIES
articles by Kendall Mayfield l layout by Kendall Mayfield
Imagine having to say goodbye to the sports and activities you love. Pregnant sophomore, Jasmine Santiago, is going to have to do just that. After being together for one year and seven months, Santiago and her boyfriend, Cameron Frank, are going to have to mature more rapidly than their fellow classmates. When finding out the news, the couple was terrified. “I was both shocked and scared when we found out,” Frank stated. In fact, when he first told his parents, they didn’t believe him. “My mom was upset and didn’t believe me, but she’s very supportive and helpful now,” the future father added. Santiago also described her supportive parents. “They’re accepting and willing to help out,” she claimed. The sophomore also added that she was scared but thinks she’s ready. “I feel like I’m mature for my age, and I think I’ll be able to handle all of this,” the pregnant teen said. As if the struggle of pregnancy isn’t hard enough, Santiago is also going to be forced to give up some her favorite activities. The pregnant teen was forced to quit the dance team as well as pageants for the time being. Although the sophomore loves what she does, she is staying positive about the whole situation. “I honestly feel good about this. I wouldn’t change anything,” Santiago stated. Although the couple has almost been together for two years, they’ve known each other for much longer than that. The two have known each other for about five years and have grown to be a strong couple. Santiago is sure that a child will not mess up their relationship but instead make it stronger. “I think having and raising a son will bring us closer together as a couple,” the sophomore stated. Being that they are so young, Santiago believes that they will be forced to grow up faster than their peers, but as long as they have each other they will make it through this process. “We will bond more with each other and mature together when the baby comes,” she claimed.
Cameron
Frank
Only 50% percent of teen mothers receive a diploma by the age of 22, but Santiago refuses to fall into that number. “Knowing I have a baby on the way motivated me to do my best in school and finish with my 2015 class,” she stated. Thanks to her and her boyfriend’s supportive families, the teenagers will have every opportunity to finish high school and raise their child. “We have people that are willing to babysit while we go to school,” the future mother said.
February 2013
Even though the couple’s family has been very supportive, not all of their peers have. “Only one person has been judgmental, but a lot of people don’t talk to me anymore,” Santiago claimed. The pregnant teen also said that she hasn’t really had a best friend supporting her through the situation. “It seems that since my ‘friends’ found out about me being pregnant that they all of a sudden stopped talking to me. The only friend I have had by my side is Cameron,” she stated.
Jasmine APRIL 2011
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Despite the struggles this teenage couple has faced, they are expecting a baby boy. Santiago is due on March 21st and plans to name her baby Levi Michael Frank. Through all of this, she left some advice for fellow teenagers. “Just don’t get pregnant,” the future mother finished.
Santiago
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Brianna
Goldsmith
Imagine balancing school and motherhood throughout your high school career. The struggle of keeping up a child while being bombarded with homework isn’t an easy one and no one knows about this lifestyle more than junior, Brianna Goldsmith.
The junior didn’t only have to face the new world of high school but also nine months with a child on the way her freshman year. Since she was so young, Goldsmith didn’t know how to react to the news of bringing a new life into the world. “I was happy but so scared at the same time,” she stated. If the struggle of this wasn’t hard enough, at the beginning of Goldsmith’s pregnancy her parents weren’t fully supportive. “They didn’t think I was ready and weren’t happy about the news. They’re crazy about Sophia (Goldsmith’s baby) now though,” the junior added. The young mother also faced the hardship of not knowing how to tell people about her expectancy. After talking with her counselors and science teacher, Mrs. Hightower, she became more comfortable about the situation. “Mrs. Hightower gave me some really good advice that has helped me through pregnancy and motherhood,” Goldsmith expressed. Hightower gave some insight on the talk that she had with the young mother. “I told her that even though it’s not perfect timing you need to stay in school to support your child,” the science teacher said. On May 31, 2011, Goldsmith brought a new life into the world, Sophia Lynn Goldsmith. Due to being on probation, Sophia’s dad hasn’t been able to be in the picture yet. “It was really hard at first not having my boyfriend there to help, but our relationship hasn’t changed. He would be here right now if he could,” Brianna claimed. Brianna shared some advice for other teens that are having the same experience as her. Although she wouldn’t trade anything for Sophia, she has had to give up a lot. “I used to go to the skating rink every weekend, but I can’t do that anymore,” Brianna stated. Bringing on the responsibility of motherhood forces you to give up some of your social life. The junior said that family makes all the difference. They babysit sometimes and support her and her child. The teen mother stated that if you get pregnant, you still have to get through school. “My teachers know I’m a mother, but they don’t cut me any slack. It forces me to keep trying,” Goldsmith ended. Balancing school and motherhood is something that this teen has adapted to.
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Becca
Sparks
One teen mother showed the school that it isn’t impossible to maintain her good grades while having a baby. Junior, Becca Sparks hasn’t cut herself any slack when it comes to a child. She still plans to achieve her goals. After dating her boyfriend for 7 months, Sparks found out the news that she would be expecting a child. Most teens are fearful at this moment, but that wasn’t the case for the junior. “I was shocked that I was pregnant but excited to take on the responsibility of being a mother,” she stated. The mother never had any second thoughts about the child. Luckily, her and her boyfriend shared similar views about abortion and adoption. “We knew we wanted to keep our baby, so it didn’t really change our relationship,” the teen added. School never came as a struggle to Sparks, and she maintained that aspect even while carrying a little one. During her sophomore year, she took her normal challenging classes first semester and participated in Flex school, online courses offered to middle and high school students, during he second semester where she maintained an A B average. “School wasn’t hard for me. I even finished my sophomore year two years early,” the junior expressed. She also mentioned the importance of staying focused. “I just had to keep my priorities straight,” the mother added. Sparks also had the benefit of highly supportive peers during her pregnancy. She didn’t have to tell many of her classmates before the news got spread around; however, her friends had clues because of her morning sickness. “My peers and teens were very supportive of me being a teen mom. I had a lot of friends there for me through the whole thing,” the junior said. As for now, the teenage mother is holding up very well. On March 17, 2012 she brought Ryan Alexander Roberts into the world, who is now nine months old. “I take care of my son just as any mother would. I am with him every second I can be,” Sparks stated. It has also helped that her boyfriend, Austin Roberts, has been there with her to help through the whole thing. “Now that Ryan is here, sometimes we get stressed out, but we always make up,” the teen mom claimed. The two split time during the week with their son. On the weekends, they usually stay at Ryan’s house. Having a baby at such a young age hasn’t held Sparks back. She still plans to attend college, get a nursing job, and become the best mom she can. “A child at any age changes everything. I still plan to do everything I always wanted to do and have the family I always wanted,” the mother said. The junior sent some advice to fellow teen mothers. “Do your best, take care of your child, and show the people who think you screwed up that you can take care of your baby and accomplish all of your dreams,” Sparks ended. This teen is doing just that.
