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02 [ NEWS ] PROSPECTIVE
6-7 Coffee in Bryant Millage Effects
8-9 Under Pressure
what’s
[ INSIDE
4-5 Gathering in Grief Empty Plates Middle Ground
10-11 Caring for Kenya Goodbye to Grey Real Band Wives
12-13 Scorch Trials Review Cherished Childhood
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14-15 Comeback Kid Senior Salt Bowl
What’s the Buzz?
@ us next time
Daelyn Young / 11 @daelynyoung6
Matt Clanton / 12 @matt-_clanton
“I laugh entirely too much at the wrong time, always.”
“If I had a nickel for every time I popped someone’s back in band I could probably afford tuition to become a chiropractor.”
Madison Treat / 10 @_treatyy “Is it acceptable to just give everyone a hug?”
Camari Dodds / 10 @camaridodds Brianna Ware / 11 @BriannaaWare “Sometimes I stalk people and favorite their tweets because I forget I’m stalking them oops.”
“Majority of my classes are just a repeat of my 9th grade year... now you understand why I go to sleep.”
Blake Hughes / 11 @tblakehughes Emily Mellor / 12 @emilymellor21 “You learn more from failure than success so don’t let it stop you.”
“Sometimes I just turn around after climbing a set of stairs so I can see what I just conquered.”
WANT TO BE FEATURED? Tag @ProspectiveAR in your top tweets for a chance to end up in the next issue.
09.25.15 [ HYPE ] 03 According to thehill.com, 40% of young voters aged 18-29 hope that a Republican wins the presidential race, while 55% hope that a Democrat wins.
40%
55%
DIVIDING A NATION ALEXIS BURCH [STAFF WRITER]
Donald Trump. Ben Carson. Bernie Sanders. Hillary Clinton. These presidential candidates should be recognizable to anyone paying attention to the media. Seniors planning to vote in the primaries and the overall 2016 presidential election may want to research the candidates to find someone whose beliefs coincide with theirs. For senior Charlie Terry, being educated means to keep researching, even after finding what he likes. “Most people just hear what they want to hear and then they avoid other political campaigns. But I’m following all aspects and I’m listening,” Terry said. “I’ve done my fair share of research.” Out of the 16 Republican candidates currently in the race, Terry has already chosen a favorite.
[
“I, for one, like Ben Carson,” Terry said. “He’s running a clean election, he’s obviously a very educated man, and he hasn’t really upset anybody.” The former neurosurgeon has climbed in recent polls. People respond to his educated background and the fact that he is an African-American Republican. However, this does not change the fact that businessman Donald Trump is the Republican front-runner. With his strict policies on immigration and distaste for political correctness, he has energized many right-wing voters who agree with his ideas. His political slogan claims that he can “make America great again.” “Trump’s got some good ideas when it comes to immigration,” Terry said. “I agree it needs to be stricter, but you can’t just go kicking out everybody that’s an immigrant. If they’re legal and they’ve got their citizenship, they should stay.” Terry may not agree with Trump on everything, but like Trump, when it comes to the current state of our country, he has a
]
Who would you vote for? Ben Carson
Hillary Clinton
Carly Fiorina
Martin O’Malley
Donald Trump
Bernie Sanders
Other Republican
Other Democrat
To vote , visit www.prospective.bryantschools.org
lot to say. “I think as far as America goes, we’ve become a lot less realistic with ourselves. We are shooting for things that are not within reach,” Terry said. “We got to get back down to being well, conservative.” Informed voters understand the difference in the two major political parties. Republicans focus on states’ rights, conservative monetary policy and a more traditional view of culture. Democrats prefer regulation at the federal level rather than the state level, spending on government programs and a more liberal, progressive view of culture. Young voters tend to favor the Democratic party and played a key role in the reelection of President Barack Obama in the 2012 election, with 67% of 18 to 24-year-olds voting for Obama. For senior Em Williams, a self proclaimed liberal, the choice is obvious. “I’m just hoping for Bernie Sanders,” Williams said. Williams was not brought up talking about
politics, but she was raised on the principle that news matters. “I was watching CNN when I was six or seven, so I wasn’t really as political as much as I was involved,” Williams said. Williams owes her involvement in politics to her position in GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance). “My sophomore year I became president [of GSA],” Williams said. “I was hearing more about the Human Rights Era and was really involved with what was happening with that social spectrum.” Williams focuses on how Vermont senator Bernie Sanders’ determination to end the wage gap and create more affordable education will help others as well as herself. “I hope that Bernie would do the free education, because I’m about to be so in debt it’s insane. I want healthcare for women, more access to safe-sex resources and education. I would also like for him to start taxing the billionaires,” Williams said.
Buy One Hamburger Get One FREE students and faculty only limit one per vehicle
(501) 847-0700 2013 North Reynolds Rd.
4 [ EDITORIAL ] PROSPECTIVE
PROSPECTIVE Bryant High School 801 N. Reynolds Rd Bryant, AR 72022
GATHERING IN GRIEF In high school, students have the tendency to remain in their comfort zones--to associate with people who look like them, think like them and act like them. Usually, athletes hang out with athletes, band kids hang out with band kids and seniors do not mix with freshmen. It is easy to stay inside the social construct that is best suited for each personality. However, when tragedy strikes, these constructs break down. Regardless of where each person fits, tragedy has the capability to touch everyone in its path. With a strong community facing it together, tragedy becomes just a little bit easier to handle. The death of a student is nothing new to this school, but previous experience does not mean that it hurts any less. We have learned that losing someone so young seems to hurt just a bit more, especially when it is sudden. One day that person is walking the same halls, going to the same classes and seeing the same people as us, and the next day they are
from
YOUR
just gone. In a time when things seem their darkest, though, the student body never fails to find a light. Whether that means coming together through prayer, wearing similar clothing or sharing social media hashtags, we tend to find a way to become united--to break down the social constructs that are found in every high school.
