October 2015 issue

Northwest Guilford High • Greensboro, NC

Volume 52 • Issue 1 • October 2015

“Just another guy”: Transgender student shares story of hope and optimism Clare Kilmartin features & managing editor

J

Say what?

Say Yes! Sarah Boggins co-editor-in-chief

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ree college.

Say Yes to Education will immediately affect the class of 2016, and because of this, these two words represent the opening of new doors for students applying to colleges this year.

“I think the impact of Say Yes to Education is huge,” Principal Ralph Kitley said. “For students that money was a barrier for college, it’s enormous.”

Say Yes to Education was announced Sept. 17, 2015.

Northwest students heard the news through phone calls, the school website, social media and friends.

“I thought it was too good to be true,” senior Hope Bercaw said. “I waited until I heard all of the requirements and stipulations before I got excited.”

According to the website of Say Yes to Education, the program will be serving 72,000 public school students in the cities of Greensboro and High Point. Along with these cities, Say Yes to Education provides for particular schools in Buffalo and Syracuse.

“I was honestly surprised Guilford County received the funding,” senior Morgan Auel said. “But now I know it was based on school diversity and career-based classes.”

In addition, of various counties in the nation competing for Say Yes to Education, Guilford County proved itself competitive.

“The other three finalists [who went to the delegation in Buffalo] sent six to 10 representatives,” Kitley said. “Guilford County sent 20.”

According to Kitley, Guilford County was a contender for Say Yes to Education from the very start.

“Guilford County went after it,” Kitley said. “From the very beginning, it was all about ‘let’s figure out what we need to do.’”

continued on page 2 Photos by Sarah Boggins

unior Mark Jones* was born June 12, 1999 to a loving family. He has two brothers and loves to play his cello and draw. Although Jones may seem like any other guy on the outside, he is very extraordinary.

Jones is transgender.

“Ever since I grew up, I tended to not like girl things,” Jones said.

“I really didn’t fit into that role, but I didn’t really question it when I was younger.”

Jones was born as a female yet always knew something was off.

“My parents never forced me to do anything I didn’t want to do when I was younger and never tried to make me something I wasn’t,” Jones said.

Eighth grade was the first time Jones really questioned his identity. He cut his hair and began to present himself as a male.

“I thought, ‘What if I’m just a boy?’” Jones said. “There was a period of time where I started to descend into a pit of confusion. I felt alone.”

From that point on, Jones felt trapped with no one to turn to. “[At school] I kept thinking I have to tell all these people and I don’t want to do that,” Jones said.

“I felt like there was nobody out there. There was a lot of confusion and I felt trapped because no one knew. I didn’t want to tell anybody.”

Over the next few years, Jones came to a conclusion in his selfdiscovery.

“I realized I’m just a guy,” Jones said. “That’s who I am.”

However, Jones’ journey wasn’t over. He hadn’t confronted his friends, parents or brothers.

“I didn’t want to lose anyone I was close to,” Jones said.

Jones came out to his friends in December 2014 and to part of his family in January 2015 without knowing whether they supported the transgender community or not.

“When I came out to my parents, it was a huge relief off my back,” Jones said. “Anybody I came out to brought me closer to them.

They don’t treat me differently.”

Jones, however, didn’t quite come out to his mother. His mother confronted him and asked.

continued on page 14

*name has been changed

Principal Ralph

Kitley

inducted into the Salisbury Rowan Hall of Fame See page 10

2 News

Are E-cigs the next new fad?

7 Op/Ed

Discussing the meaning of the confederate flag at Northwest

16

Entertainment

Social media 101

Page 2 Graduation rates rise, NW receives A+ Harley Nefe arts & culture editor

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he graduation rate has increased at Northwest.

In 2014 the percentage of students graduating was 94.4 percent and just last year, it increased to 96.6 percent, which is the highest it has been in years past.

Northwest is part of 10 other schools that have an above 90 percent graduation rate.

There have been various changes that could have had an effect on the graduation rate.

“You can never know exactly [why the rates increased].” Principal Ralph Kitley said, “One thing that has happened is that last year we didn’t have a graduation coach, so we had more individuals involved in the process of keeping up with the senior cut work.”

Instead of a graduation coach being in charge of everything relating to the seniors, everyone came together to help out and to get students prepared for their futures after Northwest.

“We had more ‘hands on deck’, so to speak, and were really vigilant about watching and knowing who was going where, looking for students that were struggling who were seniors and watching for options [and] alternatives for them,” Kitley said.

“We were looking for where that student might be more successful. We, more than ever, sealed up the cracks for students to drop through.”

This year, in an attempt to continue increasing the graduation rate, Kimberly Deyton has been appointed as the graduation coach. “[By] having Deyton, who is really focused on the 12 grade group and learning and knowing the students--I’m really hoping that will continue to push [the graduation rate] up,” Kitley said. “She is excellent in her role and really builds relationships with students.”

Having a graduation rate of 96.6 percent means that around 16-20 students dropped out. “[16-20 student dropouts] is way too many,” Kitley said. “Honestly, it’s going to be hard but I want to push 96.6 [percent]. I think that there are still a couple of students out there that just aren’t accounted for yet that [Deyton] will be focused on finding.”

There are a plethora of reasons as to why students drop out.

“The main reason is that the students don’t feel connected to school,” Kitley said.

“They are not motivated to come to school, or they do not see the value in school.”

Ways for a student to become connected to school include participating in extracurricular activities, which may make them feel like they belong and find motivation in learning to reach their future goals.

“It’s like [I’ve] been working for this for so long and have worked so hard that graduating is a big deal in my family,” senior Kristiana Villanueva said. “Especially since my grandparents and parents moved here from the Philippines for a better life and education for our future generations; there was so much hard work put into it.”

Villanueva is an example of a student who has found her family as motivation to reach her future goals.

“I have plans to go on to pre-Med and double major in chemistry and English,” Villanueva said. “I’m just super excited to take this step and graduate to learn more.”

The state graded schools on a letter scale regarding primarily on student test performances. Matching the high graduation rate, Northwest also received an A+ status. “[A+ status] means that there were no significant gaps in achievement and we’ve done a really good job about that,” Kitley said. “There were no disparities or discrepancies in achievement.”

Northwest, along with three other schools in Guilford County has an A+ achievement grade.

“The teachers at Northwest promote a love for learning, a drive for learning as well as the personal relationship,” Villanueva said. “We have all put so much time, effort and work into school, and graduating takes us [to] a new step and helps us get to our dreams.”

October 2015

Current trends: iPhones, Nike and ... E-Cigs? pen to just have one on them. But if they are caught smoking them in class, that results in a more severe consequence like ISS or OSS.” Because so many teenagers have already utilized e-cigs, there is a fear that it will beou close your eyes and take a come the new “gateway” drug to using actual deep breath. You can smell rich, cigarettes. As stated by CNBC.com, a study aromatic coffee as you inhale, the concluded that young people who smoked esteam dancing its way up to your nose. cigs were more likely to start smoking tobacOnly, you aren’t at Starbucks, and this isn’t co within a year than nonsmokers their age. just some espresso you are smelling. Poten“E-cigs are not the same thing to cigatially fatal, you are breathing in more than 20 rettes, but they are a close fit,” senior Gracie different chemGardner said. icals found in “Once peothe vapor of ple vape with electronic cigae-cigs, they rettes. These might [start are available to] think that in a variety of smoking cigaflavors, from rettes is not vanilla to green actually that tea. bad.”

E-cigs are Most rebatter y-powcently, teens ered devices— have discovmanufactured ered how to to resemble vape marijuana items such as through e-cigs, pens and cigar and since water pipes—which vapor conceals heat up a liqthe distinct uid solution, smell of smokproduce water ing cannabis, vapor and simthey go virtuulate the act of ally undetectinhaling smoke. ed. That said, But since there vaping canniis no tobacco bis could be as combustion indetrimental to volved, health a child’s heart professionals Photo by Sarah Boggins and lungs as have concluded that they are A person, who chooses to remain anonymous, smokes her electronic cigarette. People have used smoking and induce less harmful e-cigs for a variety of reasons, from dealing with stress to smoking them because of peer pressure. can other physical, than cigarettes.

Maybe because of this belief, their eco- crave “vaping” without knowing how it will emotional and mental adversities associated nomic cost and their appealing taste, there impact them and ultimately makes it difficult with the drug.

Perhaps, misperceptions about their was an increase in demand, but it came to quit. In addition, nicotine has been proven with an unintended side-effect: adolescents to affect brain development in teenagers and health risks have led e-cigs to gain popularity worldwide have become one of the indus- may even lead to psychiatric disorders. For among teens, and until they are clarified, the those who get cravings during school, there numbers may very likely continue to rise. try’s largest consumers.

“You always have to understand what According to the Centers for Disease are consequences to control recurrences on risks you are taking, whether it is an e-cig or Control and Prevention (CDC), the num- campus.

“Right now, electronic cigarettes are treat- driving distracted,” guidance counselor Elizber of students who use e-cigs has tripled since 2013, increasing from approximately ed exactly like cigarettes are,” senior class ad- abeth Lucas said. “You have to understand ministrator Ashley Young said. “So, students the price that you might have to pay, and ask 600,000 to two million.

“I think the popularity of e-cigs is rising can receive afterschool detention if they hap- yourself, ‘Am [I] willing to pay this price?’”

Shalini Sharma news editor

[among teens] because they think that they’re doing something ‘cool’ without having some kind of consequence,” senior Katelyn Shropshire said. “With regular cigarettes, [however], you have possibilities such as cancer.”

