PROSPECTIVE 801 N. Reynolds Rd. Bryant, AR
Bryant High School
Vol. 26, Issue 4
March 8, 2019
#METOO
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s the #MeToo movement began picking up in early 2018 and powerful figures in the film industry began to be investigated over sexual assault and harassment allegations, men and women alike were empowered to begin speaking out about their own experiences. Despite the potential pushback, people spoke out against
INSIDE
News Special Coverage Hype Feature Opinion/Editorial Photo Essay Sports
everyone from Supreme Court nominees to Lieutenant Governors, and assault survivors rallied at state capitols around the country. While the media attention tends to focus on college students and adults, teenagers are victims of sexual harassment and assault, too. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest
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National Network (RAINN), two out of three victims under the age of 18 are between the ages of 12-17, placing the majority of victims in high school. However, these sexual crimes are not often discussed in schools, leaving many victims confused and powerless and not giving all students education to help prevent sexual misconduct from
STUDENT EXPERIENCES AT THE U.S./MEXICO BORDER page 2
happening in the first place. This is not just a women’s problem either, as one in ten reported victims are male. Sexual harassment and assault affects everyone, so it is harmful to students when schools fail to provide adequate resources for preventative measures and victims. Even though not all sexual misconduct happens on school
campuses, students are still affected in their daily lives and may be unaware of the resources that may be available to them. Through breaking the stigma around sexual assault and harassment, victims can feel supported and empowered instead of guilty and ashamed.
OSCARS & MINORITY FILMS
MRS. HOPE BOONE, CAFETERIA QUEEN
E-SPORTS LEAGUE BEGINS COMPETITION
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“NO MEANS NO
“I am a male who was sexually “I was raped, and I didn’t assaulted by a group of women, even know what that meant and I feel people would judge me when it happened, because no more than want to support me.” one ever told me.”
something wrong, telling someone about it. It’s kind of just ignored if it happens in school. I think people could be taught better defense strategies [against assault]. No one really knows what to do if it happens. I think you could do it in a P.E. class. We had the Real y sexual assault didn’t just a lot to deal with. They actually Deal [sex education] stuff, but we affect me that much at the try to have friendly conversation didn’t have anything [about] sexual time, because honestly I with me a lot, which I don’t really assault. I think maybe if we had didn’t think much of it. appreciate. I try to avoid them. I like just a short, one day course like As I thought about it more, as I’ve don’t think they necessarily realize that, that would be really helpful. grown older, I can’t really get help they did something wrong, which I think there just needs to be a for it anymore, because there’s no is not great, but it’s just weird that definite way to say [this was or was way I can get proof or anything. I’ve they act like everything’s normal. not sexual assault], and it’s hard. just been talking to people a lot and I think teachers and students can I think if I had gotten help then, working through it, and I have to do better in school, like pointing things definitely would be different. see this person every day, too. It’s things out, or when someone does His life definitely wouldn’t be the
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t’s important for people to talk about [sexual assault]. It’s a painful thing to talk about. When you talk about it, you’re reliving it a little bit. Most people think when girls are sexually assaulted, it’s their fault, or they’re lying about it and nothing happened. I
were in your pants?’ I thought that he was joking or trying to get me to admit something. The next day, he came to pick me up. We went to his house. I went to the bathroom, and when I came out, he asked didn’t think anyone would me to sit by him. I told him believe me, and I was afraid. to stop multiple times, and You’ll never get over it--it’s he wouldn’t. I picked up my something you can try to phone, and he took my phone. forget, but won’t. It was my He said, ‘You better not say god-dad. He used to pick anything to anybody.’ He me up every Tuesday in the called me later and he asked summer. We went out to me, ‘Did I like it?’ The next lunch, and he asked me, ‘How day, it happened again. It was would you feel if my hands at my house, and I kept telling
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same. I think honestly, I would’ve gotten a lot of crap at school for it. I think I wouldn’t have the same friends that I do now. Once you do something like that, you can’t take it back. There are kids at school that will be supportive and will help you through it, but obviously, the person who did something wrong and their friends and their family are all going to be against you. There’s just a lot pushing against anyone trying to make a difference. If you’ve gone through the same thing, if you’re in a situation like that, take a minute, think about what happened and take action then. It’s not going to help if you realize things years later.”
him to stop, he wouldn’t. Monday, I called my aunt and I told her everything that had happened. She told me that if I didn’t tell my mom, she was going to. Wednesday, he was going to pick me up, and my mom showed me that he was a sex offender. [Now], I don’t trust people. I don’t like people touching me in certain places. I don’t like jokes about rape.”
If I had gotten help then, things definitely would be different.
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PROSPECTIVE Special Cov. March 8, 2019
“You feel like it is your fault, and if you don’t say stop at first, you’re the wrong one.”
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get over it.
66%
of students who have been sexually assaulted or harassed have not sought help.
students say that they have been sexually assaulted or harassed.
SURGICAL PRECISION Anatomy, Sports Med students observe ACL reconstruction STAFF WRITER | NATASHA ARENDT
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leg from a deceased woman who donated her body to science was set up on the front table as students filled seats of the multipurpose room Jan. 30. Thanks to the orthopedic medical device company Arthrex, Dr. Bill Hefley, and physician’s assistants, Anatomy and Sports Medicine students were able to view a chondroplasty, ACL replacement and a meniscus repair in real time. Before the procedure began, Hefley went over a presentation on the parts of the knee and explained why he chose to become a surgeon. “You get to meet all these great people, help people and cure people,” Hefley said. “You take these people who are in terrible pain, and you get to help relieve some of that pain.” With the help of an assistant physician, Hefley filled the knee with water to expand and magnify the joint, making things easier to see. A tiny camera was inserted into the joint to allow students to observe the surgery. As silence filled the room, Hefley made a few jokes between scientific explanations to make students more comfortable. “Do not try this at home,” Hefley said, as he
With the help of an assistant, senior Alyssa Sawyer inserts surgical tools into a cadaver’s knee while watching her movements on a video camera. Sawyer participated in the lab as part of her Anatomy class. Photo|Jaiden Kubena
inserted a needle into the knee. With the camera, students could see pinkish cartilage floating in the water. The tendons were shiny and white, and when the leg was moved, bones in the knee moved in turn. At one point, Arthrex’s logo could be clearly seen on the
instrument Hefley was using. Arthrex donated many of the instruments used in the procedure. One student who watched the procedure, senior Amber Atkin, said she was interested because she plans to pursue a career in healthcare. “If anyone is going to do anything in the medical field, they should take Anatomy and try to see a cadaver lab,” Atkin said. Because of strict regulations surrounding donated bodies, high school students rarely get to see a cadaver lab. “If there was a zombie apocalypse, and there were no surgeons around, how many of you think you could replace someone’s ACL now?” Hefley said as he inserted the ACL replacement. The ACL replacement was made of a man-made material, a copy of which was passed around to let students see how strong it was. “Surgeons like to admire their own work,” Hefley said as he completed the replacement. “At the end, they say ‘Doesn’t that look good?’ and everybody says ‘Yes.’” As coolers containing an arm and a leg were unpacked to allow for dissections, Hefley answered general questions about being a
BELLA HERRING|STAFF WRITER
surgeon. “The most tedious surgery is hand replants,” Hefley said. “You are reconnecting blood vessels bigger than a hair, but not by much. You use sutures you cannot see with the naked eye, [so] you have to use a magnifier.” Hefley estimated he has performed 20,000 to 30,000 surgeries, and said he sometimes works several days at a time with short breaks for coffee, snacks and naps. During lower risk surgeries, the surgical team will often listen to music. “You learn to work tired,” Hefley said. Some more light hearted questions regarding medical television shows were asked as well. “I do not watch ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’” Hefley said. “They always say the [medical terminology] wrong, they do the wrong stuff, [so] it is not very realistic. Usually [the characters] are just making out in a broom closet or something.” When questions were over, students watched dissections of an arm and leg and were able to examine muscles and organs hands-on. “I was a little nervous since it was a dead person, but it was really interesting,” Atkin said. “I would totally do it again.”
