The
Hoofbeat
May 2013
Charles D. Owen High School 99 Lake Eden Rd. Black Mountain, NC 28711
Listen. Learn. Speak.
Vol. 113 Number 6
WE ARE ALL BOSTON Taylor Morris recounts fear, calls for compassion
A
few days ago, my friend, a fellow Harvard student, and I were watching a Red Sox game on television. The commentators were asking viewers to donate money to victims of the Boston Terrorist Attack of April 15. “Be Boston Strong,” they urged. “They really need to cut that crap out,” said my friend. When I asked why, he pointed out that there are terrorist attacks that kill many more people than were killed in Boston, and that other countries are ravaged by terrorism far more than the United States. Why, then, are we focusing so much on Boston? What he said, of course, is true. But I was surprised by how students from those countries reacted after the attacks. One classmate of mine, originally from Delhi, India, was extremely nonchalant about the bombing. He said his city had been bombed so many times, he and his family had gotten used to this sort of thing. One of my other friends, who grew up in Karachi, Pakistan, echoed his sentiments. If you are driving somewhere and you hear about a bomb on road someplace ahead of you, she told me, you simply turn around and go another way. No big deal. It goes without saying that I had a decidedly different reaction. I think the phrase oft-used when discussing terrorism, “living in fear,” accurately described my feelings. Growing up mostly as a post-9/11 child, I used to think that was an empty, meaningless media phrase; I did not remember terrorism making me particularly afraid for my safety. During the Boston attacks and the events after, bombs went off twenty-five minutes from me, MIT police officer Sean Collier was shot two T-stops away, the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, a ten minute walk from my room, was evacuated, and Dzokhar Tsarnaev was hiding out in Watertown, the town next to Cambridge, where I live. The bombers lived in Cambridge, and their former high school, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, is only a couple blocks away. I pass near it to go to lunch almost every day. The Boston Police Department told us that there were possibly more bombs around the city and to stay indoors. I made the cynical calculation that Harvard, a highly-populated area close and connected to all the events, might be next to be bombed. I was terrified. I was terrorized. I lived in fear. It appears many of us have grown numb to terrorism, whether my friends at Harvard, my childhood self, or even some members of this paper’s staff who did not think the Boston attack was worthy of the front page. So why focus on Boston? Because reflecting on my experience there, many of us are living in fear, but many more are living complacently in that fear. All over the world, terrorists scar us so many times that we often stop recognizing their actions as particularly heinous. We become resigned to them, with many pundits detachedly referring to terrorism as “the new normal.” That emotionless acceptance is, to turn another 9/11-era phrase, really how “the terrorists win.” This is not a call to arms. This is a call back to emotion and compassion. So be Boston Strong, be Delhi Strong, be Karachi Strong, be Owen Strong, be strong for every community affected by terrorism.
Editor Sarah Gilmour reveals wider impact of bombing
I
n times of horrible violence, the world looks as though it is falling apart. We fear for our own safety and the safety of our loved ones. In Boston, the scenes of pure humanity and concern for others became hope—hope that the world is good, hope that we can work together to overcome the dangers of the world today, hope that love will overcome hate. We thank Boston for this hope. After the bombings and other tragedies, the nation along with the immediate community affected, became smaller. We are all unified in common experience and common grief. We all had stake in what happened, and we all wanted answers, just as the citizens of Boston wanted answers. But these acts can also polarize a nation. People try to solidify and broadcast their beliefs, which creates a sharp division. It is our responsibility as a nation and as a school to use this event to maintain that immediate feeling of unification after the bombings and not allow us to slip into extremes that create an us versus them mentality. We must instead maintain the strength Boston showed the nation. Use this time of suffering to focus on coming together and working together. Times like these are simply moments in history until we use them to learn. We must not assume to know the story behind the actions or assume the ramifications of the actions. We can alter the what happens by maintaining our sense of unity and not feeding into the fear. The world is indeed dangerous, but we cannot let our fear paralyze us. Use it to motivate us to make ourselves the world around us better. After the tragedy of the bombing, remember these are not isolated events. Our nation is one. We are ALL Boston.
Boston KRT Photography by Allen Holder/Kansas City Star: A View of the North End of the Boston, Massachusetts skyline from the USS Constitution in Charlestown.
BOSTON STRONG, OWEN STRONG
Opinion
Hoofbeat Listen. Learn. Speak.
The
2
May 2013
Should the prison at Guantanamo Bay be closed? The prison at Guantanamo Bay has been controversial since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan. Closing it was a campaign promise of Barack Obama in the 2008 election. Although Obama signed an order in 2009 to have the prison shut down within a year, the Senate blocked funding for the transfer of prisoners, so it remains open today. One inmate was forced to carry heavy buckets of water, with a shoulder that was reBy Connor Ferry covering from a bullet Co Editor-In-Chief wound. He was given a short reprieve from his Guantanamo Bay is sick. duties due, but when Human beings are treated in ways that he could walk again, would be considered cruel to treat animals he was forced to pick Ferry within this institution. Prisoners are deprived up trash which the guards of sleep in manipulated environments where repeatedly threw back down. basic amenities like blankets, soap and deAnother inmate was in his cell at 2:00 odorant are labeled privileges that can be taken p.m. when his guards walked in. He was away for disobedience. to get “ The real question is instructed Guantanamo Bay is on the ground, and a disgusting reminder not why should we close they smashed his of what evils human be- Guantanamo Bay, but, head into the floor ings are capable of, and repeatedly. Then it must be shut down why have’t we closed it al- they tossed him into completely instead of ready." solitary confinement hovering in the current for two days. - Connor Ferry state of purgatory, with Also according to prisoners neither able to Raw Story, prisoners transfer in or out of this prison. are confined to situations where it is almost According to Alternet, one of the most pro- impossible to continue prayer schedules. The vocative offensives occurred when a group of humidity in their cells makes the cell walls too guards stormed an inmate’s cell and threw his damp for prisoners to have their prayer schedQur’an on the ground. In Muslim culture, the ules hanging up. Qur’an is viewed as the word of God and should Even the land Guantanamo Bay was built never be placed on the ground because that act on is a source of controversy. Although Cuba is considered a disgrace in Allah’s eyes. only receives $4,000 for the lease for 45 square The prisoners’ lack of basic rights has lead to miles of land from U.S. government, forcing hunger strikes within the prison. The Raw Story the base to shut down could cause a conflict reports that one striking inmate lost 55 pounds they can’t afford to have. or more than 25 percent of his body weight. AcAccording to History News Network, the cording to The Tribune these strikes were forced United States government has been a bad to end when prisoners were tied down and fed tenant of their leased land. The agreement intravenously. According to The Economist, the between the two countries specified that the act of putting in IVs or feeding tubes is aggres- land was “for use as coaling or naval stations sive and can cause damage to prisoners. only, and for no other purpose.” Some men claim that the tubes being put Guantanamo Bay is also fiscally irresponinto the prisoners are purposely too big and sible. According to The Daily Mail, a Guanunsterilized. They also say that the guards are tanamo Bay prisoner costs $903,614 each, intentionally rough when placing the feeding as opposed to a federal prisoner, at about tubes. $30,000. The Center For Constitutional Rights The real question is not why should we reported some of the sickening acts that close Guantanamo Bay, but why we haven’t caused prisoners to go on a hunger strike. closed it already.
