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COVID-19

Unprecedented pandemic wreaks havoc on school year

Read the story on page 2 Northwest Guilford High School

Greensboro, NC

Volume 56, Issue 4

May 2020

NEWS

WHAT’S INSIDE

News Op-Ed Senior Spread

2-4 5-7 8-11

Sports Features Ads

12 13-14 15

Photo by Melanie Huynh-Duc

The English hallway has been darkened and empty since Governor Roy Cooper canceled in-person school as of March 14. Learning has continued online, but face-to-face instruction is not set to resume until Aug. 17.

Global pandemic ends school year, students transition online

Christy Ma, Megan Harkey news editor, co-editor in chief

treets are emptied. Schools are closed. Reality feels like a dystopia. COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, has been drastically changing the way we live since it was first discovered late 2019. Because the virus is new, information is scarce. New symptoms--like lack of taste or smell, bruising and blood clots --are being discovered as the virus progresses. However, there is good news. Some experts say that the coronavirus has peaked in North Carolina, and other states will have peaked soon, or have already peaked. This means that life can slowly transition back to normal, even with an absence of a vaccine.

Meanwhile, many companies are racing to develop a vaccine. The earliest one might come will be next year, which is much quicker than the average 10-15 year timeframe. How did we get here? Initially, few people saw this lifechanging event coming. Past pandemics—SARS and H1N1, for example— did not disrupt daily life to the extent that COVID-19 has. The virus is believed to have begun at the market in Wuhan, China that sold live animals and seafood. The illness was first identified as an unknown pneumonia that began to infect people from the livestock. “I first heard about it through memes on Instagram,” senior Yan Siqueira said. “People talked about it lightly on the internet.” During late December and early January, the virus in China quickly

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trended on most social media platforms. Meanwhile, China closed off the city of Wuhan for a quarantine on Jan 23. “Because it was taken so lightly, people thought it was okay to make jokes about it, but it was affecting more people than people realized,” junior Jeanette Wei said. In the early stages, 17 were confirmed dead and 570 were infected– which led to the calling of a “global health emergency” by Chinese officials and the World Health Organization. On Jan. 31, all airlines from China were suspended from entering the United States, no matter their business here. On Feb. 2, the first death outside of China was reported. It was a man in the Philippines who topped the deaths of over 360 people. Senior Teresa Pan says she paid attention to the virus since its initial

announcement online. She understood the severity of the disease, but she did not fully trust the Chinese governments in their numbers and reports. “I lived in China for 11 years, so I know what they mean by unsanitary (markets), but it’s not clear where the virus came from,” Pan said. In the remainder of February, the officials of Wuhan were fired by the Communist party for their inefficiency of handling the virus. Wuhan’s lockdown ended in late April, but new cases have appeared in recent weeks. Since, the virus has spread to every country and continent (except Antarctica), halting businesses, daily life and travel. As of May 11, the United States death toll surpassed 80,000-- about 30,000 more American fatalities than the Vietnam War. Continued on page 4 Front page graphic by Megan Harkey

May 2020

NEWS

Seniors drive by for caps and gowns Megan Harkey, Madison Magyar co-editor in chief, features editor

ith Kona Ice, enthusiastic teachers and sugar cookies, the Northwest staff made the most of the unfortunate ending of the 2020 school year. Due to the COVID-19 the most memorable time of senior year that included prom, graduation and a hypnotist, was thrown away along with the rest of the school year. Monday, May 4 brought the students back to school for a drivethrough style cap and gown pick up. Students were able see some of their teachers and former principal Ralph Kitley from six feet back and even got treated to Kona Ice and custom cookies. Entering through by the senior lot, they pulled up and waved to friends in passing cars. They rolled their windows

down for passing people with treats and signs as they waited to get to the front. The first pick up area brought an envelope with the class picture that was taken previously where the grade stood in the form of a giant “20.” Lastly, they took a picture in a frame with Kitley and received their cap and gown. Although their senior year did not end as expected, the Northwest staff still appreciates their loyalty throughout the past four years at the school. The 2020 class is not alone in this time of uncertainty–senior classes everywhere are missing out on all the fun that past classes got to experience. The global slogan, “In this together,” was prominent as students waved a final goodbye to their 12 years of education.

Photos by Megan Harkey and contributed byTanya Hiller

Top: Former principal Ralph Kitley poses in the artsy picture frame made for the passing seniors. Since there will not be a graduation ceremony for him to return to this year, he made an appearance at this event. Left: Interim principal Tanya Hiller and assistant principal Wendy Farrow post for a selfie on the warm May day. Bottom Left: Social studies teacher Kim Deyton poses with her senior sign. Second from left: Guidance counselor Aaron Murphy shows off his school spirit. Middle left: English teachers Lora Medley and Ashley Bost pose with their signs next to CTE teacher David Lambert. Middle right: Career development coordinator Keesha Sinclair and CTE teacher Chandra Bethea smile for the seniors. Bottom right: A Class of 2020 yard sign stands proudly in a student’s front lawn. Top right: Two seniors wearing masks and graduation garb pose with their clever posters.

