June 5, 2012 Volume XV Issue 4
What’s in this Issue A charitable partnership with Student Leadership
Page 3
Bidding farewell to beloved teacher
Social studies teacher embarks in a new chapter in his life know where he will be interning next year yet, in the future, George said he would prefer to work at a school like After nine years of teaching Northwest. at Northwest social studies “I think if not at a smaller teacher, Aaron George, high school like Northwest is leaving for a principal then I think I would rather internship program he’s do elementary because that’s completing through Queens the building blocks for kids,” University of Charlotte. George said. “I think that if “I want to I can affect be a principal change and because I affect it t’s really think as a positively on sad. This is the principal I how students only place I’ve learn, as can have a ever taught... larger impact younger on students students This is my than just on second longest then they can the students flourish and relationship I have in my that’s where I’ve had, the classroom,” they have to first would be George said. start.” my wife.” T h e He looks decision to to -Aaron George forward be a principal the new was a gradual challenges as a one for George. principal. “It’s been coming over “It’s not that I’m stagnant the years,” George said. “I in where I am but I am actually applied for a different always on a journey and this program last year called called is for me, the next step in New Leaders for New Schools my career journey that I can but did not get into that move forward and help more program.” students,” George said. “I’m He will be participating really looking forward to in the School Executive learning as an educator. That’s Leadership Academy at Queens. The program also George continued allows George to complete his on page 5 masters degree at Queens. Although George doesn’t
Gabby Ross Features Editor
Sculptures add character to hallways
Page 4 Where are the seniors going next year?
Page 8 The dream for undocumented youth
Page 10 Download the free NWSA News application
“I
Photo by Lexi Hooton
Social studies Aaron George dressed as “Woody” from Toy Story for junior Lexi Hooton’s three-word poem for her Creative Writing class.
Junior brings music therapy across the border For her Graduation Project, one student travelled to Bayonnais, Haiti to teach children Erin Reed Staff Writer
@NWSA_News
School News Features Opinion
2-5 6-9 10 - 12
Northwest School of the Arts 1415 Beatties Ford Rd. Charlotte, NC 28216
Junior and music student Claire Lucas’ life was forever changed when she brought music therapy to the children of Bayonnais, Haiti on a church trip in February. Lucas decided to write her Graduation Project paper about music therapy and how it affects the human mind, and she planned her trip as part of her final product. Lucas hoped to gain experience for a career in music therapy in addition to completing her Graduation Project, and coincidentally, her church was planning to go
to Haiti. “[The Haitians] a r e recovering from a really big earthquake where a lot of people died, so [ m u s i c therapy] is a way to help them heal from that,” Lucas said. T o fundraise
“The kids
don’t have many things, like instruments and I wanted to bring that to them because it’s such an important thing to me” - Claire Lucas
for her trip, Lucas organized a concert at The Evening Muse, in NoDa, and sent letters to other church members. Local bands played at the show and Northwest s t u d e n t s donated art to sell at the event. When she reached total of $3,300, she was able to buy bongos, ukuleles, and
other musical instruments and bring them to a K-13 school in Bayonnais, four hours from Haiti’s capital, Port au Prince. “[The kids] don’t have many things, like instruments, and I wanted to bring that to them because it’s such an important thing to me,” Lucas said. “Interactive music therapy is when a person plays music with a therapist and the therapist asks what it means to them. That’s what I was doing with the kids; we just played music and interacted.
Lucas continued on page 5
2 news
June 5, 2012
Battle of the Books returns
Photo illustration by Gabby Ross
After a year-long hiatus, the competitive team comes back
Justina Hauss Online Editor
After a year-long hiatus from competition due to budget cuts, Northwest’s Chapter of Battle of the Books is ready to get back in the reading swing of things. “It was about time for the nerds to rise again,” said past Battle of the Books participant and junior Sophia Zhang. Battle of the Books is a Jeopardy style competition in which student’s grade sixth
through eighth read a series of books and answer questions. The team consists of six to 12 students who are willingly to go above and beyond in their reading. In past years Northwest has placed first in the zone and district level and even made it as far as the regional level in 2007. Leading this academic club will be Media Specialist Elizabeth Romanek. “I am looking for students that are willing to put the time and effort into reading the additional books,”
Romanek said. “With twenty seven books on the list, they will have to read at least one new book a week.” Those who choose to participate in the club need to be aware that there will be practices before, during and after-school as the club sees fit. “It will be challenging but also incredibly fun,” Romanek said. “You also build great team spirit and make friends.” Book discussions, author memorization, teammate quizzes, and a fun game called
“Stump the Romanek” are all regular meeting activities. “It basically is letting the kids ask the questions to Mrs. Romanek and seeing if we can get her to slip up,” Zhang said. This game allows for students to generate their own questions which in turn requires them to look more carefully at the book. A typical battle is full day tournament or game, like the College Bowl, in which student’s teams earn points based on questions answered
about the books read. “Each kid writes a question about the book, and they review during their lunch and spa time,” Romanek said. Romanek wants anybody with a passion for reading and who is hard-working to join the team. “They have to love reading,” Romanek said. To learn more about Battle of the Books on the media center website, j.mp/nwsalmc and look under the Book Clubs tab.
CMS Board of Education names Superintendent Heath Morrison of Reno, Nev. will beginning working as Superintendent of Schools in July 2012 Samantha Sabin Editor-in-Chief
Photo from www.mecked.org
Heath Morrison will begin as CMS Superintendent in the summer.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ Board of Education named Dr. Heath Morrison of Reno, Nev. Superintendent on April 24, 2012. “I am deeply honored and very excited about coming to one of the premier school districts in the country,” Morrison said in an article for the Charlotte Observer. Morrison is leaving his job as the Superintendent of Schools in Washoe County, Nevada. He began his career in Maryland, working in Charles and Montgomery counties as a teacher and administrator before taking the Washoe County superintendent job in 2009. The Washoe County School District is Nevada’s second-largest with 63,000 students in 94 schools. Under his five-year plan titled “Envision WCSD 2015 -- Investing In Our Future,” the graduation rate increased from 56 percent to 70 percent overall, with gains for all schools and student groups. Test scores also rose for two consecutive years.
“I know progress will continue in Washoe County School District because the Board of Trustees, our educators, and this community remain committed to the direction in our strategic plan, Envision WCSD 2015 – Investing In Our Future,” said Morrison in a letter to Nevada district employees notifying them he would be taking the job in Charlotte. The Nevada Association of School Superintendents named Morrison Superintendent of the Year in 2011. He completed the Broad Superintendent Academy in 2009, and in 2012 he was named Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators. “One of the reasons I know I can accept the position in Charlotte-Mecklenburg is because of the foundation we’ve created together in Washoe County School District,” Morrison said in the letter to Nevada district employees. Morrison’s salary will be around $288,000, and Morrison will start around July 1 because the current Interim Superintendent has a contract that runs through June 30.
