The Nevarmore

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evarmore

Ravenscroft School

7409 Falls of Neuse Road

December 2010

Administration dancing around change

PEYTON BURGESS N

EDITOR

o need to start planning to boycott Winter Formal or hold a sit in because rumors are not true; no plans have yet been made for changes at Ravenscroft dances. Slight changes to future dances, however, could still be possible.

Bill Pruden, Head of Upper School, says that no alterations, small or large, to upcoming dances have been decided upon. “We’ve got some time before any decisions have to be made about the Winter Formal dance in February,” says Pruden.

“Mr. Pruden and I are not even going to discuss Winter Formal until after the break,” adds Mary Catherine Strickland, Guidance Counselor.

“There are a few different alternatives being considered, but nothing is final.”

Pruden explains that historically each year after the Homecoming dance, a few parents of freshman students express concerns about the style of dancing of the upperclassmen.

After the 2010 Homecoming dance, disapproval of the grinding style of dance raised the usual concerns.

Strickland offered to meet

with approximately seven parents to discuss their concerns. Concerned parent, Mary Schricker, created an email titled, “Grinding to a Halt,” and invited several other parents to attend a meeting.

About 20 interested parents discussed their concerns with Pruden, Strickland, Lee Rand, Academic Skills Instructor and Sophomore Class Sponsor, and Patrick Bailey, Student Government Association President. Pruden and Strickland opened the meeting and explained that the goal was to listen to the parents’ concerns and discuss ideas for change.

At the meeting, some parents voiced their feelings of anxiety at grinding at dances. “Grinding is…a mere symptom of a larger cultural disease, that is, teens trying to grow up too fast as glorified in promiscuous music, videos, dress and language,” said Schricker, initiator of the “Grinding to a Halt” meeting.

She hopes to ban grinding all together at Upper School dances. “The image of kids huddled together, grinding in ‘packs’…is mind-boggling,” adds Schricker.

Other parents that attended the meeting felt that grinding is a national style of dance. They argued that to

Students from Ravenscroft and other high schools across Raleigh dancing a combination of dance styles, including grinding.

Photo by Chris Bender

INSIDE...

Face-Off:

Don't Ask Don't Tell

Page 6

the students, grinding is just dancing, holding no further meanings or implications in their minds.

“I believe in the right of those who wish to dance that way (within reasonably acceptable movements) to do so when music that fits that style of dance is playing,” comments a parent in attendance who wishes to remain anonymous. This parent went on to explain how they feel that rap music, which usually initiates grinding, should not be the only style of music played. “There should be parity, literal equality, in all styles, not dominance by any single one. It seems like a really simple fix to me.”

“While we don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable, dances are fundraisers for our Habitat for Humanity Ravensbuild Project,” said Bailey, ‘11. “If drastic changes were made to the future dances and students decided not to attend, it would affect our goal of being the first high school in the country to fully sponsor a Habitat house.”

“I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary at this year’s Homecoming dance,” said Rand, after the meeting. “Over the past few years, however, I do think the grinding has become more explicit.”

As word of the meeting and changes to dances at Ravenscroft spread through the halls, students became worried that Winter Formal and future dances would ban grinding, or force students to learn how to shag.

Neither of these assumptions, however, is true.

The Nevarmore conducted a survey asking students about their Homecoming experience to see how students felt during the dance and their preference of dance style, among other questions. The survey was sent to all Ravenscroft Upper Schoolers; 234 students replied, with 189 students attending the Homecoming dance.

Out of the 189 students respondents in attendance at the dance, 150 students did not feel uncomfortable during the dance. Of the 39 students that felt uncomfortable, only 23 said their discomfort was due to the style of dance.

Julia Heffring, ‘11, Haley Barefoot, ‘11, and Lewis Stocks, ‘12, line dancing at this year’s Homecoming dance.

Photo by Sharon Beineke

When asked their favorite style of dance, 119 students said grinding, with raving a distant second and shagging an even further third place.

In response to a question concerning attendance to a dance with a band that plays shagging music, 92 of the students said they would not go.

The results from the overall 234 replies for attending a dance with a band that plays shag music concluded with a majority saying no, with yes and undecided close seconds. If the undecided students’ friends decide not to attend a dance with a band, it is unlikely the undecided students would attend either, leaving empty dance floor and a lack of funds for the Habitat House. Conversely, if the undecided students wanted to attend a dance featuring a band, it could start a new trend of dance at Ravenscroft dances.

According to all students who completed the survey, 122 of the 234 first tried the grinding style of dance when they were in Middle School between 6th to 8th grade. There were 72 students saying 9th to 10th grade was their first grinding experience. Students attending Ravenscroft Middle School are not allowed to grind at their school sponsored dances. Grinding is not being learned at Ravenscroft, but outside of school.

“In Middle School, North Hills and dances at other country clubs were way better than Ravenscroft dances,” explains Spencer Cates, ’11.

“That’s where you would go to actually learn how to dance and have a good time.”

John Haslett, ’11, became a student at Ravenscroft in the 9th grade and adds, “The middle school dances at public school were ten times dirtier than my first Homecoming dance at Ravenscroft.”

“I think grinding is all across the country,” says Strickland. “We don’t want to take anything away. It’s a student body dance.”

Overall, 189 of the 234 said they grind, and for 135, it’s their favorite style of dance.

As many people think, a change in the style of music could slightly alter the style of dancing. “A little more variety in the music could make a big difference,” said Rand.

Some options being considered for future dances include a live band, different music with differing tempos and speeds, or themed dances. “There are other kinds of dancing between grinding and shagging that students can do,” said Rand. “We need to make it more comfortable for everyone.”

Survey results on page 3.

Beauty Myths: Exposed

Page 9

Advisory Changes

Page 10 & 11

Student Profile: Baker Mills Page 12

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News N evarmore National News In a

BRAD EHILEGBU

STAFF WRITER

Full of turkey and full of questions, the

Photos by Brad Ehileghbu

3 period Journalism class sat down with Bill Pruden, Head of Upper School, and got some insight on what will be happening throughout the rest of the school year. rd

Is the freshman class the worst ever?

“No, last year’s sophomores did some really ugly things in their alcove. They left a massive amount of trash; somebody had spread some chilly on a wall.”

Nutshell

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Translation:

Example of the trash that is in some halls.

No, but the current juniors are filthy.

Are there any plans to change the style of dancing for the Upper School?

“There is an ongoing discussion about the style of dancing that is practiced by students. Issues have been raised about it from students and parents. It’s not a Ravenscroft issue, it’s out there nationally, and schools are closing down dances.”

Translation:

It’s GRINDING some peoples gears.

You do realize that the change in the dances will have a big affect on the attendance?

“It may or may not; I’d say probably the key would be what the alternative is. We came down hard six or seven years ago when this was first starting, and the grinding was first big and said it would not be acceptable at the next dance and we had twelve people at the next dance.”

O R M A

Translation: No grinding = No students Are there going to be any possible senior exam exemptions?

“Consideration of a possible senior exam exemption for the spring.”

Translation:

A gift before the holidays...

T I O

Rashaad Ratliff-Brown works diligently on his test.

Photo by Gregg Luna

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The news you need to know when you’re on the go

Medal of Honor’s Reluctant Recipient ANDIE PARK A

STAFF WRITER

t 25 years old, Sergeant Sal Giunta was awarded the highest honor in the military—the Medal of Honor by President Obama on November 17th. Giunta also has earned the honor of being the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. He was awarded for his heroic acts of rescuing a comrade in 2007 from Taliban forces but, when he first heard the news, heroism was the last feeling he felt.

“When I first heard that they were putting me in for the Medal of Honor, I felt lost, I felt kind of angry, I felt, I think, angry,” said Giunta in an exclusive interview. “Just because, you know, this is so big. It came at such a price. It came at the price of a good buddy of mine...And people want to put a medal around my neck.”

Giunta truly does deserve the Medal because he displayed his selfless courage on the battle field, but without the motivation of personal gain.

Obama Visits India As President Obama was making a trip

throughout Asia for the past week, he succeeded in securing a $10 billion trade deal with India for U.S. exports. In addition to reestablishing India as its global trading partner, President Obama is preventing the U.S’s economic downfall. However, the President failed to secure a trading deal with South Korea.

Perhaps his low approval rate (currently at 46% according to Gallup Poll) match his ability to negotiate?

Photos from MCT Campus

Not National, But Still Important!

Modern Day Fairy Tale After years of speculation, the rumors

have finally been confirmed—Prince William finally popped the question to Kate Middleton, his girlfriend of seven years. While this engagement is breaking the hearts of thousands of girls, the royal family is ecstatic.

Prince William amped-up the romance by proposing with his mother’s engagement ring: a sapphire surrounded by diamonds. Now, Kate is a step away from being a modern day princess! The wedding will take place in the spring or summer of 2011, the year before the 2012 Olympics commence in London.

Attention all you Cinderellas out there—there is still Prince Harry!

Cholera Craze UNdeniable On Tuesday, November 16, 2010, health officials in Haiti have announced that

cholera has killed 1,034 people and hospitalized about 16,700 more. Cholera is an infection that starts in the small intestine caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, and leads to rapid dehydration and vomiting. Transmission occurs in poorly sanitary and in aquatic environments.

Haiti is particularly vulnerable because of the earthquake in January 2010 and a subsequent series of floods in November. The cause of the epidemic has been traced to United Nations soldiers spreading infection to native Haitians. The U.N., however, denies all responsibility. The cholera epidemic has been so prevalent that it had spread to the Dominican Republic, which has issued a national health alert.

An infectious UN that is here to stay.

s! I must admit that I have underestimated the artistic swagger of b u -D Bristol Palin. When I first heard the announcement that Sarah Palin’s B-T

daughter would be competing with other semi-stars on Dancing With the Stars, I dismissed her as a bottom contender. While she lost the glorious Disco Ball trophy to fellow contestant Jennifer Grey, who famously starred in Dirty Dancing, Palin survived round after round of rigorous dance routines and harsh commentary from the judges. Palin managed to fox trot her way to the finale of the hit show and boosted her semi-celibrity status even further.

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News

Senior Exemptions Reinstated

MADELINE LOUDEN

The proposal said that a senior could be exempt from the exam in a course if their average remained within twothirds of a letter grade below their first semester average. For example, a student with an A first semester could allow their grade to drop to a B+, but now lower. The allowed drop, they felt, would account for the fact that second semester curriculum is often more challenging.

Though the faculty did not adopt this proposed policy, Bill Pruden, Head of Upper School, said that the SGA’s expressed concern on the matter was a large factor in the decision to bring back exemptions.

“The fact that there was even an exam exemption proposal for the faculty to discuss was the result of a lot of hard work and negotiation that started in SGA,” added Mark Laskowski, SGA Faculty Advisor and US

STAFF WRITER

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n fall of 2009, the faculty voted to repeal the prior policy that allowed exemptions for seniors with a C+ or higher in a particular class.

The policy was changed to no exemptions, and received strong resistance from the entire student body, not just from seniors. The faculty made this change to combat the effects of “senioritis” and to ensure that students remained academically dedicated to eight semesters of high school, as opposed to seven.