NEWS

New principal named for 2020-21 school year Megan Harkey co-editor in chief

tarting next fall, Northwest students will see a new, but still familiar, face in the halls. Since Ralph Kitley’s retirement, assistant principal Tanya Hiller has been filling in as interim principal. Hiller is extremely close to Ktiley and has not let Northwest down since her latest change of duty--she has not only led staff in the actions of the COVID-19 issue, but has also dedicated her time to the school and students just as Kitley once did. She and administrators Wendy Farrow, Kim Gilyard and Donnie Watkins have their plates full of tasks as things pile up. They were able to successfully find an experienced candidate for the new full-time principal very quickly--because she is right next door. Northwest Middle School principal Ashley Young learned of Kitley’s departure along with the rest of the staff and students. She began the interviewing process with the school a few weeks after the announcement. “I knew the time was coming soon, but I was sad,” Young said. “(Kitley) has been a big part of my professional life for a long time, and he is not only my mentor, but a close friend.” Young has been principal at the middle school right for two years, and was previously at Northwest high school for over 11 years as an assistant principal and a special education teacher. She was told of her new position the day before it was announced to the public. “While I was overjoyed at being given the opportunity to be the next Principal at Northwest High School, I was also sad to leave my current school,” Young said. Her current position at the middle school has broadened her horizons as a head principal. This shows in the fact that Young is not slowing down since she already has plans for her next step. “Northwest is a phenomenal place with many

amazing things going on, but I am interested to talk to the school community to get ideas, feedback, etc. about some different areas that we can look at moving forward,” Young said. The 2020-2021 school year will be a fresh start for Young after COVID-19’s withholding of school. She is anxious to meet the faculty, once again, either by the end of the school year or this summer, depending on how current events turn out. With her present position at the middle school, she is also under the stress of the worldwide pandemic. Before school was cancelled for the two week notice, she was often found on the phone trying to figure out how she can help the teachers and students during the crisis. “I am so impressed with how everyone in the district and the surrounding communities has come together to do what is in the best interests of children.” Young said. Her and Hiller have collaborated in the effort of moving to online schooling on Canvas, an online learning management platform. “Online schooling is a challenge for both staff and students/families, but we will all come out of this on the other side better off,” Young said. “I know the teachers are working very hard to prepare awesome learning opportunities for students until we can return to school,” Young said. Both women are in constant communication with the Guilford County Board and continue to give updates to Northwest families weekly and even daily as things are rapidly changing. “We will be prepared to deal with any other possible issues that require us to think creatively and be flexible in our delivery of instruction,” Young said. Additionally, her leaving of the middle school is greatly taxing on her as she has been a dedicated member of the staff for over a year. “I will absolutely miss my Northwest Middle students and faculty. Luckily, I will see my students and families as they move up to high school,”

Pandemic, continued from page 2

During the week of March 9, NC school systems one by one began canceling field trips and spring sports. By the end of the week, many schools were canceling in-person classes altogether. However, on Saturday, March 14, Governor Roy Cooper uniformly closed schools and prohibited groups of more than 100 people from gathering. Then, from March 30 through May 8, Cooper issued North Carolina’s Stay-at-Home order, only permitting essential outings and businesses to remain open. On May 8 at 5 p.m., North Carolina entered Phase 1 or reopening, which currently allows for some stores to reopen. Groups 10 and fewer are allowed to assemble outdoors. Throughout all of this, social distancing and mask-wearing have become strongly encouraged nationwide. Business and education will not return

to pre-COVID-19 levels potentially for years to come. “I think any measures that have our best interest in mind are positive,” English teacher Andrea Julian said. “We need to recognize the fact that something like this has never happened before.” The preventative measures are trying to limit the spread so that those more susceptible to serious illness are protected. “We are young and probably less susceptible,” senior Emma Jia said, “but our parents and siblings aren’t; the last thing I want is to spread it to my parents. I’m relieved (they shut down school).” Students who have been extremely sick, are immuno-compromised or live with the elderly also benefit from staying safe at home. “I’m kind of worried of getting it myself after getting very sick several times this year,” junior Ysantis McKen-

4 www.northwesthorizons.com

Photo provided by Ashley Young

Northwest Middle School principal Ashley Young poses for a photo. Young was recently named the principal Northwest High School for 2020-21.

Young said. The interview process has already begun at the middle school to find a replacement before the upcoming school year. Due to her close relations with both schools, Young plans to collaborate with the new Viking member in order to bring the two schools closer than they already are on the map. “There will be challenges and opportunities, and I can’t wait to create plans and implement ideas to prepare for a successful 2020-2021 school year,” Young said.

zie said, “but I’m more worried about passing it onto the elderly or immunocompromised individuals.” Closing the schools was a good precaution, but families and students who rely on the schools have taken a hit. “My main issue with schools closing down is that a lot of parents/ guardians rely on school as a form of daycare and a way to feed their children,” senior Kylie DeSilvey said. “This can really affect work schedules and put a strain on budgeting and time management for tons of people.” With AP exams delivered online— something that has never been done before—McKenzie agrees. “Since many teachers weren’t prepared to utilize technology, many classes were behind schedule.” Many students also were not used to online learning, and so this has added to the issue. “There are too many unknowns for

us to truly judge the situation,” a senior from Durham School of the Arts Kate Cross said. “(It’s a) complex situation. Students have spent so much time on trying to navigate a new way to learn. I can only hope that it’s all worth it, and we help flatten the curve.” COVID-19 canceled plans, like study abroad trips and personal spring break and summer vacations. Graduations have been moved to a drivethrough platform or are planned for a later date—perhaps to be held in December or January 2021. Some colleges are even entertaining the idea of holding fall semesters online instead of resuming normal on-campus classes. How will all of this end? Will a mass-produced vaccine or cure become readily available, or will we just have to adjust to life with this novel virus and continue with social distancing for the foreseeable future? No one knows for sure.