HUMAN INTEREST FEATURES 10 2/14/2013 3:33:18 PM
What degrees do you have? Under-graduate in English education and a Masters in school counseling.
What do you do outside of school? I really love seeing music live and I love all kinds of music. I feel like it’s such an experience when you’re there, rather than watching it on TV.
Where did you go to college?
compiled by Kim Flaherty | layout by Katie Warner
Mrs. Nelson -
English II and
Nelson, Jennie
H.A.V.P.A teac her Mrs. Jennie Nel son is a first ye ar teacher at B new this semes ullitt East. She ter as an additio is n due to the loss H.A.V.P.A teac of English 2 an her, Mr. Walte d rs. Nelson was Sweet Home A born and raised labama with he in r small family ing cousins and of eleven, incl all. Breaking he udr mother and fa not attending A ther’s heart by uburn or Alaba ma University, way by moving she made her ow to Kentucky to n attend college. her husband, N There, she met oah Nelson, an d married abou in May of 2012 t five years late . Nelson has gr r, eat expectations ing years at Eas for her upcomt and is hopefu l about making students. an impact on he r
What is something you value? I highly value my time in nature - reading, hiking, kayaking, caving/climbing, and adventure/chances to conquer fears (like heights or snakes)!
What is your most embarassing moment? When I fell up the stairs in 10th grade. It was so embarrassing. But now, embarrassment? Not so much.
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Kentucky or Louisville fan? Actually, neither, I’m kind of a walking contradiction. I’m an Alabama and Auburn fan. My mom went to Alabama and my dad went to Auburn.
Asbury State College (Now Asbury State University), where she played soccer Where, internationally, have you traveled? South Africa, Tanzania, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and England. “I left a bit of my heart in South Africa.”
What was your favorite band in high school? Led Zeplin
What are your major goals for the rest of this school year? I want to make sure how I transition keeps up the level of academic integrity. Challenge, stimulate, and engage my students. How to turn your mistakes into successful decisions.
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February APRIL2013 2011 NewsmagazineBEHSfall2012issue3fixed.indd 14
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Student Party Leads to Consequences article Bree Beichler I picture Stock Photo Some students found out the hard way that living it up can let you down. On the last weekend of January, early on the morning of the 27th, Bullitt East students quickly sobered up when cops arrived at a local party. Well over forty students were there and over twenty attendees were arrested. Out of those who were arrested, eleven were Bullitt East seniors. After the events of January 27th, party scene discussion has really come to surface. Most students, teachers, or parents are not oblivious to the fact that some high school kids are drinking, but the nature of the parties has shocked most people within the community. The possible consequences from the latest party ranged from calling your parents if you were a minor, and jail time for those over eighteen. The most recent occasions have stirred up some fear of partying within Bullitt East, due to how close this has struck home for many. Many students are seeking out parties to have fun and hang out with other students from school. Senior, Trish Orkies, agrees, “I attend parties because they are fun to hang out with my friends.” Local teens have resorted to partying on the weekends with other fellow students because of boredom or the lack of entertainment nearby. Even though adolescents have replaced legal fun with these activities, it is still against Livewire Livewire NewsmagazineBEHSfall2012issue3fixed.indd 15
the law. Students who are attending these parties are not of the drinking age yet. The law does not allow anyone under the age of twenty one to consume alcohol, and the new assistant principal of East supports the judgement of the judicial system. “The law didn’t pick a random age,” stated assistant principal, Traci Burke. “Twenty one was picked whether it was maturity or brain development, it wasn’t random.” Police officers around the community back the law and reprimand those who disobey because the penalties can weigh so heavily on their futures. Some students were suspended from a club or sports team at the sponsor/coach’s discretion as the result of their choices. Others chose to punish their athletes with extra conditioning. It is up to them to determine the punishment a student could face. Not only have the students disappointed teachers and coaches, they have parents or guardians to face at home. An anonymous attendee said the phone call home at two in the morning, “Made my stomach turn at the thought of the disappointment that I’ve caused my parents.” Also, students who are legal adults can lose college funding through FAFSA, scholarships, and many other forms of financial aid. Not only are they looking
at a struggle paying for college, they are looking at charges including but not limited to unlawful transaction with a minor and disorderly conduct placed on their records forever. These were recurring charges that were given to the legal adults of the party, and more harsh circumstances were given to anyone above the legal drinking age. In the aftermath, the reaction of attendees has been mixed. Some have defended their actions, others have taken another reflective approach. A senior’s eyes were opened to the true repercussions of partying after this January. “After seeing some of the potential consequences affect my close friends, no I do not believe one night of partying is worth ruining your future over.” Sadly, sometimes it takes the mistakes and misfortune of others for reality to really set in. Seeing a familiar face in a mugshot or the disappointment of someone who means alot to you should shed light on poor decision making and should lead you back on track. For senior Taylor Williamson, it did. “It (January 27) has really opened my eyes to how serious it can be if you do get caught. I have learned that one night with your friends can really screw you over so you just have to be smart and make wise decisions.”
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Why Is Teen Partying A Norm? article by l Emily Nalley l Layout by Bree Beichler
Is living young, wild, and free a good excuse? Recently, awareness of Bullitt East partying has come to surface and the most popular reasoning is the fact that the participants are just adolescents. Partying in high school may be an outcome of adolescent stage in life. Students fall into different social groups, which push or pull them away from the partying norm. Different factors are responsible for teenagers’ careless view on underage drinking. “The concept of adolescence is very vague and society sends mixed signals to this group, which creates a lot of unclear expectations,” stated sociology teacher Nate Fulghum, “This stage in development was created after the Industrial Revolution for young people to figure out who they are and what they want to do with their lives.” During this period, a teenager may lose sight of their role because they are neither considered a child nor an adult. Kids entering high school are transitioning into this period of undefined status, as teens leaving high school are transitioning into adulthood. These unclear expectations make kids feel as though they can act as adults when they are still technically children. But is undefined status, as termed by adolescence, the sole reason high schoolers party? Sophomore Robert Hartley commented on why he attends parties in high school, “High school is the only time you have with your friends and you make memories you’ll never forget, or in some cases never remember. I go out and party because I’m not going to look back and say, ‘Man I had so much fun playing Xbox all weekend.’ I’m going to look back and say, ‘Dang I had some good ass times with my friends.” Some say that kids who party and drink underage do it because of the friends they surround themselves with. This is where the coined term, “You are the company you keep,” comes to mind. Although teenagers who party are putting themselves in situations where alcohol and potentially drugs are present, not all are indulging in those activities. February APRIL2013 March 2011 2012 NewsmagazineBEHSfall2012issue3fixed.indd 16
Sophomore Jessi Lance attends many parties with her friends, and is one of the few who stays sober, “I see how people act when they are drinking and I don’t want to make a fool of myself. I want to be in control. I go to parties to spend time with my friends, that doesn’t mean I have to drink. ” Sophomore Kiley Johnson doesn’t feel she fits the “norm,” of students in high school because she doesn’t go to parties or drink alcohol, “Nowadays it seems like in order to be popular and fit in with everyone else, you have to go out and party every weekend.