“This decision has weighed heavy on my heart, but I believe this opportunity is the right one for my family and for me,” Morrison said. Morrison earned his doctorate in education policy and planning and a masters in education administration from the University of Maryland. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in government from the College of William and Mary. And it is reported in the Charlotte Observer that his son might be attending Northwest School of the Arts. CMS selected Morrison from a pool of three finalists. “We had three very talented individuals in the list of finalists,” said Board of Education chair Ericka Ellis-Stewart for an article on CMS’s website. “But we believe that Dr. Morrison is the right leader for CMS now. He brings energy and experience to the many challenges facing our district, as well as the strong commitment to excellence and achievement.”
news 3
June 5, 2012
NC voters pass Amendment One legislation
Constitutional legislation was approved to define marriage as between one man and one woman Lincoln Frye Staff Writer Legislation passed on May 8 to make marriage between one man and one woman the only constitutional legislation in North Carolina has caused a stir in the school’s community. “Amendment One shouldn’t have happened,” sophomore Christy Verhaagen said. “The (state) constitution is supposed to protect the people, instead it’s being used against us to oppress us because of other people’s small minded beliefs. There’s supposed to be a separation of church and state.” The amendment passed 61.05 percent to 38.95 percent, although North Carolina already defined marriage as only being between one man
and one woman. Amendment One declares that “marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.” Junior Kiana Taylor-Brown agrees with Verhaagen. “This amendment clearly violates the right to happiness which is guaranteed in the United States Constitution,” Verhaagen said. Of North Carolina’s 100 counties only eight of them rejected the amendment: Buncombe, Watauga, Dare, Chatham, Wake, Durham, Orange and Mecklenburg. In total, approximately 832,863 people voted against the document, while about 1,305,618 voted in favor of the amendment. However, only an average of 34 percent of registered voters per county showed up to cast their
vote in this constitutional amendment. “In my opinion, we shouldn’t even have to vote on this,” sophomore Kelly John said. “It’s a human right.”. The counties that voted against the amendment have major universities in them, except for Dare county. Most of the voters in these counties were under the age of 25. This came as no surprise because college students are typically more liberal. It is unclear what the effects of the legislation will have on the state. But in a study by Maxine Eichner, Barbara Fedders, Holnin Lau, and Rachel Blank of the University of North Carolina School of Law, the authors discuss how the wording of the amendment can have legal implications beyond banning marriage between same-sex
couples. The authors also said it is difficult to determine how the courts will interpret the amendment based on the broad and untested language it contains. “We know that we pushed the needle forward,” said Jeremy Kennedy, the campaign manager for the
Coalition to Protect All NC families, a group that fought the amendment, said to a group of staff members and volunteers after the vote in a New York Times article. “This is just a skirmish, a battle in the war that we will win.”
This graph was compiled based on the number of people who voted on May 8 in NC. About 1,305,618 people voted for Amendment One while 832,863 people voted against it.
Forming new partnerships Leadership teams up with a non-profit organization Samantha Sabin Editor-in-Chief
Photo by Eliyas Azizy
Senior Matt Carlson performs at the Raising South Sudan benefit concert
Intermission Online Exclusives www.intermissiononline.com @NWSA_News
Since December the student leadership class has been working with non-profit organization Mothering Across Continents to inspire youth activism. “My entire role is work with public, charter, and private schools on the Raising South Sudan,” Elizabeth Peacock said, the Education Program Manager for Mothering Across Continents said. “We launched a global outreach program and Northwest just joined.” Junior and the head of the Mothering Across Continents committee on the leadership team said “It is a fun and easygoing non-profit organization. It was a lot of really hard work, but it definitely paid off in the end.” Mothering Across Continents is a non-profit organization through which volunteer catalysts receive consulting, coaching and mentoring to develop dream projects that help raise tomorrow’s leaders. Mason said this organization was a
perfect fit for the school. Together with the Northwest leadership team and six other CMS schools, students learned more about South Sudan. Northwest worked in a cluster with West Mecklenburg High School and Hough High School. “Raising South Sudan is a student-driven project that helps to provide education in South Sudan, our world’s newest country,” Mason said. The leadership class teamed up with other high schools to put on a benefit concert in March. They had performances from The Lost Boys, Dangerous Daze, and 42. The leadership class also organized and held a bowling night at TEN Park Lanes bowling. Northwest’s cluster raised $8,000. “We couldn’t be more pleased,” Peacock said. “we like to aim high at Mothering Across Continents, and this was the first year of doing a program like this. So we’re elated.” The partnership with the organization- has not only brought awareness for the
need for South Sudanese education, but it has also opened the eyes of some of the students in the Leadership class. “In my personal experience with Mothering Across Continents, specifically Raising South Sudan, it was quite an eye-opening experience,” Mason said. “Not only did I learn about less fortunate countries, but about how to lead, how to manage finances, and how to develop a business plan.” Peacock reassures that the partnership will continue next year. “Construction for the first school is underway now, and next year we’re going to raise money for the second,” Peacock said. “We have big plans for how it can grow for next year.” Mason thinks the school isn’t supporting the cause at its usual high standards. “We encourage people to not only think about making a change, but to actually show up to a rockin’ benefit concert or to donate a few quarters to such a cause as this,” Mason said.
Feature:
Slideshow:
Playlist:
Faculty Coffee Addictions
Saying Goodbye: Snippets of the Senior Slideshow
Relaxing music for your Carolina summer
4news
June 5, 2012
Artwork fills the hallways Sculpture students relate their art to academics Joneka Percentie Buisness Manager Sculpture I student Dajwon Hatcher helped create the sculpture in the D-Building hallway on the 3rd floor. “I worked with Jordyn Bocci and our goal was to scare people with our sculpture, with design as well as the way we positioned it by the door,” Hatcher said. The students made the “demon-like” sculpture outside of Spanish teacher Michelle Fleshman-Cross’ classroom. “It took about 4 weeks,” Hatcher said, “but I enjoyed the assignment a lot.” This was the first group project for the Sculpture I class. “It was very different working with a partner, but it was cool to mix our skills,” Hatcher said. All of the sculpture students truly got the opportunity to showcase their talents. “I like that people get to see our work,” Hatcher said. “You always hear about the theatre department and their shows, the music department and their concerts, and even the dance department and their recitals. It’s cool to see the art department represented.”
Photos by Katie Bannerman
Sculptures created by all sculpture students are set up around the school. (Top Left) By Sarah Bizri and Aaron Mills, this sculpture of Franz Ferdinand resigns on the second floor of the D-building right outside of social studies John King’s room. (Right) This sculpture of poet and playwright William Shakespeare, by Kathryn Whitesides and Luisa Donoso is located on the third floor of the C-building. (Bottom left) This sculpture by Jordyn Bocci and Dejoun Hatcher located on the third floor of the D-building represents the day of the dead and Spanish tradition.
