PROSPECTIVE C Bryant High School • 801 N Reynolds Rd. Bryant, Ark. 72022 • Vol. 25, Issue 6 • May 8, 2017
CREATING HOME Senior Seth Tucker reflects on his athletic career at Bryant pp. 8
LICENSED TO CARRY A new state House bill permits concealed carry on college campuses. Lauren Wilson reveals the stance of students and politicians. pp.5
HOME ALONE After his family moved away, senior Brett Caple adapts to living by himself. Brad Brewer investigates the challenge. pp. 2
under construction pp. 3
What’s the Buzz? @ us next time
Julianne Weaver | 12 @julianne_weaver
Josh Bonner | 12 @jbonyay
want to be featured?
“A kid just heely’d out of Academy and the first thing I thought about was @shaelynsmith
Sydney Wilson | 12 @wilsonsydney777
Tag @ProspectiveAR in your top tweets for a chance to end up in the next paper.
“lol ive already lost my backpack can I just graduate already???”
“I know I’m in the minority with this opinion but I love high school and I’m going to miss it a lot when we’re done”
Kaleb Turner | 12 @turner_kaleb
“I do it for myself. No need for motivation”
Mason Mohler | 12 @MasonMohler
Kendall Fisher | 12 @kendallMfisher
Bri Ware | 12 @BriannaaWare
Garrett Cowart | 12 @GarrettCovvart
“Yeah, we lost. We cried. But we had fun, and “okay for real the red team has my heart didn’t fight each other. We are all class of 2017 ” and I’m proud to say that. #GreenSquadForever” “gold glitter will forever be in my hair”
“okay? so what? we cheat? #purpteam ”
DON’T KNOCK IT Faux fashion acceptable for some, faux pas for others DAHLIA BRAY | STAFF WRITER
Among the unmistakable shades of red, green and gold Gucci is so famous for, every once in a while, the red is not quite right, and what was thought to be Gucci was actually sold out of the back of a car in the Meatpacking District of New York City. The knockoff industry makes about $600 billion annually, according to the website “Racked.” For decades, fashion has been
one of the major focuses of pop culture, and for years the fashion industry has always faced off against knockoffs of its most popular items. While some students prefer knockoffs over name brand, others still hold on to designer. Senior Gavin Patterson is a frequent buyer of designer clothing.
“Designer is a status symbol,” Patterson said. “I feel like owning a knockoff is like cheating yourself, depending on how much you paid for it. I prefer designer, because I believe fashion is important to how you make a first impression, and it says a lot about you.” While most knockoffs go unnoticed, frequent designer buyers can spot a fake. To read more, visit prospectiveonline.com
PROM PREP Looking to impress, students uniquely prompose and dress
COLE CAMPBELL | STAFF WRITER Prom season is a time of excitement and anticipation. Some students hope their crush will ask them, while others focus on getting the perfect tuxedo or dress. Prom is a last hurrah for some seniors, and the first of many for some students. Senior Sydney Wilson was asked to go on a run with senior James Lasley, where he asked her to prom. “We ran the Little Rock Marathon together, so him asking [me] to run was [not] unusual at all,” Wilson said. “I honestly had no clue he was planning on asking me.” Lasley told Wilson that he planned on running about five miles. “We started running, and I noticed he kept stopping a lot,” Wilson said. “I just figured he was tired, but I later realized that he was stalling for his plan.” The two ran eight miles to a pier at the Two Rivers Park that had a telescope at the end of it. Lasley looked through the telescope first and then convinced Wilson to do the same. “I looked through [the telescope] and saw the word ‘prom’ taped on the [I-430 Arkansas River Bridge] with huge, brightly colored poster boards,” Wilson said. “I was shocked and turned around and said yes.” On the run back, Lasley explained all the obstacles that he had to go through to pull off the surprise. “We ended up running almost 11 miles,” Wilson said. “But it was definitely worth it.”
Senior Stuti Chatterjee was asked to prom by Connor Morris through a scavenger hunt in the Engineering department. “He had it set up with his friends,” Chatterjee said. “He called me to come help him in the wood shop, and that was the first part of the hunt.” Chatterjee went to different locations and ended up in the Engineering studio. “He was in the studio with Tropical Smoothie, because that’s my favorite,” Chatterjee said. “I was not expecting [the promposal] to be this creative and well thoughtout.” Junior Amberly Holiman decided to ditch the typical prom dress and go with a different look. “I really love Stevie Nicks and her style, so I’m going for a bohemian look,” Holiman said. Holiman purchased her dress at Free People in Memphis. “[Free People] has a really cute selection of hippy dresses,” Holiman said. “They’re priced pretty reasonably, too.” One of Holiman’s inspirations for her look is Vanessa Hudgens. “Vanessa Hudgens has a lot of cute boho looks from the red carpet that I love,” Holiman said. “I think a crescent moon necklace like Stevie and hair like Vanessa will complete my look.”
