shark attack The Magazine of St. James High School
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Cancer can’t slow down Fischer, Lloyd
opinion
Lunch off campus
Students debate the pros and cons of being able to leave campus for lunch.
entertainment
Chorus visits college Singers from St. James partnered with Coastal Carolina for a special concert.
sports
Fall season recaps
The Sharks turned in some awesome athletic performances this autumn.
St. James High School
November 2012
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Contents
Shark Attack The Magazine of St. James High School
news Students discuss ups, downs of jobs by Christian Reynolds 3
Volume IX, Issue II November 2012
Candidates battle for White House by Amber Bishop 3
10800 Highway 707 Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Coach Fischer ‘runs through’ cancer by Tanner Hale & Gage Davis 4
Gage Davis editor in chief
Campus shows love for Mrs. Lloyd by Robin Sackett & Kathleen Shipano 5
Tanner Hale print editor English teacher Mr. Robert Pisaniello speaks to the crowd as he is named the 2012-13 St. James Teacher of the Year. Photo by Mason Dean
opinion Should students leave for lunch? by Joshua Deas & Anastasia Kasko
6
Students need more access to vending by Erin Callahan 8 Bullying impacts St. James students by Christen Fletcher 8
entertainment Music affects heart, mind, and soul by Audrey Dame 9
Principal Vann Pennell throws a pie in senior Taylor Zeitler’s face after the teachers won the tug-of-war contest. Photo by Devann Donovan
9
Orchestra displays talent at its best by Anastasia Kasko 10
sports
Sharks fall sports recaps by Wyatt Schmidt
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12
Savannah Phillips broadcast editor
Amber Bishop Aspen Boyd Erin Callahan Audrey Dame Joshua Deas Devann Donovan Christen Fletcher Jared Gentry Anastasia Kasko Shaun Owens Christian Reynolds Robin Sackett Kathleen Schipano Wyatt Schmidt staff reporters Jerry Moore faculty sponsor
Chorus joins with CCU for concert by Jared Gentry 10
Behind the seams of extreme ironing by Aspen Boyd 11
McKayla Monday online editor
Mason Dean showcase editor
Obsessions gone wild at St. James by Devann Donovan 7
Bands play video game themes by Shaun Owens
Shark Attack
Mr. Brett Mahaffey defends his nugget eating crown, and St. James wins the Chick-fil-a contest with Socastee again. Photo by Tanner Hale
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The Shark Attack staff attempts to inform and entertain the student body of St. James High School. All opinion columns reflect the opinion of the individual columnist. Letters to the editor, story ideas and advertising inquiries may be e-mailed to jmoore004@horrycountyschools.net. Letters must be signed to be considered for publication. The Shark Attack has the right to refuse advertising that is deemed inappropriate; advertisements do not necessarily reflect opinion of the staff, adviser, or school administration.
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News
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Students discuss ups, downs of jobs Christian Reynolds Staff Reporter Class of 2016 Students who have jobs while in high school know how hard it can be to balance everything sometimes. Between school work, the job, and not getting enough sleep at times, it can really become challenging. While a job can have many benefits, it can also have its disadvantages. “It’s OK to have a job, but sometimes it’s hard to keep up with everything,” said sophomore Mckayla Stamey, who works at McDonald’s. “Sometimes it’s hard to keep up with your social life, school, and your job.” It’s true that sometimes it can be challenging to keep up with everything in a teen’s life, but it can also be a good thing for a student to take the responsibility of obtaining and keeping a job. “I like having a job most of the time. It’s fun, and you earn money,” said Mckayla.
“It can also interfere with my school work though, like if I have a paper due.” So while there are benefits, there can also be disadvantages that can make it difficult to keep up with school work and grades. “I think [having a job] shows maturity and responsibility, and it teaches you to grow up and learn the value of money,” said senior Kyle Krzyk, who also works at McDonald’s. “Plus it’s always good to have your own money when you are with your friends. It’s also bad because there’s less time to do homework and study plus it’s a lot more stressful and tiring.” So while having a job can hurt students’ ability to do well in school and have a social life, students who are successful say using time wisely is the key. “It actually doesn’t affect my grades because I find time when my teacher says, ‘OK, this is what your homework is,’ I will do it right there in class, and if I have a quiz, I will study while I’m on break.”