“ I would have never realized I was so caught up in drinking and partying until I went to jail. I couldn’t see how lost I really was. I think other people have parties and nothing happens. No one thinks, if I do this I’m going to end up in jail.” Even though it’s stupid, kids continue to do it just to receive some kind of attention from others.” The conflicting stance on underage drinking at East poses a serious question.What is the cause of the careless nature in students when it comes to underage drinking? Fulghum commented, “Kids today don’t consider the consequences because they don’t have to face a lot of consequences. Every time I have broken a rule I have asked myself before hand, ‘Am I prepared to face the consequences if I get caught doing this?’”
how lost I really was. I think other people get caught up in it too, because so many people have parties and nothing happens. No one thinks, if I do this I’m going to end up in jail.” Legal adults in high school must face the consequences of being eighteen and facing jail time, whether they’re still in the adolescent stage or not. So the question left is, is being an adolescent an upstanding excuse for breaking the law?
Underage Partying Survey Have you attended a party with alcohol?
221 yes 125 no
Have parents been present at the parties with alcohol?
88 yes 150 no
Would you rather have parents at parties you attend?
165 yes 131 no
Senior Emily Maas stated, “I would have never realized I was so caught up in drinking and partying until I went to jail. I couldn’t see ww2.bullittschools.org/BEHSLivewire/ ww2.bullittschools.org/BEHSLivewire/ 2/14/2013 3:33:25 PM
UFE's look to future Despite Setbacks
article and layout by Kendall Mayfield and Keenan Cischke
There are two options: get drunk and party or be bored This is the perception that the United for East (UFE) group is trying to break. UFE’s are the leadership group composed of sixteen members selected by Mrs. Terry whose purpose is to promote a drug and alcohol free environment for teens in the community. The club has made some adjustments to their list of members in order to complete their overall mission. For the remainder of the year, UFE’s hope to provide some fun alternatives to partying. You may recognize the group as the students who hand out the Red Ribbon Week bracelets out each year or the ones who were responsible for the grim reaper sweeping the halls; however, their purpose is beyond that. During high school, many students feel the pressure to fit in with their fellow peers, but this select variety of students have pledged to maintain the resistance of illegal substances and also bullying. “UFE’s are the little spark. They are the examples,” bragged Tammi Terry, sponsor of the group. Unlike a majority of the clubs at East, the UFE’s require a teacher recommendation to be considered for the group. Applicants then have to answer questions pertaining to their leadership abilities along with a pledge to stay drug and alcohol free. Each year, current members must reapply to withhold a position on the team. “It’s not somebody that knows somebody that gets them in the club, and it’s not just Mrs. Terry’s favorites,” Terry stated. Amanda Webb, senior in the group, explained what it takes to be a UFE. “You have to be a leader, and you have to be able to display UFE mannerisms outside school. That means being drug and alcohol free. We made a promise and you have to keep that promise even when you’re not at school.”
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Junior, Katelyn Alcorn, explained what her role is, “I kind of inform people of what we’re going to do. I write down everything.” But her place in the group expands much further than recording and reporting. More significant is her understanding and communication of the group’s purpose. “The people that don’t drink need to be more accepting of the people that do and have a positive influence on them.”
Haley Steinmetz · Hunter Stewart · Chase Askins· Savannah Warner· Kariann Whicker· Cole Green· Ashley Webb· Tate Hatfield· Amanda Webb· Hayden Davenport· Alexis Scholenlob· Ashley Cooke· Kendall Mayfield· Katelyn Alcorn· Chase Williams· Keenan Cischke
Throughout high school, even the leaders of the student body fall into the temptation of their fellow classmates; therefore, the dynamics of the group have shifted dramatically. Two seniors were dismissed; former UFE, Andy Winans, returned to East; junior, Shay Henson, never reapplied (although he believed he was still a UFE member); and another senior, Sara Stevens, dropped the group altogether. “I didn’t want to be seen as those certain individuals [in UFE’s] who said they were drug and alcohol free and they went out and partied every weekend,” said Stevens, although she regrets her decision to quit now. Livewire
Another senior UFE, Amanda Webb, has been invested in the group since her freshman year. “I’m the UFE mom. I’m the director of a lot of things because the role falls to me and it’s expected of me.” The role certainly does fall to Webb as her and Keenan Cischke are the only two seniors remaining in the group. Although the number of UFE’s is dwindling, Terry does not plan to replace the others.
Along with keeping that mindset, the recent teen partying awareness has opened up many doors for the UFE’s to step in with big plans for the rest of the year. One big push moving forward is to offer students alternatives to spending weekends with intoxicated friends. Webb offered some fun ones, “Go out to eat, go to a movie, there’s so many other things than drinking and smoking and junk like that.” Math teacher and UFE co-sponsor, Mrs. Richardson shined some light on things you can do to refrain from partying. “Attend school sporting events, show school pride, or go to church. You could babysit, work, get a job, have a game night, or spend time with family.” Junior and freshman members, Chase Williams and Chase Askins, recommend ice skating, going to the movies, video gaming, and playing ping pong.
Terry shared her alternatives to partying. “Do spur of the moment, creative things without worrying about- is someone going to think this is lame?” In regards to the students struggling to find something to do with their spare time, the UFE’s are planning to bring some ideas to the table. “We are going to come up with 101 things to do without illegal substances,” Terry stated. One of the common denominators among the sober and the unsafe is that it doesn’t really matter what you do, it matters who you’re with. “You just have to find your pocket of people where that’s not going to happen,” Terry said as her and the remaining UFE’s hope to spread this message through party alternatives for the remainder of the year.