2 | FEATURE | PROSPECTIVE
AUTHENTIC LIFE
After coming out as transgender, senior Jonvee Cox looks at her future as female EMMA GOAD | ONLINE EDITOR
Uggs. Chestnut brown, short boots. White furry interior. He had to have them. They barely fit, but he had to have them. He walked up to the people selling the boots, determination in his eyes. “Are these for your sister?” they asked. He nodded, thanking them for the boots before leaving, happier than he’s been in a while. He published a post on social media outlets Facebook and Instagram March 10 that stated, among many things, the two words “I’m transgender.” Ever since senior Jonvee Cox could remember, she’s been attached to feminine clothing. Even when she was four, she said her mother could find her in her parents’ closet dressed in a woman-sized dress and heels. “I wanted to feel like a girl,” Cox said. “I didn’t even know what the word ‘transgender’ meant. But I knew, [in] that moment, with my mom’s clothes on, that I loved how it made me feel.” Cox said that her final push to come
out was caused by her depression and indescribable feeling of ‘not right.’ She was not afraid of making this jump, and Cox said that it felt like a weight off her shoulders. “I’m a much happier person, because I finally feel like the inside matches the outside,” Cox said. “That’s something I’ve never been able to experience.” Cox has taken this change and turned it into a new sense of ambition. She wants to work alongside multiple foundations for LGBTQ+ youth and make this her career. “I’d like to use my journalism experience to create my own LGBTQ+ based magazine company,” Cox said. “I want to print stories not just about the gay community, but about people who are different in any way.” Cox said she wants to display this diversity to bring awareness to those who don’t live “cookie-cutter lifestyles,” even if the featured person is simply involved in unusual hobbies. “I think this is super important, especially now, because we don’t see a lot of diversity,” Cox said. This is more than a dream for Cox. She has already started working on her magazine
alongside other high school students. “I’m working with SAGA to create a small, but official, publication,” Cox said. “I don’t want to charge for it, I simply want to have it printed. I want to show people that this is what I want to do, and this is what I am going to do. This is my focus.” The plan for Cox is to eventually run the publication nationally, so that the cause is heard. Cox wants to eventually charge people for each issue so that she can use that money to make LGBTQ+ friendly homeless sanctuaries, like Lucie’s Place in Little Rock. “I think that everyone should know that they have their place in the world,” Cox said. “I want to be the person to give that to them.” This big change is just the beginning of a chapter for Cox, and she said she is going to keep fighting for diversity in youth. “I want to show people that no matter who you are, what your age, you can still live your authentic life,” Cox said. “Nobody should be held back from that, no matter what society says.”
SPRINGING INTO VICTORY Participants, volunteers share hopes for annual Spring Special Olympic games EDITH GARCIA | STAFF WRITER As they welcome the crowd, Special Olympic athletes sophomore Brittany Wages, junior Jasmine Baker, sophomore Matthew Farley, junior Tara Ricardo and sophomore Malcolm Boddie lead a walk along the track. The students were opening the games at Hornet stadium. “We had to carry a parade sign across the field,” Wages said. “My favorite part was being with my buddies.”
The sun rises on the dewy field as hundreds of athletes, sponsors, volunteers and supporters from across the state prepare for the last competition of the year. For years, Partner’s Club has teamed up with the Special Olympics in order to provide a fun and safe experience for all students and participants in the annual spring Special Olympic games. “I look forward to seeing everyone work together to get the event done successfully and for it to be worth it in the end when we see everyone’s faces as the athletes step on the stage to get their medals,” Partner’s
Club vice president senior Bethany Hutchinson said. The Special Olympics will be Hutchinson’s fourth consecutive volunteering experience with Partners Club. “I [had] known people in the past who had done Partners Club,” Hutchins said. “ I saw how much it impacted them and I couldn’t wait to get involved.” Sophomore Brittany Wages has participated in the Special Olympic games before. After all her preparation, Wages is excited for what this year’s games will bring. “I had to do exercises every day, like stretching and running,” Wages said. “It’s fun. I want to win so bad. [I think] we will win. [I participated last year and] won two times. I feel great when I win.” Wages is no stranger to participating in the Special Olympic games. She played basketball in the winter Special Olympic games along with her classmates. “I used to play for the Special Olympics basketball [team],” Wages said. “I have
made a whole bunch of friends.” Partners Club sponsor Carolyn Hays has 31 years of experience teaching special education as well as 25 years of coaching Special Olympics. “I have volunteered in so many Special Olympic games that I could not begin to count,” Hays said. “The best part is seeing the Partners interact with the athletes, not only as friends, but as teammates.” Hutchinson recalls a young girl named Bethany she met in her first year volunteering experience with the Special Olympics and the connection the two created. “It was the sweetest thing to see her so joyful [and] bonding with her throughout the day,” Hutchinson said. “Her mom works at Chick-Fil-A, and to this day, she still remembers me and says her daughter still asks about me. Her daughter had a disability that also happened to make her forget things every couple minutes, and the fact she still remembers me just makes my heart so full.” Hutchinson focuses on the opportunity
to connect with other students and the opportunity to build friendships. “I think the impact it has on the students is just the fact that it’s an opportunity for us to all come together no matter the grade or groups,” Hutchinson said. “It’s a day for people to participate and work together while helping. I think it’s a very humbling experience for the students.” For Hays, Special Olympics is a time to come together to have fun, regardless of abilities and appearances. “The things that stick out most in my mind are seeing the students having fun and interacting with others, [and] the friendships that grow between the students,” Hays said. “For instance, at Winter games, we all attended the dance, and all [partners and athletes] were dancing and having fun with each other. It wasn’t a time of being in a clique, it was a time of sharing and having fun with all people. It wasn’t ‘Oh, I can’t hang with you cause you don’t look like me,’ it was, ‘Let’s get out there and have fun.’”
