the JOURNAL
Learn about the military. Page 4
February 28, 2014
See how ‘green’ Southport is. Page 5
See a preview of next weekend’s spring play, ‘The Great Gatsby.’ Page 7
Issue 10, Volume XCII
Southport High School
971 East Banta Road
Indianapolis, IN 46227
Winter weather leads to longer school day starting on Monday The decision has been made on how to make up missed school days
by Abigail Barrett Reporter
{pollRESULTS} The Journal surveyed 115 students during iPass to see which of the options they were in favor of in order to make up the missed school days. Although the decision has been made to extend the school day, there were alternative options to make up the snow days. These were the results of the survey.
58% 21%
were in favor of extending the school day
were in favor of making up the days in June
14% 7%
were in favor of going on Saturdays
Photo by Britton Whitlock.
were neutral or didn’t care
This year’s bitter winter brought raging snow storms, slick main roads and back streets, subzero temperatures and several snow days with the possibility of Cheyenne more to come. The second Caldwell, week of January Senior brought one of the worst storms in 20 years, according to wthr. com. Several schools all across the state were closed due to this winter storm. Perry Township’s eight week summer would have been cut Chelsea Burnett, down to seven Sophomore weeks due to the makeup days from the vicious winter, if not for a new option that will occur instead. “We have to make up our days, bottom line, and there are four that we have to make up,” said Dr. Tom Little, Superintendent of Perry Township. This year, we have missed a record
breaking seven days of school. The first of the four makeup days was made up on President’s Day, and the rest of the makeup days were originally set for the Friday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after the original last day of school. Now, those days will be made up within the existing school days by adding 36 minutes to each school day. This method is called ‘bank time.’ The Department of Education for the state of Indiana granted Perry Township the option of ‘bank time’ for this year only. This provided an opportunity that could not easily be given up when taking standardized testing and commencement into consideration, according to Little. He received feedback from parents around the district having similar concerns. Little also wanted to make sure that mornings were not disrupted, and students would not have to get up even earlier to make it to school 36 minutes earlier rather than staying 36 minutes later. “Local businesses, such as Kroger, were asking us not to have school on Saturdays because that would disrupt their operation due to all the students that work on Saturdays,” Little said. A benefit to this plan is the effect it has on AP classes and the tests they take and students taking ECA tests. The AP tests and ECA tests are not going to be moved to another date. And, the loss of instructional time due to the snow days has had an effect on the classes and the material they are able to cover. Now, students will have most, if not all, of their class time back before the AP and ECA tests take place. (Story continued on page 2)
Speech team faces setbacks before sectionals The team tries to pull together before their meet tomorrow by Garkhor Kulia Reporter This year, the Southport High School Speech Team has missed three meets. Three meets may not seem like much, but those meets could have made the difference between Donna Knight, placing and go- Speech team ing on to State or co-captain being left behind. Three missed meets means three lost opportunities to get better with critiques from judges. Three lost meets means three lost chances to perfect a piece. Three chances to get more points Anna Laws, Speech team were lost. The weather co-captain has not only cancelled the meets for the team, but the ability for them to practice their individual events. “We as a team will have to practice, practice, practice and practice for the remaining time,” Speech Team coach Ms. Sara Berghoff said. Missing these meets due to the bad weather has not been the only obstacle that they have faced. They face a
lack of experienced members to train the novice members that have joined the ranks. Many members have lost interested and quit the team altogether while the weather was a damper. The team’s influx of novice members has been hard on the small team. Every new member must go through an orientation and undergo training for their specific events. Training for these events can entail learning about the different ways to use hand gestures and body language according to Berghoff. Senior and speech team co-captain Donna Knight knows first hand how difficult it can be to train new team members. New members have to first pick an event out of the 14 event options that are available in Speech, all of which have different amounts of preparation time, according to Knight. “You have to find the right event for (novice members),” Knight said. “They have to decide what event they even want to do, which can be a tough decision.” The novice members have to train and practice for their events, and with meets being cancelled, they lose valuable experience and miss out on getting critiqued by judges. Knight’s counterpart, senior and co-captain Anna Laws, also feels that the team members are behind for being this far into their season. She believes that the team is not as strong as they could or should be. “Pretty much everyone right now, all the new members, are not to the level that they should be (at), as of this part of the season,” Laws said. “The whole atmosphere of competition this year is a lot different from last year just because of missing meets.” Even through the unexpected setbacks, the team is still working together to come out strong and qualify for the State competition.
Juniors Lydia Upton and Morgan Ray practice the duo that they will perform at the meet tomorrow. They will be performing an abridged version of the musical “Annie.” Photo by Jesse Roller.
{speechEVENTS}
Members of the speech team perform in different speaking events. Here’s a list of the events they can choose from:
INTERPRETATION (ACTING) Drama or Humorous Interpretation-Students memorize selections from plays, short stories, essays or novels. Duo-Two speakers work together presenting a selection from a play, short story or novel. Prose-Students prepare a short selection taken from a novel, short story or essay. This can be read from a manuscript. Poetry-Students prepare a piece of poetry focusing on a single theme. It must include two or more poems. Original Performance-Students write and perform their own material, such as a poem, play, essay or brief story.
PUBLIC ADDRESS Original Oratory-Students write and memorize a speech focusing on individual concerns or an issue they find interesting or important. Declamation-Students memorize a speech written and delivered by another person. Impromptu-Students are given a word, quotation, or current events question 30 seconds before they speak, and then give a 5 minute speech on it. Extemporaneous Speaking-Students give speeches up to 7 minutes long answering a current issues question.
MASS MEDIA Broadcasting (Radio)-Students present newscasts, commercials, editorials and on-the-spot newscasts over a microphone to a judge in another room.
ARGUMENTATION Discussion-Students perform a discussion on current events using a problem solving format. Congress-Students model a Congress Legislative session.
2
Foreign Language
February 28, 2014
{CNDah lawmman hmutute} Chin National day ah khan a hnuai a tarlan ho hi lawmman pek anni
Essay Lawmman: 1st Prize: Esther Sang Michigan 2nd Prize: Htoo Thu Indianapolis 3rd prize: Thiam Remmawi Michigan
Community Award :
Daniel A. Moriarty Trustee of Perry Township Government Thankio Hengcin Board member of CCI Chin TV BACI CYO ICYCF CCN
Paih (Wrestling): Ram Nuam Sang Tial Cung Thang Challenge
snow day make up (Continued from page 1) “Adding seven minutes to each class period is less of a hassle than four days onto the end of the year, and we get the extra class time to help us before ECA and AP testing,” sophomore Chelsea Burnett said. Burnett will be taking the English 10 ECA test and the AP test for World History. “I understand that I’m going to make somebody unhappy and others I will make happy,” Little said. “But, I have to make the best decision based on meeting the educational needs of the students.” Little and The Assistant Superintendent for Career Preparation for Perry Township, Mr. Bob Bohannon, have met with several groups of people over the past few weeks ranging from students at both Southport and Perry Meridian High School, parents, staff, members of the community and even business owners to discuss which plan they think to be most beneficial and how it will affect them and others related to them. Other plans that were proposed were to add 20 minutes to the end or beginning of the school day or cut into spring break. Adding only 20 minutes would mean that the extended school days would last until the end of the school year. If they were to take away from spring break, vacations and other plans would be compromised when they have already been scheduled or committed to. “If commencement was going to be moved, I would have had to tell family and friends to reschedule and ask for more time off work,” senior Cheyenne Caldwell said. Caldwell says that she will not be much affected by the addition of 36 minutes to the school day. Her work shift does not start until around 4 p.m., and the additional time is more adssvantageous than having commencement be moved farther into the summer. This new schedule will benefit students and staff in more ways than one. Commencement will stay on May 30 instead of being moved if the days in June were the makeup days still. This is beneficial to seniors so they do not miss college orientations or other preparatory time for college, according to Little.
Chin National Day lawmna Chin National Day vawi 66 na chu hlawhtling taka hman ani by Janet Tluang Reporter Mizo Chin National Day a vawi 66 na chu Southport Life Center ah, February ni 22 ah khan hlawhtling taka hman a ni. He hun lawmna hi, Chin Community Of Indianapolis (CCI) ho in a an buatsaih a ni a, He hun ah hian, hnam lam chi hrang hrang te, hnam thawmhnaw lan tirna te leh hnam zai chi hrang hrang te nen lawm ani. CCI Vice President, Pu Ro Dinga chuan Chin National Day Dr. Ro Dinga hlawhtling taka CCI Vice an hmang theih President hi a lawm hle thu a sawi.He hun hmang thei tur hian, sponsor tam tak ten an sum leh pai te an pe a. Chin National Day hlawhtlng taka an siam theih na tur hian, nikum Nelly San October 2013, Sophomore atang in ro an rel tana, tin he mi atan hian cheng 12,000 dollar in an hmang ani. Chin National Day lawm chhan bulpui pahnih a awm a, a pakhat na chu kum 66 kal ta Feb 20, 1948 ah khan, Burma chuan zalenna British sawrkar atang in an dawng a, chin hill te leh chin mi zawng zawng kha eng tin nge an in awp don, tun hma
ang in Lal te an awm dawn nge, democracy dik tak in ro an rel don nge, tih in an sawi ho a. A tam zawk in a democracy dik taka kal an duh avangin tun thleng pawh in Chin National Day hi hman theih ani. A pawimawih na pahnih chu, Chin mi tamtak te hi America a kan awm a, kan ram leh kan pian na hi theih nghilh a awl em em, a bik in kan thangthar tleirawl te tan, nimahsela he hun lawmawm hian kan ram leh hnam pawimawh na min hriat thar tir zel a ni, tiin Pu Dinga chuan a sawi. “Kan chhuahna hmuh leh kan ram thawmhnaw mawi te hi kan ram lehhnam ti nung tu an ni a, he hun lawmawm kan hmang theih loh chuan, kan fe te leh kan tu te hian an theihnghilh ang tih a hlauhawm em em a ni” tiin Pu Ding an a sawi.