In fact, considering e-cigs are relatively new, and only limited research has been conducted, their chronic health effects are uncertain. But known for a fact is that they contain nicotine, the addictive drug found in cigarettes.

This chemical causes users to continue to

Y

Say Yes, cont. from page 1

as a variety of tuition scholarships, has the potential to be transformative for our students and their families, as well as for our community,” Green said. “This represents a Although Say Yes to Education plans to historic opportunity to make a difference in Founded by money manager invest about $15 million in Guilford County, the lives of children and young people for George Weiss who promised around $70 million was previously raised lo- generations to come.” to prepare 112 sixth graders in

Now that a larger proportion of Guilcally and will be used to pay graduates of Philadelphia for college, and ford County School students will be atGuilford County schools. to pay for their college tuition tending college, the question remains as “GCS and other local partners have been if they graduated high school. working to bring Say Yes to Education to to whether the application process will become more selective. our community for nearly two years,” Superintendent of Guilford County Schools “I believe this will make our students Maurice “Mo” Green said. “Last January, more competitive and will challenge we were notified that Guilford County was private universities and colleges in the leading candidate to come Say Yes’ next North Carolina, and nationally, The Say Yes Board, led by community and the first outside of the to step-up their commitment to Weiss as chairman, hired providing scholarships for more Northeast.”

Mary Anne Schmitt-Corey as For some students, Say Yes to Education has GCS graduates,”Green said. the organization’s president.

For made the proShe then led the process of Guilcess of choosextending Say Yes to an enThis represents a historic oppotunif o r d ing a college tire community.

County, ty to make a difference in the lives more simple.

Say Yes to “I was planof children and young people for Education ning on attendgenerations to come. represents ing a public a large step in in-state college Superintendent Mo Green The first chapter was launched the growth of the before and that in Syracuse, New York, folhasn’t changed, but it will be more afford- community. lowed by the opening of its able for everyone now,” senior Delaney Mar- “Our community is letting our stusecond chapter four years lation said. “The free tuition will just make it dents know that they believe in them and er in Buffalo, New York. care enough about them to help them pay easier to choose the right school for me.”

College was not a possibility for a num- for college,” Green said. “[This] is a magber of students because of financial diffi- nificent gift to our students, one that we culties. However, Say Yes to Education will need them to take advantage of by taknow provide students with this hindrance to ing challenging courses and preparobtain a college education much more easily. ing themselves well for college and “The most important part is that kids [their] career[s].” have the chance to further their education Say Yes to Education established and they are encouraged to do so,” Auel said. In the graphic to the right, all its third chapter in Guilford Coun Not only will Say Yes to Education bene- the information was provided ty on Sept. 17, 2015. The orgafit the students of Guilford County, but also by www.sayyestoeducation.org. nization aims to launch its fourth The timeline does not include all the cities within it as well. chapter in 2016. events that have occured within “The Say Yes to Education initiative, which includes supports for students as well the organization.

1987

2006

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2008

2015

Graphic by Shalini Sharma

Page 3

October 2015

New staff members in the building •Tal Fish

•Emily Moran •Position: Teaches American History I and AP U.S. history •Previous Experience: Has been teaching for seven years.

•Favorite Shows to binge watch: “Real Housewives” and “Law & Order” •Fun fact: “I have two kids; the boy is four and the girl is 16 months old.”

•Chelsea Joyce •Position: Teaches AP environmental science and earth science.

•Previous Experience: Has been teaching earth science for a year, and did her student teaching at Southwest.

•Favorite show to binge watch: “Friends” and “How I Met Your Mother” •Fun fact: “I’m a Tar Heel.”

•Jennifer Lovato •Position: Teaches Math II •Previous Experience: Has been teaching for two years.

•Favorite show to binge watch: “Grey’s Anatomy” •Fun fact: “I graduated from Northwest in 2010.”

•Position: Counselor for students with last names: Ri-Zz •Previous experience: Has been a counselor for three years, previously serving in elementary schools in Winston-Salem and Forsyth.

•Favorite shows to binge watch: “Homeland,” “Scandal” and “House of Cards” •Fun fact: “I love to sing, and I got my master in counseling from Wake Forest. I also have an undergrad major in theater and have performed professionally before.”

•Terry Murphy •Position: Teaches AP environmental science and earth science •Previous Experience: Has been teaching for 17 years, while previously working at Page and in Virginia Beach.

•Favorite show to binge watch: “Breaking Bad” •Fun fact:“I am a die-hard Auburn fan.”

• Marques Howard •Position: Custodian •Previous Experience: Has been a janitor for 23 years.

•Favorite show to binge watch: “Criminal Minds” •Fun fact: “I have been a body builder since 1988.”

There are 14 new teachers joining Northwest for the 2015-16 school year. To meet the rest of the new teachers, visit our website at www.northwesthorizons.com.

Photos and information compiled by staff Graphic by Nikole Nguyen

Page 4

October 2015

Apple, Microsoft and Google: Who has the best new software?

Bassam Bikdash science & technology editor

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hree of the world’s largest corporations, Microsoft, Apple and Google, compete to have the best technology sitting in your hand paired with the best software they have to offer by releasing new operating systems for their devices this year.

From being praised to being ridiculed, Microsoft released its newest operating system, Windows 10. Released in July 2015, Windows 10 was made available to download free of charge to users with genuine copies of Windows 7 or Windows 8.

“Windows 10 is really fast; it makes everything easier,” freshman Adam Craft said.

Several of the criticisms users sited about Windows 8 is its difficulty in switching between applications and a clumsy start menu. Microsoft seems to have heeded some of the criticism toward Windows 8 when working on Windows 10.

One of the new features Microsoft included in Windows 10 is a revamped, customizable start menu similar to the Windows 7 popup menu. The user can now drag and drop shortcuts to applications they want right in the start menu and arrange them to their liking.

Windows 10 also features, Cortana, software named after a character from Microsoft’s popular Halo franchise, which is designed to act as the user’s personal assistant.

“I like the Cortana feature the best just because you can say a website and it takes

Science Fun Facts • NASA scientists have recently discovered salty liquid water on Mars. Could there be life?

• The average human body contains 10 times as many bacterial cells as human cells.

• There is enough DNA in the average person’s body to stretch from Pluto to the sun and back 17 times.

you there,” Craft said. “It’s like Siri for your computer, and it is really convenient.”

Cortana can manage your calendar, track packages, find files, chat with you and tell jokes. The more you use it, the more personalized the software becomes. You can activate Cortana by typing a question into the task bar or by selecting the microphone icon and talking directly to it.

Apple intends to release its newest operating system, iOS 9, for Apple products like the iPhone and iPad on September 16. iOS 9 hopes to bring subtle design changes, refined features, improved functionality and performance enhancements.

“I hope that iOS 9 has better voice recognition because sometimes Siri doesn’t understand what you’re trying to say,” junior Cameron Davis said.

Other changes include an overhauled Siri, split screen view for multitasking and smaller update download sizes: 1.3 gigabytes for iOS 9 versus 4.6 gigabytes for iOS 8. Also, the Notes application has been changed to now include a drawing feature and picture uploading feature.

“I don’t think it’s good enough to be a whole new number,” senior Sam Bauer said.

“But they have a new power saving mode that turns off useless stuff and extends your battery life, so that’s pretty cool.”

It seems that most of the engineers working on iOS9 focused more on bug fixes, size optimizations, and stability to create a smooth feeling to the software. As a result, there are not as many new features coming with iOS 9.

“iPhone is really easy to use,” Davis said.

“There’s lots of shortcut, so I’m constantly learning new things about it.”

The new Android operating system, dubbed Android 6.0 Marshmallow, by Google intends to be released around November for Nexus devices and the Samsung Galaxy series.

“I prefer the Android software because of its adaptability,” senior Heather Trainor said. “You can customize it to make the screen and colors exactly as you want them.”

Some of the new features include changes to app permission, power and charging, fingerprint support and mobile payments.

When downloading an application, the user can now choose whether to grant permission to an application to allow it to access your photos, location, camera, etc. “[Android] has different perks and drawbacks,” junior Stuart Althouse said. “I like the fact that you can download from open ended sources which Apple won’t allow.”

It also continues to feature, unlike its Apple counterpart, a drag-and-drop file management system designed to allow easy manipulation of core Android files.

Furthermore, Google added a new power management scheme called Doze that extends battery life by reducing the number of applications running in the background when its motion sensors indicate it’s not being handled by the user.

Indeed, 2015 is a big year for new operating systems and consumers can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Graphic edited by Bassam Bikdash

Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows 10, was released in July 2015 and features the logo pictured above. It includes a wide array of new features including Cortana, a new startup menu and other features.

Amazon Echo: personal assistant or money-making machine?

Aidan Bennett staff writer

to the user and responds appropriately.

For example, one could ask, “Alexa, how many cups are in a gallon?” The device otal home voice control may not would respond, “16 cups.” be far away with the Amazon “I would use it; I always have questions,” Echo, a personal assistant device junior Peyton Tipton said. “I’ve always liked released to Amazon Prime in November the idea of a universal remote, so I think of last year, and made public in June 2015. that would make [the Echo] worth it.”

