Vol. 16, Issue 1

the messenger

VOL 16/ ISS 1

Around the World in 80 Days: What Teachers Did Over the Summer pg. 17 THE MESSENGER | 1

masthead CONTACT US

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

(770) 497-3828 nhsmessenger@gmail.com 10625 Parsons Rd Johns Creek, GA 30097 nhsmessenger.com

Nithya Mahakala Sarika Temme-Bapat

PUBLICATION The Messenger is a student publication published for and distributed to the Northview community. The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the entire staff or those of Northview High School, its students, faculty, staff, or administration. Content is edited and controlled by staff editors. The staff will publish only legally protected speech, adhering to the legal definitions of libel, obscenity, and the invasion of privacy.

Amanda Beard Mira Sydow

NEWS EDITOR

Shashank Ganeshan

SPORTS EDITOR Akshay Nair

FEATURES EDITOR Sherry Liang

OPINIONS EDITOR Jack Lowrance

PHOTO EDITOR Justine Ulrich

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

BUSINESS MANAGER

The Messenger staff welcomes letters to the editors but reserves the right to edit all submissions for length, grammar, libel, obscenity, and invasion of privacy.

ADVISER

ADVERTISING The Messenger publishes ads with signed contracts provided that they are deemed appropriate by the staff for the intended audience. For more information about advertising with The Messenger, please contact the business manager.

IN THIS ISSUE

Cover design: Mira Sydow

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MANAGING EDITORS

Alex Perry Chris Yarbrough

STAFF

Megan Cistulli Kaushal Gandikota Aniruddha Gupta Arib Husain Suchita Kumar Nikki Lokhande Ben Minder Evan Moody Noelle Reid Irene Rho Sophia Rivers Sruti Sajja Erin Shin Jennah Sooknanan Sheetal Tadiparty Jennifer Xia Sravika Yerneni Sydney Yim

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EDITOR’S LETTER

NEW FOOTBALL COACH

FOOD REVIEW

SARIKA TEMME-BAPAT

06 MONTHLY BRIEFS STAFF

AKSHAY NAIR SHEETAL TADIPARTY

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ATHLETE PROFILE JENNAH SOOKNANAN

ALEX PERRY

26 FACEOFF

BEN MINDER JENNIFER XIA

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TITAN READING

TEACHER TRAVELS

STAFF EDITORIAL

STAFF

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WORK STUDY PROGRAM MEGAN CISTULLI

STAFF

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REMEMBRANCE OF SARA LEPKOFKER STAFF

STAFF

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THE LOW DOWN JACK LOWRANCE

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ANIRUDDHA GUPTA SRAVIKA YERNENI

NITHYA MAHAKALA SOPHIA RIVERS

STAFF

SPORTS BRIEFS

NEW ASST. PRINCIPAL

COLUMNS

THE MESSENGER | 3

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Luxury Specialist | Relocation Specialist

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Back in Session

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t seems as if every time Fulton County starts session again after the nine week summer break, students come back to a school that is part of a different world than the one they left.

During this pause we all have vastly different experiences: traveling to all corners of the globe, taking different jobs and internships, confining ourselves to our separate homes.

But despite our distance, we are all witness to a few of the same events that shake our nation and our globe.

This summer, the horrific tragedy in Charlottesville was one of these events, painting an image of the U.S. that for some was irreconcilable with the one they held before. The responses to this event demonstrated the extent to which America is divided, and once again exposed the discord that defines our current political and social atmosphere.

More recently, we witnessed the massive natural disasters that devastated Texas and Florida. The aftermath of these storms is sure to persist for years to come, and the cost to the residents of the afflicted areas is incalculable.

But amidst these tragedies, we also saw the unquestioning charity, generosity, hospitality in those who reached out to help.

We saw the best in ourselves, as drives collected funds and supplies like bottled water to bring to those who had lost everything. Georgians offered up their homes to the displaced, signing up in droves to host strangers who had fled Florida.

When a New York Times headline asks “Did the American Civil War Ever End?” and we are forced to question our identity as a na-

tion (“Is this US?”) it becomes easy to demonize those with different beliefs than our own, to give credence to boundaries of race, religion, politics, and geography, to assume the worst of “the other side” and even of ourselves as a nation.

But when the enemy becomes a massive tropical storm, laying waste to lives and property regardless of ideology, we fight back and are reminded of our own best nature, of the daily human heroism that built and continues to shape this nation, of what it means to be an American. Selflessness and bravery, and the desire to make a good life possible for all, defined our actions in the aftermath of Irma and Harvey. Let us hope that these ideals continue to define American attitudes and actions in the coming months and years, as we recover from the shock of two massive storms, and as our nation confronts questions such as immigration, race, climate change, and international nuclear threats.

In the 2017-18 academic year, as always, the Messenger seeks to address some of the looming issues that confront our nation and seep into Johns Creek, but also to highlight some figures at Northview who are working to create stronger, more united communities, whether it be through philanthropy, education and outreach, or by breaking through barriers, disproving limitations through personal achievement. If one thing is certain, it is that Americans still face fundamental questions of our identity as a nation. This year we hope to shed light on our identity as a community: the issues we face, the triumphs we celebrate, and how we fit in to the larger picture.

Sarika Temme-Bapat, Editor in Chief

THE MESSENGER | 5

NEWS

IN BRIEF Welcome week began on the second week of school, starting on Aug. 14. It is not easy to come back from two months of summer vacation and return to the learning process. Student Council kicked off Welcome Week with donuts in the mornings to raise the spirits of new arrivals and returning Northview students. Each day of the week consisted of more delicious surprises from Student Council. Sophomore Student Council member Cherie Sang emphazises that Welcome Week is helpful getting freshmen accustomed to the change of pace from middle school to high school. The administration team facilitated the process, and this year there is an addition to the busy school schedules: the 10 minute reading break. Teachers have also been more lenient this first week with homework, as they are trying to get back into the flow of things as well. Principal Brian Downey’s encouraging speeches during the announcements everyday motivate staff and students alike to unite and conquer each passing day.

8/26 Floyd Mayweather Jr., an undefeated professional boxer, defeated Conor McGregor, a boxer and martial artist, in Round 10 by TKO. The win ensured Mayweather’s 50-0 winning streak and won him over $300,000,000.

On September 9, Hurricane Irma reached Florida, hitting the continental U.S. for the first time.

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Over the summer, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Latin club, Future Business Leaders Of America (FBLA), and Academic Bowl all took part in conventions. The Latin club went to the National Latin Convention which took place in Troy University in Troy, Ala. from July 2329; nine people from the club took part in various competitions. FBLA took part in the 2017 National Leadership Conference, held in Anaheim, Calif. The convention’s events were held in both the Marriott and Hilton hotels, but the main session was held in the Anaheim Convention center.

During July 29 - Aug 2, 27 Northview students were a part of the conference. HOSA went to the HOSA International Leadership Conference (ILC); 30 students from Northview competed in different medicine related events. The conference took place in Disney World, in Orlando from June 20- 26.

The Messenger’s monthly digest of events at Northview and around the world

6/20

9/5 President Donald Trump rescinds Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) on September 5.

