December Prospective 2016

PROSPECTIVE Bryant High School • 801 N. Reynolds Rd. Bryant, Ark. 72022 • Vol. 25, Issue 3 • Dec. 14, 2016

FORGOTTEN HISTORY The seemingly run-down antique house on the edge of north campus has a surprisingly deep past. Lauren Wilson investigates. pp. 2

Now is the time for candy canes, huge sweaters and Polar Express re-runs. But for those who have experienced tragedy, separation or loss, this season can be about grief and coping just as much as it is about cheer.

POLL TO PREVENTION The district anonymously surveyed students on drug use.

Emma Goad finds out why and how students are responding. pp. 5 BORN TO RUN Senior John Carder is a stateranked cross-country runner.

Jack Selig writes about how Carder became the athlete he is today. pp. 8

heavyholidays pp. 3

What’s the Buzz? @ us next time

Brandon Evans | 12 @brandonevans_ar

want to be featured?

“looked out the window to see a girl riding a bike. didn’t care until i realized she’s riding in the hallway. on the 4th floor.”

“when i tell you to turn up the music, i mean turn it up until you can’t hear me singing. and i’m a loud singer”

impossible for me to save money”

Connor Matthews | 11 @officialc0nc0n “i havent lost a single game of pool today. try me.”

Aveyonce Jones | 10 “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”

Amber Leaton | History Teacher “Happy Christmas (War is Over)” “I love John Lennon a lot--even with Yoko’s horrible back-up singing.”

“I’m so mad because I can’t remember the Roman numerals for 51, 6, and 500. #LIVID”

Reagan Bingaman | 9 @reagan_bingaman Jenna Vos | 10 @jennavos

Tag @ProspectiveAR in your top tweets for a chance to Julia Williams | 11 @julia_claire611 end up in the next paper.

“I’ve come to the conclusion that it is

“It reminds me of my favorite Christmas movie, ‘Elf.’”

Aaron Eley | 12 @The_life_of_ACE

“I’m thankful for stretchy pants and potatoes, nuff said”

Alex Rabon | 10 @alex_rabon

“super bowl LI: pats vs cowboys. pats win 31-24. calling it now”

Sarah Palmer | 12 @sarahnpalmer

“To my football boys, I’ve been so blessed to get to cheer for the best team for the last four years.

You guys make b-town more than proud ”

Matt O’Gary | 10 “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”

“It makes the mood happy and exciting, and it really puts me in the spirit.”

De’Ja Thomas | 12 “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”

“That one is my favorite Christmas song because it gets me pumped up about Christmas and it puts me in a Christmas spirit. Every time this song comes on I find myself singing along.”

Whitney Wyeth | 11 “Mary, Did You Know?”

Dawson Oakley | 11 “O Christmas Tree”

“It sounds beautiful. The instruments in the song sound really good to me.”

“I like the way peoples’ mouths look when they say ‘O.’”

Madison Green | 11 “Winter Wonderland”

Jasmine Ware | 10 “Jingle Bells”

“I like the upbeat tone that it has. It really puts me in the Christmas spirit.”

“It’s the first Christmas song that I can remember.”

Johnnyangel Nevares | 12 “Silent Night”

Raegen Simington | 11 “Chim-Chim-Cher-ee” “The ‘chim-chiminey’ part sounds really cool, and it’s catchy.”

“It reminds me of peaceful times. The song has a real maternal feel to it.”

JINGLE JAMS

JAKE ROEDEL | STAFF WRITER

Holiday music favorites to get in the spirit of the season

2 | FEATURE | PROSPECTIVE

SOMEONE IN LIFE Spanish teacher Daniel Bracho follows his parents’ lead ABBY HAGNER | STAFF WRITER This is the way Bracho feels about his students.

“Every one of us has a story, and every one of us wants to be someone in our lives,” As he teaches, Spanish teacher Señor Bracho said. “Maybe we just need someone Bracho believes his job is about to tell us, ‘You can make it’. For me, teaching influencing the lives of his students.

Brachos gets inspiration from his history is about impacting someone else’s life.” with his parents’ teaching. “For me, Bracho is from the capital of Venezuela, teaching is about impacting someone Caracas. His mother and father both taught else’s life.” | Maya Jackson photo at their local church.

“I saw my mom teaching all the time [when When Spanish teacher Señor Daniel I was growing up],” Bracho said. “My dad Bracho thinks about why he teaches, was a medical doctor. I never followed him he thinks about a story he was once in the medical area, [but] I still followed his told. There was a little boy who lived on the beach. Every single day when the steps in the teaching area,” Bracho said.

Bracho graduated college with a bachelor’s tide came up to the shore, it brought degree in Social Communications and starfish. Most of them died since they focused on television production. Bracho could not get back into the water. This first liked the idea of teaching when he child would spend hours by the shore taking starfish and throwing them back had the chance to teach his friends about into the sea. There was an old man who television production. With that thought in mind, he attended Andres Bello Catholic saw the little boy throwing starfish in University in Caracas to pursue a career the sea every day. One day he told the in teaching. boy, “You’re wasting your time. Don’t “There were a lot of positions open,” you see that there are thousands of Bracho said. “I had a choice to apply and them around the shore that are going to die? It doesn’t matter.” The little boy ended up teaching for three years at that looked up at him, took a starfish, threw college. I stopped teaching until last year when I had someone send me a text saying it into the sea and said, “It mattered to that they needed a Spanish teacher at Forest that one.”

Park Elementary in Little Rock.”

Bracho was 35-years-old when he first came to America. He chose Arkansas because he has Venezuelan friends who live here.

“You go wherever you find open doors, and this is the place where I found those doors,” Bracho said.

Working through the Parent Teacher Association at Forest Park Elementary school, Bracho was able to teach without a license.

However, since the job was only two days a week, Bracho aspired to obtain a teaching license for a full-time job.

“Thankfully, I passed all the tests, or else I wouldn’t be here today,” Bracho said. “I am in a program right now [that is] two years through the Arkansas Department of Education. Since I am in the program, they are giving me a provisional license, which means I’m allowed to teach anywhere in Arkansas.”

Bracho strives to make his class enjoyable, not only for himself but also for his students.

“I cannot say that I have a philosophy for teaching because I am still working on it, and I’m still a rookie,” Bracho said. “I still have a lot of things to learn from people who have been in this profession, [and] I have awful days where my classes are boring, but most of the time I try to make it fun.”

SWITCHING GEARS Student Senate members change at semester DAHLIA BRAY | STAFF WRITER

Seniors Hannah Miller and Kale Kimbrough work during the Student Senate class.

Miller and Kimbrough are first-year Student Senate members who will be switching out at semester, alongside many of their peers. | Jalin West photo

students only makes me more excited.”