POINT
less hesitant to carry out attacks. The act of closing Guantanamo would also give By Max Alford enemies of the U.S. Staff writer and Coalition forces a propaganda victory, Guantanamo Bay is necessary. possibly emboldening Information is the key to success when terrorist organizations fighting terror, and without a facility like and increasing enrollAlford Guantanamo Bay, American forces would ment rates. be without important information. Not A common argument only does information gathered at Guanta- against the operation of Guantanamo Bay namo Bay support the war on terror, it also is that the prisoners kept there are treated disrupts known terrorist organizations by poorly. However, because the negative rekeeping the higher ranking members from sponse to pictures and reportsearly on, concontacting their subordinates. Former Vice ditions at Guantanamo have improved draPresident Dick Chaney said, in 2008, “Guan- matically. tanamo has been very, very valuable.” According to Air Force Col. Morris DaGuantanamo Bay chief prosecutor “Guantanamo has been vis, is currently keeping in the Defense Dedangerous terrorists very, very valuable.” partment’s Office of from returning to terMilitary Commis- Dick Chaney rorism, as well. Acsions, prisoners are cording to the Washington Post, at least 10 receiving three culturally appropriate meals of the 202 detainees released from Guanta- a day, as well as two hours of outdoor recnamo have been re-captured or killed while reation. Guards are respectfully silent durfighting coalition forces in Afghanistan. If ing each prayer period, and the medical Guantanamo is closed, freed prisoners may care provided to prisoners is the same level go back to fighting U.S. forces or committing of quality that is given to American service acts of terrorism. members. Prisoners are housed in state-ofEven if all the prisoners held in Guanta- the-art buildings modeled after American cinamo are transferred to other prisons, their vilian prisons. In March 2006, after an official safety and security is not guaranteed. Some inspection, a Belgian police official said “at high-level terrorist suspects have myste- the level of detention facilities, it is a model riously escaped from Yemeni jails, which prison, where people are better treated than would be where Yemeni detainees would be in Belgian prisons.” sent. A suspect in a bombing at the AmeriNot only are prisoners treated well, can embassy in Yemen said al-Shrihri, a they are also entitled to Protections under high-level terrorist, was released through a Common Article 3 of the Geneva ConvenSaudi rehabilitation program in 2007. These tion. Allegations of torture have also been events make efforts to repatriate and reha- rebuked by government officials. In 2007, bilitate Guantanamo prisoners increasingly Chaney said on Larry King Live “We’re hard to justify. careful not to torture. We’re not in the busiNot only would closing Guantanamo ness of torturing people.” release dangerous terrorists back into the Guantanamo Bay has become an imporfield, it would also embolden their brethren. tant game piece in the war on terror, which, Without the threat of deportation to Guan- if taken away, could compromise the whole tanamo, terrorists organizations would be game, like a rook captured in a game of chess.
COUNTERPOINT
Point/Counterpoint is a means of debating an issue. The opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of the students writing them.
Hoofbeat Listen. Learn. Speak.
The
May 2013
Opinion
3
Controversy rages over the effects of class size STAFF EDITORIAL At the turn of the last century, schools were buildings, usually converted churches, with a few rooms where they held class. The classes were comprised of any children who were not working, and they were not taught from any standard curriculum. Schools are completely different one hundred years later. Architects design buildings with the idea that they will hold students; states have standardized learning and state legislatures have passed laws to optimize the space in classrooms by assigning as many students as possible into classrooms. That is the state of education in North Carolina, and with cuts by the government’s sequester, the situation may get worse. According to Education Votes, the sequester will cut 3 billion dollars the of federal education budget. This massive cut will lead to less money in schools with growing student populations. Schools can handle the budget cuts by spending less on supplies or by cutting staff and increasing class sizes. Researchers at The Center for Public Education found that increasing class sizes is detrimental to the quality of education received by students. In fact, the study found that classes should be no more than 18 students per one teacher “to produce the greatest efforts.” Leanne Winner, lobbyist for the North Carolina School Boards Association, said to the Raleigh News Observer, “The research shows that you really need to get it down to 15 for it to really work, and that’s never happened.” California, Georgia, Nevada, Ohio, Utah
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and Wisconsin have all passed laws dating back to 2009 that increase class sizes. While according to the State Board of Education, North Carolina does passed a law that eliminated maximum class sizes for grades four through twelve but was not able to ratify it. Recently, the North Carolina Senate Education Committee passed a law that will eliminate class size restrictions for kindergarten through third grade and allow for more than 24 students to be in a classroom. North Carolina’s lack of state law does not inhibit other laws from being made. Career and Technical Education classes have their own sets of standards on what class sizes are allowed, based on effectiveness. Teachers have strong feelings about class sizes. English teacher Kelly Scruggs has experienced different sizes of classes. “When we have too many students in a class, it impacts them negatively [and does not allow students] to get more one on one time,” Scruggs said. A study by Class Size Matters found that class size reduction increased math scores on standardized tests. It also found that parents were more involved in classrooms, students were less disruptive and minority and poor students experienced significant improvements in math and reading. States should not rethink the fiscal investment of having a better education for students. Every high school in North Carolina’s goal is to prepare students for college. According to How To E-D-U, college graduates with bachelor’s degrees earn $23,291 per year more than students who have graduated high school. That extra money goes into the economy and helps make states money. For schools to achieve their goal, they must have teachers in the position to be effective.
Teachers in classrooms with low numbers of students have the opportunity to not only teach students, but understand them. They can make connections with students and find
EDITORIAL CARTOON
Connor Ferry and Sarah Gilmour, Editors-in-Chief Max Alford and Dalton Nickerson, Online Editors Jessie Woodward, Assistant Editor Max Alford, Photography Editor Listen. Caityln Page, Ad Manager Learn. Business Managers Speak. Gisselle Villegas-Acosta and Chris McHone Staff writers: Dylan Bougis, Kailanne Burleson, Hannah King, Miles Lally, Tyler Newman, Tivoli Nickerson, Ryan Raines, Devin Sweazey, Ashton Woody
a teaching style that benefits them. Teachers in classrooms with low numbers of students are also more likely to make connections and to inspire students.
by Max Alford
The Hoofbeat is published by the staff at Charles D. Owen High School, 99 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, North Carolina 28711. (Telephone 828-669-3852) We welcome letters to the editor, free-lance articles, and suggestions. The paper is printed by The Star, Shelby, North Carolina. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the administration or the faculty. Signed columns, except for point/counterpoint, are solely the opinion of the writer. We reserve the right to edit letters to the editor for space and content considerations. The Hoofbeat is a public forum for students to express their opinions and is a member of JEA, NSPA, SIPA, and NCSMA. See our online newspaper at the following Web site: www.hoofbeatonline.net
Opinion
Hoofbeat Listen. Learn. Speak.
The
4
May 2013
Chain businesses do not support local community COMMENTARY By Tivoli K. Nickerson Staff writer Every year, new chain businesses steal consumers from local businesses, causing many problems in the local economy that are often overlooked. The big chain busi- NICKERSON nesses off the best pricing, quality, and lowest prices in comparison to the smaller businesses, so, of course, most people would take the better deal. Big businesses created many underlying problems for the local community. Chain businesses often lure local officials with promises of tax revenue and jobs, but a vast number of problems come
with those benefits. Some employees of Wal-Mart’s shelves come from factories in the big box stores do not earn enough to China. Some of the factories that produce meet basic living expenses and cannot these products abuse their workers with afford the health care and benefits the poor working conditions, long hours, the chain stores offer. Acording to CSEA and payment below minimum wage. Big businesses Local 436, the employees “ Seventy percent of the fill a large must rel on Medicaid, food stamps, and puslic products on Wal-Mart’s p e r c e n t of their assistance programs shelves come from facto- age shelves with which result in an annual products cost os $12-million for ries in China. " from other taxpayers. countries, When a person buys - Tivoli Nickerson which does from a chain business, not help the local community sufsupport the fers. Studies have shown that each new Wal-Mart store results in economic growth of our country. Most a lost of 180 jobs in the local community, of the chains business’ products are not and for every retail job created by Wal- made in the United States because other Mart, 1.5 jobs are lost as local businesses countries’ factories and wholesale stores are displaced. Counties who have gained offer products for really low prices, and Wal-Marts have an increase in poverty big businesses here will invest. According to the Cape Cod Commisrates. Seventy percent of the products on sion, big stores such as Wal-Mart, only
give back 14 percent of their revenue to the local economy in comparison to the 52 percent that local businesses give back. Independent businesses spend more money on local services, supplies and labor, which creates more jobs and local circulation of money. Although the big chain stores have a hold on competition, the local Mom and Pop businesses have the lead in terms of supporting economic growth, community character, public spending, and job quality. Many university studies and research from around the country have proven that local businesses triumph over chain businesses when it comes to economic benetits. With all of this being taken to mind, perhaps the next time you need hardware, you will go to Town Hardware instead of Lowes, or the with books, you will go to Malaprops instead of Barnes and Noble. It’s an easy way to support your community and yourself.
