Issuu

PITCHFORK

THE

EST 1928

Marietta, Georgia

Marietta High School

Issue 2

@mhspitchfork

December 17, 2020

Diversity club creates an inclusive space for all students Savannah Hernandez Editor-in-Chief The year of 2020 has experienced a world-shifting, global movement for racial justice. In this culturally sensitive time, the Diversity Club has the potential to create an everlasting impact on students and community members. “It’s more important than ever for us to have a club like this because conversation and inclusion is everything right now. Our students, and people in general, just want to be heard and accepted. The Diversity Club will be able to emphasize and collate those wants and needs for students of all kinds and backgrounds,” Jermaine McCann (11) said. It is a mission for Marietta High School and this club to be an inclusive and safe space for all different kinds of students with different backgrounds and experiences. “The mission statement of the club is to cultivate an inclusive culture that amplifies, embraces and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of students here at MHS,” Betsy Biddle (12) said. A sponsor of the club, Jill Hooley, understands the importance of diversity and is eager to have the opportunity to take her efforts outside of her classroom. “Celebrating diversity has always been important to me. I am fortunate to have the freedom to educate and celebrate diversity within my classroom and visual art curriculum. Now, it is exciting to see what can happen beyond my classroom walls. This is a perfect time to create solidarity with our students, staff and community,” Hooley said. Continue to pg. 4 for “Diversity Club”

Coach Grundmeyer and students walk up the grand staircase after Marietta opens its doors to students and begins hybrid learning. Photo by Alexandra Audrain.

Marietta navigates hybrid classes Students choose between in person and virtual learning Etinosa Ogbomo and Kate Williamson Staff Writers

Students arrived to learn in-person for the first time in 241 days on the Marietta High School campus since the start of the COVID-19 shutdown. Marietta City Schools reopened in phases. Elementary students had the option to return in September, and in the final phase, MHS students had the option to return on Nov. 9. School administration estimated that about half of the 2,532 total students enrolled returned the first week while the other half continued to learn virtually. However, by the first week of December the estimates of in-person students had decreased to around 800 since the return. Students have the option to choose to come in person or stay at home to learn virtually on a day-to-day basis.

According to Principal Ball, preparations for students to return in-person have been in place since June. “Each safety mitigation strategy is examined to see if it is working as intended under current circumstances and if it has sustained value,” Principal Ball said. Noticeable differences in the building include required masks for staff and students, partitions at student desks and hand sanitizers stationed throughout the building. Students may remove their masks when they are outside between class changes or if they are eating in one of the two cafeterias or in the outdoor eating areas, the senior courtyard and

J-Hall terrace. Other safety precautions taken for COVID-19 have been less noticeable. The Board of Education has approved the purchase of needlepoint bipolar ionization units for school buses and similar technology for the HVAC units in MCS buildings. A letter from Superintendent Rivera explained that this technology is proven to remove more than 99% of any COVID-19 in the air in only 30 minutes. Rivera also touted that Marietta is one of the first school districts in the nation to add this safety precaution to our bus fleet. Continue to pg. 4 for “Return to School”

CROSS COUNTRY DOMINATES: TWO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WINS Josh Beyene and Julia Depasquale Staff Writer and Section Editor This year, both the boys’ and girls’ teams were named Region 7AAAAAAA state champions, the first time in school history both have held the title in the same year. “The boys meeting the goal they set 3 years ago and the girls bouncing back after a disappointing 2019 campaign made the day very satisfying.” Jack Coleman, coach of both boys’ and girls’ teams said. This state championship will mark the sixth championship Coleman has overseen as head coach. Kamari Miller (12) won the 7AAAAAAA state championship, and was named the 2020 Powerade All Metro XC runner of the year. “It was the best day of my highschool career. The feeling of accomplishment after

going through so much... it makes everything worth it,” Miller said. Teammate James May (11) finished fifth and Jared Fortenberry (10) finished eighteenth. In addition, James May and Kamari Miller both made the 7AAAAAAA region all state team. “Making the all region team was a big accomplishment for me and it was something that I had to work hard for knowing that I was able to make it as a junior was very motivating because I know that next year I’ll be one of the top runners in the state who will be competing to go to nike nationals as long as I keep training hard and staying consistent,” May said. Continue to pg. 11 for “Cross Country”

Kamari Miller crosses finish line at regionals, winning the race and later going on to win the State Championship. Photo by Julia DePasquale

Opinions

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page 2

Dear Holiday Season, We need you this year more than ever. To be honest, most years we would roll our eyes at people who would prematurely jump from Halloween costumes to Christmas carols. This year, however, it just feels right. 2020 has turned all of our lives upside down in one way or another. There has been a pandemic and all of the health, economic, and personal struggles that accompany it. There have been deaths of monumental figures and heartbreaking societal division. There have been so many headlines we never wanted or imagined we’d see. And beyond all of that, so many of us have faced personal struggles within the walls of our own homes. To say the least, 2020 has been heavy. We are officially in the holiday season, and our weary hearts are ready for it. A sigh of relief came over us once we flipped our calendars from October to November. We’re ready for cheesy Hallmark movies we can guess the entire storyline of just by reading the title. We’re ready to fill a thermos with

cocoa and drive around town listening to Christmas songs while debating which house has the best lights. We’re ready to bake Christmas cookies in our fuzzy pajamas while the classic Christmas comedy Elf is playing in the background. Most of all, we’re ready for the heart of this season. “The Season of Giving” is finally here. This is the time of year when a contagious holiday spirit takes over, and for a little while we remember what it means to treat our neighbors with love and kindness. We hold doors open and take the time to look each other in the eyes and smile. We go out of our way for those less fortunate than us and find extra gratitude for all we’ve been given. The holidays are full of simple joys that remind us what really matters, and I think that’s exactly what we all need right now. We need the spirit of the season; we need to remember how to love each other again. There’s nothing quite like the holidays, and this year more than ever we deserve to soak up every last bit of the magic.