Danielle Rodgerson and Azelyn Young enjoy working at the local McDonalds. Photo by Christian Reynolds
Candidates battle for White House Amber Bishop Staff Reporter Class of 2013
With the country so close to Election Day, there’s one very important question traveling among voters of America: Whom should I vote for? Only some students at St. James will be eligible to vote this year, but all students should be knowledgeable about the presidential candidates so that they can be prepared for the next election. This year, the two candidates are Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. Obama, the incumbent president, is the Democratic candidate, and has largely different views from Romney, the Republican candidate. In regards to the economy, Obama favors the repeal of Bush tax cuts for households that earn more than $250,000. He also wants to lower taxes on the manufacturing industry. In
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order to reduce deficit, he wants to cut spending and raise taxes on the wealthy. Romney plans to make Bush tax cuts permanent and lower corporate tax rate to 25 percent. He also wants to cut taxes and regulations to encourage business. To reduce the deficit, he wants to cut government spending by 5 percent. In 2010, Obama signed the healthcare overhaul bill, which calls for patient protections like allowing coverage for pre-existing conditions, not letting insurers cancel policies when patients get sick, and requiring individuals to buy health insurance or pay a fine. Romney created a similar legislation in Massachusetts but believes it’s not appropriate for the country and therefore wants to repeal it. He instead proposes encouraging individuals to purchase their own health insurance rather than via employers and allowing insurance across state lines. Concerning immigration, Obama
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supports a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants that includes learning English and paying fines. He also wants to toughen penalties for hiring illegal immigrants. He voted in support of putting a fence along the Mexican border and issued and executive order to not deport certain undocumented immigrants. Romney, however, takes a tougher stance on immigration and wants to “turn off the magnets like tuition breaks or other breaks that draw people into this country illegally.” Both presidents have policies they believe will repair America, but there are certain things that keep people from voting for them. Voters who favor Romney complain Obama has failed to fulfill many of the promises he made to America when he first ran for president, but Obama supporters criticize Romney for changing his views depending on his location.
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News
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Coach Fischer ‘runs through’ cancer Tanner Hale Print Editor Class of 2014 Gage Davis Editor in Chief Class of 2013 Just before Homecoming on Sept. 21, St. James head football coach Mark Fischer was diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer, but he hasn’t let it stop him. Despite undergoing regular treatment, Fischer has been on the sideline for games as he continues to coach his team through the season. Despite being on campus for only two years, Fischer has already made an incredible impact on his players and others, which made the diagnosis very difficult to take for students, especially his players. Fischer told his players immediately after the Homecoming game. “It was a shock and caught me off guard,” said senior Dylan Dennis. “Words really can’t describe the feeling I had when I heard the news,” said senior De’eante Salaam. “If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be playing football.” Fischer came to St. James from Louisa, Virginia, where he built a successful football program that won two state championships. Last year, Fischer and
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his players returned to the town to help in the recovery efforts after a major earthquake struck the area. Now, it is Fischer’s new school that is reaching out to offer him support, hope and love. St. James has offered its full support to Fischer, his wife, and two children, Mackenzie and Troy. Students and staff are helping in every way they can, from cooking meals to praying constantly. The St. James community has rallied around the coach with several campaigns and events. “Fist Up for Fischer” signs decorate the hallways during the school day and the stands during games. Coach Ricky Cox, who is filling in for Fischer as the head coach during the week, painted the football field with burgundy and pink ribbons and the “RTI” logo, which stands for “Run Through It.” On Oct. 28, there was a benefit breakfast to raise support for the Fischer Fund at the Beaver Bar. There are burgundy t-shirts and stickers on sale that feature the motto, “I am Strong and I am a Fighter,” which describes the coach’s attitude perfectly. Fischer’s unwavering determination in the face of his challenge is an inspiration to everyone on campus. Online editor Mckayla Monday also contributed to this article.
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The St. James community has rallied around football coach Mark Fischer and his family. Despite undergoing regular treatments, Fischer has continued to lead his team during games.