HOME OF THE BRAVE Students cross U.S./Mexico border seeking better life *All names have been changed to protect students. rom fleeing violence, escaping poverty or simply looking for better opportunities, immigrants cross the Mexican border and enter the United States every day. In the media coverage and debate regarding immigration, stories and experiences of the immigrants themselves are often left unheard. In 2016, Donald Trump won the Presidential election, with his biggest promise being to build a wall funded by Mexico at the U.S.-Mexico border in order to end illegal immigration. Trump’s promise has since been left unfulfilled. His phone call with former Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto ended in Mexico rejecting Trump’s plan, refusing to pay. Two and a half years into his first term as president, Trump shut down the government in a failed attempt to
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secure funding for the wall. According to ICE officials, 256,085 immigrants were deported in 2018. This was a 13 percent increase from the 2017 fiscal year. New York Times author Ron Nixon noted that a “new policy, which Mr. Trump signed in early 2017, is not selective about which illegal immigrants should be arrested or deported first. Critics said the stepped up enforcement has led to the arrest of undocumented immigrants for minor violations, or who pose no security threat.” Deportation is a risk that many immigrants are willing to take in order to make a life for themselves and their families in America. Immigrants often spend tens of thousands of dollars to get to America, only to get caught while making their journey. Junior *Maria Ramirez and her family made their way to America illegally, spending copious amounts
of money only to face the repercussions of being caught and having to pay more. “My dad had to pay $25,000 to get [my family to America],” Ramirez said. “It costs thousands of dollars to get someone here, and the money is immediate. My family spent a lot of money, and since we were caught twice, it was even more.” Immigrants often go through intense labor in order to raise money to find a way to America. Many jobs require waking up early in the morning and not getting done until late at night. Some children will not go to school so they can work for their families. Sophomore *Carlos Sanchez experienced physically demanding work before getting to come to America. “I had to work for 12 days in order to get [to America],” Sanchez said. “I had calluses, and my hands got so bad that I wasn’t
able to work anymore.” Along with having to leave everything behind, many immigrants’ journeys to America involve a lot of uncertainty. From putting their lives at risk to genuine fears of being caught, their border crossing rarely goes according to plan. “In what was supposed to be a week, it took me 14 days to get to America,” Sanchez said. “While me and a friend were crossing the border, we ended up getting lost and spent about eight days that way.” Despite hardships that come with immigrating to a new country, students who are immigrants also face the difficulties of culture and language barriers. Many immigrants come to America knowing little to no English. This is especially difficult in schools, where, in addition to having difficulties comprehending the subjects they are learning, they face harassment because of their trouble
speaking clear English. Junior *Valerie Lopez feels empathetic for students struggling with their classwork and making friends, since she has been in their shoes. “I hate to see [students who are immigrants] struggle with school and get harassed because they don’t understand the language,” Lopez said. “I went through that when I first got here, and it’s really difficult.” Children who have immigrated with their families also often experience intense pressure from their parents. Their parents want to see them succeed in America, so they are urged to learn English quickly, as well as work hard and make good grades in school. “When I first got here, my mom was really strict about me learning English,” Lopez said. “I learned English in one year. I went to school in Conway, and there weren’t that many people that
could speak Spanish, so I had to learn English by myself. My mom expected me to learn [English] one day to another, and it was a lot of pressure.” Immigrating families often spend their life savings trying to create a new life in America. Once they arrive, they are immediately ostracized in the workforce. Some Americans believe that immigrants come to America because they didn’t want to work in the countries that they came from. This contradicts
many immigrants’ views, as they see America as more of a job than just a place to live. When sophomore *Alejandro Santiago came to America, his father told him that America was not worth going to if he was not willing to work hard. “When we got here, my dad told me that America is not a joke,” Santiago said. “I was told that you have to work hard here and actually put effort into what you do. America is here to help you out, and you can’t mess around.”
“People who know my “It’s easy to make yourself “When it happened, I was afraid believe that you’re just being attacker often don’t believe me people would blame me dramatic, and then you start to and say that he’s a good or think I’m a whore.” dismiss your own problems.” person, and that’s not like him.”
Students explain their experiences with sexual assault and harassment
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trial. He’s living his life with his wife and kids. I see him every now and then, and that kind of triggers anxiety. I originally said that nothing happened to me because I was scared, but I eventually told the police. I try my best not to bring it up--some of my past boyfriends didn’t know. If you’re going through sexual assault, tell someone. I thought I was going to get in trouble, I thought I was going to get hurt. Keep pushing, it does get better.”
I felt like
everything
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t started when I was 11 and it ended when I was about to turn 13. My stepdad would drug my mom, so that way she wouldn’t wake up or hear anything, and he would come into my room when I was sleeping. It was really scary, and it happened two to three times a week. He would touch me in places that he shouldn’t
No one had ever told me. There was only one time that my mom was awake during it. I saw her in the hallway, and I tried to call out to her, but she was drugged and she didn’t remember it. I didn’t think that he would do be touching me. Sometimes, he anything to any of my friends, but he did. He drugged me and would drug me, and I would did stuff to [my friend] while we wake up and my pants would were in the same bed. We had be undone, and I’d know that a court case, and it kept getting something happened. I would pushed back. At first, [my friend have to pretend that I wasn’t and I] grew distant because of upset all of the time. I lost a lot of my friends, because they were that. I felt really guilty and I didn’t have the heart to talk to like, ‘You’ve changed.’ I didn’t her. I felt like everything was know what rape was, I didn’t my fault. We actually lost the know what sexual assault was.
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I figured I’m supposed to be okay with it.
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lot of people don’t really want to say no, because they feel it’d be rude for them to do that. Back in ninth grade, of course, I didn’t think anything of it, because I figured I’m supposed to be okay with it. But every now and then a few girls would
their life has changed and they want to move on from that. I’ve experienced a lot of things, [and] I can relate to experiencing struggles and stuff like that, where I would try to just ignore it come up to me and just slap and move on and focus on the me on the butt. I would think, good things in life instead of “Okay, there really shouldn’t focusing on something that be anything wrong with that, traumatized me.” right?” But, that’s sexual harassment. It’s personal stuff. Some people are ashamed of it, and some don’t even want to think about it because
was my fault.