Considered to be Amazon’s anSome believe that the in-home swer to products such as Siri, placement of Amazon’s deGoogle Now and Cortana, vice could bring about a great the Echo has the ability to deal of convenience, while perform many voice related others believe it to be useless searches and manipulate when we consider the perinternet-connected devices sonal assistants already in our such as the Philips Hue, Belpockets. kin WeMo, SmartThings and “I wouldn’t use it; I have Wink. my phone,” junior Jonathan Amazon’s relatively highSlater said. end technical specifications If anything, the Echo will compared to similar items be a contender in a market make the Echo a fairly good that could hit it big in the next speaker. The site lists it as havfew years. There is essentially ing a 2.5 inch woofer, for bass, a personal assistant in every as well as a 2.0 inch tweeter, phone manufactured in recent for higher ranges. The prodyears, but the Echo pushes uct also contains what Amamore change towards the intezon calls a “Reflex Port,” a gration of personal assistants channel for the bass designed in homes. to make the sound clearer.

“We’re so used to our “I’d say the sound quality is phones having this technolpretty great for the cost. The ogy, but now our homes have loudest volume setting can be it,” junior Matt Fugaro said, heard easily in the next room, “I think that’s a really novel and the music/radio always idea.” sounds crisp and clear,” Latin There is some controversy teacher Parker Jackson said. surrounding the Amazon The speakers are nice, Echo, mainly stemming but the personal assistant from a feature known as is the main attraction. The Prime Instant ReplenishEcho, dubbed “Alexa”, has Promotional photo from Amazon.com ment. Instant replenishthe ability to carry out a Amazon Echo is a new technology ment allows users to diwide variety of tasks. by retail giant, Amazon.com, de- rectly refill items they need The seven-microphone signed to be your personal assistant either by pressing a button array built into the device by responding to voice commands. on a small device called the listens for the wake words, Of the entire Northwest faculty, only Dash, or by telling Alexa “Alexa” or “Amazon” by one staff member owns the Echo: directly. default. Once either key Latin teacher Parker Jackson.

Some view this abilphrase is said, Alexa listens ity to quickly order prod-

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ucts without much thought involved as the Echo’s primary reason for existing.

“I think the Echo’s goal is to make bank [for Amazon],” sophomore Dakota Jones said. “If you ask me, it’s a money making machine.”

By allowing consumers to immediately order products, the Echo became a huge potential money-maker for Amazon.

“I do not currently use Echo’s purchasing feature. I worry that I would either buy things impulsively or wouldn’t remember the purchases I make, thus unbalancing my bank account,” Jackson said.

The Echo’s ability to order products without a thought is believed to destroy the benefits that careful thought and planning can provide to a consumer.

Running out of items gives us an opportunity to examine our habits and product choices. The Echo automatically finds the cheapest prime option and orders through it, eliminating the consumer from the decision-making process.

Even deeper skepticism comes from those concerned about their personal privacy. The Echo has seven high-quality microphones, which could easily be used to learn about its users.

“The Echo technology...should also be able to determine the following: Unique home occupants, home visitors, gender and age; happiness, sadness and anger and who is home,” Forbes contributor Patrick Moorhead said in his review of the Amazon Echo.

Many believe this technology is not an issue.

“I’m not doing anything wrong, so I don’t care,” Tipton said.

The Amazon Echo rates highly for its abilities as a speaker and personal assistant; however, those considering buying should be aware of possible privacy and fiscal issues that surround the device. The Echo is an interesting concept, but only further testing and development will provide clear information on the reliability of our new friend “Alexa.”

Support Northwest Horizons by ordering a keepsake ornament today! Order forms due to Room 102 or ATTN: Melanie Huynh-Duc at 5240 NW School Road, Greensboro, NC 27409 by FRIDAY, 12/4/15.

Only $5 each!

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Page 5

October 2015

staff editorial

Morality: Downhill Slide or Uphill Battle?

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ate last year, yearbook adviser and art teacher Beth Herrick’s art class painted a mural in the back of the art hallway. Designed and created solely by the students, its purpose was to deter couples from publically displaying affection.

In other words, “making out.”

“Towards the end of the school year last year, there was just so much PDA,” Herrick said. “Every time you would turn a corner where there wasn’t a teacher or someone present, it was going on.”

Since the start of this school year, the issue with PDA hasn’t been as bad of a problem as it was last year. Whether it will turn up later on, or if it is truly decreasing, is unknown. “[The PDA] just got to a point where it was disgusting to students,” Herrick said. “My students were getting really upset.”

According to Herrick, couples would stand together in an alcove in front of the doors leading to Herrick’s classroom where Herrick couldn’t see them, but the students would have to pass them to get to class. So together, the class decided to make that enclosure a “No-PDA Alcove.”

It ended up being very effective, as the couples were too embarrassed to return.

“When it comes to PDA, I don’t think [the couples] care what other people think,” Herrick said. “They don’t think anyone else should say anything to them.”

Along with the public displays of af-

Photo by Catherine Gray

Seniors Forest Chilton and Abby Hrabosky embrace in the visual arts hallway, illustrating the irony of PDA during school. Art teacher Beth Herrick and her art students painted a “No PDA” sign in this alcove at the end of the 2014-15 school year to prevent couples from using it as a romantic space.

fection, cursing in the hallways and during classes is often a problem with teachers and other students. “[Cursing] is not a common practice in my class,” English teacher Jennifer Humbard said, “I don’t allow that kind of language around me.”

PDA

Vulgarities are not accepted in many classes, but when they do appear in the classroom, the teachers’ procedures of handling it can differ.

The disregard to other people’s feelings regarding cursing and PDA seems to be what upsets Northwest’s student’s

“

“

Hugging is okay, but people shouldn’t be making out in the hallways.

”

freshman Logan Farrelly

Cussing I don’t like cussing because I think it’s unnecessary.

“

”

junior Lindsey Taylor

I don’t think it matters [if you cuss] but it’s how you use it. If you use it the wrong way it can be offensive.

Science & Technology Editor Bassam Bikdash Entertainment Editor Faith Rickerts Staff Photographer Catherine Gray Sports Editor Katie Lee Parrish Features Editor Clare Kilmartin Staff Writers Tai Van Dyke Alex Cake Haleigh Cadd Lindsey Nelson

”

senior Brendan Flick

NORTHWEST Adviser Melanie Huynh-Duc Principal Ralph Kitley Editors in Chief Sarah Boggins Noah McCormick News Editor Shalini Sharma Op/Ed Editor William Royal Spread Editor Alexis Marvin Arts & Culture Editor Harley Nefe Managaing Editor Clare Kilmartin

and faculty.

“You can’t ‘PDA’ where everyone is trying to walk,” senior Jay Patel said.

“Go find yourself a room, you can swallow each other whole there. I don’t care, I just don’t want to see it in front of me because I have to get to my next class, thank you very much.”

Cursing in the hallways, and even during class, has always been prevalent in high school, but not always caught.

“If it’s really rude, I think it’s just uncalled for,” sophomore Jaiden Davis said, “because most of the time it’s to other people, and they’re not joking.”

Compared to PDA, cursing is often more noticeable throughout the halls and classes.

“There aren’t that many couples at Northwest,” Davis said. “PDA is only an issue if you’re in a relationship. [More students] cuss in the halls.”

Even though cursing can be rude and is not tolerated in many places, it can also be a major part of the average teenager’s vocabulary. At football games, the student sections on both teams will often start up a chant that repeats “B.S.” If students do not agree with a referee’s call, the chant arises.

“I have to say, the students here at Northwest are pretty terrific,” Herrick said. “I’m really proud of them. There are so many kids here who care. But when it comes to something like PDA, they don’t care. I don’t know that it’s a decline in morality, [more than] a decline in your personal standards.”

HORIZONS Zoe Stuckey Miranda Cecil Maddie Lawson Stephanie Mayer Montana Murphy Aidan Bennett Jenny Blackburn Alexis Rutledge Broadcast Matthew Floyd Forest Chilton William Hanna Contributing Graphics Editor Nikole Nyugen Contributing Staff Writer Anna Yang

Policies and Intent

Serving as the primary printed and online forum for student opinion, Northwest Horizons publishes five issues each year by the staff at Northwest Guilford High School.

The paper is supported through community advertisers.

Staff Editorials are unsigned. The stance of each editorial is voted upon in staff meetings, but it requires the approval of the majority of the editorial board.

All members of the school community are encouraged to use Northwest Horizons to express their views. Letters must be signed when submitted.

Find us online: @NWHorizons Visit our website: www.northwesthorizons.com

Page 6

October 2015

Head-2-Head Crocs vs. Chacos

Crocs were meant to be rocked Montana Murphy staff writer

W

e all remember the shoes our moms and dads threw onto our feet as we were walking out of the door for kindergarten. The little rubber shoes that we had all decked out with an array of different shoe charms.

Crocs have been around for a little over a decade, and since the company’s start in 2002, more than 300 million pairs of the Crocs been sold.

“Crocs are for chilling,” sophomore Tyler King said.

Originally created to be used as a nonslip boating shoe, Crocs are a rubber-based clog that comes in a variety of colors and styles.

As one would expect, the Classic Clog is the most popular Croc, but the clog also comes in a fleece-lined style for cold winter days. In addition, there are special-themed Crocs and Rx Relief Crocs for those hard workers who need a little extra foot relief. Today, however, you can catch people sporting Crocs’ boots, Crocs’ sandals, Crocs’ Loafers, Crocs’ flip flops and even Crocs’ wedges.

“Crocs are really comfortable and super stylish,” sophomore Makenzie Watts said.

Crocs are actually so comfortable that doctors recommend them for patients that suffer with various foot problems, including diabetes, plantar fasciitis and bone deformities. Crocs were certified by the U.S. Ergonomics Council and the American Podiatric Medical Association.