Over the summer, 11 Northview students along with Northview literature teachers Megan Hart and Rachel McLeroy went on a trip to Europe. McLeroy first presented the idea of taking a group of students to new countries every summer, and Hart joined her in making the idea a reality. McLeroy and Hart have chaperoned the Europe trip since 2015.

Invitations were extended to girls in their literature classes.

They went to Europe for 12 days, June 8-20. In Europe, the group travelled to five countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and France, touring major cities like Paris and Venice, but also several smaller cities. Each country brought new experiences and breathtaking sights. The students explored the landscapes, tried new food, and learned about numerous different cultures and lifestyles.

August 21, 2017, the halls were emptier than usual. Almost no one came to school, and it was, because of the solar eclipse we had. People all over the US gathered together at full coverage sites to watch this natural phenomenon. The last total solar eclipse we had in the US was 1979. NASA published a list of certified sellers of the solar eclipse glasses, and people were rushing to get their hands on a pair before they sold out. The teachers provided glasses for the few students that came to school. The next solar eclipse is set to come in seven years, except this time the full coverage sites will be different.

9/5 The NFL 2017 season starts with the Patriots vs. Chiefs.

The Chiefs won with a score of 42-27.

8/21 THE MESSENGER | 7

Spotlight on: Mandatory Reading Time

Titans hone their reading skills, ten minutes a day SHASHANK GANESHAN, NEWS EDITOR NIKKI LOKHANDE, STAFF WRITER

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ast year, the principal of Northview, provides students a chance to remember that Brian Downey, formed a student advi- reading is an enjoyable activity. Ulrich mensory committee composed of a variety tions plenty of kids will continue to put off of students from each of the four grades. reading and start to forget they like to read.

Frequently when the student committee met, This habit becomes harder to break as they they discussed a variety of topics, most no- get older. Many adults fall into the category tably regarding the issue of stress manage- of ‘literate illiterates’, people who can read ment. The Language Arts department was but choose not to read on a regular basis. Inalready implementing many initiatives such dividual interests play a huge part in picking as classroom libraries and student choice the right book to maintain enthusiasm. Ulreading. Since those programs were success- rich mentions that research that indicates 10 ful and met with enthusiasm from students, the student advisory council proposed the idea of a school-wide I hope that reading time to better combat stress to group of about 30 teachers, effecwe graduate tively convincing them of the merits kids that are of their proposal. In addition to alactually lifeleviating student stress, the proposal also benefits the staff who all work long readers extremely hard throughout the day and that, I by providing them a well-deserved break. Furthermore, Downey noticed think, begins the plan was easier to implement with habit,” because the students themselves initiated the change. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that change is hard for everyone and that the prerequisite planning determines the success of the im- minutes can make plemented change. a big difference in cultivating vocabulary and “Our goal is that 100% of our kids and increase reading fluency rates. 10 minutes is staff will be reading a choice book, meaning seen as a good starting place whilst fitting something that they choice instead of some- into our timed schedule. Ulrich believes Tithing given to them. We know that on the tan Reading is the next step to educational first day, the first week, the first month, we’re achievement and exposure to new works of not going to be there. We just want to start literature. getting into that routine,” Downey said.

“I hope that we are looking to have bet Ashley Ulrich, a language arts teacher at ter, well rounded, engaged, intellectually, Northview, values reading time because it stimulated kids. I hope that we graduate kids provides students an opportunity to relax and that are actually lifelong readers and that, I consistently help kids improve their stamina think, begins with habit,” Ulrich said. as a reader. This corresponds with academic Many students dislike how they are not success and works as a stress relieving tactic allowed to read school textbooks or finas well. The opportunity to read for pleasure ish homework. Emily McDanel, a junior at has decreased due to the large quantity of Northview, believes students should be able homework assigned daily from classes and to do homework and study for the designated extracurricular activities. This reading time time. McDanel understands the original pur-

-Ashley Ulrich

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pose of Titan reading but thinks studying and reading textbooks are more productive uses of time because completing schoolwork and maintaining grades are also very important. McDanel believes that the 10 minutes is a perfect amount of time to review for tests and quizzes and touch up homework, as many of Northview courses are rigorous, and the school does not have an allotted time for study hall similar to Lambert high school.

“Although reading is very important to our learning, intelligence and intellectual education is more valuable to us, Northview students,” McDanel said.

According to senior, Sugeeth Kandikattu, the reading time has been effective in producing a stress free environment that provides him an opportunity to withdraw from his surroundings and absorb himself into a light novel. Kandikattu mentions how ten minutes is the perfect amount of time to allocate students because it is not enough time for students to get too involved in a book or attempt to start any homework, but it is still enough time for students to transition from a metal state preoccupied with learning and stress to a more peaceful one. For his classmates, however, Kandikattu asserts that many of his peers have no real interest in reading and that the new schedule change will take time to accept because most students do not associate reading with relaxation. Having students adopt reading is a cultural change that cannot be forced upon students. Nevertheless, Kandikattu views the initiative as a step in the right direction towards improved and healthier lifestyles for high school students.

“Students are more reluctant to try new things, especially reading for pleasure since it the activity is negatively associated with learning and school work,” Kandikattu said.

by t he

Northview Reading

NUMBERS

Do students want more reading time?

59% of students like the assigned reading time.

NO: 45%

MAYBE: 19%

YES: 36%

12%

of students reported not reading during the allotted time.

What are we

READING? fiction neither nonfiction

63% 12% 25%

THE MESSENGER | 9

Northview Gets to Work Titans get high school credit for working real jobs

MEGAN CISTULLI, STAFF WRITER

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orthview’s work-based learning program offers interview practice, resume writing, a wage, and real work experience. This program allows students to receive high school credit while experiencing a work environment in their chosen career pathway. As Northview takes on the workbased learning program (WBL) for another year, there has been an astronomical 50 percent increase in the number of students enrolling in this program.

“We have had more than sixty students enroll in the program this year which is more than double what we have had in the past,” Stephanie McCall, head of the WBL program at Northview, said.

This sudden spike in interest to participate in work-based learning is directly related to four main factors: students are that students are getting payed, they are getting high school credit, they do not have homework assigned to them, and they can put this work experience on their college applications. Moreover, most of these jobs include working at insurance

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companies, banks, law firms, and some small businesses like the Mathnasium of Suwanee, which are all credible places of employment.

Sidharth Nair, a senior who just received a raise for his loyalty to the Mathnasium of Suwanee, explains that the most valuable skill that he has learned is work ethic. The real-world experience is what he was looking for, so he decided to be a part of the WBL program for a second year in a row.

“From working at a tutoring table with energetic kids to an 8-5 job in a cubicle, the WBL [work-based learning] program has shown me what it means to work and how different each job can be,” Nair said.

Although this is an informative and real-life experience program that presents students with great opportunities, there are more than a handful of students that cannot find a job and are experiencing the reality of the struggles in the job market. While most students go off to work for the second half of the day, McCall explains that a chunk of the class’s task is to learn how to find a job. They must continue

to try to cultivate a relationship with the Johns Creek community as well as find different avenues to network in the job industry.

Principal Brian Downey notes that this program transcends menial work tasks like making photocopies. Even the negative experiences are as if not more important than the good experiences because they can help students decide against pursuing a career that would be a poor fit for them.