Student Government Association recognized the students’ discontent and submitted a proposal to the faculty that they felt was a fair compromise between easily-achieved exemptions and no exemptions at all.

History and Government Instructor.

“Interested students expressed their opinions to the members of SGA, and the group took those ideas and developed a thorough and thoughtful proposal; this is precisely how representative democracy is supposed to work. So we give credit to the students who expressed themselves and to SGA for making the exam exemption proposal happen.”

According to Pruden, the goal of an academic year is to improve/ yield mastery of a subject; lower than a B+ would indicate lack of mastery, thus necessitating an exam.

To the point that exemptions should be extended to students who have achieved “mastery” in grades other than twelfth, Pruden says that in other grades, exams are necessary for development as a student.

“I like it because it gives me a day during the week to study.”

-Bo Newcomb, ‘11

Bo Newcomb and Trent West pondering the new conference schedule.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Traditional schedule of two half days changed to one whole day TAYLOR NEWCOMB

Pruden announcing the senior exam exemptions after Morning Meeting and seniors celebrating the good news.

Photos by Peyton Burgess

Homecoming 2010 survey results The two pie charts below represent responses from all 234 students that completed The Nevarmore survey Line Dancing

Grinding

Bee Boppin’

First time grinding: grade 9-10 First time grinding: grade 11-12

Raving Shagging

First time grinding: grade 6-8

Students that don’t shag

Students that grind

Never tried grinding

STAFF WRITER

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or the first time ever at Ravenscroft School, our conference schedule has been changed. Instead of having a half day on Wednesday and Thursday, students had all of Wednesday off with the exception accompanying their parents to their twenty minute conference with their advisor.

The administration felt that having just one full day off during the week would be less disruptive to the academic schedule.

“We have to take in consideration that some of the Lower School teachers have to organize child care, and baby-sitters, etc.,” explained Bill Pruden, Head of Upper School.

Child care and transportation were also a problem in the Middle School, and even for some Upper Schoolers on the previous half-day schedule. Those without their licenses must find rides home or must stay at school until their parent or guardian can come pick them up.

Pruden has not had much feedback about the change; however, the little that he has received has been positive. He also stated that Ravenscroft will stay with the one full day off in the Spring.

Feedback to The Nevarmore has been positive. Ms. Rand says that she is fine with the change.

“Having the morning before conferences to prepare allowed the report card comments to be fresher in my mind than in years past when I have taken my last look at my notes the night before,” commented Lee Rand, Academic Skills Instructor.

“I like it because it makes the week less dysfunctional.”

-Nicole Moore

Students that don’t grind Students that shag

Complete survey results available upon request: Peyton Burgess (pburgess@ravenscroft.org)

Taylor Newcomb, ‘12, and English Instructor Nicole Moore striking a pose.

Photos by Bo & Taylor Newcomb

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News evarmore N Junior Off Campus is here... But where should they go?

Seniors Favorite Off Campus Lunch Spots shared their wisdom about off campus lunch.

HARLIE IRSCH According to a recent STAFF WRITER Nevarmore pool of seniors, t won’t be long until every Cookout was the most popular and junior is rushing out the doors and the second cheapest which is why it has been awarded to their cars to go get lunch from some fast “Jersey Mike’s our “best bang for your buck” award. Cookout food or semi-fast food guys know is a great choice for location. However, the juniors have no way my name and juniors because it is close, quick, cheap and of knowing the place order.” delicious. which has the best -Charlie Chick-Fil-A is bang for their buck. But Killian & very similar and had now they do not have comparable to worry, because the Wilson Day very popularity among senior class graciously

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Best Bang for your BUCK! $$$$

“Panera Mac + Cheese = Heaven” - Anonymous Senior

After polling the entire senior class, the best off campus lunch locations have been recognized and the seniors have passed their knowledge down to teh eager underclassmen seniors.

Taco Bell and Bojangles’ are Panera Bread and Jersey two of the cheapest places to go Mikes had good support from but their distance and obscure many and had a location make it particular loyalty from more difficult to eat few. These two places “Club Sub doesn’t here and be back would have a higher at school on time. get old.” popularity if they were No one, especially not the most and second -Anonymous juniors want to be Senior most expensive places late to class and to eat. potential loose this Zaxby’s, Bojangles’, and privilege for the rest of the class.

Taco Bell are considerably farther Another reason why Cookout away than any other option which and Chick-Fil-A are the most also hurt their popularity ratings. popular is because their proximity.

Chick-Fil-A Cookout, and Moe’s are .8 miles from campus while Taco Bell and Bojangles’ are 2.9 and 3.2 miles respectively.

Cookout’s competitors are Chargrill and Five Guys but these two places are 2.1 miles and 3.8 miles away respectively.

If you are going to make a run for the border, Moe’s has a competitor down the road in Chipotle, but you run the risk of being late and spending time after school with K-Bill.

US drama class production An Episode in the Life of an Author Brandon Schneider, ‘14, and Olivia Prioleau, ‘13, play the Author and Ardéle, a husband and wife in the middle of silly fights, leaving each other, and even a pistol incident.

Kim Sikkel, ‘11, (left) plays the mother to the Author who babies him and raves to him and everyone that happens to be around about the new flats she’s looking at.

Anastatia Hollis, ‘13, plays the weeping maid, also emotionally unstable, crying the whole time over her extremely dramatic pregnancy.

Chase Duncan, ‘13, (right) plays Gontran, a friend of the Author who just dumped his girlfriend but clearly still loves her. His sign, “Weeping,” Colson Dorfashar, ‘14 (above) lounges in friend, the Author’s, chair, mooching off of him for everything from gas to bunny slippers.

Meanwhile, Kate Gulden, ‘11, (left) plays the woman who calls The Author’s home constantly, asking for a man named Leon.

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Ravens and Habitat SARAH COLLINS

STAFF WRITER

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Ravenscroft walkers proudly pose for a picture at the Time Warner Cable Pavilion after walking to raise money for JDRF.

Walk for the Cure Photo taken by Dr. Rans Douglas

SARAH COLLINS

STAFF WRITER

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hirty-six Ravenscroft Upper School students came together on Saturday, October 30 to support a cause very close to one 9th grader and one 12th grader. They donned the camouflage and neon t-shirts that can now be seen throughout the Upper School hallways and were prepared to walk for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Virginia Douglas, ‘14, Cam Cannady, ‘11, and Lee Rand, Upper School Academic Skills Instructor, helped organize a Ravenscroft team, officially titled the “D-Team.”

The chilly Saturday morning began with a breakfast at the Douglas home. Walkers carpooled to the Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion, where the walk took place. Students then embarked on the 2-mile trail to raise awareness and money for the Juvenile

Diabetes Research Foundation.

Why JDRF? Rand explains her bias towards the cause.

“JDRF is a great organization for kids, just like Make-a-Wish Foundation, St. Baldrick’s, Miracle League, and March of Dimes, to name a few. I think anything that Ravenscroft students can do to increase awareness and to support/raise money for children’s organizations is a perfect way for kids to help kids.”

Cam Cannady was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at a young age. He was eight when his doctor took his blood level, and it measured 673, extremely high compared to the normal level of 90. Now, he must give himself on average five shots a day to keep his blood from becoming too thick. He says it is now “as natural as breathing.”

Virginia Douglas was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes when she was three years old, and

she has done the JDRF Walk with a team for ten years. She enjoys the walk because it educates others on a problem that she, along with other kids, have struggled with for some time.

On the day of the walk, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of the Triangle had raised over $1 million, according to the website. Ravenscroft, as of now, has contributed almost $19,000 to help find a cure for juvenile diabetes.

However, donations will still be accepted until December 31.

If you bypassed the opportunity to go to the JDRF walk this year, don’t worry. Rand is hopeful that Ravenscroft will put a team together next year to collectively help raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

“Hopefully, this [will be] the beginning of a new tradition for the Upper School,” Rand exclaimed.

love being able to see the work I’ve done on someone’s house and thinking that I just made a difference in their life,” Emi Gaal, ‘11, student leader of Habitat for Humanity at Ravenscroft for the 2010-2011 school year, exclaimed.

Ravenscroft is treading on territory that no other high school in America has experienced treading on before now. Ravenscroft is trying to become the first high school in America to build a house for Habitat for Humanity. Not only will the house be constructed by the Upper School, but the project is run solely by the students. Michael Brajer, ‘10, began the project last year, and Emi Gaal decided to assume the head position this year.

The school has to raise $75,000 before the students can start building, and about $25,000 has already been raised. Right now, students at Ravenscroft can do their part by helping out with fundraisers and by going out to the Habitat for Humanity site to help build homes that will go to others.

Habitat is a good way to get involved in community service. The extent of the work is tangible, and the rewards are immediate.

Blood Drive I

f you are looking for Key Club community service hours or community service hours in general, Key Club is holding a blood drive on Wednesday, January 12th from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Volunteers are needed to assist donors and serve food as well as to donate blood. The drive will be held in the Richards Hall Seminar Room.

Donating blood takes about an hour including registering and eating a snack afterward. If you would like to donate blood, you can visit www.ravenscroftkeyclub.org to find the regulations for your age and weight.

The goal this year is to collect 50 units of blood, so please help out during your study halls and breaks if you can. If you have any questions or would like to sign up to volunteer or to donate blood, please e-mail Leah Ling at lling@ravenscroft.org.

Krissi’s Kloset opens in second location Krissi Fajgenbaum, ‘11, opened her first location in Spring 2009 at a

high school in the mountains of North Carolina. Fajgenbaum began a charitable organization called Teens 2 Teens in 2008 to collect gently used clothing from the students at Ravenscroft to share with students at Robbinsville High School who could use these items.

This year, North Raleigh Christian Academy students, Chandler Pearce and Alexa Saleeby, started a chapter of Teens 2 Teens called Knights 2 Teens. Together, these donated items were used to establish the Krissi’s Kloset in Bryson City, North Carolina.

Krissi Fajgenbaum, ‘11, smiles at the opening of the Krissi’s Kloset in Bryson City, NC, with North Raleigh Christian Academy students, Chandler Pearce and Alexa Saleeby. Photos below are from the Bryson City location.

Photos provided by Krissi Fajgenbaum

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Opinion

Is the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy fair?

KATIE KUMBAR

PATRICK BAILEY

STAFF WRITER

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on’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) is not fair to anyone. By treating every soldier as if he or she is a heterosexual, while also presenting homosexuals the opportunity to serve if they masquerade as heterosexuals, the military gains an undercurrent of suspicion where everyone’s sexuality is technically in question.

If nobody is allowed to ask, and nobody is allowed to tell, then nobody can know or trust members of his or her platoon if they are not permitted to discuss their core identity. Soldiers cannot be honest with superiors in all matters if they are conditioned to lie by omission.

The DADT policy is aimed to equalize the playing field by allowing homosexual service-members to be part of the United States armed forces while removing the pressure of sexual identity from any conversation so that those who would be uncomfortable serving beside homosexuals can co-exist without fear or discrimination. While theoretically sound, the DADT provision of the 1993 military reform legislation undermines the honesty and integrity of our military, threatening its strength.

