FOUNDATIONS pp 8-9
[PROSPECTIVE[ BRYANT HIGH SCHOOL • 801 N REYNOLDS RD. • BRYANT, ARK. 72022 • VOL. 24, ISSUE 5 • MARCH 18, 2016
02 [ HYPE ] PROSPECTIVE
6-7 Slice of Bryant Tackling Terrorism Early Opportunities 8-9 Foundations
what’s
[ INSIDE
4-5 New Normal Poison Redefining Family
10-11 Peculiar Pets Stepping Up Show Stoppers
12-13 Conference Just keep Swimming Finish Line
[
14-15 Welcome to NY Concerts They’re Off
What’s the Buzz?
@ us next time
Haley Schrader / 9 @haley_schrader
Sarah Brady / 11 @sarahbrady__
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
“No joke my whole family just jumped out of their seats like we were watching football bc #LeoGotAnOscar”
Alexis Boyer / 11 @AlexisNecole
Phillip Isom-Green / 11 @therealpig22
“Feeling extremely blessed tonight.”
“Honestly feel like Bryant’s class of 2017 athletes can compete with anyone in the state.”
Connor Matthews / 10 @officialc0nc0n “If you see Tubbs the cat please re-name him in my honor bc same, thanks.”
Noah Kerry / 12 @NoahKerry “For just a small one time fee of $199,000, you can buy my house so I no longer have to wake up early to clean.”
WANT TO BE FEATURED? Tag @ProspectiveAR in your top tweets for a chance to end up in the next issue.
03.18.16 [ HYPE ] 03
What’s Hanging?
Tips to know about hammocking in Arkansas EMMA GOAD | STAFF WRITER
Top 5 Spots to Hammock In Arkansas
Petit Jean Mountain (Morrilton) Pinnacle Mountain (Little Rock) Mills Park Trail (Bryant) Lost Valley Trail (Kingston) Walker Park (Fayetteville)
Top 10 Hammock Brands Based on size, fabric, product weight and maximum weight capacity Hennessy Kammok Kijaro Lawson Hammock Bliss
Byer of Main Clark ENO Hammaka Yes4All
I’m a Barbie Girl
Students review new Barbie body types ARAYA POMPLUN | CIRCULATION MANAGER Barbie got a new look Jan. 28 when Time magazine released a cover story on toy company Mattel’s new Barbie line: Fashionistas. This new line includes four body types, seven skin tones, 22 eye colors and 24 hairstyles. The dolls are priced for $9.99 when ordered off the Mattel website. Along with a new line of trendy clothes and accessories unique to each doll, the company introduced three new body types along with the original: curvy, petite and tall. “I didn’t get to grow up with dolls that look like me,” freshman Anaya Peterson said. “Now I know that my niece, nephews or kids will be able to experience that.” The first original Barbie was released March 9, 1959 and sold for $3. This doll sported a blonde or brunette high ponytail, zebra striped one-piece swimsuit and a pale-white complexion. The first black Barbie was released in 1980. Even though this is the first line of dolls to have a body type that differs from the
original style, many inexpensive play line dolls, which are meant to be played with instead of collected, have been released that include different skin tones and hairstyles. “I was kinda upset because it took so long for [Mattel] to finally do this,” Peterson said. “But at least they’re trying, you know?” Even though she does not have any younger siblings, freshman Sarah Hill feels like the introduction of these new inclusive body types and skin tones will allow children to have positive thoughts about themselves. “[Barbies] are thought of as perfect with perfect bodies and hair,” Hill said. “Seeing them have different body shapes and heights makes others feel more confident about themselves and stop comparing themselves to the tall skinny blonde Barbies.”
4 [ EDITORIAL ] PROSPECTIVE
PROSPECTIVE Bryant High School 801 N. Reynolds Rd Bryant, AR 72022
New Normal Our homes are changing. Younger siblings are starting school, joining clubs, making friends. Older siblings are leaving for college, buying houses, getting married. Parents are even changing. They’re separating, divorcing, remarrying. According to McKinley Law, a Pennsylvania-based law firm specializing in family and marital law, there are 100 divorces every hour in the United States. Approximately 50% of all marriages (including re-marriages) end in divorce. Odds are, either your parents are divorced or you have friends whose parents are. We’re in a shifting time of family dynamics. The Pew Research Center estimates that half of the first-time brides in Arkansas were 24 years old or younger when they got married. More and more homes are “blended,” with children from separate marriages. According to the Arkansas Department of Human Services, there are approximately 4,565 children currently in foster care, a state high. The “nuclear” family is no longer the majority, or even statistically probable. Media represents this shift; popular television shows such as “The Fosters” and “Modern Family” focus on unique family structures and the challenges that come along with them. Familial health has become a talking point in America as we learn to handle difficulties such as step-siblings and the ups and downs of the foster care system.
Each family dynamic has its own struggle, which is something that’s hard to see. It is often difficult to see past our own lives. Our situations can cloud over our perspectives; if you have a pretty stable home life, it’s hard to imagine the difficulties that others face. If your home life is tough, it’s hard to imagine a healthy home and realize that others could have bad situations too. But here’s the thing: the perfect situation does not exist. Whether you have two or five or no parents, there are going to be family fights. You’re bound to get upset. The statistics represent this reality.