HOME JOURNALISM ALONE goes to state
To graduate at Bryant, Senior Brett Caple stays behind after his family moves responsibilities, and time management is very important. You can’t sit there and watch TV if you need to do your laundry, Coming home from school to a empty house is not an occurrence experienced by because you won’t have any clothes for the next day. It takes away a lot of your many high school students. Senior Brett Caple experiences this every day and has free time.” While having these additional to take care of his house and himself on responsibilities could add stress for his own. students focusing on academics, Caple After his father changed jobs, Caple’s believes his new lifestyle has aided him parents had to move away. However, and his schoolwork. Caple decided to stay in Bryant. “It actually made me better at school “My dad got a job in Tennessee,” Caple work,” Caple said. “I realized, ‘I may said. “[They moved] about a month ago not be able to do it tomorrow, so I or so and I’ll probably stay until college. have to do it today.’ It gets rid of your If I were to move, I would have moved halfway through the year into a completely procrastination.” Even though Caple has to take care different school district, and that would of himself, he does receive financial have sucked.” assistance from his parents for Caple has already lived alone for over necessities. a month, but has transitioned well into “I don’t have to pay bills,” Caple said. living by himself. “It was a big transition at the time, but “[My parents] give me a food allowance, everything went pretty smoothly because which is like $100 a week for food. So I go to the grocery store and budget it out. I’m old enough to take care of myself,” If I do it right, I can get some gas money Caple said. out of it too.” While the adaptation was smooth for Caple’s monetary situation is stable, but Caple, he had to learn new skills in order other students who do not live with their to sustain his living conditions. parents might struggle with the challenge “There was a learning curve,” Caple of providing for themselves. Counselor said. “I had to learn to take care of my BRAD BREWER | PRINT EDITOR
Rachel Stafford wants these students to know that there are options available to alleviate some of these pressures off of students. “Our social worker Lisa McNeely does really good at setting up things like food stamps or [other] government help [programs],” Stafford said. “There are several programs that can help students who are on their own.” While the thought of living alone might be appealing to teenagers in search of freedom, Caple does not think it lives up to the hype. “It’s not that cool,” Caple said. “If I stay at home, someone is usually there. I hang out a lot more with friends now than I did. It gets pretty old when you are sitting there by yourself. I get lonely.” Through the challenges and improvements Caple has experienced, he realizes now more than ever the importance of parents who take care of their children. “Just be grateful if you have parents that take care of you,” Caple said. “You’ve got it pretty good, and you don’t even realize it.”
Newspaper and Yearbook bring home 107 awards st
1
Brad Brewer | 12
Print Newspaper Editor of the Year
Julia Nall | 12
Print Newspaper Editor of the Year
Sarah Graham | 11
Print Newspaper Editor of the Year
Kara Maurer | 12 Photojournalist of the Year
2nd Charles Lay | 12
Business Manager of the Year
Lauren Brantley | 11 Designer of the Year
3rd
Ashley Spann | 12 Designer of the Year
Julia Nall | 12
JEA Ark. Journalist of the Year
Tehya Hinkson | 11 Photojournalist of the Year
05.08.17 | SPECIAL COVERAGE | 03
under construction Now that the millage has passed and the school is set to improve, students reveal past memories and upcoming plans for their electives.
“Being a drum major was tons of fun. It definitely opened up a brand new perspective of marching band. I wasn’t marching on the field like I was my sophomore year, and instead, I was in more of a leadership position. It allowed me to be able to work with people in a different way. I think with the millage passing, it will give more opportunities to be able to make our shows bigger and better and more exciting to watch. It will help us reach past our competitors. I plan on being in band in college, and I am hoping that my career in music in high school will help me get money and pursue my music career in college.”
“I started in Drama my ninth grade year because I loved to sing and dance, but I wasn’t in choir. Someone told me to audition for ‘West Side Story,’ and I thought it would be fun, so I did. I fell in love with it really quickly and started picking up things faster than I thought I would, and then I stuck with it. [“Beauty and the Beast”] was different, because we actually had the biggest audience I think we have ever had for a show, because it is well-known and the movie had just come out. There was a lot of pressure knowing that everyone saw the movie and would be comparing it, because everyone loves ‘Beauty of the Beast.’ But it didn’t make it too much different except we had a pit [orchestra] for the first time, and we have never had that before. That was my final curtain call. Oh my goodness, during our final bows after our last show, I was just a big puddle of tears. “[Clay] has plans for next year, but we can’t do anything too extravagant with lights and stuff because the auditorium is going to be torn down. We are working on finding a place where we can still do theater, because we aren’t going to shut down the program for a year and a half.”
Allie Studdard, 12
Hollan Pfautz, 11 Rodney 10 Lambert
Connor Qualls, 12 “I feel like our class is different than any other class. We have grown up together, and we are more like a family. It doesn’t matter if you’re the popular kid, if you’re in band, if you’re a cheerleader or if you’re a football player; it doesn’t matter because we are all here for each other. I’m so grateful for all of us. I feel like our class has been through a lot of changes from A/B block [schedule] to [the] seven period [schedule]. We now have three different lunches and the millage has passed, so there’s so many different changes, and I think that taught us to work around schedules and to be prepared for anything, because I know we will have to know that stuff in college and in the workforce. I think we’ve responded well to it, too. There hasn’t been any bickering or anything negative. We see the problem, fix it and move on with our lives.”
“I want to win state next year, and I want to have a good season, a winning season. I want to be a good captain for all my teammates, my younger teammates that are coming in from ninth grade. I want to be a good leader for them. In practice, I’m going to push them harder. I’m not going to cheat or try to take the easy way out, and I’m going to teach them that. We’re working hard every day, we are just getting ready for a long season.”
4 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | PROSPECTIVE
FEATURED FILMS
Students rave over new and upcoming movies HANNAH SULLIVAN| STAFF WRITER
The summer sun scorches the air as the
theater draws in teenagers to watch this year’s summer blockbuster. Workers prepare the movie room with clean aisles as moviegoers enter ready with salty popcorn for a memorable time. Movies such as “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” “Cars 3” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming” are an exciting part of summer vacation for students since they can go watch them with friends and family. Students claim that they have more time to watch and rewatch movies on summer break than during the school year. Sophomore Macy Harrison goes to the movies more often in the summer than the school year. “Me and my friends will go to the movie theaters during the school year [less than] once a month to save money,” Harrison said. “But during the summer, I go a lot more depending on the movies that are out.” According to Movie Insider, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” “Wonder Woman” and “Transformers: The Last Knight” are the most popular movies being released this summer. Junior Sydney Calvert likes to watch scary thrillers and nostalgic movies that remind her of her childhood. “I am definitely [excited to see] ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribean,” ‘Wonder Woman’ and ‘Cars 3,’” Calvert said. “I am most excited to see ‘Cars 3’ out of all of them.” Movie companies get their audience excited to see movies by including famous actors, fun merchandise, catchy music or producing their movie trailer on a channel that constantly repeats. Calvert believes that the trailers are most exciting to see. “It doesn’t really matter to me who’s in it unless it my favorite actor,” Calvert said. “The trailers get me hyped.” Movie trailer editors pick what scenes to add and edit the narration and music into it in a three to four minute video to post online.