Chin, Mizo leh Kuki te hi chu India ram a awm ho tam tak te leh ram dang ho tam takin a min hriat dan ani a, Nimahsela, chu mi hnuai ah chuan hnam lian tak tak an a, tawng dang te leh hun lawmna dang te pawh an nei teuh a, mahse Chin National Day hi chu kum khata vawikhat chiah hnam leh ram te zawng zawng kal khawm a kan hman theihna ni a nih a vang in, tun hun ron kal zel tur ah pawh kan lawm zel ka beisei, tiin Pu Dingan a sawi. Chin TV Manager, Justin Thang sawi dan chuan, tun kum hi a vawi ruk hnam fashion show a organize na a ni a, Anna Zing, pawlsawm pahnih zirlai, Perry high sikul a kal mek in a puih hle thu pawh a sawi. Chin National Day Fashion Show zirtur hian, thla hnih lai hun an hmang a ni.Tun kum fashion show hi a dang em em a, a dang ka chu nidang ang lo tak in, fashion show ah lam an telh vang ani. Fashion show ah hian hnam lam pali an nei a, hakha lam pahnih : lautu leh
CND lawm na ah hian , hnam lam , hnam thuam lanhtirna leh hnam inbuan “Paih” te an telh ani. Thla la tute: Janet Tluang leh Biak Sang. mara, hakha leh mizo te an ni. “Kan zirlai te pawn buaina chu kan nei zeuh zeuh a, mahse kan hria tur chu kei mah ni lam a ni lo a, kan thuamhnaw hmuh tur te kha tha tak a hmuh theih tura tha taka kan zir theih na tur a ni zawk,” tiin Thang in a sawi. Pawlsawm zirlai Nelly San sawi dan chuan, hnam fashion show hi a vawikhat kal na ni a, a zam hle
thu pawh a sawi. He mi ni ah hian, mipui te hmuh theih tur in falam kawr a ha a, Matu hnam mi mahse, hnam leh ram dang te hi kan in ngaih thei a ni tih show na tur in falam thuam a ha a ni, “Ka damlo a vang in, fashion show ah ka tel leh theih loh ka hlau em em a, mahse chu tiang em em a dam lova ka tel leh theih a vang in ka lawm a ni,” tiin San in a sawi.
Una lengua nueva: vale la pena tudiantes y los profesores estén familiarizados con los Chromebooks y la mejor manera de utilizarlos en el aula de clase. Los Chromebooks ofrecen nuevas posibilidades para las tareas interactivas y más acceso a los materiales auténticos en español. Los estudiantes son capaces de colaborar en línea así como completar y entregar tareas mediante su Google Drive. Ahora los estudiantes tienen la capacidad de participar en las conversaciones grabadas entre los estudiantes y las computadoras para poner a prueba su dominio del idioma oral. Estas son conversaciones generalizadas que sirven como práctica para la parte de discurso del Examen AP. Español 4 AP ofrece muchas oportunidades para divertirse. A través de la música, los estudiantes se involucran más en la cultura de los países hispanohablantes.
Aunque la clase de Español AP es difícil, tiene sus beneficios Por: Katie Patterson, Nickolas Cantrell and Luther Starks Las clases de AP son difíciles, y las de español no son una excepción. Como cualquier clase de AP, español tiene sus propios desafíos, según sophomore, Elizabeth Peters. La nueva tecnología que se utiliza en la clase puede crear mucha confusión porque es desconocida para la mayoría de los estudiantes. Aunque es difícil superar los obstáculos y cumplir las tareas exigentes, el rigor del currículo construirá carácter y producirá oportunidades gratificantes para los estudiantes, Darren Dixon según Peters. Cuando se les Senior preguntó acerca de la dificultad del curso, la profesora Sra. Powell, senior Darren Dixon, junior Micah Harvey-King y sophomore Peters parecen estar de acuerdo Micah Harveyque la clase es King más difícil que Junior creen algunas personas. Según Powell, acostumbrarse al uso de las secciones de lectura e interpretar materiales auténticos pueden ser difíciles, especialmente Elizabeth cuando van Peters acompañados del Sophomore nuevo formato de
“Me encanta cantar las canciones y hablar en español,” HarveyKing dijo. “Cada nuevo capítulo que se introduce tiene algunas nuevas canciones que correlacionan con la gramática o el vocabulario que estamos aprendiendo. La Sra. Powell siempre tiene un chiste diario en español, así que siempre es divertido”.
En su clase de Espanol IV, sophomore Elizabeth Peters (izquierda) y senior Frances Egler (derecha) estudian en sus libros. Foto por Katie Hinh. las preguntas del Examen AP.
Las secciones auditivas son difíciles para muchos estudiantes, según Peters.
“Es difícil entender lo que dicen, con el habla rápida y los dialectos”, Harvey-King dijo. Estas selecciones de audio por lo general corren tan rápido que son difíciles de comprender, y dependiendo de la región de dónde viene la persona que habla, pueden utilizar terminología desconocida y pronunciar palabras de manera diferente, creando un poco de confusión para los estudiantes”.
Para los estudiantes, el hablar es la parte más desafiante de aprender un idioma porque hay que escuchar, comprender, y re-
sponder sin tener mucho tiempo para reflexionar.
“Es la espontaneidad de hablar que me da problemas, Dixon dijo. “No lo puedo comprender completamente. Hablar en español con fluidez es un desafío verdadero cuando no es su idioma nativo.” Los Chromebooks nuevos, en ocasiones, provocan un dilema porque los estudiantes a veces se enfrentan con complicaciones técnicas. Sin embargo, este es el primer año en que se han utilizado los Chromebooks, y con el tiempo y experiencia, Powell espera que la incorporación de la tecnología en la clase sea más fácil. Es una cuestión de ensayo y error hasta que los es-
En general, las habilidades que se aprenden en Español 4 AP son valiosas para los estudiantes. Le han ayudado a Harvey-King a cumplir los requisitos para un viaje de estudio a la ciudad de León, España. “Voy a León en el mes de junio por 7 semanas,” Harvey-King dijo. La clase de español 4 le ha ayudado a ser suficientemente proficiente en español para participar en un programa de estudio al extranjero en España como parte de Indiana University Honors Program in Foreign Languages. Aunque desafiante, el curso de Español 4 AP les ayuda a los estudiantes a ser competentes en leer, escribir, y hablar en español, y según Powell, vale la pena trabajar mucho y sobresalir en el idioma para proporcionar oportunidades adicionales de empleo como un candidato de trabajo bilingüe.
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February 28, 2014
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4
Student Life
February 28, 2014
Soldier to study and serve
Air Force to secure future
Graduate joins military to both help country and make a career
Senior hopes to utilize military service for college plans
by Delaney Bucker Reporter
by Delaney Bucker Reporter
Departing on June 2 and not returning home until Dec. 20, first semester graduate Ashley Macy is waiting for the day she will begin her training and become part of the Army, where she plans to make her career. Ashley Macy, “It’s a good Graduate way to get you to college and figure out what you want to do,” Macy said. She decided to join the Army Reserve because the Reserve allows soldiers to live civilian lives while still serving their country, and Macy plans to attend full time college while in the reserves. Macy grew up with family members in the military and always knew she wanted to be a part of it. “I think it is a very honorable thing and is a proud moment for everyone in the family,” said Mr. David Von Tress, former E-4 in the Air Force and Macy’s cousin. “It’s not easy but with hard work and attention to detail, she will do well.” After the first step, basic combat training, which lasts for nine weeks in Fort Sill, Okla., Macy will attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT) classes that will teach her the specifics of the job she will have on base. Macy plans to become a behavioral health specialist. She will assess patients, who will include soldiers, their families and retirees, before they are seen by a psychiatrist. Macy will begin her job after training and AIT. In the Reserve, soldiers work one weekend per month and two straight weeks in the summer. At the same time, Macy will be attending medical school at IUPUI and will major in either biology or biomedical science. With a degree, Macy is eligible to become an Army officer and receive and increase in rank, pay and responsibility. Officers work a full time job with the Army in highly specialized fields. “The officers that are in my life right now are successful, helpful and they make you want a military career,” Macy said. “Seeing how good they have done with the military and how much they like it just makes you want to do more.” Macy plans to become an officer and eventually retire from the Army. Retiring can be done after 20 years of service. Macy plans to continue signing with the Army until she has reached 20 years. The Army will teach her things she won’t be able to learn anywhere else, Macy says. True respect and loyalty are things that Macy believes she can only experience through the Army.