To accompany Crocs’ various styles and excess of color options are Crocs’ shoe charms. Called Jibbitz, the charms can be inserted into the holes of the shoes to personalize them. Among the many Jibbitz options are character-themed, glow-in-thedark and light-up charms. These charms make the shoes more appealing to both parents and their children, who are able to get excited about wearing shoes.

Though Crocs are often seen on the feet of pre-school and elementary-aged children, they are also enjoyed by teenagers, young adults and senior citizens.

“Crocs rock,” world history and leadership teacher Paul Egleston said.

Many celebrities can be caught wearing Crocs. Catherine Middleton the Duchess of Cambridge, has been seen wearing the famous clogs, and her son Prince George has also been spotted wearing a pair. Apart from the royal family, the list of famous-Crocwearers includes former president George W. Bush, actor Shia LaBeouf, musician Steven Tyler and actress Jennifer Garner.

M a n y adults choose Crocs for their ability to be easily slid on, unlike the more complicated Chaco shoe.

They are also easily cleaned.

Since the shoe is made out of rubber, Crocs are waterproof and can be washed with water and most soap. Due to Crocs’ ability to repel water, they are the perfect shoe to wear for a trip out boating on the lake, a day at the pool or a walk on the beach.

Another thing that sets Crocs apart from the rest of the shoe world is their durability.

Due to the sizing of the shoes, Crocs usually fit anywhere from a half-size to a whole size larger than the average shoe. This allows for Crocs to continue being worn for a number of years. Ultimately, Crocs are set apart by their unique look and ability to be worn diversely. “[Crocs are] not so basic,” junior Savannah Raines said.

Wearing Crocs gives you something that sets you apart from the crowd. If you’re looking for a shoe that’s sure to please in all aspects, Crocs are the way to go.

Chacos should be on your feet Maddie Lawson staff writer

C

hacos and Crocs are both very nice shoes, but one must prevail over the other. Chacos were originally made for white water rafting guides on the Colorado River. Because of their original hardc o r e intent, Chacos were created with comfort and durability in mind.

“Chacos are more comfortable than Crocs,” freshman Payton Creed said.

Chacos are equipped with a strap system that can be easily adjusted to fit perfectly to anyone’s foot size.

They are the perfect shoe for water sports like sailing, kayaking and canoeing because they float and the fabric of the straps allows for quick drying. Walking in the water is a snap because you don’t have to worry about water damaging the shoe.

Chacos are also great shoes for a day hike, and you sure won’t see a pair of Crocs on the trail.

When compared, Chacos are also more stylish than Crocs. They feature a strappy fit that comes in a variety of colors, patterns and styles. They are also easily customizable online at the company’s website, where customers can choose their sole pattern, webbing design (more than 100 options), stitching, logo placement and buckle color.

“Chacos are more stylish and more 21st century,” sophomore Max Beck said.

Another feature that many people like is their ability to be styled with many different outfits and pieces, from Nike shorts and t-shirts, to a casual dress; Chacos can be worn in countless ways.

“I can wear them with anything,” junior Blake Weaver said while wearing American flag shorts and Chacos (in the color “lifelines”).

Chacos are frequently seen worn with socks. The look is usually referred to as “Sockos.” You may be wondering how to get this look if you happen to have the sandal design with a toe strap; all you have to do is push down the strap so it goes under your sock. Now go rock your sockos!

Shouldn’t Crocs being going out of style by now? They were originally made in 2002 with the same original design they have now. Chacos, on the other hand were created in 2009; they have just come into style and plan to stay a little longer. Crocs have had their fair share of the spotlight, but the key to any rocker’s career is knowing when their time is up.

Chacos were featured on the top 10 list of podiatrist-recommended sandals, proving that they are stylish and wonderful for your feet. They have excellent arch support unlike many popular shoes today, and their patented “LuvSeat” foot beds earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s “Seal of Acceptance.” Chacos are recommended to many patients by their podiatrists every day.

Some people may say that Chacos are overpriced or too expensive, but they are well worth the price. Buying these shoes will provide you with style, comfort and durability. They hold up well and will last you many years. Chacos are perfect for any occasion, from walking around town to boating, and the thick sole won’t run down after a couple wears. So instead of buying a pair of cheap Crocs and having to constantly replace them, invest in a more durable pair of Chacos.

“Chacos are cool!” freshman Rebecca Drake said.

Photo by Maddie Lawson

Greensboring?

Alexis Rutledge staff writer

Students share Opinions About Greensboro

P

eople eating an eclectic mix of foods, swaying to live music and talking with locals in fully packed streets is not an unusual sight to see in downtown Greensboro.

Although there are many events and activities in town, the Northwest population generally believes that Greensboro is boring.

“I think Greensboro is boring because there’s really nothing to do,” sophomore Maiya Davis said. “Both my older and younger siblings have more to do around town than I do, and I think it’s because Greensboro is more centered for little kids and people in their 20s.”

It is easy to see why some students would feel that Greensboro is striving to please an older group of people because it has many bars and comedy clubs. The curfew downtown makes it difficult for teens to enjoy the restaurants, shops, and movie theaters. However, there are many things around town that teens can participate in or do.

Downtown activities such as First Friday, which is an event where the shops stay open later and people set up tables along the streets to sell homemade items on the first Friday of each month, can be a fun way to spend time with family and friends. Downtown also offers Movies in

Photo by Alexis Rutledge

A beautiful day is captured at The Shoppes at Friendly, a recent addition to the popular outdoor shopping center, Friendly Center. Northwest students enjoy coming here with friends for the food, shopping and movies available to their demographic.

the Park, where there is a large blow-up screen that plays old movies late into the night in Center City Park.

“Compared to my old town, Crossville, Tennessee, where the only thing to do was go to bowling or to the movies,

there is always something to do here, like town activities or festivals,” junior Daniel Warren said.

Because the events downtown are not everyday occurrences, it is understandable why some students remain

unconvinced that Greensboro is a lively town. However, there are day-to-day places such as shopping centers, movie theaters, and restaurants that teens can enjoy as well.

“My favorite shopping center is definitely Friendly because I love the broad selection of stores,” junior Hannah Crews said. “[I like] Altar’d State and Francesca’s and restaurants, like Bravo and P.F. Chang’s.”

Nerdier people may enjoy going to Geeksboro, a coffee shop that shows movies, has board games and hosts different events like quiz nights. These people may also enjoy visiting Lost Ark Video Games, which, in addition to selling video games, has an arcade filled with ‘80s classics, pinball and 2-D fighters.

Along with all of these things, Greensboro also offers more ‘actionpacked’ things to do such as Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Point water amusement park, ice skating, roller skating and Celebration Station, which features putt putt, arcade games, bumper cars and motor boats. These activities are fun for all ages.

Greensboro is a town that is filled with different places and events for people of all ages, so whether you’re into geeky coffee shops, downtown festivities or going to the ice-skating rink, Greensboro has something to offer for everyone.

Page 7

October 2015

Take the Confederate flag down It’s a Symbol of Oppression Tai Van Dyke staff writer

W

ith the recent Charleston church shooting, an atrocious hate crime resulting in the loss of nine members of a historically black church this past June, debate has arose over one of the shooter’s beloved emblems, the Confederate flag.

Investigation into the shooter, Dylann Roof, led to the discovery of his personal website. On it, Roof had written a vicious white supremacist manifesto and also posted a photo of him posing with a handgun and a Confederate flag.

Meanwhile, a Confederate flag was proudly flown on the grounds of South Carolina’s capitol building. It remained raised until June 22, when South Carolina governor Nikki Haley called for the flag to be taken down.

The South Carolina Senate and House voted for the flag’s removal on capitol grounds.

“I think the more important part is that it should have never been there,” Governor Haley said in a conference.

For those who associate the Confederate flag with a deeply oppressive past and racism, the decision to remove the flag is a welcome one.

However, there are also many people who defend the flag.

It’s important to acknowledge that a majority of these people interpret the flag in a drastically different and far less violent way than Roof. To many who defend the flag, it represents “Southern Pride” or a vague no-

tion of “rebellion.” For many others, agenda and as a symbol of support for the infamous Jim Crow the flag stands as a memorial to fallen soldiers and as a tolaws. Other groups who ken of ancestry. have used the flag as Despite my viewa symbol of white supremacy ining of the flag in a more negative clude the KKK light, I can reand the Aryan spect those who Nation. view it as a meIt’s logimorial for their cal that ancestors. those who What I can’t o c c u get around is pied dinwhen people ers for the blatantly deny right to sit, that the flag has those who also been used as fought for a symbol of the equal education and those oppression of an entire race. who marched the “[The Constreets for civil federate flag] rights would Graphic by Nikole Nguyen symbolizes the As of Sept. 23, in a random online poll, 33 members of view the flag struggles of men the Northwest community reported the Confederate flag with contempt. on well-known is a symbol of Southern heritage and should be kept (45.2 It’s logical that battlefields like percent). 34 (46.6 percent) think it is racist and should be those who’ve Manassas, Shi- banned. 6 (8.2 percent) have no opinion. had friends or loh, Chickamfamily memauga and Gettysburg,” National Park Service bers die upon a burning cross would look Curator Emmanuel Dabney said to Civil upon the flag with disdain. It’s logical that War Times magazine. “But there is no deny- their supporters would feel the same, and it’s ing the role the battle flag played during the logical that this perspective of the flag would war’s bitter aftermath and Reconstruction reverberate through time. and its use by 20th-century white supremacist “To me, the Confederate flag is similar to groups.” the swastika in terms of both of them repreFor instance, in the 20th century, the Dix- senting a time of oppression,” junior Echo iecrat party used the flag as a symbol of their McLachlan said.