Knowing that you’re not alone doesn’t necessarily make anything easier or improve your situation, but there is comfort in numbers. Your home life may not align perfectly with anybody else’s, and that’s okay. Part of life is relating to people you can’t totally identify with. We have to recognize that completely and fully understanding the pains and joys of others just isn’t possible when there are infinite mixes of family structure. But when we realize that and try anyway, that’s when we are at our best.
866.707.5600 toll free 501.653.5328 journalism room 501.847.5605 office 501.653.5550 fax prospectiveonline.com Adviser Lisa Stine
Print Editors
Julia Nall, Jazzmyn Peterson, Spencer Shreeve
Online Editors
Emma Goad, Araya Pomplun
Photo Editor Madeline Colclasure
News Editor Julia Nall
Feature Editor Spencer Shreeve
A&E Editor Araya Pomplun
Hype Editor Emma Goad
Sports Editor Jazzmyn Peterson
Opinion Editor Natalie Burgess
Fun Editors
Emma Goad, Julia Nall
Artist
Sidney Shipe, Serye Kim
Ad Manager Abigail Hagner
Circulation Manager Araya Pomplun
Columnists Natalie Burgess, Alyssa Jones, Jazzmyn Peterson
Photographers Sarah Bullington, Natalie Burgess, Madeline Colclasure, Amalia Eddings, Maya Jackson, Julia Nall, Autumn Pruett
Page Designers Madeline Colclasure, Emma Goad, Julia Nall, Jazzmyn Peterson, Araya Pomplun, Spencer Shreeve, Wenjie Zhu
Staff Writers
from
YOUR
PROSPECTIVE
What is your relationship with your parents?
Hannah Brewer / 09
Kris King / 10
“They annoy me a lot, but I love them anyway. I live with my mom and stepdad, but I go see my dad every other weekend.”
“I live with my mom, and we’re pretty chill with each other, but when it comes to grades she can be pretty strict.”
Elizabeth Palmer / 11
Ben Majors /12
“I have a really open relationship with my parents. They are understanding and pretty lenient. We spend a lot of quality time together. It sounds backwards, but my dad goes with me to get pedicures.”
“They’re like my best friends. A lot of people hate being home on the weekends, but I really enjoy hanging out with my parents.”
Brad Brewer, Natalie Burgess, Alexis Burch, Isabella Castro, Edith Garcia, Emma Goad, Sarah Graham, Abigail Hagner, Alyssa Jones, Amber McFadden, Julia Nall, Jazzmyn Peterson, Araya Pomplun, Blair Rolston, Spencer Shreeve, Lauren Wilson
The Prospective is a monthly publication produced, edited and maintained by Newspaper Journalism ii, iii, and iv students at Bryant High School. The Prospective is a member of the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and National Scholastic Press Association. Ad space may be purchased for $3 a column inch. The 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 Room 319, Building 10.
03.18.16 [ OPINION ] 5
poison for conservatism AMBER MCFADDEN [STAFF WRITER]
2016 has been a defining year for both Republicans and Democrats. Our country is becoming more divided as people move further to the ends of the party wings. This explains Bernie Sanders’ support from young millennials and Donald Trump’s fast and furious climb to power. Party members are being pressured to move to the extremes to keep up with the hype of Democratic Socialism and Republican Nationalism taking a turn toward Authoritarianism. As someone who identifies as a Republican, I am disgusted with what my party has become and what we now represent. My strongest beliefs coincide with free market, Laissez-Faire government, and the incentive to strive for the American dream: basic conservative ideals that heroes such as Ronald Reagan and Teddy Roosevelt exhibited in their day. Roosevelt valued Republican ideals but also understood the importance of issues such as environmental conservation. Reagan entered office at a time when Communism was a threat to democracy and managed to unite the nation without turning us all into bigots. Early Conservatism was about personal liberties and achievement. I feel ashamed when people ask me my political preference because of the close-mindedness and childish banter my party shows today. I recently read an article on forwardprogressives.com stating that Lincoln would be ashamed of what his party has become, and I couldn’t agree more. Republicans, as demonstrated in the primaries and
caucuses so far, are showing immense support for Donald Trump, an extremist and unproclaimed authoritarian. Our country is currently fearing IS and other Islamic terrorism, so people are now searching for a leader who exhibits order and plays on Conservatives’ fear of major changes to our country. This fear of change has pressured moderate Republicans to support an extremist like Donald Trump. Gun control has been a huge issue in this election, and our party has been fighting tooth and nail to protect second amendment rights, but our front-runner wants to take away our first amendment right. This is unconscionable and terrifying. In a CNN article, Trump said, “I’m going to open up our libel laws so when they write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money.” Our right to press and speech is being violated by a billionaire mongrel. Speaker Paul Ryan is trying to be the party’s voice of reason. In a Vox article, Ryan said, “This is the party of Lincoln…We believe all people are created equal in the eyes of God and our Government… this party does not prey on people’s prejudices.” Pretty words that are, unfortunately, untrue. Republicans today are preying on prejudices, and it is tearing our party apart and making it harder for young millennials to vote Republican. If this continues, our party will suffer and Conservatism will face inevitable doom. We used to be the party that stood for establishment, capitalism and traditional morals that this country was built on. Today,
that has translated into power, greed, and prejudice that has labeled us as the racist, unaccepting party. The Preamble to the Libertarian Party Platform reflects what Conservatism used to be and should be: “We believe that respect for individual rights is the essential precondition for a free and prosperous world… we welcome the diversity that freedom brings.” Personal liberty is the foundation, not prejudice and racism. The Conservative surge toward Authoritarianism has pushed young millennials to express support for democratic socialist Bernie Sanders, further contributing to the downfall of the Republican Party. However, this is not an acceptable alternative. If the government takes away economic incentive, Americans will stop trying to succeed and our nation will fail. We will have gone against every ideal our “unique” nation was built on. Whichever way this election goes, our country will face major changes, and the Republican Party could become as divided as ever. Our country cannot play into the allure of Socialism, and we cannot nominate a candidate who separates Republicans into two factions. If Conservatives nominate Donald Trump, we will be regressing into Authoritarianism and poisoning the morals of Conservatism. It is time to get back to the morals that built our country and helped shape the original Republican Party.
