PITCHFORK
THE
EST 1928
Marietta, Georgia
Marietta High School
Issue 4
‘Rescuing Hope’ in the digital age
@mhspitchfork
February 15, 2023
Dylan Buehner Business Manager The image of a human trafficker for most is a sketchy guy in a white van outside a middle school or daycare. But this is a surface-level profile of a tiny part of global trafficking rings. Only around three percent of worldwide cases of trafficking were by force. For that three percent of victims, the image of said white van is all too real. For most victims, they were roped into human trafficking through seemingly innocent ways. Around 37 percent of victims are “recruited” through online means. An additional 23 percent of victims had pre-existing relationships with their traffickers. Traffickers prey on the weakest in society. They go for the marginalized, ostracized, and isolated individuals all around the world. They pretend to be people they are not, luring vulnerable people into their traps and exploiting them for personal gain. Most victims are first approached by a trafficker between the ages of 12-14. 91 percent of victims were enrolled in middle or highs chool during their abuse. Trafficking is a real problem in the US and numerous states, and spreading awareness of the causes and signs of trafficking is critical. The Georgia government, along with organizations like Rescuing Hope, have used the HB287 bill to educate students on the topic. Continue to pg. 4 for “HB287”
Students creating art during the ‘BHM Paint Night’ event. The event marked the beginning of Black History Month celebrations. Photo by Zaria Byers
BLACK HISTORY MONTH Recognizing Black Success in the Community Zaria Byers Assistant Editor The agenda for Black History Month activities began with an art gathering called ‘BHM Paint Night’ where students expressed creativity and painted Black history-themed pieces. The event was hosted by National Art Honors Society. “It was a forum for new painters to get painting advice from experienced painters. It was a great experience,” Grace Mann (11) said. Traditionally, Black History Month is introduced with the annual Soul Train atop the Grand Staircase; this year, a few changes have been made. The itinerary for the majority of the activities began on Feb. 13 with Pizza
with Professionals and Spirit Week. Pizza with Professionals allows students to recieve insight from Black guest speakers in various career fields from real estate to healthcare, influencers to accounting and more. Lunch is provided and spaces are limited, so students are required to reserve their spots. Spirit Week is a 5-day event where students and staff are encouraged to dress according to the daily themes. The themes are ‘Represent Your Favorite HBCU Day,’ ‘Professional Drip Day,’ ‘Culturally Rich Day,’ ‘Decades Day,’ and ‘Pan-African Day.’ Throughout the month, a door decoration contest in the theme of
“Black Is More Than A Color, It’s A Culture” has been held. Participants decorate their classroom doors in honor of Black culture, and the winner will be announced during the Black History Program, which takes place on the final day of the month. The Black History Month Program, which takes place in the MPAC, will feature performances from students of the arts and speakers. The traditional luncheon will be held that day as well. Continue to pg. 6 for “Black Students Making History”
J’Kelyn Carroll: Madden NFL E-Sports State Champ Icy McFall Business Manager The E-Sports team competed in a series of gaming tournaments in December. Despite being a newly recognized sport, the team is already making history. J’Kelyn Carroll took the state champion title in Madden 21. “I won best of three and I beat New Manchester High School,” Carroll said. To prepare, Carroll watched videos of his opponent and took note of their strategies while building upon his own. “I wanted to join the team because it is something I was always good at because I play in my free time,” Carroll said. “There’s no scheduled practice. I usually come after my baseball practice and play my match.” The E-Sports team has provided a new opportunity for students to partake in a popular activity in a supportive, fun and competitive atmosphere. Additionally, there are more than thirty colleges in the
U.S. that offer scholarships for gamers and E-Sports-related activities. “GHSA added E-Sports two years ago, and it’s an effort to try and get all the kids who participate in video games at home an opportunity to do activities at school,” Athletic Director Craig McKinney said. “It provides both recognition and ability to compete to get the same recognition other sports do. There are also colleges giving scholarships for E-Sports and kids are making money.” Since its start two years ago, the program has excelled and continues to do so, with plenty more room to grow and opportunities to bring forth. This is a triumph for the E-Sports team as the program builds upon itself. If you’re interested in joining the team, spring season sign-ups will be held following the mid-winter break. The current games offered include League of Legends, Super Smash Bros, Madden 21, FIFA 21, and Rocket League.
J’Kelyn Carroll competes in the second quarter of the E-Sports Madden State Championship. Students gathered in JHall to watch the live action on the big screen. Photo by Sydney Martinez