STUDENT PARTYING 16 2/14/2013 3:33:25 PM
EDITORIAL BOARD The Parent Trap: Parents partying with teens is a problem article by Editorial Board l layout by Mackenzie Perdue
“Oh god, no, honey, what kind of a mother do you think I am? Why, do you want a little bit? Because if you're gonna drink, I'd rather you do it in the house.” We really hope that you read this quote in the mom’s voice from the hit movie Mean Girls, because, well, that’s where it’s from. While this famous movie scene may be fiction, parents are realistically feeling the pressure and facing the reality of the consequences of allowing students to drink under their roofs. Music, dancing, alcohol, and parents. It sounds like a bizarre or even awkward combination because quite frankly, it is. Parents may be present at some parties where alcohol is involved simply to “supervise”; however, according to a sophomore who wished to remain anonymous, they are participating more than they intended, “It’s funny because the parents are usually drinking with us.” Many Bullitt East students think that it would be more beneficial for at least one parent to be at a party where high schoolers would be consuming alcohol. “They can monitor what goes on and make sure people don’t leave or go drive drunk or something stupid,”stated sophomore, Connor Neal. Elizabeth Hatter, another sophomore, agreed claiming, “They can kind of control the stupid stuff [students] would do if they were drunk.” There’s one word prevalent in both quotes: stupid. People who are intoxicated do unintelligent things, and aren’t controllable. Senior Hannah Adkins had a new perspective to add, “[Having parents at parties] is controversial because if they’re there it’s safer...but I think it’s wrong because they shouldn’t be at a teen party. It’s not their setting. But at the same time it’s okay because they [parents] see it and think it’s okay. It’s [drinking] around them all the time” A sober parent “supervising” intoxicated teenagers would seemingly be difficult though once the parent starts drinking their judgement becomes impaired and they are no longer a “responsible” adult. This is where the situation can take a turn for the worse. A drunken person carrying the responsibility of more drunken people is like the blind leading the blind. It’s a very pointless and, not to mention, dangerous task. Think about it, exactly how much control can a single person have over thirty or more drunken teenagers? What about when the parent might be under the influence themselves? The adults who believe they are helping keep their children and their kid’s friends safe might be doing more damage than good. Furthermore, supplying minors with alcohol and even drinking alongside of the students at their parties eventually makes them the host. Partying with the parents of a peer doesn’t sound too enticing plus, the host receives a bulk of the charges if the party were to get busted. Additionally it still is against the law for anyone under the age of 21 to consume any kind of alcoholic beverage.“We [Mt. Washington police] probably see this [underage drinking] in the summer, weekly and in the winter, monthly,” stated Sergeant Tim Morris of the Mount Washington Police Department. February 2013 NewsmagazineBEHSfall2012issue3fixed.indd 18
Although the frequency of busted parties differs depending on the time of year, the law doesn’t change with the seasons. A criminal offense, regardless of the weather, attendees, or even supervision, is a criminal offense. Drinking before the age of 21 is illegal and is punishable by law.
Another factor that comes into play is the parent’s view on the situation. If a parent is okay with their child drinking underage, then the student is more likely to feel comfortable drinking at someone elses house with a parent supervising. When surveyed, a majority of Bullitt East students said they would rather have a parent present at a party where alcohol is present. Junior Jessica Prell said, “It’s better for a parent to be there if they are sober because if something bad were to happen like a kid got hurt or drank too much they could take them to the hospital, because you can’t always trust your friends especially if they are under the influence.” While a parent being present may appear to be a good idea, it only makes the situation worse. “I have to do something to make them [the students] care because it’s obvious that their parents don’t,” stated Sergeant Morris. This not only includes punishment for the student but also severe consequences for the parent as well.
“Anytime you’re doing any activities that are sketchy, it doesn’t hurt to have an adult,” claimed Junior, Paul Miles. However, to put it in different perspective, if a minor is an avid shoplifter, it’s like them taking their parents on a trip to Walmart for a five-finger discount special. Now, instead of only the minor facing inevitable punishment, their parents would also have charges equal to or greater than those of their child. The company of an adult doesn’t make an illegal or “sketchy” situation any less of an offense. The presence of one or more “responsible” adults at a party where there will be underage drinking is definitely not better than a party with just students, but to sum it up in one quote from sophomore, Jacob Bowles, “It’s better if the kids aren’t doing it at all.”
The Livewire Editorial Board is comprised of 14 student journalists representing a variety of grade levels. Its views are a refelection of the group as a whole. Students are encouraged to respond in writing Send all letters to larry.steinmetz@bullitt. kyschools.us
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Senioritis:
A Deadly Ailment article by Katie Warner l layout by Leah Byars
A plague has broken out at East. Seniors have been diagnosed with the infectious disease known as senioritis. Many would call it lazy but others argue that it is an actual illness that can’t be avoided. It is affecting all varieties of seniors roaming our halls. With a graduation threatening illness such as this, many are concerned that it cannot be cured or avoided. Senioritis can be defined as lazy and unmotivated but, senior, Mackenzie Terry counters, “Senioritis is being excited and anxious to graduate and go to college and be done with high school all together.” It can make you nauseous at the thought of school or profusely sweat over homework.
school in the morning, but you have to look at it in a positive perspective. “Don’t wish away your senior year, once you graduate you will realize how good you had it and how much fun it was,” stated graduate Alex Warner. Seniors may show signs of having senioritis but want to finish this year out with good grades to have a better chance in college. “Some days I wish I didn’t count down the days to graduation,” confirmed graduate Haley Cooper, “Don’t get me wrong I love college but it really makes me appreciate my easy high school years.”
tion or shot in the butt for this twelfth grade disease there are methods of preventing, or even curing senioritis. Set small goals for yourself and start working towards them. When you achieve them splurge or reward yourself. Also, be more involved in school activities and even take on a leadership role. “Seniors, you have worked too hard for the last 12 years to get lazy at the end. You’re supposed to sprint across the finish line, not crawl!” stated counselor Mrs. Steinmetz, “Plus, you’ll have regrets later if you slack off this close to the end of your schooling. And nobody likes regrets!” Most seniors are ready to be done with high school but with it being your last year you want to make it the best one yet.