As time passes, though, the divides between social groups return. Moments spent mourning together are forgotten and barriers are reinforced. We forget that as a unit, we are stronger. When we stand together, we can get through the most painful experiences. Hopefully, though, one day we will realize that we can share our joys as well as our sorrows.
Adviser Lisa Stine
Print Editors
Julia Nall, Jazzmyn Peterson, Spencer Shreeve
Online Editors
Emma Goad, Araya Pomplun
Photo Editor Madeline Colclasure
News Editor Julia Nall
Feature Editor Spencer Shreeve
A&E Editor Araya Pomplun
Hype Editor Emma Goad
Sports Editor Jazzmyn Peterson
Opinion Editor Natalie Burgess
Fun Editors
Emma Goad, Julia Nall
Artist
Sidney Shipe
Ad Manager Abigail Hall
Circulation Manager Araya Pomplun
Columnists Natalie Burgess, Alyssa Jones, Jazzmyn Peterson
Photographers Sarah Bullington, Natalie Burgess, Madeline Colclasure, Amalia Eddings, Julia Nall, Autumn Pruett, Wenjie Zhu
Page Designers A prayer circle gathers during second lunch on Sept. 2. There were student-led prayers both lunches. | Emily Culbreath photo
Tiffany Reed / 09
Jake Partain / 10
“Phone and extra pens, pencils, highlighters or paper in case I need extra.”
“Definitely my ear buds. Music helps me through the day.”
PROSPECTIVE
What is your must-have for school?
866.707.5600 toll free 501.653.5328 journalism room 501.847.5605 office 501.653.5550 fax prospective.bryantschools.org
Cameron Davis / 11
Sierra Kingston /12
“My wallet and my boots because they’re necessities.”
“Motivation. You need it to get up, get ready and try your best at school to work hard.”
Madeline Colclasure, Emma Goad, Abbie Hall, Julia Nall, Jazzmyn Peterson, Araya Pomplun, Spencer Shreeve
Staff Writers Brad Brewer, Natalie Burgess, Alexis Burch, Edith Garcia, Emma Goad, Sarah Graham, Abigail Hagner, Abigail Hall, Alyssa Jones, Amber McFadden, Julia Nall, Jazzmyn Peterson, Araya Pomplun, Blair Rolston, Spencer Shreeve, John Underwood, Lauren Wilson
The Prospective is a monthly publication produced, edited and maintained by Newspaper Journalism ii, iii, and iv students at Bryant High School. The Prospective is a member of the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and National Scholastic Press Association. Ad space may be purchased for $3 a column inch. The Prospective does not accept advertising that is illegal for minors. The editorial board accepts letters; however, letters must be addressed to student interests and may not violate the student publication policy. Letters can be submitted by delivery to Room 319, Building 10.
09.25.15 [ OPINION ] 5
empty plates NATALIE BURGESS [OPINION EDITOR]
Family reunions at my grandma’s house always had more empty plates than people. Addiction has always run through my mom’s side of the family. Every family member was dependent on drugs, or other people, or their right to leave whenever they wanted to. Each person had a reason that led them away from the table. Midway through dinner, hands started shaking from lack of nicotine, and antsy feet began jumping from staying in one place for too long, sending them running from the house, cutting the only time we had with each other in half. My grandma moved into our house three years ago, ending the tradition of reunions in her house. Christmas consisted of my mom reliving memories of her parent’s divorce, cards fallen flat in mailboxes and the fear that any money sent would only fuel addiction even further. Every year on December 26th, a little too late, my grandpa called my mom, and she’d cry all night, not needing to explain
why. Until I was eight, this was the only contact I ever had with him. Last year, my mom started collecting plates. Our search parties raided antique stores, spending too much money and time just to find another empty plate to hang on the wall. In my kitchen, the left wall is taken over with blue and pink patterned porcelain. Lung cancer infected my grandpa last year. We all knew something was wrong when his number popped up on caller I.D. and it was not the day after Christmas. Calls became more frequent, but so did the tears. My glorified memories of the Willie Nelson look-alike appeared in my mind through the filter of my 3rd grade perception. Last year, my mom started talking about the likeness of my grandpa and I. About how we’re both flighty and never want to be in one place. About how our dreams take over our logic. About how our hearts stay dominant
over our heads. I used to be afraid of not experiencing enough, but as I get older I’m starting to fear what I previously strived to become. I don’t want to be the aunt, or the sister, or the mom, or the grandma who is just another empty plate at family reunions. I don’t want to be in a casket the second time some of my family members see me. I want to know everyone I come into contact with. I never want to be an illusion, or a funny story, or someone’s childhood. Until now, I didn’t think the absence of these faces in picture frames really affected me, but they shape my life more than I thought. It makes me aware of the impact I have on people without saying a word. It makes me less selfish. It makes me think outside of myself. Lately, my mom has started cringing when I slam the door behind me, and I don’t know if it’s out of worry that I’ll break a plate or fear I won’t come back.