On the surface, the compromise appears to function. After all, if a gay man is willing to enlist in the armed forces, it means he has interests outside of being gay, as well as a strong sense of patriotism. But in practice, it is impossible to acknowledge the existence of homosexuals in the armed forces and then continue to treat them like heterosexuals. Instead, DADT creates immense pressure for closeted soldiers to lie, even if only by omission, or face immediate discharge, removing thousands of able, willing soldiers from service.

Our military prides itself on a very high standard of honor, across all branches.

Commitment to a code of ethics ensures all members of the United States Armed Forces are truly the best of the best.

Some soldiers out themselves intentionally, unwilling to break the military code of integrity and honesty. One such soldier was Sara Isaacson, a recruit studying at UNC Chapel Hill to be an army doctor. Though she was not in a relationship and could have expected a brilliant career living out her dream of following in her grandfather’s footsteps, Isaacson wrote a letter confessing her homosexuality and left it on a superior’s desk. Her training ended, and she owes the government nearly $80,000 in school loans. The costs of physical training are not included, and are an expense shouldered by our cash-strapped government.

Lt. Dan Choi, an expelled officer, is a leader in the movement to repeal DADT. He clearly expressed the policy’s discriminatory elements by comparing it to the honor code of West Point Military Academy.

“I promised to live under an honor code…that says, ‘You will not lie, and you will not tolerate lying... It doesn’t say, ‘Straight people cannot lie, but gay people are allowed to lie about their loved ones, so we’ll make exceptions for gay people.’” The policy creates different standards for homosexual and heterosexual soldiers, even between soldiers who have the same rank, wear the same uniform, and serve the same country.

The number of discharged soldiers because of this policy to date is 14,000 costing the military as much as $363 million dollars in recruiting, training, and transport. Unlike in the case of Isaacson, the government cannot ask discharged service-members to pay for their basic training to cover the costs, and the estimated cost to the military itself in the discharge of officers and soldiers who had been considered perfectly competent and in some cases brilliant before coming out of the closet is unfathomable.

Repeal of DADT will not require any new, convoluted policy with restrictions and loopholes. It will not necessarily create a torrential wave of confessions. It will merely free soldiers to live honestly, without fearing discharge. These soldiers have joined the military to serve their country, and only ask to be treated the same as other soldiers.

No other nation in the world has such a compromise policy. They either allow or ban homosexuals in their militaries - period. Nations such as North Korea, Cuba, and Iran have banned homosexuals from service. On the other side, the European Union requires all member nations to allow homosexuals to serve openly in their militaries.

Canada, a nation most comparable to the United States, has allowed open service for homosexuals since 1992. Thorough studies of their armed forces have indicated no decline in military standards, general morale, or performance, and no increase in sexualityrelated hate crimes.

If a homosexual is truly unfit for service, then he or she will not last in the military anyway; the same as an unfit heterosexual. Assuming that someone willing to serve is an inferior soldier because of one trait, unrelated to ability or competence, shoots our armed forces in the foot.

Unequal treatment under the law is the definition of discrimination. There are no indicators that homosexuality impacts military professionalism. In a nation devoted to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, all people must have equal opportunity to serve their country as they wish. Step back, and allow all people to make their own decision in relation to our military. Take every man and woman who proves themselves able to serve.

STAFF WRITER

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ince when does your sexual orientation define who you are? It should not, there is a lot more to who we are than that. It is completely realistic to know a person for a number of years without knowing their orientation – this is because there are many other things to know about a person. I don’t believe it should be the single, defining aspect of a person. I do not introduce myself as “Patrick, the heterosexual”. Learning about a person’s involvement in the school or their church is more telling. The “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy is a solution to a controversial situation.

Seventeen years ago, under President Clinton, a military policy was implemented that was titled, “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”. This policy permits homosexuals to serve in our military; however, it prohibits them from serving as open homosexuals. Officers in the military are not allowed to ask a soldier’s sexual orientation, as well, the soldier cannot openly come out and say he or she is homosexual – everybody is thought of as a heterosexual, therefore leveling the playing field.

A strong facet of military success is cohesion. Allowing those to be openly gay, and serve, in the military would disrupt this cohesion. It is not a matter as to whether you believe being gay is right or wrong, or whether you promote gay rights, the question is about whether this policy is fair or not – and it is.

The Pentagon conducted a study that showed sixty percent of soldiers believe that repealing the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy would not disrupt their ability to fight; however, how thorough was this survey? Senator John McCain, R-Arizona, among many other governmental leaders believe the survey is not a clear representative sample as to the thoughts of all those protecting our nation. McCain believes a twenty-eight percent response rate does not allow the pentagon to sufficiently gauge the general consensus on the issue, as well as his beliefs that objections to this survey by combat troops are being ignored.

A Pentagon survey should not be what leads to a law or to the repeal of law – one must understand the times in which we live. While facing a war in Afghanistan, our troops in Iraq, and who knows what with North Korea, this is not the time to change. Our government and military already have a full work load.

Those who are Anti-DADT say this policy is, “forcing young men and women to lie about who they really are”. This is not true. The “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy prohibits military officers from inquiring and/or investigating a soldier’s sexual orientation. How is that forcing a soldier to lie if they are never given the opportunity to lie? They are simply never asked the question.

Unfortunately this policy has been taken out of context and blown out of proportion by those who favor a repeal of DADT. This “Face-Off” question on the fairness of DADT is simply Katie and my views on the policy itself. I hope everybody understands it is extremely controversial, and the topic of many debates.

This “Face-Off” question in no way asks whether we support homosexuality as right or wrong - that must be understood.

Survey Results

Below is a chart detailing the actual responses of soldiers polled by the Pentagon regarding “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The reults appear to suggest support for repeal of DADT, however, response rates were low and did not take into account soldiers actively serving overseas. A permanent decision regarding DADT has yet to be made.

FACE-OFF

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Editorial

Grinding: no grounds for ban E

veryone’s been told by their parents to “just say no” to alcohol, smoking and drugs, but saying no applies to more than just illegal substances.

Some students at recent Ravenscroft dances have felt uncomfortable due to the style of dance, feeling as if they were being forced to grind. They cannot be forced to dance, however. Students are always in control of their dance moves and actions. Students, especially girls, should have enough confidence and strength to say no to anything they feel uncomfortable with, whether that be dancing or drinking alcohol.

However, any student that feels comfortable grinding is free to do so at Ravenscroft dances. While “just say no” strategies are effective for resisting dangerous behaviors like drugs and alcohol, grinding does not threaten a student’s health or safety.

If some student enjoy grinding, they should also feel comfortable saying “yes.”

A few parents decided to take it upon themselves to try to ban grind-

ing at Ravenscroft Upper School dances due to their student’s discomfort and their dislike of the style of dance. Banning grinding is not the way to go about making your child feel comfortable at school dances and it takes away the opportunity to strengthen sense of self confidence.

Everyone has a right to dance the way they want and should be able to judge what styles of dance they feel are appropriate for them. More than half of the respondents of The Nevarmore survey enjoy grinding, and they should have a right to dance that way if they so choose.

If grinding were to be banned, it becomes a forbidden fruit, making students want to do it just to rebel and make a point. Grinding is a representation of everything a teen is not permitted to do. Stress from academics, athletics, and expectations have no place on the dance floor.

Any student who does not want to grind should not feel pressured. There are other students who would also say “no.” Students dance in different ways. Front to front, slow

dancing, shagging or even just dancing, not even touching each other! All forms and types of dance are seen at Homecoming dances.

Girls might sometimes feel pressured to grind by their dates, but they do not have to if they do not want to. At almost every dance, there are groups of girls dancing in circles together, having just as much fun, if not more fun, than the other students that are grinding and this year’s Homecoming was no different.

Some parents offered a women’s empowering class as a solution to the amount of girl students that felt uncomfortable due to grinding.

Empowering their daughters is not a school’s duty, but rather something that should be taught at home. As an editorial team made up of girls, we all agree that the strength and confidence to say no to an uncomfortable situation comes from learning that power at home.

Most students do not dance to every single song during the entire 3 hours of the dance, anyway. If someone does not like to grind, they can

The Nevarmore’s Homecoming dance survey results show that more than half of the respondents’ favorite style of dance is grinding. simply take a break when a song conducive to grinding is played. Other styles of music are played, contrary to what most parents, who have never attended a dance, believe.

Grinding is a personal decision. No parent can sew the lips of the entire student body shut. Let us speak for ourselves and make our own educated decisions on how we feel towards grinding.

Students, be prepared to stop:

Underclassmen hallways closed due to lack of cleanliness

A

s the first semester comes to a close, the freshman and sophomore classes have demonstrated difficulty in meeting standards of hall cleanliness. Hall closings are the order of the day, but the deserted first floor hallways impact more than underclassmen.

Blanket punishments such as hall closings affect the school as a whole, and though the halls end up cleaner for a few days, the strain placed on the Upper School community does not disappear.

Senior hall has not been closed this year. Junior hall was closed once, but the class of 2012 has cleaned up their act, even in the messy-prone zone by their new couch.

As for the freshman and sophomore classes, the hallways simply don’t stay clean. The traditional penalty, closing the

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hallway, does not bring results, but SGA and students have been unable to form a new system to encourage cleanliness. With no other options, and the administration unable to sacrifice Ravenscroft’s image, the halls remain closed again and again.

Students who do not clean up after eating lunch or leave extraneous bits of trash in the hall are usually aware of their actions, and even if they aren’t, generally tidy students are.

Students can choose to clean up after each other, watching each other’s backs, or speak directly with students that leave trash in the halls.

If students do not listen to their peers, identifying those who make messes to Mr. Billerman could allow him to tailor disciplinary action to only include the offenders and spare the entire class the pain of losing their hallway and hangout spaces.

Several students have taken this option, resulting in the reopening of hallways. Still, hallway closings are frequent enough that this

option is rarely chosen.

Strong class camaraderie may keep underclassmen from ratting each other out, perhaps preferring to suffer together. However, attempts to circumvent hallway closures have caused the whole Upper School to suffer based on the actions of a few individuals. Students “just passing through” have visited their lockers and deliberately delayed their stroll, effectively lying as they take a roundabout path from point A to point B. Underclassmen halls have ended up closed to transit during breaks, forcing other students to take lengthy detours. The increased severity is very recent and in direct response to students subverting the punishment and not cleaning up their act besides.

The problem with this spreading inconvenience is that it causes other grades, most noticeably the upperclassmen, to resent the underclassmen. It reinforces stereotypes of immaturity and

evarmore This paper serves as a communication link within Ravenscroft School and between the school and the local community.

The Nevarmore staff strives to produce a professional-quality publication that follows the Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Our overall objective is to print the news for and about our students and other members of our school and community in a fair and objective way with the utmost regard for integrity.

Wire Service

The Nevarmore subscribes to MCT Campus, which provides photographs, national news & entertainment services to high school newspapers.

Faculty Advisor: Helen Velk

childishness, and gives seniors and juniors “reason” to treat the freshmen and sophomores poorly.

As unacceptable as uncleanliness is, hazing and bullying are even more appalling.

Seniors and juniors have not had to deal with hall closings, possibly because they have more to lose from leaving a mess. Juniors in particular must be wary of their behavior, lest they lose experimental off-campus lunches on Friday before they begin. Seniors spend more time off-campus due to their traditional lunch privileges, but the loss of the senior couch and senior study hall keeps lazy seniors in check.