May 2020

OPINION

Cafeteria workers ser ve free meals to community during pandemic

Photo by Melanie Huynh-Duc

Child Nutrition Manager Pam Goad (center) and other members of Northwest High School's cafeteria staff is preparing bagged meals for the day. They serve approximately 250 free meals each day--breakfast and lunch--to children 18 years and younger. Sarah Arteaga staff writer

rior to COVID-19, a typical student’s school day consists of arriving at school, going to class, eating lunch and then going home. Many rarely think about or know of the school staff who prepares and provides lunches behind the counter. However, cafeteria workers are now serving free meals to anyone ages 18 and younger each day. They have become the new faces of the school. At Northwest, Pam Goad has worked as the Child Nutrition Manager for the past 15 years. Goad’s favorite part of the job is when students relate to the cafeteria staff and talk to them. The customer service aspect of the job is what attracted her to become a cafeteria staff worker. “I like food service, students and people, so at the time, it seemed like a good opportunity,”

FOOD FACTS May 2020

Goad said. Goad and her cafeteria staff makes sure that they provide the best food possible to the students. “Our food comes off Cisco—we get the same food that a restaurant gets,” Goad said. “They (students) don’t realize that this is a restaurant, and that we work hard in here.” During the regular school year, Goad provides a wide variety of food options. For the free bagged lunches served between 11 a.m, and 12 p.m. each week day, she serves a meat option (such as a corn dog, burger or chicken leg) with a fruit and a veggie side and sometimes even an ice cream bar for dessert. She also provides breakfast for the next day, which includes cereal, regular or chocolate milk, PopTarts or French toast sticks with syrup. Ever since March 18, she and her team have served approximately 250 meals a day. “We give you every choice that we can offer and I try to make sure that we don’t run out of food,” Goad said.

• 67 percent of Guilford County students are considered economically challenged • Concerns about food needs have been the most common calls to the school system’s COVID-19 hotline

In addition to a consistent wide variety of food options, homemade foods are also provided. The Northwest cafeteria staff also makes sure that the food they provide is fresh. “We don’t keep any leftovers,” Goad said. “You should get fresh food.” Goad has been working in the school system for 26 years and has not had problems with workers or with students. “You have to learn to adapt to changes—if it’s your job, you have to cope with it,” Goad said. “I have had no problems with changes—I have had no problems with the students.” Outside of work, during normal circumstances, Goad enjoys going to church, watching and playing sports, going to the beach and going to the mountains. “I like it about anywhere—anywhere that I can visit, I enjoy,” Goad said. “I enjoy life.” We thank Goad and all cafeteria workers for their tireless service, especially now during this time of the pandemic.

• Meals are being delivered to the most vulnerable students—those who are homeless or in transition • Harder hit areas, such as Northeast High, serve around 380 meals a day www.northwesthorizons.com

OPINION

Although COVID-19 shuttered school early and prevented a true senior edition, some Northwest Horizons seniors still wanted to share their experiences from years of being on staff and as a Viking. Here are their stories.

Autumn Dixon My time at Northwest has truly been spent telling the story of our school and the students within. I would start my school day creating content for the newspaper. And in the afternoons I would lead the yearbook staff alongside the other co-editor. My Friday nights in the fall would be spent photographing the football games. In the winter I would lose hours of sleep rushing to turn in deadlines. In the spring I would make amazing memories at a journalism convention. And to end off the school year I would be able to show off all the hard work with the yearbook distribution and senior edition of the newspaper. Then in the summer, I would attend camp learning how to improve my journalism skills and start off the yearbook before the school year even began. And then do it all over again. Looking back now I don’t really remember my true reason for joining both classes, but I have never been so thankful for a decision I made.

Madison Magyar It’s hard to describe such an amazing and wonderful part of my life. Journalism was my escape for two years; it allowed me to share and put into words people’s most cherished stories. Even though some led to controversy, I was still confident in everything I wrote--mainly because I knew I wasn’t writing it for me, but for them. I came to journalism my junior year with the hope that the class would end up improving my writing but I left with so much more. I left with friends, with new skills and with a new outlook on the world. Not everyone agrees on everything--and that’s okay! Differing

I have gotten to experience the most incredible moments throughout high school because of journalism. All while having been under the guidance of two incredible advisors who gave me such amazing opportunities. From winning awards, to learning a new passion, to learning so many incredible skills, to traveling to learn more about journalism, all the way to making the best friends I have ever had. The year didn’t end the way any of us would have expected, but I will never forget all the incredible times I have had on both journalism staffs. It’s so surreal I won’t get to be apart of either next year, I already know I’m going to miss it so much. I’m so glad I went out of my comfort zone to join both staffs. I never would have thought I would become the co-editor-in-chief of the yearbook or the op/ed and spread editor of the newspaper, let alone have won awards while on both staffs. Looking back on it all now the hard work has definitely paid off and I wouldn’t want to have spent my time at Northwest in any other way. opinions are everywhere, and as long as you are willing to listen to every side there is no issue. This was crucial when it came to writing for the paper. Judgment and criticism poured in from every avenue, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. It not only helped me grow as a writer, but also made me a stronger person. I have enjoyed every part of my journalism experience, from trying to come up with a headline or a lastminute lay-out issue to writing two front cover stories my senior year. I will truly miss my co-editors, the staff writers and my amazing editor in chief. And to the teachers, students and parents of Northwest--thank you for helping me grow and being there for every step of my writing journey.