With love, The Pitchfork Staff

A follower will be chosen to win a Zaxby’s gift card from @Zaxbys591SMP

CONGRATULATIONS to this issue’s winner, Skyla Brannen

What do you enjoy most about the holiday season?

Serving the community during the holiday season

Lu Wilder (9)

“During the holiday season I enjoy seeing people help each other out and give back to one another.”

Rebekah Bradbury Section Editor

Gabriel Poche (10)

“I enjoy being able to make my family and friends happy by surprising them with gifts.”

Isabel Linares (11)

“I love how positive this time of year is. The music is almost always uplifting and happy. It is also a time of giving which has always made me happy.”

Mikayla Duke (12)

“I enjoy the vibes. It’s calming and at the same time exciting because I know after this season we will be going into a new year.”

Leila Simmons (12) and Sophie Edwards (12) run a voter registration drive for the upcoming Georgia Senate runoff. Photo courtesy of Kelly

Herrero

As the Georgia runoff race for senate approaches, seniors Leila Simmons and Sophie Edwards took it upon themselves to register MHS students to vote. “For the last few months we have been volunteering for the Cobb County NAACP, registering voters, and recruiting new members,” Sophie Edwards (12) said. The two wanted to bring their expertise to MHS and reach out to students who may not yet be registered to vote. “We talked to Mr. Ball and leaders at the NAACP, and they were thrilled to help us in our effort to register young voters,” Leila Simmons (12) said. Young people are strong voices in our nation, and their votes are needed in this riveting senate runoff. “It is so important to get the younger generation involved within civic engagement,” Simmons said. The two dedicated their services to the MHS community this holiday season.

Opinions

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page 3

Pitchfork is published

by journalism students at MHS. It is free to the student body, staff and community. The views and opinions expressed in the Pitchfork are not necessarily those of the administration and faculty.

Editor-in-Chief

Savannah Hernandez

Assistant Editor Piper Rausch

Section Editors Alexandra Audrain Rebekah Bradbury Julia DePasquale Kendall Gazaway

Business Manager Lillian Salter

Staff Writers

Joshua Beyene Ella Chesney Nina Clark Zachary Harrison Danielle Ho Isabelle Lovejoy Icy McFall Etinosa Ogbomo Antwan Williams Kate Williamson

Adviser

Andrea Lyons

Mission Statement:

Pitchfork is a student written and produced newspaper aimed at educating, enlightening, and entertaining MHS students. All content is determined by the staff in an attempt to be relevant to the student body.

PITCHFORK WANTS YOUR INPUT

Piper Rausch Assistant Editor Johnny Mathis said it bestwe need a little Christmas right this very minute. Why is it so wrong to begin celebrating Christmas when you need it? Something about that cheesy Hallmark Christmas feeling makes today’s depressing news sting a little less. Why does it matter if you start craving peppermint hot chocolate in November or put up your lights before Thanksgiving? Who are you harming by wanting Christmas magic to start a little sooner? What’s so wrong about starting to listen to Christmas music on November 1? The day after Halloween, I felt a chill outside as I drove to get a cup of coffee with the windows down. Something about my usual music just didn’t feel fitting for the drive, so I switched to Christmas music. Humming along to Bing Crosby and Michael Buble, I made my way to Dunkin’ Donuts and momentarily allowed myself to forget about life’s stressors. Of course, November 1 is early. But why should it matter? Who am I harming by listening to Christmas music in my car by myself? We are in the midst of a global pan-

demic, a tumultuous presidential election, and some of the most confusing and backwards high school years in history. The days end at 5pm, we’re juggling school and jobs and socially distanced social lives, and Christmas coming a few weeks early is exactly what some people, including myself, need to cope. That’s not to say that I plan on halting all other music listening until December 25; I have no intention to make Christmas my entire lifestyle starting November 1. All I’m saying is that if we can spark some Christmas joy a little bit early this year, why shouldn’t we? We have much greater worries than getting our Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” on in November. You’re not harming anybody by sprinkling a little bit of Christmas into your life the day after Halloween or even earlier if it feels necessary. Stop trying to fight that Christmas feeling- nothing else makes sense this year, so you might as well do what you want and start listening to Christmas music whenever you need that Christmas feeling. We need a little Christmas now!

Julia DePasquale Section Editor How many times can a person listen to “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey without wanting to poke their eyes out? Now don’t take this the wrong way; I’m not some sort of Grinch who hates all things Christmas. I celebrate Christmas. I love Christmas. Christmas music is amazing, but there is a reason it is called Christmas music. You listen to it at Christmas time. We don’t need Micheal Buble every day of the year The day after Halloween, I was out shopping for shoes at a major chain. Twenty minutes into shopping I realized the songs I had been humming along to the whole time were actually Christmas carols. That shouldn’t be allowed. If we start listening to Christmas music the first day of November, it is old and boring by the time Christmas rolls around. On the day of Christmas, you should be happy to turn on the music, not sick of it. I completely understand preparing for Christmas to get in the spirit, either by hanging lights, decorating gingerbread houses, or singing carols. However, one should not do any of this until the day after Thanksgiving. If you start lis-

tening to Christmas music at the beginning of Thanksgiving, that means you are listening to Christmas music for 1/6th of the year. Christmas is one day, so that amount of listening just doesn’t make sense. After Thanksgiving it is acceptable to celebrate Christmas, but doing so before is unnecessary. Now there’s always those people who listen to Christmas music as early as July. All I have to say to them is “no.” Just no. It might make you happy and cheerful, but I promise you there is another song out there that’ll make you feel the same way. You’re not being quirky by listening to carols six months early. When you listen to Christmas music early, you are not living in the moment. It’s best to enjoy each holiday as it comes, rather than waiting around for the next one. Listening to the music early is similar to when stores start putting out swimsuits as soon as the clock strikes midnight on Jan.1. It just doesn’t make sense. If you listen to Christmas music before Thanksgiving, this is me asking you to respect everyone else around you. Christmas music is not needed until it is actually the Christmas season, which is after Thanksgiving when it is no longer 70 degrees outside.