redefining family NATALIE BURGESS [STAFF WRITER] 750 days after my brother was born, he finally became my brother, at least according to a grey-headed man in a black robe whom I had never seen before. My family gathered in a building I had never been in with people I had never met. Somehow though, this occasion officially made my brother part of my family. Signatures were taken, but to me, the handprint-smudged paintings on the fridge were so much more concrete. This ceremony was only for show. My foster brother became my brother when my mom brought him home from the hospital three days after he was born. Family doesn’t mean a stack of papers and a few signatures. For me, family is dance parties in my room, taking walks at sunset, and covering the kitchen floor in flour attempting to make cookies. It’s the three stockings added to the mantel at Christmas over the last two years. It’s celebrating milestones together. Only two days after my baby sister’s first birthday,
March 7 concluded my family’s third adoption. As the judge called my mom to the stand, he asked if we wanted to be her family forever. My mom, with tears in her eyes said, “Yes.” She knew we all agreed. I understand that these court dates are just another formality, but I wish the judge would recognize that my “new sibling” has been my sibling for over two years now. For 14 years, I was the youngest in my family, and now I have three siblings under the age of five. I am the oldest sibling in my house. It’s heart wrenching not knowing if I’ll have these kids in my home for a day, a month, a year, or forever, but no matter how long it is, I know that with us, they are far better off than they would be otherwise. The insecurity of not knowing how long you have to love someone makes life more difficult, but it makes me cherish our time together so much more. This isn’t unusual though. Of the over 100,000 kids in the U.S. eligible for adoption, over 32 thousand of
them will be in state custody for over three years. These statistics don’t even take into account the other 295 thousand children not eligible for adoption because of their biological parents dragging out this process. My mom always explains fostering like this: We are not doing anything special or extraordinary, we are just loving people the way they deserve to be loved. My family is fortunate to have adopted our first two placements as a foster family. My brothers are lively, hysterical and more worthy of care than anyone else I know. My baby sister is adorable and the happiest child I have ever seen. Despite where they have come from, they are positive. These kids have given me far more than I’ve given them. They’ve taught me the pain addiction causes, that being naive isn’t really a bad thing, and that your past does not have to control your outlook on life.
06 [ NEWS ] PROSPECTIVE
SLICE OF BRYANT
Behind-the-scenes at local pizza joints EMMA GOAD [ONLINE EDITOR]
For students, finding a job can be a stressful affair. They submit application after application, not caring if they are working in food or retail. Any source of income is a source of income, but according to Emily Mellor, Jacob Loomis and Sarah Hutchinson, working at a pizza place is a one of a kind experience. Hutchinson, a senior, works at Pie Five, a pizza restaurant that opened Oct. 31 inside the Kroger shopping center. Pie Five is unlike most other local pizza places, because customers get to build their own pizza. Instead of settling for a buffalo chicken pizza or a pepperoni pizza, buyers can mix and match toppings and sauce types to make a unique flavor. Unfortunately, this makes it a bit harder on the employees. “It can be very stressful at times, because everyone has to be coordinated and communicate with each other for it all to work, especially at Pie Five,” Hutchinson said. “When we get a rush, it’s important for the pizza line to have all the toppings, sauce and cheese stocked on top and in the storage below. If we run out of something, it really slows down the process and makes it more stressful.” To junior Presli Pendergrass, the stress of the employees is worth it for the customers. Pendergrass is an avid Pie Fiver, eating there two to three times a week. “I like the fact that you have so many options to choose from,” Pendergrass said. “You can have exactly the pizza you want, and it only takes five minutes.” Even though customers can choose and make pizza at Pie Five, the restaurant still has a diverse choice of original pizza flavors. “My favorite [pizza flavor] is chicken alfredo in a classic pan,” Pendergrass said. “I like it because I love Italian food, and honestly it’s better at Pie Five than any other Italian restaurant I’ve ever been to.” While students describe Pie Five as “extraordinary,” Bryant is the home of many regular pizza chains such as Pizza Hut, Little
“
Caesars, Larry’s, Dominos and Papa John’s. Loomis, a junior, works as a cook at Papa John’s in the shopping center next to Walmart. Papa John’s is a well-known pizza chain and is recognized for their slogan, “Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.” “There are three spots to work at in the store: making the dough, topping the pizza and taking orders,” Loomis said. “There are drivers that take the orders and deliver the food. They aren’t in the store very often. Our busiest days are Friday, Saturday and Sunday.” Making and delivering pizza may seem like an easy job to most, and Loomis agrees. Unlike Pie Five, Papa John’s does not have a quick demand while making their food. At Papa John’s, one person tends to work at one station, like making the pizza or taking the orders. “My favorite thing about working is when I get to make the dough,” Loomis said. “I’m good at it, and it’s simple to do.” Junior Taylor Scifres prefers Papa Johns over most pizza restaurants in Bryant. “I love how fast I get my pizza after I order it,” Scifres said. “The cost is much lower than other pizza companies, and the quality is just as good if not better. I also like how I get rewards after I buy a pizza.” For Mellor, a senior, Larry’s is different than other pizza places because of the variety of flavors. Although Pie Five gives customers more of a choice in their pizza, Larry’s has more pizza types. “My favorite [flavor] right now is Greg’s Special,” Mellor said. “We still have everything from pepperoni to pickles and ranch, breakfast or BBQ chicken. I crave different pizzas all of the time.”
