The Nevarmore

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evarmore Ravenscroft School

7409 Falls of Neuse Road

Issue 1

October 2010

Ravenscroft gets a makeover

EVIE DOLE

year. Phase 1 of the Master Plan called for replacing the existing chain link fence, which had been there STAFF WRITER for decades, enhancing the campus

any people are wondering entrances, relocation and replacement why Ravenscroft officials have of student gravel parking lot A with made a big, expensive fence and a paved lot, and relocation and elaborate stone columns a priority enlarging of student lot B,” explained to the addition of the school instead Leonard Johnson, Assistant Head of of something more student-friendly, School for Business and Finance. like more convenient Upper School “The Master Plan includes a parking or an addition to the Lower number of exciting future projects and Middle Schools.

– including a new Lower School “The addition of fencing and and Middle School – but it was expanded roadways was made a imperative that we first address issues priority as a result of the School’s with security fencing, roadways, Master Plan which was approved student parking and entrances,” added by the Board of Trustees earlier this Johnson.

This new project has been funded by charitable gifts or donations made by families in the Ravenscroft community and coordinated by the Ravenscroft Advancement Office.

Everything from the willow oaks to the traffic circle can be named by a family that donates to the project. In order Construction workers work on the to name a willow oak tree, finishing touches of the Ravenscroft someone must donate $5,000.

A donation of $15,000 School sign at the front entrance.

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over a three year period will secure the family’s name on the Ravenscroft campus forever on a stone column.

The school sold 58 of the 72 columns to date and all of the gifts and donations will pay for the project in its entirety, according Phil Higginson, Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement The stone columns are located around the perimeter of campus and wrought iron fencing is currently being added between the columns.

The willow oak trees will be planted at the front gate, along Falls of Neuse and Newton Roads.

Also, according to Johnson, “the Falls of Neuse and Newton entrances have been widened and a traffic circle has been strategically placed and constructed about 300 feet away from the Falls of Neuse Road intersection to provide better and safer traffic flows while making the entrances to the School more welcoming.”

Two years ago, Ravenscroft added police officers to the school’s security force. The current construction project includes gate houses at both of the remodeled

The photo above shows the front entrance of campus looking out at Falls of Neuse Road.

Phtots by Evelyn Dole

entrances and many are wondering if they will be manned upon completion.

“There are no plans for a police officer to be placed in the gate houses during the school day. If they are manned at all, it will most likely be when the school is hosting large events, and then only for traffic control,” said Johnson.

Limited space with limited solutions HAYDEN GRIDLEY T

Caroline Hirl, ‘12, works under her locker with no elbow room.

Photo by Hayden Gridley

INSIDE...

Face-Off: Ground Zero Mosque Page 6

STAFF WRITER

eachers constantly get frustrated with upper classmen because they sit in the halls and make it impossible for people to walk by. They would have a valid point if the upper classmen had somewhere else to go. It is impossible to sit under the lockers because Kevin Billerman, Assistant Head of the Upper School, constantly mandates that backpacks are hung under the lockers leaving no space to sit comfortably.

The best solution to this issue, it would seem, would be to be assigned to lockers on the main floor to juniors and seniors because there is more space in the halls with the additions of the alcoves. Many students are unaware that last year, Student Government Association (SGA) proposed such a hall/locker assignment switch to Bill Pruden, Head of Upper School.

“There’s a major problem that I pointed out to the seniors from last year. Because of the size of their class, the hall can’t house their whole

class. I don’t think we can alter locker assignment and class unity is also a factor,” explains Pruden.

Patrick Bailey, ’11, SGA President, said “With the number of lockers, the seniors decided that they wanted senior hall with senior study hall. The proposal never went through and this was never discussed as a serious issue.”

Another sensible solution would be for upper classmen to go sit in Rhonda’s Cafe during break, lunch, and advisory period; however, not all of the juniors or seniors can fit into Rhonda’s. Not to mention that the under classmen flock to Rhonda’s.

Weather permitting, there are outdoor options.

However, there are less than ten tables outside. Even if you spread the upper classmen between the halls, Rhonda’s, and outside, there’s still not enough space.

Others think that the solution is much simpler than switching halls. “If everybody could be aware of where they are, stay out of the center of the halls, don’t stick their legs out; if we had more awareness and courtesy for others, the issue might not really be overcrowding,” added Steve Swaim, Spanish Instructor.

Back-to-school surprises

FRashion Tips Page 12

Pages 10-11

Fun facts with Flinn Page 16

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Pruden-T AUSTIN HILL

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STAFF WRITER

News N evarmore National News In a Nutshell

Photo by Kofie Yeboah

ith the spirit of Halloween in the air, the 3rd period Journalism Newspaper class sat down with Bill Pruden, Head of Upper School, to see what tricks and treats are in store for the students this year.

Will the Senior exam exemptions come back?

“The Faculty is looking into brining the exemptions back for this year’s Seniors....There will be a vote...”

Translation: Testing our patience...

When will Juniors get off-campus lunch?

“We will probably do something a lot like last year where we did a few trial runs with junior off-campus on Fridays in November and/ or December.

If those go well, second semester should see Juniors going off for lunch on Fridays.”

Translation: Same as last year--it takes a few Hayden Gridley, ‘12, is waiting for test drives before we give you the keys. the green light to go off-campus Why is the dress code so strict?

“I accept responsibility for not getting the word out about the change sooner.

We changed the dress code because in the past, the ‘3 finger rule’ further complicated things because people have different sized fingers so this simplifies the issue.”

ANDIE PARK

I N F O R M A

Translation:

WE got tired of reminding you guys about what was and wasn’t acceptable.

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

Are the sophomores the messiest class?

Grayson Miller, ‘11, demonstrates rule-abiding fashion.

“So far, like last year’s sophomores, they have had their hallway closed a few times...

Though they have had more incidents this year than the freshmen.”

Translation:

The sophmores aren’t as tidy as the freshmen but every class has its flaws.

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Sophomore Hall CLOSED

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A Step In the Wrong Direction

STAFF WRITER

Quran Burning: The New Phenomenon

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lorida pastor Terry Jones planned to burn the Quran on the ninth anniversary of 9/11, Americans freaked out and gave him his fifteen minutes of fame, causing national uproar.

Pastor Jones quickly became the topic of the moment as news of his Quran burning plan spread across the world.

Countries such as Afghanistan rioted for three days in response to his plan.

Using his head, Pastor Jones decided to cancel all plans of Quran burning. Bless his heart...

Although Pastor Jones made the decision to act like a pastor and not burn the Quran, his plan created an international ripple effect as Six British men followed through and burned the Quran on 9/11.

These men posted their entire Quran burning and were charged with “stirring racial hatred on the Internet.”

Way to go, guys—one step closer to establishing religious tolerance in the twenty first century. Post 9/11, their post was not such a wise choice.

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” No More

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he Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy was established in 1993 during the Clinton administration to thwart the United States military from revealing gay, lesbian, or bisexual soldiers.

While the policy seemed to quell any sort of uprising, DADT merely provided a pseudo-solution that was enforced to avoid the crux of the issue of the importancesexual orientation in the military.

In contrast to the goal of this policy, more than 14,000 gay and lesbian soldiers were fired, contrary to the goal of the legislation.

On May 27, 2010, the House of Representative approved a proposal called the Murphy Amendment, which called to repeal DADT. Now, there are approximately 1 million gay and lesbian soldiers in the armed forces.

We didn’t ask, they didn’t tell - they just got fired. Should solidiers have to fight for their right...to fight?

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n 2010, 1 in 5 Americans believe that President Obama is a Muslim while only 1 in 3 Americans know he practices Christianity, which is an increase from the 2008 presidential elections. In addition, 39% of Republicans do not know President Obama’s religious affiliation. After two years, we should know our president better.

The surge in public misconception is most likely caused by the controversial Mosque at Ground Zero issue. The President issued a statement declaring people have the right to practice their faith in any location. While this statement is merely a reinforcement of our rights, the media skewed his words, to imply that President Obama believes that the mosque should be established at Ground Zero.

President Obama, you do have religious freedom and the right to free speech. Why not speak freely about your religion and clarify?

The Facebook Fascination

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he controversial, yet critically aclaimed box office hit, The Social Network, opened in October and caused people everywhere to question the supposedly shy and sincere personality of Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg.

To build up more Facebook hype, Zuckerberg recently announced his intention of donating $100 million to the Newark Public School System in New Jersey.

Is this for real? Or is this a shtick to uphold his billionaire-with-a-heart-ofgold status? Either way, with a new semi-biographical film coming out and an enormous donation, Zuckerberg sealed himself into “icon status”—it’s Facebook official.

Run from the border

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exican mayors have asked the United States to cease the deportation of illegal immigrants who have committed crimes because it has been increasing violence along the Mexican border.

As a result of continuous violence, the number of murders in Mexican cities has skyrocketed. In order to deal with this problem, Mexico wants the immigrants to be tried in U.S. courts if they committed the crimes in the U.S. The U.S. saysthat it is Mexico’s problem because the perpetrators are Mexican citizens. “Sovereignty entails responsibility.”

BIG problemo—whose responsibility do you think it is?

Not National…But Still Important!

Ecuador Under Siege

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fter police forces tear-gassed Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa, the country went under siege in late September. Airports were shut down, highways were closed off, and military forces surrounded the streets of the densely populated cities of Guayaquil, Manta, and Quito.

The overnight siege caused international conflict. Countries like the United States came to the defense of Correa, warning that any group that threatens the democratic system would basically be on their hit list.

Thankfully, the siege was lifted overnight but at the expense of dozens of lives including the death of two police officers, one soldier.

Correa declared that day as the saddest day of his life as he explained that he was “ready to die to defend democracy.”

This should serve as a reminder to all to seige the day.

Bin Laden’s back for a “good cause”

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fter a series floods in August left nearly 20 million Pakistani citizens injured and homeless, Osama Bin Laden released an audiotape titled “Reflections on the Method of Relief Work.” He was campaigning for the creation of a new relief organization to help those affected by the flood while also focusing on underdeveloped Muslim regions to prevent future flooding.

Bin Laden released his audiotape to Islamic military sites, stating that “If governments spent (on relief) only one percent of what is spent on armies, they would change the face of the world for poor people.”

Didn’t he already do that? And not in a positive way…

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evarmore News Honor Council: Origins and Functions Upper School Honor Code:

I pledge on my honor not to lie, cheat, steal, plagiarize, or vandalize. I realize that any violation of this code is deemed serious enough to warrant an appearance before the Honor Council

ZAKI HAIDARY

STAFF WRITER

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he Honor Council is a representative body which recommends punishments for violations of our community’s Honor Code. Its goal is to represent our entire Upper School community and as such involves both teachers and students. But make no mistake, friend, for this is very much a student-run and student-controlled process.

The push for an Honor Code was solely student-driven, and in itself speaks to the tenacity and power of the Student Body of Ravenscroft.

Our current Council is served by six students and three teachers.

When a case is brought before the Honor Council, there is indisputable evidence that the student committed a violation.

After being presented with the facts of the case by Bill Pruden, Head of Upper School, the student and the student’s advisor have a chance to speak on the student’s behalf. The Council will ask questions and deliberate on what an appropriate punishment should be.