Also, though it is true that the Confederate flag was a battle flag rather than an official banner, its strong association with what the Confederacy stood for is indisputable. Not all individual soldiers owned slaves, and surely some were motivated to fight to protect their land and family. However, Confederate leaders were often more explicit in their defense of slavery and white supremacy.

In fact, the flag was originally designed by Confederate politician William Porcher Miles, who refered to slavery as a “divine institution.”

“If [the Confederate flag] is considered a symbol of slavery and white supremacy by many people today, in part that’s because it did indeed represent a government, military, and people who fought to preserve those aspects of their society,” writer David Mikkelson said on Snopes.com.

What I find unsettling is how a symbol that carries so much weight is thrown about and so often commercialized.

“The flag shouldn’t be flown around like it’s still going on,” junior Melanie Mahabir said.

It’s odd that a symbol associated with the enslavement of approximately four million people is frivolously displayed on beach towels and bikinis.

Maybe there is not much that can change how some people view the flag, but I believe that people can at least be more respectful. “[The Confederate flag] should be displayed within its historical context,” historian Lars Prillaman said to Civil War Times magazine, “but take care to remember and be sensitive about what it can symbolize to others.”

Keep the flag flying Censorship of the flag is not the solution to racism William Royal op/ed editor

O

ver the summer the Emanuel AME church in Charleston, South Carolina was the site of a horrific shooting. Dylann Roof, a white man, sat in the historically black church for over an hour in a Bible study group before the shooting rampage began. In the aftermath of this tragic shooting, nine African-American parishioners lay dead, including a South Carolina state senator, Reverend Clementa Pinckney.

After Roof was captured in Shelby, North Carolina, more than 90 miles away from the scene of the crime, information about Roof ’s past and motivations for the shooting reached the public eye. Pictures of Roof in a jacket with the flags of Apartheid-era South Africa and Rhodesia, and another with Roof standing in front of a Confederate flag with a handgun were plastered all over the mainstream media.

“Yeah, [Roof] displayed the flag, but that doesn’t mean you can tear down the flag,” senior RC McCabe said.

Almost a month later, on July 10, the flag was taken down from the South Carolina State House grounds in Columbia. Nikki Haley, the governor, called the flag a symbol of hate and said that it should remain in a museum. This decision was followed by a rather large Ku Klux Klan rally at the statehouse, and continued backlash against the censorship of the flag.

By the end of the summer, many Black Panther gangs, including the protestors of Black Lives Matter, began to vandalize and destroy Confederate statues and monuments.

Students at Northwest have begun to bring the symbol into school, flying it on their cars and even wearing it as a clothing item.

“I don’t think it says that [the Confederate flag] is banned, but you can’t display or wear it at school,” said principal Ralph Kitley.

The administration at Northwest High School should not ban the Confederate flag. It symbolizes much more to many

Graphic by Tai Van Dyke

A Confederate flag proudly waves amidst the controversy. Students have begun to display the flag at Northwest on clothing and vehicles in response to censorship.

people in the community than just hate.

As American citizens recognized by the First Amendment of the Constitution, the student body has a right to display the flag. The right to display the flag must be preserved for the sake of the prevention of a social justice mentality inside the school.

“Thomas Jefferson said that freedom of speech and the other amendments are there to protect rights or ideas that you do not like, just as much as it is [there] to protect ideas that you like,” said social studies teacher Phil Coley.

I think that people who are hurt by the flag might want to learn a little more about its history. To start, there is a common connotation of the flag that ties it to a dark part of American history that involved

slavery. For about 80 years between the end of the American Revolution in 1783 and the beginning of the Civil War in 1861, the flag that flew over many slave plantations in the South was the Stars and Stripes.

The American flag flew over many rallies of the KKK, and other hate groups for years. If we really are trying to systematically destroy “hate” in America, then we should ban the American flag as well.

Additionally, the flag that many commonly see as the flag of the Confederacy is actually the flag of General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia and the Naval Jack of the C.S.A. That’s right, it’s a battle flag. It flew over Confederate lines at Gettysburg and it soared over the ships of the Confederate

Navy from 1861 to 1865.

“The Confederate flag’s not racist, it’s just a battle flag of the Confederate Army,” said senior Clayton Smith.

The original intent was for the flag to be a rallying banner of the offensive units in the Confederate Armed Forces. The flag was taken up by many White supremacist groups in the 20th century, and that is where the allegations of hate for the flag come in.

To the many citizens of this country who can trace their heritage back to the Confederacy, the fallen nation did not stand for hate.

The main reason why the Civil War was fought was to keep the national government from trampling on states’ rights. Slavery merely agitated the prewar dilemma of land and space as the United States pushed to the west. Even with slavery being considered as a reason behind the war, it can ultimately be traced back to the problem of states’ rights.

“The South felt that their states’ rights were being trampled on,” said Coley. “This is as much of an issue of federalism as it is about slavery or sectionalism.”

Revisionist history would be pushed on the next generation if the flag is taken down, and school is the last place where this kind of mentality belongs.

“History is history, no matter which way you look at it,” McCabe said. “People think the Civil War was wrong, but it’s a part of history. You can’t knock it.”

The overwhelming racial tension in this country needs to be dealt with in a way where the American people can live their lives to the fullest, regardless of their race. The pain between black and white can be solved with understanding and compassion, but taking the Confederate flag down is not an effective solution to this problem.

Banning the flag won’t magically erase hate that might exist. Feelings of hate are rooted deep in some people, and the flag has no play over bringing unity in this area. If the general attitude is to strike at hate, then the feelings of hatred need to be targeted, rather than a flag. Take the path of democracy, liberty and the Constitution, and keep the flag flying.

Page 8

We Roun

What colleges rea accepting Shalini Sharma & Katie Lee Parrish news editor & sports editor

A

mong the many stresses of school, students are also currently facing the pressure to be unique in the eyes of colleges and universities. This competition forces them to strive to become“well-rounded.”

People may view the definition of being well-rounded in different ways. For most people, however, it means that a student balances his or her time efficiently among different interests, strengthens skills in a specific area or begins school counselor preparing for future careers.

“Well-rounded, to me, is a student that has [taken] a variety of academic classes, not just all the same subjects,” school counselor Elizabeth Lucas said. “In addition, they are involved in extracurricular activities and have other things going on outside of school.”

During the recommendation process, teachers understand that colleges are now looking for something different and try to characterize applicants, not only as strong academically, but also by their gifts and talents.

“I always try to pick things out that I can say, ‘this is what I see this student involved in at this level, and here is what I see them doing when they come onto your college campus,’” math teacher Rhonda Hudson said.

In the last couple of decades, colleges have altered their standards for admitting students. Perhaps this has occurred because they are realizing that high schoolers have more to offer the world than just their GPAs. “A college and a university are looking for students that are going to bring something to them,” Lucas said.

“They don’t want a bunch of ‘cookie-cutters’ of all the

“

A college an are looking that are go something

Page 9

ell nded

ally look for when g students same kind of kids...because [they won’t] do anything to enhance the learning that is going on in a university or a college. You always have to remember that a student [will] represent that college for the rest of [their] life, and so [they are] looking for someone who is going to represent them all across the world, in every different capacity.”

However, being well-rounded comes with its own disadvantages for the student, such as being overwhelmed.

“I feel so much pressure because teachers always say, ‘you have to do all of your homework,’ [but] you also have to play sports and get eight hours of sleep,” junior Sarah Burstein said. “It’s hard to balance everything.”

Most colleges agree that the numElizabeth Lucas ber of activities one does is not more important than the amount of dedicatation to a specific recreation. For example, it looks more impressive to certain schools if students have five extracurriculars that they participated in regularly throughout high school—and enjoyed—rather than listing 10 hobbies in which they have dabbled.

“When we’re looking at students’ applications…we aren’t looking for the [quantity] of your extracirriculars; we are looking for the impact you have within your organization, community or school,” assistant director of admissions at UNC-CH Mitzy González said. “So, if you’re involved in [many] things, what impact are you really able to have?”

As society evolves and people have the freedom of choice and pursuit, admissions criteria have also changed to emphasize the need for leaders who wholeheartedly follow their dreams and ambitions.

“When you’re thinking about doing things, do it because it gives you joy, not just because you think the admissions office wants to hear that,” González said.

nd a university g for students oing to bring to them.

r

”

Photos compiled by Sarah Boggins

October 2015

Page 10

Principal Ralph Kitley inducted into the Salisbury Rowan Hall of Fame Clare Kilmartin features & managing editor

P

rincipal Ralph Kitley is much more than the tall and friendly administrator who leads the school. Kitley has a background full of ACC basketball, high school championships and hall-of-fames.

Kitley attended Wake Forest University from 1986 to 1990 on a basketball scholarship.

“I started playing basketball in third or fourth grade,” Kitley said.

“At first it was, ‘Hey, you’re tall, you should play basketball.’”

By sixth grade, Kitley was six feet tall. He stopped growing in tenth grade at six feet 10 inches tall. “[My height] always pointed me toward basketball,” Kitley said.

Kitley also played baseball and even tennis for a year in high school. Yet, basketball always stuck.

“I loved basketball,” Kitley said. “It consumed my time; I played all the time. I went to camps every summer. I really loved it.”

With Kitley’s passion for basketball, he won the state championship for his high school and earned a spot as a Wake Forest Deacon.