RESOURCES
Arkansas Crisis Center 1-888-Crisis2 Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault 501-246-3276 Crisis Hotline 1-800-656-4673 Attorney General Leslie Rutledge 1-501-682-2007 Laura’s Card https://static.ark.org/eeuploads/ag/Lauras_Card.pdf
Your school counselor is always available to help: A-Dh: Quandera Spring Di-Kh: Jennifer Watkins Ki-Rh: Brenda Rodgers Ri-Z: Ryan Jones
STAFF WRITER | CARLY LIDZY
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he Catholic Church has been under scrutiny since the early 2000s after many reports of sexual assault committed by priests and bishops. The issue has been brought up again by Pope Francis and several bishops around the world, as recent news about sexual assault of nuns and minors in the church has surfaced. While many of the more recent accusations have been made outside of the United States, Catholics in Arkansas are affected by this as well. Senior Madison Betz was raised in a devout Catholic family. “My mom is from the Philippines,which is 90% Catholic, at least,” Betz said. “My dad doesn’t really know what religion he grew up in, but he joins us [for mass].” For Betz, the recent addresses regarding sexual assault from both Pope Francis and Arkansas Bishop Anthony Taylor were shocking. “I didn’t expect it to happen, because it’s church, but it’s something you have to move on about and hope that they’ll fix it,” Betz said. “We addressed it one day in mass a couple of months ago, and they were like, “Here’s a message from the Bishop,” and he mentioned [the abuse within the church], and we talked about it and how we just hope that it won’t happen again. They didn’t try to hide it away from anybody. It’s not a secret.” Betz does not think that this should affect how others view the religion as a whole. “Some people probably think that a lot of things happen behind the scenes, but it happens in rare situations,” Betz said. “It shouldn’t reflect on the entire religion.” For sophomore Cynthia Arias, the situation caused conflicting views. “[It’s] not really [turning me against my faith], because it’s hard to turn away since I’ve grown into it,” Arias said. “[But] it makes me feel like I shouldn’t be trusting the Catholic church. They make it seem like it’s not a big deal, but it really is.” Arias has high expectations for the priests and bishops within the church. “The priests are supposed to signify someone you’re supposed to trust,” Arias said. “[This] makes people think that we’re corrupt, even though that’s not always the case. It’s certain priests or bishops that are like that.” While there are those who are untrustworthy, Arias is on good terms with the local officials. “I think I can trust our bishop, [Anthony B. Taylor],” Arias said. “Just because they use this label on Catholic people, it doesn’t mean we’re all like that.” There have been media reports regarding abuse in the church since the early 2000s, and because of that, some clergymen have released statements. The Pope has put out letters regarding the abuse and the efforts
being made to put a stop to it. In a statement, Francis said, “‘If one member suffers, all suffer together with it’ [1 Corinthians 12:26]. These words of Saint Paul forcefully echo in my heart as I acknowledge once more the suffering endured by many minors due to sexual abuse. The abuse of power and the abuse of conscience perpetrated by a significant number of clerics and consecrated persons. Looking back on the past, no effort to bed pardon and to seek to repair the harm done will ever be sufficient. Looking ahead to the future, no effort must be spared to create a culture able to prevent such situations from happening, but also to prevent the possibility of their being covered up and perpetuated… It is urgent that we once more reaffirm our commitment to ensure the protection of minors and of vulnerable adults.” Arkansas Bishop Anthony B. Taylor’s addresses have disclosed the names of several clergymen who have credible allegations against them. “In the wake of the recent scandals in the Church, I have decided to provide an accounting of cases here in Arkansas and how these allegations have been handled locally — because it is simply the right thing to do,” Taylor said. “This list is being published in the interest of transparency and to bring the truth into the light. It is my hope that these disclosures might bring healing to the victims and their families and encourage as-yet unknown victims to come forward. In my own name and in the name of the Church, I would like to apologize to all victims for the abuse you have suffered and for the way that Church leadership has sometimes failed you in the past. I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure that this never happens again.” Although those outside the church are merely baffled by the slanderous comments, those who work inside the church are widely affected. Father Erik Pohlmeier, a priest of the Diocese of Little Rock, is one of the many clergymen who are affected by these negative accusations. “[I grew up in] a very active Catholic home and [was] involved in most things at the Church,” Pohlmeier said. “In college, I made the decision to continue practicing my faith as something I wanted and not just something I inherited. Once I made that mental shift and was committed to praying more, I began sensing a call from God to serve him more directly. I took some time off from college to listen more closely and discern His voice and it became clearer that I was being called to priesthood.” Pohlmeier’s ordination was in 1998, before the outbreak of accusations within the church. “Since news of abuse became widely known in 2002, there has been justified criticism and greater suspicion,” Pohlmeier said. “The more recent news has furthered that and affects people in lots of ways, but we should be careful not to paint people in broad strokes. The effect can be as individual as each person. Some will always be critical. Some who were actually abused can begin to heal, and in some cases have continued to value
their personal Catholic faith.” Pohlmeier says it is not uncommon to expect negativity from being open about the Catholic faith, but he has had mostly positive experiences. “I have expected to get negative reactions when I am out in public wearing my roman collar, but that has not happened,” Pohlmeier said. “The reaction I get from strangers is almost always cheerful and courteous.” Pohlmeier’s overall goal is not just to clear the air around Catholicism. “I wouldn’t try to talk someone out of [being against Catholicism],” Pohlmeier said. “If someone has been hurt, they should be able to speak about that pain and be taken seriously; I wouldn’t want anybody to be stuck in that pain.” While there has been a distrust between priests, Pohlmeier believes the trust with God shouldn’t be broken. “This abuse has been the result of breaking commitments made by priests, but God’s love for his people has not changed,” Pohlmeier said. “God’s desire for priests to be faithful ministers has not changed. Abusers have hurt a lot of people, but they are not the whole Church. I have no doubt that God will continue to use the Catholic Church to speak and act with the kind of mercy that can bring healing.” While there is much controversy now, Pohlmeier is hopeful for the future. “It starts with hurt for those who have been abused,” Pohlmeier said. “I am deeply sorry for the pain they have endured and the fact that they were not taken seriously in many cases. What comes next is disappointment and anger that priest abusers could disregard people to the point of abusing them and that leaders in some cases did too little to help and even covered up what was happening. Finally, I am hopeful for changes put in place to protect victims and a call for greater faithfulness on the part of priests and bishops to the vows they have made.”
PROSPECTIVE News March 8, 2019
CLERGY CONFESSIONS Local Catholics react to Pope Francis’ statements on abuse
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4 PROSPECTIVE Hype March 8, 2019
BRYCE RHODES|STAFF WRITER
2020 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES ALEX BEYERLEIN| STAFF WRITER
PREPARING FOR PERFORMANCE
Cast rehearses spring play, “Crazy for You”
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razy for You” is a George Gershwin classic musical that features both tap and jazz dance, creating a unique and entertaining show. The cast has been rehearsing for the past three months, and despite setbacks, they are feeling confident and excited for the upcoming production. Director Jeremy Clay enjoys “Crazy for You”, because it is different from musicals Bryant High School has produced in the past, and it has songs that are easy to dance to. “Classic Gershwin is an excellent choice for teaching the songs, tap, and jazz moves in musicals,” Clay said. “Songs like ‘I Got Rhythm,’ ‘Someone to Watch Over Me,’ ‘Embraceable You,’ and ‘They Can’t Take That Away from Me’ [are in the play].” Bellas Zangler, a character that owns a theater in New York, is played by sophomore Jack Clay. The role requires a Hungarian accent that Clay has to keep up throughout the entire show. With Clay’s prior theater experience, having been in around 40 shows, he is confident in himself and the entire cast. “As a joke [in the past], I learned
a Slovenian accent,” Clay said. “The Slovenian accent and the Hungarian accent are one of the same, because
PLAYBILL OR F Y
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Javiya Lawson| Design
they are neighboring countries.” Sophomore Ben Levisee has always wanted to be in a high school show and finally decided to audition this year. He is nervous, but he is excited to fulfill his goal and play the role of a bartender named Harry. “It is nerve wracking,not right now,but when it gets to the day to perform it will be,” Levisee said. “You
do not know if you are gonna mess up or not.” Levisee has met a diverse group of people and has formed great relationships with people that he now calls family. Theater has brought a welcoming and inviting aura into his life, and Levisee feels like he belongs and wants to pursue theater in the future. “I just like doing it, and people there have the same personality as me,” Levisee said. “No one discriminates or judges other people, and it is one big nice atmosphere.” The female lead, Polly Baker, is played by sophomore Makayla Shipe, who has been in theater since she was five years old. She has researched her role and feels that her past experience has prepared her for performance. “I think every role prepares you for the next, whether it is ensemble, supporting or lead,” Shipe said. “I have researched Polly’s character descriptions and watched the people who have played her on Broadway, but all in all, I am going to make her my own, which is the great thing about theater.” The spring production will take place April 4-7.