The entirety of the process is veiled in a sort of consecrated secrecy to protect the identity of any student reprimanded. While offenses and punishments are taken very se-

riously, the experience should be a learning one.

Recently, the Council has seen an increase in the number of stealing cases, in particular those involving food being stolen from Rhonda’s Café. Theft is a very serious offense in any community, for when it is present, all forms of trust begin to be worn down.

It may start with a biscuit, but without consequences, the ease of stealing will become more and more appealing, and the immorality of the act will slip past your consciousness without so much as a second thought.

Soon, it infects the entire community and trust among members is rendered non-existent.

As such, stealing has been, and will be, punished fairly yet sternly.

There will be consequences but they will be consequences derived from the authority of the community as a whole.

Honor, while not easily definable, is a sacred part of the Ravenscroft tradition. It’s us up to each one of us to uphold those most simple yet powerful tenets of the honor code.

While this is not now, nor had it ever has been an easy task, it is nonetheless one that we are all called upon to undertake, for when we all do, our common experience at Ravenscroft becomes one both wholly limitless and enjoyable.

Zaki Haidary is the Senior Member of the Honor Council. If you have any questions regarding this column or about the council in general, feel free to contact him: (919) 637-4582; zhaidary@ravenscroft.org or in person.

Honor Council Recap of First Quarter As announced by Honor Council Chair in recent Morning Meeting

Honor Code Violation - Plagiarism Case 1

Grade of zero on the assignment ~ Required to re-do the assignment for no credit ~ Required to write a letter of apology to the teacher ~ Received a 3 day in-school suspenion ~ Placed on Honor Code and disciplinary probation

Honor Code Violation - Cheating Case 2

Honor Code Violation - Stealing Case 5

Required to payback Aramark Food Service ~ Required to wrtie a letter of apology to the adult involved ~ Researched and made a presentation to the Honor Council about the effects of stealing on companies ~ Served 4-day of in-school suspension ~ Placed on Honor Code and disciplinary probation

Required to payback Aramark Food Service ~ Required to wrtie a letter of apology to the adult involved ~ Researched and made a presentation to the Honor Council about the effects of stealing on companies Served 3-day of in-school suspension ~ Placed on Honor Code and disciplinary probation

Case 6

Case 7

Required to payback Aramark Food Service ~ Required to wrtie a letter of apology to the adult involved ~ Served 4-day of in-school suspension ~ Placed on Honor Code and disciplinary probation

Food for thought Changes in cafeteria menus explained KOFIE YEBOAH

burgers, no Gatorade and you can only buy ice cream on a Friday. You STAFF WRITER think…What the heck?! What’s with all the changes? I liked that stuff! magine this situation…

“The change was partially you’re a third grader done with your related to the growing threat of morning classes and you’re about childhood obesity. I wanted to have to head to your favorite place on foods that further enable the student’s Ravenscroft campus…the cafeteria! ability to learn,” said Collette You can almost taste the ice cream, Oldham, Head of the Cafeteria, in the pizza, and the burgers. However, regard to the discontinuation of foods when you get there it seems as if like French fries. Although sodas and the lunch ladies have thrown you Gatorades are no longer sold in the a curveball: they have completely cafeteria, they are still available in revamped the lunch menu! No more the Upper School at Rhonda’s Café. “ W e started a fivedays-a-week pasta station for the whole school. I saw how popular pasta day was last year and decided to do that every day,” says Oldham.

In addition to changing the food choices, Oldham is also trying to match Rachel Wakeford, ‘13, and Bryant Dowd, ‘13, the preferences seem to enjoy the food at Rhonda’s Cafe of the students regardless of the changes that Head of themselves. “I try to get to Panera Cafetaria Colelette Oldham has made.

Photos by Kofie Yeboah and Subway and

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see what makes kids go off campus instead of on campus to make sure business stays on campus.”

With these impressive insights in mind, Oldham has improved the nutritional guidelines of the lunch system. “Instead of having pizza every day we are now rotating to one hot grill item every day.”

“She’s making some progress and reacting to the student commentary,” said Bill Pruden, Head of Upper School. “She’s just expanded the options and is trying to be responsible. She’s reacting to the comments, trying to increase sales,” Pruden adds. “The expanded hours are another thing. She has improved responsiveness in terms of what students want and no doubt she has expanded significantly.”

Ravenscroft is trying to find a proper balance of low fat foods and great taste. Recent studies have shown that childhood obesity has tripled in the past 30 years from 6.5% to 19.6% in 2010. Here at Ravenscroft, however, many students take physical education classes every day. They also participate in extracurricular activities that help to keep children happy, active and in good physical condition. Students know what to eat and the right exercise choices to make.

Case 3

Required to write a letter of apology to the Grade of zero on the quiz ~ Served 2-day in-school suspen- teacher ~ Given a failing grade on the test ~ Served 4-day of in-school suspension sion ~ Placed on Honor Code ~ Placed on Honor Code and disciplinary and disciplinary probation probation

Case 4

Cafeteria Worker server reveals the new food to hungry and eager students in the Dining Hall.

Required to payback Aramark Food Service ~ Required to wrtie a letter of apology to the adult involved ~ Served 3-day of in-school suspension ~ Placed on Honor Code and disciplinary probation

New Cafeteria Changes PASTA STATION Everyday

MADE TO ORDER SUB STATION

HOT GRILL ITEM EVERYDAY Instead of pizza every day

BOTTLED SODAS AND GATORADES REMOVED FROM THE DINING HALL However the gatorades and sodas are still at Rhonda’s

WE HAVE THE NUTRITION VALUES ON THE WEBSITE AT www.ravenscroft.org/dining

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Get Well David

Ravenscroft Upper School gathererd in the bleachers after a Morning Meeting in August to take this photo fro David Fajgenbaum, ‘03.

Photo taken by Dr. Watters

SARAH COLLINS STAFF WRITER

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ho is David Fajgenbaum, and why is the entire Upper School posing for a picture to wish him well?” students chattered in the stands.

Recently, students were guided from Morning Meeting in the Finley Center to the stands on the football field as Ravenscroft photographer, Dr. Watters, held the camera high to snap a photo of the students. The picture was to be included in a get well card sent to David Fajgenbaum, ‘03, as well as posted on the Ravenscroft website.

Fajgenbaum has been involved in community service ever since his years at Ravenscroft. However, most people do not know all of Fajgenbaum’s accomplishments.

He was president of the

Ravenscroft Class of 2003, as well as president of The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). He has touched the lives of many students through the foundation of the National Students of Ailing Mothers and Fathers (AMF).

The National Students of AMF is an organization that Fajgenbaum founded after his mom, Anne Marie Fajgenbaum, passed away of brain cancer in 2004. It is no coincidence that her initials were also AMF. The foundation began as 10 students coming together to support each other during the time of loss. Now, it has expanded to reach students all over the nation.

Fajgenbaum has also reached many people through the creation of Boot Camp 2 Build Chapters (BC2BC).

According to the website, this event supports “college students grieving the illness or death of a

loved one” by hosting an 8k and a boot camp challenge.

Fajgenbaum didn’t stop there.

He has done work in Washington, D.C. trying to increase the funding and awareness of brain cancer research. He even has talked with senators to try to accomplish this goal.

His determination to help others has led him into his schooling and work choice. He has already received both his undergraduate and master’s degree and is now in medical school. “[David] would definitely say that family is the most important thing in his life,” proclaimed David’s cousin Krissi Fajgenbaum, ’11.

“David was recently sick, but thanks to the support of family and friends at Ravenscroft, David is now in much better health and excited to get back to working on AMF.”

Ravenscroft School Faculty members share their memories of David...

“He was a motivator.”

He made a “huge and profound impact” on this school. “He was a leader and an exceptional athlete. He had a great work ethic. He has touched so many people. There is a great degree of relief that David has turned a corner and is on his way to recovery so he can continue to pursue his dreams of becoming a doctor.”

- Ned Gonet, David’s Football Coach

Service

Community service opportunities RASHAAD RATLIFF-BROWN & KATIE KUMBAR STAFF WRITERS

Got some spare time? Looking for ways to fill community service requirements, or just to help out? Here are some upcoming opportunities to volunteer and get involved. For more information, or to sign up, see the Key Club bulletin board outside the front office.

October 30th:

JDRF Walk J

DRF stands for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, is hosting a walk on October 30th to raise awareness of juvenile diabetes and money for research. Participants will meet at the Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion: registration opens at 8:00 AM, and the race begins at 10:30. Contact Ms. Rand or Virginia Douglas, ‘14, for more information.

November 3rd:

Conference Keepers A

“David was the finest leader that I’ve experienced in my 10 years being involved with the Ravenscroft football program.”

perfect opportunity for anyone who loves working with little kids, Conference Keepers will be from 8:00 to 4:00 on the conference day, November 3rd. Just come to school, help kids with their homework and play games, and get some great on-campus hours. See Lauren Norris, ‘13, about volunteering on conference days.

- Kevin Billerman, Assistant Head of Upper School

November 13th:

- Steve McGill, English Instructor

“In his senior year, he and his friend, Ben Chesson, organized a basketball league. It involved 3-man teams of students and faculty. It lasted throughout most of the winter and even involved a championship.

The school hadn’t had anything like this before or since. His ability to organize was already evident in high school.”

“It is not a surprise that he is helping people now. He was always trying to help people, and he is carrying that on.”

- Charlie Benoit, David’s Advisor Photos taken by Sarah Collins

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Kickball Tournament

his year’s kickball tournament will benefit Half the Sky, a charity dedicated to helping women and girls in developing countries. On November 13th, beginning at 11:00 AM, teams will compete and show off their kickball skill and help a girls’ orphanage in China. Lauren Grady, ‘12, Laura Beacham, ‘12, and Jessie Lutz, ‘14, all have information for people looking to come out.

November 20th:

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Video Game Tournament

he 4th annual video game tournament has been moved up on the schedule of service events to coincide with the release of two hot new games, HALO: Combat Evolved and Call of Duty: Black Ops. In light of these new games and success of past video game tournaments, the entrance fee has been upped to $15, with proceeds benefitting the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina. See game masters and tournament organizers Arash Kasebi, ‘13, and Caroline Spence, ‘11, for more information.

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Ravens fly to China for the First time!

ESTHER URIOS

STAFF WRITER

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hat better way to celebrate the beginning of summer than traveling abroad and immersing yourself in a new culture? This past summer, Jenwei Kuo, Chinese Instructor, and David Kates, Director of International Education, took seven Ravenscroft students to do just that and to explore the great sites of China.

Students first stayed with their corresponding Chinese families in the country’s capital of Beijing for one week. In the mornings, they visited Beijing’s “High School # 20,” where they were able to join in some of the classes and experience the Chinese culture first hand.

The afternoons mainly consisted of getting a flavor of the culture and visiting famous monuments. Their days included everything from the Great Wall and the Olympic venues to site seeing and shopping.

Kuo added that they Melina Gozzo, ‘11, spends time with her new friend on the Ravenscroft trip to China.