Leaton believes there will be a smooth transition between semesters, and the Starting January 3, Student Senate new students will also provide beneficial will have new participants with different community involvement. semester goals to promote overall school “It’s been challenging having fewer people morale. Though there will be new students assigned to certain projects, but I also in the Leadership class, officers will be think this raises the level of responsibility, staying all year to aid the new transition, and producing better results,” Leaton said. “Every help complete monthly projects. month we have four projects. They’re a little Junior Drew Darbonne is savoring his last busier, but I have no doubt great things will few weeks in Student Senate and is already be done.” looking forward to next year.

While Student Senate is saying goodbye to “It is really fun to bond with people I their first semester group, the second group wouldn’t normally get to,” Darbonne said. is busy preparing to lead the school and “I feel like I’ve gained more friendships, community. and I have a better understanding of how Junior Reese Graham is excited to be part important it is to help in your community. of the organization.

I am most definitely applying next year.”

“I am very excited [about Student Senate],” Though students in Student Senate are Graham said. “All of my friends have told me changing at semester, Student Senate how much of a great experience it is, so I’m sponsor Amber Leaton and senior officers excited to start working with my friends and Sarah Brady, Haylee Halter, Rachel Curtis, make bonds with others to help improve the Aaron Eley, Avery Lorio, Emma-Brynn school.”

Moseley and Connor Qualls will remain in Student Senate is not simply about school Student Senate year-round. leadership, it is also about encouraging Senior and Student Senate president Sarah students to volunteer and take part in both Brady has no worries about meeting new their community and school. students and forming the same bonds she Senior Agustina Rey is eager to start helping did with this first semester’s group. out her school and improving her community.

“I am pretty excited about [next “I’m looking forward to helping out at semester],” Brady said. “I was more worried animal shelters and helping out with senior about first semester because we thought it week,” Rey said. “I’m a senior this year, and would be all juniors, but it’s a good mix of now I have the opportunity to give back students, and looking at next semester’s before college.”

FORGOTTEN HISTORY Farmstead finds home on campus

LAUREN WILSON | STAFF WRITER

Keystone classes have passed an old, worn wooden house on their way to the ropes course woods for years.While most students do not know much about the structure, but it has stood on campus for more than a decade.

“I know it’s a pretty old house,” sophomore Xavion Jackson said. “The fact that it’s still standing there means it must represent something special.”

The farmstead lies near building 18 and is used for little else than prom photo ops, but its history goes back to the late 1800s when it was built by Samuel Tull on 3rd and Walnut St. “The original site of the structure was given to the state on July 13, 1857 for use by the Cairo and Fulton railroad,” president of the Bryant Historical Society Kathy Lewallen said. “So originally, the land came through the state, and then to the railroad, and then to him.”

The property traded hands until 1938, when the property fell into the Banks family’s hands. The Banks were the last family to own and live in the house before selling it to the Chamber of Commerce.

Lewallen grew up with the last resident, Nell Banks.

“Nell, their daughter, lived in the house when I was growing up,” Lewallen said.

Farmstead in its current state on the north end of campus. “It cost a lot of money to get it and restore it and there were few others who just felt like it needed to be saved because it was a historic structure and it needed to be saved,” Bryant Historical Society president Kathy Lewallen said. | Jae Kubena photo

“I’m from Bryant, I was born and raised here and my family’s all from here. She had always wanted a pink house, so she donated it to the Chamber of Commerce for them to use, so she could use her pink house.”

The farmstead has been moved four times since its creation to suit its various owners and their needs.

“The Bryant Chamber of Commerce got it in the 1980s, I believe, and used it for their offices, but had moved it down to where McDonald’s now sits,” Bethel Middle School history teacher Anthony Rushing said. “When that business came, they moved it over on Roya Lane close to where China on the Go is located.”

The house was used as the Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters for almost a decade before transferring their current location on Roya Lane. Former Bryant teacher Mary Smith led the movement to preserve the building as part of Bryant’s history.

“The house was going to be torn down,” Lewallen said. “Mary Smith, decided that it needed to be saved. Her and some other people got a group together, and they saved the house, and they had it moved to the school where it is now.”

Smith raised enough money to pay a

moving truck to move the building from Reynolds to the high school campus since there was nowhere else to place it. The house came to be known as the farmstead.

“The school let them have the property to put it on,” Lewallen said. “For years and years, it was used for education. They always had programs there. The elementary schools would have people come to show them how to make butter, quilt, like you lived in that era.”

Despite the farmstead being more than 100 years old, not many residents know about it beyond a few basic facts.

“I know that it’s one of the oldest structures in Bryant,” assistant principal Tim Hall said. “It actually was a home for a family.”

The building has fallen into disuse and disrepair. Lewallen believes that the influx of people moving to Bryant has contributed to a general lack of knowledge about the city’s history.

“When you move to somewhere new you’re not necessarily like, “What’s the history of this place?” Lewallen said. “You’re there for the school, or the churches, or your job. You are not necessarily going to find out the history of where you have moved to unless it’s something that stands out.”

Senior Jonathan Gatlin assists a customer at Walmart. Gatlin plans to work throughout the holiday season, one of Walmart’s busiest times. | Nicholas Shea photo

MAKING BANK ON BREAK Students work during the holidays

COLE CAMPBELL | STAFF WRITER For many, the holidays are filled with religious traditions, parties and gifts.

Others, however, choose to skip the party and go to work.

Between Black Friday and Christmas shopping, customers flock to retail stores by the dozens. This is why retailers hire extra employees just for the holidays.

Seasonal employees are hired as early as October and typically work around three months before being let go.

Senior Jacob Loomis was recently hired as a seasonal employee at Best Buy. After getting a call from the general manager, Loomis went in for an interview.

“I was a little nervous, because I wanted to work at Best Buy for a couple of years, but I nailed the interview and walked away feeling very confident,” Loomis said.

Loomis previously worked at Papa John’s for one year and said that his experience helped him land the job.

“I really hope to be hired as a fulltime employee at the end of the holiday season,” Loomis said.

Senior Jessica Miller was hired as a seasonal employee at Target last year, and was able to be hired as a fulltime employee. She had to work on Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Christmas last year as well as this year.

“Luckily [working] does [not] take my whole day, but I do hate leaving my family for work on the holidays,” Miller said.

Compared to normal work days where customers have a cart full of groceries, the holidays are filled with customers who only purchase a few larger items.

“Our managers do a good job of crowd control so we do [not] feel overwhelmed,” Miller said.

Gabe Dobson, head manager of Target on Alcoa, is in charge of interviewing and hiring employees.

“This is our busiest time of year, and we’re looking for people who are enthusiastic that bring energy and make the guests feel welcome,” Dobson said.

In order for seasonal employees to be hired as full-time team members, they must separate themselves from the other workers.