finding middle ground JAZZMYN PETERSON [EDITOR]
“It’s just a flag.” “Yeah, I don’t see why people are making such a big fuss about it.” “It stands for Southern pride.” As a journalist, freedom of speech has a heightened meaning for me. Everyone is entitled to freedom of speech, regardless of his or her opinions. What people seem to forget, though, is that while a person is entitled to his or her opinion, and has the right to voice that opinion, that person is also open to retaliation from those with differing viewpoints. Contrary to what people have assumed, I have no desire to see the Confederate flag banned. I have no desire for the government to stop stores from selling the flag, cut funding that goes toward maintaining Confederate landmarks or illegalize the flying of the flag, because that would infringe upon a citizen’s freedom of speech. To simply try to destroy the Confederate flags along with Confederate sites would lead to the evisceration of a component of our country’s history. People should continue to have the right to display the Confederate flag on their property, be that their clothes, cars, houses or anything else they own. What I take issue with is
when states (like South Carolina) fly the Confederate flag on government property as if it wasn’t the symbol for rebellion and treason against the United States of America. The fact is, the Confederate flag was a symbol for the South during the Civil War. The fact is, the flag flew to let people know that they were on the side of the Confederacy, and not the Union. The fact is, the Union did not recognize the Confederacy as separate from the United States, meaning those on the side of the Confederacy, and those who flew the Confederate flag, were committing treason. Regardless of your stance on the Civil War, the South lost, and for the most part, the Union pardoned the South for committing treason against the country. It only seems logical that since the South used the Confederate flag to symbolize treason, a state in this country shouldn’t display that image proudly. One does not fly a losing flag proudly in the winner’s field. When it comes to the preservation of Confederate battle sites, graves and museums, there should be a rephrasing of that terminology to simply be a preservation of Civil War history. When I become a taxpayer, I do not want my hardearned money to go toward preserving sites that glorify the people who fought to keep my people’s status in this country
as simply property instead of human beings. I would happily help fund sites that preserve Civil War history with a focus on the war itself, why it was fought and the historical context of the site. I would fund a museum that displayed the Confederate flag behind glass and provided information about its context in the Civil War. If a museum wishes to promote Confederate ideals, then they should find private funding. I agree that the Confederate flag has significant meaning for the South. But to simply argue that it represents “Southern pride” is to completely ignore those in the South who didn’t feel so lovingly toward the Confederacy. I am a born and raised Southerner, and the Confederate flag is not something my family is proud of. To us, that flag is an embodiment of a time when we weren’t even considered human. A time when even the most basic human rights would not have been offered to us, because we would have been considered property. When I see a stranger proudly displaying the Confederate flag, I think, “this person probably does not like people like me,” and I actively avoid them. Freedom of speech has great value in this country, but it’s easy to forget that this right does not protect anyone from the consequences that may follow.
Find more content at prospective.bryantschools.org “A Snip in the Wrong Direction” A hair-mishap column by Alyssa Jones
“Key Points on Campus” A guide to the best bathrooms and more by Araya Ponplum
“Young Democrats Association” Information on the political club by Spencer Shreeve
“Pearls for Patients” A feature about the charitable jewelry by Julia Nall
06 [ NEWS ] PROSPECTIVE
SCHEDULE CHANGE AFFECTS PEP RALLIES & CLASSWORK Students, faculty adjust JULIA NALL [EDITOR] &AMBER MCFADDEN [STAFF WRITER]
classes
FEWER pep rallies INTERVIEWS FROM JAY PICKERING JANET WATSON CHARLIE TERRY
AN OVERVIEW OF CHANGES MADE BECAUSE OF THE SEVENPERIOD SHIFT
SWARM is working to keep up with the changes. Aside from members being the majority of the student section at games, SWARM also takes part in pep rally planning. “[SWARM has] met this year more already,” senior SWARM officer Charlie Terry said. “We’ve met longer, and we definitely have to get more focused. We’ve had three meetings already, and we’ve done a lunch and a morning one on top of each other. We used to just kind of mess around, but now we’re having to get down and serious so we can have all that fun in the pep rallies.” Terry believes that school spirit will persevere, despite the cuts. “We just have to figure out how to be better in less time,” Terry said. The first pep assembly mirrored past rallies with traditions such as the rollercoaster. It also fit within the new, shortened time parameters. Pep rallies are not all that was affected by the schedule shift. With seven periods, homework
“
can nearly double. Teachers’ prep time is also slashed from 90 minutes to 50 minutes, allowing little time for grading. Pickering is working on establishing a calendar where teachers can input important assignment due dates and tests. He hopes that teachers will use this master calendar when assigning homework so students are not overwhelmed. “We have discussed with our faculty to have relevant homework so we don’t kill our students every day with three and four hours of homework,” Pickering said. Time will tell exactly how much the schedule change as well as other impacts of the millage failure will affect the school. This is a year to “monitor,” according to Pickering. With first quarter reports approaching, administration will continue to search for the best ways to help. “We want our students to work smarter, not harder,” Pickering said.
I don’t remember some marvelous biology lecture. I remember pep assemblies.