Photos provided by Melina Gozzo

Ravens Travel Beijing & Shanghai, China June 11th- 25th.

Students interested in a cultural immersion experience and staying with a host family in Beijing Visit Shanghai, the Forbidden city, as well as Tian’anmen Square,

Madrid, Spain: Exchange with Amanecer Highschool February 17th-28th.

An opportunity for a language immersion experience while staying with a host family in Madrid. Visit Toledo, Alcala, El Prado Museum, La Cibeles, Old/New Madrid and have the chance to experience world famous Spanish tapas.

Any Spanish students - beginner to advanced - can go.

Ecuador: Siempre Verde Program June 2011

Combines environmental science with Spanish and Community Service.

Any student 9th grade-12th grade can go

India-Educational tour April 15th-21st, 2011

Culture immersion program Visit New Delhi, Agra, Bangalore, Mysore, Shravanabelagola, Madurai.

Any student 9thgrade-12th grade can go.

Quebec, Canada. French Exchange April 15th-21st, 2011

French Language Immersion trip.Visiting Montreal Shopping & Quebec historic monuments.

Any student 9th grade-12th grade can go.

enjoyed “the most prestigious roasted duck restaurant in the world” at Quánjudé.

The second week, our Ravens flew to Shanghai, one of the major economic and cultural cities in the world. They had the unique opportunity to visit the World Expo, an exposition of 192 countries and 50 international organizations.

Many of us know China could become the great superpower of the world. Kuo

explained that it is only in immersing in its culture that we will be able to answer the question of “why and how can China become the new superpower of the world?”

Although it would be beneficial for students enrolled in Chinese class to improve their language skills by going on a trip such as this, it is “more of a cultural immersion rather than linguistic based trip,” added Kates.

Ravens Nick Kron, ‘11, Bella Kron, ‘13, Tracy Winston, ‘12, Melina Gozzo, ‘11, David Kates, Spanish Instructor, and Jenwei Kuo, Chinese Instructor, in front of the Forbidden City.

The Nevarmore asks...

How was the China trip?

“It was, by far, the best Ravenscroft trip I’ve been on. If you want to go and/or think you’re too cool to spend two weeks surrounded by 1,353,707,696 Asians, you’re not, ‘cause idk anyone that cool” - Melina Gozzo, 11 “I enjoyed Beijing the most. It was completely different from what I expected, but I loved the culture shock. I would go back in a heart beat.”

- Isabella Kron, ‘13

“My host family was amazing. They were so nice.

Every time I said I liked something they would just buy me lots of that stuff.

They were just so hospitable.

It was amazing.”

- Nick Kron, ‘11

“It was one of the most valuable cultural experiences I’ve ever had and I loved every minute of it. There was an unspoken friendship, which was really cool to experience. The culture was so different, but it gave me a perspective on other ways of living.”

- Tracy Winston, 12

International Clubs Club de Español:

Meets every other Wednesday. Presidents: Thomas Schiemann,’11, and Esther Urios,’11

Café Français:

Meets twice a month. Presidents: AP French Class

Classics Club:

Meets every Friday. President: Joseph Brusino,’11

Chinese Club:

Meets once a month. President: Tracy Winston,’12

Model United Nations:

Meets every Monday. President: Esther Urios,’11

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Opinion

Is the Ground Zero Mosque counter-productive to America’s healing process?

KATIE KUMBAR J

EDITOR

udging by the masses of protestors in New York City and around America, the United States is not ready to accept the presence of Islam so close to a site of the September 11th attacks. But, receiving no media attention, a chapel was built in 2002 on the ground of the Pentagon attack to give friends and family of the victims a quiet place for prayer, which certainly helps the healing process. Patrons of this chapel include Muslim employees of the Department of Homeland Security, who spread prayer rugs every day at two o’clock and face West, praying for the victims of the Pentagon attack, and they are not harassed or protested. The American government already differentiates between terrorist organizations and a religious faith, and nobody objects to these Muslims (who are responsible for crafting American defense policies) practicing their religion on the site of an attack by Islamic extremists.

People often respond to things they do not understand with fear and anxiety, a well-documented phenomenon throughout history. Terrorism thrives on creating uncertainty and, as the name suggests, terror. However, fear of the Islamic community center to be built near Ground Zero is a greater enemy than Islam ever was or will be. These exercises in accepting all religions as a part of American culture are crucial to healing from the September 11th attacks.

Though there is great opposition to Park51, if it is built, then relations between the Muslim-American community and society as a whole will see a great improvement. Discrimination presents severe threats to the future of our nation.

Most negative reactions to the Islamic community center are based on emotion. Since Islam is so closely associated with the 9/11 terrorist attacks, people naturally make a connection between Ground Zero and Islam, and brand all Muslims as “our attackers.” Anger causes generalizations, and with generalizations comes misunderstanding and, in some instances, intentional exaggeration and misinformation.

Many do not recognize the dangers of alienating the Muslim-American community; especially the youth.

Prejudice creates a breeding ground for terror and treason, and foreign terrorists can spread propaganda aimed at young Muslim-Americans, claiming that our society rejects and hates their beliefs. But, with a multi-faith community center supported by Americans and in the shadow of one of our nation’s greatest tragedies, these young Muslims can be taught acceptance, forgiveness, and most importantly, patriotism that will strengthen our nation and keep terror at bay.

As detractors claim Park51 is a “victory shrine” to Islam, an American policy of supporting domestic Muslims and oppose terrorist organizations such as al-Queda and the Taliban will eradicate this connotation. It is possible to punish extremists and forgive moderate Muslim-Americans at the same time.

Park51 serves to make other American children more tolerant of religious diversity, too. The future generation with no recollection of the attacks, who cannot describe where they were or what they were doing, is already in elementary school, and the oldest are almost teenagers. Soon, these children will be adults, leading our nation and interacting with the Middle Eastern countries associated with the 9/11 attacks. The Pearl Harbor attacks occurred nearly seventy years ago, and though December 8th still lives in infamy, Japanese-American relations are friendly and supportive. The community center near Ground Zero teaches our future leaders that individuals and organizations, not a faith with 1.57 billion believers worldwide, are our enemies.

In fact, though the Park51 building is called the “Ground Zero mosque,” every word of that phrase is wrong.

First of all, it is not a mosque. It is a community center, and the thirteen-floor blueprint for the building designates only two floors for exclusively Islamic prayer. Another vital yet little-known fact is that the plans include multi-faith prayer rooms for Christianity and Judaism, as well as a variety of other faiths. The community center will function similar to a YMCA, which is an acronym for Young Men’s Christian Association. The Y no longer serves exclusively young men, and while an emphasis is placed on Christian values, it is non-denominational and does not deny membership to people of other faiths.

The community center is also not at Ground Zero. Scott Pelley of CBS’s 60 Minutes program was able to walk from the proposed site to Ground Zero less than five minutes, but “Ground Zero mosque” implies that Park51 will be built on the land that the Twin Towers used to occupy. This is false. The only construction planned for that ground is the 1 World Trade Center, a commemorative building designed to replace the function of the Twin Towers while recognizing and honoring the victims of 9/11. Enemies of the “mosque” deliberately suggest that it will be built on the site of the Twin Towers, which is false.

The general populous is also unaware of how long this project has been in development. The building and land was purchased over a year ago, and is already functioning as a prayer space. Construction has yet to begin on the community center itself, but a renovated area of the old buildingcan support a Muslim congregation of hundreds.

Officials in the city of New York have also voted on the community center four times, all tallies turning in overwhelming favor of construction. Only recently has the community center been turned into a political issue of stateand nation-wide attention, as candidates seeking to win in the 2010 election make promises to stop the community center. They ignore how the area supports Park51, which is already more than halfway through the legal hurdles our government institutes for all construction projects.

Without a doubt, a clear majority of the American population opposes the proposed location of Park51. They simply feel it’s too close. Witnesses to the attacks, especially friends and family of victims and survivors alike, are within their rights to feel grief and pain when reminded of the tragedy. At the same time, the developers of Park51 have done little to help their case by remaining silent in the face of the controversy. For a long time, as accusations of conspiracy and terrorism flew, the people responsible for the community center withheld useful information. Investigations of the finnanciers and developers is a resonable request of those unsettled by Park51, but fear-based demands to move immediately are unfounded and unconstitutional.

A time comes in the grieving process where the grieving must focus on rebuilding a better world from the ashes.

The 1 World Trade Center is expected to open 2013, and will be the only building to use the land that the Twin Towers used to stand on. All other construction is adjacent to the site. Recognizing America’s own identity as a nation of many faiths and beliefs will unite us as we move toward this time of reconstruction, while honoring the sacrifices made in the attacks.

PATRICK BAILEY W

COLUMNIST

ho, in their right mind, would not think so? While America has provided citizens with many freedoms – freedom of speech, freedom of expression, etc. – there are also issues that the founding fathers could not have possibly foreseen. My problem with building this mosque does not stem from xenophobia.

After making an ambiguous statement while hosting a dinner celebrating the fasting of Muslims during Ramadan, President Obama refuses to further comment on what he thinks is best. The White House says it is not the President’s job to “pass judgment on every local project.”

I guess the administration just sees this as a “local project.” I cannot remember any other “local project” that received this much attention.

With his current 45% approval rating and the scarce number of remaining advisers who have not quit yet, perhaps they should consider the voters and take a stand on this “local project” especially heading into an election year for his democratic colleagues in congress.

When Sharif el-Gamal, the former waiter and now developer, was approached and asked questions about where the funding for this mosque was coming from, he refused to answer.

When el-Gamal was asked how somebody could go from being a waiter just years ago to a “multi-million dollar architect”, he refused to answer.

When asked why he paid approximately $5 million CASH for the building where the mosque was planning to be built, he refused to answer. When will this man answer questions?

The sketchiness of the situation has succeeded in overshadowing the true problem with the construction of this mosque – sensitivity.

While America has been a unified, sovereign nation we have been attacked only twice on our own soil – Pearl Harbor and September 11th. If we allow this, what is stopping a Japanese man from building a place of worship for Shinto where we were attacked at Pearl Harbor?

Many pieces of our constitution need to be strictly interpreted, such as checks and balances, habeas corpus, double jeopardy, and searches and seizures; but there are times in which the constitution needs to be interpreted with a mindset of knowing that times have changed. If government did not take on this mindset some of the time then the 2nd amendment would give the right to every citizen to walk the streets with an AK-47. Or for the more classic example, the 1st amendment would allow us to yell “fire!” in a crowded theater.

So with an administration that has no problem interpreting the constitution as they need it, why are they hiding now? Some say not allowing the construction of this mosque is Un-American because it oppresses constitutional rights, but the construction of this mosque, aside from the obscure financial details, would not only bring forth anger but would be the first step in letting the victims’ families know that one day those 3,000 people who died in New York City, Arlington, VA, and Shanksville, PA will one day be forgotten – and THAT is Un-American.

FACE-OFF

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evarmore N The wild, wild web

Editorial

Did you see what she wrote on

his Facebook wall last night?” is one of many questions that can be heard in high school hallways across America regarding popular social networking websites.

From Facebook to Formspring, students are joining social networking sites in order to communicate more easily with their friends, stay in touch with students from different schools, and update statuses and pictures to show what they’re doing twenty-four-seven.