“If seasonal employees wish to stay after the holidays, they must steadily go above and beyond to enhance our guests’ experience,” Dobson said. “They have to be self-motivated and not afraid to face a challenge head on.”

One tip Dobson gives to teens applying for seasonal positions is to be prepared for the interview and to present themselves professionally.

“Being punctual and presentable is the most important thing of an interview,” Dobson said. “If you come prepared like a superstar, you will be sure to nail the interview.”

3 | SPECIAL COVERAGE | 12.14.16

heavy holidays Winter as a whole can be a difficult time, but the holiday seasons are especially rough for some.

Whether dealing with a recent loss or the sheer stress of the season, you are not in it alone.

CRYSTAL HALL TEACHER 1.

2.

3.

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coping mechanisms

Whether it is stress over finals, seasonal sadness or overall grief, there are strategies you can use to both make yourself feel better and keep your life moving.

“Three years ago [my mom] was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she beat that. But whenever she went in to have pre-scans for her hysterectomy, they found out that she had uterine cancer. It was already in her cervix, liver, spleen and her small intestine.

After all of that, we realized that she needed to go to M.D. Anderson in Houston, who specializes in cancer treatment. When she went to M.D. Anderson, they found that her cancer was also in her lungs, her stomach, her bones and her lymph nodes. We found out last week that her treatments weren’t being as effective anymore and that [the cancer] is going to come back. Before, when she found out that I was pregnant, it was a motivating factor for her. But now, I think she feels like [the baby] is a timer instead.

We can’t celebrate like normal [this year] because she can’t be around a lot of people, because her white blood cell count is too low. Her immune system is too suppressed.

With Thanksgiving, it was just me and my husband, and her and my dad. It will be the same at Christmas, except my sister is coming from California, but we can’t have all the family around because it will be just too many people.” "[Being pregnant], I think more about the situation that Mary was in. I guess I can see more of the idea that there is a child in her womb and it is promised that it’s God’s child. I find all of that a lot more fascinating and I empathize with her more because I think about feeling my baby move around inside me and how weird that would be to be going off of what someone else promised you."

Take time for yourself.

Find something simple. Take a bubble bath (yes, bubble baths are for everybody), buy a coloring book, watch "The Office" for the second (or third, or sixth) time. You are allowed to do things for yourself.

Leave the house.

Talk to somebody.

Find an outlet.

Get enough sleep.

Go for a jog, take a yoga class. In the words of Elle Woods, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” If breaking a sweat really is not your thing, walk around a store. Being in public can help.

You do not have to cope alone. Talking to a trusted friend, teacher or parent can help you figure out how to move on. Therapy is also an option that helps many people.

It is never too late to take up a new hobby. Knitting, playing ukulele, painting, yodeling-- anything you can use to express your emotions in a healthy manner is worth trying.

Lack of sleep can contribute to daily stress. Rest helps you rebuild and reset, mentally and physically. The Sleep Foundation recommends that teens get 8-10 hours of sleep per night.

CLAY CAMPBELL "I’ve always had anxiety, even when I was little. It's just how I am and always have been. It’s gotten worse, and I was just feeling really stressed and anxious lately, so I decided to go to the doctor about it. I was prescribed Lexapro, which is for depression, which I didn’t even know I had. I’ve been on it for about seven weeks now, and still haven’t noticed a difference in my anxiety. The only thing that’s changed is how I’ve been so much more tired. I think it's good for me no matter what. [Medication] is probably a good option for most people, at least to try. Though the pill hasn’t helped much, my anxiety gets better around Christmas. I get to see my [cousin] Jesse and she always calms me down and helps my mood. She's here when I need her most. Having someone who really understands you helps a lot."

JACK SUAREZ

11

"My dad and I did not agree on a lot of things, so I was asked to leave. I just like took a bag and went to live with my mom. The experience itself was tough, because you have to deal with a lot, but it didn’t really affect me. It was actually better for me. I was never close to my dad. I was always with my mom. It was always about what he wanted to do. Whenever I was with

According to the National Center for Health Statstics, about 5 percent of Americans aged 12-19 use antidepressants. Overall, one in ten Americans have an antidepressant prescription. The public response to prescription medication for mental health issues is largely

Cymbalta

Celexa

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him, he always wanted to play sports or something that I never really liked. And now that I don't see him, I’m even closer to my mom. This year, [there] won't be any fighting on Christmas morning. I will spend Christmas with my mom and my brothers, and I’m okay with that. I think it’s better that you’re only around family that cares about you. That's all that really matters."

fixer upper

debated. Some view antidepressants as a generational issue, calling Millennials and Gen X-ers overmedicated and underprepared to cope with emotion. However, many doctors view medication as an ideal way to remedy the chemical imbalances that often cause depression.

Prozac

Zoloft

4 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | PROSPECTIVE

ROCKIN’ AND ROLLIN’

Top Ten

The evolution of music in America

The biggest hits of December 2016, according to Billboard

SARAH GRAHAM | PRINT EDITOR

It has been 54 years since the Rolling Stones first stepped into a recording studio. Fifty-four years spent writing and releasing 31 albums, 440 songs and nine number one hits.

Though it has been over a decade since they released their last album, the band dropped “Blue & Lonesome” Dec. 2 and plans to create another album soon. The Rolling Stones are one of many bands that might be considered “old” to millennials but continue to make new music.

Though artists grow old, some say music never dies. New singers and bands are introduced to the music world every day, but to junior Steven Bray, listening to older music creates a sense of nostalgia that no other music can make.

“I used to listen to Aerosmith, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac and the Rolling Stones with my dad on the way to school, so when I listen to them it reminds me of him,” Bray said.

The way Americans listen to music has evolved as well. Vinyl records

Chase Kincaid photo

were first used in 1948, and until the creation of the cassette tape were the primary way to listen to music. The CD then replaced the cassette in 1982, until the MP3 player was born in 2008.

Currently, most Americans listen to music through applications such as Apple Music or Spotify.

Despite the convenient and portable way to stream music, vinyl record sales are the highest they have been in fifteen years, especially among millennials.

Coated in a glossy finish and fitting into a large sleeve, many collectors are simply attracted to the aesthetic of the record, but to junior Lauren Potter, it is the quality of the sound. “[My dad] gave me his old record player, and I

got some of my stepmom’s old albums, and now I have over 200,” Potter said.

“It’s a big problem.”

Records from The Beatles, Billy Joel, Pink Floyd and David Bowie albums rest on Potter’s shelf, for she attempts to preserve the record player and older music.

“I like the static noise it makes,” Potter said. “It just sounds better. It’s original recordings, not all that autotune.”

To senior James Lasley, music was better before there was auto-tune to doctor melodies. When lyrics had meaning and the passion could be heard, the music did not need computergenerated fillers.