The movie trailer editors of “Wonder Women,” Jeff Dodson and Sam Balcomb, mentioned in an interview that trailers would ruin the movie by over-explaining it. They want to pick the biggest shots because it is an exciting moment, so spoiling the movie can be a good thing. Freshman Jeffrey Wood feels that people would have a more enjoyable time at the movie theater rather than waiting three to six months for movies to come out into DVD. “You can see [the movie] on a bigger screen and have popcorn,” Wood said. Social media is a huge way producers promote their movies. Directors can tweet out how excited they are and actors can post a picture of them and the cast having lunch together on Instagram. Also, the trailer editors can post teasers from the movie online for millions of people to watch. Harrison enjoys seeing new information on social media. “Recently I have been seeing a lot of trailer [clips] on Instagram and Twitter,” Harrison said. “[Social media] informs me when something new is coming out.” The only block that keeps teenagers from seeing a variety of movies are the Ratings R, PG-13 and X. People under 13 are not allowed to see a PG-13 movie; however, if teens are mature enough to handle the graphics and language with a parent, they can see it. For a rated R movie, the theater requires anyone under 17 to be there with a parent or guardian. The parent is recommended to educate their child before entering the theater. If the movie is rated X, no one under 17 can watch the movie. Harrison has experienced not going to a movie because she did not have an adult and was underaged. “I don’t like [the movies] when it is rated R, because I’m 16 and I have a year until I can actually go,” Harrison said. “The last time I wanted to go to a rated R movie, my sister tried to [let] me in because she is older than 18. But they would not let her [in].”
Top Ten
The biggest hits of May 2017, according to Billboard
“Humble” Kendrick Lamar “Shape of You” Ed Sheeran “That’s What I Like” Bruno Mars “DNA.” Kendrick Lamar “Mask Off” Future “iSpy” KYLE ft. Lil Yachty “Stay” Zedd ft. Alessia Cara “Something Just Like This” Chainsmokers ft. Coldplay “Issues” Julia Michaels “XO Tour Llif3” Lil Uzi Vert
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CHECK IT OUT
Upcoming Concerts JAKE ROEDEL| STAFF WRITER
Travis Scott
Saturday, May 13 Walmart AMP - Rogers, Ark. | photo Maya Jackson
LOCAL JAMS
Train with OAR and Natasha Bedingfield Monday, May 22 Walmart AMP - Rogers, Ark.
Students share excitement about upcoming music festival JACK SELIG | STAFF WRITER
Thousands of excited people sing and sweat next to the Arkansas River: this is the usual scene at the music festival “Riverfest” in Little Rock. Fans young and old come to see well-known bands and singers as well as small, local bands. This year, big names are featured with alternative rock bands such as Cage the Elephant and Cold War Kids. Rapper Wiz Khalifa and Arkansas country star Justin Moore are in the lineup as well. “Billy Currington and Justin Moore are both very talented,” sophomore Alex Rabon said. “I think they will attract a lot of country music fans.” Last year, the attendance of Riverfest was 140,000, which was 38 percent lower than 2015. This year’s attendance is expected to be high because of the amount of big-name bands that are coming. “This year, there will be something for everyone because of the amount of bands going,” freshman Gretchen Bush said. “The number of people that will be there will create an awesome atmosphere.” Junior Lilly Roach hopes the attendance will be high because of the popular bands that are coming. “I think it will just make the crowd more excited,” Roach said. “Any live music always makes me appreciate life a little more.”
Music is not the only activity that will take place. Local art will be displayed and food merchandise will be sold as well. “I love the environment,” Roach said. “People come from all over Arkansas, and they all love music, dancing and having fun.” General admission tickets cost $40, and the festival starts at 6 p.m. June 1. The festival will conclude with the state’s largest firework display beginning at 9 p.m. Sunday. “There is nothing better than experiencing the festival with your friends,” Rabon said. “I hope to make some crazy memories.” This year is the 40th anniversary of the festival, and it was created when the Junior League of Little Rock brought the American Wind Symphony to Little Rock. “Last year, I had the best time,” Roach said. “I was in the pit at the X Ambassadors, and we were so close to the lead singer. It was amazing.” Junior Michael Fuhrman went to Riverfest last year as well. “It was so surreal to be around great friends and get to enjoy an awesome concert together,” Fuhrman said. “I am so glad we get to have an event like that in Little Rock.”
ZZ Top
Friday, May 26 Robinson Center Music Hall - Little Rock, Ark.
J Cole
Friday, June 9 Clear Channel Metroplex Event Center Little Rock, Ark.
Luke Bryan Friday, June 9 Verizon Arena - North Little Rock, Ark.