The new cyber playground not only yields zero privacy for users, but also seems to be a major factor in recent controversies in high schools and colleges. Many students feel that behind a computer, they are invincible and can say what they want. A number of issues have occurred related to social networking sites, from he-said-she-said arguments, to privacy violations, to much more serious problems.

Bullying is not a new phenomenon, but cyber bullying is a whole new game. Bullying used to only take place on campuses. When a child went home ten years ago, they didn’t have Facebook, Twitter, or Formspring to continue their rants. Now, students can continue to harass a student via social networking sites.

The issue with cyber bullying and social network sites is when a school is forced or required to take action. With the popularity of these sites

Bullying through the Ages Dino Bullying...

Shake-SPEAR-ian bullying...

increasing, administrations must decide what actions they will take in the new fad. Does school administration have the right to regulate what students type to other students or is that an invasion of privacy?

Though students laugh, cyber bullying can and has affected people’s lives for the worse. In Massachusetts, Phoebe Prince, a freshman in high school, committed suicide after being tormented via text messages and Facebook. Nine students at her school were charged for bullying her and in turn punished for her death. Some school administrators supposedly knew of the bullying, but took no action.

Just as often as schools fail to protect their students, administrations take matters too far. In a high school in Mississippi, a cheerleading coach required members of the team to give him their Facebook passwords. While some girls deleted their accounts so they would not have to give up their passwords, Mandi Jackson gave the information to her coach. The coach later went onto her Facebook account, went through her messages, and distributed them to school officials. Jackson was reprimanded for cursing in personal messages and not allowed to participate in cheerleading events. Jackson is currently suing her coach for an invasion of privacy.

In this case, Jackson and her

lawyer made the claim that anything on her public profile was fair game, but her rights to privacy were invaded when the coach went through her personal Facebook messages. School administrators have every right to a student’s public profile if the student does not take necessary action to make their privacy setting as strict as possible. Administra-

tors do not have a right to go through student’s messages, however. Students must also realize that almost anything they upload or post to a social networking site could come back to haunt them later in life.

As school administrations wrestle with the definition of cyber bullying, the social networking sites themselves

have done little to stop harassment. It’s hard to regulate, but nothing has been done to try.

If schools and sites can’t regulate well, it comes down to the students themselves. If someone can’t say something to someone’s face, then it should not be said over a Facebook wallpost or Twitter blast.

the hall. We were informed that Silly String was banned, and any senior to fire a water gun would be punished.

Stunned, we stowed them in purses and pockets. By the time we complied with the new orders, our entrance music was already half over.

Seniors walked to the stage in silence, and the most we could do to revive the situation was chant, “Sen-yers! Senyers!” and hope that our pride outshone our tarnished entrance.

After this fiasco, the seniors proceeded to the Bell Tower for our first official senior class photo, but we immediately noticed that some of our classmates were being held back.

They were not permitted to appear in the photo due to dress code violations from earlier that morning. Through sheer senior class spirit, we chanted names until they were allowed to be in the photo with us, and even then, a few were left out.

Some students, mostly girls, had altered their senior class shirts with large necklines and one-shoulder sleeves that violated a new rule to the dress code: all shirts must have proper sleeves. Unaware of the rule, the girls had worn three-finger tank tops under

their altered shirts, only to find that time-tested fashion repair was no longer enough.

The change is obviously a reaction to the numerous dress code infractions from last year and the iffy definition of “three fingers,” but students were unaware of the measure until it appeared in our handbooks and was announced by administrators. Preschool shopping is long over, and new clothing had to be sorted over again to find what fits the new dress code.

Many articles that were appropriate last year must go unworn due to lack of communication.

After our dream “First Day of School as Seniors” was dashed, fear that all other senior privileges are at risk grows. Last year, Senior Kidnapping was carefully monitored, nearly chaperoned, by the school. The Senior Day had been transformed into a sort of “Wet ‘n’ Wild” day, where the seniors were able to play with as much water as they wanted, far from Murphy Hall and the underclassmen within.

This year’s seniors had all assumed last year’s changes were flukes.

Obviously, the people in power will realize that changing these traditions

was a mistake. When we were proven wrong, everything seemed under threat: will appeals for senior exam exemption be ignored? Will other senior events be altered, limited, or canceled? Are our traditions under fire?

The worst part of this all is, nobody told us what to expect.

Administrators could have informed the entire senior class when they assembled the night before at the senior barbecue.

Though the seniors may have grumbled and groaned, at least we would have been forewarned.

Before then, an email could have been sent, even to our school accounts. News as scandalous and lifechanging as these new rules was sure to have spread to the whole class through Facebook and texting.

The senior class wonders, “Why are we different?” When the administration asks us to be mature, why does this mean we cannot follow our predecessors? Were they not mature? If they hadn’t displayed mature behavior, why were they not punished?

Had the administration intended to keep the class of 2011 in the dark? If not, why were apologies withheld and complaints ignored?

With the give and take between fun and safety, there is an inherent agreement that both students and administrators will follow their own rules. The senior class was blindsided on the morning of the first day of school by new rules and expectations that were not communicated beforehand. The lack of understanding has given the new school year an air of repression and unfairness that does not need to exist.

To truly foster maturity in the senior class, and by extension, the high school, the relationship between the administration and the students should be professionally transparent.

Making expectations clear to any class of students gives the members ample opportunity to exceed them, or determine for themselves when expectations are not met.

This currently fuzzy line of acceptable behavior makes students panic and gamble, which often results in visits to Mr. Pruden or Mr. Billerman’s office. By treating students as equal partners in the contract between the governing body and the governed, a sense of personal responsibility and maturity will have the strength to grow.

C

RE

TW

, be o the t ot s !”

“N at i er th nsw a

KS

Mid-EVIL Bullying...

“I dub thee nerd.”

“But I want to BE!!!!”

Cyber Bullying...

Possible? Probable? Already happened!!!

Mary Malicious

News Feed “OMG!!! I can’t believe she used THAT as her profile picture! Who does she think she is?”

Billy Bully “What’s her name? I’ll friend her so I can tell her who’s boss!

Cartoon by Zawadi Mutisya

Conflicting expectations cause unnecessary drama S

eniors are expected to be the student leaders of the school. However, the way we learn to be leaders is by watching the senior classes before us.

Much of leadership skills are learned by imitating the class before us - tradition.

The senior members of the Class of ‘11 were surprised and shocked by alterations to tradition that had been made without our knowledge.

On Wednesday morning, the seniors crammed into the stairwells leading to top of Jones Theater’s aisles, bubbling with excitement about our “Senior Entrance” which is a timehonored tradition of Ravenscroft. Joy and adrenaline ran high as the moment we felt we had waited our whole lives for loomed in the distance.

Last year, the seniors sprayed the underclassmen with water guns and Silly String prior to taking their place in the center of the theater.

This year, the seniors were asked to exit the stairwell and stand in

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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

Editor-in-Chief Peyton Burgess

Associate Editors Katie Kumbar & Madeline Louden Contributing Editor Andie Park

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.

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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Opinion

“Boycott BP” is not the answer KATHERINE FINNEY W

STAFF WRITER

asn’t there an earthquake somewhere last year? A hurricane in New Orleans or something awhile back? Oh yeah, and an oil spill over the summer...

Out of media, out of mind.

Most of us forget about these devastating tragedies unless they are in our own backyards. But the locals who are hurt by them will never forget.

They can never forget because their lives are forever changed. The biggest story covered by the media this summer, by far, was the BP oil spill.

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is the greatest spill ever recorded in America’s history.

More than 4.9 million barrels of crude oil leaked from an oil-gusher off Louisiana’s coast, killing 11 people and injuring 17 after the rig’s explosion on April 20th, 2010. It is estimated that at first, around 62,000 barrels of oil were leaking per day, but after some pressure was released, that number went down to around 52,000 barrels. As of September 19, the federal government announced that the gusher is “effectively dead”.

On paper, the economic aftermath of the spill is tangible, BP, British Petroleum, lost over 4 billion dollars. But in the aftermath of the spill, BP has lost something even more valuable: their customers’ opinions.

“Boycott BP,” the Facebook group, added around 17,000 fans in the days following the spill. Car owners everywhere pledged to choose a different company at the pump. The only problem is that boycotting BP doesn’t do the company any harm. Car owners may think that they are doing a service to the environment by avoiding BP, but they would be wrong.

The solution isn’t blaming BP, or the men who lost their lives working out on the rig, or anyone connected to BP. They are the biggest targets, and although pointing a finger at someone else is the easiest, it isn’t right, and it isn’t going to solve anything. BP isn’t the problem, and most likely, those at BP aren’t going to be the ones to fix anything, because

that would mean ending the business that they are in. Boycotting offshore drilling and the use of oil is what is going to put a permanent stop to disasters like this, not new, high-tech pumps and over-flow containers, or millions of dollars worth of equipment to quickly stop another spill.

Right now, there are big incentives for states if they expand offshore drilling. The expansion of offshore drilling needs to stop, and eventually, so does the drilling itself. For the individual, even though the easiest solution may be just to petition outside a corner gas station, the real solution would be to petition in Washington.

If car owners do keep their promises and “Boycott BP”, BP’s bottom line will be affected, but only marginally. It is predicted that the only major factor affecting BP will be the millions of dollars in oil lost in the spill itself that they could have made, in addition to the amount that BP must now spend to support those who lost their jobs, and the funding of the cleanup efforts.

The actual boycotting of BP is pointless; refraining from buying BP at the pump will have no real effect on their bottom line. However, the moral dilemma: Should we, as (hopefully) environmentally conscious citizens, buy BP? Any tree-hugging, PETAsupporting, eco-freak’s answer would be that we should never buy BP again as BP is essentially the devil, and that buying gas from BP is immoral and a capital offense.

However, it isn’t really as simple as that. It isn’t much better for the environment to buy from other big oil companies. Chevron, for example, their treatment of the environment is atrocious. ExxonMobil? If boycotting oil companies based on their record of if they have spilled oil or not is the rule, remember the Exxon Valdez spill in Prince William Sound in Alaska in 1989. BP, compared with other companies of its kind, has had a relatively pristine record, and the fact that they have been investing in clean energy is remarkable and commendable, considering the business they are in. That little spill they had in the Gulf is only a minor bump in the road.

Not buying at the pump doesn’t hurt BP’s bottom line. It hurts local

business. The independent owners of gas stations are the one’s hurting, not the board of directors, or yacht-racing Tony Hayward, former CEO of BP. However, it is almost certain that none of the Louisianan fishermen who have lost their livelihoods are going to BP for their gas, even if it isn’t practical and it doesn’t hurt BP.

Those who have been in the Gulf, involved in the cleanup, won’t buy BP again, having seen the effects of the spill first-hand, and the devastation that it has caused. Hotel owners and those involved in the tourism industry are losing business because of the spill, and might just go out of business with their lucky combination of

the recession and the fact that most families won’t be choosing the Gulf coast as a vacation spot anymore; they won’t be buying their gas from BP. They will never forget the way that the spill has impacted their lives, but we probably will.