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Megan Harkey Freshman year, I was an introvert who rarely talked to those outside my friend group--now you can see me walking up to complete strangers for interviews. This is because of journalism. This class has not only changed my personality, but also my entire career outlook. My first year on staff was extremely eye opening towards the ability of a high school paper and to a whole new group of people that I now know and love. Ever since that initial moment of inclusion, I woke up in the morning for journalism. I’m still excited for interviews and every sentence I write because I write for Northwest Horizons, and I’m extremely proud to say that.

Hinal Patel From elementary to high school my mascot has always been a Viking. Leaving Northwest comes with leaving my viking pride. Being a Viking gave me an image, a way to live my life, and I wouldn’t have done it any other way. The end of high school signifies the end of this chapter of my life. I leave behind a trail of memories like Friday night football games and dreaded AP world history homework. I truly could not have gotten through high school without the amazing friends this school gave me and the hardworking teachers that work here. Classes like BC calculus could never have been even passed without the tremendous support system of faculty and friends that I had. Journalism has helped me become a better writer and created bonds that will never be broken. It is is an outlet for me to pour my emotions into stories that I want to write. It is different from a regular English class because I

Now that I am fluent in pull quotes, bi-lines, white space, and even every button on Indesign, I am confident that those extra 55 minutes before school every day have produced real world capabilities--and a lot of inside jokes on the daily struggles of it all. The fact that I am writing one of my last few pieces in a senior year that has been cut short is heartbreaking. Every moment I’ve spent with the staff and Mrs. Huynh-duc, every maestro, distribution day and layout session--I will never forget. I’d just like to thank all of those who have been a part of these past three years as I have progressed from a staff writer with a simple sports update to an editor in chief with a senior reflection. got to choose what I wanted to write and I truly loved it. Leaving Journalism means leaving a close-knit staff and our dedicated advisor, Mrs. Huynh-Duc. I want to say thank you to Mrs. Huynh-Duc for sharing her love of teaching and writing with all of us. I learned so much about writing and just being a better person from Mrs. Huynh-Duc, and I couldn’t be more grateful for everything she has taught me. As I look back on my time at Northwest, I would not regret a single thing. My journey in high school was one of the best and worst experiences of my life, but the most important thing I faced in these four year is growth. The people that became my best friends, the classes that made me consider dropping out, and the social atmosphere molded me into the person I am today. My advice to the underclassmen is to make the most of your years at Northwest; you never know when it’ll all be over and don’t ever forget that it’s always a great day to be a Viking.

May 2020

OPINION

Lily Hughes I grew up walking the halls of Northwest- literally. My mom is a Northwest graduate and my dad began teaching at Northwest in 1995. My baby shower was held in the Northwest cafeteria and I was raised to love the Vikings. My childhood consisted of Friday nights at R.L. Billings Stadium, Myrtle Beach trips with my dad’s yearbook class, and computer games played in the field house. Being a Northwest Viking has always been a part of my identity, and it’s bittersweet to be ending this chapter of my life. As my time at Northwest has come to an unexpected halt, I’ve had plenty of time to reflect upon the experiences and people who have influenced me. Going into high school, I never could have imagined all of the incredible memories I have made at Northwest. Every late-night study session, volleyball game, and distri-

bution day have led me to this point in my life. I have always had a passion for writing, and through Journalism I have been able to not only sharpen my writing skills, but make countless friendships I’ll remember long after my last article is posted. There’s no way I’d be the writer I am without my advisor and teacher of three years, Mrs. Huynh-Duc. Her enthusiasm for English and constant support these past four years has changed me not only as a journalist, but as a person. I can’t thank her enough for encouraging me to join Journalism and for standing by me every step of the way. Seniors, I know we didn’t get the “High School Musical” ending to our journey we always envisioned, and it’s okay to be disappointed. However, I am so thankful for the memories that we all were able to make in our time here. We have overcome so many obstacles, and this is our final one. Always remember: once a Viking, always a Viking.

Nathan Vescio Starting high school was difficult for me. I had just moved from Wisconsin and had always struggled with change of any magnitude. Originally, I planned to merely tolerate school for a few years, get my diploma and move back to the life I left behind. With that mentality, writing for the school newspaper was one of the last things I envisioned myself doing. Despite my initial reluctancy, joining the staff was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. While I will certainly miss writing about the latest political events, attempting (often fruitlessly) to finally get a good photograph and laboriously hunting down errors in copy editing, I will miss the connections I made with the staff and the school through those tasks. Working for Northwest Horizons has led me to hear stories from teachers and students I never would have gotten to meet otherwise. Meeting all of these people and seeing how dif-

ferent they were led me to feel more confident in my own sense of place at Northwest, and I owe this thanks to journalism for enabling me to reach out to the school. As an editor, I was also privileged to get to help coach the newer members. Watching the newer staff grow into confident and talented writers always made me happy, and I will miss it dearly. By far the thing I remember most fondly from my time on staff, though, are the memories I made with the rest of the writers. From casual banter every morning, to awkwardly learning our convention dance every year, the experiences I had with the staff are some I will always cherish. In a sense, before starting on staff, I rejected Northwest as a part of me; I didn’t see it as a place where I belonged in. Because of working for Northwest Horizons, though, I’ve come to accept and appreciate my time at Northwest as a definitive part of who I am now, and I am forever grateful for it.