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05.08.17 | NEWS | 5
COMMUNITY ON ALERT D.C. pushes for social media awareness on missing persons cases
ALEXIS BURCH | ONLINE EDITOR
Scrolling through social media, a post appears, notifying users of yet another missing person. Today, around 2,000 families will return home to discover that a loved one is missing. The majority of the victims will be minors, and a handful will have been abducted, as reported by Fact Retriever. In an April 2 report by the Washington Post, Aaron C. David and Peter Hermann reported that it seemed that people of color in D.C were less likely to receive media attention when reported missing, and the victims were more likely to be treated as runaways. This was until Chanel Dickerson, Head of the Youth and Family Services Division of the Metropolitan Police Department in D.C., pressed for more vigilance when dealing with these cases, especially through more social media posts to alert the community. “People have to talk about it,” senior Penny Smith said. “Talking about the problem and addressing the issue, that’s important. My dad always says, ‘You need to have a voice,’ and that ‘Everybody has a voice,’ but in order
| Chase Kincaid photo
to make a difference, it has to start higher up. People higher up have to start speaking out about the problems that are going on. The President, members of Congress, all the way down to my little sister who is in fifth grade, speaking out that people are going missing.” Though many believe kidnapping is a growing problem because of the posts, according to D.C. Police, there has not been an increase in missing persons cases. Instead, there has been a surge in social media awareness. Junior Gabrielle Ayers believes the push is necessary. “Social media is a big thing in this generation,” Ayers said. “Everything spreads on social media. [It is] the fastest way [to] spread the word, any word, throughout the country.” There has been discussion about the missing victims being exploited, though at a press conference, Dickerson stated there is no evidence for human trafficking in the cases. Human trafficking is, however, a prominent issue in America. Though the U.S. is considered in Tier One by
the Trafficking in Persons Report, meaning there are policies in place to protect against human trafficking, the problem still exists. “It’s really scary,” Smith said. “People aren’t aware of it. It makes me nervous for my safety and the safety of so many of my friends and teachers knowing that just going to their car, they’re in danger.” Just last year, the Arkansas Times reported that a 15-year-old girl was rescued from a Little Rock motel where she was being sexually exploited. However, many have to come forward themselves after their abuse. Partners Against Trafficking Humans (PATH), a nonprofit organization based in central Arkansas, works to provide therapy, education, health care and recovery programs for victims of human trafficking. For the victims who have not been found, Smith hopes they continue waiting for the people who are working to find them. “We’re looking for you,” Smith said. “We’re praying for you, and we’re coming.”
LICENSED TO CARRY
House Bill 1249 legalizes possession of guns at universities LAUREN WILSON | STAFF WRITER
When seniors attend their first college class next fall, some of their classmates could be carrying a gun. Act 562 was signed by Governor Asa Hutchinson March 22 after passing through the state House and Senate. The act allows anyone over the age of 21 with a concealed carry license to carry a gun on college campuses and will take effect Sept. 1. Rep. Charlie Collins, who sponsored the bill, introduced it in January in an effort to protect students from school shooters. “By allowing concealed carry holders with an enhanced permit, I believe we can deter some of these killers from murdering our loved ones on campus,” Collins said. The bill faced resistance from Democrats and school officials across the state. Chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Joseph Steinmetz, did not see a reason to change the prior rules which allowed individual colleges to decide whether to allow guns on campus. “I made my position clear both as a candidate for chancellor in 2015 and again when the bill was introduced during the legislative session.” Steinmetz said. Senior David Fulton believes that as long as there are good guidelines put in place, it could be effective in
protecting people. “I think it’s really important to protect people who may not have a gun, people who are disabled or weakened in some way where they don’t have the ability [to protect themselves],” Fulton said. “I think it’s good to have a counterbalance of people.” Despite the good intentions, there are still drawbacks for students like junior Stratton Stillwell. “You never know who could take advantage of this law,” Stillwell said. “It could allow someone who isn’t stable to put everyone in danger.” The House and Senate debated on the bill for two months before agreeing on five amendments that expanded the breadth of the bill. The amendments expanded the people allowed to carry on campus. “The bill stayed mired in the Senate Committee on Judiciary as different amendments were offered, some successfully attached and others not,” Rep. Greg Leding said. Originally, HB1249 only extended to professors, but now allows anyone aged 21 or over with a concealed carry license to carry as long as they pass a training program developed by the State Police Department. “At this time, the rules have not been crafted and
research continues toward meeting the statutory deadline,” state police public information officer Bill Sadler said. In addition to lowering the age of carriers, the amendments expanded the bill’s jurisdiction to include public buildings like the Capitol and UAMS and college athletic events. The state received national attention after organizations like the Southeastern Conference spoke out against allowing people to carry in rowdy sporting events. “Realizing they were facing economic and electoral catastrophe, Republicans amended SB724 to carve out college athletic events, public day care facilities, and UAMS, which might have lost its accreditation had guns been allowed on its campus,” Leding said. The law before the added amendments would allow guns into Razorback stadium while umbrellas would remain banned. “As the state representative serving the district that’s home to the University of Arkansas, I strongly opposed HB1249,” Leding said. “No university or college wanted the law, and opposition from students, parents, faculty, staff, athletic departments and law enforcement was overwhelming.”
CHANGING TEMPO
Legacy directors amp up next year’s band ABBY HAGNER | STAFF WRITER
A lot of change is coming to the marching band, including splitting the band into a traditional marching band that will only march on Friday nights and “The Legacy,” the competitive group. “If The Shoe Fits” is the name of the 2017-2018 marching show, which will be based on the story “Cinderella.” The band will travel to Orlando, Fla. for the Orlando Music Festival March 14-19, 2018. Assistant band director Josh Gardner has a positive approach to change and believes that change is necessary for a progressive band program. “[Marching band] is going to be a lot different from last year,” Gardner said. “Change isn’t always taken in a positive direction, but I think it is going to be a really good thing for our program. We have a lot more benefits to the students who want to participate in different levels. The show this year is going to be a lot of fun.” “If The Shoe Fits” is going to include dancing, extensive percussion parts and more difficult music. “The percussion aspect is trying to make it a more
realistic production where it’s not just winds play[ing],” Gardner said. “It’s more of the whole band synced together and everyone participating equally. It’s going to be a lot of fun, and everyone should come out and see it.” Sophomore Maribeth Mead expects marching band to be harder this year but is ready for the band to succeed. “I expect this season to be a lot harder than it was last year,” Mead said. “Now that we’re condensing, we can add more visuals, harder music and moves. I don’t really like this year’s theme. I’m not a big Disney princess fan, but we usually have really good shows.” Drum major Sydney Calvert is looking forward to Salt Bowl, the state competition, the Disney trip and making memories with her friends. “I spend most of my time with the band during marching season, so we get really close,” Calvert said. “At morning rehearsals before competitions, I really see and appreciate everyone’s hard work. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without band.”