A Northwest first for fashion students Senior wins the first Scholastic Gold Key for Fashion in Northwest history Samantha Sabin Editor-in-Chief A dress inspired by an abstract painting by Jean Paul Riopelle landed senior Kilee Price a Scholastic Gold Key for Fashion, the first in Northwest history. “It’s an honor to be recognized like this for something I worked so hard on and that I really enjoyed making, “ Price said. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards identifies and documents outstanding achievement of young artists and writers in the visual and literary arts. The Awards are brought to local communities through more than 100 visual and literary-arts focused organization across the country. The Awards have an legacy dating back to 1923, and a noteworthy past recipients include Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, and Joyce Carol Oates.
Each year 250,000 students in grades seven through 12 participate through regional programs and 50,000 receive regional awards and exhibition opportunities. Price is one of the few who have received this privilege, but unlike the others, she is the first student at Northwest to receive a Gold Key in the Fashion category. “I decided to submit several art pieces to Scholastics because it is a great opportunity to have your work shown and recognized and be judged for scholarships,” Price said. Price said the submission process can be stressful. Applicants upload photographs of their artwork to the Scholastics website, in addition to being matted for regional judging. The works are then judged and results come back within a few weeks. Senior portfolios are judged online. Submissions can win an Honorable Mention, Silver Key or
Gold Key. “If you win silver, then you are recognized regionally,” Price said, “but if you win gold, then you are recognized regionally and your work goes on to be judged nationally.” Price has a passion for fashion and design. She’s been sewing since the age of seven, and designing since 5th grade. She didn’t start creating more elaborate designs until she started high school, and recently she’s started to teach herself how to make patterns. But in the end, Price says it comes down to inspiration. “My advice? Get inspired,” Price said. “Pick the one thing you feel you can design the most garments off of and design multiple garments, choose the most unique design and make it. Challenge yourself.”
Photo courtesy of Kilee Price
Amanda Rollyson models senior Kilee Price’s award-winning dress. Price won a Scholastic Gold Key for Fashion, the first for Northwest. The Scholastics compeition is that identifies and documents outstanding achievement of young artists and writers in the visual and literary arts.
Want to submit something for Scholastics next year? Go to www.artandwriting.org for more information.
June 5, 2012 George from page 1 that is important, we always have to keep learning. I certainly know that I don’t know everything and if there’s anything I know for sure it’s that.” George said after teaching at Northwest for nine years, he will definitely miss it. “It’s really sad. This is the only place I’ve ever taught,” George said. “I’ve been here for nine years. This is the second longest relationship I’ve had, the first would be my wife. This is my second home.” George will miss Northwest for many reasons. “I have roots here. Not just in my classroom and with my students but with the whole Northwest community,” George said. Students are happy for George, but most agree that they will miss having him as their teacher. “Even though I’ve only had Mr. George for two years I’ve seen him around the school for years since I came here in middle school,” junior and U.S. History student Stephanie Uttro said. “I knew him before I even had him so I feel like he was a part of my Northwest experience.” Sophmore and civics student Makennah Bristow agrees with Uttro and has high hopes for George. “I think he’ll make an amazing principal,” Bristow said. “Whatever school he goes to will certainly have gained a wonderful new principal.”
news 5
West Side Story receives Blumeys The musical received two awards at the inaugural event Carlynn Richter Staff Writer “West Side Story” was honored at the inaugural Blumey Awards on May 20. “I was very pleased to be nominated for the awards,” theatre arts teacher and co-director Bonnie Fraker said. “It is always nice to be recognized.” The musical was nominated for 11 awards, but the cast only took home two awards. “West Side Story” received the Best Choreography Execution award as well as the the Best Featured Performer award which went to Robert Briner as A-rab. Aside from awards, senior Lexie Wolfe received a renewable $10,000 scholarship to continue her musical theatre studies in college. “I was surprised that Northwest didn’t win more awards,” sophomore and cast member Tasha Davis said. “I thought because we were an arts school we would win everything. But no, there are other talented schools out there.” The Blumeys is a Tonyesque award show for high
Photo by Eliyas Azizy
The West Side Story cast performs a number from the dance scene at the Blumey Awards on May 20.
school musicals in North Carolina. Not only did the Blumeys give different awards to various musicals, but they also had featured performances throughout the awards show. Each show nominated for Best Musical had to perform a piece from their show. Fraker and co-director Corey Mitch-
Photo courtesy of Claire Lucas
Junior Claire Lucas travelled to Haiti to teach English and bring music therapy to the area.
ell chose to perform the dance scene as their performance because most of the cast was involved in it. The cast of West Side rehearsed the scene over a series of weeks leading up to the show. Before the Blumeys, Fraker said, “What ever happens the goal is for all of the students to go out there and have fun. I
am very proud of the cast.” Northwest hopes to participate in the Blumeys next year. “Even though I’m graduating this year, I really hope we win more awards next year,” senior Matt Carlson said, who played Bernardo.
Lucas from page 1
Lucas advises keeping an open mind when traveling abroad. “I thought this would be a sad, desolate place, but the people were so happy and the place was beautiful,” Lucas said. “If you look past the trash on the street, the way everyone interacts is just so beautiful.” Now, Lucas is collaborating with other musicians to visit a local hospital to teach music to children and teenage patients. She hopes to help these patients feel better and see how they react to the therapy.