Kitley’s time as a Demon Deacon was very structured, yet one of the best times in his life. “[My favorite memory was] the opportunity to play with Muggsy Bogues,” Kitley said. “He was the shortest player in the NBA. In addition, [I enjoyed] all the traveling around the country as a Demon Deacon.”

While playing as a student athlete for an ACC basketball team, Kitley had a lot of responsibilities.

“Your time was very structured,” Kitley said. “My days were: go to class, go to practice, go to study hall and go to bed. It was difficult because you didn’t have a lot of free time. You had to be efficient in how you utilized time. [However,] I always found that my grades were really the best during the season.”

show what they have.” Adams

Photos contributed by Ralph Kitley

Principal Ralph Kitley (pictured above) played basketaball at Wake Forest from 1986 to 1990. Kitley was recognized for his athletics this past summer at the Salisbury Rowan Hall of Fame.

If Kitley wasn’t practicing every day of the week, he was up at dawn running five miles or lifting weights in preparation for the season.

In addition to Kitley’s basketball career at Wake Forest, he played professionally for a couple of years in Germany.

“That was an awesome experience,” Kitley said.

While playing for Wake Forest, however, Kitley was on the cover of the March 1987 issue

of Sports Illustrated. When asked about the infamous picture, he laughed. The picture depicts Kitley being dunked on by UNC-CH basketball player, J.R. Reid. “[Not] many athletes achieve at a high level to be in the position to have a picture on the cover of Sports Illustrated,” Kitley said.

“To me, that just shows you were able to compete at a very high level because at the highest level, everyone gets dunked on.”

Kitley’ says he still keeps in

touch with fellow basketball players and the basketball office.

As an alumni basketball player, Kitley attends practices every year and attends an alumni basketball game where he is recognized at half time.

“It’s always cool, and you see your teammates that came before and after,” Kitley said.

As the first student from Rowan County to play basketball for an ACC school and win the first state championship in basketball

for Rowan county, Kitley was inducted into the Salisbury Rowan Hall of Fame this past summer.

“That was a really big award,” Kitley said. “I was the first one to attend an ACC school on a basketball scholarship. Since then, we’ve had [lots of] ACC players.”

Today, Kitley is often asked about his basketball career as a Demon Deacon at Wake Forest.

“It’s become part of who I am: a tall basketball player who played at Wake Forest,” Kitley said.

Page 11

October 2015

CanNorthwest youstudents Feel the Spirit? reflect on their school pride Faith Rickerts entertainment editor

F

all has finally arrived, and with it comes the refreshing cool air, the stress of school and the excitement of Friday night football games.

For every home game Northwest plays, the student section always comes prepared with posters of the players’ heads, at least three flags and a theme where anyone can dress up.

However, for some students, football games aren’t something they have an interest in attending weekly.

“I have not been to a football game [before], mostly because I don’t care about sports.” senior Jacob Schott said.

Many students at Northwest have not been to a single game before, and they don’t mind missing another. For many, school is a place strictly for learning, and going to a sports game seems excessive.

“The whole point of a school is to learn things,” Schott said.

“I highly doubt that most people will try to have pride in their high schools mostly because it’s just a place to learn. There’s no point

in being proud that you learned a thing.”

School spirit doesn’t seem to be a necessity for some students, but for others, it’s an added bonus.

“I do [look forward to] games,” freshman Madi Kodra said. “I find them fun, and everyone is just really happy.”

Between the band’s stand tunes, the cheerleader’s chants and the cheers from the fans, it isn’t hard to see why so many students keep coming back week after week.

“I love going to the football games because there’s a very positive energy there,” junior Nathan Adams said. “It makes you proud to be a part of something you can all be equally passionate about.”

The essence of the games seems to get students just as excited as the actual game itself.

“There’s just a nice energy,” Kodra said. “It makes me feel less stressed out; when everyone is really excited, I don’t feel as tense or nervous. It’s calming.”

School spirit is often seen as cliché, or unnecessary, but to some it is also a quintessential part of the high school experience.

“Some people may be shy in showing [their school spirit], but I don’t know why.” Adams said.

“I know I’m proud to be a Viking just because we have such a great school.”

Throughout the halls, it isn’t often you see Northwest spirit wear, but whether this is an issue of showing Viking pride or not is what is being debated.

“The only spirit wear I see [in the halls] are the football player’s jerseys and the cheerleader’s uniforms,” sophomore William Webb said. “Sometimes I see sweatshirts, but that’s it.”

Spirit wear is often sold in

the beginning of the year during all lunch periods along with planners and other Viking paraphernalia.

“I definitely think there are some people who are afraid to show what they have,” Adams

said. “But hopefully they’ll come out of their little hiding spots soon.”

Photo contributed by Charlotte Constantinidi

Students attend a home game to cheer on the Northwest Varsity football team. At Northwest, students take pride in their school and pack the student section at every home game.

Athletic trainers do more than heal injuries Alex Cake staff writer

F

all sports are underway at high schools around the country. Student athletes have many goals to achieve, one of which is staying healthy and fit throughout the season.

However, athletes are often affected by injuries and other health problems. It is becoming more common for schools to have an athletic trainer on staff to help prevent injuries.

Northwest’s trainer Jazmine Munoz has to make sure that an injured athlete is fully recovered before competing again.

“People don’t like to come to me because they think that I

am not going to let them play,” Munoz said. “I try to make the players and coaches understand that I don’t allow them to play because they are really injured.”

Athletic trainers bring a vast knowledge of medicine to the sports world.

“I have needed to use all the skills I have acquired during medical school and have learned lots of things on the job,” Munoz said.

In addition, athletic trainers have key duties besides taking care of athletes. They must be in attendance at every sporting event, and they are in charge of keeping all athletes hydrated during practices and athletic events.

There is also a psychological aspect that plays a role in being an athletic trainer.

“Sometimes I have athletes tell me that they are not ready to play again,” Munoz said. “I have to put myself in their shoes and talk with them about their problems.”

Athletic trainers also need to know how to communicate effectively and positively with patients and coaches. Trainers need to be aware of their patient, and they are in charge of telling the coach what is necessary for healing an athlete. They also need ude to bring a positive attitude toward their working environment.

“As weird as it is, my favorite thing about my job is being around the athletes,” Munoz said. “It is something new every day. I go to work and have no idea what I’m getting myself into.”

Photo by Alex Cake

Northwest athletic trainer, Jazmine Munoz, is preparing to leave for the varsity football game at Reidsville in order to assist the players should they be injured. Munoz has been assisiting athletes since 2014.

Sports Profiles Name: Fiona Skaife

Name: Tristan Kilgannon

Name: Sarah Burstein

Grade: 12

Grade: 10

Grade: 11

Sport: Varsity Field Hockey

Sport: Varsity football

Sport: Cross country

Nickname: Fi

Nickname: Kilgo

Warm-up song: “Wild for the Night” by A$AP

Warm-up song: “I like to listen to Eminem.”

Sport Superstition: “My ‘lucky something’ would be my watch. I can’t run a race without it.”

Sport Superstition: French braid for every game

Pre-game ritual: “The whole team eats together.”

Pre-game ritual: Go to subway and listen to [my] warm up playlist

Favorite part of sport: “Being good at it and winning, and being part of a team.”

Favorite part of sport: “The bond between teammates because you have a family you’ve played with for four years.”

Pre-game ritual: “We make a circle, pray, have an intense pep talk and do a team cheer. It’s something that we do as a team no matter what.”

Favorite part of sport: “My favorite part about cross country is that you join and you instantly gain a lot of friends.”

Information compiled by staff

Page 12

October 2015

Dressing up when you’re not a kid: Tricky or a treat?

Stephanie Mayer staff writer

T

hat time of year is almost upon us again, and with it comes the ageold question, “What are you dressing up as for Halloween?’’ However, as students get older, that question changes to, “Are you dressing up this year?”

“I don’t because I don’t have time to dress up and I’m not creative enough,” sophomore Diana Nguyen said.

For some like Nguyen, Halloween isn’t a priority anymore.

School and extra-curricular activities are a time-consuming part of a student’s lifestyle, so many aren’t concerned about things like dressing up.

“My mom, she’s really religious, so she doesn’t approve,” freshman Jona Tillman said.

Held back by religious beliefs, some people don’t celebrate Halloween, much less dress up for it.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who do dress up. Some dress up to go to parties, while others participate in haunted houses and a handful of teens even go trick-or-treating.

“I have younger siblings and it’s

Graphic by Catherine Gray

As students get older the question remains as to whether or not they should still dress up for Halloween. This graphic represents a few costumes that people may wear for Halloween.

still fun to go around with them,” freshman Kaitlyn Austin said.

Nonetheless, it seems that a fair amount of adults still dress up.

According to Halloweencostumes.

com, 44 percent of adults in 2013 dressed up, spending around $1.22 billion on costumes.

Why do so many adults dress up?

One answer might be children.

“We take our kids trick-ortreating,” German teacher Lisa Worthington-Groce said, “We like to be in on the action.”

Like Worthington-Groce, Math teacher Summer Dillon and Chemistry teacher Catherine Haywood dress up to take their children trick-or-treating. Haywood even matches her costume to her children’s.

However, for veteran costumewearer and Scientific Visualization teacher Cassie Kirby-Smith, this year may come as a disappointment.

“The costume shop that I rented the costume at for last year moved to Salisbury, so it’s not really anywhere on my way to and from school,” Kirby-Smith said.

“So I don’t know if I’ll have time to get a costume.”

There are possible solutions to this problem, one of which is to purchase from a larger retail store.