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News
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Campus shows love for Mrs. Lloyd Kathleen Schipano Staff Reporter Class of 2013 Robin Sackett Staff Reporter Class of 2013 When St. James opened its doors 10 years ago, Mrs. Debbie Lloyd moved from Socastee High School to assume the position as secretary to the principal. Ever since then, she has held that position with a welcoming smile. Students may see her performing many duties, including acting as a substitute nurse, answering the phone, scheduling appointments, or typing letters for Mr. Pennell. In September, Mrs. Lloyd was diagnosed with breast cancer, and only three weeks later she underwent surgery to have it removed. About one out of eight women in America will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in American women. However, in 2011 there were more than 2.6 million survivors in the U.S. All around the country people have united in order to raise awareness and donate funding to breast cancer research.
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At St. James students and staff have teamed up to support the cause as well. In past years, the Sharks have “pinked out” football games, set up informative booths, and put up displays to raise awareness. Now in dedication to Mrs. Lloyd, students and faculty wear ribbons strung with pink, hang encouraging signs in the hallways, and provide a helping hand to the Lloyd family at home. The St. James family offers support and encouragement as Mrs. Lloyd undergoes this journey. Mrs. Martin, a breast cancer survivor herself, offers her words of wisdom. “I think it puts things in perspective. It makes us realize how important family is, how precious life is, and how little things don’t matter,” Martin said. “Going through things like this, you think you can’t get through this, but you can. It makes you realize how strong you really are.” A student that worked closely with Mrs. Lloyd in the front office, senior Ariel Roebuck, says, “She is a strong woman, and she can get through anything. She’s not letting it stop her from living.” Mrs. Davenport, who has worked with her since the school opened, reflects on Mrs. Lloyd’s absence. “I miss her sunshiny face in the
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morning. She set the tone for the day with her smile.” The family that has grown at St. James will continue to support one another in the midst of trials such as Mrs. Lloyd’s battle with breast cancer.
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Opinion
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Should students leave campus for lunch?
YES
NO
Joshua Deas Anastasia Kasko Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Class of 2016 Class of 2016 As the school year progresses, we inevitably see and hear Students complain they aren’t given enough freedom students complaining about the school lunches here at St. during lunchtime. Personally I think there is just enough. James. This makes some ask, “Why can’t we leave campus to Illegal activities and accidents would occur more often if buy lunch on our own?” we were given permission to leave campus during lunch Students at many schools have this hours. privilege, and they use it to eat at local Sophomore Blake Ryan said, “People fast food restaurants of their choice. That can go get high and then come back to would be a great solution for our school. school and perform lousy.” “It would be a great idea, but some And he is right, we all know students would decide to take it to that there are kids who smoke and an advantage and just leave,” said drink. St. James does not promote or sophomore Christopher Atkinson. permit illegal activities. Giving kids While a handful may take advantage permission to leave the grounds and of it, the positives far outweigh the then come back to school would lead negatives. For the vast majority of to trouble. students, it would teach them important Teachers also don’t think it would be life skills, such as responsibility and the brightest idea. Mr. Kevin Randall, trust. The real-world experience would teacher, said, “I don’t think it would be ultimately lead to greater respect for a good idea because the school doesn’t teachers and administrators at our give students enough time to go out school. and eat and come back.” Some schools give the privilege of He is completely right. We don’t have leaving campus to only seniors, and this enough time to go down to the local would be a good place to start. Seniors McDonalds, wait in line, and then could leave for an extra five minutes actually eat. By the time we would get to get lunch at Mcdonald’s, Sonic, or our food, lunch period would almost somewhere else close to campus. be over. “I think it would be a great idea, but This leads us yet to another it could be even better idea if they let problem. Kids would be rushing to freshman do it, too,” said freshman get back to school on time, causing Donnie Becker. wrecks and accidents. Personally this Students eating out would help the is a meaningless debate in which the local restaurants, such as Chick-fil-a, students will not win. Taco Bell, and Japanese restaurants such The closest restaurant to campus is as Mon Café or Ichiros. Aromas, the pizza place at the St. James This would likely lead even more Plaza across the street. Kids would be of the chains to build locations close going there all the time, which would to campus, which would also provide lead to less revenue in school lunches. Students line up for food in the additional jobs for high school students. The quality of the food would decrease cafeteria. Some students think they An additional advantage would be the due to the loss of funding. should be able to leave campus for shortening of lines in the school cafeteria Kids who can’t drive are stuck with lunch, but others think it would only for those students who don’t leave for buying school lunch. Without funding, lead to problems. Photo by Joshua Deas lunch. Long lines in the cafeteria are the quality of lunch will go down always a problem, and ultimately it would leading to complains. The last thing St. help the lunch staff serve better food more quickly to more James needs to deal with is complaints about food. students here on campus. Lunch off campus is not only a terrible idea, but it also “I think that it’s a great idea and should be seriously thought creates a bad chain reaction. Better food is not worth a about; I would love to go off campus,” said sophomore Dean tardy to class, a downgrade in the quality of school lunches, Cathcart. or – most importantly – a car accident.