It was just overwhelming for them.” Staying in a guest house near the school and a small church in the mountain village, Lucas took the opportunity to teach the children English in an interactive way. “We taught English using music, because they really just want to learn English,” Lucas said. “With so little things to do, they really appreciate an outlet for expressing themselves, having fun, and having something to do.” Cartoon by Lexi Hooton
6 features
June 5, 2012
Where a The Class of
In-State Schools Appalachian State University Boone, N.C. Aaron Deshields* Jessica Lee Sterling Lett Amanda Russell* Frederick Smith Jenna Schachner Logan Sutton Art Institute of Raleigh Raleigh, N.C. Grace Koegel*** Asheville-Buncombe Technical College Asheville, N.C. Luisa Donoso*/** CPCC Charlotte, N.C. Monica Alfaro** Eliyas Azizy** Melquan Batts-Johnson Matt Carlson** Victoria Caudill** Jordan Gonzalez** Kat Gray** Amber Gulledge Gary Harbold** Hannah Homesley**
Dazhanea Hurst** Gregory King II Katja Lucas** Jordan Medley Jackson Morton**/*** Aaron Mills Keira Mpialumata** Brittany Pagan Glenys Rodriguez Conner Schigoda Yasmin Shah Krystin Skinner** Colin Strivelli** Jerome Taylor** Rosa Valenzuela** Gennifer Whitehead** Colleen Williams** Bethany Williamson James Yurick** Nicole Zicafoose East Carolina University Greenville, N.C. Dylan Flanagan Sterling Frierson* Jazlyn Moore Naja Richburg Lexie Wolfe Empire Beauty School Charlotte, N.C. Kyra Meggett** Greensboro College Greensboro, N.C. Regina Grier*
Johnson C. Smith University Charlotte, N.C. Surya Swilley*/** King’s College Charlotte, N.C. J’Nequa Mathis North Carolina A&T State University Greensboro, N.C. Jasmyn Brown James Walker II North Carolina Central University Durham, N.C. Jasmine Foster Olajade McPhearson Terri Niter Queens University of Charlotte Charlotte, N.C. Talia Brown* Timothy Moore* Rasheed Ahmad-Bey University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, N.C. Laura John Kayleigh Mace Kyla Mace Demetrius Pitts Samantha Sabin* Carolina Valder***
Kiana Williams
Quenisha Clark* Antonia Tyes
University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, N.C. Anissa Aguero** Jordyn Bocci** Cierra Brown Jasmine Bunn Kelly Fabian Sarah Ficco Alaa Hassan** Kira John Kyra Owen Shea Palmer Grace Peitzman Trevor Rusher Megan Tafoya Renee Welsh Noel Kathryn Whitesides
Out-of-State Schools
University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, N.C. Vania Claiborne Josh Hatchell* Brittani Taylor Catie Templeton
Columbia College Chicago Chicago, I.L. Evan Morales
University of North Carolina at Wilmington Wilmington, N.C. Caitlin Hall Winston Salem State University Winston Salem, N.C.
Berea College Berea, K.Y. Myel Byrd* Chemeketa Community College Salem, O.R. Jacky Croiser** Coastal Carolina University Conway, S.C. Ashton Guthrie* Kenzi Schrenk
Columbus College of Art and Design Columbus, O.H. Komikka Patton* Kilee Price* Corcoran College of Art and Design Washington, D.C. Lauren Isaacs* Annie Elberson*
This map represents where the Class of 2012 wil be next year. The darker the state, the more students going there. For instance, most students are remaining in North Carolina, so the state’s color is the darkest. The graph is based on the results from the college list above. Photo Illustration by Samantha Sabin
features 7
June 5, 2012
are they going? 2012’s post-high school plans Essex County College Newark, N.J. Deanna Dobie
Robert Briner* Sloan Pearson* Gregori Williams
Valdosta State University Valdosta, G.A. Takaela Hall
Frog Lotus Yoga International Suryalila, Andalucia, Spain Griffin Gullickson
Pulaski Technical College North Little Rock, A.K. Allison Harris**
Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, V.A. Kathleen Brien* Hannah Clark*
Kansas City Art Institute Kansas City, M.O. Sarah Bryan* Maryland Institute College of Art Baltimore, M.D. Aubrey Vison* Northeastern University Boston, M.A. Kacie Watson*
Regis University Denver, C.O. Holly Schommer* Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah, G.A. Deja Walker* Savannah State University Savannah, G.A. Arychez Lynch
Virginia State University Petersburg, V.A. Precious Neely* *scholarship recipient **plans on transferring schools ***taking a gap year
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Phone Number: E-mail Address:
Norfolk State University Norfolk, V.A. Kasseem Williams
University of Central Florida Orlando, F.L. Lauren Perillo
Oakwood University Huntsville, A.L. Tai Latortue*
University of Rochester Rochester, N.Y. Justina Hauss*
Turn this slip in to Mrs. Wesselman, in room E-134 with $10 or e-mail this information to intermission.nwsa@ gmail.com and send in a check next school year.
Ohio Wesleyan University Delaware, O.H. Haley Sheafor* Tirion Sheafor*
University of St. Andrews, Scotland St. Andrews, Scotland Caterina Giammarresi* Hannah Risser
Seniors, if you would like to pay for it this year, but do not know what your address for next year is, simply turn in the $10 before June 8 and e-mail your updated contact information to us when you get it.
Point Park University Pittsburgh, P.A.
The list above is based on data collected in the English classes during exam weeks. The data was compiled by Samatnah Sabin. Only students who are either not going to school or who did not fill out the chart are not listed above. If you have any corrections, email them to intermission.nwsa@gmail.com or comment on this story when it goes online in a few days.
Taking a different route Many students take a gap year to volunteer overseas, work at home, or take a break from school and find themselves Regina Grier Staff Writer With the pressure and sometimes even stress of having to continue education after high school, some students decide they need a break. “For the first time in as long as I can remember, I will not be doing homework, assignments, or exams,” said senior Carolina Valder who will be spending next year in Costa Rica. “I worked myself as hard as I could for the past decade, and now I get a break to do a completely new experience.” Valder wasn’t set on a gap year until she went to Costa Rica earlier this year. “I considered a gap year
earlier this year, but I wasn’t too sure about it,” Valder said. “However, after spending a week in Costa Rica with a missionary family, I knew I had to come back. I met many families who had left their home in the states or Canada to live and do relief work in Costa Rica, and it inspired me.” Valder will be interning with Reach Global, an organization that does relief work in other countries. She’ll be living in San Jose, Costa Rice with a missionary family for the the first half of the year, and then moving in with a Costa Rican family to be fully immersed for the second half. Valder will also be teaching English classes to adults of the area, working with youth groups and
children, and helping with a medical clinic in the poor Nicaraguan immigrant areas that provides basic health care and health training. She might also do some Campus Ministry at local high schools and universities. “Honestly, I hope to find something out about myself, or grow in a very deep way, and maybe find a calling,” Valder said. “I don’t feel that ready for college, so this seemed the best path for me.” Valder isn’t going through a university program, and she will be updating a blog during her year. While Valder is taking her gap year to broaden her world view, other students simply cannot afford the costly fees and tuition or need more time to figure out their career path.
Senior Katja Lucas is one such student. “I’m going to work for a year and go to CPCC, and then I’ll transfer to a bigger school,” Lucas said. While it may seem like this miniature hiatus would be a major setback, it can also be interpreted as a way for students to make long term goals for themselves. According to an article in USA Today, one contributing factor for taking a gap year is the fact that senior year of high school leaves students drained and craving refreshment. “I’ll also be helping out in the community and finding volunteer work to do,” Lucas said. “Who knows where that’ll take me.” The gap year option
is gaining momentum in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. About 37 percent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools high school seniors will take a one year gap after graduating before either going to college or doing a post-graduation activity, like working or service work, according to CMS. Gap years help students figure out what they want to do with their lives and enlighten them. “I want to broaden my view of the world, especially of another culture,” Valder said. “I hope to gain the feeling that I made a difference in my gap year and leave an impact on the lives I will touch.”