As freshmen and sophomores have no special privileges outside of standard Upper School rights, such as cell phones, flip-flops, and gum (which are banned in the Middle School), all they have to lose from failing to clean is their hallways. The administration must make do with what little leverage they can find.

Can the underclassmen learn

Editor-in-Chief Peyton Burgess Associate Editors Katie Kumbar & Madeline Louden

Graphics Editor Emily High

International Reporter Esther Urios

The unsigned editorials in this issue are a reflection of the combined opinions of the editorial team.

Responses in the form of a letter are welcomed and will be considered for publication.

from their older peers? Possibly, if the upper grades seemed more approachable. Gaining class unity is hard in itself, but freshmen and sophomores who are constantly losing their hall could stand to follow their predecessors. But why should they, when the upperclassmen show no care or respect for them anyway?

The whole reason the administration wants to keep the hallways clean and presentable at all times is because of a sense of pride in Ravenscroft. The hallways are not private, personal spaces, and should be respected for future classes.

A class’ willingness to clean by themselves is a reflection of that pride, and a good indicator of class unity. The problem arises when one class’ lack of respect causes problems for the others, and the community of the Upper School suffers. Targeting the source of the problem, and working to promote unified pride in the Upper School, will make our hallways cleaner and reduce allaround stress.

Editorial Content:

1) The students on the Nevarmore staff will print articles which have been researched to the best of their ability to obtain the most complete information.

2) The information will be presented in an objective, truthful and fair manner.

3) When personal commentary is given it will be in good taste on issues that have been researched, analyzed and where expert opinion has been sought, and then presented to the best ability of the writer.

4) No material which is obscene, libel or anything that will cause a “material and substantial disruption” of the school day, according to accepted legal definitions, will be printed.

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New year, new tax, new job?

Opinion

Egan Hart 11’ and Drew Rasberry 11’ were first time voters Photo by Leslie Pratt 13’

As the Bush Taxes Expire and the Obama Taxes take hold, what changes will we see...

Austin Hill Lifeguarding at the A.E. Finley YMCA. Photo by Rebecca Ratchford

Austin Hill “Y

STAFF WRITER

ou keep the hope, I’ll keep my change!” Many avid Republicans chant both pre and post election ’08. It is true that President Obama’s will change tax rates just like dozens of presidents before him. With that, the panic and fear of losing money have gripped anyone with a salary. And yes, by “anyone with a salary,” I do mean those of you with high school jobs.

As many of you know, I am a Republican and while I may not agree with Obama on everything, I am writing for The Nevarmore and must report the truth to the best of my ability. Some of the other young Republicans will give me beef for this and I will probably find myself somewhere between the two parties with the other weird libertarians.

The truth is, for teenagers, taxes in the 2011 fiscal year may actually go down with Obama in charge.

The President’s new tax plan has been toned down to letting the President Bush tax cuts expire in 2011 but allow rates to remain the same for earners below the $177K single/ $215K married brackets, according to The Tax Foundation, a Washington, D.C. tax publication active since 1937.

What’s more, earners bellow $75K filing solo (non-married) will be eligible for the “Making Work Pay” tax credit that may provide up to $400 in tax refund for singles under this income limit.

Additionally, a $7K tax credit will be available to those who buy “clean” vehicles. “Clean” pertained to “advanced technology vehicles” on Obama’s official website tax plan. This lack of definition probably means it pertains to Priuses and Smart Cars -eewwwww!

The side of the story that has Obama’s critics up in arms is concerning capital gains and the top two income tax brackets. The capital gains tax is a duty on the profits made on the sale of capital such as stocks, bonds, and materials (i.e. coal, metal, and minerals). This tax will jump from 15% to 20% for earners above

$200K- in 2011 when Obama’s new plan takes effect.

As for income tax, the top two tax brackets today pay 33% ($171K-$373K solo and $209K-$373K married) and 35% for incomes over $373K (single or married.) Additionally, added taxes to fund the workers’ compensation measures of the Health Care Bill will increase business taxes.

The nice side is that most teens do not come anywhere close to the top two brackets getting tax hikes in 2011.

Many of us will reap the benefits of the “Making Work Pay” credit as well as other deductions depending upon our specific situation.

However, the tax increases to businesses, business owners, and the increase on the capital gains burden will cause some setbacks for businesses, potentially increasing the difficulty of being hired. Think of it this way, if someone has $5 and they can produce 5 items at $1 per unit to sell at $2 each with that money, and they pay someone $1 to make the items, they will see a profit of $4.

BUT, if the materials used to create the items are suddenly 50 cents more per unit they will only see a $1.50 profit without raising the price. Then take out 40% of that profit to give to the government, and you have 90 cents.

At this point the employer is making less than their employee. Any logical person in this position would raise the price, pay the employee less, or make the items themselves by firing the employee.

Guess who you are in that situation above? THE EMPLOYEE! If you still don’t believe that these “rich only” taxes won’t affect you consider that one office manager of the Kangaroo Express convenience stores, who wishes to remain anonymous, pointed out how the company “will have to cut back various payments and benefits due to... increases in health care costs” for its employees.

That is just one example of the effect of the tax burden on businesses, employers, and conversely employees.

So here’s an analogy, if employees will see lower wages or lose their jobs

and teenagers who have jobs qualify as employees, then teenagers may see lower wages and fewer jobs despite lower taxes. You can be on any side of the isle or one of those bi-political libertarians, but ultimately, this argument is based upon researched numbers and economic logic, not right-wing rhetoric.

As for myself, I am already paid next to minimum wage at a company who receives tax deductions due to their nonprofit status so I have no personal reason to care. This article is only designed to show you, the reader, the pertinent facts of the coming tax and a more in-depth look at what it means for you.

So teenagers, enjoy your tax break while you can because soon the “rich o n l y ” taxes may put you out of a job.

Dr. John DeTreville gives his advice.

Photo by Austin Hill

Don’t believe me?

Listen to Dr. D...

“I’m really not sure [about what will happen when the new taxes come in] but the general rule is that higher taxes mean fewer jobs.”

Voting for teenagers: Still a gratifying experience?

DREW Rasberry

STAFF WRITER

V

ote or Die! This was a slogan used by P. Diddy during the Presidential Election between George Bush and John Kerry in 2004. This slogan was the first thing that came to my mind when I thought about voting for the first time this September. The intensity implied by this slogan did not match my actual experience of voting for the first time.

I walked in to an overcrowded room at a small elementary school. I got my ballot, voted and went over and dropped the ballot into the small ballot box. Then, I just simply walked out and went home; like it was any regular Tuesday.

I had been told and always believed that voting was supposed to be secretive and important, but I didn’t feel that at all. Maybe all the excitement of the 2008 election, made me feel that this year for my first time voting would be just as exciting. But it simply, wasn’t.

Since this was only a midterm election, I didn’t feel the need to take the time to learn anything about the candidates, I voted the same way my parents did.

I was wondering if I was the only first time voter at Ravenscroft that didn’t really feel any sense of patriotism by voting.

“My parents helped me pick the judges because they actually knew who would make a better judge,” explained senior Will Hayman. In contrast to my experience, he did feel patriotic and sought his parents advise only to help decipher which judges to vote for.

Dr. Detreville, History Instructor and advisor to the Young Republicans club, voted for the first time when he was 18 in Georgia. This was unusual because most States at the time only allowed 21 years and above to vote. He read the newspaper in order to get information on the Candidates, but the candidates were all “political like” and they never really would pick a clear side in order to not stir away any possible votes. He would also get a ballot before the elections, and try to research the judges in order to avoid having to pick randomly.

Detreville believes that voting has always been important for America’s youth because the youth vote has always been targeted by the candidates. Often, the youth vote helps with the older conservative voters’ candidates to victory.

I also asked a couple of the seniors who voted what their experience was like and how they voted too. The general consensus is that most kids vote the way their parents do. And whatever party that is, they vote usually a straight party ticket.

Also, most of the kids felt that their vote was important, but the long lines took some of the hype away from it. But all I hope for is that the next elections will generate more of stimulus for me to learn more and feel that my vote is actually important.

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Features

Beauty Myths: REVEALED! CAROLINE SCALES

M

STAFF WRITER

any people don’t realize the importance of good health and skin care until it’s too late. Considerable sins to the beauty world are committed every day such as popping zits or absentmindedly bite our nails.

If you ever wondered if hair really grows back in a darker shade after shaving, look no further. The root of this myth and more can all be explained or dis proven.

Hair is weaker when wet TRUE

Hair absorbs water, and when it has sucked up all it can handle,

Chocolate makes y

Taylor Newcomb, ‘12, shows her love for Hershey’s.

Photos by Caroline Scales

it’s 20% weaker than when it’s dry.

Even when hair is dry, it shouldn’t be brushed too much. An old myth says that brushing it 100 times will make it shinier. This is false; it can actually cause the strands to break.

Sunscreen not needed when cloudy

Split ends can be repaired

Sunscreen is a necessity wherever you are tanning to make

FALSE

From shampooing with warm water to serums that cost over

$300, there are plenty of claimed ways to repair split ends. This doesn’t mean that they work, though. Unfortunately, the only way to repair split ends is to actually cut them off.

Many believed that split ends could be repaired by washing your hair in warm water. Warm water does absolutely nothing. It just keeps the body warm. There is no difference between showering in warm water than in cold.

Sitting cross legged causes varicose veins

FALSE

sure a burn doesn’t follow; especially after a weekend at the beach. But on normal, cloudy days, you should still wear it.

Harmful UVA/UVB rays still penetrate the clouds and reach the skin; and causing a sunburn which can lead to skin cancer.

Olive oil is an at home cleanser TRUE

Believe it or not, olive oil is an excellent

at-home cleanser. The particles don’t clog pores, making it the ultimate pore-cleaning machine while the natural ingredients are not harsh like the chemicals and acids found in normal cleansers.

Cucumbers help dark circles TRUE

In movies, the typical spa scenes have a woman

lounging about with a green mask and cucumbers over the eyes. Most people think that the cucumbers are just relaxing and don’t really do anything; but they are actually a huge help in trying to reduce dark circles and puffy eyes because of the enzymes they contain. To maximize the benefits of cucumbers, make sure the they have been frozen because the coldness restricts blood vessels, which brings down the swelling. If cucumbers are unavailable, two teaspoons that were chilled in the freezer should do the trick!

FALSE G

Liz Kloster, ‘13, loves sitting crosslegged without having to worry about varicose veins!

irls who love to wear skirts and dresses without spandex underneath - rejoice!

Genetics is the number one cause of varicose (a.k.a. “spider”) veins in women. Actually, standing for a long amount of time is the next biggest cause of varicose veins.

These unwanted veins are brought up by the pooling of blood in the legs. Standing in one position without walking about causes the blood to pool, making veins push to the surface unleashing the web of spider veins.

Perfume best on pulse points TRUE

A

ou break out

FALSE

relief to everyone: Eating chocolate does NOT contribute to acne. Even the high amount of sugar found in chocolate does not affect the skin, it can have adverse effects on the body such as weight gain and blood sugar levels.