A glimpse of the impact of the Gulf Coast oil spill A sad image of how the oil affected the Gulf Coast.

People displaced by the oil spill find new homes in old trailers.

A fisherman looks out at a ruined lagoon.

Above: The spill clean-up effort relies heavily on dish detergent.

Detergent breaks up the oil.

All images from MCT Campus

Children and families were gravely affected by the Gulf Coast oil spill.

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Arts

Fine Arts Update

Calendars:

Choir ensemble members before their performance include: MichaelSantos, ‘11, Kristine Kapatos,’11, Melina Gozzo,’11, Katie Krattenmaker, ‘11,Dr. Marilee Vana, Choral Director, Sarah Heilman, ‘11,Sofia Armstrong,’11,Malcom McKinney, ‘11, and Connor Whitaker,’11.

Photo provided by Dr. Marilee Vana

Choir sings the weekend away

PEYTON BURGESS T

Tuesday, October 26th: Dress Rehearsal - Upper School Ensembles

Strings Tuesday, October 26th: Dress Rehearsal - Upper School Ensembles

Wednesday, October 27th: Fall Concert - 7 pm Upper School Ensembles Friday, November 5th: Honors Orchestra and Choir to NCMEA

EDITOR

he Ravenscroft Upper School Choir attended the Independent School Choral Festival at Wingate University.

They spent a long weekend rehearsing, performing and building a special bond.

The Choral Festival is held every year over a weekend in October, with about eight Independent schools from across North Carolina attending and sharing their love of music.

Ravenscroft choral students rehearsed from 10 am to 9 pm on Saturday, October 23. On Sunday, students rehearsed again to prepare for their performance that afternoon. Every school sings two songs, and then all of the choir ensembles gather to perform seven songs together.

This year, the all of the students added “Happy Birthday” to a woman turning eighty to their list of songs performed as a whole.

While the Upper School Choir spent most of their time singing, they were also making new friendships. “We got really close,” said Melina Gozzo, ‘11. “As a senior, it was really cool to see the freshman get into choir and enjoy it.”

They also added some fun and fright into their weekend-long trip. The group left early on Friday to attend “Scarowinds,” an event at Carowinds in October during which they transform the theme park into a scary, haunted attraction at night.

“It was awesome seeing how everyone working together can produce something so big like this,” said Gozzo as she added that it was a fun-filled weekend of music and friendship for the Upper School Choir.

Band

Wednesday, October 27th: Upper School Ensembles Fall Concert -7 pm Friday, November 5th: Honors Orchestra and Choir to NCMEA

Sunday, November 21st: Private Lessons Recital I (2 - 3 PM)

a m a r D

Thursday, November 4th: Upper School Drama Performance - 7 pm

English Bernhardt, ‘14, and Melina Gozzo, ‘11, are all smiles between their numerous rehearsals on Saturday at Wingate University.

Sarah Heilman, ‘11, Rachel Ormand, ‘14, and Rachel Wakeford, ‘13, relaxing after rehearsals.

C h o i r Satuday - Sunday, October 23-24th: Independent Schools Choral Festival

Friday, November 5th: Honors Orchestra and Choir to NCMEA Monday, November 8th: Treble Choir performance at NC Music Educatora Conference - 3:45 pm Sunday, November 21st: Private Lessons Recital I 2 pm

Fall Musical The Secret Garden

Matthew Richards, ‘12, sings in his first musical as the grieving Archibald Craven.

English Bernhardt, ‘14, as Mary Lennox leads the The Secret Garden cast in healing Colin Craven, played by Becca Israel, ‘14.

Choir veteran Sarah Heilman, ‘11, watches over her family from beyond the grave as Lily.

S ur p

Welcome back...one thing y

More coverage: Dre EGAN HART STAFF WRITER

“W

Although front of this dress meets the dress code standards, the back is too low so Peyton Burgess’s, ‘11, is not allowed to wear this dress to school.

hy do we have to cover up our full shoulder?” is a very popular question among the girls in Upper School. “The purpose of the dress code is to promote academic success and respect by keeping distraction to a minimum, “ according to Lee Rand, the female Academic Skills Instructor that enforces the girls’ dress code.

What Dress code??

RASHAAD RATLIFF-BROWN

STAFF WRITER

Dress code? Ravenscroft has a dress code? As any student

who transferred from another private school can tell you, the Croft enjoys the most relaxed dress code in the Raleigh area.

In general Croft students complain about two things: dress code and off campus lunch. While these rules may stifle creativity and independence, students at Ravenscroft need to realize that these rules are in place for the respect of education and the safety of students.

Compared to other local schools like North Raleigh Christian Academy, students at Ravenscroft are truly lucky. Males at NRCA are required to wear pants all year long and keep their shirts tucked in at all times. Females are required to wear dress pants, skirts or dresses and dress shirt with at least ¾ length sleeves. Also every Thursday all students have “Chapel Dress” where males wear khaki pants with a dress shirt and tie and females wear dresses. If NRCA students are caught not following the dress code, they receive a detention for an hour and a half.

At Ravenscroft Upper School students may wear tee shirts,

shorts, flip-flops, jeans, cargos, hoodies, and males are not required to tuck in shirts. The only exceptions to general dress code days are game days for athletes and chapel days for the entire school.

Ravenscroft students should be grateful for the freedom they have within the dress code rather than complain about the few things they are not allowed to wear.

Sophomores and juniors who drive themselves to school complain that they may not go off campus for lunch this rule is in place for the safety of students and parents. Amateur drivers need more practice and time to feel their way around roads before entering noontime North Raleigh traffic.

Additionally off campus lunch is an established privilege for Seniors and should remain.

Overall students at Ravenscroft should respect the rules and appreciate the advantages provided to them on a daily basis.

The only thing that was added to the dress code this year was the following phrase, “all tops must have sleeves that cover the shoulders.” These nine words caused a lot of anger and confusion with girls as well as their parents.

“I take full responsibility for the lack of communication. If I had been here in the month of June, it might have been different,” explains Bill Pruden, Head of Upper School, who took a medical absence in June.

What is 3-finger strap? Is it 3 inches? Is it 4 inches? There is not exact measurement.

“We had so many faculty members turning kids in because it was very subjective, male faculty trying to look how many fingers the strap is,” says Rand. So to make it fair, the administration decided to have full shoulder covered.

This way, no faculty is going to ask girl,

An excerpt from St. David’s Handbook:

The following are not permitted: • T-shirts with writing, including St. David’s T-shirts • Sweatshirts, other than St. David’s (not hooded) sweatshirts •Hooded sweatshirts and/or sweaters • Camisole tops with lace trim • Tops, shirts, and/or sweaters with glitter or sequins • Low-cut necklines that expose cleavage, even if a camisole top is worn underneath • Tops, shirts, and/or sweaters that expose the back or the midriff • Haltertops • Layering of tops: using multiple spaghetti-strapped shirts and/or tank tops • Camouflage, denim, or workmen-type coats or jackets • Outdoor clothing worn in the classroom Footwear and Accessories: Shoes must be worn at all times. Girls may wear boots, dress sandals with a strap between the toes and a flat heel, and topsiders. Girls may, but are not required to wear, socks, tights, and hose. The following shoes are not permitted: • Rainbows® • Crocs® • Flip-flops with rubber or flat soles • Heels higher than 3 inches • Combat/military style boots.

“No, the seniors are not good at their job!”

“Yes...some of the BIG ones” - Anonymous Freshmen

Girls may wear earrings of appropriate size but limited to two earrings per ear lobe. Discrete necklaces and bracelets are permitted.

“Banned - my bookbag got turned inside out” “They are usually funny” -Anonymous Freshmen

Morning mee EGAN HART

STAFF WRITER

T

he new zombie like behavior of the students in audience at morning meetings is “not the goal” of the changes in procedures this year according to Kevin Billerman, Assistant Head of Upper School.

“In the past 3- 4 years, the information that was given by students was more jovial

and immature than functional. We believe there is a place for both. But, we felt like we were wasting time during morning meetings,” explains Billerman.

The purpose of morning meeting is to deliver the news to the community as a whole. The news varies with announcements ranging from clubs, community service opportunities to sporting events.

“I’m all for developing community and pride in our school during morning

meetings but that m demeaning announ adds Billerman.

In the past, entertain the audie Antonello’s, ’10, “M Class of 2011 lost t administration “fel of meet the freshm could be painful fo out. For example,

rise

you can count on is change

ess code 411 “How many fingers wide is that strap?” Both Pruden and Rand report that teachers and administrators were wasting too much time on deciding who is wearing proper dress.

“It is fair. It’s a lot more generous than most schools and I have taught in a lot of schools,” elaborates Rand in regard to the fairness of the Ravenscroft dress code. She went on to say that uniforms are not necessary because we can have a dress code that is respectful while it allows students to express their individuality.

One of the other questions that has been circulating Upper School is “Why can’t we have a dress down Friday?” Rand said, “I would love to have a dress down Fridays. But, we have to have parameters and no tank tops. It is not up to me. We work as administration on the rules and policies.”

S c

a

Although Julia Heffring and Kristine Kapatos, ‘11, look nicely dressed, the new changes would not allow their shirts because they do not have sleeves.

n dalous shoulders?

Photos by Grayson Miller, Rashaad Ratliff-Brown & Julia Heffring

GRAYSON MILLER

of being able to freely express yourself is having the ability to wear the clothes that you want, and having the freedom to choose your own style. Although there is no problem with having guidelines to prevent immodest dress, Ravenscroft’s new guidelines for dress code have become unnecessarily strict and have created controversy within the student body.

In the Upper School handbook, it states that the “dress code is designed to encourage modesty, neatness, and comfort without sacrificing individual expression.” For many years, the Ravenscroft dress code has done just this, so there is no point in changing things and creating unnecessary obstacles to have to get around.

The one thing you can count on in life is change, but why change things when there is no pressing reason to do so? The new change that has frustrated many high school girls is the requirement that “all tops must have sleeves that cover the shoulders.”

First off, during the summer season and hot weather, a majority of high school girls coordinate sleeveless tops and dresses into their weekly wardrobe.

Secondly, it is in no way scandalous or immodest for girls to have their shoulders showing. Low shirts and shirts that aren’t “three fingers” may become an issue, but wearing a shirt or dress without sleeves shouldn’t cause concern. The main reason the requirement of sleeves was enforced was “to create a classroom

Raleigh Charter High School Dress Code As Stated In Their Handbook: “Students will dress appropriately. Dress should not be disruptive, obscene, or offensive. Teachers reserve the right to set standards for their classrooms.”

eting monotony

means meaningful and not ncements and activities,”

, students were allowed ence with acts like Nick Meet the Freshmen.” The that privilege because the lt like the earlier version man was demeaning and or those freshman singled , putting a freshman on

STAFF WRITER

Part

the spot and asking him who the hottest senior girl is can be embarrassing,” explains Billerman.

Students, for the most part, looked forward to Monday’s announcements so they can have a laugh as a community while getting to know these new members of the Upper School. SGA President Patrick Bailey, ‘11, is currently working with Billerman on a new version of this activity called “Meet the Teacher.” Billerman likes

this concept because it takes the pressure off the youngest members of our community.