We still have everything from pepperoni to pickles and ranch, breakfast or BBQ chicken. I crave different pizzas all of the time.
Not only does Larry’s have a wide variety of flavors, it also holds a sense of family within the staff, the customers and the managers. “Larry and his wife still come in on buffet nights to talk to customers and help out in any way they can,” Mellor said. “Their son, Greg, owns the Bryant location and he’s always working too. Larry always takes really good care of his workers. When my dad had cancer, Larry bought us a few meals. He always tries to make us feel at home and that makes a lower wage pretty worth while.” Even though Pie Five, Larry’s and Papa John’s are different in flavor and function, Hutchinson believes that it’s the environment that means the most. “I feel successful after we conquer a rush by working as a team,” Hutchinson said. “I love the people I work with. They’re humorous, and I’m always laughing and having fun because of my coworkers.”
BY THE
SLICE
744
calories consumed in a typical pizza-eating session
4%
of pizza eaten by children is for breakfast
6,000
slices eaten in a lifetime by the average American
23
pounds of pizza eaten by the average American in a year
93%
of Americans eat pizza at least once a month. sources: USDA, Food Network, The Week
“
TACKLING TERRORISM
03.18.16 [ NEWS ] 07
Model Arab League discusses global politics LAUREN WILSON [STAFF WRITER]
Politics is the art of running the world, whether through the United Nations or the lesser-known Arab League connecting Middle Eastern and North African states. The Model Arab League (MAL) club traveled to UALR March 4 and 5 to represent various Arab countries and debate current events. “We discussed Daesh [or ISIS] and improving literacy rates among Arab [states], and also drug trafficking and how to limit that,” sophomore Katie Evans said. As representatives of different countries, students must shed their own political views and represent the ideals of their country accurately and thoroughly. Junior John Mark Junkins, a representative for Lebanon, did especially well in this aspect and won best delegate out of his committee with junior Julia Nall. “It’s really funny when you can play the character of your country and it’s something offensive,” Junkins said. “[For example] at UN, the Syrian National Coalition, which
is the rebel force, [represents] Syria, but Lebanon backs the Assad regime instead. So it’s really funny to be like, ‘Why are you here, SNC? You’re so irrelevant. Where’s Assad?’” While most members of MAL participated in Model United Nations (MUN) in November, there is a vast difference between the organizations. Will Heatherly, both the MUN and MAL sponsor, recognizes the advantages of both. “I like the competition at MUN, because there’s more teams there and it’s more intense and it’s a little bit more competitive,” Heatherly said. “[The atmosphere of MAL] is a little more cordial and polite. Not nearly as much stress because the rooms are so much smaller. MAL I tend to use as a learning tool and MUN is the one we really try to focus our energies on winning [awards].” While there is a vast difference between the two conferences, each has its own benefits. “Model UN is crazy and hectic, and there’s a ton of people, and you have no time to do
anything because there’s so much work to be done, and there’s so many people that want to talk,” Junkins said. “With Arab League, everything is dialed down, and there’s less people and less countries. You can get more work done, you get to go through more topics and you get to have deeper discussions.”
Junior John Mark Junkins discusses a resolution paper during an unmoderated caucus at Model Arab League on March 4. | Rylee Bolls photo
EARLY OPPORTUNITIES When concurrent credit is the best option ALYSSA JONES [STAFF WRITER]
At some point during high school, many students face the stress of college looming over them. Students have many decisions to make: Which college? What major? There is also the opportunity to take concurrent credit courses, classes that can be taken at the high school level but still count for college credit and are cheaper. In order to enroll in a concurrent course, a student must enroll with
either the University of Arkansas at Little Rock or Pulaski Technical College, depending on the course they are taking, where they will create their transcript for their college years. However, students may be surprised to learn that not all colleges accept these courses. “There is an agreement in the state of Arkansas that all public colleges will accept concurrent enrollment hours earned while
in high school,” counselor Amy Oury said. “Private colleges and out-of-state universities are not bound by this agreement. They decide, as an institution, if they will accept concurrent hours and how.” This system has been successful for students such as senior Ben Majors, who is benefitting from these concurrent credit courses. “I’m going to be entering college basically as a sophomore because I’ll have my whole freshman year done,” Majors said. Concurrent credit can provide students with great opportunities, and some students use these courses to help them achieve their goals. “I would like to graduate early from college, so taking concurrent credit in high school right now would benefit me in the long run,” junior Dejah Harris said. While concurrent credit courses have their benefits, there are some downsides that may stop students from taking these
classes. Junior Abby Catton is planning on attending Arkansas State University. However, Catton has hesitations about loading her schedule with concurrent classes. “It’s a lot on your plate,” Catton said. “It’s a lot more work [and] homework.” Other worries on top of the work load may include the financial side of these courses. Each concurrent credit course is $50, and there is a certain date at the end of each semester when this payment is due or credit will be denied. “If you don’t have a job, then it’s hard to try and pay it all,” Harris said. Many students enjoy the benefits of this program. It can provide a pathway for students who strive to get ahead in their schooling. “Honestly, I think it’s a great thing, especially compared to AP classes where you take a test to determine if you get college credit or not,” Majors said. “It’s a great program.”