Photos provided by the seniors

From Left to Right: Autumn Dixon will be attending NC State; Madison Magyar will be attending UNCG; Megan Harkey will be attending Xavier University; Hinal Patel will be attending UNC-Chapel Hill; Lily Hughes will be attending App State; and Nathan Vescio will be attending Lawrence University.

NORTHWEST HORIZONS STAFF Editors in Chief Megan Harkey Nathan Vescio News Editor Christy Ma

Adviser Melanie Huynh-Duc Interim Principal Tanya Hiller

Spread Editor Autumn Dixon

Northwest Horizons

Sports Editor Kaylen Ayres

@nwhorizons

Features Editor Madison Magyar

@nw.horizons

Webmaster Nathan Vescio

@nwhorizons

Staff Writers Lily Hughes, Val Orozco, Mycheal Warner, Sophia Carson, HInal Patel

Statement of Policy Serving as a primary printed and online forum for student opinion, Northwest Horizons publishes four times each year published by the staff at Northwest Guilford High School. The paper is supported through community advisers. Staff Editorials are unsigned. The stance of each editorial is voted upon in staff meetings, but requires the approval of the majority of the editorial board. All members of the school community are encouraged to express their views. Letters to the editor must be signed when submitted.

About Us Northwest Horizons (founded in 2007; formerly known as The Northwest Express) is is entirely managed, written, edited and produced by journalism students with the guidance of a faculty adviser. In addition, we maintain a website for up-to-date news. The staff determines its content and is responsible for its accuracy, fairness and objectivity. It is published by SunCoast Press in Florida.

May 2020

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Louis Abbott unknown Yasmine Abdelhaq GTCC Rachel Abele NC State Kaylan Acker A&T Michael Adal WSSU Shay Adio SIUE Kush Agarwal UNCG Ahmad Al-Qaq UNC-Chapel Hill Jenell Alford Temple University Ayanna Ali pursuing photography Landon Alison UNCG Hannah Almatarneh GTCC Renad Alsaid Prince Sultan University Valdir Andrade work Aeda Andrews UNCG Jesse Andrews Wake Forest Meghan Andrews UNCC Johanna Aparicio ECU Jackson Aronson App State Sarah Arteaga UNC-Chapel Hill Melanie Ashburn GTCC Ryan Askew Western Carolina Aaliyah Atkins GTCC Lindsey Atkins GTCC Brooks Atwell Duke University Hannah Baker NC State Meshela Balambao GTCC Haleigh Ballard GTCC Sarah Barham Wofford College Alec Barnes Navy Tanner Barton GTCC Robert Baugh undecided Chloe Beam UNCC Cory Beck GTCC Violet Behnke UNCG Hallie Bell UNC-Chapel Hill Claire Bercaw NC State Ava Berry NC State Brennan Berry UNC-Chapel Hill Mary Beverly UNC-Chapel Hill David Blair unknown Anna Blake App State Rachel Blevins App State James Bonham work Haley Booth GTCC Scottsman Boris UNCG Robert Boulton NC State Madison Bowen UNCC Justen Brackley unknown Mary Bradley UNC-Chapel Hill Devin Bradshaw NC State Alex Brady UNCC Ashley Bray App State Jimmy-Lee Brown NC State Zachary Brown UNC-Chapel Hill Pranav Buneti UNCC Olivia Burg NC State Noah Burke GTCC Nickolas Burlew undecided Dylan Byrd GTCC

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Jordan Lech UNCC Erynne Lee Virgina Tech Avery Leggett ECU Ryan Lemons UNCW Roberto Leon GTCC Adam Leonard GTCC Kema Leonard High Point University Shelby Lester U. of South Carolina Michael Lett Catawba College Evan Lewis GTCC Austin Liebgott App State Myah Lindstrom Rockingham CC Arianna Lites-Trevino ECU Kenneth Lopez UNCG Aymara Lopez-Rodriguez gap year Katelynn Lovelace unknown Taylor Lowman UNCW Margaret Lucas NC State Nicole Luther App State Christy Ma UCLA Madison Magyar UNCG Magdalena Mahon Fashion Institute of Tech. Mackenzie Major NC State Jaden Malley SCAD Sierra Malley App State Madison Malone UNCW Carly Maness App State Cody Marion WCU Shaquor Marsh UNCG Cade Martin ECU Emma Martin Air Force Ethan Martin NC Wesleyan College Gabrielle Martin NC State Sean Martineau unknown Jonathan Mayes UNC-CH Riley McCallister App State Austin McClinton Rockingham CC William McCorquodale ECU Savannah McCracken NC State Hannah McFarland UNCG Eden McKoin Ferrum College Landon McLamb UNCW Montana Mears UNCC Zoe Michalak UNCC Addison Middleton UNCG Rachel Milby GTCC Nicholas Miller unknown Tyler Miller High Point University Brandon Mills University of Alabama Tyler Mitchell GTCC Connor Mobus ECPI Breanna Moore Guilford College Julia Morris UNCW Gavin Mortenson Western Carolina Olivia Moyer GTCC Jadyn Muhammad GTCC Melissa Muntyan App State Natalie Muntyan U. of South Carolina Spencer Murray NC State Mackenna Myers UNC-Chapel Hill Harrison Neeble NC State Allison Neumann NC State David Nguyen NC State Katelin Nierle NC State Mitchell Nikula UNCG Devin Nix UNCG