Billerman feels like students can still use personal expression during announcements. He says that students like senior Austin Hill currently do express their personalities while still following the new procedure and delivering a clear message.

“It needs to be voluntary” “Fun; the seniors are chill” -Anonymous Freshmen

environment that is not distracting” says Kevin Billerman, Assistant Head of Upper School. Although he makes a good point, most guys admit that they are not distracted by seeing a girls shoulder. Have you ever heard a guy say that their favorite physical aspect of a girl is her shoulder?

Third, the school should have informed the students about the changes in dress code prior to the beginning of the school year.

Many girls have had to go buy more shirts and dress clothes to wear to school, because they were planning on wearing their sleeveless clothes throughout the warm weather in the school week. When discussing this issue with Mr. Pruden, he acknowledged the complaint and said, “I accept responsibility for the mix-up with wardrobes in the beginning of the school year. I should have let the students know about the changes before the school year began, so they had time to adjust their wardrobe to the new changes”.

It would have been extremely helpful to have been aware of these changes so that girls who normally wear sleeveless clothing would have had the time to go buy shirts with sleeves before the school year began. Also, girls who may have already gone “back-toschool shopping” most likely purchased even more sleeveless attire, unaware that they were no longer allowed to wear it to school!

Sadly, the only thing we can do now about the dress code changes is roll up our sleeves and embrace the change, but don’t roll them up to high or you’ll get in trouble! These new changes have become needless obstacles to get around, and limit our abilities to personally express ourselves.

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Bo knows...

Intensifying the

FRATm o s p h e r e BO NECOMB

A

STAFF WRITER

Winter is fast approaching and it’s time to start

preparing your closet. With the coming of the cool weather also comes the introduction of many new fratty articles of clothing to add to your frat arsenal.

Pants A

FRootwear O

ne of the frattiest things a respectable fratter can put on his feet is a pair of boots.

There are two main choices presented to the modernday fratter: regular boots or roper boots. Regular boots, i.e. Bean Boots, are a classic choice for anywhere from school to the farm. Roper boots are like cowboy boots except less fruity and more work oriented. From Bean Boots to Justin’s, there are many choices. Some prefer the fratsclusive look Bean Boots offer but some fratters enjoy the classics, such as Ariat roper boots.

s far as pants go it is fairly simple with froptions such as khakis, jeans, or Carharts.

Absolutly no faded jeans or really dark, blue designer jeans.

Upon the wearing of any faded or designer jeans, a fratter will be immediately docked all his froints and sent home to stew in his juices about his bad deed to the fratting community.

FRAckets T

he next fritem of importance is the ever prevalent jacket or “fracket.”

This is where you have to be careful.

Brands such as The North Face just aren’t what they used to be. Since large numbers of normal people have started wearing those brands, their frat points have dropped considerably. Yet brands such as Mountain Hard Wear and Patagonia are still safe bets. Columbia is good but not quite a Fratagonia.

Shirts

fritem of importance is the shirt. Brands such as polo are quickly going down the drain. Now that they are “fresh” and have huge horses, they just aren’t as fratty. A safe bet is a brand such as: Southern Tide, Southern Marsh, Vineyard Vines, Columbia PFG, Nautica, Cabela’s, Brooks Brothers, Patagonia, or a brand that is making a comeback, Royal Robbins. Polo is not bad but unfourtunantly froints will be docked because of the newly acquired “freshness of the Ralphie,” as our good brothers described in last year’s Nevarmore.

FRATpacks

N

ow the cherry on top of any fratters Sundae is a fratty backpack, or “fratpack”. Now there are some initial rules that cannot be broken. If the backpack is purchased from Pac-Sun or Urban Outfitters, it is immediately deemed unfratty. If it is really small and is either Nike or has a picture of some cartoon character on it, the pack is also unfratty. In fact, there are only a few acceptable brands of fratpacks.

These are: The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, L.L. Bean, and of course, Fratagonia.

FRATcessories

N

ow you may think you are done dressing but you are sadly mistaken. The hat and sunglasses are highly important fritems. For hats you have two choices: either a ball cap or visor. In regard to ball caps, there is only one rule: fitteds are for fruitcake guidos, not self respecting fratters. There are three choices of visors: the golf visor, the regular visor, and the Kavu visor. After you have selected all of your frat gear and you are about to head out of the fratcastle, you must select your sunglasses. For starters, there is Costa Del Mar. This i s elementary fratting. Costas are the easiest way to frat hard. They have been dominating the frat scene at the beach and at tailgates for many years.

Also, a study conducted at the Institute of Fratology Fratting champion in Brewmont, Fratsilvania supported this statement. Patrick Bailey ‘11 Other brands that are also acceptable include Ray Ban, gazes out at his Sea Striker, and Maui Jim. empire.

‘11

Janes Troxler ‘11

Patrick Bailey ‘11

Colby Virtue ‘11

Bo Newcomb ‘11

Will Massey ‘11

Robert Boyce ‘11

Dain Clare ‘12

Charlie Killian ‘11

Spencer Cates ‘11

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OUR Obession: Vintage

Rediscover your style with signature statement pieces by

digging through thrift stores or even your mother’s closet for unique pieces. Oxfords are perfect for tying together an artsy outfit. Scour shops for dresses with interesting cuts, such as an asymmetrical hemline (shown above). Don’t be afraid to mix different textures, patterns, and designs. Get creative with accessories—floral headbands, geometrically inspired necklaces, a quilted chain purse, and various rings to complete the look.

O x f o r d

Girly Channel your inner Blair Waldorf and keep an eye out for

lace details and ruffled pieces. Don’t go overboard! Keep it elegant by wearing black, so you don’t look like a Victorian housewife. For accessories, tie on a bow for a headband and gather some pearl necklaces and rings to add a classic touch.

Shoes Edgy

ANDIE PARK & CARSON SMITH

STAFF WRITERS

Unleash your inner wild child and don’t be afraid to clash The school year has begun, the leaves are changing colors, and it’s time certain patterns. The essentials for this look would be the leather motorcycle jacket, accessorized by a statement necklace and a boldy patterened mini skirt (shown below).

Studs, sequins, crazy prints toughen up the oxfords with a confident edge that doesn’t make the look seem sloppy. Be fearless with your fashion fierce factor!

to gear up for the fall season. In the fashion world, fall is a time of stylistic transformation and reinvention. It is the most important time to express yourself and experiment with warm and earthy hues like plum, maroon, bronze, and mustard yellow. To reinvent your entire wardrobe, we just suggest one thing: oxford shoes. Originally from Scotland and Ireland, oxfords have transcended through the generations and returned to fashion as the epitome of sharp sophistication. We tested the boundaries and, from our own closets, created four different outfits with a pair of oxfords. Hopefully, you will inspired to do the same!

“Fashions fade, style is eternal.”

-Yves Saint Laurent

Prepster

Freshen up your wardrobe with simple and classic pieces.

Timeless staples such as oxford shirts, blazers, and ankle-baring pants (shown in the bottom center) are versatile in their ability to pull any outfit neatly together. The neutrality of oxfords perfectly complements the tidiness of the ultimately tailored look. Keep accessories sparse—pearl earrings and a menswear watch are sufficient in completing an effortlessly put together appearance.

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Ten Must - Haves for Every Girl

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I know that when some people think their skin’s oily, they try to dry it out with harsh treatments like salicylic acid found in many acne products. This only inNude lipstick, Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturizer, NYX Duet creases the problem: you Black/Green Eyeliner, Clinique Superpowder Face Makeup should moisturize your ($19 – belk.com), Tweezerman Slant Tweezers ($12.50 – ulta. face, not dry it out. The only reason you should ever com), and Band Aid Blister Block, are all easily compactable in use salicylic acid is in a face wash or a scrub in the a purse or school bag. morning and night. It dries your skin out and when you use harsh acids, your skin’s ability to protect itAROLINE CALES self from the sun’s UVA/UVB rays weakens, making STAFF WRITER you more prone to sunburn and future age spots and

From personal experience, I know wrinkles.That’s why you should always put some kind of sunscreen on before you leave the house that every girl should have their own in the morning (I use it in my moisturizer). When you little “Survival Kit” for those unexpected moisturize, unless you have dry skin, you should use a emergencies at school. Everything from matte moisturizer without oil.

C

S

tweezers to blotting papers in your locker or bag always comes in handy at one point or another.

1

This brings me to my first item: blotting papers. Throughout the day, it seems like your skins just secretes more and more oil. Why? Because of the air in school – it dries out your skin. Your body detects this and secretes its own natural oil – sometimes a little too much.

When you feel your face get oily or after you sweat, just grab one single sheet, and gently BLOT your face – do NOT wipe all over. Wiping will cause dirt to transfer from one part of your face to another, clogging different pores. Also, some skin on your face, especially around the eyes, is very delicate and when you wipe at it, it loses elasticity, causing premature aging.

7 5 8 9 6 10

I know that Band Aids help a lot when wearing tall, cute heels that, unfortunately, cut into your foot. But the problem is that Band Aids can look sloppy, especially if they’re Hello Kitty or Shrek and you have on a pair of black stilettos. Sometimes they fall off and sometimes they just don’t work. Well, welcome to the World of Worry Free Heels. Introducing Band Aid Blister Block Stick! It’s a very easy gel stick that provides a waxy cover that looks natural, provides comfort, and prevents blisters! Ladies, beauty is pain, but not anymore with these Band Aids!

Another problem I face, especially after eating, is dry lips. It drives me crazy! Just the feeling of knowing your lips are chapped and there’s really nothing you can do drives everyone insane. But I have found the cure: Burt’s Bees Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Acai Berry . The acai berry oil is a mega powerhouse of antioxidants, including anti-aging antioxidants. Anything anti-aging moisturizes, and every skin type needs moisture. This lip balm is amazing, I recommend it for everyone.

If you want some shine or color on your lips, you can just put on a nude color lip gloss, giving it some shine. Or, you can carry a lipstick that has some attitude in the color. Personally, I love bright red lips.

If you get a lipstick with moisturizer, it not only heals chap lips, but it also can make a statement with your Layla Tanik, ‘13. and Anastatia Hollis, ‘13, approve makeup.

2

of Band Aid Blister Block Stick ($7.49 - cvs.com)

A foundation is a MUST. Even if you put on setting powder or a face primer in the morning, the foundation will still come off during the day, or if you touch your face a lot (which you shouldn’t because of the oils on your hands), the foundation slips off.

For freshmen who have P.E., this is important because your makeup is officially messed up until school is out. I recommend a matte foundation, nothing oily (unless you have dry skin).

3

Dani Given, ‘13, tries white eyeliner during her studyhall.

Another emergency tool is tweezers. Find tweezers that work because the last thing you need are bad tweezers when trying to pluck an eyebrow or a splinter.

Every person, including guys, should have a pair of Kleenex. It definitely is a necessity. Do I really need to explain the uses? From sneezing to smushing a bug on the wall, they help everyone. Perhaps get a two pack - one for you and one for emergencies.