- Sophomore
FOU
- Senior
03.18.16 [CENTERSPREAD] 09
- Junior
UNDATIONS - Senior
- Senior
10 [ FEATURE ] PROSPECTIVE
PECULIAR PETS
Students embrace unique pets SARAH GRAHAM [STAFF WRITER]
Whether they peel bananas or are clothed in quills or leather, there are animals that do not bark or meow that still live side by side with human companions. Rather than growing up alongside siblings, junior Savannah Jackson has shared her house with a mix of sixteen spider, squirrel and capuchin monkeys. “My grandma started rescuing [monkeys] about twenty years ago, and ever since then she has had her license to have a sanctuary,” Jackson said. Though Jackson’s residence is equipped with four outside cages and two rooms filled with pens to keep the primates safe, the pets do not spend all of their time cramped in a cage. “We will hook a leash up to the couch and they just hang out,” Jackson said. “We just have to get their teeth removed so they don’t hurt anyone. Monkeys are pretty much ten times stronger than you are.” Though primates have more muscle than the average human, their behavior can be similar. “There’s a little squirrel monkey and she likes to do her makeup,” Jackson said. “I also have another one who will brush your hair. And [the] capuchin, Chewy, will grab your earlobes and mess with your hair.” Though they cannot put on mascara and groom hair, hedgehogs have other distinctive
characteristics. Covered in stiff hollow hairs with a long pointy nose, a hedgehog named Tico joined the house of sophomore Brittney Del Castillo about one year ago. “He’s about the size of two palms put together and the height of a Cutie orange,” Del Castillo said. Hedgehogs are famed for their sharp but nearly harmless spines and nocturnal sleep schedule. Though the creatures can become a bit irritable during the day, they still enjoy roaming free of their cages just as any other animal. “I have a ball for him and he likes to follow me everywhere around the house,” Del Castillo said. Most lizards do not wander throughout the house, but instead devote their time to snacking on mealworms and crickets inside their cages. Senior Alfredo Ramirez shares his house with two dogs, a cat and Sam, a four-year-old leopard gecko coated in spots of yellow and brown. “It’s basically [like] taking care of a child,” Ramirez said. “You have to make sure everything is perfect for them to survive.” Ramirez accepts the constant challenge to care for his pet. To him, it is more than just an animal. “It may not look like it, but an animal’s life is just the same as a human life,” Ramirez said. “You treat [them] like [they are] a human. They’re family.”
Cuddling her pet hedgehog, Tico, sophomore Brittney Del Castillo shows love for her exotic per. | Autumn Pruett photo
STEPPING UP Rasburry serves as interim principal AMBER MCFADDEN [STAFF WRITER]
After the resignation of Dr. Jay Pickering, assistant principal Rachel Rasburry has stepped in as interim principal. “I’m really not sure how I was chosen,” Rasburry said. “The superintendent’s office made that decision then contacted me, and I’m ready to do it.” Working closely with Pickering for several years, Rasburry has mixed emotions about her new position. “I hated to see Dr. Pickering go,” Rasburry said. “I really enjoyed his leadership as principal, but on the other hand, I’m really excited about this new opportunity. I’m excited about trying to lead the school into finishing this year as smoothly as possible and getting our seniors graduated.” Though her position as interim principal is only for the remainder of the school year, Rasburry
will continue to serve after the last day. “I’ll be here probably until mid-to-late June to help with transition, trying to get everything smoothed out and make plans for next year.” With the principal position now in her hands, there is opportunity for change. “I don’t foresee any big changes,” Rasburry said. “We are looking at scheduling options to help seniors next year graduate early. Those things are going to work to the advantage of the students.” To assist Rasburry, the school has filled her previous position. “We actually have a new assistant principal, Dondre Harris, to take my part of the students,” Rasburry said. “At the same time, I’ve been doing some of the principal jobs, a little bit of extra work but it’s nothing that is a problem. I continue
to help the other assistants supervise, so there aren’t a lot of changes other than me being spread out now over the entire school.” Though rumors of new schedules have circulated, Rasburry assures students periodscheduling will stay. “I feel pretty confident [block scheduling] is not going to happen. We have been toying with the idea of double-blocking to help some students graduate early. You may have heard double-block, but we actually mean two periods.” Though Rasburry’s position is not permanent, she looks forward to continuing her service. “I’m happy doing whatever I can do,” Rasburry said. “I love the students, teachers and parents at Bryant High School. I’ve been at Bryant for 25 years, so I’ll do whatever needs to be done to help everybody.”