Junior baritone Josh Kaucher lines up for summer band practice and practices standing like “toast” to help his posture. Kaucher is looking forward to a productive season. “I’m looking forward to our new show,” Kaucher said. “I think we will do great this year, especially with all the help we’re getting.” | Jae Kubena photo
6 | OPINION | PROSPECTIVE
One Last Thought
PROSPECTIVE Bryant High School
801 N. Reynolds Rd Bryant, Ark. 72022
STAFF | EDITORIAL
It has been 224 days since we gave you the
first issue of this school year’s Prospective. We started this school year with you and weren’t sure what to expect. We faced an election that we thought would either destroy, divide or deliver America from evil (the jury is still out on that one). We saw the holidays through a new light. We explored racial relations and found love in the mess. We looked across the border, then to our own homes, and realized the world is closer to us than we may think, that los Estados Unidos no solo tiene una cultura. And now? Now we say goodbye. It’s easy to lose sight of your motivation, your “why.” When your muscles ache, that sports practice is the last thing you want to do. Late at night, those eight pages left in your trig packet are begging to be left alone. Early Saturday morning, the beat of the metronome is only pounding a headache into your brain. We’ve been there too. Late nights spent in the J-Room, slaving away at a paper we weren’t even sure you’d read. But the “why” always came back to us; it’s you, of course. You’ve supported us and you’ve loved us, and even when you haven’t, we’ve been pushed to improve. You make us better, and we are thankful. We hope you’ve found your “why” too. Winning that sports game or meet. Finally getting the grade. Hitting those last notes of the show with pride. These past six newspapers have been a love letter to you. That’s been the goal behind each of the 9,800 copies we printed, 78,400 pages, countless gallons of ink and what seemed like infinite hours of work.
866.707.5600 toll free 501.653.5328 journalism room 501.847.5605 office 501.653.5550 fax prospectiveonline.com
News isn’t written simply to spread information or spit facts into the void. It’s not politically motivated or malicious. It has no intention of harm or hate. Above all of the confusion and turmoil and “mainstream media” mess that has spun itself around the world, news exists as a tribute to the human spirit. Stories deserve to be told and heard. Listening is, after all, the purest way to love. News is nothing more, and God forbid it be anything less. We hope we have served you well. Until next time, Bryant. The job isn’t finished yet.
Adviser Lisa Stine
Print Editors
Brad Brewer, Sarah Graham, Julia Nall
Online Editors
Alexis Burch, Emma Goad
Photo Editor
Maya Jackson
News Editor
Alexis Burch
Feature Editor
Edith Garcia
Sports Editor
Brad Brewer
Opinion Editor
Sarah Graham
Video Editors
Andrew James, Jake Partain
Artist
Taylor Hicks
Ad Manager
Chase Kincaid
Circulation Manager
Chase Kincaid
Columnists
Natalie Burgess, Sebastian Diaz, Alyssa Jones
Photographers
Sydney Boswell, Maya Jackson, Chase Kincaid, Jaiden Kubena, Julia Nall, Nicholas Shea, Savannah Sullivan, Jalin West
Page Designers
Brad Brewer, Alexis Burch, Natalie Burgess, Edith Garcia, Emma Goad, Sarah Graham, Julia Nall
Staff Writers
Dahlia Bray, Brad Brewer, Alexis Burch, Natalie Burgess, Nathan Bush, Cole Campbell, Sebastian Diaz, Edith Garcia, Emma Goad, Sarah Graham, Abby Hagner, Alyssa Jones, Jake Roedel, Julia Nall, Jack Selig, Hannah Sullivan, Lauren Wilson
Prospective is a monthly publication produced, edited and maintained by Newspaper Journalism II, III and IV students at Bryant High School. 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 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.
Print editors junior Sarah Graham and seniors Julia Nall and Brad Brewer shortly after winning “Newspaper Editors of the Year” at the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association convention this April. | Photo Connor Morris
Staff Comic TAYLOR HICKS | STAFF ARTIST
A couple last notes from the staff: we owe thanks to every teacher who let us interrupt your classes to interview and photograph students so that we
could tell good stories. Additionally, thank you to the administrators--not every student journalism staff is as lucky as we are to have such a supportive
administration. Lastly, we owe a huge special “thank you” to principal Dr. Todd Edwards for letting us up on the roof to shoot for this cover.
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from
YOUR PROSPECTIVE What has been your biggest regret of this school year? Mason Harrell | 9 “Not working hard enough in Engineering. I rely on other people sometimes, and I probably need to stop relying on them.”
Justin Dettra | 10 “Probably not doing my homework as much as I need to. [I know that] it affects your grade a lot.”
Courtney Coney | 11 “Not ever picking up my AP U.S. History textbook. We have quizzes all the time, and I’ve never read a single word out of that book. My grade is suffering because of it.”
Kaylie De Saussure | 12 “I feel like I could’ve had a lot more good experiences [this year] if I had gone out with my friends when they invited me. I can’t do a lot of stuff because I’m in a lot of AP classes. I had to make choices: the senior year experience or grades.”