Phones can cause breakouts TRUE

Every time a finger has touched a phone, it has touched

something before. Maybe it was a doorknob that someone sneezed on. You open the door, get all the germs from the booger guy on your hand and then use the infected hand to grab your phone and hold it to your face. All those germs spread across the skin, clogging the pores and creating pimples.

The sun clears blemishes FALSE

The sun only damages the skin even further. As the skin tans or burns, it dries out, which temporarily clears the blemishes.

You’re thinking, This is good! I should tan every day and I won’t have any pimples or anything!

After the tan or burn, the skin can sense the lack of hydration, which causes an overproduction of oil more breakouts in three or four days.

Toothpaste clear zits TRUE and FALSE

Toothpaste has one major use: to clean the teeth. Like sun

bathing, it works but it has major consequences. It contains menthol, which dries out the pimple while the other active ingredients in the toothpaste can irritate the skin and lead to more break outs. Plus, if the skin is sensitive, it may dry out and leave a huge red area that itches and can be painful.

Teeth whitening weakens enamel

Spritzing perfume on the wrists and around the neck is common Many celebrities prideTRUE themselves on their white teeth, such as is spraying the perfume in the air then walking through its mist. But are those really the best places to apply?

Fragrances react with heat, and when applied to the pulse points (wrists, behind the ears, and behind the knee), it will last all day.

Dark nail polish turns nails yellow

as Courtney Cox of ABC’s Cougar Town. A majority of the whitening products, though, contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, acidic chemicals that can wear away tooth enamel and make the teeth sensitive something to growl about!

Shaved hair grows in thicker, darker

TRUE

FALSE

and cause the nail plate to change. Also, formaldehyde is an ingredient in almost every nail polish. This can react with the keratin protein in the nail, making it weaker, brittle, and yellow.

for the color and thickness of hair. While shaving, only the top of the hair is cut off, the follicle is not destroyed when shaved.

When the top grows back, it appears stubbier.

The chemicals in nail polish can react with the colorant This is just an illusion. Genetics and hormones are the reason

Advisory A

Administrative tea existing Upper Scho Caroline Scales, ‘13, works hard to balance her academic as well as her fine arts commitments.

GARRETT BIRD & JULIA HEFFRING

STAFF WRITERS

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Photo by Katie Kumbar

Balancing act more difficult with more advisory meetings CAROLINE SCALES “Y

STAFF WRITER

ou can’t force a heart-to-heart,” according to senior Patrick Bailey. I couldn’t agree more.

I am lucky. I don’t mind being called into advisory. It doesn’t upset me because I love my advisor, Miss Rand, and all the other students in my group. However, the assigned advisory topics we talk about are issues that have been drilled into our minds ever since we were little kids. Understandably, the topics during advisory do try to teach us to make moral decisions, but we’ve just heard it so many times, it loses its edge after awhile.

As a freshman, I was excited to actually be able to work on my homework or study for tests during 9:35. I was eager to be able to talk to my friends for a longer amount of time and have an extended break.

But this year, as a sophomore, that dream was crushed when I was called to advisory more than expected.

A huge topic talked about recently was drunk driving. Everyone I know has had more than the legal limit of discussions on this topic with graphic pictures in P.E. or Drivers Ed. Honestly, every time I see a movie or talk about it, I really don’t pay attention because it’s the same story over and over again about how an aspiring teen destroyed their life through drinking and driving. It’s beating a dead horse, I’ve heard it so many times, and it just numbs my brain.

If we see something huge on the news or on the internet that’s a national or even world-wide controversy, then we have a right to talk about it. But here in Ravenscroft Upper School, we are the future: a bright, better, future, raised to speak our opinions. So why is it that we must be asked our opinions via long news articles and pre-written questions?

We should be able to create own questions and solve them on our own time. We don’t need to have sheets of paper thrown in our faces with instructions to answer certain questions. That’s for classrooms.

We are smarter than that.

Such important topics are moral and deserve more original, student-generated discussions. We have our own ideas about advisory conversation. Chances are that we are talking about big stories and issues outside with friends which will naturally lead into our advisory groups.

Also, most of the time, our advisory discussion ends early and we just chat anyway. Casual conversations lead to a natural closeness within the group. So, if our discussion ends early, why can’t we just leave to finish our chat with advisory friends, study, or do some homework to make our nights a little shorter? We should not have to stay until the bell rings. Forced conversations to kill time when we have other issues on our mind do not foster close relationships. We just have break next, so it’s not like we’re going to be disturbing a class who has a huge test.

We deserve an extra little sliver of time to study or bond with friends during the school day. Upper School students at Ravenscroft are quite over-scheduled and we need a few breaks to chill. We can still be close to our advisors, fellow advisees, and friends without being forced to discuss “certain” topics for a set amount of time while still maintaining high academic standards – which is what our parents are expecting of our Ravenscroft education.

magine for a second that you are a first semester senior ‘Crofter. It’s a Wednesday night and you are totally slammed with homework. You get home from sports practice at seven o’clock and after eating dinner, you don’t sit down to start homework until eight. With an entire AP Lit paper to write and an AP Calc BC test tomorrow, you have no idea when you’ll be able to get to the rest of your homework.

Then you remember exams are fast approaching and so are college application deadlines. So much to do, so little time. It’s now two o’clock in the morning and you’ve finished all your homework except for some vocabulary workbook pages for Spanish 5. But wait! You remember you have Spanish second period and tomorrow second period is near the end of the day!

You can just do it tomorrow during common period!

So Thursday, you walk out of seventh period, heading towards your locker to rep out that vocabulary exercise - shoot! - you hear a voice over the intercom saying all students must report to their advisory locations. No homework completion grade for you.

As unfortunate as this situation may sound, it is very common due to the recent implementation of a new advisory meeting system.

Special presentations and speakers concerning adolescent issues have always been a part of the advisory program at Ravenscroft.

This year, the format for discussion about these New Guidance Counselors Mary Cathpresentations has changed. erine Strickland and Amy Adams smile for The goal of having these the camera. group talks is to create a Photo by Susan Washburn

small atmosphere where students in a safe and secure environment discussion questions prior to the the presentation, and then meets This new format takes three of ou completion.

Despite the inconvenience advisory meetings, they provide to talk about major social issues a relationships with each other as advisor.

Amy Adams, Guidance C Billerman, Assistant Head of Up Tom Franz, Assistant Head of Sch Affairs, are the key members of the charged with re-evaluating and im system. They have had several m purpose of advisories, and have increase the connectedness of an ad “We want to make the advis environment, that will deal with issues,” explained Billerman in behind these meetings. He went on to have about one educational piece relevant to high schoolers.

To Franz, advisory time mea individual relationships with a someone who is actually guidin experience through high school. Th about is the way we can share, enc we know are important values that school is to help you develop hea choices.”

So far this year, advisories cyber-bullying) and alcohol. Ada include: character traits, diversity, d “Some topics will be gener

Advisory Prog Advisory Mission Statement:

To assist in implementing Ravenscroft’s mission,

advisors guide and support advisees in their growth as students and citizens as an integral part of the educational day.

We promote respect and cooperation as we seek to fulfill our responsibilities to the school and the world around us.

Individual O

-Help advise -Review written records and co -Assist with the cour -Monitor academic progress, parent-studen -Learn about special -Encourage and support extrac summer a -Serve as mentor, advoc -Provide a communication l advisees’

Group Ob

The Thrash advisory frequently hangs out together,staying the Science suite long after the end of common period.

Photo by Elise Thrash

-Morning meet -Meet regularly -Attend common -Have lunch with adv -Help advisees stretch each oth -Help advisees build relationship of one’s -Meet once a month for e

Adjustments

am works to improve ool advisory program

s can reflect on teen problems t. To do so, advisors are given presentation, everyone attends to discuss the topic again. ur common periods for

of more structured advisories a time and develop closer well as with the

Counselor, Kevin pper School, and hool for Academic administrative team mproving the advisory meetings regarding the decided to attempt to dvisory atmosphere. sory period a learning Kevin Billerman is prominent adolescent Assistant Head of regard to the motive Upper School, n to say that the goal is Academic Skills Ine a month about issues structor, Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach, ans “a way to develop and an Advisor with the faculty member and Class of 2013 to boot! ng you through your Photo by Blake Henard he second thing I think courage and deliver certain messages that the school has. One of these values of the althy lifestyles and make healthy lifestyle

have discussed internet safety (including ams reveals that the coming topics will decision-making, and peer relations. ric, but others will vary for grade levels

because 9th graders are dealing with different circumstances than 12th graders,” elaborated Adams.

“Drugs and Respect” are topics Billerman said will be discussed in the future; but “our guidance department is open to suggestions of other issues that can be discussed.”

In January, a survey will be sent to all advisors to gather topic ideas for future advisory sessions. This will help to develop a schedule of remaining topics to discuss this year. Adams has also been collecting various student surveys about what they would like to do in advisory.

“My biggest goal is to empower advisors and make them feel like they can make a difference in their advisees’ high school experiences,” Adams said.

But is the new advisory program having the effect the administration intended it to have?

“My advisees, personally, have taken these subjects and had very intelligent discussions without much prompting,” answered Billerman.

Franz added, “Seniors are more cynical about it than the freshmen, because the freshmen are used to having similar discussions in Middle School. Seniors are probably wondering where did this [the new advisory program] come from, but in another three years when the current sophomores are gone, it’ll be only kids that know that this is what advisory programs are all about.”

Outside of the educational pieces, Adams, Billerman, and Franz are trying to make advisory more fun with some bonding activities. Adams said, “Next fall, students can expect advisory Olympics.”

“I am not changing the advisory program, but rather just trying to improve it. These new activities will hopefully allow the teacher to get to know their advisees better, as well as, Tom Franz, Assistant Head of School be a model to follow so that for Academic Affairs, wants to advisories have things to do strengthen advisory ties. together,” concluded Adams.

Photo by Peyton Burgess

gram Defined

Objectives:

ees set goals ommunicate with their teachers rse selection process , and facilitate and document nt conferences l or unique interests curricular, artistic, athletic and activities cate and sounding board link between the school and ’ families

T

Advisory Objectives:

he mission of our Advisory Program at Ravenscroft is to build community and foster meaningful connections in a safe and nurturing environment. Each faculty advisor works with a small group of students. Time is provided regularly for advisors to learn about their advisees and to establish positive on-going relationships.

bjectives:

ting check-ins y with advisees periods together visees twice a month her’s thinking and perspectives ps with a group of peers outside s friends educational presentations

Dr., Nelson Nunalee’s advisory throwing him a baby shower at advisee Grayson Miller’s house.

Photo by Shari Burgess

Garrett Bird, ‘12, excitedly struts to advisory.

Photo by Peyton Burgess

Too much of a good thing can be a ‘Bird’-en GARRETT BIRD T

STAFF WRITER

o have advisory meetings, or not have advisory meetings?

That is the question...

The advisory system works by having a meeting prior to the presentation on the issue and then having a meeting after the presentation.

Based on my experiences so far, I have found this system to be beneficial, yet flawed. I like the talks we have as an advisory about the issue after the presentation, but not before the presentation.

My advisory is like a family. We get along very well and are able to discuss issues openly without any discomfort. Because of this, we have very intelligent and in depth discussions during our advisory meetings.