“
7
With more class work and fewer pep rallies, the first wave of effects because of the change from block scheduling to a seven-period day are apparent. As principal Dr. Jay Pickering and SWARM leaders work through the small time frame for pep rallies, students and faculty are adjusting to the new schedule. The pep rally situation began as a reduction from seven pep rallies last year to two this year: one for the Salt Bowl and one for homecoming. Thanks to SWARM and massive discontent, there is now the possibility of up to four pep rallies. These two additional pep rallies are entirely dependent on the actions of students. “If all students are able to go to pep assembly or lunch and everything works out smoothly, that’s great,” Pickering said. “The problem is students try to leave campus at lunchtime.” Teachers and students are hopeful that they will have more than the two pep rallies initially promised. “If you cut [pep assemblies] to two, you drastically impact school spirit. You know, from high school, I don’t remember some marvelous biology lecture. I remember pep assemblies,” SWARM sponsor and human anatomy teacher Janet Watson said. Watson has adorned her room with school pride: blue and white accessories and homemade class shirts are alongside bits of skeletons and diagrams of muscles, a balance of science and school spirit. Her passion is not likely to change, but the pep rallies inevitably will. Because of the seven period schedule, there is a shorter time frame for pep rallies. “We didn’t care so much if we ran over [last year] because we had 90-minute periods, [so] you still had plenty of time. You miss 15 minutes now, you miss a third of the class,” Watson said. This leaves SWARM to decide how to structure pep rallies and what activities have to go so that students can get back to class in time. “We don’t want to cut the rollercoaster, that’s got to be in there,” Watson said. “We’re just going to have to make sure there’s not lag time in between things. We may have to pull people in the day before the pep rally and tell them how to do the games so that we don’t have to take time to explain.”
During the lunch pep rally Sept. 4, seniors cheer in anticipation of their final Salt Bowl. The seniors won the spirit stick, despite the juniors’ roller coaster win.| Madeline Colclasure photo
09.25.15 [ NEWS ] 07
COFFEE IN BRYANT
THREE BUSINESSES THAT DEFINE LOCAL TASTE
ABIGAIL HALL [AD MANAGER]
As students return to school and an increasingly demanding routine, coffee is a convenient and effective way to stay alert. Saline County is overflowing with coffee resources, from family-owned shops to corporate giants. Koffee With a Kause has become a staple of the community since it opened in 2014. The Christian coffee company prides itself on giving back. Every month a different “kause” receives 10 percent of total profit. This month, “Team Gavin” is the cause of choice, which benefits a local boy fighting kidney disease. Owner Jerod Voth prides himself on the use of locallygrown coffee beans. The menu includes unconventional flavors such as Snickers, Oh Canada! and Ms. Coco Mocha. Classics like caramel mocha, iced coffee, and the ever-popular pumpkin spice latte are also available. Every flavor on the menu can be made into either a latte or frappuccino. While coffee is the staple at Koffee With a Kause, other products offered include snow boxes (a snow cone in a box), bubble tea, Italian cream soda and pastries. They also provide a loyalty program in which members receive a sticker to place on their cars and different promotional offers every month. Located right off Interstate 30 inside the Bryant Plaza, Koffee with a Kause is open Monday through Friday 6 a.m-6 p.m. This shop is drive-thru only. Speakeasy Coffee Bar has become increasingly popular among students since its opening in July 2015. Located at 3411 Main St., this coffee shop serves
beans grown in Nashville, Tennessee. Hot or iced coffee with simple flavors and ingredients is what makes this shop stand out. The most popular items include the Cuban, a sweet, milky drink, the Mayan Mocha, an espresso drink featuring cayenne pepper, a grilled cheese sandwich made with goat cheese and the smoked salmon club. All of the 13 drink options are available over ice. “It’s really laid back. We have a lot of people come in to study and just to chill,” barista Abigaile Miller said. Speakeasy is open Monday through Saturday 7 a.m.-3 p.m. and offers dinein and take-out. The average price for all drinks is $4. The Starbucks coffee craze has affected the whole nation, and Saline County is not immune. There are currently two locations in operation and there will soon be a third, all within about a mile of each other. The two now open for business operate within the Alcoa shopping center. One is a stand-alone location near the service road that includes drive-thru, dine-in and patio seating options. The other Starbucks in the shopping center is located inside the entrance of Target. It functions as a full coffee shop, but does not have a drive-thru. The third Starbucks, which will be inside the new Kroger at the intersection of Interstate 30 and Alcoa Road, is not open yet but will be in the next few weeks with the completion of the new shopping center.
A sign outside Koffee with a Kause advertises the highlights of their menu.| Natalie Burgess photo
Speakeasy’s matte black ceramic coffee mugs are available for purchase within the shop. | Natalie Burgess photo
Part of Speakeasy’s coffee brewing process is displayed on a counter separating the dining area from the kitchen. | Natalie Burgess photo
come.
“I prefer ask them harder to take a vir can’t lear out verse more tow classroom virtual cla bond, an connectio connectio Libby Th
Sarah Parker / 12
09.25.15 [ CENTERSPREAD ] 09
TECH VS
having an actual teacher because you can physically m a question and they can answer right then, and it’s o do that with a virtual course. I didn’t choose to rtual class because I’m a kinesthetic learner, and I rn very well on a computer. I prefer to write things es typing them. I agree that the world is moving wards virtual learning, but I like the traditional m. I think the way teaching is heading with the asses, we are going to lose that teacher to student nd I think it’s important to have a human to human ion with learning over having a human to computer ion.” hompson / 12
TEACH
ONLINE CLASSES REDEFINE CLASSROOM EXPERIENCES
Logan Newton / 09 Uriel Velazquez / 10 Dahlia Bray / 10
HOW TO DEAL How do you manage stress?