Local control endangered by state’s bills, budget COMMENTARY By Laine Everly Guest writer Asheville citizens held their breath while the N.C. state legislature came close to passing bills that would cause multiple recreational and EVERLY public organizations to be terminated. If passed, bills that were on the floor would have had Asheville scrambling to keep a stable budget. Plans had to be made to allow for the predicted 5.7 million dollar gap that would be initiated by legislature. These plans included the elimination of parks, youth and adult athletics, one fire station, and Saturday bus service in Asheville alone, according to Urban News. The Nature Center, in particular, was on the brink of closure, which would have caused a massive blow to the community,
Many of the city resources and prowhile also saving Asheville an estimated grams that had been proposed to be closed $450,000. “The community would be missing a are integral parts of the community, and great experience,” junior and former vol- while some of the proposals were made to unteer Morgan Dale said. be hypothetical, the programs could just Luckily, Nature Center supporters went as easily be altered or closed with the final to great lengths to word from Rakeep their program “ It’s the closest thing we leigh. up and running. The state is have to a zoo here. The kids currently strugTheir partnership gling to keep the with The Friends, a really love it." budget balanced, group representing and is, therefore, 4,000 households - Marissa Elmore cutting many saldedicated to suparies and funds. porting the WNC Education has Nature Center, has taken some hits allowed them to remain open even with the threat of budget as well, with teachers’ pay having been frozen for years, and many new accountcuts. “It’s the closest thing we have to a zoo ability standards being implemented in here,” junior Marissa Elmore said. “The schools. kids really love it.” The latest struggle for Asheville is Bills are consistently being presented for the possession of the Asheville water in Raleigh that may lead to the shutting system. Control of the water system was down of important local resources, and supposed to be transferred to the Metrounlike the Nature Center, those resources politan Sewage District (MSD) on May 5, may not have the same support system to as a law was approved in Raleigh legislature. The transfer was put on hold, howavoid closure.
ever, after the city of Asheville launched a twenty-five page complaint in regards to the loss of their control over the city’s water. Thanks to Wake County Superior Court Judge Don Stephens, the claims presented that noted the state mandated transfer as ‘unconstitutional’ allowed the Asheville water department to continue management at least until the restraining order placed on the MSD expires. In the meantime, the city of Asheville is trying to devise a way to permanently keep control of the water supply. Between city resources such as the WNC Nature center and the water supply, the legislature in Raleigh has had a huge impact locally. As new bills are being passed to stabilize the economy, the possible repercussions are endless. Even the possibilities that had been speculated about could have caused potential dissention in the community, were they to ever be acted upon. A drop in focus on the importance of recreational opportunities, for example, would mean a terrible loss for children and adults alike.
Hoofbeat Listen. Learn. Speak.
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May 2012
Opinion
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Genetically modified foods threaten seed supply COMMENTARY By Ashton Woody Staff writer The way humankind creates its food has changed, permanently. Now, people use genetically modified foods, oblivious to their dangers. Genetically modified (GM) foods are prod- WOODY ucts that have been altered on a genetic level, usually to achieve a goal. GM’s are designed to mend a flaw in the genetic makeup of the organism, such as disease and pest resistance, suitability to its environment, and greater growth rate. Genetically modified foods are dangerous. Multinational corporations promote GM products as solutions to world hunger, sustainable agriculture, and other global issues. On the contrary, they keep the status quo of scant
regulations on genetically engineered products, calling themselves “Life Science” companies, so that they can continue to maximize profit with little regard to public safety, and risks to wildlife and the agricultural stability of many nations according to Ronnie Cummins, founder of the Organic Consumers Association. In the past 30 years many cases of GM substances harming people have surfaced. In 1989, Japanese company Showa Denko’s Ltryptophan, a genetically modified version of a dietary supplement killed 37 U.S. citizens and permanently disabled 5,000 more with a lifethreatening illness known as eosinophilia myalgia syndrome. GM production harms not only humans but animals and their habitats. In 1999, a study by Cornell University revealed that pollen from GM corn was poisonous to Monarch butterflies. The dangers here lie in the Pandora’s box that pollen carried on the wind or via insects can spread GM genes to natural plants and create hybrid offspring. The GM hybrids, possessing their enhanced traits would become the dominant organism in
“I’m going to hang out with my best friends and read comic books every day.” Nick Marino, freshman
“I’ll be swimming and later attempt to gain popularity on youtube.” Alissa Norton, freshman
“Hang out with friends and work all summer.” Kerrigan Duncan, sophomore
its habitat; this would completely upset the food chain and have potentially devastating effects. Possibly the most dangerous aspect of GM products, in this interconnected, interdependent commerce, is the “terminator” seeds and the companies that seek to propagate the market with them. These seeds can disrupt the largest profession of the past 12,000 years and force farmers to indenture themselves to seed corporaBiotech KRT photography by John Maier tions. A farm worker fertilizes a field of experimental soy Monsanto corporation has beans planted with genetically altered seeds in Guaira, devised plants that are infertile, Sao Paulo, Brazil July 13, 1999. and after being harvested their seeds are unusable. Monsanto out of business. plans to charge farmers on a yearly basis, along The tide of genetically modified organisms with royalties paid on their harvest profits. is rising. With it human and animal health are With the continuing trends in acceptance of being put in peril. Without check, the orders GM products and the predictability of their and balances of the home of the human speyield, traditional farmers will be forced to ac- cies, and Earth are on the verge of long term cept the modern standards of growing or go destruction.
Question of the Month: Compiled by Devin Sweazey Staff writer
What will you be doing this summer?
“I’m going hunting coons and mudding all summer long.” Dylan Mascitelli, sophomore
“Heading to China with some friends in an educational group.” Aaron Hamrick, junior
“I’m going to relax by the pool while being fanned and fed grapes.” Samantha Lone, junior
Hoofbeat Listen. Learn. Speak.
Opinion
The
6
May 2013
Standardized tests create stress for all involved HUMOR COLUMN
By Dalton Nickerson Staff Writer Standardized tests such as SATs, ACTs, EOCs and Common Exams have troubled and stressed many students for time immemorial, and now teachers and schools NICKERSON may be the next to fret about these dreaded tests. Recent propositions for educational reform in North Carolina have provided for a system of grading and evaluating schools and teachers based in large part on student performance on standardized tests. North Carolina’s Excellent Public Schools Act and the Education Improvement Act are two such suggestions. While these bills differ in many respects, both recommend giving schools a letter grade of A to F based primarily on student’s test scores.
Many staff consider standardized tests to their preferred career choice, and they all stressful and inaccurate as a measurement want to improve their school’s grade and are of student growth, but inaccuracy shouldn’t willing to put in that extra study time. They matter when assessing a student’s ability to can’t imagine anything they would rather do learn or a school’s ability to teach, should it? with their time. There is little room for error with a stanThis is a nearly perfect plan, but as there dardized test; a student “All students are motivat- are always some will just be expected to weak points to a show up one day for a ed to do well on these tests plan, this standardsingle test comprised because they know that ized method of evalof multiple choice and uating students and possibly some limited every topic on the test is schools comes at a written responses that equally applicable and rel- price, namely what a will try to completely evant to their prefered ca- teacher should teach. and accurately reflect While these tests their entire semester reer choices..." may provide a conor school year. crete guide for new, - Dalton Nickerson Fortunately, these inexperienced teachtests are all made to be objective and similar ers to base their lessons off of, often the test in nature. There is little to no difference be- may become the teacher. If schools and their tween any two student’s tests across the state staff are ranked solely on the standardized because there is an equal alikeness between tests their students must take, many teachers any two schools, and any two students, for may fall into more standardized and efficient that matter. methods of teaching the test. All students are motivated to do well on There, teaching becomes less about kinthese tests because they know that every topic dling interest in learning and more about on the test is equally applicable and relevant filling a mind, with temporary and insignifi-
In the News By Caitlyn Page Staff writer
FFA teams win in competition
The Owen FFA competed in the Western Regional Rally. They collected over 10,216 meals for the needy at the rally. They now have 24 members qualified for State Competition this June in Raleigh. The FFA teams received first in region for Nursery Landscape, Floriculture, and Agriculture Mechanics; second in region for Introduction to Horticulture; fourth in region in Public Speaking; sixth in region in Job Interviewing and tenth in region for Tools and Materials. Marissa Spillars and Dori Harcharik were installed as 2013-2014 Regional Officers. John Nix and Tyler Pasour placed third highest in the state in the Forestry Event. They were first in the region. Charles D. Owen High School was the highest scoring traditional public high school in North Carolina.