“I guess I kind of get tired of the lack of sentiment in the songs on the radio,” Lasley said. “In ‘Georgia’ by Ray Charles, he compares his girl to an ‘old sweet song,’ while now you have people talking about their anacondas. You can hear the passion in the singer’s voice.

People should listen to music that has a little more thought and meaning.”

“Black Beatles” Gucci Mane “Closer” The Chainsmokers “Starboy” The Weeknd “24K Magic” Bruno Mars “JuJu On That Beat” Jay Hilfigerr “Side to Side” Ariana Grande

HIGH TIDES, HIGHER EXPECTATIONS

“Heathens” Twenty One Pilots “Let Me Love You” DJ Snake

Students have high hopes for Disney’s newest princess HANNAH SULLIVAN | STAFF WRITER Rye said. “I really hope I am not Thousands of years ago, on disappointed because [the producers an isolated island, Disney’s first been waiting] to put this out for so Polynesian princess named Moana went on a life-risking quest to save her long. I’m super excited for it, and one people. Walt Disney’s “Moana” comes of my favorite [composers] is writing all of the music for it. So I have really to theaters Nov. 23, and a couple high expectations.” students who have grown up with Disney has made popular movies Disney have high expectations. since the late 1930s. Generations have “I think [Moana] is awesome,” senior Amber McGee said. “One, her gone to theaters, traveled to Disney sidekick is [voiced by] The Rock [and] World, seen characters perform on ice that is pretty awesome. The animation and even met the cast at the studios.

“Any [spare] time is a good time of where she is located [in] the movie to watch Disney movies, but [my is going to be gorgeous. [Imagining] family and I] watch them the most the water and sand and everything right before we go on a trip to Disney pretty exciting.”

World and [whenever we go see] The directors of Moana are Disney on Ice,” Rye said. partners Ron Clements and John Disney tries to make the characters Musker. They have worked on many relatable, especially their princesses.

Walt Disney movies, including The “Disney always does a pretty Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules, good job with bringing in diversity Treasure Planet and The Princess within all of their movies,” McGee and the Frog. The music in the film said. “Specifically speaking about is written by Opetaia Foa’i, Mark princesses, we have one from China, Mancina and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Scotland, France, Germany, Southern Miranda is best known for his U.S., a Native American, the Middle Broadway musical, “Hamilton.”

Mancina has been working with music East and Norway. They incorporate different cultures and ideas to form since the 80’s. Foa’i is the songwriter for the New Zealander band, Te Vaka, these princesses.”

McGee also thinks it is interesting who plays the Oceanic music for how Disney changed how the Moana. princesses do not always end up “My expectations are extremely marrying a prince. Moana has been high [for Moana],” junior Madison

rumored not to even have a love interest. Some think this inspires young girls not have to depend on a man to take care of them. “[Disney movies] do a good job with adding in the detail about what makes people a princess, and it’s not just marrying a prince,” McGee said. “A princess has to be confident, graceful, intelligent, show strength, courage [and] beauty in their own way.

I think that teaches viewers things about themselves and gives children a sense of confidence that they can be whatever they want.”

McGee believes Moana will inspire audiences.

“She’s very adventurous, and I think that message is captured for the viewers, that you can do and be anything you want and always reach for the stars,” McGee said.

Disney fans who do not know about Polynesian culture can now learn about it.

“I think it’s really cool that [Disney creates new diverse princesses], because everyone should have one character that they can identify with, whether [they relate] personality wise or a there [is] a physical trait,” senior Aaron Eley said.

BLACK FRIDAY FEATS

Students share their Black Friday experiences ALEXIS BURCH | ONLINE EDITOR

Senior Jalen Hernandez scans Black Friday purchases | Nicholas Shea photo

Customers wrap around stores

in single lines and stampede other unsuspecting shoppers in the spirit of the biggest holiday shopping event: Black Friday.

Inside Walmart on Thanksgiving night, impatient customers pushed their “competition” out of the way.

Sophomore Michael Chatmon had a first-hand experience with the crowds.

“The whole store just started going crazy, and everyone was running around, tripping people [and] stealing

out of their carts,” Chatmon said.

“Next thing I know, there’s thirty people running at me telling me to move.”

Kohl’s is a local hotspot for holiday shoppers. At the store, senior Jalen Hernandez worked as a cashier and floor associate on Black Friday. To Hernandez, the crowds behaved better than expected.

“Somebody actually thanked me for working that day, so they were really nice,” Hernandez said. “Not a lot of people were crazy like how they are presented to be.”

Some families traveled out of state over the holiday, where the deals brought unruly crowds. While shopping with her family, sophomore Kristin Boyle heard shots go off in the parking lot of Wolfchase Galleria in Memphis, TN. “I was terrified,” Boyle said.

“Everyone was running, everyone was scared. At first, I didn’t know what was happening until my mom called and we had to run back through [the crowd] to get our car.”

The shooting changed Boyle’s perspective on the major shopping holiday and made her take a hard look at stores who choose to open early. “[Black Friday] takes away from

the actual aspect of Thanksgiving, especially when they start it that night,” Boyle said. “[The stores] can’t even acknowledge one day for families. They are taking away from that because [they] want to make money, and I think that’s selfish.”

Sophomore Anaya Peterson finds humor in the ironic way Americans fight for deals the day after giving thanks.

“We’re contradicting ourselves,” Peterson said. “Americans are really funny, let’s just say that. ‘Oh I’m thankful for having a house and my family,’ and then you go camp outside of Walmart so you can get a five dollar toaster.”

However, not everyone thinks less of those who take advantage of the low prices.

“Part of me thinks, ‘Well, we’re kinda contradicting ourselves,’ [but] part of me thinks that’s okay,” sophomore Charles Mortensen said. “Maybe it’s a different type of crowd where these people are the ones staying home and enjoying their families and [giving] thanks, but then there are those who are like, ‘I’m thankful for what I have, but hey, I’ll be thankful for this too.”

“Broccoli” D.R.A.M. “Don’t Wanna Know” Maroon 5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

facts, according to Gizmodo Film makers hired a staff to fact-check everything Maui, the demi-god, is based on actual Polynesian mythology The villain in Moana is an ancient rival of Maui’s Moana’s story was born out of a historic mystery

‘TIS THE

SEASON ALYSSA JONES | STAFF WRITER

“I am not that huge of a coffee drinker. I like frappuccinos, and that’s about it. Starbucks hot chocolate is really good, and I like caramel, and that little bit of salt is perfect.”

-Abigail Hall, 12 “I have this drink that I get that’s Christmas-y, but it’s not a Christmas seasonal drink--an iced chai tea latte. It has a lot of spice to it, so it’s really Christmas-y. I like that, but I get it year round.”

-Sydney Calvert, 11 “I would create a drink that would taste like Christmas dinner. Every sip you get a little bit of turkey, some cranberry sauce, ham, some of that pumpkin pie action and maybe a little chocolate cake.”