Zion Adams / 11
10 [ FEATURE ] PROSPECTIVE
CARING FOR KENYA Baraka Yetu aids education abroad LAUREN WILSON [STAFF WRITER]
From fundraisers to car washes, young people are making big impacts in small ways. Junior Penny Smith has a strong sense of loyalty to her home country. She grew up moving back and forth between Kenya and Little Rock with her parents, who were medical missionaries. Living in Kenya for 10 years inspired her work to help the country. “This summer I was interning at the Arkansas Health Department with the minority health and disparities group, and they were studying infant mortality,” Smith said. “I was curious about what infant mortality was like in Kenya, and it’s ridiculously high.” Smith decided to team up with a mission hospital in Kijabe, Kenya, a prominent location for
medical missionaries. Smith started a nonprofit called Baraka Yetu, meaning “blessings for us all” in Swahili. “[The missionaries] work with women and train them in the leading causes of infant mortality in Kenya, then those women go back to their communities all around Kenya,” Smith said. “What we’re doing is raising money to fund their project.” A car wash held by the group on Aug. 22 raised a total of $735.84. Smith is planning several fundraisers, from a bake sale on Sept. 19 to a 5K next semester. “We plan on raising $5,000. It’s a hefty goal, but we’ve raised almost a fifth of it,” Smith said. Smith has social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
to provide information about upcoming events and volunteering opportunities. Smith believes that youth should get involved in making the world a better place and hopes students sign up to volunteer. “I wanted to do something that involved youth, because a lot of people look down on us because we are young and so they don’t let us do a lot to make a difference,” Smith said. “What I wanted to do was to include youth and make a difference in Kenya.” Smith believes that keeping a good support system and having faith is essential for success in charity work. “Be prayerful through it all. I have no idea how or why God chose me to do this, but it’s all just a walk by faith,” Smith said.
The official illustration for Baraka Yetu by junior Jadyn Lewis portrays the group’s focus on child mortality rates in Kenya while incorporating a bit of Kenyan culture.
GOODBYE TO GREY Grey Society takes final bow after Riverfest debut EDITH GARCIA [STAFF WRITER]
Connor Qualls and Isaac Helgestad are the two remaining members of Grey Society. Losing a vocalist and a guitar player brought the band’s run to an end. | Amalia Eddings photo.
The noise quiets down and the crowd grows silent. It is just four local high school guys and their instruments. The first note drops. It is all or nothing. “It was kind of all a blur, because with something that exciting, time flies when you’re having fun,” junior Isaac Helgestad, former Grey Society bass player, said. “I don’t remember really being on stage, but it was like--it was crazy. I felt like I was king of the world.” Bands from all over Arkansas battled to be one of the final three bands at Rock and Stroll, a “battle of the bands” competition which gave local bands the opportunity to play at a huge event. From the final three, there would only be one that would win the prize: a chance to play on stage at Riverfest. Together, Isaac Helgestad, Connor Qualls, Houston Clifton and Alex Summerlin, aka Grey Society,
made the final three, and from there, won the grand prize. “It was kind of nerve-wracking, because we didn’t have the results, but then they shouted out the results and said that Grey Society had won and it was literally a dream come true being able to have the chance to play at Riverfest,” junior Connor Qualls, former Grey Society drummer, said. Despite winning the competition, there were still complications. “We were originally not going to be able to play, because Houston and Connor had a soccer tournament, but after dates changed and everything, we were actually able to play at Riverfest, which was actually a dream come true. Most local bands don’t get to play at an event that big. Playing on the same stage as 311 was crazy. I loved it,” Helgestad said. Typically, local bands only dream of playing the stage
at Riverfest and holding the attention of thousands of listeners. “It was kind of surreal. I was so happy and I can’t even describe it now. Being able to play on the same stage as huge bands and things like that, and being able to call myself a professional musician is something I’ll carry on forever,” Qualls said. Even though Grey Society is no longer together as a band, Qualls and Helgestad are both hopeful that the band will eventually continue after the remaining members of Grey Society return from college. “If the time comes [to play], we’d have to see with Alex and Houston. I would love it; I’d do it in a heartbeat. They’re off in college living life. We don’t really have band practice anymore. We’ll just hang out, Isaac and I--we just haven’t been jamming, [and I] kind of miss it,” Qualls said.
09.25.15 [ FEATURE ] 11
the
REAL BAND WIVES OF BRYANT HIGH SCHOOL
Band wife means band life. Lesley Matthews and Jessica Chipman are the wives of Keith Matthews and Jay Chipman, directors of the high school bands. But they are not just wives; they are mothers, teachers and band members. Lesley Matthews’ day begins by getting the kids up and ready. Eli is ten and in his first year at Bryant Middle School, and Claire, who is seven, is in first grade. Matthews is a Speech-Language Pathologist at Bryant Middle School. When school is out, she picks up her kids and drives over to see the Legacy of Bryant’s marching band practice. She grew up in Osceola, Arkansas but moved around frequently when she was a child. Matthews was a flutist throughout middle school, high school and college. “I know what goes into [band] since I was in band,” she said. Matthews enjoys keeping her family organized. Some of her favorite activities are Pinterest, attending Razorback football games and going the beach. Matthews also helps her husband with band. “[I do things like] cutting out drill charts and making sure the band is
ABIGAIL HAGNER [STAFF WRITER]
At the Sept. 18 football game against Central, Lesley Matthews and Jessica Chipman pose for a picture together. The wives stayed for the game to support the Legacy during their first performance of their show “Mad.”| Julia Nall photo.
where they need to be,” Matthews said. “[I’m] excited to be here. I like the school and area, and I’m just happy to be here and I enjoying being a part of this. It may be trouble sometimes, but it’s worth it.” Jessica Chipman is the band director for Bethel Middle School and has been for teaching ten years.