With six months of service already under his belt, senior Grant Alexander is already well on his way to building a solid foundation for his upcoming job in the Air Force. Alexander hopes his future training and early assigned military Grant job will help to mature him before Alexander, he goes out into Senior the real world. “The Air Force is a good way to get your life together,” Alexander said, “because I wasn’t really ready to go to college yet.” After his service years are completed and he does go to school, he will not have to worry about the money that is needed for college because it will be granted to him for his service. Alexander will depart on Sept. 9 for basic military training (BMT), lasting eight-and-a-half weeks in San Antonio, Texas. BMT will teach basic war skills and all other necessary Air Force expertise. Although all who plan to go into the Air Force attend the same basic training, the next step, technical school, is more specialized training for specific jobs. “It’s like an apprenticeship almost,” Alexander said. “You learn it, and then you go out and see it done. And, then from there, it just goes on and you go do it yourself.” At technical school, Alexander will learn hands on how to be an Air Force contracting specialist. A contractor is the businessman of the Air Force and the one who purchases goods and services to support the base, according to airforce.com. After just 40 days of technical school, Alexander will earn an associate degree from his experience. When BMT begins, Alexander will be on “active duty,” which is on-thejob work. Alexander must have four years of both active and inactive duty. Because he was given his job in advance, he has been on inactive duty since Aug. 21, 2013. Inactive duty is the part of the Air Force that doesn’t have day-to-day duties, but if some kind of crisis were to arise, inactive soldiers would be called in to do what is commanded of them. After the Air Force, Alexander does not know exactly what he wants to do. He says that he will definitely go to college, especially since he won’t have to worry about the expenses. Overall, Alexander believes that going into the Air Force will help him get a better grasp on his life and create a picture of what he wants to do later down the road.
Graduate and airman Alexander Smith forms up for a briefing during basic military training. As a part of basic training, recruits do a simulation of field deployment. Photo contributed by Smith.
Basic training proves challenge
Graduate advises military-bound students about BMT by Sierra Sullivan Reporter
Southport High School 2011 graduate and current airman Alexander Smith left behind his close bond with his family and his comfort zone in order to protect and serve his country. Before soldiers become soldiers, the first step they Alexander must take is to complete the rig- Smith, Airman orous process of basic military training (BMT). BMT is used to test soldiers’ mental and physical capabilities and to strengthen their weaknesses. Smith found his experience in BMT to be demanding and emotionally taxing but believes the discipline is worth it. Training differs based on which branch a soldier is enlisted in, however the fundamentals of basic training remain the same. High school students interested in joining the military, like Smith, or making it a career, like social studies teacher Mr.
David Luers, can expect emotional and physical challenges throughout the whole process. Smith was sent to Air Force BMT on Nov. 25, 2013. Traveling away from home and not knowing what would happen left Smith feeling a lot of different emotions, but especially anxiety. “I’d say (how you feel) differs for each person and depends a lot on the kind of lifestyle (students) live before (they) join,” Smith said. Smith graduated BMT on Jan. 27, 2014. After enduring the lengthy process, Smith now knows the prerequisites that it takes to gain entrance into Air Force basic training. Air Force BMT lasts for six and a half intense weeks followed by a tech school for certain specialities. “As for preparation, I ran a lot,” Smith said. “I enjoyed running and put in a few miles every day, if not every other day.” The first week proved to be the hardest for Smith. Soldiers in BMT don’t get to have any contact with family members except for about three or four times during the whole training process. Everything was stripped from Smith, leaving him feeling like nothing more than a verbal punching bag for his Military Training Instructors (MTI). “It’s hard and emotions were heavy,” Smith said. “I missed my little brothers and sister, and they missed me.” Smith says he found himself reading letters multiple times, trying to visual-
{militaryTIMELINE} Decide a Branch
Take an Oath of Enlistment
Visit a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) and pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude
Meet with MEPS career Counselor to determine career choice
Delayed Entry Program
GILA gives valuable lessons to students
Student organization teaches military system and how to lead by Britton Whitlock Reporter
Every Wednesday after school, students in GILA (Guardians of Indiana Leadership Academy) don their uniforms and practice formations, color guard techniques and leadership skills. These students meet every week to learn about the branches of the military and employ methods actually used in combat. GILA prepares students to use discipline and leadership in their future lives, even if they aren’t planning on going into the military, according to senior Kodi Raisor and sophomore Morgan Edwards, both of whom are GILA members. Raisor was sworn into the military and is going to basic training after high
school. He has been a part of GILA since his freshman year, and he says that GILA has helped him learn about ranking, cadet systems and all the details of the military that will later help him to promote through the ranks. What students learn can help them promote through the ranks but only if they apply what they learn, according to GILA executive director Mr. Richard Redell. “It isn’t enough to just say that you were a part of GILA,” Redell said. “You have to apply what you learned, especially leadership skills, and if you can do that, moving through the ranks will be easier for you than someone who comes in with no prior knowledge of leadership.” Edwards says that she plans on going to the Air Force, which requires a lot of work in and out of school, like getting good grades and obtaining a pilot’s license. She credits GILA with not only preparing her for her future in the Air Force, but with helping her become an extroverted, confident person.
Pass a Physical Examination Go to Basic Training aka Boot Camp
Direct Shipment After MEPS
ize the events described to him in the letter. Smith went for BMT during a time that caused him to miss holidays, birthdays and even Christmas, making it a strenuous time for him and his loved ones. Smith says that other than communication issues, the physical aspect was also difficult. As a part of BMT, Smith went through Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training (BEAST), in which basic trainees have to put everything they’ve learned thus far regarding combat training into practice by participating in a simulated deployment. “Really, it’s just spending a week sleeping in dirty sleeping bags with dirty clothes on, on dirty cots next to dirty guys,” Smith said. “Plus, it was freezing.” It was moderately hard at first for him to transition to such strict discipline, according to Smith. He believes that high school graduates who plan on pursuing a career in the military will have an easier time if they are used to strict rules. Luers also went through Army Basic Training, which eventually led him to being a drill sergeant. “I got to be the one doing the yelling as opposed to being yelled at,” Luers said. Luers also agrees that the lack of communication is one of the hardest components during the whole process of basic training. However, both Luers and Smith agree that they would do it all over again if they had the chance.
Become an Officer
“Before I joined GILA, I was really quiet and shy,” Edwards said. “GILA is leadership based. We learn how to be leaders and help each other, and that has helped me get the courage and resources to get where I want to be.” In GILA meet- GILA cadets do “Raisor push-ups” at the Southport Masonic Lodge on March 2, 2013. The unusual ings, the directors push-ups were named by senior Pvt. Kodi Raisor. Photo contributed by Morgan Edwards. train the students or even plan to go on, to a branch of the them participate in Community Emerto be leaders by making them help the military. The program helps students gency Response Team (CERT) training, other students or control a drill even if in their everyday lives as well, making where they learn how to help the comthey’ve never been to a meeting be- them better workers and all-around munity in a dangerous situation, which fore. While there are military officials better people, according to Redell. also helps their resumés and other present who guide the students, the “A lot of cadets go out and get good things as well.” students teach each other skills and jobs and they can put this on a resumé,” Since 2007, Southport High School leadership by helping each other run Redell said. “It’s community service. has graduated 26 students who went drills and lead the groups, according They’re volunteering their time after on to join the military and are doing to Raisor. school and over the summer. Most of well, according to Redell. Not all students who join GILA go on,
Features
HOW GREEN IS OUR SCHOOL?
Advancements shed light on environmental efficiency at Southport by Casey Smith Features Editor
Seventeen thousand water bottles may not be enough to circumnavigate the globe, but at Southport High School, it’s an accurate example of how environmentally friendly the students and staff are becoming. In the span of just nine months, those 17,000 water bottles saved approximately $15,000 in plastic and 38 years Dr. Linda Greer, worth of landfill Environmental space, according Health Expert to the Environmental Protection Agency. Since construction of the school building began in the Fall of 2012, Southport’s energy reports prove that the school has Mr. Jack indeed become Chin, much more enGreen School ergy efficient. Initiative Board However, the ef- Chairman fectiveness of Southport’s improvements may be worthy of analysis, and the long term benefits are still up for questioning. Southport’s upgrades are expected to be Ms. Kathy more cost effi- O’Brien, cient and oper- Environmental ate for longer Council of the amounts of time, States according to the Perry Township Improvement Plan. Energy efficient light fixtures, new heating and cooling systems and choosing more toxic free materials are some of the major changes seen after the construction, according to the improvement plan. Walk out of most new classrooms for more than ten minutes, and one may notice that the lights will automatically go off. These motion-censored lighting systems are built to be environmentally efficient, and according to the township improvement
February 28, 2014
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{getINVOLVED}
Interested in minimizing your carbon footprint? Southport offers a variety of opportunities to get you started. Green Earth Society Meetings every Friday in Ms. Musik’s room after school (Room 281).