CTE Honor Society inducts new members
Sixty-six students were inducted into the CTE Honor Society this year, receiving a certificate and an honor cord. Qualifications include being a junior or senior who maintains an overall unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, passing all courses, having no more than five unwaived absences in class of nomination, having no more than one ISS or two
cant details and facts to use on a test. There, teaching becomes less about preparing for the future and more about preparing for the test day. And then students may leave, either for want of more fulfilling learning or better averages in test scores at some private or charter institution. Under the Excellent Education Act, two out of every three North Carolina high schools would receive a D or F, and because this grade is based on completely accurate, infallible ACT scores, there is absolutely no fault in this evaluation and must mean two-thirds of North Carolina’s high schools are failing to prepare students. And then what will some schools be willing to do to raise these failing grades? Will the standardized test of one class take precedent over the lessons of another class? Will some desperate schools unintentionally and carelessly overlook certain testing regulations? There are a few weak points in this plan to improve schools, but looking past the probable inaccuracy, potential restrictions on curriculum, and all other negative possibilities, this is a pretty good idea.
administrative detentions, having no OSS during their junior and senior years, and having completed Career and Technical Education pathway or cluster.
Students receive substantial scholarships
Anna Stewart received the SECU People Helping People Scholarship valued at $10,000. Heather Lytle, Tamara Groce and Sierra Holloman for receiving the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. scholarship for $2,500. Lucas Rumney received the Nathaniel Ellis Cannady scholarship of $5,000 for four years, totalling $20,000. Pam Rhoda receives literacy award; students become CNAs Science teacher Pam Rhoda received the Great Smokies Reading Council’s Literacy Award. Awards for excellence in literacy teaching went out to one teacher in each of the 25 Buncombe County schools and Rhoda was chosen for Owen High. Rhoda was awarded a plaque. Kayla Dotson, Ashley Devan, and Savannah Henderson are officially certified nursing assistants, CNA’s, after passing their certification exams. Art students win awards at Buncombe County Art Show Twenty-three art students have received awards from the Buncombe County Art Show at the Asheville Mall. First place awards were given to Michelle Martin (Drawing in Pencil or Pastels, Painting), Sarah Margaret Christy (Combined Mixed Media), Yasemine Adkuman (Relief Painting), Ethan Robinson (Printmaking), and Audrey Moore (Ink Drawing). The judges best pick was given to Gabriel Maese.
Hoofbeat Listen. Learn. Speak.
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May 2013
Features
7
Citizen’s group presses for congressional hearing By Tivoli K. Nickerson Staff writer The residents of the South Asheville community, where history teacher Tate MacQueen lives, continue to face toxic pollutants. Prioritizing the security of their own jobs over the safety of the people of Asheville lead to an issue larger than CTS and EPA expected. The property on Mills Gap Road was once occupied by a factory called CTS in 1959. The site was found to be highly polluted with TCE and petroleum compounds. The CTS site of Asheville Inc. was released from the CERCLIS Inventory of Hazardous Sites in 1995. Developers who had purchased 50+ acres of contaminated site then began developing a 44.89 acre, $30,000,000.00 subdivision, the community where MacQeen and his family reside. For decades residents near Mills Gap Road have been getting the worst of the extremely high levels of contamination left behind by CTS of Asheville Inc., MacQueen said. There have been multiple people living in the area who have been diagnosed with severe health problems such as tumors and cancer, including 50 documented cases of Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, within one mile of CTS.
On June 26 1990 EPA confirmed that the Rice’s property was being impacted by migrating contamination. It was a clandestine sampling, EPA never told the Rice’s, never obtained permission, and never told the Rice’s of the dangerous levels. Nine years elapsed before the state sampled and the Rice’s water contamination levels were exposed. A 1999 sample from the Rice family’s water supply was 7,000 times over the state limit for trichloroethylene and 4,200 times the federal limit. The Robinson’s well was 90 times over the state limit before being filtered and 34 times over the limit after the filter. The community group Concerned Citizens for Mills Gap Cleanup, lead by Glen Horeky, has been struggling to get CTS to do the right thing and clean up the pollution. Vice President and a major contributor to the group, Tate MacQueen, has deeply studied the suspicious actions of the USEPA for years. “We are teaming up with Jerry Ensminger to support the clean up and promote an environmentally safe community,” MacQueen said.
The documentary Semper Fi: Always Faithful was viewed at the Carolina Cinemas on Saturday, May 18. The documentary follows Jerry Ensminger, who lost his nine-year-old daughter to leukemia, as he struggles to get relief for over a million veterans and families also affected by pollution at Camp Lejeune In a Friday radio interview on 1350 am Jerry said, “You know, people who have ever lost a child to disease, you can take your pain and sorrow and turn it into something good.” MacQueen states that the Lejeune case is very similar to the CTS site case, with similar pollutants and carcinogens in each site. The documentary has done much to help publicize the impact of factories that produce this kind of waste and their effects on the surrounding communities. USEPA Region 4 allowed CTS to use an ineffective Soil Vapor Extraction (SVE) system, which cost $440,000.00-$480,000.00, as a cheap and fast way to clean up the contamination. The SVE system went active in 2006. In January 2010, at a meeting held by Senator Richard
Burr, the USEPA admitted that the Soil Vapor Extraction system had failed. Later on, the system was demolished by copper thieves, and a clean up has yet to be seen. Not only has there yet to be a clean up, but EPA Region 4 officials have been trying to conceal suspicious activity. EPA officials are under investigation for criminal misconduct and fraud. They have maintained two CERCLA sites for the same source, one of which was created on the Rice’s property and without their consent. Documents pertaining to their suspicious activities were altered before illegally removed from the public library. Some of the records show that EPA submitted a falsified incident report to the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center to create a new site for the source but was put on the victims property and this violates federal law. Today the water on the Rice family’s property is still highly contaminated at 10,000 ppb of TCE, even after the water filter. The community is still trying to get EPA region 4 to do the right thing. The group Concerned Citizens for Mills Gap Cleanup is pushing for congressional hearing of USEPA’s actions. Go to CleanCTS.info to get more information.
Teacher of the year: Hollifield elected for 2013-2014 school year By Dalton Nickerson Staff writer Owen staff recognized English and journalism teacher Adrienne Hollifield as Teacher of the Year (TOY) for the 2013-2014 school year. The TOY has traditionally been chosen through a series of open nominations, an initial candidate selection vote from the willing nominees, followed by a final runoff between the top two candidates. Hollifield had been nominated before, but with this being her first time in the runoff group, she said she was shocked when she was chosen as Owen’s Teacher of the Year. Many of the teachers and staff fervently supported Hollifield. Sophomore English teacher Eugene Jensen holds Hollifield in high regard. “Adrienne is just an inspiration; she’s
always eager to collaborate and help out,” Jensen said. Generally friendly and noncompetitive in nature, Hollifield was concerned about having to compete at the higher levels for TOY of the Owen District, and possibly even Buncombe County TOY, like her friend and colleague, English teacher Dawn Rookey. Hollifield expressed similar concerns from the runoff vote when she heard that she would be running against media specialist Samantha Gallman. “It’s really difficult competing with someone you like,” Hollifield said. There were no negative feelings between the two despite this competition Gallman was flattered to be chosen as the runner-up and thankful for the reflective experience and opportunity to improve teaching. “Reflecting on teachers and what
makes teaching special often helps us improve our own teaching methods,” Gallman said. Both Gallman and Hollifield were ecstatic to have been selected as primary candidates for Owen’s Teacher of the Year,
expressing considerable appreciation for the staff and faculty’s support. “I find it really hard to pick a single teacher or staff member amongst so many people who work so hard everyday,” Hollifield said “We all are teachers of the year.”
Features
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May 2013
Staff retires after many years of service to community By Devin Sweazey Staff writer
MIGUEL VERDU: 26 years at Owen
Anne Blackwell: Earth science and anatomy teacher Anne Blackwell will be retiring after 32 years of teaching, 29 of them at Owen. Blackwell has quite a few plans after her retirement. “I’ll be gardening and visit my grand children,” Blackwell said. “You’ll find me staying up late and watch old movies.” Blackwell says the teaching moment that is most precious to her is “when you see that light in the students head come on, ...When they finally understand the point you’re trying to get across.” Junior Kristen Gray said, “She is a wonderful teacher who leaves a great impact on students. I will be sad to see her leave.”
Mary Ann Osby: Mary Ann Osby, dance teacher, will also be retiring after 40 years of teaching, 25 of those at Owen. She has plenty of things to do after her retirement. “I’m going to purchase a ticket to Paris,” she said, and “explore the haunts of Hemmingway, Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein.” One of her all time favorite moments of teaching, she says, was “when I gave my first scholarship award for a student who passed.” Senior Tamara Groce said, “I think it’s sad to see such a great teacher go.”