-John Mark Junkins, 12 Sydney Boswell photo

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12.14.16 | NEWS | 5

HUMBLE HELPERS

Clubs and students sponsor community projects EDITH GARCIA | STAFF WRITER

During the season of giving, students and teachers give to the less fortunate to ensure they have joyful holiday. NHS is one of the many clubs that sponsors initiatives, such as the food drive, to distribute food during the Thanksgiving break.

“We have students that are living in a situation where they don’t have food as much outside of school, and we want everybody to have the best holiday possible,” National Honor Society sponsor and math teacher Rebecca Martin said. “We want to help out and provide food for those who may not have them at home.”

Student participation is a vital aspect of making these organizations successful during the holiday season, but it also allows students to make a difference in their community.

“A big part of the club is service in school and outside of school,” Martin said. “It’s a huge help to those families that need a little extra help, and I think it’s a reality check for our students to realize there are people in need around us every day and we can be a positive impact.”

Although it is difficult to get every student to participate in donation opportunities, AP Literature teacher Crystal Hall believes that it is not because students are not generous; rather, it is because of student’s busy lives and their inability to remember to bring items.

“Students are busy,” Hall said. “They have jobs, extracurricular activities and homework. Most of my students are all also working on college applications and scholarship essays. I believe the students at this school are compassionate, but busy. We all need reminders. It is nice when reminders are positive rather than negative.”

Hall is one of the many teachers who believes donations such as those made through the food drive are crucial.

“By encouraging my students to participate in the food drive, I can do a small something to help,” Hall said. “For some students, being away from school

means being away from their most consistent, and sometimes their only consistent, food source. Some students rely on free breakfast and/or free lunch at school to eat. They do not always get to eat while away from here. For them, breaks are not something to look forward to.”

Senior Amber McGee has grown up with a family that allowed her to see first-hand how to make an impact on the less fortunate.

“I’ve been doing [Toys for Tots] ever since I was very little,” McGee said. “My grandpa has always done it with his friends that he has [known] since he was five, so I was kind of born into it.”

Although many charities are affiliated with clubs and organizations that work to achieve their goal, McGee has taken on the responsibility of sponsoring Toys for Tots individually.

“I brought boxes, letters, posters and everything so everybody would know and just donate a toy so we can make some people very happy,” McGee said. “It gives hope to so many people that can’t afford things.”

McGee hopes to make a difference in the school community, and hopes that her peers participate as much as possible to give to those in need.

“Most of the people at Bryant are more fortunate than a lot of the people in the state or in the country, and there are some kids that need the toys,” McGee said. “I feel like everyone should pitch in, because it’s a great organization.”

Regardless of the organization or charity, student participation in events like Toys for Tots or the local food drive helps those in need have supplies they would not normally be able to obtain.

“When I was little and believed in Santa Claus I understood that we were donating toys, but I guess I didn’t understand it as much,” McGee said. “When I started not to believe anymore, I understood that there are so many families that are less fortunate, and I actually get to see that here. Toys for Tots gives hope. It gives hope to those families. It gives me hope.”

Sophomore Caleb Barnes donates a stuffed bear to Toys For Tots. He believes having toys as a child is beneficial in the long run. “Small kids have a big imagination, and to take that away, it really hurts part of their future,” Barnes said. | Photo Sydney Boswell

POLL FOR PREVENTION

Anonymous surveying for drug use is underway EMMA GOAD | ONLINE EDITOR

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 was established in order to authorize federal spending on programs supporting K-8 schooling. The Arkansas Department of Education website claims that in order to meet NCLB requirements, schools in Arkansas are required to give a survey to students each year regarding drug use. Parents are able to sign a denial of permission slip if they feel it is necessary, despite the answers being anonymous.

Even though many students were fearful of telling the truth, senior Shelby Jones argues that the answers should be taken seriously.

“I think it helps with statistics and studies, so if you’re more pro-legalization, it helps with studies that they need to correlate these things,” Jones said. “So whether or not you do drugs all the time, or you never do, they

need this information to make educated decisions.”

In an email sent out to parents and students Nov. 2, Principal Dr. Todd Edwards explained that along with the test being anonymous, school staff will not view any of the responses. He explained types of questions on the survey and assured email recipients that the survey will be beneficial to the school.

“I feel that the survey is a worthwhile undertaking that will help create better, more effective prevention interventions to combat the problem of drug and alcohol use by youth in our community,” Edwards wrote.

Career counselor Amy Oury confirms that the school will not see individual responses.

“The state has a website where districts can view trends and very general statistics,” Oury said.

“We do not have access to individual answers for student privacy.”

The results will be used throughout the state as opposed to solely for the school’s purposes.

“The state uses the results for program planning and budget to assist districts in drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention,” Oury said.

Junior Camari Dodds says she believes that it is beneficial that students are becoming more aware of their drug use through the survey.

“By taking this survey, [students] are actively seeing their drug use because they have to answer yes or no questions,” Dodds said. “Drugs are stupid, and I’m glad that this survey is holding us more accountable.”

EARLY DEPARTURE

Students prepare to graduate in December BRAD BREWER| PRINT EDITOR

As most students prepare to leave school for winter break, 62 early graduates are preparing to enter their new lives outside of high school.

Career counselor Amy Oury remembers the value early graduation had for previous students and pushed to bring the system back.

“We’ve had [early graduation] in the past,” Oury said.

“There are some students who, for whatever reason, might want to go to college early or could be [facing] a financial [issue], or might just have a desire to move. We wanted to put the option back in place [for] whatever is best for them.”

Even though early graduates will be finished with school at the end of the first semester, they will still participate in graduation May 22. Early graduates will still be labeled as students during the second semester, even though they will already be finished with their courses.

“The early graduation students are still students in May, so they will graduate with everyone else,” Oury

said. “When students get to their senior year, they are done except for English and [math]. There are a lot of seniors who don’t want an [alternate] option, but there is a small portion that wanted to do two hours of English and two hours of math, and they’ll be done in December.”

For some students, another semester of high school prevents them from entering their career and college paths early. Senior Josh Messick signed up to be an early graduate to begin his career and set himself up for college.

“I chose to become an early graduate because the sooner I can get out of here, the sooner I can get a job and start saving up money for college,” Messick said.

“I’m going into culinary arts, so I’m getting any job I can get that is in that field so I can get some practice and save money.”

Senior Jasmine Miller decided to become an early graduate after moving away from Arizona for her senior year. She also wants to begin her college career early.

“I want to get a head-start in college, because I want to go to medical school, and that will take a long time to complete,” Miller said. “I want to be a forensic psychologist. I wanted to be a forensic anthropologist or a cardiothoracic surgeon at first, but then I realized I like psychology more than anything.”