8 features
June 5, 2012
‘Stressing wasn’t worth it’ Class of 2011 alums weigh in on the college application process 2011 Alum’s Name
What school do you go to? Why?
What do you wish you knew as an underclassmen?
What would you change about your high school experience?
“UNC Chapel Hill. It’s the best
“I wish I knew that stressing about college wasn't worth it. I thought my life would be over if I didn't get into Chapel Hill, but that attitude isn't the right way to approach college decisions. College is what you make of it; it doesn't matter where you go, just as long as you take every cool opportunity that comes your way. Even if you don't get into your number one school, there's a good chance you will end up where you need to be.”
“I would have taken on leadership roles much earlier in my career at Northwest. Working with my peers as well as the staff at Northwest was really rewarding. ...Northwest gives the student body many opportunities to step up and make a difference, but, regrettably, I didn’t take advantage of them until senior year.”
“I attend UNCG. I chose it be-
“As an upperclassman I wish I would have known that going into college, help is provided for you when you get there. High school makes it seem like you’re going to be all on your own which discourages some people.”
“My high-school experience was great I wouldn't change it one bit.”
“I have been attending Capernwray Bible School in New Zealand for the past six months. I chose this school because they have an excellent program and because I wanted to do something different from the typical educational track. I wanted to do what was best for me, and seek different alternatives to university directly after high school.”
“I wish I knew that there were more opportunities out there rather than putting myself immediately into debt by going to college. There are so many other ways to get education, training, and experience but the American mindset says that we all need to be studying in university for four years even if we don't know what we are wanting to study. I would encourage any underclassmen to seek themselves and do whatever is needed to understand who they are before making any decisions for the future. Don't be afraid to take a gap year in order to discover more about yourself. I have learned more these past 6 months than I have learned in the past 4 years of my life.”
“I would really focus on every moment I spent in classes, in extracurriculars, and in social experiences. After high school, education costs a lot of money, and because you are paying for it, you tend to appreciate it a lot more. Everyone should appreciate free education for the short time that it is offered. I also would advise not getting caught up in the stress of applying to college. It honestly doesn't really matter where you study or how much qualification the school has. All that matters is who you are and your skill level. Employers will recognize you not for the university you are associated with, but the person you present yourself to be. You can't just hide behind the reputation of the school and hope that future employers don't hold you accountable for your own personal attributes and work ethics.”
public school in the state, and it’s relatively inexpensive. I wanted to go to a school that would look good on applications for law school. Also, most of the professors there are leaders in their field, so I knew that I would be studying with the best.”
Rachel Worsham
cause I heard they had a great dance program.”
Bria Powell
Noelle Mapstead
Story by Alice Wilder, Opinion Editor
From media specialist to fashion model
Romanek teams up with sophomore Manolo Castillo at spring fashion show, purchases dress Alice Wilder Opinion Editor
Photo by Eliyas Azizy
Romanek modeling for Manolo Castillo
Media specialist Elizabeth Romanek recently purchased a dress sophomore Manolo Castillo designed for the spring fashion show. She knew that she liked it at the outset. “It was something I would never wear on my own,” Romanek said. Romanek was especially attracted to the bright colors and mermaid shape. “It was one of a kind,” Romanek said. Castillo said he was inspired by his Puerto Rican heritage and his favorite fashion designers, Oscar de la Renta and Christian Siriano. “My design aesthetic consists of clean classic cuts,
structured and soft with bold prints all while being as flattering on the body as possible,” Castillo said. Romanek was impressed by Castillo’s design skills. “He asked Ms. Wesselman what size I was and had it done by the following week, it was already fitted,” Romanek said. “That he knew his stuff as a 10th grader was amazing to me.” Romanek has known Castillo since he was in sixth grade, but this was the first time she’d seen him showing his skills. Romanek got to see those skills when she modeled the dress in the spring fashion show. “I was honored that he asked me to model,” Romanek said. “I was nervous but I had fun.”
Castillo said he chose Romanek to model for him because she was the perfect fit. “I think she’s beautiful and I like for everyday women to wear my clothes,” Castillo said. Castillo did Romanek’s hair and makeup. Romanek said she had modeled jewelry for NWSA fashion shows in the past, but this was her first time modeling garments. Apparel teacher Barbara Wesselman supervised the show and said that having Romanek model a dress was “extra special, (and that) she really worked it.” Castillo made the dress over spring break, and contacted Wesselman periodically for technical help and opinions. Romanek says that she
enjoys seeing students outside of their research in the media center. “It’s nice to see them in their element,” Romanek said. Romanek said she bought it because she wanted to reward Castillo’s hard work and design chops, “I bought it because I liked it” said Romanek. “If you work hard it gives you incentive to keep designing and selling.”
features 9
June 5, 2012
Experiences Exchanged Wallace spends senior year abroad
Photo courtesy of Lacie Wallace
During her year in Germany, senior Lacie Wallace spent a lot of time travelling across Europe. In the photo above, Wallace is running through ruins in Rome with a friend.
Gabby Ross Features Editor Only one suitcase is allowed. This was what senior Lacie Wallace was told when she was accepted to a study abroad program in Germany for one year. “It didn’t take too much (planning),” Wallace said. “The application took a lot of information gathering, transcript, medical documents, questionnaire and short answer essay, but when you are only allowed to take one suitcase with you, there isn’t a lot you have to buy to get ready.” Wallace is a part of the Rotary Youth Exchange program which offers a yearlong study abroad program as well as a shorter summer exchange program. “I chose to study abroad now because I took so many
courses ninth through eleventh grade that if I had stayed at Northwest for my senior year, I would’ve had only two classes,” Wallace said. “And I’ve wanted to study abroad since the seventh grade, so why not? By doing it this year, I get an exciting senior year but I can also start college on time.” So instead of taking English IV and Earth and Environmental Science at Northwest this year, she travelled to Witten, Nordrhein-Westfalen in Northwestern Germany and completed them there. Wallace chose Germany because she has been speaking German since she started attending Smith Academy of International Languages, now Waddell Language Academy, in kindergarten. “I’ve already participated in 3 short term exchanges and a year is way more exciting,”
Wallace said. All year-long Rotary Youth Exchange program participants are required to be youth ambassadors who give presentations to the younger grades at her German high school about American high school. “A recent presentation I gave was on how Charlotte is laid out just like a typical urban American city,” Wallace said. “Anytime I meet with Rotarians I have to be prepared to talk about both facts and my opinion on the upcoming election, the war, and our big cars.” Wallace encourages those who are considering studying abroad to start researching programs. “You simply Google ‘study abroad’ and there are so many different opportunities,” Wallace said. “With Rotary, you need to get in contact with your local club and ask for an application. If you
make it through the written application round, you go in for an hour interview. And if you are accepted then you get assigned a country a few months later.” Wallace encourages students to take a serious amount of time considering this opportunity because it’s a huge adjustment. “If you are interested, don’t hesitate to research programs, but don’t jump right in either. Really think about your decision, because although the year is the best of your life, it is also the worst,” Wallace said. Although it’s difficult because she is away from her family and friends, Wallace also said in a way it isn’t too difficult because of technology. “My birthday was hard, as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas. But with Skype and email, it all works out,” Wallace said.