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November 2012
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Opinion
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Obsessions gone wild at St. James Devann Donovan Staff Reporter Class of 2014 Don’t call for an intervention just yet. Students of St. James have some crazy obsessions, but that seems to be the norm around here. Perhaps your obsession consists of a shrine to Justin Bieber or just a collection of memorabilia. This insane desire, according to the all-knowing dictionary, is called a compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea. But we think of it more as that annoying friend that won’t stop talking about who knows what. And when you get hooked, you do crazy things for what you love. Junior Josie Thompson says her obsession is the movie series “The Pirates of the Caribbean.” “The first time I saw the movies, I was totally hooked. It was like a cool fantasy unlike any other. Kids can pretend to be princesses, army guys and even pirates, but this was a different kind of pirate. Jack Sparrow was cunning, he was strategical, and he was awesome,” Josie said. “I’ve chosen ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ action figures over a new phone before. I have posters, bed sheets, and a mini Davy Jones chest with the movies, and I plan on adding more to my collection.” There seems to be no end for some. That desire to keep adding to the collection and spending your college fund on what others might see as useless junk actually has meaning to the obsessor. Lawson Thompson, also a junior, has a fancy for SpongeBob Squarepants. And her addiction started early. “I started watching it when I was young. It just makes me laugh so hard because I love that kind of ‘stupid funny,’ like the movie ‘Dumb and Dumber.’ SpongeBob makes me happy when I’m sad, no matter what. I even have a SpongeBob onesie! I love SpongeBob so much. I’m obsessed.” A childhood cartoon shaped Lawson’s life, and she honors him today. She doesn’t have a care in the world about what others think, even in her onesie. Junior Haley Olds has an obsession
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Junior Lawson Thompson(above) proclaims her love for SpongeBob. Junior Haley Olds (below) shows off her Harry Potter book and wand. Photo by Devann Donovan with the world famous Harry Potter franchise. But to her, it’s not just some book or a popular movie, its part of her life. “I’ve gone to the last few midnight premieres. I have plenty of fan stuff like a wand, all the books and movies, a robe and so much more,” Haley said. “What started my obsession was reading the books at a time when I really needed a place for my mind to wander off to.” What started out as a quick escape for her turned onto a lifelong journey. These “obsessions” can make you look pretty crazy sometimes, but the thing about being infatuated with what you love is that you honestly don’t care about anyone else’s opinion.
November 2012
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Opinion
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Students need more access to vending machines Erin Callahan Staff Reporter Class of 2016 Have you ever been in class and your stomach starts growling, and you can’t wait until lunch? Why not go to the venting machines? Oh yeah! Maybe because we are not allowed to go to the vending machines during class. Lots of St. James students wish that they could, and I agree with them. Sophomore Brandon Westling said, “Yeah, it would definitely be a good idea.” Freshman Sydney Baltenbach said, “I think that students should not be able to go to the vending machines during class because it would be a distraction to other students working.” I personally think that all St. James students should be able to go to the vending machines during class, but I agree that I would not want the food to distract the other students from learning. Freshman Kailyn Robertson said, “If one student was dying of thirst, or they had low
Students rush to buy snacks and drinks in between classes. Photo by Erin Callahan blood sugar or something, they should be able to go to the vending machines during class.” Exactly. What if someone did have a medical condition and they needed some food and couldn’t get it? Sophomore Lacey Benenhaley said, “It would be a good idea if you could go during class, because if students are full they will pay more attention to the class
and not about how hungry they are.” I agree with Lacey because if I am hungry and in class, I tend to not pay attention to the lesson. I pay more attention to when lunch will start. Many people believe that they would go to the vending machines during class, and that it would bring more money to the school. So overall, it would end up benefitting everyone.