“It is a disease that causes extreme difficulty to focus and do work,” defined Jared Askins. You never know when it is going to hit you but when it does there is no curing it. You can catch it as early as the beginning of the school year or as late as April. It is said to be unavoidable and impossible to overcome at any point in the year. If it starts early it will only get worse as the year goes on. “Try your best to stay focused and not let it get the best of you,” advised Terry, “The more school you miss from it or assignments you blow off it will only hurt you in the end.” As you are getting closer to graduation it may seem impossible to just come to
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HUMAN INTEREST 2/14/2013 3:33:26 PM
DECLASSIFIED: TEACHERS EDITION article nick crawhorn l pictures nick crawhorn l layout mackenzie perdue
Why so serious? The faculty at East is full of many different personality types, including jokers. Several teachers find the practical side of pranking and have no bounds, when trying to become the number one jester in school. Pranks ranging from simple guerilla attacks, to intricate acts of vandalism are just some of the few jokes in the warring coworker’s arsenal. But several teachers believe they are just puppets, controlled by a master puppeteer. Psychological pranks are the best pranks, as exhibited in the story of English teacher, Brian Brashear and Science teacher, Kenny Hughes. Hughes was already a notable name among the Charger halls in 2010, the year Brashear began his career at East. All too soon, the veteran Hughes began to put, newbie Brashear under humorous, psychological duress, with the assistance of an unidentified, black envelope messenger. “I feared for my social standing within the school,” Brashear says with assurance, “there was leverage against me.” Pranks consisted of post-it noting Brashear’s room, stealing his car tire and ultimately, head games. Brashear began his attempt at revenge by receiving help from Hughes partner in crime (P.I.C.), the black envelopes. Under orders of the envelopes, Brashear concocted laxative laden coffee and also coated Hughes car with chicken grease, obviously an original Kentucky Fried prank. Eventually, there was a heavy breaking point for Brashear and Hughes as former principal, Debbie Atherton stepped in to, “mandate” we stopped,” said both teachers. Unfortunately the black envelope dealer was never caught, but suspicions did arise. The Bullitt East Charger News team, tried delving into the subject, but were curtailed with a lack of interviews. Though most believe the letters could have come from the “desk of the editor-in-chief.” Brashear believes it to be over, as handshakes have been given, but Hughes became vague with his response, to the end of the war, “As far as Mr. Brashear knows, it’s over.” Head games are not the only way to prank. In 2011 Bullitt East was introduced to Georgian English teacher, Andrea Isaacs, who had promptly followed History teacher Nate Fulghum, who had started in 2010. Both teachers became friends, but both, also became rivals. Immediately their rivalry resulted in using heavy guerilla tactics against each other, in merciless and dictatorial fashion. Last year Isaacs’s class, under the command of her heavy, literary teachings, pummeled an unsuspecting Fulghum with paper wads, igniting the war. “He was teacher of the year, with a big head,” said Isaacs, “I had to level him.” Fulghum launched his own attacks, but unfortunately, his arsenal lacked the creativity of Isaacs’s first year ingenuity. Fulghum is reluctant to believe Isaacs’s pranks are successful, “I’m winning. I’ve one upped her,” he says with superiority. Fulghums pinnacle of pranking came with the help of last year’s seniors, who saran wrapped Isaacs car. Unfortunately the feud still prevails and recently there have been several attacks on both classrooms. Though minor, it could escalate by the end of the year. The school is a battleground of knowledge, wits and sabotage and it’s up to the students to not get caught in the crossfire…yet.
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Students Today, Leaders... When?
article Haley Simpson l photos by Journalism l Layout Haley Simpson and Katie Warner
To bring back or not to bring back? That is the question. Students in the Leadership club believe that bringing back the Leadership class will help remedy some of the problems in planning school events and increasing school spirit. With what seems to be a decrease in assemblies due to less student participation, students have claimed that there is a drop in school spirit. Right now the school is only allowed to have two pep rallies a year but, the Leadership club states that student participation in pep rallies is needed to have more in the future. Both students from the leadership club and throughout the school believe that if the leadership class was brought back to East school events and pep rallies would be more organized and beneficial for the student body. Before the leadership club was started, the class was taught by Mr. Walters up until 20102011 school year and was then removed from the electives. The class handled all events, pep rallies, dances, and homecomings. We had homecoming dances for both football and
basketball, a winter formal, and two dances called neon madness, and the pep rallies actually hyped the school for whichever sports team was competing at that time. When the leadership class was in the curriculum it was easier to plan the events because if you didn’t do your job you got a bad grade. Emily Marksbury, a member of the Leadership club, said, “if we brought back the Leadership class events would be so much easier to plan and people wouldn’t be missing meetings after school, they would be in class for an hour and a half focusing on getting their job done and getting it done right for their grade.” Junior, Morgan Raymer believes that bringing the leadership class back won’t fix the problem, having more events would fix it. “We had a homecoming dance for football, but no one really went, we didn’t have a winter formal, and one pep rally, other than that we haven’t had anything to really get excited about as a school,” says Raymer who was a member of the leadership club last year and was in the leadership class the year it was omitted from the curriculum.
Kaleigh Sharpe, a junior in the club, says that in order to have more pep rallies throughout the year we need more student participation. “Right now, were only allowed to have two pep rallies a year, we can only have more unless the school responds and we have really great student participation, we don’t have that right now,” stated Sharpe. Jo Perkins, secretary to Mr. Foster, is one of the three sponsors of the Leadership club states that she hasn’t seen a drop in school spirit this year, “we haven’t had any less pep rallies this year than we have had in the past, I don’t see a drop in school spirit at all.” Even though Perkins feels like there hasn’t been a drop in school spirit, the general consensus of the school is that there has been and virtually everyone can see it. Bringing back the leadership class would benefit the school by pumping them up for events happening at the school and giving them something to get excited about together as a school.
Class of 2013 Senior Q and A’s
Who said what? Match the quote to the senior who said it
“I’m perfect so I don’t have any embarrasing moments.”
“Mr. Steinmetz and Mr. Hughes stealing Brashear’s car tire.”
“Any moment spent “I really hope for my “Once, I was taking my with Carrie Gary, she’s music to become very tray up at lunch and I always saying popular amongst its tripped over a table.” something or doing audience. I would love something that makes to just write and play for you laugh.” a living. I just love the joy music gives me.”
Find out at ww2.bullittschools.org/behslivewire Livewire NewsmagazineBEHSfall2012issue3fixed.indd 21
FEATURES 20 2/14/2013 3:33:40 PM
Letter to the Editor Advanced Placement
Equality is a great thing. Equality of the races, equality of the religions, equality of the sexes, equality of marriage rights. Equality is a great thing. Equality solves problems regarding job discrimination, voting rights, stereotyping, profiling, and I’m sure many other things that will not be mentioned in this article. Equality is a great thing. But equality is not always the solution. Not everyone is equal. Some of you probably felt a sharp pang in your stomach after reading that as thoughts of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution popped into your mind. And that’s fine. Those are both great documents. But stating that “all men are created equal” does not make all men equal. Unfortunately, schools, parents, peers, and schools (yes, “schools” is there twice; it’s not a typo) all try to make everyone equal. Because this is a broad, generalized statement that can be applied to many situations, henceforth it should be understood that the previous statement is meant to be applied to the situation concerning the point of this article: Why students take AP classes. First, and probably the least applicable to the aforementioned broad, generalized statement, parents. Parents do not necessarily try and make their kids equal to everyone or anyone else (with exceptions), but they do tend to push their kids to do their best. This parental pressure can cause some kids to try to do more than what they are capable of doing. Next, and probably the most obviously associated with making everyone equal, peers. I shouldn’t have to describe how peers try to get others to think and look like themselves, how peers tease those who are different than themselves, or how peers exclude those who are not “equivalent” to them, so I won’t. Nevertheless, the peer pressure that I’m sure you’re familiar with influences many things beyond the classroom and only lightly affects the decision of taking AP classes. Even so, peers can still have a significant impact on this decision. When a friend tries to get his friend to sign up for the same class in hopes of them having a class together, it is still peer pressure. Likewise, a girlfriend (or boyfriend) trying to get her boyfriend (or his girlfriend) to sign up for an AP class in hopes of sharing another one and a half hour with him (or her) when only one of the two is truly capable of handling the course is also included in this category of peer pressure. Now, for probably the worst offender of promoting the idea that everyone can and should take AP classes, schools. High schools have specific standards that are set for their students; among these standards is that they send students to get a college education, because as the studies show, those who graduate college earn a significantly higher salary than those who do not. As a result of these set standards, high schools force the idea that every student needs to go to college to get an education to get a high-paying job. Consequently, every student needs to pay for college. Because not everyone can get a full-tuition scholarship (and not everyone wants to work while in school), they choose to take AP classes in order to take a test at February APRIL2013 2011 NewsmagazineBEHSfall2012issue3fixed.indd 22