Miller has always been intrigued with psychology, and has spent her time in school preparing for her future career.

“Psychology is just something that interests me,” Miller said. “I have taken five psychology classes so far at this school and at my old school, so it’s something I have always been doing.”

Senior Brady Baker is taking a different path for his career, as he plans to join the military. But his reason to graduate early remains the same as the other early grads.

“I’m just trying to get [school] over with and start early with what I want to do in life,” Baker said. “I want to serve my country.”

Journalism Attends National Competition Every year, yearbook and newspaper students make the trip to compete against about 4,000 other students and their publications.

Hornet Yearbook: 4th Place Best in Show Prospective: 10th Place Best in Show Prospective Online: 9th Place Best in Show Senior Hannah Martin 7th Place Sports Photo of the Year Senior Hannah Martin poses with the plaque she won at NSPA in Indianapolis, Ind. Martin received seventh place in Sports Action Photo of the Year. | Photo Maya Jackson

Senior Kara Maurer 5th Place Sports Photo of the Year 2016 Grad Kenzi Brenton: 2nd Place Sports Photo of the Year

“I got 5th place Photo of the Year for Sports Reaction,” senior Kara Maurer said.”I’ve been working towards this since 7th grade, when I was introduced to photojournalism for the first time.

I was actually not at the conference, so I was listening to a Periscope [feed] while I was taking a friend’s senior pictures. I didn’t expect my photo to do as well as it did after looking at the others in contention for the same award. It finally felt like the years of work were finally paying off.”

“I won 7th place out of 10 for Sports Action Photo of the Year,” senior Hannah Martin said. “I had no idea I was even entered in the category until Mrs. Stine told me right before. Once I found out I was in the top ten, I was super excited and I didn’t really care what place I got.”

“It was such an amazing moment when they said the Hornet was the fourth best yearbook in the nation,” junior Helen Woodham said. “The whole staff jumped up and started screaming. You could feel the energy and excitement in the room.”

“I was not expecting it at all,” senior Emma Goad said. “I knew we have improved very much in the past three years I’ve been on staff, but this is still something that surprised me. I’m really proud of my co-editor and my staff for being able to do this.”

“I am proud of how far the paper has come, especially as a two year editor,” senior Julia Nall said. “The progress has been remarkable.

I think the publication has a bright future and I can’t wait to see how they do next.”

6 | OPINION | PROSPECTIVE

Find the Stars

PROSPECTIVE Bryant High School

STAFF | EDITORIAL Every day is a holiday. Today, Dec. 9, is Tanzanian Independence Day, a Christian Feast Day, and a Swedish holiday that celebrates all people named Anna (congratulations, Annas). Every day has a cause for celebration, whether it be national independence or religion or having the 52nd most popular female name in America in 2016.

On the flip side, according to the Ecology Global Network, about 105 people die every minute. People break up.

Divorces are filed. Dogs pass away.

Odds are, you have fallen victim to at least one of those tragedies. If you have not yet, you will.

When it happens, the pain will feel unbearable at first. You will believe that nobody else has hurt this badly before, that your suffering is abnormally strong. It won’t just be your heart. Your body will ache. Your lungs will clench, your limbs will fall tired, your stomach will churn and the sadness will become physical, almost tangible.

Maybe then, you’ll decide to distract yourself. You put in your headphones, clean your room, organize your binders, clear out your phone, finally delete all of those emails from Google Classroom that you never check anyway.

And regardless of your sadness, there are things to do. Homework, practices, football games. The world is spinning too rapidly to slow down for misery.

The preoccupation helps. There’s barely enough time to do that math packet, much less time to cry.

But then, things start to slow down. The football games end. Thursday nights are no longer spent looking for student section-worthy attire. It’s senior skip day, Memorial Day, CAPS conferences, Thanksgiving break. There’s still the same amount of homework and the same pile of laundry that needs to be folded and the same four water bottles you haven’t picked up in your room yet, but everything starts to seem much less urgent.

And now, it’s the holidays. Cool weather, sweaters, seasonal lattes, whatever else those lists on Twitter considers the epitomes of cool weather and happiness. It’s now acceptable to blare Mariah Carey and Michael Buble’s Christmas albums (as if you didn’t do that year-round anyway.)

For those who have felt the tragedy and sadness of loss, this is the worst time of year. The nights become too dark too quickly, and the free time in schedules leaves room for all of the despair that was once put off to return full-force.

The pain will return, and, again, you will be in disbelief of how strong it is. It will seem insurmountable.

But life moves on, as will you. Maybe not willingly, but it will happen. Even if you can’t get over the tragedy, everything around you is simply moving too quickly for you to not get at least a little caught up in it.

The sun may be setting now, and darkness is on the horizon. However, as Oscar Wilde put it, “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”

It may feel like the darkness will last forever. It will take time, but the sun will rise. Until then, find the stars.

801 N. Reynolds Rd Bryant, Ark. 72022

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Sarah Graham

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Ad space may be purchased through the ad manager. Prospective does not accept advertising that is illegal for minors. The editorial board accepts letters; however, letters must be addressed to student interests and may not violate the student publication policy. Letters can be submitted by delivery to 10-319.

second thoughts

SEBASTIAN DIAZ | COLUMNIST **This article is not meant to be taken seriously. It is satire. Look it up.

HEAVEN- The Supreme Lord our God was seen yesterday reading the book of Genesis in disappointment after watching the nightly news.

“I think I was in a really good mood when I told Noah I wouldn’t flood the Earth again,” God said.

Rumors of a second flood reached the Department of Earthly Affairs early this morning, and officials were quick to address the matter. The Savior of the World, Jesus Christ, gladly took time out of his day to share a few words.

“Father’s not exactly the happiest jack in the box right now,” Christ said. “What He saw on the news last night really struck a nerve with Him. His children aren’t the best behaving group of kids right now. They better repent soon for their own sake.”

God the Father witnessed the destructive way people were treating the Earth and each other. All the negativity caused the Almighty Lord to grab the keys to the flood gates.

“Maybe it’s time to start again,” God said. “When I created the Earth, it was beautiful and pristine--a real

masterpiece. I created people to take care of it for me while I did other things. Being Supreme Creator of the Universe can be demanding. Silly of me to think that people would actually pull through. They pollute my atmosphere, harm my animals, melt my ice caps, litter my land. And may I add that they hate and kill each other.

Look at the terrorism happening; it’s murder. Look at the hate crimes and resurging discrimination in America; it’s disgusting. Now, I sent my Son some couple thousand years ago to preach love and wisdom, and these are the results? Perhaps it’s time to give the Earth a harsh shower,” God said.

Heaven has been in a zero-hate state since early this morning. Citizens have been advised to treat each other with extra love to deter God from considering flooding Heaven as well. The archangel Gabriel has been cautious in his interactions with other heavenly dwellers.