My advisor, Ms. Immediata, begins by opening the talk with an insightful remark on the issue, then one advisory member comments, and next thing I know, our entire advisory is involved. We feed off each other. This is exactly what I think advisory meetings were developed to do and exactly what I like about them.

However, what I find to be a problem is the unnecessary, extra meeting we have before the presentation on this issue. I’m a Ravenscroft student and with that comes a great deal of homework and studying.

This extra meeting is used in place of time that I could be doing some homework or preparing for a quiz. I need all the time I can get to get all my work done, and eliminating this unnecessary meeting would relieve a large amount of stress.

Not only is this meeting taking up time that I could be doing work, it also has a negative effect on our advisory discussions. The first time I arrived at advisory to find that we had a meeting about a presentation we had not yet seen, I was a bit agitated. Why discuss a presentation we haven’t been exposed to yet?

And my agitation was further increased as advisory passed by. It is almost impossible to have a meaningful conversation about a presentation we have not yet seen. It is not only a waste of time, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth on the issue.

I remember we had one meeting about cyber bullying and it began by us reading an article about a student that was bullied to the point that he committed suicide. That just gave me a bad opinion regarding discussing cyber bullying, and I went into the school wide presentation with uncertainty.

Yes, as a whole, I do think the new advisory system is beneficial.

But I think there is room for improvement. The administration should do away of the advisory meeting prior to the presentation and have a second meeting after the presentation. Better yet, just do away with the extra meeting. This way the student body as a whole would not only get to still talk about the issues bothering them, but also get more time to do all the work that burdens Ravenscroft students.

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Volunteer work sparks medical career interest

Mills works at scene where a vehicle flipped and the driver had to be extricated from the car.

Mills promoted to senior volunteer J H All photos provided by Baker Mills

ULIA

EFFRING

Students look forward to their eighteenth birthday for various STAFF WRITER

reasons; however, Baker Mills, ‘11, anticipated this milestone for a reason very different from all of his peers.

For the past two and a half years, Mills has volunteered and been a member of the Durham Highway Fire Department. He began just before he turned sixteen, and since then has logged thousands of community service hours.

In order to go on calls, he had to complete several classes, including: Incident Command System and Bloodborne Pathogens. Classes such as these enabled him to go to the sites; however, despite having attended the classes, the fact that he was a minor prevented him from actually entering the burning building.

Since his eighteenth birthday in September, Mills has taken additional classes at Wake Tech that include: Hazmat Ops Awareness and Terrorism, Essentials School, and EMT. In addition to these courses, he has participated in many “live burns,” which are controlled fire situations in which he enters into particular rooms with certified instructors and they watch and evaluate his technique and execution.

With lots of experience and coursework under his belt, as well as being eighteen, Mills can now receive compensation for his work, fill in for other full-time firefighters, and enter a burning building alongside his team.

“I like volunteering as a firefighter, because it is a way to interact with a lot of different people with different lifestyles,” says Mills.

Mills enters situations ranging from fires to car wrecks, and says that the hardest incidents for him usually involve young adults like himself committing suicide. However, all of the experience he has gotten firefighting has helped him to decide on a future career— medicine.

Mills has worked four “codes,” which are cases in which a victim needs immediate medical attention. Out of those four, Mills has been credited with one save as a result of performing CPR and shocking a 64-year-old man who was suffering from cardiac arrest.

The Durham Fire Department Chief, Jim Feely, says, “Baker is an excellent member of our team. He is well-respected and was recently promoted from junior volunteer to a full-time volunteer. I can always count on Baker.”

Feely also shared that Mills was responsible for creating a video to entice volunteer membership, and that they now use the video all the time because it was so well done.

“Baker is an excellent member of our team...I can always count on Baker.”

- Jim Feely

Mills and a co-worker in uniform (above).

Mills on scene (right).

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Her name is complex, but Mrs. K makes math O “K” Kovalaske (right) with her sister, Missy.

EGAN HART Who

STAFF WRITER

When it comes to traveling, Kovalaske spent her childhood vacations at Cape Cod. Now that she is in charge of planning family vacations, she chooses to go to Hilton Head with her children, Katie, 4, and Jack, 19 months. If Mrs. K could go anywhere, she says that she would love to travel to Greece and its beaches.

“Family is very important to me.

Christmas is my favorite holiday by far because I can spend quality family time and I like to decorate. I love the food and presents,” said Kovalaske.

Kovalaske says she is excited to be here at Ravenscroft and is looking forward to great year.

drinks three to four cups of Starbucks coffee a day, hates when intelligent people act stupid, and would rather be on a beach in Greece than anywhere else? New math instructor, Laura Kovalaske, a.k.a. Mrs. K, that’s who!

Kovalaske previously taught at four different schools in two different states.

Kovalaske’s husband, who works for John Deer, has been the cause of her relocations.

“I came to Ravenscroft for North Carolina Association of Independent Schools (NCAIS) three years ago and this past year I had to get a new job because of my husband, so I decided to look on Ravenscroft’s website if they were hiring,” explained Kovalaske.

“Mrs. K is very dedicated to her job, making sure her students are doing well. She takes extra time to explain material to those who struggle, and she also has an awesome accent, and the best thing about her is the way she says ‘coffee.’” elaborates Joel Hopkins, ‘11.

Kovalaske enjoys teaching geometry, especially proofs. “They are like little puzzles,” she said. “I like teaching high school students because I can have meaningful conversations.”

“My favorite memories are when my past students send me letters and emails who have graduated thanking me for being strict and helping them learn and pass math classes,” articulates Kovalaske.

When you come to a new town, one must go and check out new restaurants. Kovalaske says, “I love Kovalaske at a wedding with her children, Mexican food and my favorite restaurant Katie and Jack. is Cantina 1511 in Charlotte.”

Kovalaske and her daughter Katie are on a mission to find the perfect Christmas tree in the mountains.

Photos provided by Laura Kovalaske

Craig with her dogs, Tucker (the golden one) and Peri (the black one).

Photos provided by Allison Craig

Allison Craig volleys a new perspective into English department EGAN HART

schools throughout United States, “I have visited most of the States and traveled through most of the Western Europe, as well as Canada STAFF WRITER and Mexico,” said Craig. Food is one of the ost new teachers would be horrified if things a lot of people look forward fro tasting they thought their students were afraid of them; when they visit foreign country and Craig is one however, New English Instructor Allison Craig of those people. She said, “To me Italy has the would consider that a job well-done, as she is best food of any other place in the world.” My absolutely obsessed with “horror things.” Her favorite is bruschetta, which is bread toasted in olive oil, a layer of tomatoes favorite scary movie is in top, few pieces of prosciutto The Exorcist. and strip of parmesan cheese, Most students explained Craig. are not afraid of Craig, who was also a teachers these days. So, softball coach, has a lot of great a lot of the teachers do memories such as sharing a league not get the respect that championship with a girl (gat a they deserve according name), team’s captain, whom she to Craig. She has three taught English for four years and main ways that she she was also her adviser and they likes to deal with this lived in the same dorm. dilemma.

Moving to the east cost from “Sometimes I put Craig meets Stephen King my heels on to appear when he lectured at The Colorado was a decision that my University of Vermont husband and I made because he can bigger in front of the get a teaching job here a lot easier, students,” explains Craig.

She believes the taller she appears, the more said Craig. Teaching freshman and seniors this year, Craig is looking forward for a great school intimidating she can be.

Craig’s second and favorite way to deal year. with a student’s lack of respect “is to call the parents and let them know how it is.” It appears that these techniques are working so far because a lot of students in Upper School are intimidated by Craig; just ask any sophomore.

In high school, Craig said she was well rounded. “I played a lot of sports, I was in year book class, school musical, and had a job throughout high school.”

She also loves Halloween, because that’s when all the scary movies are on TV. She has also met her favorite writer, Steven King who is famous for writing suspense novel like Carrie.

Having taught in plenty of schools, Craig comes with plenty experiences ranging from high school to college. “I love teaching high school,” she said. “Sophomores and juniors are my favorite because they can still take it seriously because they already been in high school.”

When it comes time for pet peeves, Craig said, “I have many.” Most of us are grossed out by people’s feet; well Mrs. Craig is no different. She says that though she has a lot of pet peeves, feet are her number one. She also says Craig digging a volleyball for Mount Holyoke that she hates when guys wear sandals Athletics with her broken right wrist wrapped. and have long toe nails. “That’s just She was determined to finish the season and she now regrets not getting it set as recomnasty to me,” said Craig.

Having been in a lot of different mended by the doctor.

M

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Top 10 Hottest Actresses Scarlett

Johansson is the superstar who has recently starred in Iron Man 2 and He’s Just Not That Into You. She’s a beautiful, curvy woman on the rise.

Scarlett was a unanimous number one among us three.

The third person in the equation is senior Joell Hopkins, a former Nevarmore reporter that attends class everyday even though he is officially enrolled in study hall, not Journalism/ Newspaper. Even Helen Velk, Journalism Instructor, couldn’t help but say, “Good Lord!” in response to a picture of Johansson she saw over our shoulders in class.

Jessica Alba is an extremely beautiful

woman. She has starred in movies such as Good Luck Chuck and Into the Blue. Sean thinks she’s a worthy number two option but Joell and I are happy with where she is listed.

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5

QUINN BILLERMAN & SEAN KELLY Beauty cannot be defined; it is a personal

Kim Kardashian is a

STAFF WRITERS

thirty year old bombshell that exploded onto the movie scene in Disaster Movie, and currently stars in the show Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

She has sidelined NFL players Reggie Bush and Miles Austin and is currently wide-open and waiting for the next pass. Although it was a tough decision that required watching scores of Kardashian video replays, we decided to put her as a close second . Quinn thought that Kim is blatantly the number two actress, while Sean thought Jessica Alba should have been second.

Judge Joell said, “Kim K.”

opinion depending on the individual. This article is our top ten current hottest actresses, according to our own opinions. Our opinions are based on what we think beauty is, and what we find attractive.

We understand that there are many attractive actresses, and they couldn’t all make this list, but these are our top ten choices.

We all know that a beautiful girl can come between even the best of friends. It was tough to agree on each starlet and their spot on the list a- things became so tense we had to make a split.

From now on, there will be no top ten articles cowritten by us. Instead, we will pick a topic and create competing top ten lists and let the school decide whose list is better.

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Brooklyn

Decker has been a model in the past but now has now turned actress with her debut in the new Adam Sandler movie coming out this Spring, Just Go With It. Quinn and Sean thinks she’s the next big up-andcoming, hot superstar hactress. When seeing this

Hayden Panettiere is another young, rising

star who was in the movie I love You Beth Cooper. Sean and Quinn agree that she is a hot star who will be on this list for a long time.

hottie, Joell said, “Wow.”

Eva

Mendes is an actress of CubanAmerican decent who has starred in movies such as Hitch and 2 Fast 2 Furious. Sean raves on and on about Eva, but Quinn and Joell think she is too high on the list.

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Beyonce, though best known for her music,

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was in the movie Obsessed. She is a beautiful woman facing a future with seemingly unending potential. Quinn, Sean, and Joell agree that she’s a dime and deserves the number five spot, if not higher.