TIFFANY TO | STAFF WRITER
SEEING IN COLOR
Bernie Sanders (Democrat) -Pro-choice on abortion -Wants to cut defense spending to balance the budget -Tuition-free college and Medicare for all
Kamala Harris (Democrat) -Pro-choice on abortion -Promotes renewable energy -Her LIFT act is a tax cut for working class families Julian Castro (Democrat) -Pro-choice on abortion -Universal preschool -Called for Universal Healthcare Tulsi Gabbard (Democrat) -Pro-choice on abortion -Supports de-escalation in Syria -Supports gun control legislation Kirsten Gillibrand (Democrat) -Pro-choice on abortion -Supports MeToo Movement -Supports renewable energy Elizabeth Warren (Democrat) -Pro-choice on abortion -Raise tax on the wealthy, cut for workingclass families -Low-cost child care Pete Buttigieg (Democrat) -Pro-choice on abortion -Considers Climate Change a national threat -First openly LGBT candidate Cory Booker (Democrat) -Pro-choice on abortion -American Opportunity Accounts for children -Supports gun control legislation Amy Klobuchar (Democrat) -Pro-choice on abortion -Practical legislation -Supports gun control legislation President Donald Trump (Republican) -Pro-life on abortion -Against the Affordable Care Act -Supports the building of a wall along the U.S./Mexico border William Weld (Republican) -Pro-choice -Against the Affordable Care Act -Does not support American intervention in Iraq and Syria beyond air support
Minority films, actors lack representation at the Oscars
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est motion picture, best cinematography, best costume design, and best lead actor. We have seen all the nominations and award-winning films, and there have been a variety of movies and actors who have won these major awards. However, what we do not see is the lack of recognition of minority films and actors. Feb. 24, the 91st Academy Awards air live on ABC. Many actors, actresses and films are nominated in 29 categories. In the past few years, most nominees have been predominantly white, sparking controversy with minorities. While some minority films, such as “Roma,” “Black Panther,” “BlackkKlansman” are nominated this year, sophomore Mariah Lee believes that minorities in the film industry should gain more attention. “Minority films most definitely should be nominated for Oscars,” Lee said. “Any and every film should be considered. The Oscars shouldn’t be about race, it should be about the actual films.” There are different views on the matter, and some people don’t believe this controversy is entirely based on race.
“I honestly don’t know, and I would want to throw the assumption that it’s because of race. That’s what everybody says, and I would guess that would be expected of me [being a minority],”
reasons as other award-winning films lacking in minorities. “I think more minority films should be recognized, but I also believe a film should be nominated for an Oscar or any other prestigious award because
Photo | Jaiden Kubena Lee said. “The topic can be seen as a racial issue to some people, but others may just interpret it as an equality issue.” Although people believe the films deserve more awards, students like sophomore Devon Wang also want films to be recognized for more than racially-diverse actors and actress. He wants them to be awarded for the same
it’s a good, impactful movie, and not solely because it’s a minority film,” Wang said. Instead of considering film nominations as a racial issue, Wang sees it as an exposure problem. “I don’t think it’s entirely a racial issue, but more of diversity or exposure issue,” Wang said. “While minority films gain major publicity from vast
audiences, some will unfortunately fly under the radar at award shows, because it’s not as usual.” Minority films that are underrecognized can affect the minorities featured in them, leading cast members to reconsider acting in such productions. Lee agrees that the lack of attention given to these films pushes minorities away from the spotlight. “[For future minority films], it would decrease the interest to pursue the professions of acting and directing, because they would assume that it’s a waste of their time, since they would be working toward a goal that they can never achieve, unless things change,” Lee said. If the controversy continues, some have suggested that minority films may have to create an awards show solely for minorities. “Future award shows can learn how to appeal to the audience of minorities,” Lee said. “If this issue continues, then minorities might be forced to have their own award shows, which it wouldn’t entirely solve the problem. It would just promote more segregation.” Even though the film industry has made some attempts to be more inclusive with casting, Wang believes that the industry will continue to cast
typical actors unless people push for changes. “We’re living in a time where there is a progressively greater shift to including more films with leading female or minority leads, supporting roles, or casts, but until more are created and represented, then there will continue to be a less diverse trend in the film industry,” Wang said.
KAILEE SPEER | STAFF WRITER
TOWARD THE FUTURE Seniors prepare for college and careers A
ccording to Business Insider, over the past 40 years, college prices have raised by 260% as of 2014. For most students, the price of the college and the amount of loans they will have to take out play a large part in the college choosing process. Counselor Amy Oury believes that students should have an idea of what they want to do by the tenth grade. “You start with what topic you want to study,” Oury said. “It kind of gives you an idea of the schools that you want to go to.” Programs such as YouScience and Naviance help students match with a college based on their financial needs and the distance that they are wanting to go from home. “They give you a general idea based on the things [you] like,” Oury said. “That guides where you are going to look.” Oury explains that as students get older, they should break their plan down to a specific idea on what they want to do. “[You] are going to fine tune the schools you are looking at,” Oury
said. “You don’t want to go to a school that does not have your degree.” Distance from home is also important in the decision making process, according to Oury. “Depending on the student, you might want a school that is 30 minutes away from home or eight hours away from home,” Oury said. Senior Addison Geary plans on attending college at either Arkansas State University or Ouachita Baptist University to study nursing. “[Either college] I go to, I have to start with the basics,” Geary said. “Then, based on my grade level, I have to get into the nursing program.” Geary explains that choosing the college she wanted to go to was very hard. “It was trying to find what fits best for me, like what size classrooms worked for me, if I wanted to go in or out of state, and if they had the degree program that I wanted,” Geary said. Geary looks forward to college. “In college, I look to having a fresh start.” Geary said. “In high school, it is the same thing every single day.” Senior Sydney Bowman plans on attending college at Louisiana Tech
Photo | Sophia Ocampo
University. “They have a good animal science program that I want to [complete],” Bowman said. “I want to be a veterinarian.” Bowman has visited the campus, and she likes it. “It was very nice,small but reasonably sized,” Bowman said. Bowman originally was going to go to Arkansas State University. “Then I remembered when Louisiana Tech came to talk to us, and [I] had
a connection with what they were saying,” Bowman said. “I was thinking about not going, and then I found out that they have a scholarship that paid for my out of state dues.” Bowman is looking forward to the freedom of college. “I just look forward to the freedom of it, and also being more grounded,” Bowman said. “Not totally on your own, but reasonably on your own.” Not every student plans on going to college right away, or at all. Senior Aveyonce Jones plans on moving to California for up to a year and then attending college. “I am going to California to get a feel of the place,” Jones said. “Either the next semester or the next year I am going to go to college.” Jones suggests that students try and find a college they want to go to around the summer of their junior year. “Those deadlines are no joke,” Jones said. “It’s not like high school, where you get points off [on an assignment]. You have to wait a whole year, or a semester.” College is a good idea, according to Jones.
“Unless your family has a business, go to college,” Jones said, “High school doesn’t teach you everything. You have to have a higher education for [most jobs].”
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FAB-U-LASH Sophomore’s eyelash business gains popularity E
yelashes have become more frequently promoted in the cosmetic industry as false lashes stock the shelves of Ulta Beauty and Seva with even more being sold online. The widespread popularity of these “luxury lashes” has further gained attention with the product used by many to top off their look, and some are even going as far as making a business out of it. Sophomore Brittany Molina has always enjoyed doing makeup for herself and others. Starting as only a hobby and a way to relieve stress, an original component of her own entertainment developed into a more tenacious pursuit in creating and selling her own unique eyelashes. “I’ve always liked doing makeup, and I started really getting into it in middle school because of anxiety,” Molina said. “Doing makeup helped to cope with it, because to me, it was just relaxing to do. I started wearing more lashes in eighth grade, and I would see all these lash companies promoting them and thought it was cool. After doing lots of research about it, I considered starting my own [business].” Her newly-founded business, “Brittany’s Lashes,” officially began in December and has
gained attention through promotions made primarily on social media. “I like to promote it through social media the most,” Molina said. “When others buy them, they also like to post on social media about it as well, so that [benefits me], too.” With frequent posts on her main Instagram account and the account of her lashes business, Molina’s products sparked the attention of many, including sophomore Sophia Ocampo, who has become a persistent buyer. “I saw her post something about her lashes on her main account, and I browsed through it, and I thought they looked nice, so I gave it a go,” Ocampo said. “I bought two pairs last week, and I recently bought another pair of her newer lashes. I’m a pretty frequent buyer.” By staying up to date with Molina’s account and products, Ocampo later gained the opportunity to help promote her business as an affiliate. “She posted on her story asking if anyone was interested, and I agreed, so I just started posting on my Instagram the code for a discount [on] her website,” Ocampo said. “You can use my code “Sophie” for 15 percent off.”