03.18.16 [ FEATURE ] 11
SHOW STOPPERS
Students attend live music shows EDITH GARCIA [STAFF WRITER]
From listening to a local artist on Spotify to attending and supporting an artist live, music plays a vital role in the lives of many students. Diversity and exposure to different scenes is something junior Robyn Duncan cherishes about live and local shows. “With live shows, you’re being exposed to things that aren’t really fitting to social norms,” Duncan said. “I’m exposed to these different people who like completely different things that all come together and only give you one thing to listen to. I think it’s important because it’s showing you that Bryant is not just the only bubble and people at Bryant are not the only kinds of people out there.” For Duncan, live and local music do more than just provide entertainment for the supporters who come out to see the performances. “Shows help you develop your social skills further [because you’re] being exposed to different kinds of people and different kinds of music, and you can’t really get that closeness with mainstream bands,” Duncan said. While mainstream pop culture music is prominent with the teenage generation, it is not easy for fans to meet the artists they love without using their entire college fund. However, this is not the case for local bands and artists. “With bands that are playing locally, you can talk to them one on one and talk to them about their music and their inspirations,” Duncan said. “With mainstream bands, you don’t get to tell
them how much you appreciate their music and how much it helps you.” Not only does live music help provide a more personal level of entertainment, but for senior Katherine Roberts, it also creates connection and friendship. “You meet people who are different and enjoy live music,” Roberts said. “It’s opened up my mind a lot because I have a better understanding of who these people that I surround myself with are.” There are many people who enjoy attending live and local music shows, but junior Taylor Calhoun has a different perspective on the music scene. “I’m in a solo project called ‘It’s Just a Party,’” Calhoun said. “I started off playing in hardcore and indie bands, and now I just do my own thing.” Calhoun has a history with local bands, so he is no stranger to attending shows and supporting his fellow musicians. “I go [to live shows] all the time,” Calhoun said. “Hardcore [music] is energetic. You have stage diving, hardcore dancing, people grabbing the microphone if they know the words--just full of energy and passion.” Though every show is different, individuals who attend any show will experience a unique performance. “The energy in the room really depends on the band,” Calhoun said. “It’s emotional regardless. There’s a lot of aggression when it comes to a hardcore band, but if it’s an indie band it’s usually really chill. But everyone [in the room] has emotion. It’s emotional, period.”
12 [ SPORTS ] PROSPECTIVE
CONQUERING CONFERENCE Baseball and softball team prepare for new season ABIGAIL HAGNER [STAFF WRITER] Baseball coach Kirk Bock is ready to compete against other teams. “We have more experience than last year, and we have more experience pitching-wise,” Bock said. Having a new coach for softball adds fun and encourages the girls to enjoy softball. “I think we are much better than we were last year, with a new coach, and it has been more fun already,” senior catcher Julie Ward said. Many girls use softball as their stress reliever. “For every girl on the team, softball is our stress reliever, and we really enjoy putting the work in to make ourselves better, unlike in the past when many people felt like softball added a burden to them,” senior third baseman Shayla McKissock said. Knowing that they are already number one in the conference builds up the baseball
team’s confidence. “Everybody in our conference says, ‘Ooooh, they’re good,’” senior pitcher Zack Jackson said. “With the defense and offense we have, and how we have been hitting, I think we’ll be national champs.” Dreher motivates her team by working a lot with Keystone teacher Tim Hall to help the girls with communication, team building and positive self-talk. “They are high level athletes, so naturally they always want to do their best in practices and games,” Dreher said,“I just have to set out details of what that looks like and steps they need to take to get there.” Bock encourages the boys to motivate themselves. “We don’t [motivate them], they motivate themselves,” Bock said. “They [will] want to play as best as they can [because] someone else is waiting to win instead of them.”
JUST KEEP SWIMMING
Swim team reminisces over successful season NATALIE BURGESS [STAFF WRITER]
The Bryant Hornet swim team finished 11th and the Lady Hornets finished 9th at the 6A/7A swimming and diving meet in Bentonville Feb. 28. Junior Ellie Hooten was proud of the accomplishments of the team this year. “This year, I got to go to state,” Hooten said. “We all did our best and the improvement over this season is incredible.” The team celebrated their 7th consecutive district championship. In the South District regional championships, the boys team tied for first place with Magnolia scoring 403 points, while the girls won first place, 271 points over the second place winning team. “Individual wins [contribute to the] team, because the overall score is derived from the smaller competitions,” Hooten said. Awards were given to the Hornets’ fifthplace relay team for the 200 free, Chandler Reep, Ray Weldon, Kyle Henry and Michael Higgs, who knocked .68 of a second off their best time. This was one of three events the
Hornets lowered their time in. The Lady Hornets also finished seventh place in four events, setting personal time records in each. Despite a celebratory mood, some of the teammates felt bittersweet as the seniors’ last season came to a close. “I will definitely miss some of our seniors,” Hooten said. “I have become close with Katie Higgs and Reagan Smith over the years. I will always cherish these moments.” Sophomore Trevor Ball echoes this sentiment, but is wary of the new responsibilities. “The seniors are leaving, which means I’ll have to be a leader,” Ball said. Hooten is ready for this new opportunity. She has been swimming for 11 years, with three years on the Bryant team and experience on two other teams as well. “Ninth grade on the high school team was a bit stressful,” Hooten said. “However, my junior year has been a lot of fun.” Despite the difference in confidence, Ball
agrees with Hooten on the overall success this season. “We set so many goals and records [this year], then set out to break them all,” Ball said. “It was incredible.”
Junior Jake East approaches home plate in the 2015 season.| David Fulton photo
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It is that time of the year again, when students grab their Cracker Jacks, sit in crowded stands and root for the home team. This year’s softball team and baseball teams are planning to hit this season out of the ballpark. Softball coach Lisa Dreher is expecting offensive action with both small game and power hitting. “I think we have the best high school softball program in the state, and am honored to be asked to coach,” Dreher said. “Our girls are the best at what they do and I have high expectations of them.” The baseball and softball teams are working harder than they have before to fill in for the seniors who graduated last year. “We’ve got a lot of holes to fill, but I think we’ll just follow in their footsteps and have a good year,” senior pitcher and outfielder Evan Lee said.