Miguel Verdu:
Spanish teacher Miguel Verdu has been teaching for 30 years with 26 of them at Owen. Upon retirement he “will relax for a little while. I do not have many set plans.” After a while he might either work part time or run an import/export business. Verdu loves it when former students come back to see him: “I love to get letters from past students when they tell me how much of an impact I gave them on their life,” he said. Junior Ian Pomeroy said, “The Spanish department is losing a good teacher, and many students will miss out on a teacher who is very passionate about the subject.”
MARY ANN OSBY: 25 years at Owen
STEVE WALSTON: 12 years at Owen
Steve Walston: Woodworking teacher Steve Walson is retiring after 30 years of teaching, 12 of them at Owen. In retirement, Walston says he will have lots to do. “I’ll be painting houses, lots of construction, and ride my Harley,” he said. He is also anxious to spend some time outside. “I miss going out on trails in the woods,” Walston said, so he plans to catch up on his hiking. His favorite teaching moment was when he and his students won Fan Favorite for the playhouse they built for the spring show of the Asheville Home Builder’s Association on April 20. Carpentry classes from around the county competed in this show, building playhouses that were then raffled off, the money going back to Buncombe County Schools. Junior Michael Neff, a student in Walston’s fourth period construction class said, “This school is going to lose a great teacher.”
KRISTI NEAL: 9 years at Owen
ANNE BLACKWELL: 29 years at Owen
Kristi Neal: Counselor Kristi Neal is retiring after 24 years of counseling, nine of them at Owen. Neal’s retirement plan is simple so far. “[I’ll] take six months off and decide what to do next,” Neal said. Neal says her favorite part of being a counselor is the relationships she built with the faculty and students. Neal looks forward to spending time with her grandchildren.
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Senior organizes benefit dance concert By Gisselle Villegas Staff writer Senior Archer Lee has been preparing for his Graduation Project this semester. He came to the conclusion he wanted to go further in something he already knew about: dance. He began dancing his freshman year. “He’s really grown as a dancer ever since and has also had much improvement in technique,” dance teacher Mary Ann Osby said. Archer’s friends, senior Tamara Groce and senior Heather Lytle, were the ones who advised him to take dance class. “I think Archer is a phenomenal dancer. He works hard in dance and knows what he wants,” Tamara said. He didn’t take Intro Arts as freshman regularly do, but went straight into Dance 1. He continued to take dance throughout the years and is currently in Dance VI. Not only is he a student in the class but he also helps choregraph dance rountines. He manages to make time for dance during the school day. He can be found him in the auditorrium in the morning, during lunch and
Studio is his mentor and Osby also helped him through the process. His project will include a two minute modern dance piece that he will present in front of the judges. He will be dancing to “My Own Hands” by Sara Haze. For the community service part of the project, he held a benefit concert during lunch. A dollar was charged at the door. photo by Max Alford “Putting the benefit Trey Sharp and Jesse Kuykendall perform in the benefit con- concert together and meeting with my mencert as part of Archer Lee’s Graduation Project on April 23. tor was the most difficult thing to do,” Archer even after school. “I actually did not see myself as a dancer said. Other dancers such as senior Lakia Hinson ever. If it wasn’t for Tamara and Heather, I and Heather among others contributed to the would’ve taken a different class,” Archer said. Dance teacher Amy Maze at Center Stage benefit concert.
They performed on April 23 to “Runaway Love” a song by Ludacris and Mary J. Blige. The song protrays a message about the struggles kids face so the listener can understand that kids face problems too not just adults. The storyline to “Runaway Love,” which Archer performs, is about adolescents ranging from 9 to 11 going through tough situations in their lives. These girls are on their own having to take care of themselves because nobody eles does. One girl gets pregnant and tells the baby’s father, who rejects her and the baby. The girl becomes afraid and doesn’t want to go back home knowing her mom will blow up at her. She feels she has no other choice but to runaway from home and leave all her troubles behind. “While I was watching the performance, I couldn’t believe it. Archer had done such a great job, I was so happy, so proud of him. He used art to imitate life, and he just really grasped on to it. He did it,” Osby said. Archer wants to attend Penbrook University where they have a really good dance program. He said, “Overall, I enjoyed the project because it evolved around dance, something I love, and it takes all my stress away.
Osby goes out with flair in farewell performance By Tyler Newman Staff Writer After spending 25 years teaching chasses, jazz squares, leaps, and bounds to eager high school students, Mary Ann Osby is saying farewell and is retiring to be with her husband and grandchildren. In her time teaching Osby has put on close to 100 performances. Her concert count includes recitals at two other schools along with Owen: Reynolds High School and Advanced Learning Center. All three demanded she show off her students skills with a performance. She has also had students participate in shows in parades, step performances, and many festivals including LEAF and Sourwood, but you can bet she won’t tell Owen High School goodbye without one final dance concert. Osby has never been one to conform to all the rules, and it is suspected she will pull out all the stops for this concert. Junior Kayla Sartor said “This final performance will be on a whole new level.”
In fact, Osby is planning to dance at the event. “When you’re a dancer people are always saying, ‘Dance, dance, will you dance for me?’” Osby said. “My response is ‘Where were you thirty years ago?’ If I don’t have a reason, I won’t dance.” She also said she might try to bring her old friend Justin Timberlake. “I guess you’ll just have to come to the concert and find out,” she said. Not only is Osby dancing herself, and leaking surprise celebrity drop ins, she’s also bringing back former students to perform. “If you’ve been in my class, and you’d like to be on stage one final time, just come see me. I’ll find a place to put you,” Osby said. The graduating seniors who have known her for their whole high school career have bittersweet feelings on her departure. “On one hand we’re losing one of the greatest teachers Owen has ever had,” senior Michelle Martin said. “It is sad we se-
niors will not be able to come back and visit her but she’s worked hard her entire time here at Owen and now she’s going to be able to enjoy her life with her family.” Students who have never set foot on the dance stage will also miss Osby. “It’s sad to see her leave because she is such a caring person. Even though I never took her class, she still gave me words of encouragement when she noticed how depressed I seemed one day,” junior Steven Mathis said. “She is such a kind hearted person, and I’ll miss her very much.” While Owen will miss her, she is not planning on missing Owen. “ Its well known I’ve never been one to sugar coat things.” Osby said. While she will miss her students and hold dear to the memories she has made, she is ready to start living life for herself.
photo Max Alford
Heather Lytle, Jessie Kuykendall and Archer Lee perform in the Archer’s benefit concert. The three will again be performing in the performance for Mary Ann Osby.
Sports
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May 2013
Boys’ tennis dominates court until quarter-finals By Dylan Bougis Staff writer Loss is a hard pill to swallow; especially when victory is so close you can taste it. Victory is a drug that only lasts so long. Owen Tennis’ doubles players senior Bobby Decker and senior Eli Hile battled through the individual state competition against top players from Trinity High, Salisbury High, and Shelby High only to be brought down by Newton-Conover players in the final round. Bobby and Eli’s loss was not the team’s last shot at being state champions. On May 13, the tennis team faced off against Shelby High in the semifinals of the state team competition. “It’s frustrating that we’re playing the only team that can stop us so early in the
Other preparatory methods are less playoffs,” said Eli a few hours before their orthodox. match. “[It helps] listening to 60s Rock the Shelby High’s team was a force to be night before,” said reckoned with in the previous “It’s frustrating that we’re senior Levi Bannerman. year’s playoffs. playing the only team that The two teams When the Owen met each other boys played can stop us so early in playon the courts for the team in the offs." a showdown that semifinals in -Eli Hile would decide 2012, Shelby was which of them the victor of the would push forconfrontation. ward to the final This year was state match. a chance for a rematch. The veteran Owen tennis players wantMembers of the tennis team have varyed to win for their coaches, new and old. ing ways to prepare for upcoming match“We want to make Vijay Director es; some, are quite standard. proud,” said Bobby. “Practicing the day before the match Vijay Director was the team’s coach keeps me confident during the match,” for the freshman and sophomore years of Eli said.
Bobby, Eli, Levi, and senior Ben Keefer. The teams began their skirmish and were neck-in-neck throughout the match. Before the final ball was hit, the last sneaker squeaked, and the concluding serve was struck, the teams were tied up at 4 matches to 4 matches. Shelby High moved onto the final round. It was a hard loss for the boys but they realized how much support they had in the end. “It was nice to know people expected so much of us,” Levi said. The players, especially the seniors, admitted that there was much more to the team than winning and losing. “Joining the tennis team is like being ten pounds of sugar in a five pound sack,” said Eli. “You get more than you bargain for.”