“The first day I was in Heaven, I was told to lay off my snide remarks,” Gabriel said. “I never did mean them seriously, but every once and awhile, a comment will slip out of my mouth. It’s usually not that big of deal, since mostly everyone here now knows my humor. However, it’s been getting harder recently since Heaven has had an

influx of newcomers who in all honestly are only here because of a last minute prayer of forgiveness, and I want to give them a piece of my mind. But I’m not going to say anything. I don’t want to fall.”

Heaven’s citizens have sympathy for humanity, and they have been trying their best to console the Good Father the best they can. However, God seems unaffected.

“This is possibly one of the toughest situations I’ve been in,” God said. “Noah seemed like a good egg, so I told him I wouldn’t flood the Earth again. But he’s gone now, and humanity has let me down with its decisions.

One solid promise and resurrection later, they still manage to mess up. I guess it’s time to start anew.”

The Sovereign Lord keeps a strict cleaning routine. As humanity’s reckless behavior increases, His upcoming laundry days may not only involve washing His robes, but Earth’s people as well.

“I’m a just God, so if they show me that they can do better, I’ll retract my decision,” God said. “If humanity doesn’t, however, cleaning season might come a little early this year.”

season of hope ALYSSA JONES | COLUMNIST

Someone will come wake me up early in the morning. My younger brothers will eagerly wait as the adults organize the presents that Santa brought. My grandma will already have started cooking. Eventually, my parents will open the door and allow us to enter the living room. We will all sit in front of the tree, excited to open gifts.

Sometimes, we get so caught up in our own routines that we forget there are children who are without.

There are families who cannot afford to provide children with luxury gifts or a turkey to eat. There are children who will not be sitting eagerly in front of a tree.

In third grade, my class brought toys for Toys For Tots, and we went to Wal-mart to put all of the toys we had gathered into the huge sleigh. That may have been the first time I was exposed to the fact that not every person spent the holiday season just the way I did.

from

I remember the families who have nothing each time I walk into a store and see the man or woman by a red bucket ringing a bell. My mom and I exit the store with a basket full of goods passing as they sit and ring their bell hoping to bring something to the people who are not as lucky.

My mom works downtown, where there are plenty of people without homes. They try to find a bed for the night, often in a staircase that leads below the ground or on a bench. These same people will struggle to find warmth on the coldest winter days while I sit in a warm house.

We often do not consider these people who are doing without during the holidays. We are consumed with ourselves and which present we will open first. We tend to forget that people are not always as privileged.

During this holiday season, I hope to do more for

those who do not have as much as I do. I want to watch people without a home smile on Christmas or have somewhere warm to stay. I hope that a mother or father who cannot afford the pictureperfect holiday for their families will still have something to give their children on Christmas.

There are also people who do not have families or may be mourning during this season.

We should do our best to help people who are without. The holidays are about coming together and celebrating the season, whether that be Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other.

I want this season to be more than just waking up and opening my gifts. I want to wake up and see others find joy on a day that has not always brought them a smile.

YOUR PROSPECTIVE If you could grow up to be famous and successful, what would you like to be known for?

Amiyah Kenneh | 9

Alex Kirley | 10

Talia Ross| 11

Chris Rassmann| 12

“Probably doing people’s hair, making their hair look good for decent prices.”

“Science, 100 percent. [I would like to] make an impact on the world that would make it better for the future generations.

That’s cool.”

“My art skills. I’d like to have my own gallery someday that does really well. It’s really hard to be successful with visual arts, so I feel like it would be a big accomplishment to be recognized for my art skills.”

“Honestly, I don’t want to be famous. I don’t like being in the spotlight, but I’ll take the money that’s involved with that.”

12.14.16 | PHOTO ESSAY | 7

FALL FLASHBACK

Looking back on the season as fall sports come to an end AS THE LEGACY plays on War Memorial field, junior color guard member Precious McGinister performs in the Championship at the Rock. Legacy placed 3rd overall. “I absolutely love the team,” McGinister said. “We’ve grown so much this past season. We wouldn’t be where we are without the help of our amazing staff.” | Kara Maurer photo PRACTICING AT THE Benton tennis court, sophomore Caleb Plunkett backs away as he scores a point. The furthest drive the tennis team made this year was to Fort Smith. “[I like] getting to travel and connect with new people from school and just have fun,” Plunkett said. | Ashleigh Kendle photo

AS HE SWINGS the club, sophomore Landon Allison competes on the Hurricane Country Club golf course, Aug. 11. Allison has been playing the sport since he was seven or eight years old. “The season started off good, and I will be coming back next year,” Allison said. | Josie Pringle photo HUDDLING WITH HIS team at the Salt Bowl, senior wide-receiver Landon Smith listens intently. The team won the game with a three point lead. “My favorite part about this season was forming all the relationships I have,” Smith said. “For a team picked to only win a few games, it was special to prove all our doubters wrong and show how hard work can pay off.” | Maya Jackson photo HAND EXTENDED, JUNIOR Chaterica Fletcher performs with the dance team at Bryant Middle School.

Fletcher has been on varsity dance for a year. “I was so nervous,” Fletcher said. “I wanted to hit all my tricks and motions the correct way.”| Hannah Martin photo DURING THE LAKE Hamilton game, junior Brittney Warner prepares to spike the ball. The team lost against Conway during the 7A Conference Final. “I feel it could have gone better,” Warner said. “We still worked hard and wanted to win, but I think we lost drive close to the end of the season.” | Chase Kincaid photo

AT BISHOP PARK, senior Enrique Ramos runs during the Bryant Cross-Country Invitational Oct. 8th. Ramos placed 17th in the boys category. “I chose cross-country to try something different, and it stuck with me ever since,” Ramos said. | Josie Pringle photo

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE

BRYANT HORNETS! Arvest Bank is proud to support the Bryant Hornets and the spirit of the team. We care about our community and are here to fill the needs of our customers in Bryant.

Stop by and open an account today.

(501) 379-7907 3217 Reynolds Rd arvest.com

8 | SPORTS | PROSPECTIVE

SPORTS SCHEDULE HOME Dec. 15

Wrestling vs. BHS Alumni

Jan. 6

Basketball vs. FS Northside

Jan. 11

Wrestling Conference Tournament Jan. 19

Wrestling vs. Benton/ Sheridan/ Conway

Jan. 13

Basketball vs. Hot Springs

Jan. 20

Basketball vs.Cabot Jan. 21

Wrestling Tournament Jan. 27

Basketball vs.Conway Feb. 2

Wrestling vs. Conway

Feb. 7

Basketball vs.LR Catholic/ Mount St. Mary’s

Feb. 9

Wrestling vs. CAC

AWAY Dec. 10

Cheerleading @Mayflower Dec. 13

Basketball vs. Benton

Dec. 17

Cheerleading State Competition

@ Hot Springs Jan. 10

Basketball vs. LR Catholic

Jan. 17

Basketball vs. FS Northside Jan. 24

Basketball vs. North Little Rock

RALLYING BACK

Hornet basketball players and coaches look forward to season NATHAN BUSH | STAFF WRITER

The season of buzzer beaters and crossovers returns.