Letters to the editor should be brought to room J208 or emailed to the staff: pitchfork@marietta-city. k12.ga.us

Cards will be donated to Atlanta Mission, a non-profit organization serving the homeless in the city of Atlanta.

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School News

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continued from "Return to school" page 1

IB seniors in Dr. Morelock's class review for their test in the chemistry lab socially distanced and wearing masks. Photo by Rebekah Bradbury.

“In comparison to some of my friends who go to different schools, I’d say we’re doing pretty well,” Demi Spencer (11) said. MCS is working directly with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Each school has a team that tracks COVID-19 infections through contract-tracing. This method notifies students or staff who were seated within six feet of an infected person for more than fifteen minutes, and they are subsequently required to self-quarantine per CDC guidelines. According to Mr. Ball, the school only records active cases, so there are no exact numbers to report on student and staff quarantines. MCS documents staff and student positive COVID-19 cases at https:// www.marietta-city.org/casereports, and according to the reports, there have been two student cases per week at MHS until Dec. 4 when seven student cases were recorded. From Nov 9. to Dec. 4 there have been a total of 13 students and 5 staff members who have tested positive. Community numbers are rising steadily as students and staff try to navigate hybrid school. At the beginning of the shut-down, students didn’t have many resources to learn at home, as the shutdown was quite abrupt. Yet, with the quarantine initiating in March, many

improvements have been made over time to accommodate for virtual students. From the implementation of Zoom classrooms, virtual hours, and workloads provided through Schoology, students have learned to adapt to online school and are now learning to adapt to in-person once again. The school has issued every student a chromebook for learning regardless of their learning setting. However, no matter how many plans are in place for hybrid learning to go smoothly, there have still been technoloy issues for students regardless of whether they are learning in person or at home. Even though life for students and teachers in the building at MHS has changed in numerous ways with the pandemic protocols becoming a part of daily life, some students are still seeking a sense of normalcy by coming to school for in-person learning. “Going in-person provided the opportunity to see all of my friends, make new ones, and get a better education from my teachers,” Claire Leiter (9) said. Other students continue to have the newfound opportunity to learn in the comfort of their own homes. “The option of doing school virtually has benefited me greatly because my grades have become much better,” Elizabeth Davis (12) said.

Coach Grundmeyer runs weight training after school where all coaches and players are required to wear masks. Photo by Alexandra Audrain.

continued from "Diversity club" page 1 Students at Marietta want to create a “Not being a Marietta native, moving positive change for all community mem- to the school system my sixth grade year bers. gave me an outside perspective. I have a “This club not only has the potential different look into what Marietta is, what to be special, but it will be. We have the work needs to be done here, and how brightest students working, and hopefully we can make it better than it already is,” more to come, for the future. We just hope McCann said. to see the impact from the roots we’re Members have found value in having a setting now, and continue to make this club of this nature at the school, as well as city and school feel like 1Family again. can visualize how it can bring the student There’s a lot of work to be done, but we’ll body together. make it happen,” McCann said. “I think Marietta needs a club like While this club is still in its early age this because it will bring students closer of development and outreach, it has still together and unify us as a whole,” Biddle caused people to reflect and learn about said. others. The Diversity Club has opened a The leadership members are currently door of opportunities working on future to grow as individuals projects for the orga"It is important to have a nization, mainly and community members. place where members can focusing on continu“The club is impor- feel supported and know they ing to reach out to tant to me because I all different groups feel it is really impor- are not alone. Where people of students through tant to expose myself social media efforts. can educate, love and and learn about other “One way we’re celebrate each other’s cultures and backcurrently reachdiversity." grounds. This club is ing out to students a great way to do so,” is through social Jill Hooley Biddle said. media, of course. We President of the Diversity Club, are also using the advantage of our school McCann, understands the importance of news platform, which draws attention to his position within this club. McCann is our club and efforts,” McCann said. actively and eagerly taking on the role and The Diversity Club is looking to lead responsibility of being an advocate for his conversations between students and facfellow peers and community. ulty; they desire to build a safe and open “I know our students need advocates to environment for the student body to comspeak for them and I want to be a key piece municate with each other. in leading and organizing that charge…. I “Things our team is doing now to make love leading, communicating, having those an impact is just continuing to lead convertough conversations. This club gives me sation with our administration and looking a chance to do that, and in the midst of it to get other folks involved. We want to all, open those doors for the change that find the people who care, the ones who should come,” McCann said. see indifference and want better for themMcCann’s passion for his community selves and everyone else around them,” and this club has driven him to create posi- McCann said. tive change.

The club is working to promote an environment that is accepting of all students with various backgrounds. “[We hope to see] progress. We want to cultivate kindness into the MHS culture. We want all of our students, parents, and staff to feel that they have a place and voice here. I am hopeful, but I do

not expect change to happen overnight. Diversity Club will help us make this progress,” Hooley said. The Diversity Club is in the beginning stages of development. For more information about future events and club activities, text the code @UNITYMHS to 81010.