Megan Fox is a young

and upcoming actress who has starred in movies such as Transformers,”Jonah Hex, and Jennifer’s Body. We are content with leaving her here but believe she has the potential to move up the list in years to come. Joell thinks she is already a top three candidate.

8

Yvonne

Strahovski stars in the show Chuck and is a young hot actress with unlimited acting potential. Quinn and Sean agreed to sneak her onto the list at the number ten spot. Joell was also happy with the choice of Strahovski at number ten.

10 Eva Longoria Parker is most famous

for her role in the TV show Desperate Housewives, but was also in the movie The Sentinel. Quinn and Sean both love this superstar.

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Features BO NEWCOMB

STAFF WRITER

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ontrary to popular belief, lounging is much more than just an activity or pastime…it is a lifestyle.

There are people that lounge once a week and there are people that lounge once an hour. As a frequenter of “the lounge,” I would consider myself an advanced level lounger…so I know my stuff.

For example, there are many ways to lounge. Much more than you would probably assume. The most obvious way to lounge is the basic horizontal lounge. This can be done almost anywhere (except on a couch at school – for reasons unknown).

This can be done solo or with a partner.

A personal favorite place to lounge horizontally is at my good friend Colby Virtue’s fire pit. The atmosphere is excellent and there is good camaraderie.

Another way to lounge is the sitting lounge. This can be done while riding in a car, while playing COD , while in a boring class during a PowerPoint, or just under a locker.

There are two main types of the sitting lounge. The sophisticated lounge, the and the bum lounge.

To get an idea of the sophisticated sitting lounge observe

Mr. Pruden or Mr. Billerman in their chair of authority in the commons. To get an idea of the bum lounge observe Trent West, ‘11, Bo Newcomb, ‘11, and Patrick Bailey, ‘11, in the picture to the right. To get a good image of a bum/horizontal combo lounge observe Temple Sloan, ‘11, below.

There is also a higher level of lounging…Specialty lounging if you will. Tailgate lounging is something you have to be prepared for, mentally and physically. You need to go into the lounge situation with a spot in mind. If you go in blind, all the good lounge spots will quickly be swept up…most likely by Trenton West.

In some situations, individuals will be lounging so hard that they will be consuming enough room for two reasonably sized loungers. In this situation, be careful. Don’t make the lounger think your coming at them too hard, or they will go on the defense and you will find yourself standing.

Be respectful and ask politely for a spot to lounge. If they refuse, try to make an alliance with someone that is also standing. Overtake the selfish lounger, and take the two loungespots for you and your partner.

Nevarmore correspondent Patrick Bailey stated, “Lounging is a vital part of life, without it, we would not be able to properly function”.

Indeed, Patrick Bailey, you are correct and so wise.

It just so happens that many

Trent West, ‘11, Bo Newcomb, ‘11, and Patrick Bailey, ‘11, demonstrating the mixture horizontal/sitting lounge.

Photo by Julia Heffring

highly legitimate studies have been done at many prestigious online universities on lounging. All conclude that it is physically the second most important thing to your health besides food. It is even more important than oxygen and water!

In an interview with Nevarmore correspondent Trenton

West, I asked him some questions about his lounging habits. Trenton responded with, “I love the lounge, it is a crucial part of my day.” When asked what would he think if he had to lounge all day he responded… ”Straight.”

Yet another Nevarmore correspondent Christopher Cornelius,

‘11, stated that his favorite place to lounge horizontally is the NRCC cart path.

That’s right folks. Lounging is the new fad! So lounge hard, and lounge frequently.

I’m Bo Newcomb…and I’m letting you know.

Different styles of lounging Sophisticated lounge Bill Pruden and Kevin Billerman demonstrating the sophisticated lounge, overlooking the students and keeping peace in Rhonda’s Cafe.

Horizontal lounge

Madeline Louden, ‘11, Patrick Bailey, ‘11, Julia Heffring, ‘11, and Shannon McDonnell,’11, doing the horizontal lounge, generally forbidden at school.

Photos by Bo Newcomb

Imitation of sophisticated lounge Patrick Bailey, Student Government Association President, showing off his updated style of the sophisticated lounge, sitting in rolling chair and chatting on the phone. Although not as official as Pruden and Billerman, Bailey still shows off his status of power in the sophisticated lounge style.

Bum lounge

Temple Sloan, ‘11, mastering the bum lounge in the freshman hallway.

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Upcoming Cinema

CARSON SMITH

STAFF WRITER

Its holiday season, and we all know what that means for cinema: tons of movie releases. I combed through the list of new ones, by-passing snoozers like the Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader-seriously, now?--or the desperate Little Fockers--do we really need to attempt top the first two?-- and found the top three movies coming out to theaters in December.

THRILLER

In theaters: December 3 Rating: R Predicted rating: 8.5/10 Trivia: The opener to the Venice Film Festival Summary: Black Swan reveals the dark, twisted relationship between two members of a New York City ballet company competing for the coveted lead in Swan Lake.

Nina (Natalie Portman), the veteran dancer, becomes intimidated by the new ballerina Lily (Mila Kunis), who impresses Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel), the director. Swan Lake requires a dancer who can play both the innocent and graceful White Swan, and the Black Swan, who represents guile and sensuality. Nina fits the White Swan role perfectly, while Lily personifies the In theaters: Black Swan. As the rivalry expands into a December 25th tumultous, twisted friendship, Nina discov- Rating: not yet ers another side of herself that threatens to rated destroy her.

Predicted rating: 8.3/10 Trivia: The second adaptaion of the book; the first was filmed in In theaters: 1969 December 29 featuring Robert Duvall Rating: R and also starring John Wayne.

Predicted rating: 8.0/10

WESTERN

Spanish Trivia: Stars Academy Award winner Javier Bardem Summary: This is a story of a man in free fall. On the road to redemption, darkness lights his way. Connected with the afterlife, Uxbal is a tragic hero and father of two who’s sensing the danger of death. He struggles with a tainted reality and a fate that works against him in order to forgive, for love, and forever. *IMBD quote

Summary: Following the murder of her father, fourteen-year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) undertakes a quest to seek out his murderer, a drifter named Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin).

At her aid, Ross hires the toughest U.S. Marshal available, a man with “true grit” and an addiction to alcohol, named Reuben J. “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges).

They’re eventually joined by Texas Ranger, La Boeuf (Matt Damon). While trekking through the Indian Nations, the “true grit” of each character is tested.

Features Latest ‘Harry Potter’ off to a flying start

By Ben Fritz Los Angeles Times - Opened to $125.1 million at the domestic box office; $205 million from nearly every major foreign market (according to an estimate from distrubtor Warner Bros.

- Grossed $24 million domestically before the sun rose on opening day, cmopared to $6 million for “Goblet of Fire” and $22.2 million for summer 2009’s “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” - Opened in every major foreign market except France and South Korea Most successful foreign markets: Britain: $28 million Germany: $21.8 million Australia $14.8 million Japan: $14 million Russia: $12.3 million Italy: $11.5 million Mexico: $10.2 million - It will likely match or slightly exceed the $934 million worldwide box office total of 2009’s “Harry Potter and the HalfBlood Prince.” The only question is whether it can top the $975 million worldwide total of 2001’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” the first movie in the series and still its best box office performer. *An exerpt from his article of the same title from MCT Campus wire service. Photo from MCT

Ravenscroft students’ TV shows to Tivo MEKA VALLIER

STAFF WRITER

What character from your favorite TV show would you take to prom and why?

“Quin from Glee because she’s hot.”

T

his month The Nevarmore took interest in questioning what television shows everyone should be watching. To answer this question, we asked the entire Ravenscroft Upper School to participate in a survey that asks each student to list their top 3 favorite shows that must be watched during the week. The answers varied from ESPN to Jersey Shore.

Our questions were definitely answered by the following rankings throughout each grade. Though categories may vary between each grade, it seems that everyone loves to laugh. The only “serious” TV shows listed were ESPN and Grey’s Anatomy.

- Josh Romley, ‘14

9th Grade:

“Gus from Pysch because he’s hilarious...and good arm candy.”

- Shelby Major, ‘13

10th Grade:

“Ronnie from Jersey Shore because his body is a wonderland.”

-Taylor Newcomb, ‘12

11th Grade:

“Dr. Avery from Grey’s...he’s literally the hottest guy..ever!”

-Shannon McDonnell, ‘11

12th Grade:

1) ESPN 3)Modern Family

1) South Park 2) Psych 3) The Office

1) ESPN 2)Jersey Shore 3) The Office

1) Gossip Girl 2)Grey’s Anatomy 3) ESPN

Based on the results from the survey, it is clear that the 9th grade likes to stay updated with the score from the Outside the Lines on ESPN, as well as Puck being such a “B.A.” on Glee, and laugh with Sofia Vergara on Modern Family.

The 10th grade likes to watch Cartman, Kenny, Stan and Kyle making fun of others on Southpark, Shawn and Gus solving a murder a week with his fake psychic powers on Psych, and laughing at Jim from The Office.

The 11th grade likes to watch shows like Around the Horn on ESPN, Pauly D yelling: “the cabs are here” on Jersey Shore, and finally the documentary with Michael breaking the workplace norms on The Office.

Finally, the 12th grade likes to watch shows about people that have drama filled lives on Gossip Girl (Serena van der Woodsen), followed by watching “McSteamy” and “McDreamy” on Grey’s Anatomy, and finally Sportscenter on ESPN.

2)Glee

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orst Christmas Gifts EVIE DOLE & LESLIE PRATT

STAFF WRITERS

Most high school students would

have the iPhone 4, iPad, UGG boots, or a cute new shirt on his or her Christmas “Last year my list, but instead might find something else parents under the Christmas tree. got me a zebra Every year children sprint down the stairs to see what Santa has left in their striped Snuggie, stockings. Sometimes children find presand my ents that are considered worse than coal. sister got a When we asked Ravenscroft students leopard what they remember as their worst Christspotted Snuggie.” mas gift to date, we got some interesting responses.

-Layla Tanik, ‘13

“Two years ago my parents gave me a dull pocket-knife. And, like what am I gonna do with that?”

- Egan Hart, ‘11

“My parents gave me four cans of canned pears.”

- Ryan Carr, ‘13

“When I was 22, my dad got me a baby pink sweatshirt with a gray, glitter kitten on the front... I had to wear it to the family Christmas party.”

- Nicole Moore, English Teacher

What do teachers do when they are not at ‘The Croft’ S

usann Heckman, Chemistry Instructor, has many hobbies, including paper crafts, ceramics, jewelry, and baking. She started baking in college when she made custom cakes for some teachers and she’s been picking up other hobbies ever since.

Heckman baked this wedding cake for her son (left) and the mug above is one of many she made for the ushers. She also made the doll and her dress.

HAYDEN GRIDLEY

STAFF WRITER

A common misconception

that students have is that the faculty members live on campus and never leave the classrooms that they teach in.

However, this is not true for most of the faculty members here in the Upper School.

They live lives outside of school, just like the students do, and their hobbies range from singing to mowing the grass.

Nelson Nunalee,

Physics instructor, has an uncommon hobby: mowing the grass. “I guess I just like the sense of gratification, the exercise, and the connection back to my childhood and my father. It helps me relax!”

Cake photo provided by Susann Heckman, photo of Heckman and mug by Hayden Gridley

S

Swaim prepares to drill one in the corner pocket.