She definitely had to make some big adjustments to the European lifestyle. “I use public transportation or my bike every day and the train every week. I am seldom in a car. Dinner is bread, meat, and cheese. Lunch is a big, warm meal,” Wallace said. “The weather is awful. It’s May and I had to wear my winter jacket last week. I remember being very down in November because it was dark at 4:30pm.” Wallace hopes to one day live in Germany. “Hopefully I plan on doing a semester abroad or working a few years after college,” Wallace said. Wallace returns August 8 and will be attending UNC Asheville in the fall. She plans on studying psychology and German for four years and then applying to medical school after graduation.
Exchange students find a home at Northwest Two students leave their norms to experience life in America first hand Samantha Sabin Editor-in-Chief
Seniors and foreign exchange students Fina AnnaLisa Linjesha and Aizhan Yussupova came to America not knowing what to expect. “All I knew was from American movies,” Yussopova said. “I didn’t expect a lot of things because I didn’t want to be like ‘well that’s not what I expected.’” Through the Youth for Understanding program, both Linjesha and Yussopova are able to experience life in America first hand. Yussopova is from Kazakhstan, a country in Central Asia, while
Linjesha is from Hamburg, a large city in the north of Germany. The YFU program is a worldwide group of committed individuals and organizations who work together to prepare students for the interdependent global community. “To be honest, I have no idea why I decided to take an exchange year,” Linjesha said. “When I was in 9th grade I did an exchange with my Spanish class to Malaga, Spain and from there on I wanted to do an exchange year.” She arrived in late August, and since then Linjesha has been able to notice some similiarities and differences
between the schools. “My school is very accepting and open,” Linjesha said. “The teachers are for the most part very good but stricter, and not in a bad way. My school has a lot of opportunities to practice different arts, but it is not an arts school. It is also pretty big on sports. ” Yussopova arrived in January, and she also been able to notice the similarities and differences. “Teenagers are kind of the same, but Americans people are more friendly,” Yussopova said. “We cannot just start talking to random people, but in America you can. We have one class for every single
subject.” Linjesha also recalled that the transportation systems are completely different in the two countries. “In Hamburg, I do not necessarily need a car to get somewhere. I either take the train, bus, subway, my bike, or I walk,” Linjesha said. “The city is more concentrated and does not have as many suburban parts, so it’s easier to reach everything. Charlotte is a little bit bigger. Hamburg has about 2 million people but Charlotte has 2.5 million.” The host family plays a key role in a student’s experience by welcoming the student into their home as a family
member for one or two school semesters. “I’m really lucky with my host family,” Yussopova said. “My host sister is a sophomore here and she connected me with all of her friends and that really helped.” Linjesha goes back on June 27 and Yussopova goes back on June 20. Linjesha said the most difficult part will be leaving all of the people she has met. “I’m going to miss Northwest and my friends because I’m probably never going to see about 90 percent of the people I have met here,” Linjesha said. “It is going to be hard.”
10 opinion
June 5, 2012
Remembering the last seven years at the school As graduation approaches, the bittersweet emotions about leaving begin to surface
Samantha Sabin Editor-in-Chief The audience fell silent and the performers were ready to go. The blue-white lights dawned on the stage where 12 senior musical theatre students stood in a semicircle. Theater arts teacher Matt Hinson stood in the middle of those students with his back to the audience and conducted them through the last song the group was ever going to perform together at Northwest. As the students went through the song, they held back the tears. They sang an a cappella version of Coldplay’s “Fix You.” Voices remained strong and beautiful, but based on the glisten in their eyes, the audience was soon pulling out their tissues to
fight back their own tears. And I, too, was fighting back the tears when the senior musical theatre students hit that last note of the song at the high school musical theatre revue. Now you might think I was sniffling because the performance was perfect and its beauty was too much to bear. Although that’s true, I cried because I realized that was the last time I was ever going to listen to Northwest students perform while I was still a Northwest student. And no matter how hard I’ve tried to deny it, that was the first time I fully realized that my days at Northwest are numbered. I started my seven-years at Northwest the same year the sixth Harry Potter book came out. And even in sixth
grade I remember telling my friends that I had no plans of leaving this amazing school until I was forced to because even then, I knew how special Northwest is. At no other high school can you expect for students to say “Well we might not be good at football, but we play a mean game of mat-ball” or “Well, we’re missing half of our classes this week because we have tech week at the Halton, so that’s almost like playoffs, right?” Northwest is unique, for many reasons. Many of my fellow classmates appear to have lost faith in this school, and plenty of them are celebrating the fact that this is their last week of high school ever, but I’ll probably be one of the few seniors sitting in the corner of every class demanding
another tissue. Recently, it may seem like the school has become CMS’s guinea pig, with bell time and shuttle busing changes, but where else am I going to be able to find a high school so closeknit and accepting? Where else can I say that being a hipster (or a faux-hipster ) is actually normal? And at what other schools is it completely acceptable to not have a date to Prom? For seven years, Northwest was my second home. I participated in Spring Dance Concerts, contributed to Intermission, and helped bring Invisible Children to the school. I saw one true fight, and to my knowledge that was over nachos. I’ve seen numerous group dances performed during lunch. At least once a week, I would
walk by somebody rehearsing in the hallway. And although it’s been there for a few years, I will never understand why we have a baseball field. But I poured my heart and soul into this place, and I made it my second home. I love Northwest with all my heart, and that’s why it’s time to leave (that and graduation is also right around the corner, so I have to leave). I’ve gotten everything that I could out of this place, and it’s time to move on, no matter how difficult it will be. But no matter what happens to this school in the future, whether it’s a change in the bell schedules or more teacher cuts, I will always remember that Northwest is simply the best.