Bullying impacts St. James students Christen Fletcher Staff Reporter Class of 2016
Sometimes size is an intimidating factor in bullying. Photo by Christen Fletcher
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Have you ever been bullied at school? Many people have different opinions about how much bullying goes on at St. James and how serious of a problem it is. More than half of the students I interviewed said that there is a lot of bullying at our school. Freshman Kailyn Robertson said, “I think there is a good amount of bullying in this school, and I think it should be stopped before it gets worse.” Some students think the total opposite. For example, sophomore Jonathon Lawley said, “There really isn’t a lot of bullying in this school, well not that I know of.” I don’t think there is a lot of bullying going on around the school, but just because I don’t see it does not mean it is
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not happening. This is why bullies don’t get in trouble as much as they should because teachers don’t see it either. “A lot of kids pick on me,” said sophomore Jacob Ziegler. “They say they are playing around but I don’t think they are.” Many people are being cyber-bullied, which means being bullied over the Internet. Some people bully over the web because they are too scared to do it in person. I think that it mostly happens on Facebook or other social networks. Freshman Tori Cluff said, “Once I was on the bus and people were throwing food at this one kid. I think it is because he was really small.” Many people bully someone smaller than who they are so they can feel cool. Bullying does not make you cool at all. If anything, it makes you look stupid.
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Entertainment
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Music affects heart, mind, and soul Audrey Dame Staff Reporter Class of 2015
For many St. James students, music is very important; whether it be punk rock, heavy metal, rap, or country, the meaningful lyrics and different instruments used to create a unique sound have a special place in their hearts. For one student in particular, music has changed him as a person. “Music has opened up my mind. It made me smarter, and it gives a good conversation,” said sophomore Jonathan Lawley. “I’ve played bass, guitar, and drums (on occasion) for about three years now. Every time I listen to some of my favorite bands, it just makes me want to play more music.” Jonathan practices with Nathan Nininger, who plays everything, Tim Schiraldi, who plays drums, and David Lee, who plays guitar as well. Jonathan says he wanted to play bass “Because everyone plays guitar and I just
Sophomore Jonathan Lawley plays his bass. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Lawley wanted to be different. Nirvana, Primus, Mister Bungle, Led Zeppelin, and Cliff Burton are some of my biggest influences. Playing music makes me feel happy on the inside.” For me, music has saved my life multiple times; it has been there for me in my many times of need. My favorite band, Say Anything, has the most meaningful music in my eyes. For every situation I’m in, they have a song that fits it perfectly, and I’ll listen to that one song until I get through
whatever I’m going through. I love all of their songs so much; I can’t pick a favorite. Junior Sarah Anne Quinn said, “My favorite band is also Say Anything. They’ve had the biggest impact on my life, there’s a song for every occasion. Like when I’m happy I listen to them, when I’m pissed off I listen to them. Music is a way of connecting with people all over the world. If you have nothing else to talk about, you can always talk about music.” St. James offers a number of music programs and courses for students, such as Piano, Chorus, Orchestra, and Band. Piano is good starter instrument, because students learn all the notes and chords they need in order to play another instruments if they choose to. All in all, whatever genre of music is your favorite, you can always find something in common with people, and you might even discover something new for you to enjoy. Like Sarah said, music is definitely a way to connect with people everywhere, and no matter what, it’ll always have an important place in people’s hearts.
Bands play video game themes Shaun Owens Staff Reporter Class of 2015 Music has been around since the dawn of time. From the banging of drums in the heart of Africa to the genius of Bach to today’s pop hit “Gangham Style.” As the world itself is forever changing, so the way we view music is constantly changing over long periods of time. Music is primarily used in two ways: It either entertains or creates a mood for a specific reason. Kids and teens around the globe listen to music, and it brings them together. Music transcends everything: nationality, gender, and religious views. Video games, a more recent phenomenom, are very similar. They entertain, tell stories, and even change players’ moods. Almost one third of the world’s population now engages in gaming. And when you combine video games and music, you get a masterpiece. Music
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The Ohio State marching band performs video game music. Photo courtesy of Ohio State in games creates so much emotion it can make you feel as if you’re not even yourself but someone greater. Now, marching bands across the country are combining traditional stylings with new video game theme music. These performances are becoming quite popular, especially on YouTube and other websites. “Sure, it’s a good idea,” said St. James band director Mr. Capps, though he did say it wouldn’t work well for actual
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competitions. On Oct. 6, the Ohio state band did its own tribute to some of the famous musical pieces from some of the greatest video game music of all time. Ohio State performed themes from Halo, Mario, Legend of Zelda and Tetris. Most avid gamers know that these titels have some of the most memorable soundtracks. So strike up the band, turn on the video game console, and enjoy.