the end of the year that guarantees they won’t have to pay for the college class respective to that AP test. In taking these college-level classes though, they realize that the work is difficult and abundant and that maybe they weren’t cut out for such a task as an AP class. Unfortunately, they only have this academic epiphany after or during the class when their GPA plummets because of their inadequacy to fulfill the class’s demands. More unfortunately, the school officials see this every year happening to different students. They know which students can and cannot. So why do they not tell the students who cannot that they cannot? Because they can’t tell you the truth: They can’t say, “No, dear. You’re not good enough to take this class, you’re too stupid.” It’s their job to lie and encourage you to do the very best you think you can. But still, despite the reasons I just gave for why most students take AP classes, the responsibility is on you, the student, whether you pass or fail. If you pass, then congratulations: you are capable of handling the responsibility. If you fail, then you aren’t capable. But if you fail, don’t use this article as an excuse, don’t put the blame on others. Your schoolwork is your responsibility. Don’t say that your parents had their expectations too high; don’t say your friends tried to get you to do something you didn’t think you could do; don’t say your school lied to you about how capable you were. Don’t put the blame on anyone other than yourself; don’t say that no one told you otherwise and that you didn’t know. Because I’m not your parent and I’m not a school official. I’m an honest peer, an impartial student. I’m not here to demean you no matter how insignificant you may feel. I’m here to tell you the truth, that which you have yet to be told and which you have yet to be convinced of: You’re not good enough. Not everyone is good enough. And not everyone is equal. But despite the revelation I just gave you, I ask that you continue to take AP classes. I encourage you to continue on your legendary quest to achieve college credit through AP tests. After all, some people have to be the one and some people have to be the five. -Sal Lanci Bullitt East Junior
The Livewire accepts all letters to the editor. The writer is responisble for all content. Send all letters to larry.steinmetz@bullitt. kyschools.us
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Not so Great Expectations
article by Cassidy Grom l Layout by Elynn Mullaney
If we all did it the Charger Way, we would all be mediocre. Expectations of teens have rapidly fallen in the last century. These days, the teenage years are viewed as a vacation from responsibility. Teenagers who seemingly excel in courtesy, academics, or leadership are painted as an exception to the stigma. However, a deeper look into our history will show that these years were not always wasted. Teenagers didn’t exist 100 years ago. Until the early 1900’s one was either an adult or a child. When you reached adult size at the age of 13 or 14, you were ready to do adult work. The goal of childhood was to grow up as fast as possible so that you can take on more responsibilities. However, the education laws of the 1920’s made young adults attend school longer, thus extending childhood. A new species of humans appeared: young men and women who looked like adults but acted like children. Surprisingly, the first documented use of the word teenager was in a Reader’s Digest issue in 1941. It has been the era of the teenager ever sense. “Society expects us to get drunk and party all the time,” stated senior Courtney Smith. As I sat in a circle of what most would consider “good kids”, I heard similar stories. “They think we ignore authority,” chipped in Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader, Alison Pulliam. “Yeah and get drunk and party all the time,” said junior Amanda Alford as she rolled her eyes. These low expectations are evident even at East. Posted on one of the cafeteria windows are the Plan results. The Plan test is a stan-
Even our “charger bucks” are reminiscent of our parks and rec basketball days where everyone received a trophy because “everyone is special.” It used to be expected for a man to hold open the door for a lady, for someone to help gather papers that have fallen, and for students to participate in class. Now simple courtesies like these are considered praiseworthy and deserving of a prize. In the novel, Do Hard Things, nineteen year old authors Alex and Brett Harris compare our society’s expectations of teenagers to those of toddlers: “Why does every healthy baby learn to walk while very few teenagers have learned how to dance? One is expected, the other is not. Why does every healthy baby overcome communication barriers by learning to talk while very few teenagers overcome barriers between themselves and their parents by learning to communicate? One is expected the other is not.” Pulliam, an academic “prodigy” has experienced a similar expectation phenomenon. “Adults don’t expect much of me if I just met them, but teachers I’ve had all year and my parents expect more.” The bar is not only set for adolescents by their superiors but by the example of their peers as well. “I’ve had people tell me they try harder to beat me,” shrugged Pulliam. Similarity, we either rise to meet the occasion
or we fall to meet the accepted low expectations. Throughout history we have seen young people who have risen to meet the need, but it didn’t happen overnight. Think about it: -Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, began her nursing career at the age of 11 at the bedside of her brother -Charles Schulz, Peanuts cartoonist, published his first drawing of a dog at the age of 14 -Jean- Francios Champollion, decipherer of the Rosetta Stone, could speak a dozen languages by the age of 16 A wise man once told me that “Every overnight success had 5 years of work behind it.” I think this quote really shows that we need to use these adolescent years to build our skill sets so that we can be successful in the future. Barton had to learn how to first wrap bandages before she could lead a national disaster relief organization. My question to you readers is “What is your hard thing?” If you could do anything, and time, money, and resources were not an issue, what would you do? Start a non-profit organization? Organize an event? Raise your reading level? We have seen that the future belongs to those who are prepared. We need to show society that we are not simply a bunch of irresponsible teenagers, but rather responsible young adults that are striving to better our world. It begins with you. Take time to develop your skill set, do your personal best no matter what the expectations are, and yes, try to go beyond “the Charger Way”.
Do You Stack Up At Sixteen?
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dardized exam that measures sophomore’s current academic development. We boast a 17.7 average compared with the 17.6 national average in the math portion. This one tenth of a point above average is applauded. Way to go Chargers.
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Hold Up It’s a beautiful night; we’re looking for something dumb to do. Hey baby, I think I want to marry you! Students at East may find that tying the knot too soon is not too fun. Your teenage years are not a good time to get married; your body and mind have yet to develop. You should be focused on other major decisions preparing for adulthood. Getting married is also a huge financial responsibility which is more than likely too much for teenagers. Looking at the scientific side of things, teenagers are still in the adolescence stage of life. During your adolescence years your body, nor your mind, is fully developed. “If you are going to get married when you are young, both of you
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need to make sure you are ready and mature enough for that kind of commitment and responsibility” said junior, Jordan Weldon. How could you possibly be ready for a lifetime commitment such as marriage if your body and mind aren’t even fully developed? The end of your high school career is approaching at a very rapid rate. Everything is crazy in life. Before leaving high school
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than likely, when teenagers get married they will plan on living with their husband/wife. That means moving out of your parents’ house and inheriting your own bills. High schoolers barely have the money to go shopping with their basic, entry level jobs, let alone making money for rent. With a house come other expenses, such as property taxes, electric and water bills, and groceries. How many people’s parents will buy their kids groceries after they get married and move out?