“[I consider it] not just a job, but an honor,” Chipman said. She started playing clarinet her sixth grade year in Osceola, Arkansas and was a three year All-State player. “[Band] was my life in high school, and I couldn’t imagine my life without it,” Chipman said.
Her typical day starts at 5 a.m and ends when she says a prayer with her kids and puts them to bed. The Chipmans have three children: Hayden, thirteen, who attends Bethel Middle School and plays percussion in their band; and two twin girls, Ava and Gracie, who are eight and attend Collegeville Elementary School. They are all kept busy with their own activities such as piano lessons, band, gymnastics, sports, dance and homework. When everyone is at school, Chipman puts on her band director hat at Bethel. Once school is out, she picks up the kids and joins the Legacy events. “I love being a mom, band director and wife. Being a band wife is hard for me. I teach band, so it’s hard to be the wife and not the director,” Chipman said. The Chipmans are both from Osceola, Arkansas but did not meet until the end of college. They have been married for sixteen years and she cherishes every one of them. “[Jay is] not only my rock, but the love of my life and my best friend,” Chipman said. “We are a family of faith and believe that God blessed us with not only this beautiful marriage, but three beautiful children and a countless number of band kids we call our family.”
12 [ SPORTS ] PROSPECTIVE
SENIOR SALT BOWL Students relive day of game BRAD BREWER [STAFF WRITER]
From displaying students’ dancing prowess live on television to dominating the Benton Panthers on the field, the class of 2016 reveled in their final Salt Bowl experience. When senior Grayson Ruple opened his eyes on the morning of the Salt Bowl, he grabbed his Hornet apparel and departed to the football stadium for the morning pep rally. Unbeknownst to him, he was destined to appear on KATV’s broadcast of the morning pep rally. “The lady was sitting there and said, ‘You know what? You need to come here on camera and [we’ll] get you dancing,’” Ruple said. “Something came over me. I was feeling it, and my butt just started shaking. [There was] all kind of movement. It was crazy.” After the lunch pep rally, several members of the senior class made their way to War Memorial Stadium to tailgate. Among this group was senior In their homemade shirts, seniors Hannah Shelby and Anna Turpin cheer in the senior section of the Salt Bowl pep rally Sept. 4. | Sarah Bullington photo
Ashley Groves. “I went tailgating with a good majority of the senior class because I left after the pep rally, and we just hung out before the game,” Groves said. The student section-seating situation was a heated argument among students of all grades. Many students desired a front row spot to support the football team, so Ruple did what he had to do. “This year when we were at the stadium, I literally sprinted to the student section [and] knocked some people over because [I was] getting in front,” he said. The Legacy of Bryant marching band had a busy day, going from the lunch pep rally to War Memorial Stadium. After last year’s disappointing tie, senior snare drum player Katie Dandurand was pleased with this year’s victory.
“It felt [like a] relief,” Dandurand said. “I didn’t want my senior year to end with a tie, so being able to say, ‘We won this year!’ It was a great thing to see.” Senior Cameron Murray, starting defensive tackle, had only one thing on his mind during the game. He needed to march out of War Memorial Stadium in triumph. “It was my senior year and I had to win, so I had to make plays early in the game,” Murray said. “I was really happy [when we won]. I laughed because we came so far as a team so it was an amazing moment.” As Groves walked out of the stadium after the conclusion of the game, she was pleased with her experience and proud of her class in carrying on the Salt Bowl tradition. “The seniors kept it alive, it was a lot of fun,” Groves said. “We rocked it.”