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Entertainment
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Chorus joins with CCU for concert Jared Gentry Staff Reporter Class of 2014 On Oct. 9, the St. James high school chorus, chorale, and bel canto traveled to Coastal Carolina to partner with the university’s concert choir for a performance. The concert was held at Coastal Carolina Wheelwright Auditorium. “I enjoyed singing with Coastal’s choir; it was a great experience,” senior Caitlin Shuppy said. The St. James chorus, bel canto and chorale groups left the school at 12:30 and arrived at the university around 1 p.m. The singers relaxed in the student room where they played ping pong, pool, watched TV and played foosball as they waited for rehearsal. Junior Jillian Wilson said, “I enjoyed the campus, and I would like to go there.” Students then shifted and went to the
auditorium, where they rehearsed until 5 p.m. Later they were joined by the Coastal Carolina University’s concert choir. The pianist was Ms. Rebecca Rollins. The director of the Coastal choir was Francis T. Sinclair, and the director for the St. James choir was Mrs. Sandra Paschal. The doors opened at 7 p.m., the show started at 7:30, and it ended around 8:30. The groups sang a selections of songs, such as “I Thank You God,” “ Without Love,” “ Ogo Ni Fun Oluwa,” “All of Me,” “One Note Samba,” “Killing Me Softly with his Song,” “Rise on King Jesus,” “A Choral Flourish,” “The Silence and the Song,” “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “Pulaman,” “With a Lily in Your Hand,” “Innifree,” “ Exultate Justi,” “Rosas Pandan,” “Motherless Child,” “Water Ripples and Flow,” and “Der Tanz.” The two choirs joined to perform a spectacular show. Thanks to Mrs. Pas-
chal, bel canto, chorus, and chorale, and the Coastal Carolina University choir, the performance turned out to be an overwhelming success.
Orchestra displays talent at its best Anastasia Kasko Staff Reporter Class of 2016 The St. James Orchestra, directed by Mrs. Sullivan, practices throughout the entire school year to put on a total of two remarkable shows. The first show is during the winter season. Those who attend the concert will enjoy many Christmas songs that are played with precision and confidence by the crew. The second concert is very much like the winter concert. Students, also known as musicians, burst with confidence and skills with each piece they play. Sophomore Riley Gentz said, “I enjoy playing the violin and I play it all the time every day.” Not only is Riley enthusiastic about the violin, he also has a great deal of respect for Mrs. Sullivan. He said, “Mrs. Sullivan is a phenomenal teacher and I’m glad I have her. She knows exactly how teach and I couldn’t ask for anything more.” Mrs. Sullivan is proud of her growing musicians and she enjoys teaching each one of them. She said, “I want to share my
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Student cellos rest on a rack waiting to be played. Photo by Anastasia Kasko love of music with as many students as possible.” Mrs. Sullivan isn’t just a teacher of music, she teachers her students valuable life lessons and helps them get through difficult situations. Junior Jennifer Nold-White said, “Mrs. Sullivan, aside from being our conductor, is always there to listen to our problems even if they aren’t related to music, and [orchestra] is definitely my favorite class.”
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Students are always eager to show off their skills for others. A day after the winter concert, the St. James Orchestra will head over to a nursing home to play for the elderly. Freshman Austin Lavalley said, “I can’t wait to serenade the elderly with harmonies of our youth.” The St. James Orchestra works very hard to perfect their music pieces. Many of the members practice at home and readily ask questions when theyneed help. The orchestra is made up of many people, but in the end they’re a huge family. The concerts are spectacular, and students won’t be disappointed if they go and see one. The music is intermediate or above, so it isn’t exactly the easiest to learn them. However, each musician works hard to learn the music piece, and once it is learned, the effort then goes into making the song absolutely perfect. Those who enjoy being entertained and seeing students truly put their heart into something should come see these guys perform. They not only appear professional, but they sound professional, too.