been the ones my cats have eaten,” Roberts said. “Other than that, I have been able to clean and reuse them. They stay on for a long time. They last throughout the school day, and probably would last longer, but I take them and my makeup off right when I get home.” Considering the quality of these products, the prices are at times higher due to the money put in by Molina Photo| Sophia Ocampo herself to ensure her buyers Molina’s lashes vary in prices says the lashes last about 25 receive the best lashes depending on the quality of uses. People might say some possible. Financing the the product. They may range are expensive, but they have business is her main struggle; from $5 to $15, made of a long lasting time, so it is however, her buyers keep her 100% mink, faux mink and/ definitely worth it.” afloat and allow her to make or silk. Ocampo agrees that Sophomore Sarah Roberts is enough profit to continue even the highest of prices are another consistent customer buying and selling at a worth it due to the outcome of “Brittney’s Lashes” who continuous rate. of purchasing them. Not only agrees that Molina’s lashes are “I have vendors from China are they stylish, but they last flawless. Similar to Ocampo, that I work with and buy as well. Roberts believes that the from,” Molina said. “I tell “They might look a little lashes are long lasting and a them what I want and they big and extra sometimes, perfect way to complete her create them for me with the but when you put them on, makeup routine. packaging and everything,” they look amazing,” Ocampo “The only eyelashes I have Molina said. “It can [get] said. “On her website, it had to throw away have really expensive, so the money involved is kind of [a struggle]. I usually buy samples and wear them to test them out and see how long they last. I determine prices based on the prices I buy them for and the quality of them. I still make a pretty big profit, and I take that money and use it to buy more lashes.” Roberts believes that Photo| Sophia Ocampo “Brittney’s Lashes” has a good
chance at growing into an even more successful business considering the response to Molina’s social media promotions and sales. “I think she has a lot of potential,” Roberts said. “I see her page growing and people wearing her lashes now, so I think she’ll be ‘up there,’ if you know what I mean.” Molina and her buyers agree that if her business continues progressing at the rate that it has, Molina has the potential to become a highly successful CEO and expand, gaining more customers and further growing her business. “I plan on not only selling eyelashes, but cosmetics, such as cosmetic glitters and highlighters as well,” Molina said. “I had originally wanted to sell makeup, but it is harder, so I started off with something easy, which were the lashes. I hope that I am able to expand and make my business bigger. I also want to ensure that my customers receive satisfactory [products] by making sure the quality is great. My vendor, who makes sure to send me the best products, and I work together to make sure everything is the best it can possibly be.”
PROSPECTIVE Feature March 8, 2019
EMILY RUTLEDGE| STAFF WRITER
NATASHA ARENDT | STAFF WRITER
CAFETERIA QUEEN
Hope Boone shows passion for food service work
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any students see the cafeteria staff every day, but in their thoughts about tests, homework and friends, we do not give them much thought. But whether students eat from a lunchbox or a tray, it is important to remember the humanity, hard work and planning that goes into the creation of daily school meals. Hope Boone, who has worked as cafeteria staff for 14 years, arrives at 5:30 a.m. daily in order to begin preparing food. “I like baking things like rolls, cinnamon rolls and cakes,” Boone said. “I’ve always liked it. It really has piqued my interest since I started working for the school.” She is looking forward to the new changes coming to food service at school. “We’re going to have a ramen noodle station,” Boone said. “We’re going to have a smoothie station. We’re going to have about nine different things, like a hot plate station, hamburger station and pizza, so I think we’re going into the right direction. The more choices we give y’all, the more kids are going to eat.” Though cafeteria workers do not decide the menu, they do tell the food service director and assistant director when menu items are especially unpopular. However, Boone says with more choices, it will soon be easier for
Photo|Sydney Boswell
kids to find foods they like to eat. “In the kitchen part of [the new cafeteria], we’re gonna have a station like Pie Five, where you go down and pick what you want on your pizza, and one that’s like Subway for sandwiches,” Boone said. “More choices is better for y’all, which is better for us.” Boone says that nobody who works in the food service department wants to see students go without food, so offering more choices is a step in the right direction. “I know several kids that don’t have the money to eat, so usually most food service people will pull money out of their own pockets,” Boone said. “If you’re hungry, you can tell me, and we’ll find you something to eat.” Cafeteria staff, Boone says, want to help the students at school. “I think that the most interesting thing [about working here] is working with the other ladies,” Boone said. ”I can tell that each lady loves what they do, and they love to do what they do for the kids at Bryant School District. I don’t think I know one lady, or man, that works for food service that doesn’t want to help kids.” As our school expands and improves, Boone looks forward to the upcoming changes. “I think food service in general is moving into a great area, that it’s going to get better, and I just can’t wait until next year,” Boone said.
CHRIS MORGAN | SPORTS EDITOR
FLIPS N’ TRICKS BHS students participate in advanced parkour H
e sprints down the runway, leaps forward two feet, flies over his classmate who was laying flat on his stomach, just clearing him by no more than a few inches; he hits the ground into a tuck-and-roll, stands up and jogs back in line to do it again. This is a weekly process for junior Seth Byars and sophomore Gavin Sawyer in their advanced parkour class at Empire Cheerleading. Byars first began parkour four years ago after one of his friends showed him a video of people doing parkour on YouTube. “[I thought] it was cool and unique,” Byars said. “So I thought, why not try it.” Byars said his biggest challenge is overcoming mental blocks when trying something new. “I was a twig and had to gain some muscle,” Byars said. “About three years in, I started improving, and then I just kept getting better and better.” A month ago, Byars began teaching a beginner parkour
class for young kids. According to Byars, the experience has helped him to improve on his own skills even outside of parkour. “It has helped me to understand how other people learn and process things,” Byars said. “It has also helped to inspire me, by seeing how bright the kids are.” While Byars has years of experience, not every student in advanced parkour has years of practice under their belt. Sawyer, who was influenced by Byars to begin parkour, has only been in the activity for about a year. “I had just moved to the neighborhood [that Byars lives in] and didn’t really have any friend[s] there,” Sawyer said. “After a week living there, I decided to go hang out with [Byars], and when I went over there, he was working on his backflip in his backyard, and I thought it was pretty cool.” When Sawyer started, he discovered the biggest challenge of all was overcoming fear.
“It’s pretty scary,” Sawyer said. “You know your body is not supposed to flip that way, and if you land [on] something wrong, you could get hurt.” Sawyer and Byars help each other improve. “We’ve been friends for about two years now,” Sawyer said. “Before [Byars] was a coach, he was learning a lot of [the same] things I am now. If I did something cool, he would say ‘How did you do that?’ and if he did something, I would be the same way.” Both Byars and Sawyer have unique talents when it comes to the different aspects of parkour, and their coach Lucas McDonald believes they are talented at what they do. “I have been working with [Byars] a lot longer than [Sawyer],” McDonald said. “[Byars] had one class where he just showed up and just started throwing down crazy flips and landing them. Then [Sawyer] came in, and it just became this infectious thing.” McDonald believes Byars’
coaching has ultimately helped him in his skill. “It has given him confidence,” McDonald said. “He’s always been confident, but he’s grown more mature, and his skills have sharpened.” McDonald also noted that Byars’ personality brings the whole group mood up during practice. “He’s the first person to get to practice, and when we get to training, he’s always pumping people up,” McDonald said. “When I was his age, I was that guy.” For Sawyer, McDonald believes his determination is key. “With Sawyer, he can blend being fun and goofy into one but still be one of the hardest workers in the room,” McDonald said. “Most people, when they fall down, they’ll think it’s hilarious, or they’ll get up and be even more determined, and I think he’s found a good balance between the two.