”You should wait until you are finanically ready, it’s a big step”
seniors really have to focus and plan for their futures. As crazy as it seems, many students don’t know where they are going to college or what career they will be going into. Students need to focus on themselves before they focus on others. Teacher Sarah Akridge added, “Make sure that you absolutely positively know that person and that you would want to live with them….forever.” Fifty-two percent of marriages fail today, at an even higher rate, only 17% of teen marriages are successful. That means that 83% of teen marriages end in divorce. “I’m not even sure what I want to do with my life, I certainly do not want to worry about starting a family or planning a wedding at the moment,” said senior Shannon Humphrey.
Getting married at such a young age is a huge financial risk; fully grown adults with decent paying jobs struggle with paying bills, it would be nearly impossible to pay all of the bills working two shifts a week at the local fast food restaurant. Being young and in love is not necessarily a bad thing. If you and your partner are ready to take things to the next level, go for it! The next level does not have to mean marriage though. Senior Erin Smallwood discussed, “[Getting married young is] stupid. You don’t get a chance to get to know people outside of your high school life. Go to college, meet tons of new people. If it’s meant to be now, then the love should still be there years down the road.” Go for a long engagement but make sure that you know who you are getting engaged to. Senior, Ashley Quaack has known her fiancé for almost 6 years. “We have only been dating since June but, we’ve known each other for a long time, and we planned on being engaged for a long time.” said Quaack. If you are going to get engaged at a young age, my advice would be to make it a long engagement just to make sure that the person is going to continue to grow and mature, and make sure that that is for sure the person you want to spend the rest of your life with.
Getting married is a huge financial responsibility. More February 2013 APRIL 2011 NewsmagazineBEHSfall2012issue3fixed.indd 24
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along great,” stated Quaack.
Couples at East are hearing the sounds of wedding bells and fantasizing about their perfect days after being popped the big question.
Most people are leery of teens and their feelings that may just be temporary puppy love, but these girls know that their boys are “the one” for them. Skaggs’ fiancé is in the Navy and was gone for almost three months. During that time their only form of communication was through letters. “Every time I got a letter I felt the same as I did when he was here, I actually started to love him more” stated Skaggs.
Most students are normally worrying about grades, sports, and what the latest gossip is. Then there are others like Ashley Quaack, Lauren Skaggs, and Amanda Webb who have much bigger things on their minds. While most people look down upon engagement and marriage in high school, these girls seem to have it all figured it out and deserve to be congratulated. Temporary feelings, religious reasons, and immaturity. The list of reasons why people think teens shouldn’t get engaged until after high school varies upon who you ask and goes on forever. However, according to Amanda Webb “If you’re truly in love and you believe God has called you to be married then you should go for it.” Although Webb and her boyfriend of one year and two months (Keith Joseph) aren’t currently engaged Webb says, “We do talk about marriage but as for now our goal is college. However, I do hope to be married in the next few years.”
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It’s very ironic that these girls are engaged at their age because neither one of them ever thought they would be one of “those girls.” As a matter of fact Skaggs said “I used to think the teenagers getting engaged were stupid and I still think it is if you’re a freshman getting engaged. However, neither of them would want it any other way. It hasn’t stopped them from living a normal teenage life and they’ve both changed and matured because of it.
high school, much less get engaged, but as for these girls, well, they’re a few steps ahead of the average teen. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter what friends, family, teachers, or peers opinions are about it, these couples are madly in love and plan on spending the rest of their lives together. They have it all figured it out, from their feelings to timing,. So even if you don’t agree with engagement in high school, congratulate them for at least having a plan for their futures since most of us have don’t even know what we’re wearing tomorrow.
“They were happy for us and they love him so much... him and my dad get along great”
When people bring up engagement in high school you always hear them saying things like “my parents would never allow that,” but for Lauren Skaggs and Ashley Quaack the story is different. In fact both of their parents were very accepting of their boyfriends becoming their fiancés. “They were happy for us and they love him so much.... him and my dad get Livewire Livewire NewsmagazineBEHSfall2012issue3fixed.indd 25
Many people feel as if teens are ruining the rest of their lives by getting engaged but Quaack , Skaggs, and Webb are doing it right. Even though Quaack and Skaggs are currently engaged there won’t be any save the dates sent out soon because they’re both waiting until they get college in the picture before they actually get married. “Zach and I won’t be getting married anytime soon. Unlike other military couples we’re having a long engagement because we’re waiting until I’m out of college and his four years in the Navy to be over with so I can have a good paying job when we do get married and live together, said Skaggs. Some students will not date anyone until after OPINION 24 HUMAN INTEREST 2/14/2013 3:33:47 PM
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Failure to Launch
Students of years past continue to return to the school as if reliving their glory days. A recent rise in Bullitt East graduates returning to the school has caught the attention of both students and staff. While some of the alumni have their reasons to come back, others do not. Teachers believe that it is time for past seniors to move on and the rest of the Charger Nation couldn’t agree more. The final bell rings. Hundreds of students flood the hallways and parking lot, happy that they are one day closer to the weekend. Walking through the lobby, you notice students who have graduated chatting it up with some upperclassmen. What gives? This doesn’t happen too often, right? Wrong; according to junior, Cambron Stewart, it’s just short of a daily occurrence. “I see it at least three times a week in the parking lot or lobby,” explained Stewart. He’s not the only one noticing either. While directing traffic in the parking lot after school, Brian Brashear, English teacher, has spotted Bullitt East alumni “waiting in the parking lot like Matthew McConaughey in Dazed and Confused.”
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Graduates don’t only stop by after school, but during school as well. “There have been more [graduates] this year to stop by and visit the school,” stated drama and HAVPA teacher, Daniel Barrett.
contact Alison- alison.drake@stu.bullitt.kyschools.us close and I wanted to pay my respects to the teachers that were close [to Walters].” Campbell wasn’t the only to visit on the day of the tragic event. “Kelsey Fell (2011) and Eliza Perkins (2011) returned with me that day,” Campbell explained. Other than picking up his yearbook or watching a few home games, Campbell hasn’t spent much time back at Bullitt East. Another Bullitt East 2012 alumni, Taylor McMillen, or T2, is another graduate who doesn’t come back without a reason. “I hardly go back to the school itself. It’s more that I go to the cheerleading practices because I am a volunteer coach,” McMillen clarified. Outside of cheer, the only other times McMillen has stepped foot back in BE was once to visit Mrs. Issacs with his cousin Zack McMillen, another 2012 graduate, and to watch two Charger home games. One thing that the students and staff can agree on is the acceptable reasons for graduated seniors to come back to Bullitt East. Walsh felt that being close to a teacher, or having a family member who worked in the building are good reasons to visit. Having a sibling in the student body is also fine, as Stewart suggested.