Reaching the American Dream: the DREAM Act
A pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrant youth Damara Garcia-Garcia fled the state, even the country, which led to farm employers Staff Writer loosing valuable workers and the The DREAM Act, acronym for Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors, is proposed legislation that would help obtain residency first, then citizenship, to undocumented immigrant youth who will pursue higher education or serve in the U.S. Military. This very limited and targeted legislation would allow only the best and brightest students to earn their legality if they are eligible. The DREAM Act would allow these students to contribute to the American society, students who were brought to the United States illegally from as early as a month old through no fault of their own. An undocumented immigrant may apply to college and be admitted, but after graduating, looking for work is where the obstacles would start to arise. By law, it is illegal to hire undocumented immigrants and certain job titles actually enforce this law, especially higher paying jobs with professional titles. Undocumented immigrants are taken advantage of in the workforce, doing jobs that require long hours and very little pay. Many anti-immigrant people say that undocumented immigrants are “taking the jobs of Americans therefore we need to secure our border!” For one, the border does need to be secured, but secondly, those jobs are the ones most Americans don’t want to do. After Arizona’s SB1070 bill passed (which would allow any authority to check the papers of anyone who was suspected of being “undocumented”, talk about racial profiling!), many undocumented immigrants
company shutting down. Due to their lack of a social security number, a career in this country may seem far from reality for undocumented immigrants. This is where the DREAM Act bill would provide relief by temporarily giving the youth a resident status. By doing so, undocumented youth will contribute their talents, skills, and knowledge to society. The White house states that this “commonsense” legislation “would make our country more competitive in the global economy” and “will have important economic benefits”. However, despite the support of the legislation, the DREAM Act has not passed. The fear of “amnesty” and other antiimmigrant efforts are the main causes for its not passing. Despite these challenges, advocates for the DREAM Act all over the nation are making their voices heard. U4TD (United for the Dream) is a local group that advocates the Dream Act and focuses on the importance of higher education. This year, they took a trip to Washington, DC to meet with representatives in their district to discuss the DREAM Act and the importance of it. Some of the representatives included Mel Watt, Larry Kissell and Sue Myrick. The DNC is the time to remind people of this very important bill. Contact your representatives and get involved with U4TD if you want to contribute to the effort because as this is a nation of laws, it is also a nation of immigrants. “We are Americans. America has been always been our home.” –Undocumented Student.
Cartoon by Kathleen Brien
Learn more about the DREAM Act at the following sites: • www.whitehouse.gov The White House website has a page under the issues section about the DREAM Act legislation that explains the basic concepts addressed by the legislation and how it will help the country if it is passed. • www.americasvoiceonline.org/issues/dreamact This website provides more personal experiences and testimonies about the DREAM Act from undocumented immigrants in the country
June 5, 2012
Pottermore opens to public An interactive Harry Potter world holds up to fans expectations
Erin Reed Staff Writer I remember coming home every day, looking forward to replaying my favorite movie on VHS. In those two and a half hours, my six-yearold self was somewhere else--somewhere magical. I remember finishing one book, only to turn back to the first page and start again. The Harry Potter saga has been a part of my life for eleven years; it inspired my love of reading, taught me valuable life lessons, and gave me a place of escape when I needed a break from my own life. As I grew, the story matured with me. And now, through Pottermore, it continues. Pottermore is an interactive journey through the Harry Potter story with extra content from J.K. Rowling that debuted for a select group of beta testers on July 31st, 2011 (Rowling and Potter’s shared birthday). Now the website is open for all. Pottermore was announced just after the release of the final Harry Potter movie. At that time, I was switching between loving-the-worldbecause-everything-isbeautiful and rolling-onthe-floor in agony because the movie marked the end of my childhood. Go ahead, admit it. You did it too. So when I heard Pottermore was coming out, I was relieved and grateful to the masterful J.K. Rowling for giving us something that continues the
Summer Reading 2012-2013
Bossypants Tina Fey Pandemonium Lauren Oliver The Virgin Suicides Jeffrey Eugenides Anna and the French Kiss Stephanie Perkins Photo illustration by Gabby Ross
story and reminds us of those movie marathons and late nights spent reading under the covers. The visuals are gorgeous. Each scene is interactive and has multiple levels to explore. After a bit of searching, you can find J.K. Rowling’s exclusive content. This extra character and story information is probably my favorite thing about Pottermore; it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling that there is still much to learn about the story and J.K.’s writing process and the world of Potter. The sorting ceremony is awesome, and, in my opinion, completely accurate. The process is a complex questionnaire that asks about what users values most, as well as obscure questions like “moon or stars” and “left or
right.” I like that it’s difficult to cheat the sorting questions. I actually made two accounts when I first registered, and on one account I experimentally tried to cheat the test, and I was sorted into a house that hardly described me. On my second go, I went with my instincts, and now I’m a Ravenclaw. Unlike fandesigned sorting quizzes, this questionnaire is designed to get at your true personality, not just what you’d like to be. The only thing I’d like to see is the incorporation of the rule that ‘the sorting hat takes your opinion into consideration.” This would make it more true to the story for me. Personally, I think the Pottermore experience would be complete if it was more of a social website. Users can add
each other and ‘wizard duel,’ but there’s no communication between members. If users could create a personality and socialize with other HP fans, it would make it feel more like a community of fans, which is what I want out of a fan website. It would also be cool to be able to take magical classes and do some things ‘outside’ the story. If you’re a Harry Potter enthusiast, you should get on www.pottermore.com and find your house, mix some potions, and gain house points. In the words of J.K. Rowling, “It’s the same story with a few crucial additions; the most important one is you.”
3-D re-releases don’t improve upon the original, and aren’t worth the extra cost and discomfort
Picture this: You’re sitting in a cool and comfortable movie theater surrounded by the clamor of a seven minutelong action sequence. Your seat subtly vibrates from the bass coming from the large speakers. The smell of popcorn and movie theater butter is overwhelming, but welcoming. You’re enjoying yourself except for one thing: The movie is in 3-D. You’re wearing a pair of large-rimmed 3-D glasses that distort your vision and periodically slide down your nose. Sure, shrapnel and severed limbs fly into your face from time to time, but you leave the theater with a dull throbbing headache and crossed eyes. 3-D movies can be enjoyable, but I don’t think they should
Intermission Recommends The Fault in Our Stars John Green
Despite the flashy effects, most 3-D movies fail to deliver Joneka Percentie Buisness Manager
opinion11
be a large part of the movie-making industry. Highly acclaimed movie critic Roger Ebert eloquently put my exact thoughts on 3-D movies into these words: “3-D is a waste of a perfectly good dimension.” 2003 marked the mainstream resurgence of 3D movies. That year we saw movies like “Spy-Kids 3-D Game Over” and “The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl.” Those films were fun and original and exciting to see in 3-D, especially at eight years old, but movies like “Justin Beiber: Never Say Never” couldn’t possibly be what the original creators of 3-D intended. Since their creation in 1915, audiences have criticized 3-D movies because they have been known to induce
nausea, migraines, and motion sickness. These symptoms come from the techniques used to create the illusion of a 3-D film. In order to produce 3-D films, stereoscopic technology changes the depth, color, and resolution of certain parts of the complete image so that viewers believe that they are within the movie. It seems simple enough, but production costs for 3-D movies are over millions more than that of traditional films. James Cameron’s “Avatar” had a budget at 237 million dollars, one of the most costly films of all time. It’s a lot of expensive distractions if you ask me. If you look past the possible side effects and the crazy amount of money they cost to be produced, 3-D movies can be somewhat appealing: For just a few more dollars,
you can be transported into a new world just by distorting your depth perception. But are those extra dollars worth it? Was “Titanic” any more captivating with shards of ice flying at your head? Or could those special effects make “Avatar: The Last Air Bender” a top-grossing film? The answer is no. And while I will admit that I did want to see Rafiki present Simba to all of Prideland when “The Lion King” was re-released in 3-D, I didn’t because 3-D effects couldn’t do enough to make my favorite movie any better. So before you choose to see the next 3-D film to premiere, save yourself the disappointment and money; they’re not worth it, in my opinion.