Doing a wall-backflip, junior Seth Byars flies through the air. Byars finds it key to listen to music to calm himself down before doing flips. “I always listen to music before going to the gym,” Byars said. “I keep a positive mindset, because flipping is a mental game.” Photo|Sydney Boswell
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PROSPECTIVE
PROSPECTIVE Op/Ed March 8, 2019
LISTEN TO VICTIMS STAFF EDITORIAL
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s many famous men and women spiral downhill in the face of media attention after sexual assault allegations, victims of sexual assault are still going largely unnoticed and unbelieved. In an anonymous survey of BHS students regarding sexual assault, some responses clearly demonstrated the attitudes many victims face. “Sexual assault doesn’t exist.” “We can prevent sexual assault by eradicating women.” “Sexual assaults wouldn’t happen if people would stop being hot.” “Sexual assault shouldn’t be talked about in schools because it’s boring and no one cares.” When victims of sexual harassment and assault hear comments and jokes like these, it makes it even more difficult for them to seek help. Making victims feel safe and secure when they share their story of sexual harassment or assault is crucial to creating an
environment that supports the rights of victims and reducing incidents in the first place. Forced to stand in the face of societal stigma, victims decide not to come forward for a number of reasons, but most commonly, they fear not being believed. Victims feel unheard, shamed and even blamed for their assault. They want to avoid being badgered with questions such as, “What were you wearing?” or “Were you drinking?” as if any of details should be factored into whether their assault is justified or what punishment their perpetrator should receive. Often, male victims can feel especially unheard due to the stereotype that they should be able to physically overpower their assailant. They receive flack for being weak or not trying to fight their assailant off, when no victim should be expected to do that, male or female. Victims are made to feel like they are at fault for what has happened, when that is far from the case. The
Bryant High School 801 N. Reynolds Rd Bryant, AR 72022 501.653.5328
only thing that causes sexual assault is carelessness for consent and a disregard for human life. One way to preventing sexual assaults is by teaching consent. If the concept of consent is universally taught and established in schools, sexual assault will more than likely be reduced, especially among young people, whose issue may be a lack of understanding of what consent really means. The major issue with how the law currently deals with sexual assault is the lack of support provided to victims and their families who may have trouble coping. Creating a supportive environment for those closely affected by sexual assault is crucial to destigmatizing those victims and making them feel comfortable and integrated with society, rather than isolated and ashamed. Coping as a victim can be difficult, but it can be even more difficult when victims know their assailant is still able to walk the streets freely.
Improper punishment for assault is a massive problem within the American legal system. Due to lack of proof or evidence, when women come forward and try to take legal action, sometimes nothing gets done and the perpetrator gets to go free. Giving victims the support they need to come forward sooner while evidence can still be gathered would help address this injustice. Many of us see sexual assault and harassment occur, but because the assailant is our friend or acquaintance, we may stay quiet. If we suspect that a friend has been victimized, we might avoid talking about it with them because we are uncomfortable. However, a big step toward reducing sexual assault is to speak up when we see or hear something. We can make a difference by changing the conversation about sexual harassment and assault. When we don’t speak out against it, we allow it to continue to happen.
LET LOVE IN
MAXTON PREUNINGER | EDITOR
someone else was my fault. I didn’t know who to blame for something that made me so upset, so I blamed myself. Struggling to see any worth in myself, I started basing my self-image on test grades and report cards. If I wasn’t good at school, I thought that I wasn’t good at anything--unless messing things up was considered a skill. was seven years old when my A couple of years later, I figured out parents split. I remember pausing “Ratatouille” that I was not only gay, but trans, too. I had never felt so wrong in my entire and looking out of the window life. I felt defective and repulsive. It was as we were pulling out of our Baltimore garage for the last time, another blow to the little self-love I had. And now, as junior year has proven trying not to cry as I realized I would itself to be a tall mountain to climb, never get to play with the neighbors I’ve been faced with trying to find the in our storage room hide-out; would good in what seems to be a nevernever get to check out that library book ending stream of stress. I can’t rely on that was waiting for me on hold; would my grades for self-confidence anymore, never get to slide down the stairs on a and having to think about who I will be mattress. in college has started pushing me out I didn’t understand why my dad was of a complacent state of self-loathing, waving from the driveway. As far as guiding me to what Twitter has been I was concerned, he was just going to screaming about for the past two years. meet us in Arkansas. It wasn’t until Self-love is hard. years later, when I was about 12, that I It is especially hard when people understood that my mom just wanted around you constantly tell you that my brothers and I to have a dad who something is wrong with you, or that cared. you are worthless because of things you From that realization, I convinced can’t control, like race, sexuality and myself that I was the reason that they gender. Self-love seems like something decided to split up. Even though I now only for people who have enough know that there was nothing I did to privilege to avoid the hate that comes split them up, nor was there anything with being any sort of minority. that I could have done to keep them The distinct culture of high school together, it planted a seed in my brain makes self love even harder, as I’m that would constantly remind me that never surprised when I hear people even the slightest inconvenience to
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base their own self worth oon who they’re dating, what their class rank is or what college they didn’t get accepted to. If you add personal trauma into the mix, there are so many obstacles that everyone faces in order to reach a point where they are content with who they are and where they are in life. It can seem like the world is plotting against those lacking in the self-love department, but self-love isn’t meant to be easily achieved. While it would be lovely to just wake up one morning and suddenly accept everything I want to change and not have to consistently work to create a positive environment for myself, that’s not reality. Self-love is a messy thing. It’s hard to acknowledge emotions that make you uncomfortable, and it’s hard to process and accept the things you can’t change. It’s hard to cut off toxic friends who have been with you since 1st grade, and it’s hard to find healthy coping mechanisms, but it’s not impossible. Self-love is a journey that will probably last for your entire life. No matter how successful or talented you are, you are always able to grow as a person. You are always able to improve. That’s not to disregard any experiences that will follow you throughout your entire life. For example, I know that my gender identity will always play a role in my lifestyle and what I’m able to do safely. However, if you allow yourself to be
defined by something that you can’t control, then you will never grow to your full potential. The more we say no to the unknown, the more we prohibit ourselves from exploring every part of ourselves. Saying “Yes” is a path to self-love. Saying “Yes” is how you move outside of your comfort zone, take calculated risks and foster opportunities that you may have never dreamed of having. Believing that you aren’t good enough limits you to everything that you already know, but there’s no growth in comfort. While I do wish I could be a few inches taller and a lot better at math, I know that there are loads of qualities I have that compensate for a lack of height, and I know that there are loads of other things that I’m pretty great at. There is so much out in the world to experience and explore, but I will never be able to experience anything new from within my comfort zone. I dream so much of leaving Bryant and traveling the world, teaching children and doing what I love, but if I’m shrouded by clouds of self-doubt, my dream will never become reality.