Photo provided by Steve Swaim

teve Swaim, Spanish Instructor, is an avid pool player and competes as a member of the Amateur Pool Players Association.

This league ranks players with ratings between The Coats women enjoying their 2-7. Swaim time together.

Photo provided by Sandy Coats is a 6.

Nunalee is having a great time mowing the lawn!

Photo by Hayden Gridley

Sandy Coats, Spanish instructor, is a huge Duke athletics fan. She also loves the theatre, travelling to such places as New York city; and especially spending time with her family. Whatever time is left over, she enjoys reading, going out with friends, and doing yard work.

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Ravenscroft athlete sidelined by knee injuries Anterior collateral ligament (ACL) and other knee injuries explained

JORDAN BEDNAR & RASHAAD RATLIFF-BROWN

A

Facts about the ACL

STAFF WRITERS

thletes at Ravenscroft School who played a fall sport, in general, experienced more injuries this past season than in years past.

The football team suffered numerous knee injuries. The most common was to the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL), which is one of four ligaments essential to the stability of the knee joint. Its purpose is to prevent the knee from buckling inward, and it also attaches the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (bigger bone in the lower leg).

There were also problems with the Anterior Collateral Ligament (ACL), a ligament in the knee that crosses from the underside of the femur to the top of the tibia.

This was not the best year for knee injuries involving the ACL and MCL, as there have been seasons without any problems with the ACL, according to Coach Michelle Piette, Athletic Trainer.

“Knee injuries are a part of the game in every sport,” adds Piette.

A torn ACL usually requires surgery to repair. The surgery can be performed by taking the athletes own patellar tendon, a tendon from a cadaver, or one from the athlete’s hamstring.

The recovery process can be very long and stressful as six months is considered a short recovery time and a long recovery can last twenty-four months.

Quality surgeons, trainers and physical therapists are the key to any athletes return to sports after an injury to the ACL. Knee injuries are the most common injury in the NFL, accounting for 34% of the 400 injuries from 2006-2009. ACL tears account for 2% of all injuries in the NFL.

Junior Corey Garrity’s gory knee story “I have torn my right ACL twice and my left ACL one time. The first two on my right were from basketball and football. The first on my left and third overall time was from a drill during spring practice for football.

The first time I was 12 years old and was anxious to get back so it was 6 months. The second time was about 8 and now this time I will take my time and be about 8 or 9 months.

The recovery process is the fastest and going well I will have to wear a knee brace on each knee and I will wear them for any physical activity for the rest of my life.”

Definition:

A ligament in the knee that crosses from the underside of the femur (the thigh bone) to the top of the tibia (the bigger bone in the lower leg).

Abbreviated “ACL.”

Causes of ACL injuries:

Other than playing sports, there are other causes of ACL injuries. They can occur when the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee tears due to extreme stretching the ligament.

Prevention of ACL injuries:

There are a number of ways to prevent ACL injuries, most of which are surprisingly easy. Unequivocally, the best way to prevent them is to stretch the leg muscles, especially before prolonged or rough activity. The quadriceps and hamstrings, the front and back muscles located in the thigh, must especially be stretched.

Not wearing cleats can also help prevent ACL injuries, especially in contact sports.

For women, extremely high heeled shoes should be avoided. Although contact with other individuals generally does not cause ACL injuries, athletes are also advised to avoid too much contact, as well as to avoid sports that involve a lot of twisting motions.

Treatment of ACL injuries:

Unfortunately, there is no one, single way to treat ACL injuries. The treatment depends primarily on the patient.

Many choose rehabilitation rather than surgery.

Because rehabilitation for ACL injuries involves a lot of stretching and care, this is usually one of the best options. Surgical reconstruction is another option. Whether or not a patient has surgery typically depends on the severity of the damage to the ligament.

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Senior Fall Sports Memories Varsity Volleyball

Varsity Cheerleading GRAYSON MILLER

“M

STAFF WRITER

y favorite memory from Volleyball is Tammy getting hit in the head at team camp...twice, and then crashing into a basketball cart DURING our game against Cary Christian. Also, when Amber Fenner fell when we were PRACTICING our warm up...and she sprained her ankle.”

“O

ne of my favorite cheerleading memories is from cheer camp freshman year. The entire team decided to sing “Show Stopper” by Danity Kane at the pool party on the last night. After we all climbed up on the podium, the stereo broke, so we sang it without the music - half of the team didn’t even know the words. It was fun, but I’m sure it sounded terrible!”

-Dawson Kirkland

-Shannon Mcdonnell All photos by Dr. Watters

Varsity Cross Country “My favorite memory of cross country was

when the entire team was huddled around the trunk of a tree singing "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers at the top of their lungs, while the other teams gawked at us.”

-Aaron Sugar

Varsity Field Hockey

Varsity Tennis “M

y favorite memory of Varsity Tennis is when we won the State Championship in ‘08 and all the Chinese firedrills we did on the way home.”

- Genny Francis

“M

Varsity Soccer

y favorite memories of Varsity Field Hockey are beating Country Day in the semi-finals, Alfre Wimberly’s bird calls, and the game against Durham Academy sophomore year when there was a stroke & Catherine batted it out of the top right corner.”

“My favorite memory of

Varsity Soccer is when we beat Wake Christian, because we played the best as a team during that game, and less for ourselves.”

-Connor Whitaker

Varsity Football “Our favorite memories of Varsity Football is six

years of dynamic duo, the good ole switcharoo, and the goal line stands versus Providence Day.”

-Connor Gonet & Temple Sloan

-Melina Gozzo

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Vars i t y Wi n t e r S p o r ts Preview Buckets with Billerman Coach shares his hopes on the promising season

KOFIE YEBOAH T

STAFF WRITER

he Boys Varsity Basketball team lost several key players like Luke Davis, Mike Ehilegbu and Sean Billerman as the class of 2010 graduated.

Head Coach Kevin Billerman predicts that the seven returning players along with the new editions, like Mike Hutter, ‘12, will provide a strong foundation for the team. Billerman also added that the new players will have to transition into playing against bigger, stronger and faster players.

The Varsity team With returners like Joell Hopkins plays a very competive (top left) and Anton Gill (above) the schedule. They opened Ravens expect to be dunking on the up the season with a 59competition.

57 win over Greenfield.

The Ravens will play tough opponents like Hillside, Word of God and Forsyth Country.

According to Billerman, Ravenscroft will be competitive with all of these teams. “We have a young, quick team. We can really shoot the ball, score well, and we’re unselfish. The key for our team will be our ability to stop somebody and defend. I think we have the potential to go and win a state championship. This team is talented. I think that, once again, it’s going to be how well they learn to defend.”

Hoops with Coach Hardy Varsity Basketball Coach shares expectations for season

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irls basketball is showing some upsides, even though they lost some of their top performers in Erin Bratcher, ‘10 and Hilary Margolis, ‘10. Coach Shon Hardy is still optimistic about the season.

“I think that the current seniors will provide a lot of leadership. They did a good job this summer in the off season, as far as workouts go and being committed to the program and what we are trying to develop,” said Hardy.

Fortunately for Hardy, fresh talent is arriving for the Lady Ravens. “They’re going to have to have an immediate impact because of the number of people that we lost. I think it will be a positive impact. They’ve got to work hard, they’ve got to be smart, be willing to follow instructions and be committed to that effort. And, I’m hoping that our senior leadership will guide them in the right direction to where we want to be and where the expectations are,” explained Hardy Even with the incoming talent Hardy realizes that the Lady Ravens have a tough course to tackle this season.

“In conference I think our toughest opponent will be Cary Academy. Last year they actually beat us in the last home game of the regular season. They have good guard play and solid post play and lost some people, just like we have, but I still think they will be our toughest opponent in conference.”

“Out of conference, I think it will be Providence Day, defending state champions [with returning] all star Tiffany Mitchell.

She’s a really good ballplayer,” said Hardy. “I think just what they have in place as far as the fundamentals they’ve established over the years is what we’re striving to do at Ravenscroft. We have had years as a dominant program.”

Hardy expects to go deep in the conference. “That’s the hope; that’s the expectation. We don’t expect anything less than that. No matter who comes aboard as long as they buy into what we’re trying to teach and buy into what we are trying to do. I think this team has just as much potential as last year’s team to win the conference. We just have to play together and play smart. I see us as being successful. On state level, we should compete like we did last year. Preferably if we do well enough, we will get past the first Returning players like round and possibly the second round to the state semifinals again. I Caroline Margolis will be hope that it’s exactly where we end up for the third year in a row to expected to play a bigger give us a chance to make it to the state championship.” role this year.

Coach has his sights set on success and will hopefully follow through with his expectations.

All photos by Dr. Watters

Austin Hill, ‘11, showing off his wrestling skills during a match.

Takedowns with Austin

Wrestling Co-Captain shows his outlook on the upcoming season

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his incoming wrestling season is showing signs of a rebuilding year. Co-captain Austin Hill, ‘11, assesses the impact of the newcomers.

“Well this year we’re not seeing a huge impact as far as non-returners only because our only non-returners are mostly everyone from last year who were key players in the varsity starting lineups. Also, our massive JV program will be able to fill in the lower slots”.

When asked about if the team will dominate the season “Well dominating everybody’s a pretty lofty goal, especially for a young program. But we do look for one of our goals we set out is to having anywhere between 3 and 5 people on the podium at states.”

Ravenscroft always faces a lot of opponents but are they all tough? “No they’re not all tough… it’s more of a spectrum… I know this one time from Greensboro last year… I was actually injured and wasn’t supposed to wrestle at all. And I saw this kid walk out on the mat and I looked at the coach and went ‘please?’ And so: Bottom line it was a thirty second pin.”

Seems like the Ravens look to be fresh and ready for any challenges that get in the way of the state podium.

Swimming in high spirits

Co-Captains Zaki Haidary and Krissi Fajgenbaum assess this upcoming year in the water

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he boys swim team has many returning swimmers that are prepared to dive right into 20102011 season.

The boys lost six seniors, but this year Team co-captain Zaki Haidary during swim practice. they’ve got a strong returning and are hoping to win conferences. The girls actually lost only one senior.

Co-captain Krissi Fajgenbaum seems excited for the season. “We’re stacked,” says Fajgenbaum. “And we have a ton of younger really good girls stepping up, so I think we have a definite chance to win conference and hopefully we’ll place really high in states this year.”

It’s good to hear that the both teams have reloaded on talent, because it looks like they are going to need all of it. “All of the Charlotte schools are good.” said co-captian Zaki Haidary “But that is true in any sport we have here at Ravenscroft. The Charlotte schools have top-notch competition.”

When asked about possible success in conference and states Haidary responds, “Definitely in the conference. We will be strong contenders for the conference championship if not win it out right, but as far as states… the Charlotte schools are really talented so we will do our best.”

“This year we only have two senior girls, but the teams still look really strong.” says Fajgenbaum. “We have a great new asistant coach and I think the program is getting even better and I’m sure we will have a great season!” It seems like both captains are showing excitement. Let’s see it translates to increasing performance in the pool.

Senior Krissi Fajgenbaum, co-captain of the Girls’ Swim Team has high hopes for this year’s team and what they can do.