Key Club Thursday meetings See Mr. Sanders (Room 138).
plan, will also save the school money. Managing temperatures throughout the building are also becoming more cost efficient, and the newer technology is expected to be more reliable. The Green School Initiative, an environmentalist organization based in Berkley, Calif., works to transform schools into models of sustainability for communities and recommend various actions to improve the health standards of different facilities. Mr. Jack Chin, a member of the Green School advisory board, has stressed that many schools leave large carbon footprints, warranting a need for environmental awareness amongst schools. “The goals of a green school are to measure and reduce its ecological footprint, while making the school environment healthier for students and staff,” Chin said. “We need to get the community thinking about solutions to the environmental problems we have to face together.” Southport has shifted to more energy efficient maintenance systems, and according to Chin, this is a crucial first step in the improvement process. Still, the new additions to the school building shed light on other ways that Southport can work its way towards becoming an environmentally friendly facility. There is always room for improvement however. Southport’s “green school” rating can only continue to improve, according to the Environmental Council of the States. Having evaluated hundreds of schools over the past ten years, Ms. Kathy O’Brien of the Environmental Council of the States believes that Southport should focus on commencing more environmental programs that encourage student involvement. “Schools are for the students,” O’Brien said. “If kids become more aware of the environment around them, they’re influenced to care about keeping it clean.” Promoting options like organic lunch foods, purchasing recycled school materials and requiring hours of community service will lend a helping hand to the school’s efficiency, according to O’Brien. More importantly, O’Brien believes that student involve-
National Honors Society (By nomination only)
See Mrs. Ferguson (Room 249) or Mr. Sanders (Room 138).
ment is beneficial for students and teaches life lessons for staying environmentally cautious in the future. In addition to the efficiency benefits, these improvements have a high potential to also promote a more positive learning environment for students. Dr. Linda Greer, an environmental health expert for the Natural Resources Defense Council, is adamant that adequate air quality and climate control aid students in the classroom. “Better indoor air quality and optimally lit areas have proved to be increasingly valuable in today’s schools,” Greer said. “It’s clear, through my research that ensuring clean air and less artificial lighting is really going to show (Southport) some benefits of becoming environmentally conscious.” “Daylighting,” as it’s referred to, is used to describe an increased volume of daylight in the school building. This could be one of Southport’s greatest advancements, thus far, according to Greer. In areas such as the grand hallway, the increase of natural light into classrooms can promote overall health and physical development, and over time, raise classroom performance and test scores. Southport (unofficially) scores a seven out of ten, according to the Green School Initiative proficiency evaluation. Greer says that although there is understandable room for improvements, she believes Southport is on the fast track to become an ideal, and environmentally aware, public school to duplicate. “Every school across the country could improve on something,” Greer said. “But, Southport is aware, and Southport is fortunate enough to be on the fast track to becoming a much more environmentally friendly home for learning.” Southport’s construction has yet to be completed. As changes to the school continue, an increase in environmental efficiency is expected to be seen. Southport may not have a perfect “green school” score now, but with time, the improvements are expected to benefit students, and become a model for other schools to duplicate.
WATER: 1,500 water
bottles are consumed in every one second in the U.S.
RESOURCES: The U.S. is 5% of the world’s population but uses 25% of its natural resources. We use one million gallons of oil every two minutes.
AIR: The average
American breathes 3,400 gallons of air each day, making ambient air pollution a major environmental problem.
PAPER: Each person
in the U.S. uses about 749 pounds of paper each year. Facts from www.eia.gov
Terra Cotta Warriors prepare to visit Indianapolis Ancient Chinese relics to appear at the Children’s Museum by Christina Hemphill Reporter
Chinese preservationists prepare the Terra Cotta Warriors for the upcoming departure to the U.S. Photo contributed by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Terra Cotta Warriors from Ancient China will be in Indianapolis soon at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. The Warriors were built by ancient China’s first emperor 2200 years ago, according to Ms. Leslie Ollsen, part of public relations of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. He built them to guard him in his afterlife. Two thousand soldiers have been discovered, but as many as eight thousand are expected to be hiding under Shaanxi Province of China. Ollsen says the CEO and president of the Children’s Museum, Dr. Jeffrey Patchen, has been negotiating with China’s government for several years to bring the warriors to show off to the Midwest. He wanted them here because he is very interested in China. The Warriors are coming May 10 and staying until Nov. 2 of this year. Ollsen says that this is the same time another exhibit is opening about modern day China. That exhibit will be called “Take Me There, China” and will be there for three years. The Terra Cotta Warrior Exhibit will be at the Children’s Museum for six months because the Warriors are only allowed in one country at one
time for a year. created so long ago: why it quickly “There will be eight authentic, evaporated, and how it is now being real warriors,” Ollsen said, “and preserved,” Patchen said. about one hundred other artifacts The Warriors that are still being or replicas from China.” discovered today are being taken The exhibit is paying special at- out much more carefully to preserve tention to people of all ages. Ollsen the paint on the faces. One Warrior says that there will be many differ- head that still has the ancient paint ent interactive displays for children on it will be at the Children’s Muand adults. seum. Ollsen says that it is very rare Patchen says to still have paint that the muon it and even seum is doing more rare for it CHINA’S many “firsts” to be let out of TERRA COTTA when it comes the country. to the Terra This is the first WARRIORS Cotta Warriors. time the Warriors One of the main will be in a famThe Children’s Museum of things he is exily museum. The Indianapolis cited about is museum hopes figuring out the to open up the On display: May 10- Nov. 2 science behind world for young the paint of the visitors to come Tickets: Warriors. The and see artifacts Call: 317-334-3322 soldiers were that people may www.childrensmuseum.org brightly handnever get the oppainted with portunity to see. paint made from “We want the minerals available at that time. children and families to learn and “When they uncovered them, the develop a deep appreciation for paint evaporated almost instanta- what a complex and valuable place neously,” Ollsen said. in history these treasures hold.” The paint started to flake off al- Patchen said. most right after the Warriors were Patchen and the other workers of dug out, according to Ollsen. This the Children’s Museum of Indianapwas because they were underground olis are excited to bring the Terra for so long and when the lacquer in Cotta Warriors to the U.S. and teach the paint was exposed to dry air, it the history of the priceless, Chinese started to curl and come off. artifacts to people of all ages, ac“We explore how the paint was cording to Ollsen.
6
Reviews
February 28, 2014
Movie
Food
Concert
Book
Music
Game
‘Oxymoron’ turns out to be a hit {releaseRADAR}
Book: “Panic,” by Lauren Oliver, March 4
Album: Rick Ross, “Mastermind,” March 4
Movie: “Mr. Peabody and Sherman,” March 7
Movie: “300: Rise of an Empire,” March 7
Game: “Yoshi’s New Island,” (3DS), March 14 Photos from impawards.com, wikipedia. com, amazon.com, gamefly.com and prettymuchamazing.com.
Schoolboy Q’s newest album drops with a good beat and a bang
by Brooklyn Raines Reporter West Coast gangsta rap is back. Schoolboy Q, the last member added into the black hippy movement, released his third studio album, “Oxymoron,” on Tuesday. His two previous projects, “Setbacks” and “Habits and Contradictions,” will always remain on my playlist and brought Schoolboy Q popularity. “Oxymoron” was highly anticipated by many. It peaked 16th on Complex Magazine’s list of “most anticipated albums of 2013.” However, legal problems pushed the album back, and it was released much later than the original date. When I finally listened to it, I realized the wait was worth it. “Oxymoron” opens up with “Gangsta,” a grimy, hard-hitting record that is filled with heavy, influenced, trap beats. The track’s in your face from start to end. It embodies Schoolboy Q’s style and is the perfect track to start off with. The next track, “Los Awesome,” that features Jay-Rock, is one of the catchiest tracks with Caribbean-influenced instruments. The production of this track is one of my favorites. Both rappers paint a vivid picture of California slums. They, in a way, make it appear glamorous, despite its violent references. Jay-Rock also brings a great feature. Next, the zany beat of “Collard Greens” kicks in. The song is addicting, with Q’s rapid flow emerging behind a luscious beat. Kendrick Lamar delivers beautifully on the feature and even raps the first half in Spanish. The change of tem-
“Oxymoron,” debuted on Feb. 25, is Schoolboy Q’s third studio album. Photo from thedosemusic.com. po is what kept me hooked. The album progresses in a great direction with tracks like “Hoover Street,” “What They Want” and “Studio.” The track “Hoover Street” starts off with the same gritty, braggy tone, but as it continues, it takes a serious tone. It goes into Q’s upbringing and the struggles he faced growing up with an uncle that stole from his family to feed his addiction. The change in tone creates an oxymoron. Even though the track “What They Want” featuring 2 Chainz is not up to par with the previous tracks, it’s still enjoyable. The track “Studio” takes a turn in a laid back direction. BJ the Chicago Kid contributes beautiful
vocals, and the production of the track takes me back to a 70’s house party. The vibe is groovy, and we get to see a softer side of Q. The middle of the album also delivers great tracks like “Prescription/Oxymoron,” “Blind Threats” and “Hell of a Night.” On “Blind threats,” Q talks about the struggle of relying on vices in his neighborhood to help him out, instead of God, bringing an interesting religious perspective to the picture. “Hell of a Night” takes a much lighter tone with a dreamy, clouded production that feels like a hot summer night. However, tracks like “The Purge” featuring Tyler the Creator, fall short. Expecting a verse from
Tyler, I got a hook instead. The last half of the album ends strong. One of my favorite tracks, “Man of the Year,” has a feel-good vibe, with Q rapping quickly over a high-tempo beat. The track has a carefree tone. The track “Grooveline Pt. 2” is one of the funkiest tracks, with a slowed-down, airy production and pretty female vocals scattered throughout. Q portrays himself as a pimp named Wavy Q and delivers a twisted story. The verse that Suga Free delivers is the climax of the song, with his unique voice and delivery. “His And Her Friend” starts off chopped and screwed with demented voices. The song gives off a trapped feeling, and SZA’s voice carries over the blunted production nicely. Q finishes off strongly with his wellknown gangsta style on “Break the Bank” and “F*** L.A.” “Oxymoron” contains an excellent production. Q is hard hitting when he needs to be and gentle in other spots. The album contains witty rhymes, references and lyrical content. Even when Q brags, he does it in a unique way that keeps it refreshing. The album also contains oxymorons that tie in with the concept well. However, the album does fall short in the features category, even though artists Lamar and Suga Free deliver great features. Artists like 2 Chainz and Tyler the Creator brought OK features to songs that had potential to be great. I would have also liked an Ab-Soul feature. People doubted Q could bring a great album after Lamar’s “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City,” but he delivers on the same level as his fellow black hippy member and shows that T.D.E is more than just Lamar, but it is filled with talented artists.