HISTORY OF SUCCESS Fifteen memorable years of rivalry JAZZMYN PETERSON [EDITOR]
Bryant wins 36-12 Bryant wins 44-17
2008
Bryant wins 10-2
2000
2004
Benton/Bryant 14-14
2010
Bryant wins 16-13
2002
2014
Bryant wins 45-9 Bryant wins 55-21
Bryant wins 20-7
2012
2006
2000
2008 Benton wins 14-7
Bryant wins 38-7
2005
Bryant wins 28-23
2001 2003
Bryant wins 42-28
2009 Bryant wins 25-7
Bryant wins 34-31
2015
2007
2013 Bryant wins 21-14
2011
Bryant wins 37-13
2014
09.25.15 [ SPORTS ] 13
COMEBACK KID Senior Devin Howard avoids injury to play final season JOHN UNDERWOOD [STAFF WRITER]
For the last time, senior middle
“My main focus is to play every game this season and enjoy every second, because it can all be taken away in a split second,” Howard said. “I wake up and do everything to be the best person I can be every day.” His focus is to do everything he can now, rather than later. “Devin is just a hard-nosed football player,” said Calley. “He is a natural at middle linebacker, his main strength is stopping the run. His play dictates how the defense performs as a whole for the entire season.” After a tie with Benton in last years Salt Bowl, Howard had only one thing in mind: to win. “I am very confident that we will win, and this is not something to be quiet about. After the Salt Bowl, I plan to make short goals to win every game, and help bring the team to win the state After his most recent surgery, Howard championship.” has practiced hard in preparation for Other players have noticed Howard’s his last year playing football for the leadership as well. Hornets. “Devin is a really good guy, he has “I would rather be out there on the a very strong mindset and is a great field taking risks than sitting in the leader,” senior fullback Drew Alpe said. stands, miserable, just watching,” “It’s like he never leaves the field and Howard said. “I have been naturally his head is always in the game.” coming back to work, and I feel as Kicking off his last high school good as I’ve ever been. I am a very football season, Howard reflects on his determined person, and I will never give future plans. up.” “I have the average dream to play As a strong-minded individual, college football and try to make it in the Howard let nothing stand in his NFL, but maybe that isn’t what God way of working back into the game. has in store for me,” Howard said. “I His football coach Paul Calley has am considering a career as a physical contributed to preparing Howard for therapist.” this season. Calley knows Howard is a strong “Howard has worked extremely hard person and he will make the right to be as strong and healthy as possible,” decision. Calley said. “Once the doctors cleared “If I could describe Howard in one him, we were ready to start working him word, it would be determined,” Calley back in and preparing for the upcoming said. “He is his toughest critic. There season.” are not many young men in the world Howard’s friends and family like Devin. It would have been easy have been supportive through these for him to quit somewhere along the challenges, helping him strengthen his line, but I don’t think the thought ever mindset. crossed his mind.” linebacker Devin Howard played his heart out in the annual Salt Bowl. After numerous surgeries to his ACL, Howard overcame his setbacks, helping the team win 37-13 against Benton. “Since freshman year, I have had three surgeries to my left ACL,” Howard said. “Football is my number one passion. I will do everything I can to stay in the game.”
“
Football is my number one passion.
Preparing for the next play, senior Devin Howard glances toward the sideline in the scrimmage against Pulaski Academy on Aug. 28. | Madeline Colclasure photo
14 [ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ] PROSPECTIVE
CHERISHED CHILDHOOD A look into Pixar's beloved past and promising future
EMMA GOAD [ONLINE EDITOR] SIDNEY SHIPE [STAFF ARTIST]
Pins
Childhood: running around on the playground by day and cuddling up to watch a Pixar movie by night. Although many people may not give Pixar a second thought, it helped shape and define the current teen generation. Alvy Ray Smith and Edwin Catmull founded Pixar February 3, 1986. At that point, there were only 44 people employed. The first film released was “Luxo Jr,” a short film about the lamp from the introduction of all Pixar movies. In 1995, Pixar released “Toy Story.” It was Pixar’s first computer-animated feature film, and it came to theaters November 22. It was the highest-grossing film of 1995 and made $192 million domestically and $392 million worldwide. Pixar released “Monsters, Inc.” on November 2, 2001. It breached $100 million in just nine days, which is quicker than any other animated film in history. By the time “Monsters, Inc.” came out, there were over 600 employees at Pixar Studios and Catmull was named Pixar’s President. “My favorite Pixar movie is ‘Monsters, Inc.’ because it shows how friends should always be there for each other,” junior Brianna Ware said. “I love it because the movie gave a great lesson on how to be there for your friends no matter what.” The first showing of “Finding Nemo” was on May 30, 2003. It broke opening weekend box-office records domestically for an animated feature. In 2006, Pixar celebrated its 20th anniversary
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by releasing “Cars” on June 9. That same year, Disney announced that they were purchasing Pixar. “Up,” released May 29, 2009, won an Academy Award for Best Original Score and was the first animated feature to open the Cannes Film Festival. That same year, Pixar’s President, Catmull, won the Gordon E. Sawyer Award, an award that “celebrates individuals whose technological contributions have brought credit to the industry.” “‘Up’ is my favorite [Pixar movie] because all of the characters are super precious, and there’s a whole community of talking dogs,” senior Anna Arendt said. “It also has great music. Music is a great way to communicate and evoke certain emotions, and the music in ‘Up’ does that really well.” Pixar’s most recent film, “Inside Out,” was released by Pixar June 15, 2015. Although some teens are loathe to admit that they love Disney, many students have seen and enjoyed “Inside Out.” The movie features popular stars like Amy Poehler from “Parks and Recreation” and Mindy Kaling from “The Mindy Project.” However, Pixar has only just begun. There are a total of four upcoming movies between now and 2017. The first will be “The Good Dinosaur,” planned for release November 25, 2015. It is described as an “epic journey into the world
of dinosaurs” on the Pixar website. The second film is a sequel to “Finding Nemo” called “Finding Dory.” It will premiere on June 17, 2016. “I feel like I’m going to die from excitement,” Ware said. “I’m super pumped, because I was in love with ‘Finding Nemo’ as a kid and I’m so glad that they’re finally finishing the story.” Another upcoming movie is “Toy Story 4,” with the release date of June 16, 2017. “Coco” is the last film announced. It is inspired by the Mexican holiday Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. “As a whole, I think Pixar has set a high standard for other animation studios and has continuously produced high quality movies that are enjoyable for everyone,” Arendt said. “I truly couldn’t imagine growing up without it.”