7 | PHOTO ESSAY | PROSPECTIVE
CLASS WARFARE
Annual senior class competition results in tied victory In suspense, Josh Bonner waits to hear the winner of the Four Corners game during senior week. Bonner was very involved in this year’s preparations. “The previous two lunches, we came in second, and it came down to the same situation, so I really didn’t want that to happen again,” Bonner said. “There was a lot of suspense, and I didn’t really think that we would win.” | Connor Morris photo Senior red team member Sydney Bratton decorates an “Incredibles” themed door in Love Auditorium during standardized testing April 25. The red team tied for first place with purple team. “I love my team so much, and we literally have grown to be a family in this short time we’ve all been together,” Bratton said. | Hannah Martin photo Linking bandannas in shared victory, seniors Julianne Weaver & Brayan Santos celebrate their team wins on Senior Saturday April 29. Purple team won first place in the dance, and red team won first place on doors. “Our team needed to bounce back after losing the majority of the games during the lunches during the week,” purple team officer Ellie Hooten said. |Hannah Martin photo Thrilled, Ryan Lynch celebrates with his team after they won the four legged race. Lynch lead the Green Team during senior week as Secretary of the class of 2017. “I love my team, but I wasn’t expecting to win twice in a row,” Lynch said. “I was extremely pumped.” | Connor Morris photo
As they get ready for the next senior week game April 26, senior Jacob East talks with other seniors. The purple team was falling behind in senior week games. “I was definitely nervous to start the game, because we had been losing a bunch and I knew we needed to get a big win,” East said. | Sydney Boswell photo
During Senior Saturday April 29, senior Ingrid Olsen participates in a food game to move a cookie from her forehead to her mouth without using her hands. Yellow team placed last in the game. “I got more confident during the game,” Olsen said. “I was nervous going into it, because it was something I had never done before, and I ended up getting it first try.” |Kara Maurer photo At the Senior Week games, senior Sarah Clemmons plays the role of the hippo in a real life version of “Hungry, Hungry Hippos.” The “hippo” was placed on a skateboard while another student controlled their feet. “My role was to try to grab a green ball, and then Presli [Pendergrass] was supposed to pull me back so she could get on,” Clemmons said. |Hannah Martin photo While blindfolded, senior Connor Qualls contemplates his next move during the senior week game, Four Corners. Green team was victorious during first lunch, red team won second lunch and yellow team won third lunch. “It was exciting and very nerve wracking, because I knew every time I called something, the teams would cheer, so I didn’t know who won or who didn’t until I took the blindfold off,” Qualls said. “It was a lot of fun.” | Jaiden Kubena photo
SHOW YOUR SCHOOL SPIRIT Bryant Hornet Visa® debit cards are available at Arvest Bank. Obtain your card by opening a new checking account, or by ordering a replacement card on an existing account. Stop by today to get your Bryant Hornet debit card!
Available for use with checking accounts only; Deposit Agreement Addendum must be signed by parent or guardian if under the age of 18 years; $50 minimum deposit required to open account; Existing customers will be charged a replacement fee.
(501) 379-7907 3217 N Reynolds Rd, Bryant arvest.com/style
Member FDIC
8 | SPORTS | PROSPECTIVE
CREATING HOME
SPORTS RECAP
Senior Seth Tucker reflects on his athletic career as a Hornet
Aug. 8 After a controversial ruling from American Legion Baseball, a cancelled regional championship game cancelled the hopes of the Bryant Black Sox to go to the national tournament, ending the careers of several Bryant baseball players.
SETH TUCKER | GUEST WRITER
Moving into Bryant my sophomore year from the Chicago area was like stepping into a foreign land. The food, the accents, the climate, the entire move was a drastic change. But the most significant change that I can remember was the school pride. School pride here at Bryant is special, especially within the athletic programs. From the student sections, to the various booster clubs, to the one of a kind Legacy, Bryant holds itself to a much higher standard than most communities as far as high school sports go. Some people may take it for granted because they’ve never seen otherwise, but coming from first-hand experience, the Bryant Hornets have been more than a blessing to play for. When I picked up football my senior year, I had no clue what I was getting into with our new head coach Buck James. Coach James is a man who knows how to win, and with a team that was picked to win no more than three games, a team of “misfits,” full of transfers, players from all classes, and guys that came in from other sports (like myself), Coach James pushed us hard and did what it took to make a winning team out of us, a team that would make it deeper into the state playoffs than any other team in school history. I’ll never forget the Friday nights on the football field with the entire community behind us. I can speak for the whole 2016 football team when I say that we did everything we could to make you guys proud for supporting us so well. Even though I had an injury that ended my football career a little earlier than I expected, I would go through it all again just to sign kids’ papers at the elementary, just to hear that one song that the Legacy played to get the sideline pumped up, just to say the Nebraska Prayer and run out of that tunnel one more time.
Sept. 2 The Hornets edged out Benton in the Salt Bowl by a score of 10-7 to win their second straight Salt Bowl game. Sept. 23 After being shut out by Fort Smith Northside 29-0, the Hornets rebounded to win five of their last six games to secure a playoff spot.
Oct. 31 Senior John Carder becomes the 7A Central conference champion in cross-country after winning the championship meet in Cabot.
Nov. 11 Bryant alumni Travis Wood returned home after winning the World Series with the Chicago Cubs. The City of Bryant threw Wood a parade and a celebration at Hornet Stadium to honor his championship.
Nov. 18 The Hornets defeated Har-Ber 23-16 to advance to their first semi-final berth in school history. Jan. 20 After suffering a heartbraking loss to Cabot last season, the Hornets got revenge this year with a 50-40 victory at home. Apr. 27 After three individual victories and a first-place finish in the 4x400 relay race, the Hornet track team was crowned 7A Central Conference champions.