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Joseph Norris GTCC Kameryn Nowlin UNCG Carlos Nunez Rodriguez GTCC Jamia Oglesby GTCC Rylie Olsen GTCC Cory Olson U.S. Army Valeria Orozco Global Gap Year/UNC-CH Xavier Ortega GTCC Anastasia Ortt GTCC Anna Overman Butler University Gretta Overmyer NC State Jasmine Ozan UNCG Jayda Ozan UNCG Kayla Ozan UNCG Emma Palmenteri UNCG Reagan Palombo Elon University Teresa Pan UNC-Chapel Hill Jenna Parker UNCW Emma Parrish ECU Devyani Patel unknown Hari Patel High Point University Hinal Patel UNC-Chapel Hill Ryan Patterson GTCC Austin Paul UNCW Nicholas Peacock ECU Amber Pegram community colleege Danika Perez-Capell unknown Tristan Perry unknown Kayla Peters Forsyth Tech Allison Petty UNC-Chapel Hill Cassie Petty work Nathan Phelps unknown Trevor Phelps NC State David Phillips GAP Program Taya Phillips UNCW Mackenzie Pigg WCU Avery Pigue App State Julian Pina GTCC Eli Pippenger UNCW Ashlyn Plott App State Lauren Pollock UNC-Chapel Hill Olivia Pool BYU Daniel Popp Air Force Greg Potter App State Carson Powell Liberty University Lake Price App State Francesco Proposito unknown Mason Quinlan App State Jaime Ramirez unknown Octavio Ramirez-Lara unknown Samuel Ramos Tirado unknown Emma Rand UNCG Jackson Reeves Western Carolina Dean Reiber Rutgers University Maximus Reina ECPI Jenna Revak UNCC Payton Reyes NC State Gage Reynolds GTCC Joseph Rezek ECU Kali Rae Ricciuti cosmetology school Sarah Riedell Coastal Carolina Maya Ritenis UNCC Miranda Rivera work Preston Robinson unknown TiAndra Robinson NCCU Payton Rolland App State May 2020

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Francesca Romano UNCG Bailey Rooks gap year Abigail Rose UNCC Jacob Rose work, GTCC Graham Royal NC State Yampier Safora Ortega unknown Gerardo Salazar-Gonzalez GTCC Bryceson Sanders GTCC Adam Sasser App State Alidaycia Saunders High Point University Ioana Scalco High Point University Brittany Secraw High Point University Abigail Seidle NC State Michelle Semaan UNCG Benjamin Senic Army Jared Senic GTCC Dru Sessoms UNC-Charlotte Keala Shaffer UNCG Lauren Shaw GTCC Tanner Shumpert GTCC Andrew Shuttleworth UNCC Paige Sigmon UNCC Christa Simaan U. of Pennsylvania Tyler Simmons unknown Zoe Simon Florida Atlantic Univ. Shelby Sims App State Yan Siqueira da Cunha UNCG Alexis Sirimongkhon UNCW Matthew Sixberry GTCC Andrew Sizemore Guilford College Kiara Sloan GTCC Jack Slomkowski unknown Amber Small UNCC Eric Small GTCC Evan Smith community college Jakeb lee Smith unknown Mckenna Smith ECU Gavin Snyder GTCC for welding Taylor Soukup University of Florida Tavion Southerland unknown Brooke Southern GTCC Valerie Southern GTCC Nicholas Spencer unknown William Spradling App State Aaron Spruill unknown Connor Stafford GTCC Chantal Stalling UNCC Paris Stankewich High Point University Joseph Starr Marines Mason Staszak unknown Jacob Stevens GTCC Davon Stewart UNCP Taylor Strain UNCC Dylan Streeter-Jimeno GTCC Minji Suh High Point University Blake Sullivan NC State Hayden Summers UNC-Chapel Hill Claire Surette UNCW Sydney Sutherland App State Isabella Sutton GTCC Daniela Swain App State Sarah Teague App State Jaziah Terrelonge NCCU Luke Tharrington U.S. Army Brandon Thomas Catawba Daeshawn Thomas unknown

May 2020

Unknown means student could not be reached. Undecided means student has not decided.

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William Thomas Wake Tech Ainsley Thompson ECU Ryan Thompson ECU Jackson Tilyard UNCC Kenan Tippett UNC-Chapel Hill Calvin Toland NC State Caroline Tomlin WCU Peyton Townsend UNCC Maria Trevisan UNCC Brennen Tripp GTCC Sidney Tsui UNCW Joshua Usry work Oscar Valadez Puente NC State Jeremy Van Duin UNC-Chapel Hill Michelle Vasquez-Soto UNCG Stephen Vega Penn State Michael Venable community college, work Mitchell Vermilyea App State Nathan Vescio Lawrence University Ronald Villarosa Wake Tech William Virost Lenoir Rhyne Alexandra Vlad NC State Disha Vyas UNCG Brooke Wade A&T Tyler Wadford NC State Chloe Walker UNC-Chapel Hill Tammy Wang UNCG James Warguez Coast Guard Gabrielle Watson NC State Jessica Watts UNCC Grant Weaver GAP Jarod Webb UNCG Elizabeth Weidl Auburn Colin Weishar WCU Jevin Wells Marines Lauren Wesley unknown Sidney Westfall UNCW Elke White Harvest Bible College Joshua Whitley unknown Samuel Widener unknown London Wilkins unknown Emily Willey GTCC Abigale Williams ECU Hannah Williams App State Nathaniel Williams work Samantha Williams ECU Zyon Williams work Caleb Williams-Clark unknown Tavis Williamson GTCC Zachary Williamson Guilford College Seth Willis GTCC Alexander Wilson unknown Elizabeth Wilson unknown Jacob Wilson GTCC Eric Wirtz Guilford Apprenticeship Kelsi Wooten gap year Keely Woyahn NC State Jeorge Wynter unknown Issac Y unknown Matthew Yan UNC-Chapel Hill Samuel Yaun UNC-Chapel Hill Mary Yin UNC-Chapel Hill Kendall Young University of Florida Meghan Young Barton College Junho Yu NC State Dalton Zimmerman unknown www.northwesthorizons.com