As work-based learning is spread across the entire state of Georgia, it intrigues and guides students to a career path that suits them and a field of work that compliments their talents. From young apprenticeships to clinical experiences to cooperative education to internships, work-based learning has helped students earn wages, earn high school credit, and have invaluable work experience at the same time; therefore, Northview has seen a dramatic increase in students participating in this program and hope to continue to see growth in this program.

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THE MESSENGER | 11

SPORTS in BRIEF

Northview’s sports teams start the season and hope to push for playoffs ANIRUDDHA GUPTA AND SRAVIKA YERNENI, STAFF WRITERS

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fter a rough season last year, the football team is working very hard to be successful. The team ended on a bitter note of 2-8 last year, and they hope to improve their game this year.

“Our football team has set a whole new set of standards for this year. We plan to be very successful,” sophomore Samuel Babadele said.

Along with the new standards, new coaches and many underclassmen have been added to the team. The football team hopes to make use of these new changes and improve their game with them.

“We have a completely different program from last year. Our coaching staff has changed the culture around our team and are doing things that have made us better,” sophomore Beau Lark said.

This year the team hopes to make it to playoffs and are working very hard to get there. Despite the clear goal of playoffs, the team is still emphasizing having fun while working hard.

“We are very excited for this year with our new players and staff. Our goals are to get more wins and make it to playoffs, while at the same time uniting and having fun as a team” senior Jason Shall said.

Above: Senior Chance Dollard covers a Lanier player Below: Junior Eden Shappell dives for the ball

Boy’s Football

Justine Ulrich/ STAFF

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Irene Rho/STAFF

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Girl’s Volleyball

fter a rocky season last year, the volleyball team is trying to get back on their feet and score a few successive wins. However, this season has not been very successful so far, and the team has not managed to get any wins.

“It’s been up and down. We have had many close opportunities to win and we are just trying to get over that hump. We are almost there, we just need a little kick over the edge,” coach Christopher James said.

Although they may not be winning many games, there are many changes occurring this year. Three assistant coaches were added to the team, and there is a lot more emphasis on team chemistry.

“This year things are different because our coaches are from Northview so we can go talk them whenever and see them all the time, which is definitely an asset to the team,” junior Morgan White said.

The new coaching staff and chemistry among all the players may not prove fruitful this season; however, it should hopefully set up a bright future for the volleyball program.

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Cross Country

SPORTS

orthview’s cross-country team ended the 2017 season on a bitter note for the girls. The girls did not make it to state after placing out of the top four at regionals. The team’s main goal for this season is to place in the top four at regionals and then compete at state for the championship. The girls have grown close as a group and work to encourage each other to perform their hardest this season. The large group of cross country girls this year provides the team with depth and allows flexibility in case of injury, which has affected the girls in the past years. The group’s off-season practice together and close bonding will help them perform well this season in making it back to state.

“The girls are always very encouraging and positive with one-another,” head coach Tony Cianciola said. “Our main goal is to get both teams out of region and finish in the top four to at least have a shot at the state meet.”

For the boys’ cross-country team, the 2017 season ended with placing 15th at state. They improved from a 19th place finish at the state meet the year before. The boys hope to make it out of regionals again and place higher this season. They have improved in their depth over the off-season. The team has good senior leadership under Michael Smith and Paul Graham. Smith placed in the top ten at state last year and leads by example. The senior’s excellence is used as motivation for the underclassmen.

“I use my seniors as my supporter, for example, Smith and Graham,” junior Harman Soor said. “I use them as my motivation to improve.”

Both teams are working to finish the race stronger. They work on improving fast twitch speed at the gym so that at the end of the race, they finish strong instead of letting another runner pass. The teams look to stay together in packs, a strategy that aims to lower the points score. This season, the team is the biggest it has been in four seasons, providing depth and encouragement for the cross-country program at Northview.

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Brian Sydow/SPECIAL

Brian Sydow/SPECIAL

Above: Junior Kiersten Lange runs hard during a race Below: Senior Paul Graham finishes strong at a race

Softball

osing many close games this season, Northview’s softball team is 0-4 overall thus far. The team wants to focus on its strengths and work on fixing its weakness, in order to finish strong. The young team is comprised mainly of sophomores, a few upperclassmen, and one freshman.

Sophia Hamill and Eve Chapa are the team captains, and they mentor and encourage the less experienced underclassmen.

“As a team, we are still trying to build our organization stronger for future years,” senior Sophia Hamill said. “This year we are trying to come together as a team and act as one whole group; I want to lead the team as a senior this year and make sure everyone stays positive and enjoys playing the game.”

The softball program at Northview looks to develop as the underclassmen mature and gain experience. The girls have bonded and throughout practice encourage each other in games. They hope their new bond will help them with their communication. Communication has been a problem that the team wants to improve on in order to have better coordination on the softball field. They hope improving this will result in long term success in the season.

“Short term goals as a team is making sure we play an entire game strongly in pitching, offensively, and defensively,” head coach Evan Baker said. “Intangible goals are trying to get the girls to understand each other on the field better and get used to playing with each other such as knowing where their teammates are going to be and each other’s speed and strength of the arm.”

THE MESSENGER | 13

SPORTS

s e h c a o C l l a otb

er Coach Lineback oung Danny Y

Fo

iver Coach Wide Rece ents Mark Clem

ach e Back Co iv s n e f e D on AJ Pears

ch Back Coa Running arris Derrick H

New football coaches look to propel Northview’s football program forward AKSHAY NAIR, SPORTS EDITOR, SHEETAL TADIPARTY, STAFF WRITER

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fter being hired as head football coach in February, James Thomson announced the team’s assistant coaches. While coaches Gary McCoy and Tom Kratowicz retain their positions, they are joined by four newcomers: Danny Young, Mark Clements, Derrick Harris, and AJ Pearson. The youth of the new coaches will hopeful-

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ly provide a spark for the Titans after they stumbled to a 2-8 season last year.

The intelligence and respect the young coaches have has allowed them to make a strong impression on the players and instilled a fighting mentality, one which was absent last year.

“All of them are hungry. They’re not established at a point where they’re

just going to sit back and hope the season goes well; they want to win; they want to make their stamp, and I’m fortunate that they’re here because they all want to do that. That’s just going to be a success for our team,” Athletic director Scotty McDaniel said.

Young will serve as the new linebackers coach as well as a government

teacher. He coached at Mountainview High School along with McDaniel for five years, and McDaniel contacted him about the job once Thomson was hired. On the field, he is a funny, positive guy and is well liked among the players. He is also the head track coach, replacing Jackson Davenport.

Clements will be the wide receivers coach and an economics teacher this year. He coached at the University of California Los Angeles along with Thomson, and Thomson asked him to join the staff at Northview. He is only 25-years-old, yet the players look up to him as an experienced leader. His presence has been felt by the young wide receivers, and they feel as though he has been instrumental in their development thus far. “ He’s brought a lot of knowledge from college football to high school football, and this helps us out in our games... He really knows what he’s talking about,” Junior Mac Bolton said.

Derek Harris serves as the running

backs coach, and he also functions as a paraprofessional at school. He is a vocal coach and a strong motivator for the players, and he will be tasked with helping the running game after it struggled last year. Harris will also act as a sports liaison for the entire school charged with recruiting and helping struggling players with school or daily struggles. “ He’s been employed as our sport’s liaison guy with recruiting in schools.