Historic season ends in third round of play-offs By Ryan Raines Staff writer When the final whistle blew against the Hendersonville Bearcats for the second time, the girls’ soccer team became champions of the Western Highlands Conference. But for this team, winning games is not unusual, finishing off the season with 15 wins, 1 loss and 3 ties. The team also finished with 11 wins, 0 losses and 3 ties in conference. The team has a chemistry that shows on the field. The reason for this, is their long history together. “We all played together in ABYSA and in middle school, plus most of us were on varsity our freshmen year,” junior forward Sarah Gilmour said about the team. The team had 16 shutouts during the season, 15 of which were in a row. This defensive strength was led by senior goalkeeper Jordan Devan, and the rest of the back line consisting of juniors Rebekah Lehman and Taylor Dale and also senior Carly Owens. “Having 15 shutouts in a row,” for Taylor was the best memory of the season. Junior forward Megan Powell thinks that the game against Thomas Jefferson
Classical Academy was the best moment. The team was down two goals quickly. They then came back to win 3 to 2 in overtime. Megan contributed with two goals and forward Nessi Pommeranz added another. The team adapted well after the ACL tear of senior defensive midfielder Ashley Devan. Even though she would have made a big contribution, the All-Conference, All-Region and Defensive MVP was just happy to still be a part of the team. “Winning conference and just being able to hang out with the team were two of my best moments of the team,” Ashley said, even though she missed all but one game. As of May 10, the team has won their first playoff game photo by Max Alford against Bandys High with a score of 4 to 0. They also won their second game against North Hen- Senior defender Carly Owens strikes the ball in the team’s game against Newton Conover on derson with a score of 2 goals to May 15. The team lost 1-0. 1. The final score was 1 goal to 0. season had just ended, especially because The team finished off the season losThe team was heartbroken over the we lost to a team that we know we could ing to Newton Conover on May 15th at loss. have beat. The team’s emotions flooded home for the third round of the playoffs. “We all just couldn’t believe that the and many tears were shed.” Jordan said.
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Spring sports teams end season strong
photo by Jessie Woodward
Junior Cade Fox bats for varsity in a home game. Baseball ended their season third in conference , losing to Draughn High in the first round of play-offs.
Girls’ track, softball, baseball, golf place in conference By Kailanne Burleson Staff writer
Girls’ Track
Girls track placed first at the conference meet at Polk this year. “I’m really glad we showed our potential by placing first at conference, and I can’t wait until next season,” sophomore Lauren Nalley said. Six girls went to regionals: freshman Emily Price, sophomore Treonna Salters, junior Whitney Montgomery, and seniors Imani Stewart, Heather Lytle, and Tamara Groce. Out of the six girls that went, Whitney is the only team member who will be going to the state meet to run the 400. photo by Adrienne Hollifield
Demarcus Harper jumps hurdles at the home track meet on Thursday, April 11.
Boys’ Track
Senior Tyler White and sophomores Zee
Johnston, Tyler Hensley, and Chris McHone went to regionals this year. “Track this season has been a real ride. We’ve only gotten to participate in about five meets compared to about ten or more last year,” sophomore Jager Gardner said. Zee will be going to the state meet to run hurdles.
Softball
Softball came in third in conference. They lost to Bandys High School in the first round of playoffs, with a score of 3-2 in the eighth inning. “It will be a lot different without the seniors,” junior Amy Bogan said. “We’ve been playing together since we were little, but I’m looking forward to next season.”
Baseball
Baseball came in third in conference.
The team lost to Draughn High School. “We finished the season out with a great conference record. Next year will be difficult for varsity, losing seven seniors,” freshman Jarrod Daughtery said.
Golf
Golf placed sixth in conference., “The future of Owen golf is bright with all but two players returning next year. Seniors Dakota Moss and Kyle Wertheim will be missed,” coach John Knight said. “The entire team learned a lot about the game of golf this season which should prepare them not only for golf, but life. In golf, as in life, it is the follow through that counts.” Dakota missed the All Conference team by two shots. The team finished out the season by placing eighth out of eleven teams at regionals.
So lon
Letters from students
Lette
Class of 2013,
Above, from left to right, Krystal Bradley, Yasmine Akduman, Shelby Graham, Joy Arrowood, Dawn Becker, Whitley Burleson, Chloe Greene, Haley Morris, Jesse Grose and Jessica Bailey enjoy a spring day as seniors.
Dear Mr. Minnix,
I’ve known Mr. Minnix for four years and he’s been my band teacher for those four years. Mr. Minnix has become more than a teacher to me; he’s become like a father to me. He always pushes me to do better, he always helps me out whenever I need it, whether it’s music or anything else, and he is just in general awesome. Mr. Minnix is one of the nicest and most helpful people I know. He helps everyone that he possibly can. For example, during marching band season, he spent up towards 60 plus hours a week making sure the band was going well and that we had everything we needed to play and march. -Dwayne Mundy
Cody Stough, Hardy Whitney and Lucas Rumney pose before their senior class picture.
Dear Mrs. Jones,
Thanks so much for all of the encouragement and help you have provided for my fellow students and me. I feel like I have become a better artist after taking your class. I appreciate all the techniques and different mediums you have taught us to learn. It opens up a horizon of opportunities for us. I have learned so much about my artwork. Now I don’t want to just draw pictures; I want to paint and practice calligraphy. Thanks so much for all you have done. -Kerri Wells
Dear Mrs. Harris
Mrs. Harris has been an amazing teacher. That is a cliché statement, so let me explain a little more. She has always been on top of things, getting the work done that she needs to do in order to educate her students. She puts forth much more time and effort into caring about each and every student she has. She helps show you the correct way of doing things instead of just simply telling you, no matter if you want her to or not. This is a good thing because later on down the road, you will remember what she has taught you. She has given her time to more than just the students in her classroom, as well. She has, for countless years until, a few years ago, been doing Relay 4 Life and helping the community through it. On top of that, since long before I started attending four years ago, she has helped coordinate prom. She is a one-of-a-kind teacher, going above and beyond her limits to reach success for others. I congratulate and thank you, Mrs. Harris, for everything you have done and shown me. -Mitchell Karriker
You and I are both graduating in a w on the horizon, wheels turning. You are you; I am leaving a place that has truly the past fourteen years. As I reflect on my time here at Owen new place, the tendency to be sad or sel easier for me to just stay - stay where I I could just hole up and never go... n things. That would be easy. But to take the easy way out would b to teach me. The one thing I have learn and through that change we have the c new.. to metamorphose. That said, I’d like to share some expe pare to begin a new chapter: 1. Different is not BAD, it’s just DIFF 2. Be kind. 3. Use your manners - “Please” and “ words. 4. Take time to be thankful every da trumps luck. Every. Single. Time. 6.The world owes you nothing. Wha 7. There can be good in every situat until you’re through it, but it’s there. 8.Often our difficulties are created reaction to them. Be sure your reaction 9.Think before you speak. What you person to whom you are speaking. 10. Go. See. Do. The world is huge a lots to offer. 11. Don’t forget your hometown, bu be afraid to leave it. 12.Never stop learning. You reall know everything there is to know, and around you have something to teach yo I look forward to seeing how yo change the world, and to the chances have to say “I knew them when....”. M blessings to you. With love, Mrs. Davis
ng (for now)!
ers from teachers
way. Endings and beginnings, sights set e leaving the community that has shaped y provided me with a second family for
n, and as I look toward starting over in a lf-indulgent is pretty strong. It would be am comfortable; at ease; known; loved. never challenge myself... never try new
be for me to deny life of its opportunity ned about change is that it is constant... chance to grow and become something
eriential advice with you as you too pre-
FERENT.
“Thank you” are EXTREMELY powerful
ay for what you have. 5.HARD WORK
at you get you have to earn. tion - sometimes the good doesn’t come
d not by our circumstances, but by our ns are proportionate to the situation. u say can have an eternal impact on the
Simple rules for a fulfilling, happy life: 1. Allow yourself to fall madly, passionately, insanely in love and then don’t cry to much when they don’t share you feelings. 2. Allow someone to fall madly, passionately, insanely in love with you and be kind when you tell them you don’t share those feelings.... 3. Find and then fall madly, passionately, insanely in love with the right person, you’ll know when this happens.... test them, trust them, forgive them, and be forgiven, respect them , and demand respect in return...dream great big fantastic dreams with them and make sure that the road always leads back to them. To experience true and honest love is to have all of the world’s fame, fortune, and success in arms of the right person...Good Luck! -Maryann Osby
and has
ut don’t
ly don’t d those ou. ou all I will Many
Right: Carly Owens and Joy Arrowood pose for a picture before cap and cown pictures.