A big, big, big need is a Fashion Emergency Kit (Mega Mini Kits). No one really notices their need until they accidentally rip their dress or skirt and everyone can see that brand new pair of lacy underwear just bought at Victoria’s Secret. This kit includes everything from double sided tape to a mini sewing kit to a wet napkin for spills. If you only have one thing in your locker, this is the thing I recommend the most.

Lastly, everyone needs to eat, and what a better way than having a delicious, healthy treat?

No, I’m not talking about shoving carrots and dip into your purse, but Fiber One 90 Calorie Chocolate Chewy Bars. From experience, I can tell you that these are the most delicious portable snacks that I have ever tasted. Plus, if you have a game or practice after school, this is a nice food that isn’t too heavy on the stomach.

Another important object every girl needs is eyeliner. I change up my eyeliner and makeup every day, so I make sure to take the same color that I used. You don’t want to accidentally wipe off black eyeliner and replace it with brown – you’ll just look…weird.

Mostly, except with very fair skin, I would recommend black eyeliner, even if it doesn’t match, it’s dark enough to cover up any other color.

Rachel Ormand, ‘14, Rachel Wakeford,‘13, and Englsih Bernhardt, ‘14, show the many uses for some oil free moisturizer ($6.99 - ulta.com), black eyeliner ($5.49 - cvs,com), and tissues ($1.99 - cvs.com)

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What do yo u wa n t to d o befo re yo u d i e ?

LESLIE PRATT

STAFF WRITER

I

“I wanna find Narnia...”

n 2007 a movie called The Bucket List came out in theatres. This movie made people examine their own lives and look back on what they’ve done or what they should’ve done. Some say the film should be an eye-opener and make people realize that life is a gift and should be used to the fullest.

People spend their whole lives wanting to follow their dreams, but do they actually end up pursuing them?

“Be in “Shiny Teeth and Me” music video directed by Chip Skylark.”

- Scott Goldcott ‘12 & Matt Colwell, ‘11

“Drive down on a main road in reverse.”

“Live it up with Mac Miller.”

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-Josh Moorman, ‘13

“I want to domesticate an antelope.”

- Matt Colwell, ’12 & Scott Goldcott, ’12

-Logan Greer, ‘13

“I’ve lived my life to the fullest; all I can think of is to see my sons be happy and successful in their life.”

- Kevin Billerman, Asst. Head of Upper School

“I want to be a Pink Sock Bandit.”

AND...

“Ride a marathon on a segway and make fun of the runners.”

- Egan Hart, ’11

-Thomas Mathews, ‘14

“We wanna be national champions in ping pong” - Vanessa May, ‘14 Josh McCoy, ‘14 Thomas Mathews, ‘14 Georgio Georgeadakis, ‘14

“I really can’t think of anything I would like to do. I have been very blessed. I have survived cancer 3 times and have a wonderful husband of 35 years.

I also have 7 wonderful shelties (dogs), a new house and I get to come to work at Ravenscroft with a great staff and wonderful students like yourself.

Who could ask for more than that?”

- Rhonda Morin, Rhonda’s Cafe

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Ho Hos with Heckman

Five Guys for Flinn

CHARLIE HIRSCH

TAYLOR NEWCOMB & CARSON SMITH

STAFF WRITER

S

usan Heckman, Chemistry Instructor, came to 6th period Journalism/ Newspaper class to be investigated on her legendary past.

Everyone in the Ravenscroft community has heard of the wacky myths of Heckman, so Nevarmore reporters went straight to the source to find out about her previous careers, odd family stories and her unbelievable obsession with the TV series, Star Trek.

STAFF WRITERS

T

he Upper School English department has welcomed three new additions this year. One of those is rumored to look like Justin Timberlake with his fresh appearance, energy, and even his own band.

Kevin Flinn, recently uprooted from Los Angeles, moved to Raleigh over the summer. Having formerly worked at an all girls’ high school, Ravenscroft’s co-ed atmosphere has been a pleasant change for him.

“There were four hundred girls and maybe, ten male teachers in the faculty…just having more males is a change in itself,” Flinn observed.

Keeping busy with four sections of junior American literature and a creative writing class-responsible for the Living Hand, it’s a wonder how quickly and easily he’s adjusted to working with both girls and boys.

“It’s a change, but I didn’t have to adjust my teaching style much…there are always the quiet kids, the loud kids, and those in the middle that might volunteer a few times,” remarked Flinn.

Although liking Los Angeles, Flinn’s roots have predominately been on the east coast. Besides being originally from the Keystone State (Pennsylvania), Flinn attended New England schools for both his undergraduate and graduate work. He attended Ithica College in New York for his undergraduate and went to Edinboro University in Pennsylvania for his graduate.

Besides teaching, Flinn’s love for English has overlapped into his personal life.

He currently has two books published. Because (2007) was originally a screenplay that he developed into a novel. Through the Night and Wind (2009) is a novel based around a trip he took with his parents to the Caribbean when he was younger. However, Flinn isn’t stopping there; his third novel is coming out this spring.

In addition to writing Flinn also plays guitar and writes songs. He has been in a band since he was 19 that varied from Indi Rock to classical and country music. Flinn did not end that streak when he came to North Carolina. He is now in a band that plays mainly bluegrass. He also sings.

“It’s nice to actually put on a jacket in the mornings”. Flinn enjoys the seasons in Raleigh. Back in LA, the seasons are not as defined. It is always warm, and there are not as many chances to put on a jacket in the mornings.

What did you do before teaching at Ravenscroft?

“I was teaching forensics at another school.”

Translation:

Just like CSI.

What do you like to do besides teach chemistry?

“I like cooking; soups, breads. I made a 22 layer wedding cake for my son… it took me an entire weekend.”

Translation:

Heckman can have her cake and eat it too!

Do you know hand to hand combat?

“Its basic training.”

Why do you love Star Trek so much?

“I have a four legged pot roast.”

“I was a freshman in college and I was sitting inside doing my work and there was a guy in a teeshirt, shorts, and tennis shoes running in circles in the hallways. So, after a while, I decided I would ask him what he was doing”

Translation:

Translation:

“I just started watching it when it first premiered and it’s good science fiction, not science fantasy.”

Translation: Beam me up, Scotty?

Do you have any pets?

Hobbies?

e Toy t i r o Fav ild? ch as a

Flinn plays guitar and has oe been in various “Inception and GI J bands ranging Toy Story 3” from Indy Rock, Bluegrass, to Five Guys or Classic Country In- N-Out Burger? since he was 19.

“Five Guys.”

He is also a song writer.

Translation:

How did you meet your husband?

Don’t mess with Heckman.

What movies did you enjoy this summer?

“I was in an Army Training Unit and did investigations.”

Heckman may still be an undercover agent posing as a chemistry teacher.

Translation:

Fun F linn Facts

What branch of the military did you work in?

Wire Hair Jack Russell Terrier

Mr. Heckman ran, but he didn’t even try to hide.

Can you tell us about your son, Allen?

“Well, between 18 months and 3 years, Allen was a very curious boy. One day I was pouring some non-toxic toilet bowl cleaner into the toilet and Allen was watching me do this. When I came back [to the bathroom] he was covered head to foot in green liquid. It took seven weeks for the color to fade.

He was like a little leprechaun for a while. He also got stuck in the chimney looking for Santa Clause once!”

Photos by Meka Timlic-Vallier Military photos and photo of Ron and Allen Heckman provided by Susann Heckman

Translation:

Allen is the man!

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Fall Varsity Sports Recap Varsity Girls Golf

Varsity Field Hockey

Record: 10-1

Record: 11-2

Haley Barefoot, ‘11, drives the ball on the field.

Varsity Cheerleading

Rashaad Ratliff-Brown, ‘13, runs towards the end zone.

Varsity Football

Mariel Ziperski, ‘13, Caroline Hanson,’15, Emily Velk,’13, Evie Dole,’13, and Jessica Kittleberger, ‘14, show off their victory plaque.

Record: 5-3

Varsity Volleyball Record: 13-6

Matthew Quesenberry, ‘13, plays hard during one of their games.

Varsity cheerleaders bring spirit and flips to cheer the Ravens Football team on to victory.

Varstiy Boys Soccer

Tammy Dragich, ‘11, spikes the volleyball during warm-ups before a game.

Record: 5-11-1

Record: 12-5

Cross country boys rule the course.

Varsity Cross Country Girls cross country dominated their conference and came out champions. Better luck next time for the boys, but congratulations Elisabeth Schricker, ‘13, leading the pack. on a great season.

Varsity Girls Tennis Corinne May, ‘12,takes a hit atthetennis ball.

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National treasure lost JORDAN BEDNAR I

This photo of Washington Nationals pitcher, Stephen Strasburg, shows the unnatural motion of his arm as he fires a pitch towards the catcher.

Photo license CC-BY

Stephen Strasburg’s 2010 Stats

STAFF WRITER

njuries in baseball seem to be a common issue lately. It seems like the injury rate is on the rise at every level ranging from little league to the big show.

There is a group of serious baseball players who want to take their career to college and possibly further. These dedicated players often start playing even before they start kindergarten. As they become more mature, they establish themselves as one sport athletes and train year-round.

These players are essentially using the same muscles in their body throughout the whole year. Pitchers in baseball use their arm the most out of any position in baseball. The overhand delivery by a baseball player is one of the most unnatural acts in all of sports, besides being a fan of the Chicago Cubs.

Many players also do not have the “right” mechanics, putting them at risk. Even when the athletes take care of their bodies by going to the weight room to develop their muscle strength, it is not enough to prevent an injury.

The most talked about injury lately has been Stephen Strasburg,

pitcher for the Washington Nationals.

As the number one pick in the 2009 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft, Strasburg was a hot commodity signing a record setting $15.1 contract. An alumni of San Diego State, he was the only collegiate player on the USA National team in 2008.

Strasburg started off the 2010 campaign in the minor leagues embarrasing his opponents with his 100 mph plus fastball. He was called up to the Nationals and made his MLB debut on June 8th against the Pittsburgh Pirates. His first experience was a success as he lived up to the hype, striking out 14 batters with a fastball hitting 100 miles per hour.

Strasburg was quickly becoming a top notch pitcher until September 3rd when Strasburg injured his elbow in Philadelphia after throwing a 1-1 changeup to Dominic Brown.

X-rays showed that Strasburg had torn his ulnar collateral ligament, an injury that required Tommy John Surgery. Strasburg had the surgery done on September 3rd and now faces a 12-18 month rehabilitation period, likely benching him from the entire 2011 season.

We have seen this same story before with players like Kerry Wood and Mark Prior, pitchers who also looked too good to be true before be-

coming sidelined by injury.

Now, coaches and trainers are skeptical about their investments in players. More often, baseball players, especially pitchers, are striking out in the health department and require major surgeries due to arm problems.

Ravenscroft senior Michael Byman has had his share of arm troubles. Byman currently has a bone bruise in his elbow and claims that the bruise was a result of the wear and tear on his arm throughout the year from extensive amounts of playing.

“The arm is not strong enough to sustain the kind of torque being put on it,” explains Byman in regard to high school players’ arm problems.

He believes a solution would be taking part in specific workouts dedicated to the muscles used in baseball. In addition, Byman also recommends that players use strength and flexibility bands.