News

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page 5

ELECTION

Joe Biden named president-elect

Piper Rausch Assistant Editor

“We used to have what was called Election Day, and now we have election days, weeks, and months, and lots of bad things happened during this ridiculous period of time, especially when you have to prove almost nothing to exercise our greatest privilege- the right to vote. As president, I have no higher duty than to defend the laws of the constitution of the United States. That is why I’m determined to protect our election system which is now under coordinated assault and siege.” These words were spoken by President Donald Trump on Dec. 2. in a speech regarding election fraud claims. On Nov. 7, the Associated Press declared President-elect Joe Biden the winner of the presidential election following his Pennsylvania win, which gained him 20 electoral votes and pushed him across the 270-vote threshold. On Nov. 19, Georgia was officially called by the Associated Press with 49.5% of the popular vote granting Georgia’s 16 electoral votes to President-elect Biden. This was the first time that Georgia had turned blue in 28 years; the last time that Georgia voted a democrat into office was in 1992 with Bill Clinton. This year, Georgia was the last state to be officially called, totaling the electoral votes to 306 for President-elect Biden and 232 for President Trump. Immediately, claims of a

fraudulent election began flooding in. One of the main areas of stress to the Republican party was the sudden influx of absentee ballots that yielded a large number of Democratic votes. However, officials feel that voter fraud because of mail-in ballots on this scale is unlikely. “In the past, I’ve referred people to local prosecutors and the attorney general for noncitizens voting,” Frank LaRose, a Republican who is Ohio’s secretary of state, said to the New York Times. “It’s like tens or dozens of people, not hundreds. There’s no acceptable level of voter fraud and we take every one of those cases seriously.” Even so, President Trump is pushing towards investigation and has already filed almost 50 lawsuits, 35 of which have been dropped or dismissed. In Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton is supported by 17 states in a bid to file a lawsuit which would reverse President-elect Biden’s win. The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, however, have not affirmed any claims that the election was fraudulent. “There’s been one assertion that would be systemic fraud, and that would be the claim that machines were programmed essentially to skew the election results. And the D.H.S. and D.O.J. have looked into that, and so far, we haven’t seen anything to substantiate that,” William Barr, United States Attorney General, said to the Associated Press.

Joseph R.

Donald J.

BIDEN

TRUMP

electoral votes

232

306 MAJORITY

270

Senate race continues into runoff Rev. Raphael

WARNOCK Democrat

Sen. Kelly

LOEFFLER Republican

Jon

OSSOFF Democrat

Sen. David

PERDUE

Republican

Nina Clark Staff writer

The upcoming runoff election on Jan. 5 has all eyes on Georgia, as this election will not only determine the state’s Senate representation but whether Democrats or Republicans will hold control of the chamber. Under Georgia law, when no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two candidates compete against each other in a subsequent race, which is why the state will have two elections. The first runoff will be between Senator David Perdue (Republican) and Jon Ossoff (Democrat), and the second between Senator Kelly Loeffler (Republican) and Rev. Raphael Warnock (Democrat). Jon Osoff and Raphael Warnock must capture both of the seats in Georgia for Democrats to secure a 50-50 tie, as the current standing is 48 Democrats and 50 Republicans in the Senate. In this scenario, Kamala Harris, Vice President-elect, could cast the tie-breaking vote for the Senate. However, if both Perdue and Loeffler win reelection, Republicans will be the majority of the Senate, which could potentially influence President-elect Joe Biden’s plans. Due to the importance and determinants of this runoff, there’s been a huge push for young, newly eligible people to register to vote and participate in this election. The new year will bring 23,000 young people eligible, who weren’t previously eligible on Nov. 3, to vote in the Georgia runoff election. The date of the presidential election affected many young people across the state and the country’s chance to vote, including a handful of students at Marietta.

“At first I felt bad because I was one day away from being eligible and I wanted to at least have the feeling that my vote would do something.” Faith Kumi (12) said. Despite not previously being eligible to vote in the 2020 Presidential election, recently eligible Marietta students are ready to exercise their right to vote. “This was a very important election and I felt my input was very important, but since my birthday was on Nov. 8, after election day, I didn’t get to have an input.”

“Voting plays a role in helping to change current situations in our country.” - Vitaly Santana Asia Haynes (12) said. The topic of the importance of voting in the 2020 presidential election was a prevalent talking point, considering the many events of the year, and this conversation has continued as both Georgia races went into a runoff. Various organizations and politicians have worked hard to push voter registration efforts for this special election and continue to encourage and mobilize voters, which, in turn, has helped many students recognize the power of voting.

“Although a lot of people say that voting doesn’t change anything, I disagree only because as a POC/Latina I think that our voices need to be heard. As protesting and saying how we feel on social media, voting plays a role in helping to change current situations in our country.” Vitaly Santana (12) said. Voting next year in the runoff can be accomplished in a multitude of ways. Early voting for the Senate runoffs begins on Dec. 14 and will be available until Dec. 31, but there is no voting on Christmas or Christmas Eve. Available locations for early voting can be found on the Cobb County website. If unable to vote on Election Day or if uncomfortable voting in-person, absentee ballot requests must be sent in before Dec. 15, and the application can be completed on the Georgia Secretary of State website. The completed application can be sent in via fax, mail, email, or in-person at the Cobb Elections Office. After the office has received, reviewed, and accepted your application, an absentee ballot will be mailed to you. Once you have received your ballot and cast your vote, you can submit it bymail to the Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration P.O. box or in-person at various dropbox locations available 24/7 until 7pm Election Day. Runoff election day is Jan. 5, and voters can go to their assigned polling location, open from 7 am to 7 pm to vote, if wanting to cast their ballot in-person. Voters will need to bring with them a photo ID which consists of a Georgia driver’s license, an identification card issued by a branch, department, agency, or entity of the State of Georgia, a U.S passport, or U.S military photo ID.