GPA: 3.8
‘Vampire Academy’ doesn’t make Honor Roll
Book turned movie presents teen angst, action and girl drama by Katie Hinh Editor-in-Chief
Teenage girls. They are hormonal and passive aggressive, and they like to live on the wild side. Sometimes they even run away from home, which is frowned upon in most cases. However, when most teenage girls run away, they don’t get tracked and hunted down like dogs until they can be returned. But, then again, most teenage girls aren’t from Vampire Academy. Basically, there are three types of vampires, two of which inhabit the Vampire Academy. The first are the Moroi, which are the good vampires that don’t believe in killing humans or flaunting their awesomeness, so they hide away
“Vampire Academy” is based on the 2007 book, with five other in the series. Photo from thegeekiary.com. at Vampire Academy. Then, there are the Strigoi, the evil vampires that kill humans and Moroi for fun and sustenance, like normal, so they are banished from Moroi society. Finally, there is the
Dhampir. They are a hybrid between the Moroi and humans, and they go to the Vampire Academy to train to protect the Moroi later on in life. The Dhampir form a guardian relationship with the Moroi and will protect them for the rest of their life, including giving up their lives for the Moroi if need be. Rose Hathaway and Lissa Dragomir are a tandem duo of Dhampir and Moroi (respectively), who have run away from the good old Vampire Academy. Rose and Lissa are undeniably bonded after both were the lone survivors of a car accident that killed Lissa’s family. When the girls are finally dragged, kicking and screaming, back to the academy, they are dragged by the cute 30-year-old Russian guy named Dimitri Belikov, who also happens to be the best Dhampir in the history of, like, forever. Back at the Academy at last, Rose is told that she is a sucky guardian, and that she should basically be thrown out. But, lo and behold, Russian-god Dimitri and Lissa save her on the condition that Dimitri and Rose have one-on-one com-
bat lessons to whip her back into shape. Cue the sappy love music and hardcore fight turned love scenes, which are actually a little strange because he’s like 30. Don’t get me wrong, nothing “happens” in their love scenes, just deep brooding looks into each other’s eyes, slight innuendo and at most, some kissing. However, in the end, Lissa admits her love for the social outcast Moroi, Christian Ozera, and they almost get to their happily ever after until Lissa is kidnapped by her conniving Uncle who wants her to cure his Sandusky’s disease. When Lissa is kidnapped, Rose and Dimitri realize their love cannot be. So, Dimitri and Rose run and save Lissa with the struggling help of Christian (he’s another useless Moroi), and they all run away back to the Vampire Academy together. This movie has all the things a girl movie needs: cat fights, love triangles, popularity battles and vampires. What’s not to love? And, in all honesty, this was still a better love story than “Twilight.” What was unbelievably annoying
‘Fates’ should not be a part of your destiny
Fantasy book on predestined events isn’t meant to be by Katie Hinh Editor-in-Chief
There will be no miracles today, or any coincidences, or any choice, for that matter. Or, to just cover all the bases, everything that will happen or ever has happened is predetermined. Our entire life is predestined and fated by the “The Unseen Ones,” which, surprisingly, no one has ever seen. Who would’ve guessed? While “Fates” might have some predestination, I wouldn’t wish to see this book on anyone’s future reading list. Now, The Unseen Ones have these girls, named Fates, who find all of the messed up people and hand them over
to the Executors. The Executors do all of The Unseen Ones’ dirty work on all the people who think they have “free will,” which includes but is not limited to: births, break-ups, reunions and deaths. Executors incite these incidents to make sure their lives get back on the track they’re supposed to be on. Enter demoted Fate turned Executor, Corinthe. Corinthe was banished to Earth for actually questioning authority, trying to make a choice in her fate and believing in free will and blah blah blah. Anyway, Corinthe is given one last assignment. To personally kill a human, after that, she can go home to the land of the Fates. Corinthe agrees and decides to go after the human. In a predictable plot twist, the human, named Lucas, she is supposed to kill is actually her true love. So, when it comes time to do the deed, Corinthe hesitates, and the spark between her and Lucas ignites. Then, in a strange plot twist, Lucas and Corinthe fall into the Crossroads
“Fates” is a fantasy, young-adult book. Photo from amazon.com. between all of the universes and end up trekking through different worlds. During this trek through the Crossroads, they grow closer and closer. All while they are trying to save Lucas’ sister, who accidently fell into the world of the Blood Nymphs and in the process of becoming a Blood Nymph herself. In the end, Lucas and Corinthe admit their love to each other but alas not all is perfect. Corinthe meets a terrible
accident, and Lucas swears revenge to come in the sequel, “Chaos.” All in all this book was not bad, but it felt rushed, and it was 324 pages, and definitely could have been longer. The book built to this love story, but it all tumbled out in a few pages in the end. Also, the book was trying to leave a cliffhanger for a second book, but when I got to the end of “Fates,” I was not dying to read more. I thought that the plot was the same sci-fi teen romance story with different mythical creatures. But, I thank the sweet lord everyday that it was not about vampires. I don’t think that I could have read another teenage vampire love story. “Fates” had redeeming qualities but lacked originality. It had the potential to be unique but didn’t deliver.
GPA: 1.8
was Rose’s voice. She has this highpitched voice and says things like, “sweet sassy molassy.” Plus, she kept trying to solve her issues with fights and played herself off as the misunderstood “bad girl.” What this movie did have was reliable teenage drama and action. It was directed by Mark Waters, who also did the now famous movie “Mean Girls.” The movie is above all almost relatable to those teenage girls who struggle with fitting in and making the right friends, even if it does involve some blood and dead animals. While this movie had relatable points, it still was a simple play off of the “Twilight” gravy train and probably wouldn’t have even been a movie if not for that. All in all, this was a cheesy teen romance movie with it’s comedic points, but I would just wait until it ends up in the Netflix new releases slider.
GPA: 2.5 {bookCHOICES} SCIFI/FANTASY: “Influx,” by Daniel Suarez
HORROR: “The Winter People,” by Jennifer McMahon
YOUNG ADULT: “White Space,” by Isla J. Bick.
Photos from amazon.com and teenvogue.com.
Entertainment
February 28, 2014
7
Becoming great with ‘Gatsby’
by Cooper Davis Reporter Murder, betrayal, greed, cynicism, social decay, a broken, trashed and smashed marriage, the corruption of the American Dream and World War I are only a small handful of all the occurrences and happenings in “The Great Gatsby.” Its motifs and mes- Lily Freese, sages have seri- Theater Student ous and shadowy implications that carry some oomph to them. It deals with exceedingly heavy stuff. At times, it can be darker than the long, midnight walk from one’s bedroom to the bathroom. So, it’s a simple thing to wonder if the Southport High School Theater might grimace and clench their teeth a tiny bit at the thought of this daunting task. Actors, actresses and technical theater students feel slightly apprehensive when being faced with a Herculean task like this one: trying to turn a literary giant, such as “The Great Gatsby,” into a play. Junior Sarah Fowerbaugh is one of said actresses in the potentially-problematic production, who will be playing the part of Daisy Buchanan. “Considering the fact that most high schoolers don’t witness a murder/suicide, or deal with adultery, the roles in ‘The Great Gatsby’ can be difficult to portray,” Fowerbaugh said. “Daisy is multifaceted and is the most serious character
I’ve had to represent in all my years of acting. She’s so emotional, and I feel like I’m not. So, I have to fabricate how I feel. It’s lying to the audience, and I’ve got to make them believe it.” That’s usually what good acting amounts to, according to Fowerbaugh. She and those involved with the play have resolved to give it their best go, regardless of the hardships that may come. This is absolutely a switch up for returning actors because, conversely to “The Great Gatsby,” Southport’s last spring play was the satirical spoof, “High School (Non) Musical,” which consisted of aliens, young love and an exceedingly exciting and fierce bowling competition. “The Great Gatsby,” however, isn’t quite so likely to cause chuckles as it is to jerk tears and tear hearts. Actors are well aware of the work and difficulties that implies, according to director Ms. Barb Whitlock. Thankfully, the actors don’t stand alone in their endeavor because, accordSeniors Alex Myers (left) and Stephen Averitt (right) practice lines during an after-school rehearsal on Feb. 20. Naring to junior Lily Freese, she and the therator Nick Carraway is Myers’ role, and Averitt portrays mechanic George Wilson. Photo by Mikaela Maillet. ater tech crew are facing a similar problem, behind the curtain. A high level of making a mood of happiness or dark“The key is to connect it all to a difficulties lie in trying to replicate and ness. Also, with the moving set, you more relatable experience, and with create an artificial get the intended, ‘Gatsby,’ doing that is incredibly atmosphere. Specifidisorienting affect.” simple. The whole story is a veritaWHEN: March 7 and 8, cally, one that feels On the other ble smorgasbord of hyperbolic high The story as real and decadent 7:00 p.m., hand, some are un- school situations.” is a veritable as the “Roaring ‘20s” daunted, dismayed High school essentially is real life March 9, 2:30 p.m. and without ever smorgasbord of or perturbed by this but smaller, according to Myers. Dathaving experienced and hold contrary ing is like marriage, but in miniature. COST: $8 hyperbolic high anything comparable beliefs to Fower- Greed can easily exist for teenagers who to it. Designing someschool situations. WHERE: Southport High baugh and Freese. have just gotten their first jobs, and now thing of that gran“I actually don’t have wallets full of restless dollars. In adAlex Myers School Auditorium deur and emotion think it will at all dition, it would be naive to assume that senior requires meticulous make the show any there aren’t sizable and substantial parEXTRA: Small snacks leadership and keen more difficult. May- ties, hosted by a few minor league Gatsattention to detail, according to Freese. be I haven’t been exposed to the un- bys, Myers says. And, there are certain and refreshments will be “Everything about the set has been derbelly of society that is so subtly shady sales of illegal substances, akin to available in the lobby set perfectly by the perfect Whitty her- glorified in the world of ‘Gatsby,’ but the wide spread bootlegging going on self.” Freese said. “ Everything she does I don’t think that makes acting the during Prohibition Era where “The theless resolved to do their best to create is for a reason. For instance, the colors. parts any harder,” said senior Alex Great Gatsby” is set. theatrical life for “The Great Gatsby” and The colors are so different in this play Myers, who will portray Nick CarBut, regardless of which group the to repeat the past for the first time ever from the last one. They’re a big part in raway in the play. actors fall into, they all have none- in an Indianapolis theater.