Coaches of both the boys and girls basketball teams have worked tirelessly engineering a direction for the season, hoping their squads win the ultimate prize, a state championship.

Last season, the Lady Hornets amassed a record of 1116 and lost several players for various reasons, but they are still optimistic about their chances this year. Senior guard Kendal Rogers believes the team has the potential to achieve great things.

“This year, we have a great amount of teamwork and unity that we haven’t always had in the past, which I think will show on the court,” Rogers said.

Junior Raven Loveless is also confident in the team’s chances this year, but has outlined some of her personal goals as well.

“This season I want to be able to help my team execute plays and do whatever it takes to win games and make it to state tournament,” Loveless said.

The boys basketball team went 22-8 before their chance at a state championship ring was ripped from their fingers last year against the Cabot Panthers in overtime in the semi-finals. This gut-wrenching loss affected head coach Mike Abrahamson, causing him to become hyperfocused and dedicated. However, he still is able to keep things into perspective.

“Nothing will come easy,” Abrahamson said. “Last year was good experience for these returning players, but it won’t win us any games this year. We have the potential to have a good season, but my focus is on the team becoming the best they can be and playing at their high.

We will try to get better every day until the very end of the season and do our best to control the things we can control.”

The team’s intensity and dedication has only increased since the overtime loss. Senior point guard Calvin Allen has emerged as a leader for this group, and he understands just how grueling this offseason has been in comparison with opposing squads. “[Abrahamson] has put us through the most difficult offseason and preseason of any other team in our conference,” Allen said.

Junior forward Sam Chumley is opening his second year under Abrahamson, and he is confident in his team and his own personal abilities. He plans to have a large impact on the team this season.

“I want to heavily contribute this year and prepare myself to take the reins of the team next year,” Chumley said.

Bryant has not won a state championship in basketball since 1981, but with eight seniors on the roster, the Hornets truly believe they have a shot at a state championship.

“Coach has pushed us to our limits,” Chumley said, “We expect to be the best team in the state, and to win the state championship.”

Senior Romen Martin throws down a slam dunk in the game against Greenbrier Nov. 29. | David Fulton photo

BORN TO RUN

Senior John Carder wins conference title JACK SELIG | STAFF WRITER

Feb. 3

Basketball vs. FS Northside

A HISTORIC SEASON

Hornet football makes deepest playoff run to date BRAD BREWER | PRINT EDITOR

For the first time ever, the Hornets reached the semi-finals in the playoffs: an unexpected conclusion to a season that began with a sluggish start.

The Hornets began the season with a seemingly weak 2-2 record, with both wins favoring the Hornets by three points. The two losses stuck out like a sore thumb, however, with a 33 point loss to Fayetteville and a 29 point loss to Fort-Smith Northside.

Following the loss to Northside, the Hornets were back to their winning ways and began their historic run, ending the regular season 9-3 after starting 2-2. In the playoffs, the Hornets blew out Springdale in the first round with a 45-14 victory at home.

In the second round, critics expected the Hornets’ season to end as they took on Springdale Har-Ber on the road. However, the Hornets stunned the Wildcats with a 2316 upset victory.

The season came to an end in the semifinals with a contest of deja-vu against North Little Rock, as the Hornets fell 46-13, a disappointing end to an incredible season.

Drenched in sweat and his legs feeling weak from the race, senior John Carder’s excitement overcame everything. Carder won the 7A Central Conference cross-country meet in Cabot Oct. 31.

Carder had a successful season overall, winning the Wampus Cat Invitational in Conway, placing second at the Hornet Invitational, and finishing fourth in the Russellville Invitational.

“John is one of the best runners in the state of Arkansas,” cross-country coach Steve Oury said. “He has been extremely consistent. He has earned respect from his teammates and from other runners around the state. He has won two races this year, and earning all state at the 7A level is a really exceptional accomplishment.”

Blake Shields is a sophomore on the crosscountry team and has run with Carder for two years.

“John is the fastest [athlete] at Bryant High School right now by far,” Shields said. “[This] was shown this season in how well he did at all the meets.”

Before he began to run cross-country, Carder never ran competitively. He played football throughout middle school and was originally introduced to cross-country through track in 8th grade.

“One of my friends told me during off-season football that I should join track,” Carder said.

“I went to track and then decided to keep going with it and started running more. That led me to cross-country in 9th grade, and when I made the team, I really began to take it seriously.”

John’s mom, Marty Carder, remembers when John decided to start running.

“He came home from school one day in 8th grade and said he wanted to quit football and run cross-country,” Marty Carder said. “I didn’t

Senior John Carder holds off the competition at the Bryant Invitational at Bishop Park Oct. 8. | Josie Pringle photo

know much about cross-country, and I had to learn about it with him. I noticed John was a good runner in about 9th grade, and since then he has come so far.

He has surprised us and amazed us with what he has achieved.”

Oury believes John has come far as a runner since joining the cross-country team in 9th grade.

“It has been fun to watch John progress,” Oury said. “In 9th grade, he was good, but he was never close to winning any races. Then as he has progressed throughout his high school career, he went from being a solid 10th grader to a good 11th grader to an exceptional senior.”

John’s personality has helped him become well-liked within the team.

“John is honestly one of the nicest people I have ever met,” Shields said.

“John is also very humble. He has all of these achievements, and I learned about them from other people. He is never like, ‘Oh look at me, I got first place or I am a great runner.’”

John’s leadership has grown through running, and he has become a role

model for the younger runners.

“Working with the younger kids has also helped me grow as a person and leader,” John Carder said. “I try keep everyone motivated and keep it fun by not taking it way too seriously.”

Marty Carder emphasized that John finds motivation within himself.

“John is the most self-disciplined person I know,” Marty Carder said. “He has his own self-determination to train on his own, and he just has a real passion for running.”

John’s leadership style is different than leaders on the team before him.

“John is pretty quiet, but he has really grown into that role of being a leader,” Oury said. “He is willing to speak up when he needs to, and I think he has done a great job.”

Even though a lot of time is spent running, John Carder still makes time for other hobbies and schoolwork. “[In] my free time, I play a lot of Playstation, hang out with friends and play other sports like football and basketball,” he said. “I still have time at home to do schoolwork. On the weekends after you run, you may not want to do the work, but you know you have to get it done.”

Check out prospectiveonline.com for Nathan Bush’s feature, “The On-Court Coach”