He’s meeting with all the football players, and he’s meeting with other sports and sitting down to find out what their goals are. He’s also tasked with players who are struggling in the classroom and getting them caught up,” McDaniel said.

Pearson is not currently employed

by Northview athletics; rather, he volunteers his time to coach the team. He is a Northview alumni and played for the Titans when he was in high school.

He brings a level of experience and intelligence that the players thrive off of.

One common theme among the coaches is that they all preach unity and a common goal. According to Thomson, unity is the only way to win games. Their focus has been on changing the culture for the Titans and creating a family atmosphere on the field, which can now be better incorporated.

“The unity of the Titans and their reception to me has been amazing, and it’ll be even better with the addition of these new coaches,” Thomson said.

Thomson, a newly hired coach himself, feels the new coaches will easily be able to blend into Northview’s competitive environment and atmosphere.

He expects that more ideas can be implemented for a more unified team and a more overall victorious season. While the Titans may not be poised to make a deep run in the playoffs, they will fight hard and continue to get better.

“I feel confident that we’ll compete well this season, and now it’s just about the execution,” Thomson said.

THE MESSENGER | 15

profiles

highlights

Michael Smith, 12 5k Best of: 16:12.16 JENNAH SOOKNANAN, STAFF WRITER

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hree years ago, senior Michael Smith joined Northview’s cross country team. Although he is an amazing runner today, Smith’s first encounter with running occurred more than seven years ago when he first participated in the Peachtree Road Race. The summer before Smith’s freshman year of high school he tried out for a summer league baseball team but did not make it. Soon after, his mother convinced him to try out for cross country, and it proved to be a wise decision. Focused on the future, Smith has expressed that he wants to attend a school where he can continue with his cross country career, as well as participate in subjects that he is interested in. While he has not committed anywhere yet, Smith knows he would like to major in something along the lines of a STEM major.

“I want to run somewhere that has a means for academics rather than go to school for running,” Smith said. “I have

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been a Clemson fan all my life because my dad went there. I think at this point that is where I would like to go, but I want to keep my eyes open to other opportunities as well.”

As an athlete, Smith is humble about his achievements, and when it comes to losing or failing he is very hard on himself. Head cross country coach, Anthony Cianciola, believes that Smith is a hard worker with a driven work ethic.

“He is a great student, he is a great person, and kids look up to him because his work ethic is so good. Michael is one of those athletes that you would love to have as a coach because he does everything right for you, and he works hard, never complains, and he goes out and does his job for you, all the time,” Cianciola said.

Even as a freshman, Smith knew that he needed to work hard and continue to find ways to improve his technique and skill be-

3200 Best of: 9:48.45

1600 PR of: 4:39.08

cause, he wanted to be the best. His hard work has definitely paid off in the sense that Smith is now the top runner on the team, if not the top runner in the state.

“I see him at the gym all the time outside of school. He has a personal trainer, he knows what it takes outside of just running to get stronger. I saw him develop from a skinny little freshman to a very solid senior contender for a state title this year,” Cianciola said.

In a team setting, Smith stands out as a leader. Cross country is an individual sport, and Smith performs very well under pressure. With of the amount of experience he has, he knows how to act if things begin to go south. Smith’s dedication to the sport is what has transformed him into the athlete he is today. It is what will continue to shape him in the years to come. In addition to his physical strength, Smith also has a calm mentality which allows him to succeed.

With his training and mentality, Smith may be poised to bring home a title.

“He is just one of those kids that you know is always going to succeed and prevail in whatever he does,” Cianciola said.

around the

world

80 in

the

days

The two months of summer vacation for teachers and students serve as a much-needed break for the ten months ahead. For some teachers, this is an opportunity to travel and refresh their minds in preparation, and for others, this is the time to work toward improving their classroom environment.

SRUTI SAJJA, STAFF WRITER MEGHANA RAMINENI, STAFF WRITER KYNDAL DICKEY, STAFF WRITER THE MESSENGER | 17

The Morgans W

hile most teachers spent June 11 relaxing on their summer vacations, the Morgans embarked on their 27-day journey across 6,500 miles of the United States with their three kids. Their cross country road trip stopped at every iconic American landmark along the way, including Yosemite National Park and the Grand Canyon. The itinerary included a diverse collection of destinations.

Their adventure began with their first stop at the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial, in Oklahoma City. Although it was somber start to the trip, the memorial was certainly one of the most memorable as they viewed the monument against the backdrop of the city skyline. On their way to Flagstaff, Arizona, the Morgans spontaneously stopped in Amarillo, Texas. Here, the family visited the Cadillac Ranch, where dozens of Cadillacs from the 70s are stuck halfway into the ground. These cars transformed into art murals, and the Morgans even got the opportunity to spray paint the cars themselves. Their three young boys got the opportunity try their hand at it, and this experience with their children strength-

ened their bond as a family.

From there, the family made their way up north from Flagstaff to Yosemite National Park. The National Park was Sean Morgan’s personal favorite, and it was at Yosemite that Sean Morgan realized the significance in an opportunity like this, where they can explore places of great meaning and importance as a family. This trip gave the Morgans a chance to explore not only their individual interests, but

“It takes a little creativity, a little preparation, and a lot of patience” Sean Morgan

also their interests as a family.

“I’m relatively new to education and this school,l so for me to open up my summers with my family was kind of a dream come true,” Sean Morgan said. “I’ve always wanted to go to Yosemite for as long as I can remember.”

They then went to California and travelled throughout the state, first stopping at San Francisco, where they explored Chinatown and met with family there. Traveling along the

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Pacific Coast Highway, they drove the length of California, visiting family and scenic landmarks along the way. The family finally made their way to California to visit family while driving along the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway. From all the places they travelled to so far on this trip, Katherine Morgan felt this was her favorite.

“We followed along the line where the oceans and mountains met,” Katherine Morgan said. “Traveling along the coastline was especially special for me because I have always loved the ocean.”

This marked the halfway point of their adventure; following California, they traveled to San Diego to visit family and friends while Sean Morgan had a quick diversion to attend the HOSA National Conference in Orlando, and immediately after, the family packed up and headed out to Anaheim, California for the FBLA conference. This stay lasted about a week, and then the family set out again, this time to Las Vegas, passing through Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave National Desert on the way. The Joshua Tree National Park was the most memorable stop for their son, Aiden, and watching their children’s inspired reactions was the most rewarding part of their expedition.

“That’s what we’re doing it for we’re not worried about souvenirs anymore,” Sean Morgan said. “They own had their own special part.”

This trip not only built upon their experiences as a family, but also proved to be a source for inspiration in the classroom. Katherine Morgan noticed the different modes of transport in trucks and trains, using this example to explain distribution in her marketing class. Aside from the curriculum, these two months was a much needed diversion for the Morgans to revitalize and reset their minds for a long school year to come.

While a cross country road trip in a van packed full of young boys seems daunting to embark on, let alone plan, the once-in-a-lifetime experience inspired the family with an even stronger connection than before.

“I feel like as a family we can pretty much do anything. The trip sounds daunting because the question is, ‘how did you handle it?’

Sean Morgan said. “It takes a little creativity, a little preparation, and a lot of patience.”