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Sports
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Behind the seams of extreme ironing: You won’t be board Aspen Boyd Staff Reporter Class of 2014 Think you’re a sports fanatic? Wait until you discover the new extreme sporting phenomenon: Extreme Ironing. Sounds “ironic” right? This sport has spread like wild fire, circumnavigating the globe like Columbus on steroids. The official Extreme Ironing website describes it as “the latest danger sport that combines the thrills of an outdoor activity with the satisfaction of a well pressed shirt.” When I asked sophomore Collin Thomas what he thought Extreme Ironing is, he responded, “Is it like a sport for housewives, like extreme housewives?” When I explained to him what it actually is, his response was, “I can’t help but feel this trek would only make the clothes wrinklier. Extreme Ironing combines the adventures of all sports, mountain climbing, scuba diving, skate boarding, shark cage diving, and sky diving. All these sports can be made into Extreme Ironing, so long as you can carry an ironing board and an iron! And here are the top extreme ironing stunts around the world. England: Multi-Disciplinary Extreme Ironing The thrilling sport of Extreme Ironing was originated in England, so of course it makes sense that the Brits have mastered the art of some radical ironing spots. Japan: Speed Ironing on a Mountain Board Doing your chores the old fashioned way beginning to bore you? It did for a kid in Japan! This guy decided that the day-to-day ironing was too mainstream. Instead, he decided to iron his clothes while riding on his skate board down a mountain. U.S.A Ironing Transit, On Road and Over Water Sounds cray right? A couple guys
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from the U.S. came up with the bright idea to tie themselves to the side of a high speed van and attach a soldered ironing board. Then after a few close calls around a couple of bends, the van takes off into the water! The guys continue to iron their clothes while the van floats through the water. For these Massachusetts pranksters, that means double the trouble.
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Scotland: Street Level Emergency Ironing Think your parents are strict? Parents in Edinburgh, Scotland are taking things to the extreme. There is one man in Edinburgh whose job is to be on call to run after you in your suits and ties with his iron board in tow, just in case you find a wrinkle on the way to work. Austria: Rappel Ironing Seriously, some people should just not be given alcoholic beverages. A group of guys in Austria decided to get a bit tipsy and bungee jump off the side of their house while attempting to iron their clothes. England: Skydiving Ironing Championship Training Should I sky dive today… or should I iron my clothes? Well in England, it is actually acceptable to say, “Ello mate, whatch you say we go an iron ower clothes while jumpin out a areoplane several thousand feet up above the ground!?” So they began a championship competition in which men and women jump out of planes and iron their clothes as they descend. Egypt: Under Water Ironing Not only do these deep sea lovers go scuba diving, but they also enjoy an innovative place to iron their slacks! What better place than hundreds of feet under water? When asked what he thought Extreme Ironing was, a parent of one of the students responded, “Is it like a triathlon thing? Do they like jump hurdles to get to the irons then do some hard core, run under logs with an ironing board type of deal?” Then, Ashley Depalma, grade 12 at St. James, responded, “That’s really weird… I feel like I could be good at that sport.” As you can see from the list above, Extreme Ironing is not a sport to be taken lightly. People all over the globe are participating in this new world phenomenon. What crazy ironing stunts will St. James students invent?
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Girls’ Golf Senior Alexa Falvey led the Sharks to the state championship tournament for the first time in school history, where they finished 11th.
Sports
Volleyball The Sharks swam deep into the state playoffs behind the senior leadership of Hayley Settle, who will continue her playing career in college.
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Cross Country Individual champion Billy Krier led the boys to second in the region, and Samantha Cunningham paced the girls as they won the region championship.
Sharks fall sports recaps
Swimming Adam Stenger and Danny Quinn spearheaded the Sharks in the pool as they competed in the state championship meet in Columbia.
St. James High School
Football Austin Adams, Alan Crum and Josh Roper led the Sharks as they narrowly missed the playoffs with region wins over Wilson and North Myrtle Beach.
November 2012
Wyatt Schmidt Staff Reporter Class of 2016
Girls’ Tennis The Sharks patrolled the courts and caused a racket this fall, picking up wins over Conway, South Brunswick, and Lower Richland.
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