Left: Austin Setzer and Taylor Tramel pose before their senior cap and gown portraits.
Caleb Stout makes his argument for the superiority of pi in AP Calculus. Each year, the AP Calculus class has a debate to decide which transcendental number is better: pi or e.
Dear Class of 2013, I can hardly believe that it is time for US to graduate. It took me longer than you, but I feel honored to graduate with this class. You are seniors, and I am a senior citizen. I am going to try to impart some words of wisdom; things that I have found that work in life. I have already done all the things, and made all the mistakes possible. What I have learned, I have learned the hard way. First, be true to yourself and your faith. People who are unhappy within will not be happy or content in any other situation. You have to accept your flaws and like yourself. There is more to life than money and possessions. When you find your calling, you will have joy doing it. Have fun each day and laugh, really laugh, each day. When you give your word to do something, keep it, whether it is convenient or not. Your word is your bond. Everything you learn makes you a more valuable person. You never know when you will need that information, so pay attention!! Stay close and love your family. Never leave anyone with harsh words. You might never see them again, or have a chance to apologize. Tell people how you feel about them when you are with them. Remember anything that sounds too good to be true, probably is. Get out there and have new experiences, learn a lot and be careful. Please go out into the world and make a difference, be kind to others and help people. You never know when you will need help yourself. I wish you the very best in life. You are a great bunch of young people. You have the potential to do what you want to. Don’t let anything or anyone limit you. You have touched my heart ,and you will always be there. Please keep in touch. Love and best wishes to you all. -Anne Blackwell, alias Ms. B
Arts
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April 2013
Books make for pleasant reading over the summer By Miles Lally Staff writer On a long hot summer day with nothing to do, these four book ideas may be something to keep a reader occupied. The first book is a fantasy romance novel written by Kristin Cashore called Graceling. Graceling is a book about people called “gracelings” who have a variety of special powers. The main character Katsa is a graceling with special fighting abilities. Katsa disobeys an order from her master and leaves to go on a journey to find the missing king with another graceling named Po. As the book progresses Katsa and Po’s love develops into something a little more complicated. Graceling is the first book in a trilogy that includes Fire and Bitterblue. Science fiction fans might enjoy the book Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. Ready Player One is a book about finding “Easter eggs” in video games. The main character, Parzival, is on a hunt for three Easter eggs in a massive mul-
tiplayer game that holds the key to the will of the dead creator of the game, Anorak. Parzival is competing against his friends to find the three Easter eggs that are hidden in the game so he can escape his home where he lives as an orphan. A more serious book is The Kite Runner, a historical fiction book by Khaled Hosseini. The story is split into three parts, each part following a boy by the name of Amir in Afghanistan. The first part of the story is about Amir and his friend Hassan and the kite running competitions they had. The second part of the story is set five years after the first part. In the second part Amir has to leave Afghanistan and go to Pakistan where Amir eventually gets married to a girl named Soraya. The third part of the story is about Amir going back to Afghanistan where he learns the fate of his old friends and family. For a more comical book, read Bossypants, an autobiography by Tina Fey.
photo illustration by by Miles Lally
Bossypants is the life story of Tina Fey told in a comedic fashion. Some of the main stories she tells are how she got the
role of hosting Saturday Night Live and where she got the ideas to start her show 30 Rock.
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Theme parks, water parks make for fun vacations By Hannah King Staff writer
Lake Lure Lake Lure is a cheap, fun place close to home. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains and also has a water park with slides and games for younger kids to enjoy. Fees are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and children ages 4-12 are only $6 for all day fun. The lake closes at 6 p.m. and the water park closes at 5 p.m.
Carowinds Also known as the thrill capital of the Southeast, Carowinds is an amusement park full of rides for all ages, including the waterpark Boomerang Bay. Carowinds and Boomerang Bay are both currently open. On weekdays, the park hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m, but on weekends, it stays open until 10 p.m. During July, the park is always open until 10 p.m.
Dollywood Dollywood is a theme park that is fun for the whole family. Their rides include many different types of roller coasters, including their brand new one which is called a wing coaster. While normally the coaster is seated on tracks, this roller coaster makes you feel like you’re flying through the sky. This park also has inside roller coasters, bumper cars, zip lines and all sorts of crafts and activities. The park summer hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m, with fireworks ending the day. This starts June 22 and ends August 4. The price for one day is $56 for regular (ages 12-59), $44 for kids (ages 4-11) and $51 for seniors (ages 60+). You can also buy season passes.
Dollywood Splash Country Splash Country is a great place to cool down in the summer with your whole family with 23 slides and thrill rides. Splash Country is separate from Dollywood, but you can buy a ticket to both parks for one day. The fee is $47 for regular (age 12-59), $42 for seniors (60+), and $42 for kids (ages 4-11).
Visitors to Dollywood Theme Park ride the Thunderhead, the country’s top-rated wooden roller coaster, June 12, 2006, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. (Tom Uhlenbrock/St. Lou)
High School Training Camp
Looking to continue the winning ways of Owen Tennis? Join CRC Director Jean David this summer @ the Cheshire Racquet Club for a high intensity all levels training camp covering court strategy, stroke technique and advanced footwork. David is a USPTA P1 Head Tennis Professional and N.E.S.T.A./ Etcheberry certified speed & agility specialist with over 17 years of exerience developing young athletes. He has served as primary and secondary coach to over 30+ nationally ranked juniors, 10+ on to D1 college scholarships, and served as lead USTA Competitive Training Center and National Zonal’s coach. We look forward to seeing you on the court! Contact: www.cheshireracquetclub.com, jean.david@me.com
Arts
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May 2013
Doodles express creativity, focus mind By Dylan Bougis Staff writer You’re in class, the clock’s ticks slow to a crawl, and the teacher’s words slur into a mass of unintelligible garble. You should be taking notes on that big sheet of smooth, white paper in front of you, but you find yourself scribbling, scratching, and sketching images of aliens, dragons, robots, stick figure wars, caricatures of the teacher—doodling. A common teacher reaction to doodling usually involves a reprimand along the lines of “Quit being distracted,” or “Stay focused on what we’re doing,” or “Am I bothering you?” It is a misconception that doodling distracts the doodler. An article by John Cloud in explores the mental process of a doodler. Half of the 40 people involved in the study, were required to doodle during a “rather dull” informational video while the other 20 people did not. All the participants were then asked questions about the video. Those who doodled retained 29 percent more information than those who didn’t. When people doodle, they are using their brains just enough to prevent themselves from daydreaming—and daydreaming, according to the study, a detrimental to concentration. Doodlers subconsciously retain information at a better rate than someone daydreaming about unrelated topics. In a nutshell, the study shows that though doodling is not as mentally efficient as pure concentration, it is not inefficient.
photos by Dylan Bougis
Devin Sweazey (top bottom right) said, “I let out feelings with my drawings.” Kristina O’Neal (left) said, “I doodle ‘cause it’s funny. I envision various vehicles in banana form.”
Junior Madison Robinson (above left) said, [When I drew this] I was thinking about relaxing and putting my mind at ease.” Rush Dittbrender (left) said, “I want my doodles to look cool, abstract, and I want them to mean some-
English Teacher Eugene Jenson (above right) said, “Doodling goes back to cave painting. It’s a very ancestral act.”
Anna Kate Hall (top right) said, “Doodling is a good way to let out creativity. It’s caused by a class that’s not engaging.”
Hoofbeat Listen. Learn. Speak.
The
May 2013
Seniors
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Seniors
Hoofbeat Listen. Learn. Speak.
The
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May 2013
ABCs help college students prepare for dorm life Compiled by Ryan Raines Staff writer
Alarm Clock Backpack Cotton Balls Deodorant Eating Utensils Flashlight Granola Bars Headphones I-Pod Jacket Kleenex Laundry Basket
photo illustration by Max Alford
“Making new friends and new memories.” -Jordan Devan
Senior Question of the Year Compiled by Ryan Raines Staff writer
“Doing anything I want before college.” -Gabe Maese
“I am ready to get out on my own.” -Cole Leighton
What are you most looking forward to after high school?