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{greatGATSBY}
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Actors and builders for ‘Gatsby’ get into character and the 1920s
As I step into her shoes First-person account from lead of ‘The Great Gatsby’ is explored
‘The Great Gatsby’ Character Map Cousins
I remember waiting up until 11 p.m. on Jan. 21 for the cast list for “The Great Gatsby” to go up on the Southport High School’s News Bureau site. I had never been more nervous for a role. When the cast list was finally posted, I thought the lack of sleep had made me delirious. My name was listed second, next to Daisy Buchanan’s. I couldn’t believe my eyes. But, it was true. I had been chosen to play Daisy Buchanan. Out of all the roles I have ever portrayed, Daisy is by far the most difficult. Most people I have come across who have read “The Great Gatsby” believe that Daisy is a selfcentered, lying socialite, only concerned with her own well-being. I think that this is far from the truth. To me, Daisy is so much more than just another rich debutante. Her personality is so multi-faceted and layered that portraying her correctly is one of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face. The most difficult part of being an actress, to me, is fulfilling the audience’s expectations. Everyone who walks into the theater to see Southport High School’s production of “The Great Gatsby” will have a certain idea of their own personal Daisy and Gatsby, and Nick and Jordan, and it is up to the cast to morph the character to be the best they can be.
Lovers
Neighbors
by Sarah Fowerbaugh Reporter
Jay Gatsby
(Dalton Clouse)
Daisy Buchanan
Nick Carraway
(Sarah Fowerbaugh)
(Alex Myers)
Spouses
Dating
Best friends Junior Sarah Fowerbaugh (left), as Daisy Buchanan, rehearses with senior Nicole Johnson (right), as Jordan Baker, on Feb. 18. Photo by Mikaela Maillet. The look for Daisy is only half the part. There are her little mannerisms, such as the way she fixes her hair or plays with her wedding ring. There is her voice, a voice full of promise and demure and money. There is her gaze, the way she looks at her “revolting” husband Tom, or her lost love, Jay Gatsby. Everything about her, from her platinum blonde bob down to her ‘20s-styled heels has to be absolutely ingrained into my own personality. Essentially, I have to turn myself into a replica of the golden girl. There is so much
that goes into perfecting Daisy Buchanan that it’s a daunting task to look at first. Daisy Buchanan is the most serious role I’ve portrayed. Daisy Buchanan is so much more than just another character. She is a person to me, and it’s my job as an actor to breathe life into her, to make her everyone’s Daisy, rather than Fitzgerald’s. Every line in the play has meaning to every character. Every action is deliberate. As Southport’s own Daisy Buchanan, it’s up to me to recreate Daisy as the character she was meant to be, not only to the audience, but to myself.
Jordan Baker
(Nicole Johnson)
Murders
Tom Buchanan
(Grant Alexander)
Lovers George Wilson
Myrtle Wilson
(Stephen Averitt)
(Katie Hinh)
Murders Spouses
{offTRACKS} Comic by Hope Randall.
8
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February 28, 2014
“Reserving judgments is a matter of infinite hope.” -Nick Carraway Tickets $8.00
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SOUTHPORT INDOOR PERCUSSION 2014 Members
TENORS Jake Rose ‘15 Holly Pruitt ‘17 SNARES Adam Clouse ‘14 Savannah Hickle ‘14 Bailey Kemp ‘14
Southport’s Indoor Percussion Ensemble receives third place in competition at Mt. Vernon High School on Feb. 15. Photo contributed by Jake Rose.
After a close competition, Southport earns second place at Pendelton Heights High School on Feb. 22. Photo contributed by Jake Rose.
I really beat myself up ously, take a moment to pat yourselves after the performance. That on the backs, because having a comwasn’t a great fun for me, plete show is worthy of celebration in by Casey Smith plain and simple. I knew it itself. Three judges riddled us with their Features Editor from the moment that I lifted opinions, and even before that infuriatmy last mallet role, and in ing little time penalty, we won. We won spite of John Mr. Radomksi’s by almost half of a point. “Everybody wake up, incessant assertions to “leave For those, like myself, who may not if you’re living with it on the floor,” I continued to have had a perfect run, or who may feel your eyes closed.” feel somewhat consumed by like we still got gypped, we cannot let an unnerving sense of shame anger consume us. and disAristotle once appointsaid, “Anybody I felt something sink when I heard can become angry “second place.” It wasn’t my heart, or my ment. Later, when - that is easy. But stomach or any other physical piece of I looked down at to be angry with my being. Something deep and internal; our second place We aren’t predisposed the right person something almost personal in nature, award, I couldn’t winners. We’re hardworking, help but feel at and to the right felt defeated. dedicated musicians who degree and at the Most percussion ensembles that least somewhat rehave fought an indescribable right time and place (at all) always seem to be over- sponsible for what battle to grasp the taste of a I believed, at that for the right purcome with joy and release. We couldn’t well-deserved victory. pose and in the help but feel the same when we earned time, was a loss. right way - that is third place, and our first piece of hard- Recalling a similar not within everyware, at the Mt. Vernon competition personal defeat at body’s power. And just a few weeks ago. But the South- this contest a year is not easy.” port High School Percussion Ensemble ago, I pondered at It’s true, many is exclusive from any other group. We the thought that Pendleton Heights was cursed, subof us are angry for the right reasons. aren’t predisposed winners. We’re hardworking, dedicated musicians who have jecting me to some sort of improb- What is more imperative, however, is what we’re going to do about it. In his fought an indescribable battle to grasp able ill fate at every competition. We pride ourselves with the gift of wise words, yet again, Aristotle may the taste of a well-deserved victory. That victory has never seemed so logic, however, and I’m here to say that propose the most relevant advice of all. “Dignity does not consist in possessattainable. And despite our incredible no, Pendleton Heights is not cursed. But hard work and improvements, Pendle- I’m also inclined to inform each and ev- ing honors, but in deserving them.” Our deliverance is not the same. It’s ton Heights taught us all a big lesson. ery one of our members that we don’t not about the trophy, it’s not about a Gone are the days where good work is measure success off of a trophy. As a group, we had a pretty awesome score and it’s definitely not about what enough. Gone are the bus rides home filled with gloom and disappointment. run. It was our first time putting the anyone outside of our ensemble thinks. And gone are the years of hidden tri- whole show on the floor; of course it’s Our goal is to give every ounce of effort going to have its ups and downs. Seri- we have (and then some) to be better umph and devotion.
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than we’ve ever been before. Recognition is bliss, and odds are, we’re going to be getting a heck of a lot of attention with our accomplishments this season. But the intensity, the dedication, and the lifelong friendships: that’s what is truly important. That’s what we need to remember. We’re a family, literally. Hours upon hours of togetherness have made us more than just a group of high school goofballs. The camaraderie we’ve developed is stronger than any of us can even begin to comprehend. That’s why this evolution is so intense. The victories are sweeter, and the falls, well, they’re more painful than ever. We have each other, though, and even when everything becomes ever so discouraging, be proud of what we have. This is our home away from home. Seriously, we tend to spend more time together than we do with our actual families. And regardless, I still savor every moment with you guys. We laugh, we cry, we fight and we love; just like a family. From narwhals to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and even the occasional “Tourette’s Guy,” there’s never an uneventful moment when we’re all together. Do not let Pendleton Heights characterize the outcome of the 2013-2014 season. We all know what the ULTIMATE goal is, and that’s all we need to focus on. Our intensity and our capabilities are at their peak, and victory is still upon us. Do we have what it takes to meet our ultimate goal this season? The answer to the ever repetitive phrase; we do.