2020: A Year t

Lillian Salter and Business Manage

January

January 8

Ongoing Australian wildfires burn over 15.6 million acres, killing over 1 billion animals.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, step down as “senior” members of the royal family.

May - July

May 2

March 13

Black Lives Matter protests spark across the country in reaction to the death of George Floyd.

Asian murder hornets enter the US.

President Trum declares COV a national emergency.

June 6

June 10

Joe Biden and Donald Trump officially secure party nominations for the 2020 election.

U.S. COVID-19 cases reach 2 million.

September 18

August 4

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, passes away from pancreatic cancer.

A large amount of ammonium nitrate being stored in the port city of Beirut, Lebanon, explodes, resulting in 204 deaths, 6,500 injuries, billions in property damage, and nearly 300,000 people left homeless.

September 28:

November 7

Global COVID-19 deaths surpass 1 million.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are declared the winners of the 2020 election.

to Remember

d Isabelle Lovejoy er and Staff Writer January 26

January 26

American professional basketball player Kobe Bryant dies at 41 in a helicopter crash.

The 2020 Grammys were held, and Billie Eilish wins Best New Artist (along with four other Grammy awards), and Lil Nas X performs Old Town Road with k-pop sensation BTS.

mp VID-19

February 9

February 5

“Parasite” becomes the first ever non-english movie to win an Academy Award for Best Picture.

Senate acquits President Trump on both impeachment charges: abuse of power and obstruction of congress.

June 15

June 17

The U.S. Supreme Court rules that the 1964 Civil Rights Act protects LGBT+ employees from workplace discrimination.

American civil rights leader and congressman, John Lewis, passes away of pancreatic cancer.

August

July 4

Wildfires pick up in California, burning 4,000,000 acres, more than double the

A professionally filmed rendition of the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton” is released on Disney+.

December 9

The US surpasses 3000 deaths from COVID-19 in a single day.

Playbill announces that Ratatouille The Musical, produced by users on Tiktok, will air on Jan. 1 of next year, and donate profits from ticket sales towards unemployed performers (The Actors Fund).

Bilingual

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Spreeing through the holidays

page 8

Pasando por las dias festivos

Danielle Ho Staff Writer

November 26

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, a federal holiday in the U.S., is a day to express gratitude and enjoy a meal with loved ones.

El Día Acción de Gracias

El Día de Acción de Gracias, una fiesta federal en los EEUU, es un día para expresar gratitud y disfrutar de una gran fiesta con sus seres queridos. “Nuestra tradición es que cocinamos comida salvadoreña e hispana en lugar de la típica comida de pavo y puré de patatas,” dijo Kerin Segovia (12).

“Our tradition is that we cook Salvadorian and Hispanic food instead of the typical Turkey and mashed potatoes meal,” Kerin Segovia (12) said.

November 27

Native American Heritage Day

El Día del Patrimonio Nativo

This day is to honor and recognize Native Americans as the indigenous people of America’s land.

Hanukkah

Este día es para honrar y reconocer a los nativos americanos como los indígenas de la tierra de Estados Unidos.

December 10-18

Janucá

Hanukkah is a Jewish festival that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

Hanukkah es un festival judío que celebra la rededicación del segundo Templo en Jerusalén.

“For Hanukkah, my parents, sister, and I light the candles on the menorah and say the prayer. I love it when my sister opens her gift because she gets so excited,” Chloe Parker (12) said.

“Por Hanukkah, mis padres, hermana, y yo encendemos velas en la menorá y decimos la oración.. Me encanta cuando mi hermana abre su regalo porque se emociona mucho,” dijo Chloe Parker (12).

Las Posadas

December 16-24

Las Posadas is a religious festival chiefly celebrated in Mexico. Las Posadas means shelter. Church communities reenact the travels that Mary and Joseph endured in order to find shelter for the birth of Jesus. Typical practices are caroling and drinking ponche (a Mexican Christmas fruit punch). “My favorite aspects of the Posadas are that I get to spend it with all my family and friends and that everyone can come together and enjoy each other’s presence,” Jacqueline Ramirez (10) said.

Christmas

Christmas is celebrated religiously and culturally around the world. In Latin America, it’s tradition to eat tamales and pozole and break a pinata.

December 25

“While my family and I wait for it to hit midnight, we eat tamales. On Christmas, we do a ‘recalentado’, which means we eat the leftovers. We also go to a ‘baile’ at night (a party),” said Susan Gramajo (9).

Doce días de Navidad

Navidad

La Navidad se celebra religiosa y culturalmente en todo el mundo. Para Latinoamérica, es tradición comer tamales y pozole, y romper piñatas. “Mientras mi familia y yo esperamos a que llegue a medianoche, comemos tamales. En Navidad, hacemos un ‘recalentado’, lo que significa que comemos las sobras. También vamos a un ‘baile’ por la noche (una fiesta),” dije Susan Gramajo (9)

December 25- January 5

The twelve days of Christmas is the period in Christian theology that marks the span between the birth of Christ and the coming of the Magi, the three wise men.

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is the African-American celebration of life which involves gift-giving and a feast of faith. Maulana Karenga established this festival as a response to the Civil Rights movement urging Black Americans to unite themselves.

December 31

Three Kings Day

January 6

“We get a Rosca de Reyes. Whoever receives the bread that has baby Jesus in it has to make the food for the next time we all gather together. [Three Kings day] reunites us,” said Gramajo (9).