The Lit Department

O

n July 16 to July 19, while most teachers were enjoying their breaks from school, four of Northview High School’s literature teachers attended the Summer Literacy Institute in Waco, Texas to enhance their performance in the classroom. The conference taught teachers different ways to engage students in reading and writing in the classroom. Megan Mcbee, Tania Pope, Megan Sekman, and Haley Conroy attended the conference together, and this four day seminar served as not only a learning environment and a bonding experience for the teachers.

“Our English department is pretty close, we are all good friends,” Haley Conroy said.

“It was fun to go and learn about enhancing performance in the classroom with friends.”

Out of all the speakers, Penny Kittle was the most memorable to the teachers, introducing a curriculum surrounded by an initiative to spark an interest for reading in students. In her book, “Book Love”, she details the most effective environment to promote reading, something the teachers wanted to bring back to Northview.

“One of my most memorable speakers of the trip was Penny Kittle,” Megan Gray said. “She does a beautiful job of helping Language Arts teachers find inspiration in their classroom through helping students find a love for reading.”

Conroy incorporates this method into her own environment, and last year, she implemented a ten-minute reading period for students to choose any book of their choice. While she was skeptic that students might not respond well to this initiative, she noticed the progression through one of her students, as he began to develop his own passion in reading by exploring genres that interested him.

“I had one kid last year who absolutely hated reading. He said, ‘I’m gonna be honest with you, I probably won’t read anything in this class.’ The first book he read was “Hatchet”, and he liked it,” Conroy said. “He then asked what he should read next, and from there he found many more books to read.”

Reading was the central focus of the conference, and the teachers also learned from other instructors some writing techniques to teach their students. Kylene Beers and Rob-

ert Probst talked about the ways to get kids to read more effectively if they don’t fully understand the text. Kylene Beers presented a poetry lesson to teach kids different ways to get kids to obtain the meaning of poetry, which was integrated into Conroy’s poetry unit.

While Conroy had already attended a conference during the previous summer, this conference was eye opening to other aspects of literature curricula. This summer, the teachers learned how to synthesize different types of writing in the classroom, promoting creativity in poetry and essays. Quickwrites in the beginning of class every day encourage students to write and gain experience in their skills, and another assignment they were introduced to was the “scar story”, which allowed students to enhance their storytelling abilities in narratives.

“In my classes they learned how to Quickwrite which is an activity to help students write a narrative story during the first ten minutes of class,” Conroy said. “An example would be writing about a scar from their life, this elaborates more on an injury they had during their life that is easy to write a story about.”

The new initiative that the literature teachers have taken upon resembles the school-wide program implemented by Principal Brian Downey to set aside ten minutes every day for students to take time to themselves and read any book they want. This gives students a chance to begin a book outside of the parameters of a normal curriculum, and allows students that normally do not read to expand their horizons.

“I usually don’t buy into the gimmick ideas for teaching, but what i’ve noticed about the classroom model is that kids who don’t usually want to read left the class loving to read,” Conroy said.

This supportive environment in the class-

room inspires a passion for literature in the students, and Conroy’s priority in her classroom is to ensure an accepting space for her students to freely express themselves, giving everyone the courage to read and write about whatever they see fit. This diversion from the academic side of literature does not go unnoticed by her students.

“Not only does she provide a warm and inviting classroom for us—with fairy lights strung across the walls, but she is also constantly sharing with us her discoveries of mind-blowing, sometimes hilarious, other times emotionally weighted, patterns and connections across even the most depressing and difficult-to-read literature. This in turn inspires us to do the same,” sophomore Melinda Gong said.

This literature seminar, just like any other seminar for teachers, is rewarding for both the teachers and the students to explore more ways in enhancing a classroom environment. While summer breaks is a much needed intermission from the stressful ten months of the year, this is also a time for some teachers to reflect on their teaching for a better year ahead.

“Teachers just like students are eager to learn. None of us have perfected the craft of teaching. You’re always trying to provide and learn something new,” Downey said. “Within the Language Arts department, there has always been emphasis being put on literacy and better ways to teach it and help our kids.”

THE MESSENGER | 19

Mr. Paul D

uring the school year, Northview High School´s media center specialist, Darryl Paul, can be found among the stacks of books, helping students with their Chromebooks or just recommending a new book. But this summer vacation, he was living his own adventures in his cross country road trip with one goal in mind: to reach all thirty Major League Baseball stadiums. It was their family tradition; to visit baseball stadiums with every summer off. As he continued the saga with his family, this summer of adventure brought him and his wife to new heights and fresh experiences.

“We’re all teachers so every summer we get off and we go and see baseball stadiums,” Darryl Paul said.

“With the Braves new stadium that means we saw eight new stadiums this summer.”

They continue their seasonal tradition every summer, given their flexible summer vacations as teachers, and in just this year, Paul and his family managed to visit a total of eight stadiums.

They left June 3 and returned June 19, visiting stadiums all across the United States and even crossing the border to one in Canada. In a combination of flying and driving, Paul stopped in Columbus, Cincinnati, Detroit, Cleveland, Toronto, Pittsburgh, Seattle and San Francisco. Despite his lengthy list

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of cities checked off the list, he is still far from reaching all thirty. Between the long car rides and hectic schedule, Paul managed to squeeze time in to explore the cities beyond their stadium While planning the trip, Paul a couple places in mind to check off his bucket list, including San Francisco and Canada, and he made a point to learn as much as he could from the cities and the people living there. He also knew that his experiences were meant to be shared with other people, and as a teacher, he recognized his platform for sharing personal knowledge and experience accumulated from extraordinary trips like this one “You understand more of the backdrop history and people’s lives in general and how they see things differently because where they live,” Paul said. “There’s always something that makes you broaden your horizons.”

The beauty of traveling to new places is coming back to your home with pieces of those cities with you. Paul has brought so many encounters and memories with his family back to Northview with him this year. He encourages everyone who can to explore new places.

“I think it’s really important to visit as many different places as possible, meet as many different people as possible, meet people from different areas and different backgrounds as you. It’s really important in order to grow as a person. It builds empathy, helps you understand other people’s situations and become more of a sensitive person,¨ Paul said.

Paul is a firm believer in learning through experiencing. There is only so much you can truely learn in a conformed classroom environment. When students actually see the places in their textbooks, or get to look at things they have heard from their teachers, it makes it so much more alive.

“Growing up in Georgia, we read about people exploring the United States by rivers but we look at the one in our backyard, the Chattahoochee and we think to ourselves how do we even get a boat on that? But then you go see the Ohio river that runs half a mile wide and 400-500 feet deep, and you understand. Experiencing things like that, helps,¨ Paul said.

One of the biggest things Paul and his family brought home this summer is how different cultures in different cities can be, but also why that should not be a separation among us. Those events that we read about in the papers, or hear about on the news, things like economic decreases or weather disasters, depending on your location you might just gloss right over it. But other

people´s lives might be chronically impacted because of their geography, yet we do not even have a second look.

“You understand more of the backdrop history and people’s lives in general and how they see things differently because of where they live.

You understand how people in Pittsburg or West Virginia are so devastated by the decline of the coal industry because there are so many mountains.

It’s just all structured,” Paul said.