BASES Will Traub ‘14 Zac Bittle ‘15 Brittany Lewis ‘15 Emily Patterson ‘16 Manav Patel ‘18 FRONT ENSEMBLE Casey Smith ‘14 Mykal France ‘14 Brynn Stebbe ‘15 Austin Jones ‘16 Colin Harris ‘16 Kourtney Christensen ‘17 Catherine Olvey ‘17 Connor Modglin ‘17 Hastings Munsey ‘17 Chad Smith ‘17 INSTRUCTORS John Charles Radomski Ryan Bischoff Jeremy Turner Sean Widmer UPCOMING PERFORMANCES March 8, 2014 Greenfield-Central HS March 15, 2014
Prelims: Decatur Central HS State: Avon HS
Sports
February 28, 2014
The Answer with...
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Nick Holland Sports Editor
Class basketball is garbage (Far left) Junior Cardell Tucker is a running back and kick returner for the football team in the fall. He is also a track athlete in the spring time. (Middle right) Sophomore Evan Higgs is a defensive player for the football team, a forward on the JV basketball team and a player on the varsity volleyball team. Photos by Lindsey Farley and Nick Meacham.
Athletes, coaches support multi-sport play
Juggling multiple sports keeps students in the game by Derrick Gray Reporter Among the wide array of athletes that compete here at Southport High School, there is a select group that goes above and beyond. These athletes expand their abilities beyond their host sport and take upon themMr. Kyle selves new ways Simpson, to compete. Basketball coach There are pros and cons to the multi-sport athletes, according to head football coach Mr. Bill Peebles. The experience gained through competition is one that cannot be recreated off the field and is extremely valuable to the player and the team as well. “You can put in hundreds of hours at practice and perform great, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to carry over to the field,” Peebles said. Peebles went on to mention that while athletes do become more accustomed to competition, the more they compete at these higher levels, the
more susceptible they are to injury. Multi-sport athlete junior Cardell Tucker runs track and plays football and guarantees that an athlete getting burnt out is just as much of an issue. He has had the feeling multiple times in his career, but it’s really not of much concern, according to Tucker. “You just have to power through it because you only really get the weekends off,” Tucker said. He continues to explain that it’s all up to the person, but for him, the gratification of playing is well worth the challenge, which in some circumstances can have conflicting goals. Every football season, Tucker hits the gym trying to become as big and strong as possible. This larger build is perfect for football, but when track comes around, the weight has to be shed, and Tucker has to slim down to become as fast as he can. With these two opposing goals occurring every season, it can be difficult for an athlete to become exceedingly great at either sport. Head boys basketball coach Mr. Kyle Simpson has been in constant contact with college scouts this season and says that he has never heard a negative comment relating to playing multiple sports. Although, he continues to explain that the endeavor is not for everyone. The stress and pressure related to competing all the time on top of school can cause some kids to snap.
Simpson says that it’s a lot of give and take. Players and coaches need to be on the same page in order to be successful and more importantly to ensure their athletes don’t get burnt out. “If I see a guy isn’t getting a lot of sleep lately or is just stressed out, I’ll maybe sit him one game to give him time to recover,” Simpson said. Overall, Simpson loves the idea of his athletes playing more sports. He went on to say that kids really don’t know what they are going to be great at in life, so why not give them more opportunities to succeed? “Every year during the spring when basketball comes to a close, I encourage my players to go play baseball,” Simpson said. “I’d rather them stay active than just sit around and become a couch potato.” The coordination that is achieved by playing a sport is something that can’t be created outside of athletics, according to Simpson. When players take seasons off, they usually come back a little sloppy, and
it can take them some time to get back in the groove, while the multisport players just phase right in, Simpson says. While there are some sports that can take away from one another with contradicting goals, there are also complimentary situations. For sophomore Evan Higgs, the transition from basketball to boys volleyball isn’t too difficult. The physical ideals for both sports are similar so there are no real drawbacks for training for either one. The weight room is vital to overall success and staying in shape, according to Higgs. “For a player to be successful, he has to understand his body and know how much they are capable of,” Simpson said. There are some negatives associated with being a multi-sport athlete, but from the experience and coordination gained to just staying in shape, athletes have a lot to learn from expanding their athletic prowess, according to Higgs, Tucker and Simpson.
{readMORE} Scan the QR code to visit IHigh.com/shscardinals to view game previews and wrap ups and see pictures of spring sport events.
Intramural after-school sports can bring students and staff together
Opportunities taken away due to lack of available funding
{intramuralSPORTS}
Would you participate in intramural sports if they were offered at Southport?
by Brooklyn Raines Reporter Students at Southport High School once had the opportunity to play basketball against a faculty team, which included English teacher Mr. Mike Klopfenstein, Grad teacher Mr. Tyler Weatherford, Social Studies teacher Mr. Dan Jones, English teacher Mr. Brent Bockelman and Social Studies teacher Mr. Nathan Fishel. Current students do not get the same opportunity their earlier peers did to participate in the intramurals that were previously held. Due to budget cuts, Southport and Perry Meridian High School had to cut their after-school intramurals that were held at Southport in the spring for students that were non-athletes. Basketball was the only sport offered then and students were able to play on teams against one another. The budget cuts included the cutting of the stipend, which is what the coordinator of the intramural program is paid for overseeing operations.
73% Yes
27% No
What intramural sports would you participate in if they were offered at Southport?*
Volleyball- 51%
Basketball- 47%
185 students were polled Athletic trainer Mr. Mike Rudisill ran intramurals for 15 years. Rudisill saw intramurals as being very beneficial for the students that participated in them and the whole school. “I think they enjoyed the physical activity and the competition that they got even though they were not part of a sports team,” Rudisill said. Bockelman also saw intramurals beneficial for the kids that did not play on teams at the school. “We had a lot of kids that played intramural sports, it was good because you didn’t have to play on the team to get out and get exercise,” Bockelman said. “It involved a lot more people than the regular sports teams that can only have a certain
Kickball- 46%
Tennis- 25%
Badminton-23%
*students could select more than one sport number of kids on their rosters.” Franklin Central does not offer intramurals either, compared to other schools in Indianapolis like Pike High School and many of the private High Schools around the city. Many teachers that participated on the faculty team agreed that if intramurals came back, they would play on a team again. Jones and Bockelman both agreed they would play again if their schedules permitted it. Weatherford believes a lot of teachers would come back to play, including himself. He believes that intramurals are a connecting force between the teachers and students. “Having the faculty involved with it gives the students and faculty the
opportunity to intermingle in a different atmosphere socially outside of the classroom,” Weatherford said. Weatherford’s favorite memory was playing against students that vocalized how much better they were and would lose. When students were provided a poll, 135 of the students say they would participate whereas only 50 students say they would not participate. The biggest sports students would participate in besides basketball, volleyball and kickball were soccer, ultimate Frisbee, dodge ball and flag football. If intramurals were to come back, many students and staff agreed they would participate if the budget allowed for it.
Class basketball is all I’ve ever known. I mean, yeah, it didn’t start until two seasons after I was born, but it was what I grew up with. I wasn’t around for the “heyday” of Indiana High School basketball. In the beginning, I was going to write this column to argue how great of an idea class basketball was for all the parties involved and how it’s better than the alternative, which is a single champion for the whole state, but I’d be pretty wrong. I had all those previous ideas from talking to basketball players and coaches who had only been involved with the sport in the last decade. Once I talked to the guys who had played right at the beginning of the implementation of the classes, I saw the whole other side of the story. I talked to all of our basketball coaches, but one coach whose viewpoint really stood out to me was boys varsity assistant Bil Duany’s. He basically told me that I was crazy to think that class basketball was a better option because “back in the day,” postseason basketball was more exciting. He told me about the times that Bedford-North Lawrence’s then star, Damon Bailey, filled the Hoosier Dome with over 40,000 people for a state championship game, compared to the lowest recorded attendance for a state championship game just two years ago at only 22,000. The IHSAA was quick to defend class basketball then, and after talking to Duany and others, I don’t see why they even began the system. I see the whole idea where they don’t want an awful 2A school getting run over by a powerhouse 4A school, but it eliminates the idea of an overall state champion: something that you have in college and professional basketball. It hits home here. We play half of the west side of Indianapolis in our sectional this year: Ben Davis, Pike, Decatur Central and Northwest. Perry Meridian is in there too. I don’t really worry about them though. But, all sectionals used to be filled with rivals. It used to be Southport, FC and Perry Meridian, just to hit the highlights. That sounds so much more exciting to have all the south side rival schools go head to head. Now, imagine that all around the state, and outside of the metro area, basketball is the biggest sport in every town. Greensburg brought half their city when they played here against North Central. Since class basketball started, you don’t have as many places that are like that. That was obviously shown by the decline in people attending the state championship games. A big tournament like they have in the NCAA is the solution to this. Sectionals starts as the entry game and then follow a format from there that ultimately leads to a state tournament that crowns one overall state champ. That is the solution that would be best for those fans who want class basketball again, and it would bring back fans to the sport. I know for the smaller schools in the state class basketball seemed like the only way out of a no-win tournament situation. It makes sense considering you might have a small school like Cardinal Ritter eventually having to go up against schools like Southport or Pike or Carmel. It is unfair to a certain degree, but it’s just how the game is. I hear coach Simpson say it all the time: If you want to be an elite team, then you have to be able to beat an elite team. Class basketball looked good on paper, but as it has run its course, popularity has gone down in basketball and the longer that it continues, the more that basketball in Indiana suffers. The IHSAA needs to man up to their bad decision making and just change back to what the people want. As much as everybody is for the ‘everybody is a winner’ mentality, it doesn’t really work in high school basketball, especially not in Indiana. It’s a different kind of game here, and class basketball is ruining it.