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa es la celebración afroamericana de la vida que implica dar regalos y una fiesta de fe. Maulana Karenga estableció este festival como respuesta al movimiento de Derechos Civiles instando a los negros americanos a unirse.

New Years Eve

In Christianity, the feast commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child by Baltasar, Caspar, and Melchor. Spanish traditions include putting gifts in shoe boxes and eating Rosca de Reyes.

Twelve Days of Christmas

Los 12 días de Navidad es el período que en la teología cristiana marca el lapso entre el nacimiento de Cristo y la venida de los Reyes Magos, los tres sabios.

December 26- January 1

News Years Eve marks the last day of the Gregarian calendar. Latino traditions include walking around with a suitcase in hopes of many travelling opportunities, wearing yellow (wealth) or red (luck) underwear, and eating 12 grapes. In the states, writing resolutions is ubiquitous.

Las Posadas

Las Posadas es un festival religioso celebrado principalmente en México. Las Posadas significa refugio. Las comunidades de la Iglesia recrean los viajes que María y José soportaron para encontrar refugio para el nacimiento de Jesús. Las prácticas típicas son los villancicos, golpear piñatas con siete espigas y beber ponche (una bebida de frutas mexicana). “Mis aspectos favoritos de las posadas son que puedo pasarlo con toda mi familia y amigos y que todos pueden reunirse y disfrutar la presencia de los demás,” dijo Jacqueline Ramirez (10).

Nochevieja

Nocheveja marca el último día del calendario gregario. Tradiciones latinas incluyen caminando con una maleta con la esperanza de muchas oportunidades de viajar, llevando ropa interior amarilla (riqueza) o roja (suerte) y comiendo 12 uvas. En los Estados, escribir resoluciones es ubicuo.

El Día de los tres

En el cristianismo, la fiesta conmemora la visita de los Magos al Niño Cristo por Baltasar, Gaspar y Melchor. Las tradiciones españolas incluyen poner regalos en cajas de zapatos y comer Rosca de Reyes. “Tenemos una Rosca de Reyes. Quien reciba el pan que tiene al bebé Jesús en él, tiene que hacer la comida para la próxima vez que todos nos reunamos. [El Día de los tres Reyes] nos reúne,” dije Gramajo (9).

Entertainment

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page 9

Uplifting entertainment: out of the archives Feel-good recommendations to ease the stress of 2020 Julia Depasquale Section Editor

MOVIES

Pitchfork Picks:

Won’t you be my Neighbor?

TV SHOWS

Pitchfork Picks: Gilmore Girls

This movie shows the heartwarming kindness of Fred Rogers, the star of "Mister Roger's Neighborhood". The examples of his everyday kindness provide reasoning as to why he became such a generational icon. The movie stresses the importance of being good and has a strong call to action.

Although this show is a little on the older end, it is the perfect lighthearted story between a daughter and her mother. The story is captivating as it showcases the love between the two, despite other conflicts occurring.

New Girl

Jingle Jangle

"New Girl" is a comedy that is fun and easy to watch. It follows a young school teacher who gets four new roommates. Even though the episodes are light, they are also heartwarming and emotional at times.

"Jingle Jangle" is a new Netflix Christmas movie, but with a twist. It brings an amazing world with brilliant inventions to the table and possesses a riveting storyline. The story is one about finding new joy during the Christmas season.

Student Pick:

Remember the Titans

Student Pick:

The Office

“The Office" has always been my favorite. It lightens my mood on a bad day. The episodes flow into each other so you can watch a lot of episodes in one day. I would recommend watching it if you haven’t.” Danyel Hernandez (11)

“My favorite uplifting movie is “Remember the Titans” because it taught me lessons of friendship and respect despite dealing with racial discrimination and hardship white still being funny and entertaining." Quadriyah Williams (11)

BOOKS

Pitchfork Picks:

MUSIC

Pitchfork Picks:

Becoming

Hidden Figures

Fineline

"Be", an album from BTS, was created with an international audience in mind. The music was written with regard to the pandemic and speaks to what people around the world are going through.

This memoir, written by former First Lady Michelle Obama, tells the story of her time in the White House from a unique, down to earth point of view. Through the memoir, she empowers women from all backgrounds to fight for what they believe.

Although not all of the songs on Harry Styles’ “Fineline” album are uplifting, the album as a whole is an uplifting work of art. The most cheerful song on the album is “Golden”, however all of his songs have amazing power and strength to them.

The novel "Hidden Figures", later turned into a movie, tells the story of three African American women who were employed by NASA as mathematicians. This amazing true story shows the work of brilliant minds who for a long time went undervalued.

Student Pick:

Pride

“Pride" is my favorite because it teaches a lesson of not judging people based on how they look or where they are from.” Samira Butts (12)

Student Pick:

Life Changes

“I love this album because it puts me in such a good mood, and it has a good beat! I love the lyrics to the songs and they make me so happy.” Eleanor Lines (9)