The smallest trip, can broaden your horizons, and you return home feeling new. It does not have to be some grand location either. Even beyond the scholarly aspect of travel, it´s a great way to have fun with the people you love or by yourself. Keeping yourself open and welcoming to what is to come, you will always find something.

“It’s just all really exciting,¨ Paul said.

As an educator, Paul uses his personal experiences and travels to open the eyes of his students and his fellow faculty. In high school, there are still so many experiences yet to have, and through traveling, we learn so much about ourselves, the world, and the people we share it with.

“Go as many places as you can, talk to as many people as you can meet as many locals as you can and ask them questions - that is how you learn,¨ Paul said.

THE MESSENGER | 21

Remember The Titan Northview remembers Sara Allen Lepkofker after her passing this summer AMANDA BEARD, MANAGING EDITOR NOELLE REID, STAFF WRITER

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er personality was just like this bud of life,” Camille Janess, a physical science teacher at Northview High School, said. “She would [in] some kinda way, make contact or conversations with everyone in the room and I would be like ‘do you know them?’ and then she goes ‘no’.”

On the evening of July 11, 2017, one of Northviews biology teachers, Sara Allen Lepkofker, passed away at the age of 57. The news of her passing was announced through a Facebook post on that evening.

“It was really devastating,” Tracy HefnerRamage said. “I cried and, I miss her.”

“And that’s a lot of effort on the teacher’s part, to make those videos and do those ahead of time and have all that set up,” Christian Kemp, a physics teacher and colleague of Lepkofker, said. Lepkofker passion for teaching students surpassed the phrase ‘going the extra mile’ by making the time to integrate this new program in her classroom.

The extra effort that she took to teach only scrapes the surface when talking about Lepkofkers passion for teaching.

“There are so many people here who use their time and energy to help our kids and Mrs. Lepkofker was a perfect example

“He r passion inspi red he r department and eve ryone with whom she was abl e to share he r inte res ts and expe rtise” Rupkatha Bane rjee With her bubbly and energetic personality, Lepkofker expressed her passion for science through everything she did whether it be helping students to succeed in international competitions, coaching, or even eagerly partaking in a new teaching style the school pushed towards.

Lepkofker used a unique method of teaching that other instructor’s at Northview known as flipped classroom instruction, where the teacher records informational video lectures on a topic for the student to watch at home that the teacher and student the discus at school, allowing for the teacher to answer any questions and aid the students.

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of that,” Principal Brian Downey said. “As a principal, that’s who you want your staff to built of, people just like her.”

Lepkofker not only left an impact on her colleagues, but also on her students as well.

She was well known for her success with the ExploraVision Project, where Lepkofker and her students traveled to Japan with Lepkofker to compete and learn with other students across the world.

“She was always looking for something new and interesting and it made her class so much fun,” Jasmine Gao, a member of her ExploraVision program and a student of Lepkofkers said. “She was this energetic and

FEATURES

“ We wi l l have a great void for a whi l e without he r...she was the life of the party; you knew if Sara was in the room”

Sara Allen Lepkofker 1960-2017

Cami l lie Janess lively teacher who was constantly thinking of her students.”

An issue Lepkokfer was passionate about was representation of girls in Science, Technology, Electronics, and Mathematics, also known as STEM. She defied the stereotype of the male dominated STEM field that Lepkofker proved that through a personal pursuit and cultivating a passion for science amongst her female students.

“She was a great strong role model for girls... she did a lot of other great things, she coached girls tennis, she coached girls cheerleading,” science teacher and close friend, Laurie Rogers, said. “When I first met her, she was class Council sponsor for one of the grades, she I think, had a real passion for kids, but especially girls.”

Due to Lepkofker’s involvement with girls in science, her family is starting a scholarship in her name to give a female student at Northview wanting to pursue a career in the science field. This scholarship is only one of the ways that Northview is going to honor her, not only as a teacher at Northview,

but also as a advocate for women in science “Mrs. Lepkofker was the first sponsor of the Girls in STEM club that Jasmin created to bring girls interested in the fields of STEM at Northview together,” former student Amanda Zhang said. “She always encouraged students to chase after their dreams and was a huge advocate for students in all fields of study, not just STEM.” Through many aspects, Sara Lepkofker shaped the way Northview High School stands, with her teaching, mentoring and joyful in her personality. She will not only be remembered as a true Titan, but also as a inspiration and role model for many at Northview.

“Mrs. Lepkofker brought together a community of students through her encouragement and instruction to find their passions in a scientific field,” former student Rupkatha Banerjee said. “Her passion inspired her department and everyone with whom she was able to share her interests and expertise.”

Sara’s family has established the Sara Allen Lepkofker Memorial Scholarship Fund to be awarded annually to a female Northview High School senior who intends to be a teacher of the Sciences.

Contributions can be made online at www.cfneg.org, the Community Foundation Of Northeast Georgia. Checks can be made payable to CFNEG with a memo “S. A. Lepkofker Fund” and mailed to Libby Rentz, 16 Ponderosa Blvd., East Greenbush, NY 12061.

THE MESSENGER | 23

Moving Up

Marisa Disano takes over the open assistant principal position at Northview NITHYA MAHAKALA, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SOPHIA RIVERS, STAFF WRITER

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fter the retirement of Northview Assistant Principal Amy Lemons, the school administration was left with a hole to fill in the now vacant position. Principal Brian Downey, alongside others from the Fulton County Board, interviewed several candidates for the job, looking for someone who best displayed the attributes of a Northview Titan.

“We want someone who is smart and someone who knows their profession. But is also smart in the sense that they know they need to learn more; they are coachable and open to feedback. So that word smart is sort of like loaded but with a lot underneath it,” Downey said. “The other part is nice. I mean in this school and this community you better have a smile on your face. You better care about kids, you better be compassionate and understanding and sympathetic. You better know how to get along with other adults.”

To those doing the hiring, Marisa Disano clearly possessed these characteristics. After several rounds of interviews and vetting, Disano was chosen to take over Lemons´ old job.

For Disano, the new position was a gradual move for her career. After teaching for 12 years at River Trail Middle School, she decided to graduate from her teaching position and take the next step. For the past two years, she has been part of the Northview staff as an AA. In this position, she worked with students with 504 plans and others going through a response intervention.

“A lot of times i just kind of call kids in and check in on them and see how they are doing. Like oh you’re having a great day, that is fantastic. It was really just more of a touchy feely type job. Like I could just ask ´how´s your day going?´,” Disano said.

Disano’s position as AA largely centered on interactions with students at Northview.

She was able to play a different role in students’ lives. She was able to step out of the limited interactions of being only a teacher.

“I’m just really excited to be able to work with more kids in a different role. It has a different perspective. I have more students

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to work with,” Disano said. “My last couple of years of teaching I knew I wanted to do something; I like kids. I want to work with students, and I want to have a bigger impact on students. And so this AA position that I came to Northview for a couple of years ago really allowed me to have more of an impact and interaction with students.”

Unlike many others, Disano did not always want to be a teacher. It was not until her freshman year of college that she decided to change her major to education. She started off teaching second grade and decided it was not the best fit for her. She then moved up to teach middle school. Disano’s favorite grade to teach was seventh grade because of the mentality and age of the students.

“You know it’s kinda fun and you can be a little like sarcastic with some of them but some you can’t be sarcastic with, it’s a crazy mixed up time,” Disano said.