I will miss some of our seniors.
3.18.16 [ SPORTS ] 13
BEYOND THE FINISH LINE Jadyn Lewis finds passion in track ISABELLA CASTRO [STAFF WRITER] with this talent, I would be wasting it.” Even though running is Lewis’s favorite sport, there have been times when she was unsure if all of the training was worth the pain she was enduring. “My goal is to make it to a college level, and I wasn’t seeing the results that I wanted,” Lewis said. “I was like, ‘What if I don’t make it. Then I have been wasting my whole childhood with sports and not being a kid to just get a college scholarship that may or may not happen.’” Lewis hopes she can continue her track career in college. She is open to attending college out of state, but she plans to come back to Arkansas to start a running program for lower conference schools. Lewis said wreck a week before, and I wasn’t even going to the lower conference runners do not get the run,” Lewis said. “I know God took care of me.” exposure they deserve, and she hopes she can turn that around. The track star did not become a state “I want to do something to get those kids champion in a few practices. Lewis started exposure to college,” Lewis said. “I want running in 7th grade when she realized how every kid to have that chance.” fast she was while running around the bases in Team member senior Hannah Shelby sees softball. However, track was a sport her parents Lewis as a great attribute of the team. She were unfamiliar with. calls Lewis a “leader.” “I didn’t want them to tell me what to do,” “She is encouraging and helpful,” Shelby Lewis said. “So, I did it, and I liked it.” said. “She is a great runner and a really good When 9th grade was approaching, Lewis had example for the younger girls [on the team].” to pick between softball and track, and after Lewis is confident the track team will have a weighing out the pros and cons of each sport, successful season. her final decision led her to multiple victorious “I am really excited to see what we do, seasons in track. because we really have a good chance of Lewis goes beyond practicing every day after winning,” Lewis said. “[The team] makes sure school with her track team. Lewis has speed to give all the glory to God in whatever we training on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, do.” and she has strength training on Wednesday Track is not just a sport for Lewis, but also and Saturday. Lewis does not have a lot of free a passion. time, but she is thankful she has the ability to “During the race, it is like freedom,” Lewis run track. said. “Once you get past [the race], it feels “I know God wouldn’t have blessed me with good to me to know you have accomplished this talent if He didn’t want me to pursue it,” Lewis said. “To just sit back and not do anything something.”
Her heart races, sweat drips down her face and she nervously looks up to the clock to check her time in the 200m dash. Junior Jadyn Lewis won the girls 60m and 200m dash at the Ark. Indoor Track and Field championships in Fayetteville Feb. 2nd. “I was in shock,” Lewis said. “I wish someone could have taken a picture, because I did not think I ran that fast.” Lewis was thankful to finish in first place, and she was surprised by how well the meet went. “[The win] meant a lot to me, because I had a
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I know God took care of me.
JADYN LEWIS STATE TITLE WINS
1 2 3
ATCA Indoor Track State Competition
60-Meter Dash 200-Meter Dash
8.08 seconds 26.39 seconds
Junior Jadyn Lewis poses with the awards she won at the ATCA Indoor Track State Championship Feb. 2, where she scored 32.5 individual points out of 55 for the team. | Madeline Colclasure photo
14 [ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ] PROSPECTIVE
A FALLEN CITY
Despite hype ‘The Division’ lacks in storyline BRAD BREWER[STAFF WRITER]
Every year, millions of shoppers race to stores across the nation on “Black Friday” to capitalize on the best deals they can get. But in the world of “The Division,” Ubisoft’s newest IP, the pain the holiday brings goes beyond an occasional fight over a tablet. A sudden outbreak of smallpox and a new disease called the “dollar flu” ravages the city of New York, changing the once bustling city of busy streets and dreams into a death-filled nightmare. All authority in the city has fallen as rioters and rogue factions take possession of the streets. No one can stop them, other than one person. That person is you, the player. The introduction to the game is harrowing; simulated live news broadcasts showcase the chaos throughout the city. People beg for help, the military scrambles and faith is lost in New York. The set-up is fantastic, but the rest of the game fails to match the opening sequence. There is not much of a linear story,
as the game opens up many missions to you and lets you decide which to do first. This kills a smooth storyline and instead forces the individual missions to carry their own weight in the story. When a new mission is selected, an audio tape plays to set up the story for your next adventure. I found these to be hit or miss. Some clips were extremely chilling, as some displayed crazy firefighters burning through the infected, while others just featured a humorous confrontation between two survivors. However, the developers used other methods to attempt to build the story. Collectibles can be found around the map, delivering little bits of information such as phone recordings and “Echoes” where a holographic representation of a tragedy is played in front of you. These are nice to find and offer a surprising amount of depth to the city, but fail to pick up the overall lacking story.