SPORTS

COVID-19 quarantines spring sports Val Orozco staff writer

eniors are heartbroken over the cancellation of their last year of athletics at NW. When you first step onto the field with your teammates, your head is in the game. You’re ready to use all the hours of drills and conditioning to bring home that “N-Dub.” “I was looking forward to possibly making states again and spending time with my team,” senior Sidney Tsui said. “They’re all like family to me.” Northwest is a very competitive school both for athletics and academics. So far this year, the school has had winning records and state playoffs qualifiers for soccer, cross-country, basketball and tennis. Fall sports teams walked away with several conference champions titles and winning seasons. “Soccer season went so well,” junior varsity soccer player Agustin Orozco said. “I’m excited for next season.” Senior athletes of fall sports had their senior nights--a commemoration to their four years in high school where they walk onto the field with their families, get banners and pictures of them and their teammates and shake hands with their coaches and the school

principal. All in gratitude for all their hard work and dedication to the team. “I was really looking forward to (having my own) senior night,” senior lacrosse player Drew Sizemore said. Spring season had just started in February when the alarm over COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus, blew it all away with a statement from the NCHSAA that has suspended all sports until April 6th. “As much as we would like this opportunity for our student-athletes, coaches, and their communities, we know that ultimately any decision we make must be on the side of caution,” said Commissioner Que Tucker to High School OverTime on March 12. COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus whose symptoms do not appear until 2-14 days after a person has been exposed. In order to prevent further spread, the NCHSAA has pushed back the Spring sports season--canceling games and practices. “I was very emotional hearing that the season was being suspended,” senior girls’ soccer player Addison Greenhill said. “All of us girls were texting each other in our group chat expressing how disappointed we were.” The news was devastating to seniors who have been watching

Senior Sports Profiles

past teammates enjoy their last season for the past four years. These suspensions and possible cancellations of their seasons put their senior nights in jeopardy. “I was looking forward to senior night the most,” Greenhill said. “It’s a great way to be recognized for all the work you put in as an athlete for the last four years, it gives closure to the younger players.” Like many fall sports, the spring season is just as competitive. In the 2019 season, the girls’ soccer and lacrosse teams both made states, as did the boy’s lacrosse team and the track team. “I was excited to see how far we could make it into (the) playoffs this year,” senior girls’ lacrosse player Riley McAllister said. The NCHSAA decision has now affected all grade levels here; taking away a year of experience from the seniors and all the other players. “Junior year is usually when you make your best race times,” junior track runner Santi Mckenzie said. “I was really looking forward to hitting my goal times.” For many of these seniors, this was their last ride. Across the nation, there have been multiple cancellations for school sports. The class of 2020 has been put under the suspension of their second semester, along with the cancellation

Madison Magyar, Hinal Patel features editor, contributing writer

Keely Wohyan

Position: long stick middie Hype song: “Love Sosa” by Chief Keef Pre-game ritual: I hang out and get food before games, jamming out in the locker room with the team After game: I go to Cookout

Position: attacking midfield Hype song: “Hips don’t lie” by Shakira Pre-game ritual: I have to put my left sock and cleat on before my right After game: I go get sweet tea

Avery Hurst

Position: mid-distance runner Hype song:” ‘till I Collapse” by Eminem Pre-game ritual: My teammates and I hype each other up After game: After meets the whole team goes to Sheetz

Sidney Tsui

Varsity Track

of prom and even graduation, and now with the social interaction and competitiveness of sports. “Senior year was going very well,” Sizemore said. “It was the best year I’ve had in high school.” Seniors have taken to social media platforms to express their disappointments. Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and TikTok have exploded with viral videos, memes and sentimental posts over the last week talking about what seniors are missing out on. “I’ve seen on social media that the class of 2020 is being overdramatic,” Greenhill said. “I think all of us realize the severity of this disease, however it is still disheartening to have these key moments taken away.” Senior athletes are continuing to practice outside of school in hopes of their season picking back up--so they can play their sports one last time. Others have used this time to catch up on schoolwork and prepare for college starting in the fall. “We’re still running in small groups and trying to keep social distancing,” Tsui said. Although hope that the NCHSAA will bring back spring sports seasons is uncertain, many seniors are holding onto this hope. “I have been looking forward to this season for so many years,” Greenhill said.