FINDING PEACE IN GOD MADISON BASCO | STAFF WRITER
time, I never thought I could escape it. The funny thing about anxiety is that most of the time there is no real problem. There is nothing to actually be worried about. It is just a long and daunting list of what ifs and worst case scenarios. However, it was enough to control me, and it only created setbacks. I never oshua 1:9, “Be strong and wanted to go to school, and the thought courageous. Do not be afraid, of going to church was terrifying to me. and do not be dismayed for the What people thought of me was my main Lord your God is with you focus for the longest time. I never wanted wherever you go.” I look at this verse to go to youth groups at church, because over and over again, and each time, I I figured that there was no way people become more reassured. It has always would accept me. I have always been been comforting to me as someone who very shy and introverted, and I assumed struggles with anxiety to know that I do that I would be judged for it. I now know not ever have to go through anything that I am not alone in my struggles, but alone. God is with me every step I take, in an extroverted world, it very much even when it does not seem like it. feels like it. Anxiety is something that I have always Being a Christian is what truly helped had to deal with, constantly stressing me cope with my anxiety. I struggled, about ridiculous things, avoiding certain like a lot of teens, with the idea of not situations and overthinking every little being good enough. When I scroll thing. It has been attached to me ever through social media and even when I since I was little, and for the longest am walking down the hallways, thoughts
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of self doubt never fail to enter my mind; however, it took me a long time to realize the most significant thing in my life. I know for sure that I am good enough for God. I have and will always be accepted by Him no matter what. I know that God truly loves me despite all my flaws. My main problem was that I was constantly seeking approval from so many different things. I wasted all my time looking to fulfill my need to be accepted when God was the only one who could accept me. The only opinion that really mattered was God’s. At the beginning of my freshman year, it took all the courage I had to simply go to a youth group at church, but I kept Joshua 1:9 in the back of my mind at all times. God is going to be with me, and I know I am going to be okay. To my surprise, I truly did feel accepted, and I felt God working in my life. It was so impactful to finally be surrounded by people who would lift me up and help me with my walk with Christ. I did not feel lost like I had before, and my life
was working out like I wanted it to. Letting God handle everything shifted all aspects of my life. I decided to apply for my school’s newspaper, which is something that my anxiety would have told me not to do. I truly felt led to it, and I knew that if I did not try it, I would be left with regret and guilt. I am so glad that I did not let fear guide that decision, because it has been one of my greatest experiences. I can honestly say that it has become something very special to me, and I am so glad that fear did not take that away from me. I have come so far and done so many things that are extremely out of my comfort zone. Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, and do not be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” I look at this verse every time anxiety creeps up on me. I can do it, and I am good enough, because I am good enough for God. That is the only thing that truly matters.
FROM YOUR Students share their thoughts on the PROSPECTIVE limits of freedom of speech MADISON BASCO | STAFF WRITER
DESTINY NELSON | 9
NATHAN BROWN | 11
“I believe that we should be able to give our own opinions, because that’s what’s right. You [shouldn’t] have to worry about being judged, because it doesn’t necessarily matter if it’s right or wrong. Everyone is going to have a different opinion.”
“I think we should always be able to say what we want to say. The flip side of that is [that] you’re not free from ridicule once you [express your opinions]. I think everyone can be held accountable to what they say, but not necessarily legally. You have the freedom to say whatever you want, but [people] have the right to [disagree with it]. The only thing not protected by the first amendment is credible threats, so if it’s not in that category, it’s up for debate.”
DAVID QUINONES | 10
JARELY RAMIREZ | 12
“I think we should always be able to give our opinions on certain things, but we should also tolerate [other’s opinions] regardless of whether you agree with it or not, because most issues in our society don’t come from whether we agree. It’s how we respond to those certain things. If we respond with more hate, that’s how hate comes about.”
“I think there should be a limit to what we say sometimes at school, because it might hurt people’s feelings. We should also see other people’s opinions. [For example,] Trump speaks his mind, and some people find that to be rude, but we should [try to understand] other people’s opinions towards what he says.”
Editors
Rosemary Gregg, Emily Maxton Preuninger
Hall,
Photo Editor Sydney Boswell
Page Designers
Sydney Boswell, Bradley King, Emily Hall, Javiya Lawson, Kumani Lawson, Maxton Preuninger
Graphic Designer Javiya Lawson
Business Manager Kumani Lawson
Photographers
Sydney Boswell, Hunter High, Bradley King, Jaiden Kubena, Sophia Ocampo
Writers
Natasha Arendt, Rowdy Baribeau, Madison Basco, Alex Beyerlein, Rosemary Gregg, Emily Hall, Bella Herring, Carly Lidzy, Chris Morgan, Emma Morgan, Rhea Patel, Cora Perry, Maxton Preuninger, Bryce Rhodes, Emily Rutledge, Kailee Speer, Tiffany To
Adviser
Lisa Stine 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. 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.
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Students take electives to prepare for careers Grinding a pipe, junior Omar Avila takes the paint off in Welding Feb. 21. Avila was taking off the paint so he could practice welding on it after. “I want to weld when I get out of high school,” Avila said. Photo|Hunter High As sparks fly, sophomore Marbella Ibarra works on her newest project in Welding I. Ibarra and a classmate made a grill. “I was making a grill with Raul, which stayed in the class,” Ibarra said. “[But] we never tried to use it and see if it would grill.” Photo | Daniela Lara
Melting metal, junior Zachary Thompson works on his project in Welding I Feb. 21. Welding students had been working on welding grills. “There is lots of hands-on stuff,” Thompson said. “There are lots of benefits.” Photo | Jae Kubena Working the blow dryer, senior Hannah Eason drys her mannequin’s freshly shampooed and conditioned hair. She took Cosmetology to help her to have a job while in college. “We practice on mannequins to help us perform better on clients,” Eason said. Photo | Alex Melton
Concentrating on perfection, senior Brittany Graves works on sculpting her pottery work in Stacie Hart’s Ceramics class. In Ceramics, students make pottery, throw pieces on the wheel and have fun. “I just get on there and make magic,” Graves said. Photo | Abigail Weihe Arranging souffles, senior Darcie Dunbar prepares them to be torched. She was finishing up her mini chocolate souffles in her Culinary Baking class. “We were about to torch them with a flame,” Dunbar said. Photo | Alex Melton Changing the brakes, senior Nick Fowler checks the caliper to make sure it was still good. He was working on a Hyundai Tiburon in his Automotive class to help him prepare for his future. “I love working on cars, and it’s the thing I want to do in my life,” Fowler said. Photo | Alex Melton
Sanding the weld, junior Gage Crane works on his welding project that will soon become a table. He plans on going to college for welding. “I love the class, because I get to learn new things,” Crane said. Photo | Hunter High Looking at a phone, senior Katie Terry laughs with kids at the Boys and Girls Club of Bryant. Terry works at the Boys and Girls Club to to prepare herself for her career. “You make really good relationships with the kids,” Terry said. “It teaches me how to be a good leader.” Photo | Sydney Boswell Sparks flying, sophomore Logan Moore melts metal in Welding I Feb. 21. This is Moore’s first year in the Welding class. “My grandpa used to weld, so I always wanted to,” Moore said. Photo | Sydney Boswell
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PROSPECTIVE Photo Essay March 8, 2019
JUMP START
8 PROSPECTIVE Sports March 8, 2019
BRYCE RHODES | STAFF WRITER
THE MODERN SPORT Competition in cyberspace as students join eSports L
ights flash and controllers buzz as th Bryant Gaming teams compete to destroy enemy bases, score goals and defeat opponents as the clock runs out. Students can join one of three teams playing the games Rocket League, Smite or League of Legends as they prepare to compete against other schools after the Arkansas Activities Association has officially sanctioned online gaming in the state. The general manager of Competitive Gaming, Brenda Qualls, oversees the gaming teams because she teaches students who are more than likely interested in gaming. “I teach computer science, and a lot of my students
are gamers,” Qualls said. “I have also hosted the Smash Brothers tournament.” Many of Qualls’ students are interested in programming, computer science and coding, so their interests often differ from the majority of students at Bryant. “A lot of these students may not be involved in any[thing] else, so it gives them a little school spirit, and they get to meet people they never have before,” Qualls said. “They’re forming groups, and I just like the inclusion of everybody.” The students in competitive gaming are a very diverse group and some are involved in unexpected extracurriculars. “I have people from band to football players to people who have never been in any
organization at all,” Qualls said. One of the competitive gamers, senior Logan Reed, plays League of Legends, which is a player versus player game where teams strategize to fight effectively. “League of legends is a five versus five player vs player, and there [are] three lanes and a jungle,” Reed said. “Throughout the game, you’re fighting another team and working with your team to take out the enemy base.” Reed is a football player, so he is used to a competitive environment and believes that E-Sports has a comparable energy and pace. “Though it does it not have the physical aspect, it does have the mental and strategy aspect of a sport,” Reed
said. “My favorite part of competitive gaming would be the thrill of it and being able to work together as a team to achieve a goal.” Another competitive gamer, senior Ivan Munez, is an avid gaming fan and is a member of the Rocket League team, which is similar to soccer, but with cars. “I play Rocket League fairly decently, and [I’m] hoping to become better with teamwork and support,” Munez said. While playing a video game is not traditionally viewed as a sport, Munez claims that it qualifies because of the effort and discipline required to succeed. “E-Sports is a sport because it relies on a person’s ability to communicate and/or engage in what their objective is
effectively,” Munez said. “It is like a soccer team needing to work together to score a goal.” Rocket League and the other games the students play can be very competitive, and Munez states that timing is crucial to the outcome of a match.