Map of the City Nail clippers Olay body wash Pain Reliever Quarters Reusable Water Bottle Shower Shoes Tape Measurer Umbrella Vaseline White-Out Xbox Year-long supply of Ramen Zombie Survival Gear
“I am excited to play against my best friend Eddy Slye in college football.” -Tyler White
“Getting a job I am interested in.” -Caleb Chandler
“Getting away from my mom and dad; I need some space.” -Alyssa Hensley
The
Hoofbeat Listen. Learn. Speak.
May 2013
Seniors
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Senior Pictures
photo by Jessie Woodward
photo by Sarah Gilmour
Stephanie Reese, Chase Hayes, Kota Ray, Taylor Tramel, Jesse Dannenberg, Tatum Gwyn, and Cody McMahan are about to leave lunch.
The boys get ready to take the group cap and gown picture.
photo by Bri Kudlacik photo by Sylia Smith
Jessie Woodward, Bri Kudlacik, Verinique Hamilton, and Melissa Lees dress up for prom.
Colee Michels, Arica Hall, Brittney Morrow, Archer Lee, Kalah Dotson and Jennifer Lucas wait to take spring pictures.
photo by Jessie Woodward
The boys during ďŹ rst lunch get together for a group picture.
photo by Levi Bannerman
Lauren Moore, Sarah Margaret Christy, Audrey Moore, Bobby Decker and Carol Taha are pumped for the Owen game.
photo by Chris Maloney
Tyler White, Jose Garcia, Eddy Slye and Cole Leighton stand for the National Anthem.
photo by Sarah Gilmour
photo by Sarah Gilmour
Caleb Stout, Max Alford and Dalton Nickerson are super excited about graduating. photo by Jessie Woodward
Karlie Fiore, Scarlett Ables, and Tristan Marsh doing the Lady Ga Ga at prom.
photo by Levi Bannerman
Seniors dress up for super hero villian day to show their Owen pride.
photo by Jane Bannerman
Bobby Decker, Quinn Ferry, Eli Hile, and Levi Bannerman are all suited up for prom.
photo by Jessie Woodward
Seniors
Senior
Hoofbeat Listen. Learn. Speak.
The
Easy On The Eyes
Pearly Whites
Levi Bannerman & Jessie Grose
Ashley Devan & Tyler White
Fashion Savy
“Tyler has mesmerizing eyes. I could stare at them all day long. They are as blue as the deep blue sea.” Eddie Slye, senior.
Dakota Ray & Lauren Moore
May 2013
Luscious Locks Cha se Ha yes & Tristan Marsh
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Superlatives
Hoofbeat Listen. Learn. Speak.
The
Andrew Brown & Shelby Robinson
Ilze Zageris & Torey Todd
Ben Thomas & Hannah Silverman
Hot Rods
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FFA Pride
Busy Bees
“Torey is always focusing on the well-being of his academic career.” Cody Stough, senior
Seniors
J e ss i e R e y n o l d s & Mo n ta n a B a r t l e tt
May 2013
In it to Win it
“Shelby is very passionate about softball and gets very into the games.” Emma Mathews, senior
Hoofbeat Listen. Learn. Speak.
Seniors
The
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April 2013
Staff Top Three Jessie Woodward
1
Hannah King
Harry Potter:
Oh, Daniel Radcliffe, I am so in love with him and this series. The movies have been in my childhood since day one. I could not wait until they would start filming the next movie. When Dobby died, I just cried and cried. Then when Harry died, I was so shocked and broken it’s sad how upset I was. It just got so intense. It is sad that they are over now. If Daniel Radcliffe is in any other movie, I will only see him as Harry Potter.
2
Perfume:
I love perfume; I literally have five different perfumes in my room and one in my car at all times. I just love the variety to choose from. I can’t wear the same scent every single day. My favorite scents are definitely from Victoria’s Secret. They tend to carry the best fragrances, by far.
3
June:
June is the month that we get out of school. Summer is in the palm of our hands. Also I was born on June 8. The most important thing about June is that on my birthday of this year, 2013, I will be graduating from Owen High School.
Snapchat:
1
I just love snapchat so much. Whenever I get bored, that’s what I do. People probably get so annoyed with me because I snapchat everyone all the time, but it just makes me happy.
2
Sparkles:
If I could wear sparkles all the time, I probably would. It doesn’t even matter what it is, if it has sparkles on it, I’ll probably like it. On anywhere from nail polish to phone cases, sparkles are my favorite.
3
Nutella:
Mmmm, nutella. I literally live off this stuff. It’s better than anything, and I love how you never have to eat the same things with it because it’s good on everything. A lot of people used to eat it because it was new, but I still eat it every single day. The taste never gets old.
Hoofbeat Listen. Learn. Speak.
The
May 2013
Max’s Metal Middles 1
Seniors
23
Dalton's Things
Radical Rest. yeah.
Sleeping is pretty cool. I get more energy, and it passes time. But it’s not my life or anything. No need to blow it out of proportion. It’s just something that has to happen. If I were to cut one thing out of my life, it would probably be the need to rest. I would have more time to do stuff I would really like to do and be productive all 24 hours of a day. On the other hand though, the feeling of a soft bed after a long day is pretty cool. I dunno, sleeping is pretty all right, I guess.
2
s-s-s-sustenance. yeah.
3
Gimme Shelter. Yeah.
Food is pretty great. It tastes good, and it’s a social thing that I can do with friends. I enjoy new and different dishes, and going to new restaurants is always enjoyable. If I have a bad experience with food, I don’t really mind. It really isn’t a big deal. Some people get all bent out of shape when they have a bad experience at a restaurant, and I just don’t understand it. It’s okay; it’s all food to me.
I like not being cold or wet. It’s pretty okay. All I really need is heat, water, wireless Internet, and a comfy place to sit/lie down. I’m just not that into getting a big house and owning a lot of material things. I just don’t need them. That doesn’t mean I don’t want a big house. I’d be fine if I had one, but it’s just not one of my big priorities.
To p:
Dreaming
Whether I am paralyzed in fear or puzzled in commonplace wonders, my dreams seldom fail to satisfy my uncertainty. They distract me from the everyday and instead throw a perplexing mess of material inconsistencies before me. This confusion I experience in my dreams often reveals more about myself and what I really want.
Middle:
Adventure absence
and
its
Everyday life is simple, safe, and sweet enough, but I would much rather live an unpredictable, challenging life of risk and mystery. Maybe a life of travel across space and time.
Walking
While I have nothing against the effort behind it, I find walking to be too boring and inefficient a form of transport. I would much rather fly, or at least float and work my way up to flight. If I could I’d just ignore gravity and my weight, and let myself float, then waft higher and higher; I’d even try a swoop, first a few careful, gentle ones, and then I’d be up and flying past the treetops in no time.
bottom:
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Seniors
The
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May 2013
Seniors of the Issue Tyler White
Colee Michels By Kailanne Burleson Staff writer
By Kailanne Burleson Staff writer Senior Tyler White has been athletic since he came to Owen. He played football and track for all four years of high school, and he has been All Conference in football this year and was All Conference in track each of the four years. Tyler went to State two years for track as well. “Tyler runs like a gazelle. He can run the football amazingly,” senior Jose Garcia said. Tyler plans to attend Guilford College in the fall to play football and run track, and he will major in criminal justice. “I will miss Owen,” Tyler said. His favorite memory is defeating Drone High School in the playoffs for football. Tyler’s best friends for life are Eddy Slye (aka The Elephant), Michael Pomeroy (aka The Moose), and Adam Lunsford (aka Longneck).
photo by Kailanne Burleson
To his friends he is The Turkey, “He’s an all around great person, really funny, really fast, and his gobble gobbles are the best,” freshman Bricen Fowler said. Tyler’s favorite saying is “Risk it to get the biscuit.”
Senior Colee Michels loves hanging out with friends and having fun. “She’s a fun-loving person,” junior Summer Gaines said. Something people may not know about Colee is that she is engaged to her boyfriend Kane Tate who graduated last year. The first time she went on vacation with Kane and his family to Cherokee is the best memory she has had in her life. Her second favorite memory was the first time she went to the beach. “It was so beautiful,” Colee said. Colee plans to attend AB Tech in the fall to major in cosmetology. She is also a volunteer youth leader at First Baptist Black Mountain. Colee also has a tattoo on her back of
photo by Kailanne Burleson
her puppy’s paw print. She got the tattoo last semester. Her Graduation Project is on hair styling and she has decided to make a career out of it.