Varsity Soccer

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Varsity Lacrosse

Photos contributed by Sidney Tsui, Keely Wohyan and Avery Hurst

May 2020

FEATURES

Seniors reflect on their four years as Vikings Sophia Carson staff writer

Christa Simaan

1) What are some of your favorite memories from high school? My favorite memories from high school have been the football games, dances, and the friends I have made. 2) What would you have done differently? Something I would have done differently is to try and live in the moment more. It is so much better to live life in the moment and not worry about what is to come. 3) What advice do you have for future seniors? For future seniors, college applications are really not the best of times, and very time consuming, so start as early as you can! Also, try and go to every event you can because later on, you will regret not going. 4) What has been your least favorite thing about high school? My least favorite thing about high school has been the fact that I wish we were a more spirited school and had a closer bond, but due to the surplus in kids at Northwest, it is rather hard. 5) If you could change anything about your experience, what would it be? I honestly would not change anything about my experience, and believe everything that happens and has happened is for a reason.

Kierstyn Gray

1) What are some of your favorite memories from high school? Cast parties and rehearsals for theatre for sure. Especially Saturday rehearsals or tech days, funnily enough. they all feel very loose and light and happy and there's accomplishment associated with them. 2) What would you have done differently? I would've looked for more opportunities to get out. I didn't really start getting involved with clubs or friends or other organizations until late junior year, and I regret it so much because I've grown so much as a person. 3) What advice do you have for future seniors? Join a club or two or five and play a sport and play and instrument and write a poem and go to a museum and do something with NCCJ and even if you hate everything about all of it and you don't keep up with it for more than a week, you can at least say you tried it. 4) What has been your least favorite thing about high school? My least favorite thing about high school has to be the pressure to know what my future is gonna be like before I get there. I know that for me at least I basically have a scripted response for the dreaded question of "so, what are you doing next?"

Photos contributed by Simaan, Gray, respectively

Two seniors smile upon completion of their high school careers. Christa Simaan is headed to University of Pennsylvania and Kierstyn Gray is headed to ECU.

May 2020

www.northwesthorizons.com

FEATURES

Senior enlists in the Marines

merica is a nation founded on sacrifice, a nation in which many men and women have offered their lives in the name of their county. Senior Jevin Wells is amongst these brave few, who despite only being a senior is joining the US Marines. “I enlisted into the Marine Corps because I’ve had family that served and it just stood out more to me and (was) always something I wanted to do,” Wells said. The Marine Corp, a segment of the US Navy, is considered some of America’s finest soldiers. They are long recognized for many combat efforts in many of the American wars; however, modern wars need modern heros. “I signed for a four year infantry contract,” Wells said. “I chose infantry because I (want) to be a machine gunner.” A Marine machine gunner is trained to use M240B (7.62mm ammo machine gun), the 50-caliber machine gun and a 40mm heavy machine gun. Furthermore, they are expected to be able to handle the support vehicles they work with. However, Wells has

plans on being more than a machine gunner. “While in the Marine Corps I plan (on) making a lateral move into Recon or MARSOC (Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command) after a couple of years of service”, Wells said. With the school year coming to a close, despite the Coronavirus pandemic, so too does Wells’ life as a civilian. “I leave for bootcamp September 14th,” Wells said. Wells will be expected to go through 13 weeks of boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. Parris Island trains all female marine recruits as well as male recruits from the 1st (New England), 4th (South Atlantic) and 6th (Deep South, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) recruiting districts. Wells is considered to be part of the 4th recruitment district, specifically RS Raleigh. Boot camp is considered amongst the most trying times for new Marines as it tests not only one's physical strengths but their mental capabilities. Recruits will be trained how to work with one another, combat skills and the basics of being a marine. “I plan to serve as long as I can or until my family at the time tells me I need to be home,” Wells said.

PROFILE

Mycheal Warner staff writer

SENIOR ARTIST

Alex Laughlin

What artistic program are you in?

uring this time of nation-wide quarantine, it can be disheartening to many having to limit interactions with friends, family, and even the general public. Personally, I have struggled with not seeing my friends during my last semester of high school. Not being able to spend the last few weeks with people I have gone to school for 13 years with has been a heavy burden on me, along with the majority of the senior class. As time passed throughout quarantine, many new ways of communication have become the new normal. Services like Facetime, Zoom and Netflix Party have become a common way to interact with friends and family during this time of social distancing.

Recently, my favorite form of communication has been through letters. Although writing letters can be seen as “outdated,” I believe letters hold much more emotion and power than a simple text or phone call. Throughout quarantine I have written close to 40 letters to friends and family, simply just letting them know I was thinking of them or inserting little gifts, like a collage or polaroid. This gesture, although simple, never fails to make a lasting impact on the lives of those you love. Seeing my friends respond with such gratitude and excitement to this simple act of kindness is beyond rewarding. Some of these friends have even decided to write back to me, and we have become “pen-pals.” Even though we all are going through a difficult season of life right now, it is crucial that we continue to uplift one another in any way that we can.

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Advanced Theater

What do you like about theater? I like playing a character in front of people and entertaining (them). What future plans do you have with theater? I am trying to get into a community theater college until I can get rich enough to perform. What goals did you have this year in theater before COVID-19? (I wanted to) have an absolutely amazing final performance.

Pandemic Pen Pals: Lily Hughes staff writer

Photo and profile by Mycheal Warner

One senior’s solution to social distancing

Photo by Melanie Huynh-Duc

A stack of letters sits on the floor awaiting ot be mailed. In this era of quarantine, it may be more expedient to Zoom or Snapchat one another; however, the art of sending a letter offers a simple, personal touch that can brighten someone’s day while they are social distancing.

May 2020