The Name of the Star Maureen Johnson Fences August Wilson No Exit Jean Paul Satre Jane Eyre Charlotte Bronte
Intermission Recommends Summer Playlist
1. Taking You With Me - Daniel Tashion and Mindy Smith 2. A Chance is Gonna Come Benn Sollee 3. You Are What You Love - Jenny Lewis 4. Carolina - Ben Gibbard 5. I Will - The Beatles 6. I Saw You Bling - Stornoway 7. Animal - Mike Snow 8. American Girl Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 9. Summer Mood Best Coast 10. Give It Up - The Format 11. When They Fight, They Fight - Generationals 12. Cool Yourself Thao 13. Swimming Pool - The Submarines 14. June Hymn The Decemberists
12 opinion
The power of music Anissa Aguero Columnist I recently read Karl Paulnack’s welcome address to the freshman class of Boston Conservatory. He said the most important concert of his life took place at a nursing home. A WWll veteran was moved to tears when Paulnack performed. The man said that it reminded him of his friend who died in combat I wondered how a piece of music could have brought up memories for this gentleman. Have you ever listened to a song, only to find yourself near tears, or perhaps smiling? I believe that this happens because music unlocks the part of us that even we have trouble finding, our utmost buried feelings. In fact, psychologist John Sloboda has conducted research on the effect of something called an appoggiatura. An appoggiatura is a type of ornamental note that clashes with the melody to create just enough dissonance, and Sloboda’s 20-year long research shows that it affects our nervous system in such a way that it makes us physically react- such as tearing up. I firmly believe that one of music’s greatest uses is to mend the soul. Music is therapeutic, and musicians are therapists, each and every one of them. This holds for all art forms, and that is why I feel that we artists are appreciated in society. Just because you’re more likely to find information on a concert in the Entertainment section of the newspaper rather than the Headlines doesn’t mean we aren’t as essential to humankind. Next time you find yourself doubting whether or not your talent is important – stop and remember that humanity needs us to heal them, to help them, by unlocking the parts of ourselves we can’t always undo by ourselves. We are all important.
June 5, 2012
Editor’s Roundtable
Negative campaign ads rise in race for Governor
The Intermission staff stands by Rep. Pat McCrory’s decision to run a clean campaign The Charlotte Observer editorial board challenged the NC Governor candidates to stay away from negative ads during their campaigns. On May 24, Republican candidate Pat McCrory took up the challenge while Democrat candidate Walter Dalton avoided it. We stand by McCrory’s decision. In an article for The Charlotte Observer, McCrory said “This election should be about the serious issues facing our state and two competing visions for North Carolina. There’s enough that differentiates Lt. Governor Walter Dalton and I without having to resort to airing sleazy and unfair ads that don’t tell the truth in an attempt to tear down the opponent.” And of course, we completely agree.
Negative ads have their place. A candidate’s character and political track record are fair game, but a campaign shouldn’t be about taking out the opponent just by flaunting his or her flaws. The voters want to know where the candidate stands on a certain topic AND about the opponent’s flaws. So although attack ads are useful when it comes to the latter objective, it’s a slippery slope. Once the first attack ad is launched, more are sure to follow. Just look at the Romney ad campaign right now. All over Youtube, voters are watching 30 second videos of how Obama has broken promises left and right, but there are very few videos that actually explain how Romney plans to fix America’s current problems. So in an election year where voters are sure to
be bombarded with a plethora of negative ads, we appreciate McCrory’s decision to run a clean campaign until the end. It’s refreshing. But Dalton doesn’t seem to agree. Dalton spokesman Ford Porter issued a statement that declined to take a position on the pledge. “We’re glad McCrory’s got an opinion on something,” the statement said. “This election should be about the serious issues facing our state and two competing visions for North Carolina. Pat McCrory should stop talking out of both sides of his mouth and join Walter Dalton in debating the issues that matter in North Carolina: jobs and education.” At a party gathering in Fayetteville, Democratic pollster Dustin Ingalls said “There’s no way to prop up Dalton enough. We have to
just slash McCrory--death by a thousand cuts... It’s going to have to be a very negative campaign.” This isn’t high school, Walter. You shouldn’t be relying only on your insults to win an argument, and ultimately a campaign. If there’s a huge flaw in McCrory’s character or political record, tell the voters, but don’t base your entire campaign on it. The voters just want to know about your vision for North Carolina. So as the race for governor goes underway, we hope that McCrory keeps his promise to the Observer and that Dalton soon sees the downside of a negative campaign.
- Intermission Staff
2011-2012 staff Editor-in-Chief Samantha Sabin
Online Editor Justina Hauss
Business Manager Joneka Percentie
Photo Editor Katie Bannerman
News Editor Naja Richburg
Staff Writers Lincoln Frye Damarra Garcia-Garcia Regina Grier Carlynn Richter Erin Reed
Features Editor Gabby Ross Opinion Editor Alice Wilder Layout Editor Rene Vanek
In compliance with federal law, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.
Contributors Anissa Aguero Eliyas Azizy Kathleen Brien Lexi Hooton Kilee Price Adviser Barbara Wesselman
Send any story suggestions or submissions to intermission.nwsa@gmail. com
The opinions expressed in Intermission do not necessarily represent those of the school’s faculty or administration, the CharlotteMecklenburg School Board or its administration. Intermission is a public forum for student expression.
A note from the Adviser: For the first time in my 10 years at NWSA, Newspaper was not offered as a course this year. Student directed, student initiated, this dedicated group of students kept the presses rolling and independently got this paper out to our school community. Award winning, interesting and timely, Intermission covered our stories from tragic to comedic with professionalism. I am proud of each and every member of the Intermission staff and want to thank Samantha Sabin, EIC, Justina Hauss, Online Editor, Naja Richburg, News Editor, and all other senior staff writers, and wish our Senior staff members “the best of everything the future has to offer” I am confident that each of these graduates will go on to leave their mark on the world in a positive way, big or small. Congratulations to the new 2012-13 staff members. I look forward to another year of great year for Intermission! And thank you to Friends of Northwest for supporting these publications. - B. Wesselman