However, in Kirby-Smith’s opinion, this may not be the best solution.

“Well, see, I don’t want to buy a costume because all the women costumes are about sex,” KirbySmith said.

Moral beliefs besides religion also hold some adults back from dressing up.

“Halloween, to me, is not about sex,” Kirby-Smith said.

Those who do not dress up for Halloween have their reasons, whether it’s a lack of time, a religious opinion or a moral belief.

“I just think it’s really fun to play another character for a day and to be somebody else,” WorthingtonGroce said.

Northwest’s got talent: Junior serves as lead singer of Come Back Carolina Jenny Blackburn staff writer

A

merica recently voted for a million dollar act on the NBC television program, “America’s Got Talent.”

Northwest has its own outstanding talent: junior Tegan Dean.

Dean, a former member of the rising alternative rock band, Bliss Trip, is now beginning a new journey as the lead singer with the band Come Back Carolina.

Dean assisted Bliss Trip as a back-up vocalist on a couple songs for the EP [extended play], “Real Men Don’t Play With Dolls” and “Severe Case of Poker Face.” She also performed backup during one gig at Crossfit in Oak Ridge.

“Ever since I started singing with Bliss Trip and recording, I’ve been performing more and more,” Dean said. “I took a bigger step with my music, and I’m now singing at church and forming a band.”

Come Back Carolina, composed of members ranging in ages from 16 to 31, met at The Summit, a non-denominational Christian church. The band consists of Dean (lead vocalist), David Rourke (drums), Jake Copeland (guitar), Aaron Allred (guitar) and Jake Privette (bass).

Come Back Carolina is an upand-coming southern rock and country band. Dean was noticed by the band while singing at church and was subsequently invited to be the lead singer.

Several roadblocks the band has been experiencing are a lack of

space and practice time. A church in Summerfield is lending the band a room to rehearse, but it is only available every other Friday.

“We have no other venue, so it’s kind of hard starting [out] since we don’t have much practice time,” Dean said.

Although the band does not play together often, Copeland, the primary songwriter for the group, is already receiving notice for his musical talent.

“An independent manager who has her own business and has some clients from Nashville and Dallas, which includes Luke Bryan, is going to help us book gigs and get our name out,” Dean said. “We plan to record an EP in the studio, Roland Pro Sound in Winston-Salem, soon.”

Pursuing a career in the music industry is Dean’s future goal; however, she is not certain her current experience will be the road to her success.

“Yes, this is good experience, but it barely gives me a preview because I know the whole music life is crazy,” Dean said. “I’ve gotten a little taste. It seems like a lot that I’ve done, but it’s really not compared to what the real music life is like.”

In contrast, Robert Beverly, keyboardist of Bliss Trip, feels the work he is doing now is laying the foundation for his future.

“It is a really good experience.

Not many people our age are able to learn how the music industry works, like recording and how to do studio stuff,” Beverly said. “It’s really good that we’re learning it

Photo contributed by Tegan Dean

Junior Tegan Dean preforms at her church. Dean serves as a lead vocalist for the band Come Back Carolina which is currently working on an EP [extended play].

this young, because what I want to do with my future is go into this field, and it’s helpful to start now

because it’s like a head start in a way.”

Come Back Carolina is currently

working on an EP, after which they will send the EP to their manager in hopes of getting future gigs.

Page 13

October 2015

Festive fall treats:

Easy and fun recipes to make this season Boo-licious Brownies Ingredients: ½ cup vegetable oil

1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 large eggs ¼ teaspoon baking powder 1/3 cup cocoa powder ¼ teaspoon of salt ½ cup flour white marshmallow frosting black decorating gel

Caramel Apple Cupcakes Pumpkin Puppy Chow Ingredients: ½ cup butter (softened)

1 cup sugar 1 egg 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour ¾ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon allspice ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg ¼ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon cloves ¾ cup milk 2 cups chopped tart apples Caramel apple dip

Instructions:

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Mix oil and sugar until well blended.

3. Add eggs and vanilla; stir just until blended.

4. Mix all dry ingredients in a separate bowl.

5. Stir dry ingredients into oil/sugar mixture.

6. Pour into greased 9 x 9 square pan.

7. Bake for 20 minutes or until sides start to pull away from the pan.

8. Cool completely before cutting.

9. Cut brownies into desired sizes.

10. Put white marshmallow frosting in a plastic bag; cut tip of the plastic bag.

11. Squeeze bag to place drops of frosting on the brownies.

12. Use the black decorating gel for the dots that make up the ghosts’ eyes and mouth.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 24 muffin tins with liners.

2. In a large bowl, beat butter until smooth. Add in sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add egg and mix. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary.

3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda and cloves.

4. Add ½ of the flour mixture to butter and sugar mixture.

Mix until combined. Add half of the milk, mix together, then add remaining flour and milk, mixing in additions.

Stir in chopped apples.

5. Fill each cup about 2/3 of the way full. Bake until the center of the cakes spring back when touched, about 2025 minutes. Take out of oven and cool completely.

6. Spread caramel dip on each cupcake.

Ingredients: 8 cups Chex cereal 12 oz. white chocolate melting chips ½ cup pumpkin puree 2 cups powdered sugar 3 tsp. pumpkin spice 1 cup fall-colored M&M’s

Instructions: 1. Melt white chocolate melting chips in microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat until completely melted.

2. Add pumpkin puree and stir.

3. Spread Chex cereal on wax-paper-lined trays and pour mixture over cereal.

4. Sprinkle powdered sugar and pumpkin spice mixture over cereal and toss.

5. Leave on trays to dry overnight.

6. Add and mix in M&M’s and enjoy!

Recipes and photos by Harley Nefe and Alexis Marvin

Page 14

October 2015

“Just another guy”:

Transgender student shares story of hope and optimism Continued from page 1

“S

he was really good about it and she hugged me,” Jones said. “She said that she and my dad would support me and love me.

They just wanted me to be happy and be who I was.”

Jones believes he was really fortunate for the support from his parents and brothers. Jones’ father even treats him as if he was his son all along. “[I was in the car with my dad] and he talked to me about it,” Jones said. “He just wanted me to be happy, and he was glad that I told him. [He said to me] ‘I’m glad you can finally be open about being our son.’”

While Jones has come out to his parents and friends, he hasn’t come out to some of his extended family in fear of being cut off.

However, Jones has never felt happier.

“I finally feel like I’m in the right place,” Jones said.

After coming out, Jones’ family has supported him immensly.

“I’m definitely happy for him,” brother and senior Patrick Jones* said. “I’m glad that he can finally be himself. I remember back when he was four years old, he wanted to get his hair short like mine. Well, it finally is.”

After one month of coming out, Jones began his journey in transitioning.

He went to a therapist where he was diagnosed with gender dysphoria. The therapist then wrote a letter two months later to an endocrinologist, and a few months after that, Jones finally saw a doctor.

“I felt incredibly grateful to my parents for doing this for me and being so open and not making me wait until I was 18,” Jones said.

Jones’ family is also happy that he can be himself without a sense of guilt or unhappiness.

“I was just glad he would stop feeling obligated to wear his girly book bag,” Patrick said.

Jones has also had an over whelming amount of support from the counselors at Northwest.

They were very helpful while he legally changed his name and gender in the school records.

“They were incredibly supportive and it’s really nice to see that in a school,” Jones said.

Although Jones’ transition has been full of support and love, he also deals with unwanted comments and criticisms.

“I’ve dealt with people saying I’m a lesbian or that I’m never going to be a boy,” Jones said. “A

lot of people see me as a freak or mentally ill person that’s confused.

They feel the need to oppress others. They don’t understand and they deal with that by making fun of me.”

Most of the population is not educated on transgender people, and Jones deals with a lot of discrimination.

“The general population is misinformed and that leads to them to make incorrect assumptions or harsh judgements very quickly about the LGBT community,” Jones said. “In the end, I don’t care because I care about myself. I care about being happy and I’m not going to try to be something else just because someone is being rude.”

While being a victim of bullying is common among transgender people, Jones hopes people will be more openminded and accepting. The transgender attempted suicide rate is 41 percent.

“I hope this article does inform some students who previously didn’t really know much about the transgender community,” Jones said.

“I hope people are willing to be open-minded.”

However, Jones’ family and friends see him as more than a transgender person. “[Mark] is one of those rare people that actually encompasses the word cool,” Patrick said. “He can get along with most anyone and just makes people feel good about themselves. He won’t judge you negatively even if you deserve it. Also, he’s a really dang good cello player.”

Through Jones’ transition, he hopes others will see him as he sees himself.

“I know other people won’t see me the way I want to be seen, but I’m hopeful for the future,” Jones said. “Being transgender doesn’t make me a weird spectacle, it’s just something I had to deal with, and it doesn’t change who I am as a person. I’m just another guy, that’s who I am.”

*Name has been changed

Graphic by Nikole Nguyen

Page 15

October 2015

Military families share ties that bond

Miranda Cecil staff writer

W

ith at least one military base in all but one state, eight bases here in North Carolina and more than a million active duty members, the military is naturally part of local society and local families.

Military families tend to relocate 10 times more frequently than civilian families, typically moving every two to three years.

“I was pretty lucky not to move around a lot,” senior Kiana Villanueva said.

Marine science and astronomy teacher Steven Russillo had a military upbringing that did involve moving around.

“At the time, I absolutely hated it,” Russillo said. “But it made adjusting to new environments very easy.”

While growing up, he lived all over the country. He was born in Quantico, Virginia, home of the Marine Corps basic school.