Many games try to supplement the lack of a solid story with fun gameplay, but even here, “The Division” falters. The combat in the game focuses on a slower style that is rarely found in other action games. While facing normal enemies, the gameplay is fun and provides a lot of opportunity to make tactical decisions with abilities. As the game goes on, I found it less and less entertaining. Enemies seem to take forever to take down, while players can go down in just a few shots. This forces players to sit in cover, wait until the enemy stops firing and then poke out and fire shots before the enemy pokes his head back up. It is as tedious as it sounds, and I found myself in multiple situations where I spent five minutes fighting the same enemy and my character didn’t move a foot. Somehow, the developers create a saving grace for the game: the loot system. I am addicted to the idea of playing a game and progressing as a character by leveling up
and claiming better gear, and this is a system “The Division” nails. The game is filled with missions that will generously drop new gear to encourage players to keep playing to progress. Players can also deconstruct weapons and armor to gain parts to craft new gear. The crafting system is not complex at all, allowing gamers like me who never utilize these kinds of systems in games to finally try their hand in crafting. These systems appeal directly to gamers who love to spend hours grinding to better their character, but sadly, this grind is all but required to finish the game. “The Division” is an ambitious title with elements that are rarely seen in today’s games. Because of the game’s distinctiveness, enthusiastic MMO gamers should definitely check it out, but players looking for a casual experience might want to skip it.
03.18.16 [ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ] 15
AND THEY’RE OFF Oaklawn Park includes more than racing SARAH GRAHAM[STAFF WRITER]
sophomore Parker Ray. His first race was at age six, and the entertainment mixed in with the food choices have continued to bring him back. “I go there to eat,” Ray said. “They have the best raw oysters.” As for the racing, Ray has his own winner in mind. “I like the underdog,” Ray said. “It’s fun to watch all the horses race, so I can cheer them on.” Family is a strong motivation for sophomore Lauren Brantley. Oaklawn is close to home, and even closer to her aunt who lives in Hot Springs. “My aunt is really big on following the races and the jockeys,” Brantley said. “She studies it so she can place her bets well.” The Brantleys have their own style when it comes to betting. “We go and place little bets according to what she [recommends],” Brantley said. The rush of cheering on her preferred horse is what motivates Brantley to keep coming back. “I just think it’s cool to see the horses whenever they’re racing,” Brantley said. “It’s exciting if you placed a bet on a certain horse, because there is so much adrenaline.”
Top SUMMER Concerts
Panic at the Disco WHEN&WHERE: April 10 @ 8 p.m. Farris Center at UCA Conway, AR 72035
Beale Street Music Festival WHEN&WHERE: April 29- May 1 Tom Lee Park In Downtown Memphis Memphis, TN 38103
Paul McCartney WHEN&WHERE: April 30 @ p.m. Verizon Arena North Little Rock, AR 72114
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I absolutely love the atmosphere of concerts, I love the people and dancing and singing with strangers. - Senior Lauren Hart
Jason Aldean&Thomas Rhett WHEN&WHERE: May 19 @ 7 p.m. Walmart Arkansas Music Pavillion Rogers, AR 72758
“The Clique Misconception” Column over cliques and their role in high school. By Alexis Burch
“Humans of BHS” Follow bhsprospective. tumblr.com for weekly featues on students. By Edith Garcia
“Sculpting the Future” Feature on Senior Tim Croft’s asperattions to be a model. By Emma Goad
“Honors Seminar” Honors Seminar class to be taught next year. By Amber McFadden
“Meaningful Meals” The benifts of healthy eating. By Sarah Graham
Kevin Gates WHEN&WHERE: May 21 @ 8 p.m. Metroplex Live Little Rock, AR 72204
Riverfest WHEN&WHERE: June 3-5 Julius Breckling Riverfront Park & The Clinton Presidential Park Little Rock, AR 72201
Twenty One Pilots WHEN&WHERE: Aug. 3 @ 7:30 Walmart Arkansas Music Pavillion Rogers, AR 72758
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These concerts will be some of the best moments in my entire life and probably so life changing that I won’t be okay for a while.
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Find more content at prospectiveonline.com
“Just One Day” Book review over Gayle Forman’s novel “Just One Day” By Alyssa Jones
Mumford & Sons WHEN&WHERE: April 7 @ 6:30 p.m. Verizon Arena North Little Rock, AR 72114
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The gates open. Horses stir the mile-long dirt track under their hooves. The crowd roars, right as an announcer exclaims, “And they’re off!” Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs opened in 1905 and has flourished ever since. It is a popular spot for racing, gaming and spending time with family. Junior Hannah Sullivan attends the races as part of a family tradition. “It’s something my dad used to do with my great grandmother before she passed away,” Sullivan said. “That was something he enjoyed with her, so he wanted to [go to the races] with us.” Her family places bets based on her great grandmother’s superstitions. “My great grandmother would always say the horse that pooped the biggest was going to run the fastest,” Sullivan said. “That’s the one she would bet on, so that’s the one my dad bets on.” Oaklawn Park is a cash cow for Hot Springs. The park has grown the economy, and with more add-ons, such as a casino, the company’s value continues to grow. There are other features at the park, including a dining room and a restaurant. Watching the races started early for
- Sophomore Madison Treat
16 [ PHOTO ] PROSPECTIVE
Classroom Experience Students take a break from note-taking and lectures to learn through hands-on activities. Getting into character, junior Stuti Chatterjee goes “speed dating” in AP United States History.| Kara Maurer photo Posing for a photo, senior Jamie Cheek disects a brain in Janet Watson’s Human Anatomy class.| Sarah Bullington photo Senior Lauren Fitzpatrick practices changing diapers in Parenting.| Jake Deen photo
Seniors Dakota Baker and Waller Brown decorate their piñatas with junior Timmon King. | David Fulton photo Sparks flying, a welding student mends beams Feb. 2.| Emily Culbreath photo