If you have already graduated, I find it ridiculous to come back.
Though it’s nice to know how past students are doing, Barrett admitted that it is “uncomfortable when they observe or try to participate in class.” Imagine the roles were reversed; “How weird would it be if an old teacher just stopped by at your work to say ‘hello’ uninvited?” Barrett pointed out. The problem doesn’t stop at teacher distractions. Students still enrolled at BE find the alumni’s’ presence unsettling as well. “If you have already graduated, I find it ridiculous to come back,” commented sophomore, Alexis Walsh. She later added, “once or twice a year is okay, but every week is uncalled for.” Stewart agrees with Walsh, also mentioning that the graduates need to “move on with their lives,” instead of waiting in the parking lot to talk with the students. Amanda Edelen, sophomore, offered a new perspective on the situation. Having graduated seniors come back to Bullitt East isn’t a huge dilemma to Edelen, who explained that “it was their school at once, too.” One issue Edelen has with the returning seniors is “if they’re coming back all the time, it’s a little creepy, unless they are volunteering.” Not every BE graduate that comes back is guilty of hanging out with their underclassmen. 2012 senior Dillon Campbell is rarely up at the school if he doesn’t have a reason to. “The first time I came back was when the Mr. Walters passed away,” confessed Campbell, “We were APRIL2013 April December 2012 20112012 2011 February NewsmagazineBEHSfall2012issue3fixed.indd 26
On the subject of visiting teachers, Brashear commented that it is nice to catch up, but the graduated students should talk about their success. “Telling them about how you are still unemployed or ‘taking a break’ from schooling,” he explained, “is almost like a slap in the face.” According to Brasher, alumni should be focused on their future, instead of returning to “relive their high school day.” Not only is Brashear speaking from a teacher standpoint, but also as a 2005 graduate from this very school. His best advice to all students is to stay out for a couple years once you leave. Stewart’s opinion is completely opposite from Brashear’s. “The longer you are graduated, the weirder it is,” stated Stewart. To Walsh, there’s no difference between the lengths of time spent away from Bullitt East. In a straightforward reply, Walsh commented, “it shouldn’t matter if you graduated one or five years ago, you shouldn’t hang out at the High School.” So, what’s the overall consensus on returning to Bullitt East? There is no better way than to sum it up as Stewart did. “Once you graduated high school, you have different priorities and schedules. You should be focused on that, not high school friends and drama.”
What do you think about graduates stuck in high school? Let us know. Send all letters to larry.steinmetz@bullitt. kyschools.us ww2.bullittschools.org/BEHSLivewire/ ww2.bullittschools.org/BEHSLivewire 2/14/2013 3:33:56 PM
Jennifer Cischke Athletes Signing Early
contact Jennifer - jennifer.cischke@stu.bullitt.kyschools.us They’re shooting for greatness, and that was no air ball. The pressure is on two Bullitt East seniors after they signed to play for college preseason in attempts of reaching their goals of playing professional basketball. Some Bullitt East student athletes are signing to play for colleges before their high school career is over. Committing to a college preseason can cause players to either step up or relax during games; however, these side effects may only be imagined due to high expectations from the fan base. The Charger basketball team has been given high praise recently especially after two consecutive visits to the state tournament in Lexington, Kentucky. It was no surprise to hear that two seniors, Derek Willis and Rusty Troutman, on this renowned team had signed to colleges at the beginning of their senior year. University of Kentucky (UK) signee, Derek Willis, actually began his recruiting debut in the spring of 2011 when he committed to Purdue. Willis withdrew his commitment later that fall and became an official Kentucky Wildcat under Coach John Calipari in the fall of 2012.
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Another Charger athlete to commit to a college this year was senior, Rusty Troutman, who signed to Bellarmine University – a college with a division two (DII) athletics department. These two teammates both signed before their final basketball season at East; it appears that each player’s’ commitment is affecting them in two completely different ways.
Willis and Troutman appear to be showing two completely different side effects from signing preseason. Audiences are witnessing Troutman seem to be improving his game play - scoring 32 points in one game this season and breaking his career high - while it looks like Willis is starting to fall behind statistically. Troutman, in 2011, was averaging 16.9 points per game and 0.5 rebounds. He now has an average of 6.6 rebounds per game and 17.3 points. When Willis first came to East in 2010, he had a point average of 13.1 and 8.6 goals per game. During his junior year, he shot an average 18 points per game and had 9.3 rebounds per game. This year, so far, Willis is averaging 16.2 points per game and 6.6 rebounds. While the year to year statistics for both players are fairly close, fans from the Charger Nation and even outside of East have higher expectations for Willis simply because he signed with UK, especially recently after the Wildcats won the NCAA National Championship last year. Junior, Zach Marlett, commented on the players after the signings stating, “Rusty plays at his level, he always steps it up. Derek is making stupid mistakes. He really needs to just play his game.”
I think he is more worried about getting injured than giving 100%. Especially now that he is signed
Basketball coach, Troy Barr, disagrees claiming that, “Rusty and Derek have both been great before and after their commitments, no issues whatsoever.” From the audience’s standpoint, the two signees seem to be handling the signing in different ways but Coach When Willis first made his commitment to Kentucky, he was ranked knows best. Needless to say, Willis and Troutman are both great as a four-star recruit and was rated within the Top 50 best high school athletes and have shown great improvements over the course of their basketball players in the nation by several major recruiting services. high school career; but when do they stop improving? Since then, Willis has slid in the rankings. ESPN dropped Willis’ rankings significantly moving him out of the top 100 when they (ESPN) had him “I think all athletes can improve their skills continually by working on marked at 35. One recruiting service, Scout, moved Willis down 61 them, but I also believe that each individual has a level athletically that slots placing him at 91 instead of the previously determined 30, but just they cannot surpass,” stated Barr. Perhaps Troutman and Willis will recently moved him back up to 29. achieve the skills and knowledge to achieve the goals they have set for themselves athletically regardless of how the audience perceives it. While overall his number has dropped, Willis disagrees with what the critics have to say, “I’m disappointed with them [rankings]. I think I’m better than the rankings I have now. I’ve gotten better at shooting and I’ve gotten stronger. Not a lot of pressure has been taken off me but I can focus more on school now,” claimed Willis after signing with UK,“[signing] makes me play harder. It’s always in the back of my mind that I have that”. Troutman on the other hand is in the same position as What do you think about athletes signing? Let us Wills but stated, “I’m more relaxed. I know what college I’m going to, and know. I don’t have to worry about it.” Send all letters to larry.steinmetz@bullitt. kyschools.us
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