SPORTS RECORDS FOOTBALL
9W-4L
BOYS BASKETBALL
18W-11L
GIRLS BASKETBALL
2W-23L
BASEBALL
16W-7L*
SOFTBALL
25W-3L*
BOYS SOCCER GIRLS SOCCER
10W-6L-1T*
VOLLEYBALL
10W-24L-1T
9W-9L*
*-As of May 1
As far as baseball in Bryant goes, it’s one of the most prestigious baseball communities in the country with players and coaches committed to making it the best it can be. Growing the kids from about the age of six, it takes a lot of effort, not only inside the program but outside as well. The parents of the community are responsible for a good part of the success too, as a lot off them commit hours of personal time to Bryant baseball. As for baseball at the high school, most know it’s a grind. Getting to morning practice at 5:30 a.m. leaving after-school practice at 6:30 PM some days, it gets tough. But I’m not going to complain about those long hours that I’ve put in over my high school career, because those long hours have created countless memories and family-like bonds that will last a lifetime. Not only that, but those hours created a state championship win for my junior season, which I will cherish and remember for the rest of my life. That’s something I can tell my kids and grandkids. Not many people get to accomplish such a feat that last year’s team did. Those long hours also taught me life lessons. Playing under Coach Bock, Coach Queck, and Coach Tharp, I’ve grown not only as a baseball player but as a young man as well. These coaches don’t just preach on baseball. They compare the way you react in the sport to the way you may react in a situation that truly matters in life, because baseball ends for everyone at some point. These coaches can take at least partial credit for the development of maturity in not only myself, but lots of other kids who have been through the program as well. I have been lucky to be a part of these teams, this high school, and this community. I’m thankful for all it has done for me on and off the field. And for as much pride as Bryant as a whole had in me and my teammates in both sports, I can say I am unbelievably proud to call Bryant home.
RULE OF PLAY
PLAYING FOR KEEPS
MONICA MARTINEZ | STAFF WRITER
NATHAN BUSH | STAFF WRITER
AAA rules prohibit students from nonschool play Often, the general public is unaware of what goes on behind the scenes of high school athletics. Beyond the field, there are rules and regulations that help balance students’ academic and athletic lives. One specific rule applies to both coaches and athletes. Rule 13, established by the AAA (Arkansas Activities Association), states that “a student who is a member of a school’s athletic team may not try out for, practice with, participate with or be a member of a non-school athletic team in the same sport, in season, without losing eligibility for up to a full year.” This rule applies to members of school football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball and soccer teams. “All rules of the AAA are voted on by each member school of the AAA,” AAA Executive Director Lance Taylor said. “Only the superintendents and principals from each member school may vote on the rules.” Junior soccer player Jhorman Cruz has recently been directly affected by Rule 13. “I was suspended for two games for playing for an adult soccer league in Otter Creek, which [is not] a club,” Cruz said. “I [did not] know about this rule so I just took it as practice to get better.” This rule is explained in detail in the AAA’s official manual. “The rule has been in effect for [around] 30 years, just about as long as I have been coaching,” head football coach Buck James said. Reasoning behind the establishment of this rule has to do with athletes’ safety. “This rule, in my judgment is important to keeping balance in a student-athlete’s rigor between academic and athletic demands, and also, preventing possible injury situations not associated with the school team and professionally-trained coaches,” athletic director Michael Lee said. Taylor puts the logic behind the rule into context. “The main reason I have heard is for safety reasons,” Taylor said. “There are more injuries from over-usage these days among athletes. If [an athlete] practice[s] or play[s] for [their] school team 2-3 hours each day and then [goes to play] with another team, [their] chances of being injured increases over 50 percent because of over-usage and being tired.” Sophomore baseball player Logan Grant believes the rule also has to do with determination. “If [an athlete] wants to play for the high school, then [they should not] be able to play for another organization because in [the school’s] program [they] want players who are all in and not worried about other programs,” Grant said. Although the rule was put in place with student athletes’ benefit in mind, some do not see it the same way. “I respect the AAA, but in my thinking, I believe [athletes] could get better by playing more and getting more touches on the ball,” Cruz said. “Of course, as long as [they] put the high school program first.”
Senior athletes recieve scholarships for their abilities With their high school careers winding down, it is now time for senior athletes to look toward the future. After a long season of attention from college scouts, their lifelong commitment to excellence will pay off soon. Senior runner Jadyn Lewis never believed she would have the chance to run in college. “I’ve always wanted to run in college,” Lewis said. “Up until a year ago, I never would have thought I was fast enough. I had a really good junior season, and that’s when my recruiting really kicked off.” Lewis stated that while the recruiting process was a great experience, it was very difficult with the cards she was dealt. “It’s really hard, because girl scholarships and track scholarships are very hard to get, because track doesn’t bring money to the school like a sport like football,” Lewis said. “Me and my dad emailed tons of coaches. We ended up filling out 150 to 200 questionnaires. It was really stressful, but I had a lot of fun along the way.” Lewis will attend Arkansas State University and cannot wait to start. “I didn’t even think I was going to go there, but my visit, I was blown away,” Lewis said. “I’m very excited for my future there.” After receiving interest from several in-state schools along with offers from Lyon College, Harding University and University of Arkansas at Monticello, senior basketball player Romen Martin decided to commit to Harding. “My biggest goal at Harding is to be the Freshman of the Year,” Martin said. “It’s going to be hard, but if I stay in sync and keep doing what we do, I like my chances.” Martin received attention from college scouts at multiple games and tournaments throughout the season, but refused to give into the pressure. “It’s crazy knowing that someone came just to watch you play,” Martin said. “The whole recruiting thing is really complicated. I just tried to focus on basketball.” As for senior soccer player Caroline Campbell, she never would have believed she would play college soccer. Campbell has played soccer for virtually her entire life. “I started playing soccer when I was just three-yearsold,” Campbell said. “I never thought I would have the opportunity to play college soccer. It’s honestly still so surreal.” With the obvious pressure of the college season looming, Campbell reminds herself of her goal. “I just need to try my hardest and always do what’s best for the team,” Campbell said. “That’s what good teammates do.”