Former students still remember her unique methods of teaching social studies in the classroom.

“One thing my kids today will see me in the hallway and say ‘Mrs. Disano, I remember you teaching water distribution in the Middle East’,” she said. “They definitely remember me crawling on the floor to show how the Ti-

gris and Euphrates come together.”

When she first arrived at Northview, she did not feel as comfortable having left a job of 12 years. However, She quickly found that Northview was the right move for her.

“In the beginning, the move was very isolating in a way. I was stepping out of my comfort zone. But now, it is my home and I love it.

I love the kids, I really do,” Disano said.

Outside of school, Disano is a proud mother of two. She has a 16-year-old daughter who plays softball currently and a tenyear-old son that plays travel baseball.

“I have two dogs, two cats, a husband, and two kids, so I kind of joke that we have to do everything in two’s,” Disano said.

Disano, in her new role as an Assistant Principal, enjoys working and talking with students. She feels that not simply being a disciplinarian is also an added benefit. However, she notes that it was only recently she was put in her new position.

“We’ll see its only the third week of school so you know we can be a little pie in the sky right now,” Disano said.

With her love of kids, experience in education, and passion for the work ahead of her, Disano is looking forward to settling into her new role as assistant principal of Northview.

FEATURES

Writer’s Digest

Kabob-ish The Messenger’s Monthly Foo d Review ALEX PERRY, BUSINESS MANAGER

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he second location of Kabob-ish opened its doors this summer just minutes away from Northview. It offers authentic Middle Eastern food in a fast food setting opposed to a formal restaurant, appealing to the younger population of students looking for a quick bite after school.

From the outside, Kabob-ish stands out from the other businesses with its fiery red logo and matching umbrellas over the outdoor seating.

On the inside, they continue the red theme, but the interior design has a very open feel, with giant glass windows and an overflow of open space. The restaurant can expand if needed, and a giant door separates the two rooms during the quieter hours.

There is also lingering smell of foreign spices, offering a hint of what their food tastes like. The only noise inside the restaurant came from a TV playing softly in the corner.

Their menu offers a good variety with classics like chicken tikka and lamb kabobs, alongside fusion dishes such as chicken wings with Middle Eastern spices. With each

meal, they give different options spice and texture for the meat and rice. Traditional appetizers and desserts are also available. One of the items that stood out from the menu was Kulfi, a sweet traditional dessert made from mangoes.

The food is reasonably priced, but not cheap. It has great prices for a spontaneous outing, but eating here daily would be draining, with their slightly high-ended costs.

Service was fast, but there were communication issues because the employee was soft spoken. However, once the order was taken down, an employee in the front kitchen started cooking immediately.

The Koobideh Sampler is definitely worth the wait. It included one spicy chicken kabob, one beef kabob, and a rice choice.

The display was appealing and aromatic, with the meats lined up on a bed of saffron rice, and a side salad in the corner. The spicy chicken kabob was soft and tender, exploding in flavor with each bite, leaving a spicy aftertaste. The beef kabob was tougher, and less flavorful, but still had a nice tangy taste

to it.

One of the highlights of Kabob-ish is their green sauce. It is easy to miss because it is near the back of the restaurant, but once obtained, it adds a unique taste to the saffron rice.

Kabob-ish is great for anyone looking to try authentic Middle Eastern food with its prime location and unique dishes, offering a wonderful variety inside a clean and friendly environment.

*This article is not sponsored by Kabob-ish 10900 Medlock B ridge Rd Johns Creek, GA, 30097 THE MESSENGER | 25

faceoff Is Titan Opportunity School effective?

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|yes|

OPINIONS

J E N N I F E R X I A , S TA F F W R I T E R

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oom 51 sits in the chaotic Northview hallway rush, empty and void of any activity. The in-school suspension room keeps troublemakers in school, yet the learning aspect of this is taken away.

This year Northview has implemented a new system: Titan Opportunity School.

The name itself is quite welcoming. Really, it sounds like a way for the more ambitious to find opportunities to enhance their high school experiences, not grueling hours of punishment for offenders. Titan Opportunity School is Northview’s move on keeping students in school and learning. Those sentenced are to serve two elongated detentions of two to three hours after school.

The new program provides a necessary way for students to receive the proper education of the curriculum and their consequences.

Northview, known as one of the most competitive and academically sound schools in the nation, provides extensive amounts of assignments and material to cover. Most students struggle to excel even if they have

a perfect attendance record.

Nevertheless, those required to serve in-school suspension are left to the back of the crowd when they return to classes that have already covered much in only an hour. Those who serve multiple days, fall severely behind. Titan Opportunity School allows students to stay in class, recreating the educational side students did not receive through in school suspension. The punishment provides more positive effects as serving after-school allows students to finish homework with the access to possible teacher assistance.

Maintaining good grades with daily attendance builds a strong path towards a stellar transcript, but in-school suspension records appear as well. As Northview has terminated in-school suspension, Titan Opportunity School appears as a less serious record tarnish. This not only keeps student reputations high, it also may help the college application process. However, do not

let this encourage you to act out, hoping that it will not look as poor on permanent records.

As well as benefiting students, the new system will provide more room in the school budget for other accommodations.

The one room in Northview that provides service to in-school suspension is used less than 55% of the time during a single school year. That goes straight from the school budget for a room with absolutely no use for half a school year, decreasing possibility for other possible uses of money. Not to mention the elimination of the need to hire in-school suspension instructors to head the program. Assigned detention teachers provide supervision for the extended detentions.

Titan Opportunity School provides students with the idea of success and consequential responsibility. It is a new feature to Northview this year, and it is expected to succeed with great distinction from inschool suspension.

|no| B E N M I N D E R , S TA F F W R I T E R

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etention is never fun. Normally it’s a solid two hours of nothing which is supposed to give students time to reflect on their misdeeds. While the system has never been perfect, is Titan Opportunity School really a suitable alternative?

Titan Opportunity School(TOS) is replacing In School Suspension (ISS) as the punishment for multiple tardies or anything that would normally qualify for ISS. The way ISS worked, a student would be put in a room with few people for the school day. During that time, they would do the work assigned by their teachers for the day.

In TOS, students stay for two hours after school and miss any after school activities they had planned. The problem with this, is that the sentence is shorter and it’s still costing students their after extracurriculars.

In most cases, the punishment given does not fit the crime. If a student is absent multiple times and this is their sentence, they should be given work to make up for their lost time, not cut into time that was designated for another activity that had nothing to do with the wrong doing.

Some may argue that cutting into after-school time will motivate them to be more responsible for their actions. However, in many cases, taking something away that somebody likes makes them angrier. It makes them more resistant to seeing themselves in the wrong. A good example would be if somebody was late multiple days and got TOS Tuesday and Thursday from 4:006:00 on both days. This individual has football practice everyday after school. Since he

fails to arrive on time every morning for whatever reason, he misses practice. While it might make him want to get here on time, it could also have the opposite effect, and make him angry at the system that is in place. It might cause him to cling to flimsy excuses, such as being stuck in traffic, or the bus is late. This would only make him resent the whole situation more.