“The three-five minutes in a game seem so short, and the smallest of errors can lead to a completely different game,” Munez said. “The competition comes from making less mistakes than your opponent.”
Laughing, seniors Jackson Givens and Tommy Scott joke around before playing a practice game of League of Legends. They are members of the new competitive gaming team. “It was a lot easier to play in person,” Scott said. “We had a lot better communication than we do at home.” Photo |Chris Morgan
RHEA PATEL |STAFF WRITER
SWIM TAKES ON STATE BHS Swim team makes splash in Fayetteville
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ith a successful season this year so far, BHS Swim Team has taken first place at swim meets three times, second place five times and third place one time. State begins Feb. 21, and members of the team are reflecting on their team’s strengths and weaknesses and preparing on their own as well. This year, 6A State is in Bentonville at the Community Center. The team is coached by Angel Dale. Dale has coached swim for 19 years total now; 18 of those years she coached high school swimming, and for 13 of them, she has coached the BHS swim team. Her team has excelled this season in Relays. All of their Relays have qualified, which is going to help them at state, because they are worth double points. Although they excelled in
Relays, not as many swimmers qualified in individual events as they would like; they are hoping to get a few more in with the top 16 rule, which is when the 16th best performance in the state meet is better than the existing standard for the corresponding event, that performance will become the new qualifying standard. “Every season’s different, but our swimmers have worked very hard [this year] to qualify for state,” Dale said. Sophomore Gavin Miller is a part of the Relay teams, taking state for what will be his second year. He is competing in the 200 Medley Relay and the 4 x 1 Relay. Miller has faith in his team and believes that they will do better than they have in the past. “In our relay, we’re going to do better than we’ve done before, but there’s no
guarantee that we’ll win,” Miller said. “There’s really fast schools that are coming, but we’ll definitely do better than we have in the past.” Miller’s most memorable meet was in Benton, because he sometimes practices at the Benton River Center with his club team. He also works there as a lifeguard and usually has club meets there. Although Miller enjoyed this meet, he is
excited for state as well. “Staying in the hotel is really fun, but I’m mostly excited to have a day off from school,” Miller said. Miller is putting in hard work in preparation for state by practicing at Bishop for an hour and a half each day. Another way he will prepare himself is by wearing two swim caps on the day of state. “I’m terrified that either one
of the caps will fall off or that my goggles will fall off,” Miller said. Another star athlete of the team is freshman Shelby Bratton. Bratton is a part of the BHS swim team, as well as an outside USA club team called The Racers. Bratton has been swimming outside of school for about eight years now. However, this is her first year swimming for school. Sometimes she can practice up to three times a day. “It’s been a little hectic, [but] swimming for high school has been different but fun,” Bratton said. “Swimming often puts me in a position where I can be more advanced than others.” Bratton has broken a school record already in just ninth During a swim meet, freshman Lawson Godwin grade. She broke the 200 completes her race. This season was Godwin’s first year IM twice, but the first time on the team. “My favorite part was the meets and it did not count because she hanging out with all my friends on the team,” Godwin did a flutter kick as she was said. Photo|Sydney Boswell
turning off the wall starting breaststroke and ended up being disqualified. Not long after the first time, Bratton broke the same record at district, placing third. “[Breaking records] is a bit different, because I’ve never really done that before,” Bratton said. “And just to see the seniors and see that I’m faster than some is cool, but a little scary at time, because I’m so young.” With a successful season backing her performance, Bratton is ready to attend state with her team. She will most likely be competing in the 200 IM and the 500 Free. “I’m excited to just go with all the kids on the team on an outside of school trip with them to Fayetteville,” Bratton said.
ROWDY BARIBEAU | SPORTS WRITER
MARCH TO MADNESS Students prepare for biggest sporting event in March
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PROSPECTIVE ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
Shelby Bratton, 9
- 200 IM school record of 2:15.34 - Two-time Arkansas Swimmer of the Year
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I was really surprised. I did not think I was close to breaking the record. It was just excitement breaking the record as a freshman.
tournament, but I don’t know if they’ll win it all anymore,” Horton said. “I think Virginia can win it all now. They’ve been good in conference, and they usually make good runs in the tournament.” The college basketball world was shocked when Duke freshman star Zion Williamson slipped in a game against North Carolina, bursting through his shoe and injuring his knee Feb. 20. Senior Max Hanner still thinks that Duke is the team to beat in the tournament and can win it all. “They have a lot of talent, so I don’t think they’re that bad without him,” Hanner said. “My money is still on Duke. They’re way too talented.” The March Madness tournament is one of the only sports tournaments where Cinderella stories happen frequently. Sleeper teams upset a high seed team or make a
deep run, like #11 seed Loyola Chicago in 2018, who made it to the final four. Junior Trevor Hawley can see LSU being a team to break brackets in 2019. “They went to Kentucky and beat them,” Hawley said. “They could shock people in this tournament.” Horton agrees. “They’re not highly ranked, but they know what to do,” Horton said. “They have Tremont Waters, who’s been phenomenal, and they have some good big men that can match up well with anyone.” Hanner believes that Texas Tech will also prove their worth in the tournament. “Nobody expected them to be as good as they are,” Hanner said. “Now they’re here, they’ve played a lot of good games, upset some teams, and I just have that gut feeling about Tech.” Hanner would like to see
Photo|Hunter High
Murray State and Ja Morant make it into the tournament. “Ja Morant is cold,” Hanner said. “With him at the helm, [Murray State] can be dangerous.” Hanner believes that March Madness is one of the best tournaments in all of sports. “So many teams have a
chance to make it deep into the tournament,” Hanner said. “There’s just so many upsets and surprises that are so unpredictable, and that’s what makes March Madness, well, madness.”
Photo|Sydney Boswell
The “Hornet 5” spur late season 15-0 win streak to win 6A Central Conference Basketball title:
Khalen Robinson, 11
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I took every game seriously. Every play on the court, I played like it was my last.
Camren Hunter, 10
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I have seen some things from last season. It’s just normal. Everything that we’ve been through, its just normal for us now.
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Kentucky in ‘92 are only a few of the great moments that March Madness has produced over the years. 2019 March Madness has the potential to be a great tournament. Duke, once again, has a talented freshman roster; Tennessee is emerging as another SEC blue-blood, next to Kentucky; and UNC is starting to hit its stride at the end of the year. Sophomore Brodie Horton was convinced that Tennessee would be the clear favorite in the 2019 tournament. “I think they have the best depth out of any team in the country,” Horton said. “They match up really well with anybody else.” However, Horton’s mind changed after he witnessed Tennessee lose 86 to 69 against fellow SEC foe, Kentucky. “Tennessee will still be a number one seed in the
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or any sport, playoffs and tournaments are a major deal for fans and athletes alike. The College Football Playoffs, the NBA Finals and the FIFA World Cup are only some of the major postseason events that are loved by sports junkies. However, there is one event that almost everyone gets involved in, whether they normally follow sports or not NCAA March Madness. Fans of the 64 best teams in men’s college basketball come together and debate which team will take home the prized national championship. The 2018 upset of #1 ranked Virginia by #16 ranked University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), the 2016 buzzer beater by #2 ranked Villanova to take down #1 ranked North Carolina for the national championship and the “shot” by Christian Laettner to power Duke over
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