Today, 25 percent of young baseball players experience arm pain, a statistic that seems a little high. Michelle Piette, Associate Athletic Director, advises younger athletes to take a break or possibly play another sport in the offseason. In other words, cross-training is the best solution to preventing the long-term effects of injuries.

What Is Tommy John Surgery?

68.0 Innings Pitched 5 wins, 3 losses Earned run average of 2.91 12 pitching starts Opposing batting average of 2.21 Nationals 2010 Season Record 69 wins 93 Losses.....

28 wins from the division leading Philadelphia Phillies Nationals 2009 Season Record 59 wins 103 losses Strasburg: 1st round draft pick From San Diego State University

Tommy John in his delivery pitching later in his career.

Photo license CC-BY

Definition:

Tommy John surgery is a surgical reconstruction of elbow ligaments that are often torn in baseball pitchers.

Who is Tommy John?

Tommy John was a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team. In 1974 he was unable to pitch because of injury to his elbow. Until that time, this particular injury ended the career of baseball pitchers.

What ligament did Tommy John injure?

The ligament injured was the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) on the inside of the elbow joint. Patients with injury to this ligament have pain on the inside of the elbow and instability of the joint. Other causes of pain on the inside of the elbow include tendonitis, and ulnar nerve conditions.

What is Tommy John surgery?

Tommy John surgery is a surgical procedure to reconstruct the UCL using a tendon from the forearm. The tendon is used to recreate the damaged ligament and improve the stability of the elbow joint.

Tommy John surgery was developed by Dr. Frank Jobe in Los Angeles. Today, Tommy John surgery can be used to extend the career in many baseball pitchers; the success rate following surgery is about 85%. Rehabilitation following surgery often sidelines the athlete for 12-18 months

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BCS Championship: Bound to change?

BRAD EHILEGBU

STAFF WRITER

T

he BCS Championship has been a very controversial issue in the College Football world.

Many think that it should be changed somehow, someway. The way it is now is considered unfair by most college football fans, players, and coaches.

“I think that it should be an eight-team playoff and that the teams should be selected by a group of former college coaches and choose the best eight teams to play in the tournament style format,” said Ravenscroft Assistant Athletic Director, Jim Gibbons. “It is unfair for sixty-four teams to play in the NCAA Basketball Tournament and only two teams can play in the BCS Championship Game.”

Coach Gibbons makes a very good point because all of the teams

should be able to have an opportunity to play in the National Championship game. A few years ago, Boise State went undefeated one season and they didn’t even have a chance to play in the National Championship game which is absolutely astonishing to a higher percentage of college football fans.

Mike Hutter, ’12, said, “The BCS is completely unfair and it is quite obvious that something should be changed about format. I think that there should be a four team playoff of the top four ranked teams”, said Mike Hutter, ’12. This solution could still be controversial because the rankings are sketchy in some aspects of the system.

The bottom line is that the BCS Championship is unfair and the format has to be changed. Whether it is a four team or an eight team playoff, I am sure that any other solution would be better the format now.

The BCS Standings are used for:

1. Determining the two teams that qualify to play in the BCS National Championship Game

2. Determining any other automatic qualifiers

3. Establishing the pool of eligible teams for

Cam Newton, a likely candidate for the Heisman Trophy, stiff-arming an unworthy opponent from the University of South Carolina.

at-large selection.

Mike Vick:Time Well Spent Photo By: MCT Campus

DREW RASBERRY

F

Vick has rejuvenated his career with the Philadelphia Eagles Photo from MCT Campus

Michael Vicks’s 2009 and 2010 NFL Season

Completions

Attempts

Completion %

Interceptions

2010

59

96

61.5

0

2009

7

15

46.7

0

STAFF WRITER

rom the bars of prison to seeing through the bars of a quarterback’s facemask, Michael Vick has been emancipated. His prison sentence of twenty-one months saved his career and his life.

Before the dog fighting ring investigation, Vick was a talented athlete who seemed tired and frustrated with his play in Atlanta. Known for his scrambling ability, Vick was always running and it seemed throwing was always option number two. Both of those options faded away when he was sentenced to a twenty-one month prison sentence on December 11, 2007 for running a dog fighting ring based in his Atlanta, Georgia house.

Before all of this happened, it seemed that Vick was getting in trouble with the law frequently. He was arrested numerous times for silly things that a pro quarterback should not be doing. Also, he was very frustrated with the success of his Falcons team. In 2006, he was fined $10,000 for an inappropriate gesture to the fans after the game had ended. It seemed that only hope and time could heal the damage that had been done.

Vick left the NFL with just as much publicity and curiosity as when he came into the NFL. As time went on, the NFL did not lose its fan base with Vick gone, it grew stronger. In prison, Vick worked making 3 cents an hour for the entire time he was incarcerated. Prison was a humbling experience for Vick, and it gave him time to reflect and realize that the lifestyle he was living was unacceptable. Also, just the fact that prison isn’t the best place to be in when you are such a gifted athlete, and could be utilizing your talent.

As a fan, I hoped that when he got out he would be a superstar and would have nothing but success. But, when he was released, he soon was given a contract by the Philadelphia Eagles on August 13, 2009 for one year worth 1.6 million, no money guaranteed. He was granted minimum playing time last year, but had moments in games where he would show some of that talent that he had shown before prison. But not until this year did I really feel like he was back.

It was Sunday, on the 12th of September, when Vick got his chance.

Kevin Kolb was taken out of the game because of an injury and the Eagles were getting killed by the Packers. But when Vick came on the field, he had been transformed into a pass first quarterback. But he could scramble too. It seemed that the maturity level of Vick had finally matched up to his ability. He played a stellar game and almost won the game for the Eagles against a not too shabby Packers defense. Then he played the next weekend, and led the Eagles to a win, in his first career start since his prison stint. It just seems that his prison stint has transformed his life for better. I honestly think Michael Vick is a better person and player for going through that, and that he personally would say he was grateful for the wake-up call.

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Top Ten Ravenscroft Male Athletes Since 1990 Trey Lewis, ’03, dominated Ravenscroft athletics

leading him to be the fourth all time leading scorer in basketball, an all state player in basketball and football, a conference player of the year in basketball.

Lewis on the story: “It’s an honor to be chosen as a top male in Ravenscroft athletics.” Lewis also dominated the gridiron having the most receptions in one season, most touchdown catches in one season, most interceptions in a season, most receiving yards in a season, most touchdown catches for a career, most career interceptions, and most career receptions.

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Kuklenski, ’02, a wizard on the pitch, was a UINN ILLERMAN & EAN ELLY three time all state performSTAFF WRITERS er in soccer. He went on to play soccer at Indiana Unitar athletes: every school has versity, and won a National Championship at Indiana. them. Every once in a while, how-

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Matt McGinnis, ’04, swam like a fish

in water. He was a 3 time state champion and still holds 7 state records. He swam at the University of Texas and was a 12 time All American. McGinnis was also a member of Team USA in the 2007 World University Games.

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ever, stars come along that break records and set new standards of greatness in their respective sports.

This article is dedicated to those athletes who have changed the standards at Ravenscroft. We decided to list only male athletes from 1990 to now because of the large numbers of great male and female athletes that the school has seen.

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mat while at Ravenscroft was an All American wrestler, All State three times for wrestling, and was twice an All State player in football. After Ravenscroft, he wrestled at West Virginia and Virginia.

Ritcher, ’01, was twice an all state in football and holds the record for the most tackles in a season. After Ravenscroft, he played football at NC State.

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Corwin

yan Kelly, ’09, dominated varsity basketball for 4 years and was a 3 time all conference player. He was selected to all-state twice. Kelly is the all time leading scorer, rebounder, and shot blocker in Ravenscroft history. He holds the highest field goal percentage for a career, most free throws made, and most field goals made. He was a four time conference champion, two time conference player of the year. He won a NCAA championship with Duke University in 2010. Kelly on the selection:”It’s an honor to be mentioned in the same breath as Steph McQueen.”

Jeremy Wilkins, ’96, a star on the

John

Nick

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Davis, ’01, is the second all time leading scorer in basketball history and was quick as lighting. He holds the most steals for career. He also has the second most field goals, second most assists, and second best field goal percentage all in a season. He was also a cold blooded shooter and has the most three point field goals in a career. He went on to play basketball at Appalachian State

Stephon McQueen, ’96, arguably the most versatile athlete the school has been fortunate enough to see, is the 6th all time leader scorer for basketball in a career. He was an all state performer in both football and Basketball.

After Ravenscroft, he played football at UNC. He won a state championship in football while at Ravenscroft.

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Henry

Antwan Harris, ’96, holds the

Zaytoun III, ’08, was the Tiger Woods (pre November 27, 2009) of high school golf and shot a state record 61 in a golf tournament. He was a state champion, and is playing golf at UNC.

10 2 Swing into Ravenscroft history 6

MEKA VALLEIR-TIMLIC A

Ravenscroft track and field record for the 100m, was the only player to play on the varsity football team for 5 years. He also holds the records for touchdowns in one season, rushing yards in one season, career rushing yards, and career rushing touchdowns. He starred as a football player at the University of Virginia and won a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots.

STAFF WRITER

s the 2010 fall sports season began, a new addition to the Ravenscroft athletic line up was the Varsity Girls’ Golf Team.

“With the increased interest of women’s golf as a whole, plus the interest shown by a fair number of girls, the time was right to explore the possibility of beginning a competitive program, “ said Coach David Myers.

With this new addition there come the questions of why now and how this team will change or benefit the Ravenscroft athletic program.

“It gives the girls another choice of a sport that is individual in nature, but still focuses on the overall team concept. This is a sport where each girl has total control of their level of success, based on how much time and effort they put into improving their game,” adds Myers.

The team is doing quite well with a record of 10-1 according to Myers. He went on to say that “our average score per match is 124, which is very comparable to some

Evie Dole, ‘13, putts at a recent match.

Photo by Cathy Dole

Emily Velk ‘13

Evie dole ‘13

Cameron Litcher ‘12

of the stronger programs in the state.”

Girls’ golf competitions are similar to the boys’ golf matches. Myers explains that “the biggest difference is in the way scoring is done, where the girls have 5 players and their best 3 scores count, while the boys play 6 and count 4.

Also, the length of the course that the boys play is longer than when the girls play.”

The inaugural Ravenscroft Varsity Girls’ Golf team members are Cameron Litcher, ’12, Evie Dole, ’13, Savannah Miller, ’13, Emily Velk, ’13, Mariel Ziperski, ’13, Jessica Kittelberger, ’14, Anna Carson Buckthal, ‘15, Charlotte Cece, ‘15, and Caroline Hansen, ’15.

The team practices three times a week at either North Ridge Country Club, Wildwood Greens, TPC at Wakefield.

The team recently won the Saint Mary’s School Invitational by six strokes with a total of 123. This was the girls’ informal state championship since there is no formal tournament for private schools. Six other teams around North Carolina played in the end of the year tournament.

Savannah Miller ‘13

Charlotte Cece ‘15

Jessica Kittelberger‘14

Mariel Ziperski ‘13

Anna Carson Buckthal ‘15

Caroline Hansen ‘15