09.25.15 [ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ] 15
SCORCHING THE BOX OFFICE ‘The Maze Runner’ sequel surpasses summer hits such as ‘Black Mass,’ ‘Everest,’ despite overused tropes ARAYA POMPLUN [ONLINE EDITOR]
Filled with the escapee Gladers running from explosions, gunfire, the elements and virus-affected Cranks, “The Scorch Trials” does not disappoint -- if what you are looking for is a stereotypical action movie with 20-somethings portraying teenagers, that is. From the opening scene, readers of the “Maze Runner” series will realize that this sequel does not follow the books. However, that is the beauty of artistic choice. No, the movie did not hold up to the book, but with any adaptation, the viewer must consider each version separately as individual works of art. Released Sept. 18, “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials” is director Wes Ball’s second installment in the Maze Runner series. Produced by Gotham Group and Temple Hill Entertainment, the movie raked in $41.5 million in its opening weekend, surpassing blockbuster hopefuls “Black Mass” and “Everest.” The sequel contains many of the same characters as the first: Thomas (Dylan O’Brien), Teresa (Kaya Scodelario), Newt (Thomas Brodie Sangster), Minho (Ki Hong Lee) and Frypan (Dexter Darden).
After escaping the Maze and being rescued from World In Catastrophe: Killzone Experiment Department (WCKD), the group is transported to a facility where they are given food, warm showers and new clothes, all at the cost of running a few tests (since, of course, it would not be a dystopian sci-fi movie unless someone got stabbed in the arm with extra-long futuristic-looking needles). While there, they learn of other Mazes with other people. However, their hope of having a safe place for refuge is shattered when they learn that the facility is run by WCKD. The group flees into the Scorch, the demolished, barren Crank-filled world. This escape begins a two-hour “run from danger, maybe we’re safe here, no we’re not, keep running” montage while they search for the radical group The Right Arm, whose goal is to put an end to WCKD’s cruel “the-end-justifies-themeans”testing for a cure to the Flare. As a whole, the movie is successful in fulfilling its purpose. I was entertained for the entirety of the 132-minute runtime. However, where the film fell short was in its uniqueness.
In many of the scenes, especially expansive shots of the landscape, I felt like I had seen it somewhere else. The ruins of the buildings seemed generic, and many of the “runningfrom-danger” scenes left me relaxing in my seat. The final scene of the movie is the most lackluster, consisting of Thomas proudly declaring his anger towards WCKD and his plans for revenge. This declaration was meant to get the audience riled up and pumped for the third movie, which it did, but it seemed oddly reminiscent of the final scene of “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire:” a 20-second close up on Jennifer Lawrence’s face. Overall, “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials” was a good movie. Besides a little “shaky cam,” the cinematography was beautiful, the acting was well done, and the story line was clear. Readers of the book should be prepared for inconsistencies between the book and movie if what they hope for is scenes and dialogue pulled right off the page and plastered onto the big screen.
Dylan O’Brien also stars in
“Deep Horizons” (2016) “The First Time” (2012
Kaya Scodelario also stars in
“Twenty8K” (2012) “Shank” (2010)
Ki Hong Lee also stars in
“The Stanford Prison Experiment” (2015) “Everything Before Us” (2015)
Rosa Salazar Actors Dylan O’Brien, Rosa Salazar, Ki Hong Lee, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Giancarlo Espostito speak at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con for the “Scorch Trials” Panel. | Gage Skidmore photo
also stars in
“Insurgent” (2015) “Boomerang” (2013)
Top Five ON THE iOS Charts as of Sept. 21 Songs “What Do You Mean?” Justin Bieber “Hotline Bling” Drake “Watch Me (Whip / Nae Nae)” SilentÓ “Wildest Dreams” Taylor Swift “Can’t Feel My Face” The Weeknd
1 2 3 4 5
Apps Pop the Lock Simple Machine, LLC Deer Hunter 2016 Glu Games Inc Snapchat Snapchat, Inc. Messenger Facebook, Inc. Apple Store Apple
1 2 3 4 5
Books “Make Me” Lee Child “The Martian” Andy Weir “The Girl in the Spider’s Web” David Lagercrantz “Why Not Me?” Mindy Kaling “The Girl on the Train” Paula Hawkins
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16 [ PHOTO ] PROSPECTIVE
FINISHED BUSINESS Hornets defeat Panthers 37-13 at annual Salt Bowl
Arms raised in victory, senior Chace Henson celebrates the Salt Bowl win. With a score of 37-13, the Hornets redeemed themselves for last year’s tie against the Panthers. | Rylee Bolls photo All eyes on him, senior Grayson Ruple twerks for the KATV camera during the morning Salt Bowl pep rally Sept. 4. Students arrived bright and early, filling Hornet stadium at 5:45 a.m. | Madeline Colclasure photo
Waiting for directions, senior Logan Snapp stands by on the band practice field at Parent Night Aug. 27. Students previewed their marching show for an estimated audience of 200 parents. | Wenjie Zhu photo
Senior Libby Thompson cheers with SWARM at War Memorial Stadium. “I was on edge because this was a really important game for us and I really wanted the players to win,” Thompson said. | Autumn Pruett photo Seniors Krishna Gurung and Sarah Bullington cheer at the Salt Bowl in the student section. The group threw streamers right before kick off. | Madeline Colclasure photo