“You can’t really be more of a marine rat than that,” Russillo said.

“You tell a marine you were born in Quantico, they’re going to stand up and salute you.”

When Russillo was a freshman in high school, however, his father began the retirement track.

“He was on track to really go somewhere in the Marine Corps, but at some point he had to say

Photo by Miranda Cecil

The Country Park War Memorial, located on Nathaniel Greene Drive.

The monument pays homage to those who have fought and died in all wars involving Americans.

‘family first,’” Russillo said.

Villanueva’s family had a similar experience after her family moved to mainland United States from Hawaii; her mom wanted to stop moving. Her father’s job was in Maryland, but a combination of the expense of Maryland and proximity of Greensboro to Villanueva’s extended family meant that it became a commute for the family.

“He would drive up and down every weekend to see us,” Villanueva said.

“For the first half of my life it was like, ‘yeah, he’s not here,’ but when he was it was normal,” Villanueva said.

Senior Phoebe Peickert’s father was in the air force before Peickert was born, but her father’s experience has made a lasting impression on his attitude and personality.

“He’s really strict; he doesn’t take sass,” Pickert said.

Additionally, Peickert’s family adopted several habits following her father’s military experience.

“We eat really fast,” Peickert said. “It’s made our family really no-nonsense.”

Thirty of the 44 US presidents have served in the military, and, in Peickert, Villanueva and Russillo’s minds, their fathers deserve no less respect and admiration.

“He’s one of the big people I admire and want to be like,” Villanueva said.

Russillo shares a similar admiration for his father.

“He was kind of high up when it comes to Marine Corps aviation,” Russillo said. “There are some famous airplanes that he actually got to fly.”

Peickert is proud to share aspects of her character with her father.

“He’s really OCD about stuff, and that’s made me the same way,” Peickert said.

On average, military children have lower delinquency rates, higher achievement scores and higher median IQs than civilian children.

Military families often form a bond unlike other families, perhaps as a result of pride or maybe because of frequent moves and the need to absorb time together.

“As we’re bouncing around, that’s the one constant that we have; it’s each other,” Russillo said.

Humans of Northwest: Students share personal and unique stories

Northwest’s

6

dating deal breakers Alexis Rutledge staff writer t is a well-known fact that there are many things that can make or break a relationship. Whether it is because of pet-peeves or just preference, every person can be picky about their special someone. Here is a list of Northwest students’ top dating deal-breakers.

I

1. Chewing with your mouth open. It’s not a pretty sight.

2. Arrogance. You’re not the king or queen of the world.

3. Short man-shorts. You can’t pull it off.

Senior Hayley Russo

Junior Ragad Alsaid

4. When you have bad breath or hygiene issues, it’s just gross.

5. A bad sense of humor. Laugh a little.

Photo by Haleigh Cadd

Junior Ragad Alsaid lived in Saudi Arabia her entire life until March 2010 when her life changed drastically. Alsaid shares about life in America and how it has affected her.

Haleigh Cadd staff writer

“I

n March 2010, my family moved to America from Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, because my mom had gotten into an abroad scholarship program while she was getting her master’s degree. My dad goes back and forth for work in Saudi Arabia, so my other family there didn’t want my mom to stay alone with her six kids. However, now, when my mom looks back at all of this, she’s very thankful that we came here, because if we were back home still, we wouldn’t get the experience that we have now,

such as meeting new people and understanding new ideas and accepting new races. Back home, the stereotype is that Saudi Arabians don’t like Iranian people, right?

Now, my best friend is Iranian.

Moving to America has impacted me in such a way that it has made me open to everybody, as in I don’t care what race you are. We never really learned about other religions or other races back home, so I kind of had one idea in my mind that everyone was bad. But, as time went, I realized that everybody is the same and it doesn’t matter what background you come from.

That is how moving to America has impacted me,” junior Ragad Alsaid said.

Photo by Sarah Boggins

Senior Hayley Russo shares how her heart condition, congenital heart valve disease, has affected her life. Russo had open-heart surgey at 14.

Sarah Boggins co-editor-in-chief

“I

had a heart problem called congenital heart valve disease. The aortic valve was defective and I had to have surgery when I was five weeks old and it temporarily fixed my valve. When I was 14, I had to have open-heart surgery to replace the valve. A lot of my friends played sports, and I wanted to do it, but I could only play recreational sports. They’re just fun, and I always had to monitor myself to make sure everything was okay. Nothing bad ever happened, but it was just kind of a

hassle. In gym class, I was never able to run the full mile. I always felt left out during those kinds of activities. After I had the surgery, it definitely opened a lot of doors for me. [I felt like] I wasn’t different than anyone else, and I could do whatever I wanted. It’s definitely better now because I have the opportunity to be part of a team.

Not being able to do all that stuff for 14 years and then suddenly being able to do it, I didn’t think I would be good enough to make a sports team. Knowing that I finally was able to [play a sport] meant a lot to me because I had always wanted to. I was able to fit in and do something that I really wanted to do,” senior Hayley Russo said.

6. Too clingy. Get off my back.

Graphics by Tai Van Dyke and Stephanie Mayer

Page 16

October 2015

Horizons How-to: Social Media S

ocial media has become a very important platform in the 21st century. Many political leaders use Twitter to connect with voters and share their beliefs, families living across the country from each other can easily re-connect by using Facebook and you can easily show off how great your hair looked today by snapping a photo using Instagram. Applications like these allow the world to connect, share and inform others of anything happening anywhere around the world. With their ever-increasing popularity, it’s rare to see someone without an account on at least one of these platforms. If you do find yourself in this category, however, here are some fool-proof guides to help you navigate the labyrinth of ‘retweets’, ‘shares’, ‘screenshots’ and ‘snaps’ should you choose to make an account.

Zoe Stuckey staff writer

Lindsey Nelson staff writer Step One: Open the app and view your timeline, which will often include people ranting about events in their lives or the latest trend in the network. These trends can often include tweets from celebrities or can even be a random person who has gone viral for a funny post.

Step Two: Retweet everything you see on your timeline. Even if a tweet doesn’t apply to you or your life, retweet it. These types of tweets will often include social opinions, struggles of growing up or main-stream music.

Step Three: The trick to posting the perfect tweet is to never stop tweeting. Everyone loves accounts that always have random tweets on them. These can include

what you’re eating for lunch, your daily everyday schedule or your daily trip to the restroom.

Step Four: Don’t forget to tweet about personal problems, as well. Everyone loves to hear about your family issues, frustrations concerning your teachers and school or your opinion on random topics that have little meaning.

Step Five: After you have created a tweet that follows these steps, post it for your followers or peers to view. Strive to obtain at least 20 or so retweets. You might not reach this goal the first time, but you’ll have many more chances as long as you never stop tweeting.

Step Two: Make sure to apply as many filters as you can on the picture that you`re posting. The Instagram app even provides such filters. You can also use #nofilter after applying the filter on the photo.

Step Three: Create a caption for your photo. These captions can often include quotes that have nothing to do with the photo, emoticons or song lyrics by a wellknown artist.

S

t e p

Two: Be that kid that puts his or her life on their Snapchat stories. Everybody wants to know about what you just ate, or when you saw that guy at Target who looked just like Obama.

Step Three: You can put hashtags in your snaps and view cities. #Greensboring Step Four: Send

those one-second pics; people can totally read what you said.

Step Five: Feel free to screenshot everything. Nobody will know.

Step Six: Never double check to whom you are sending snaps. Live with no regrets.

Step Seven: There are no such things as bad pictures. You’re always on fleek.

Step Eight: You no longer need to talk to your friends in real life because Snapchat is the best way to communicate and express your feelings.

Step Nine: Everyone on Snapchat is your best friend, so start snapping those candid photos and you’ll be living life to the fullest in no time.

Tai Van Dyke staff writer

Lindsey Nelson staff writer Step One: Find a stereotypical picture in your camera roll. These can include meaningless quotes that don’t apply to your life or a picture of the food you’re eating.

Step One: The first step to becoming a great Snapchatter is to always open people’s snaps and never respond.

Step Four: Post the photo on the app for your followers or peers to see. Often some of your peers will comment things below your picture with deep and meaningful thoughts.

Step Five: Remember to post on the app at least five times a day, and follow the steps provided.

Step Six: On the respective day, be sure to post a picture of your significant other or celebrity crush for Man-Crush Monday and Woman-Crush Wednesday. Along with these days are Throwback Thursday and Flashback Friday. A picture from last week will suffice.

In the above photo, sophomore Jaiden Davis poses to take a selfie to share with her followers on Instagram.

Step One: Honestly only use it once a year…unless you are a suburban mom, your own political activist, a stalking enthusiast or a reluctant band kid being forced to join. If you are one of these, then congrats! Now you are ready to Facebook like a pro!

Step Two: Everyone cares about everything in your everyday life. Be sure to post frequent status updates on your meals, whenever you feel bored and for every time you sneeze.

Step Three: What better way to shove your political opinion down everyone’s throat than with a meme? Quality and grammar will surely be overlooked (bonus points for using an unrelated

Minion graphic).

Step Four: Feeling ignored by someone? They will definitely shower you with love and attention if you poke them a few thousand times.

Step Five: “Like if you love puppies. Share if you love kittens.

Ignore if you punch babies.” If you ignore posts like these, everyone will judge you.

Step Six: If you don’t like and comment on everything your significant other posts then your love isn’t real.

Step Seven: If none of this appeals to you then you may want to consider deleting your Facebook…unless you are a band kid.

Photo by Faith Rickerts Graphics provided by promotional websites