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Sports

page 10

Inaugural girls’ flag football team advances to playoffs

Players build foundation for new GHSA sport Kendall Gazaway and Antwan Williams Section Editor and Staff Writer The Georgia High School Association made girl’s flag football an officially sanctioned sport in 2020. Marietta High School was one of the many Georgia schools that introduced this sport to their community. This Marietta High School team is filled with multi-sport athletes from sports such as softball, volleyball, and track. The Blue Devils finished the regular season 5-1-1 and are seeded number two going into the playoffs. Just like in boys football, this girl’s team has a playbook that the coaches have been expanding on as they have been expanding their skills and abilities. The defense has played lights out, only giving up 21 points the whole season with four defensive shutouts. “The best part of the regular season was seeing the consistent growth in our team. We never took steps back and we never regressed. Our athletes have done an amazing job of learning this new sport in a short period of time,” Coach Houstoulakis said. These athletes came together and created a strong foundation for this new sport at Marietta. “It feels really good being able to make history and be the first official team at Marietta. I think we have a good team this year with a lot of potential,” receiver and linebacker Bisi Ojulari (12) said. Coach Houstoulakis is not only impressed with their athletic ability, but also their level of intelligence and ability to be coached. With playoffs starting up, the team is approaching the post season just like they went into the regular season. “We have the same expectations we have when we get on the field to practice each day, we expect to put forth our best effort and work together in

unison. If we do that, we’ll be just fine,” Coach Houstoulakis said. Not only are the coaches motivated to go far this season, but the players as well. “I would love to see us win state, our team works hard and I personally believe we are more than capable of doing so,” Morris said. The girls this season are going in with hard work and high hopes, we’ll see what the girls can achieve. Although the team is starting to develop as a whole it seems that the girls do enjoy the sport and are already comfortable where they stand as a team. “I love the sport. It is so much fun to participate in, the team is growing more and more together daily. Honestly we all have come together and now are one big family. I recommend flag football to any girl out there. It is such a fun sport with high intensity, marietta has built such a good program this year and has amazing coaches,” Ojulari said. Despite being the first year, the girl’s flag football team continues to grow in popularity. The players who have taken part in this inaugural season are encouraging girls all over the school to participate in this new GHSA sport. “I would definitely recommend trying out for flag football. It’s a very fun sport, you’re learning and working hard while making friendships and memories that’ll last a lifetime” Morris said. Through successful team building and hard work, the team was one of 32 to make the playoffs, and one of eight in the area. At the time of press, the girls were slated to play Archer High School in the second round of playoffs.

Kennedy Morris (12) runs the ball in home opener against Wheeler. Photo by Alexandra Audrain

McKaela Walker (10) passes ball to Cate Gruehn (10) after dodging Wheeler defender. Photo by Alexandra Audrain

Blue Devils make first round of playoffs in rebuiliding season Kendall Gazaway Section Editor

Coach Richard Morgan alongside his “Toward the end of the year when coaching staff stepped up to the chalwe made the playoffs we started comlenge for rebuilding the football proing together and playing as a team. We gram after losing most of the starting started to resemble the FAMILY motto line up. that we built this program on,” Morgan “The inexperience that comes with said. having 19 new starters was a challenge. The Marietta football team ended We sent 17 guys on to college football the season 3-8 after a first round playfrom the state championship team. 95% off loss in a close game against East of this year’s team was playing FreshCoweta. The Blue Devils lost 37man and JV last year,” Coach Richard 28,with East Coweta putting up crucial Morgan said. points in the fourth quarter. The Blue Throughout the season, there were Devils started the game strong after highs and there were lows. Some moa fumble by East Coweta on the first ments went in favor of the Blue Devils play. Junior quarterback Tyler Hughes while other times it did not. threw a 15 yard touchdown on the first “To get through the ups and downs, play of the game to junior standout we started playing more team ball. We Daniel Martin. played together and for each other. With last year’s success and big state We stopped playing as individuals and championship win, the Marietta Blue learned how to play as one,” Christian Devils came into the season with a Mathis (10) said. strong mindset to compete. Their comThree players stepped up to the chalpetitive region made the season a little Camden Overton (10), Larry Blevins (10), and Zuri Johnson (10) break through the lenge and became leaders. Matthew bit tougher than expected. banner in pinkout game against Harrison High School. Photo by Alexandra Audrain Castaldo was the only returner on the The Blue Devils did not get the end2019 offense and the team could always ing to the season that they wanted, but count on his leadership and efforts. Em- we had last year with new receivers, new put up great numbers this season. He the drive of the players keeps the Marimanuel Olaitan was a two way starter and lineman, and a new backfield. I feel like ranks #4 in all time Marietta history for etta community hopeful of victorious seabecame one of the team captains. Lastly the team could’ve done something this completions, attempts, and yards. He sons to come. The Blue Devils will train junior linebacker, Carlos Cervantes, led year, but when it started to all come to- also rushed 535 yards this season with 8 in the spring season in hopes of becoming the defense with 89 total tackles over the gether, it was too late. I love this team and touchdowns. stronger as a team. course of this season. the things that we have accomplished, I Despite losing this first round playoff “I was the only returning player that just wish I had another year,” Matthew game, the Blue Devils have grown as started on the offense last year. I knew Castaldo (12) said. athletes, which has prepared them for the it would be difficult to get the chemistry Junior quarterback Tyler Hughes also seasons to come.

Sports

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page 11

Coach Jack Coleman makes history

Coach Jack Coleman leads girls’ and boys’ teams to two state championship wins. Photo

Coach Jack Coleman has led the boys and girls cross country teams to six state championship wins over his 20 years as head coach of the Marietta Cross Country program. This year, Coach Coleman also received the 7AAAAAAA girls best coach of the 2020 season. “The team’s success has been due to a large group of athletes committing to sacrifice their time, effort and comfort for an opportunity to be successful,” Coleman said. Coach Coleman has

been at Marietta High School coaching Cross Country and Track since 2000 after coaching at East Paulding High School. He is a well rounded coach, with experience in coaching other sports. “I’ve always kinda joked that [East Paulding] didn’t get a good coach then. Everything I’ve learned over the years has helped me to become a better coach later in my career,” Coleman said. Alongside his award winning career, Coleman has impacted the lives and

athletic careers of hundreds of athletes. “Coach Coleman has helped contribute to my cross country success by being a coach who wants to give you all he can to help you perform to the best of your ability. He is a positive figure who enjoys being around the team just as much as we enjoy being there and with him. He is a coach who truly cares about his team and athletes” Jared Fortenberry (10) said. When planning for the future, Coleman remains

level-headed, eager to stay consistent in his coaching style and use his years of experience and success to his runners’ advantage. “[I plan to] take a short break, resume consistent winter training and let’s go see if we can win State in Track & Field. With regards to Cross Country, each season is it’s own story and we will see what things look like after the track season before planning 2021 Cross Country. We can’t get ahead of ourselves.”