The reason ISS worked so well, was because it gave students time to think about their actions without affecting their lives outside of school. It gave them time during the school day to be in a place where they could reflect upon their actions without falling behind in football practice, a Model UN meeting, or any other activity that happened to fall on that day. In School Suspension was a punishment that fit the crime.

THE MESSENGER | 27

O P I N I ON S

S TA F F E D I TO R I A L

Habit of Hate

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hat do Anti-LGBT, Black Separatists, and White Nationalist groups all have in common? They publicly disapprove of specific aspects of society and aim to coerce the population to act according to their ideals. And while freedom of speech exists, not everyone can possess the same conviction as these chiefly outspoken groups. The psychology behind their dissatisfaction, paradoxically, is more understandable than their ideology.

Dr. Marsden, a psychology professor at Beacon College, states that such groups become overly dynamic due to an intense fear of the unknown, of coexisting with those that are different from the rest of society.

The fundamental basics of human thinking is founded on social categories; a group of people that share features in common band together, establishing familiarity and comfort. Therefore, anyone that does not fit that group’s definition of “normal” appears to be unorthodox. Fear and distrust emerge from the initial unease, resulting in the national conflicts that Americans face today, such as Anti-Muslim movements and White Supremacy riots. Marsden also believes that some groups are especially aggressive because their actions are a projection of their insecurities. These insecurities fester inside those who lack an exposure to various types of people - so when confronted with disparate views, they flounder.

No matter the reason, violence and hate remain unnecessary. Our Founding Fathers created laws for the common good, not to restrict our way of life or inhibit the unifica-

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tion of the people. Issues rooted in the gray area of the Constitution require the government to make decisions by using an equitable judiciary that maintains the happiness of its citizens as its priority. Therefore, disputes over affairs regarding self expression, religion, and race should be dissolved by cooperating to form solutions that allow every individual to live according to their beliefs and respect those with divergent opinions.

Though easier said than done, the first step in achieving universal fulfillment is to embrace what makes every person different, and use it to our strengths.

Obama was America’s first African-American president; was his performance as president impacted by his race?

Was Marie Curie’s intelligence inhibited by her gender? Was Malala’s religion the major influence on her courageous actions? These bright people were able to succeed in their goals, and their religion, appearance, and race did not give either individual any advantage. Underneath, we are all the same people - conflicts arise when we choose to live differently. It is unfortunate that the majority of the population overlooks their common aspirations; instead, they choose to judge others based on uncontrollable factors such as skin color.

So let Islamic women wear hijabs. Let women earn the same pay as men. Let different ethnic groups practice their religion without fear of persecution. Only when radical groups move away from oppression can America’s image as a diverse, inclusive nation be truly recognized.

COLUMN THE LOW DOWN

Poisonous Pardon Why the president’s pardon of Joe Arpaio is much worse than it seems.

JA C K LOW R A N C E , O P I N I ON S E D I T O R

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nundated with controversy, I think it’s fair to say that most have grown numb to the rollercoaster of events that have taken place over the past several months-myself included. But amid a cacophony of scandal, a particular happening has especially caught my eye: the pardon of Joe Arpaio.

For those unfamiliar, Arpaio is a former Arizona sheriff known for racially profiling Hispanic people and violating the constitutional rights of inmates in Maricopa County jails. Last month, a federal judge found him guilty of ignoring a federal judge’s 2011 order to stop detaining people who appear to be illegal immigrants. The president, meanwhile, has praised him for being tough on crime. But ostensibly, the president believes the law should only apply to minorities because Arpaio himself has broken the law. Yet he skates free.

It is terrifying to consider the fact that the man in the White House-- supposedly a beacon of American ideals-- finds it acceptable to pardon a hostile bigot. And worse, a blatant violator of constitutional rights. In pardoning Joe Arpaio, the president is questioning the very legitimacy of American rule of law.

Perhaps that’s what makes this instance of Trumpian woe so particularly unsettling. Before, the president largely

proved his idiocy by way of controversy and blunder. But his pardon of Arpaio enters a new realm-- one where an elected official is no longer bound by the rule of law, but by the whims of the president.

This could not be more serious. And yet the majority of Republican politicians refuse to speak out.

If any one word can sum up Trump’s presidency, it’s reckless. Regardless of political leanings, most rational people can agree that President Obama never threatened the legitimacy of the American judicial system. The same can be said for President Bush. Considering Trump’s abysmal approval ratings, it appears that the American people realize that something is wrong. So why are the Republicans we elected to represent our interests in Congress not articulating these fears?

The fabric of American democracy is in critical danger, yet the men in Congress act as if nothing is wrong. America is not immune to dictatorship. We’d like to think we are. But all it takes is postponed election. A few strategic pardons. Erdogan was democratically elected in Turkey. As were Duterte and Maduro in the Philippines and Venezuela. Dictatorships don’t form overnight-- the process is gradual.

The budding Russia scandal, the administration’s internal conflicts, and the healthcare debacle are all certainly more

flashy controversies than the Arpaio pardoning. Maybe by design. But the insidious creep of authoritarianism and lawlessness that this pardon represents will be the true downfall of this republic.

Rank and file Republicans are severely failing us in remaining complacent. Contorting oneself to defend blatant bigotry and imbecility in the name of unity isn’t patriotic. It’s cowardice.

Yes, it may be embarrassing to jilt the president still so early in his first term.

The possible alternatives of not doing so, however, are more than embarrassing.

They’re fatal.

Our congressmen need to act now. Better safe than sorry.

THE MESSENGER | 29

music

IRENE RHO AND SYDNEY YIM, STAFF WRITERS

1. Humble - Kendrick Lamar 2. Younger Now - Miley Cyrus 3. Wild Thoughts - DJ Khaled 4. Spice Girl - Amine

September Top 5

5. Young, Dumb, and Broke - Khalid

Flower Boy

Ke$ha

K

e$ha returned to the music scene this summer with a powerful message. Her new album “Rainbow”, featuring artists such as Eagles of Death Metal, The Dap-Kings Horns, and Dolly Parton, consists of songs inspired by country as well as rock artists. Although she is known for her loud and wild party anthems, “Rainbow” shows a softer and more personal side of Ke$ha.

Her songs send off messages on how society should not dictate how others should feel about themselves, focusing on the present more than the past, and the importance of growing for the better.

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T

his summer was the time of creation for many artists, one of them being the innovative rap artist, Tyler the Creator, with his new album “Flower Boy”. He changed up his usual music style with a softer instrumental unlike any other hip hop song now. Tyler created a story about human emotions ranging from love to disappointment through his music. His story starts off with loneliness then progresses to acceptance, telling the listener to take on whatever life throws their way.

fashion

COLUMNS

EVAN MOODY, STAFF WRITER

class of 2018

In high school, we most look forward to senior year. It’s inevitable. And with that comes senior photos, which make for a unique opportunity to get dressed up and photographed. Some choose a set setting. Others, an outdoor scene. But there’s always room for creativity. Girls have the chance to put on makeup, shoes and an outfit such as nice formal dresses that are typically vibrant colors due to the season. As for the guys, you can never go wrong with the classic khakis and a polo shirt. Senior photos give people a platform to express themselves in whatever style they choose. Whether your style is outdoorsy, preppy, or casual, senior photos allow us to show the many different sides of who we were throughout high school.

THE MESSENGER | 31

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