Courtesy of Kathryn Mayfield

Continued from “Cross Country” page 1

Miller holds several course records throughout the state and has worked diligently during his high school career to reach his goals. “One reason I keep going is because I know that everything I do will help pave a way for my family. It’s the future that I work towards,” Miller said. Miller is restless in his pursuit of greatness, and he intends on breaking more barriers, as he is committed to run at Syracuse. “What’s next for me is going for sub four in the mile this coming up spring. Only twelve highschoolers in American history have broken the 4:00 minute barrier in highschool and I want to add my name to the list,” Miller said. As for the girls, Kristal McQueen (10) finished twelfth in state, along with teammates Betsy Gordon (12) who finished fourteenth, Hattie Rydinsky (12) who finished sixteenth and Macie Pfeuffer (12) who finished eighteenth. “I was very proud of my performance. I

came in twelfth, but the strong performance of all of my teammates allowed us to win the title. This was my second time running at state, and I’m very grateful to be on a team that works and grows together to be the best. We all worked really hard and it was shown by us winning,” McQueen said. Gordon has served as the girls’ team captain for the past two years. “Anything’s possible if you put in the work and to not take for granted being on this team because you truly will never be a part of something like this team again,” Gordon said. Unfortunately due to COVID-19, the team was not able to get together and partake in activities outside of their formal practice routine. “One of my best memories is when we all got together and made hair ribbons before state because we haven’t been able to do many team bonding activities because of COVID-19.” Betsy Gordon (12) said. Despite the big Marietta win, the cross country team is still at work as Coleman prepares them for the coming track season.

After winning Region 7AAAAAAA Cross Country state championships, both Marietta teams are escorted back to a celebration by the Marietta Fire Department. Photo by Andrea Lyons

Features

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page 12

The first, but not the last Vice President-elect Kamala Harris makes history as the first female, Black and South Asian person elected on a presidential ticket

Alexandra Audrain Section Editor

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have been declared the President and Vice-President elect, respectively, after a divisive election held during an unprecedented time in American history. Vice-President elect Harris has made history as the first female, Black, and person of South Asian descent to hold the office. Her ground-breaking election shows young Americans the greatness they can achieve regardless of their race or gender. “Growing up, my dream job was to be the President of the United States. However, over time I noticed that there were not many people in high offices that looked like me, so that interest in being President declined over time. Having Kamala Harris as our Vice President-elect means so much to me, as she can be the role model in a high-ranking position that young girls and young People of Color can look up to, one that I did not have when I was younger,” Icesha Sanders (11) said. Harris’ election comes after centuries of hardwork and perseverance by generations of women before her. These women fought for civil rights, women’s suffrage, racial and gender equality in order to pave the way for Harris and all women and people of color today to accomplish their goals and have opportunities they did not. “I’m thinking about [my mother] and about the generations of women — Black women, Asian, White, Latina, Native American women who throughout our nation’s history have paved the way for this moment tonight. Women who fought and

sacrificed so much for equality, liberty and justice for all, including the Black women, who are often, too often overlooked, but so often prove that they are the backbone of our democracy,” Harris said during her victory speech. Harris’ election along with President-elect Joe Biden, while significant, does not change the depth of systemic racism still present in the United States. However, as the glass ceiling continues to be shattered, today’s generation of women has the opportunity to create a more inclusive

America for the next generation and fight for systemic change. “I think people of color and women all around America will feel empowered after this election and will strive to accomplish their dreams that may have seemed impossible before. Harris will be able to help create change in this country for a more progressive America,” Kaia Kirkpatrick (9) said. Many see Harris’s election as a sign of hope for progression and movement towards inclusivity and diversity through-

out all areas of American democracy, leadership, and culture. The Biden Harris campaign ran on a platform of unity and healing, Biden often using the phrase, “fighting for the soul of our nation.” “The significance of the 2020 President-Elect and Vice-President Elect is everything that holds value in my heart and is already building confidence in my daughters. It is empowering and inspirational to be the change that is needed to heal this country and our hearts. There is no doubt that major work needs to be done within communities all across the country, but the results of the 2020 Presidential election has sparked an initiative to begin the work needed to create a nation where open-mindedness and integrity bridges differences among its citizens,” Keisha Kirkpatrick, science coordinator for Marietta City Schools and Kaia Kirkpatrick’s mother, said. Now in the most powerful position any woman has ever held in the United States, Vice President-elect Harris has the opportunity to do the same as the generations of women and People of Color did for her, and fight for opportunities and greater success for those who come after her. “While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last, because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities. And to the children of our country, regardless of your gender, our country has sent you a clear message: Dream with ambition, lead with conviction, and see yourselves in a way that others may not, simply because they’ve never seen it before, but know that we will applaud you every step of the way,” Harris said.

Stacey Abrams

Shirley Chisholm

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Charlotta Bass Margaret Chase Smith

Women’s rights activist; First Jewish woman and second woman on the Supreme Court

Voting rights activist; First Black woman to become a gubernatorial nominee

First Black woman elected to Congress; First Black woman to campaign for the nomination for President of the United States under a major political party

Civil Rights Activist; First Black woman to run for Vice President

First woman elected to the United States’ House of Representatives and Senate Graphics by Alexandra Audrain