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Opinion
February 28, 2014
Simple, inexpensive ways to ‘go green’ at home journal ADDRESS
ing paper on books, newspapers and magazines, indoor residential water use. Depending on the use the internet. Using the internet saves trees amount of household members, the number of and saves from throwing away paper, according flushes can range from just a couple to over 20. to www.webecoist.momtastic.com. Reducing those numbers can save immense Slow Down amounts of water. Homemade CleanYes, we all experience road rage, and ing Supplies However, there are many, Cleaning supplies we all speed. But, not-so-obvious ways to keep in order to keep the are loaded with toxic and polluting subtrees greener and our polar bears roaming in stances that harm the the air fresher, slow the Arctic. down. Reducing your environment with every spray and swipe. speed from 65 miles per hour to 55 miles They can also cause per hour can improve your mileage by as much long-term health concerns for the families who as 15 percent, according to www.hybridcars. use them. Not only are the contents harmful, com. This decreases the amount of gas that leaks the manufacturing and disposal of the products into the air while you’re driving. pollute our environment. Don’t Flush However, many store-bought cleaning “If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush supplies, such as all-purpose cleaner, air it down.” has been the go-to rule of water conser- freshener, stain removers and soap, can be vation for years, according to www.sfgate.com. replicated to be healthier for us to use. ReciUse selective flushing. Yes, it may be gross, but pes and formulas to make home products the toilet accounts for almost 30 percent of all can be found on www.eartheasy.com.
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“ G o i n g green” has been an engrossing topic over the years. Ever since the polar bears in Alaska became endangered, people around the country have been finding different, unique ways to better the environment. Yes, recycling and carpooling are very important ways to go green. However, there are many, not-so-obvious ways to keep our polar bears roaming in the Arctic. Water Bottles Stop using them. Using a new plastic water bottle every time you want a drink is wasting money and hurting the environment, says www.webecoist.momtastic.com. They create large amounts of container waste, especially when not recycled. Instead, use tap water, or use a reusable water bottle instead of wasting bottle after bottle. Use the Internet Who needs paper anymore? Instead of wast-
{head SCRATCHER} What do you like most about winter? “Playing ‘Flappy Bird’ while watching the snow fall.” Alexis Deaton Freshman
“Two-hour delays.” Bawi Sang Sophomore
Comic by Hope Randall.
Build a bridge and get over it “Goodness gracious.”
The U.S. prides itself on freedom. By birth, every American citizen is entitled to freedom of speech, freedom of religion and the freedom of the press. The government has to respect all the freedoms of every single American citizen, so long as they do not infringe on the other freedoms held by other Americans or bring harm to other U.S. citizens. The idea of freedom seems very fluffy and pretty in context, but when every single American is granted the shiny freedoms listed in the Amendments, things become not so fluffy. In today’s age, society is so driven towards accepting everyone and making everyone feel individual and special that the rights of others are stepped on in the process. It is believed that everyone should have an opinion about everything and no ideas are bad ideas. This is not how the real world works. The socalled “real world” will chew you up and spit you out without thinking twice. The world does not deal in fairness and rainbows. Life isn’t fair, and if
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{cardinalQUESTION} What do you think about the new schedule regarding the makeup days?
Kelcie Patrick Senior
by Elizabeth Par Sophomore
“I think the schedule regarding make up days was the best choice. Even though it’s still a hassle, I think it was the ideal route to take.”
“I think it’s good because I would rather have spring break and a few extra hours of school than not having a spring break at all.”
“I think the new schedule is better than any other options because we aren’t going to lose any more of the summer we have left and a half hour isn’t that long to add on to a day. I think the new schedule is a perfect way to deal with the extra snow days.”
Want to see more Cardinal Question entries? Check out shsnewsbureau.com.
Junior
“Hot chocolate.”
Alejandra Cardona Senior
“Christmas time.” Mr. Josef Horvath
English teacher
Not all abuse is physical By Vanessa Abplanalp Entertainment Editor
“To live will be an awfully big adventure.”
Devin Long Junior
DeMari Davis
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by Sarah Fowerbaugh Reporter
you want a rainbow, you’re going to have to make best in his 1858 speech that states “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Though it rain yourself. Today, there is no such thing as the freedom this was said seven score and 16 years ago, it of an individual. Today, there is the freedom of still holds true today. Not everyone is going to like you or your the majority. The 51 percent rules. This is a great system if you’re part of that magic number. But, as ideas. It comes with being human. As a kid, I soon as you go against the crowd, the 51 percent was always told “life isn’t fair.” At the time, it isn’t such a swell idea. Take politics, for example. just seemed like an excuse used by parents everywhere to somehow When two candidates justify unfairness. But are running against now, I realize that it is each other, one canthe single most truthful didate only needs to Life is not fair. It statement I have ever aim for 51-54 percent will never be fair. Not heard. Life is not fair. of votes to win, aceveryone will agree. It will never be fair. Not cording to completeeveryone will agree. No campaigns.com. But, No one is perfect.” one is perfect. what about the other The world is not your 49-46 percent of votoyster. It is everyone’s ers? What happens to them? They are supposed to be OK with the ma- oyster. You are going to come across people jority’s decision because if the majority of people who don’t like you for no good reason at all. are choosing that option, it must be right and You are going to make mistakes, and you are going to have to live with the consequences. If wholesome and just. That’s not always the case. Sometimes you don’t like that, then do something about it. the majority fails to promote the morally Change yourself for the better. Conformity and right decision. It is preached to students at a individuality are both admirable traits. It’s when young age that just because everyone is do- you use them that defines you as a person. Eving it, doesn’t mean it’s right. We were taught ery choice you make is your own, and no one through motivational cat posters that it’s nec- can make you do anything you don’t want. The essary to go against the crowd when some- world is bigger than just one person, or one thing isn’t quite right. school or one country. The world is the majorThe world is confusing and contradictory ity and minority working together. And that, in to itself. In essence, Abraham Lincoln said it itself, is a freedom of its own.
“When it ends.”
I was a statistic my sophomore year. One in three American adolescents is a victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse from a dating partner, from loveisrespect.org. Eight months of my life was taken from my own hands and was controlled, manipulated and belittled by the hands of the person I was in a long-distance relationship with that turned abusive. My every available moment was poured into this person, unwillingly. Friends, I could no longer see. Parents were strangers in my own home, as well. Talking to the opposite gender wasn’t even an option. ‘Abuse’ wasn’t even a term I could utilize when thinking over all that had happened when I was finally the decider of my life once again. My mind rejected it. As time went on, the distance from a circumstance clears the fog to allow you to see what really was there: an emotionally abusive relationship. Looking back with clear sight, all the signs were pointing to just that. Warning signs of an abusive relationship are if your partner
physically or threatens to harm you, controlling what you wear, say and who you are with, twists the truth so you’re to blame, demands where you are all the time and becomes angry when you want to be with friends, according to kidshealth.org. My day consisted of texts every period, answering his demands of who I talked to and why. On the way home, it was spent talking on the phone, to explain why in the world I had spoken to one boy. Once home, homework was neglected to talk to him on Facetime until the small morning hours, not allowed to fall asleep simply because he wanted me awake. I cannot count the number of football games, movie nights, sleep overs or even experiences I missed out on, just because one person did not want me to leave my room. I had always thought that being in a relationship meant being strong enough to stay. Later is when I realized that you have to have the strength to leave. Some things you can never learn the easy way. It’s made me appreciate life: friends, family, time, and what I control in life. It makes you fall in love with lazy day with friends that involve doing nothing, because at one point, that’s all you wished for. Being able to be who you want has never felt more liberating because who you are was taken away from you. You are not alone. Someone cares, and never be afraid to tell someone else, if you cannot speak for yourself. Your life is your own, and no one deserves the power to decide what happens to it.
Opinion
February 28, 2014
Now trending: the dances, faces, styles and sayings that define our generation by Rachael Samm Managing Editor-of-Content Nothing brings me more joy than looking at my sisters’ high school pictures and admiring how the perm takes up more of the picture than their actual bodies. Trends like that one are hilarious. And, trends like the giant perms can even be big enough to define that time period. My mind immediately goes to big hair when someone mentions the ‘80s. Trends are strange, but if they’re big enough, they can bring people together. They can connect people who would have never even looked at each other before. Let me take you on a blast through the past of all the trends that connect our generation. In elementary school, light up shoes were the coolest. I can remember little circles of kids standing around stomping to show off how bright and colorful their shoes were. And later in elementary school, gaucho pants became the new trend. They were like fancy capris. Girls would wear them as dress pants at some of our more formal events, but they would also have no shame wearing them with their high socks and tennis shoes. At the same time, crocs were the coolest. I can’t believe I was obsessed with buying the little jewels you could stick in the holes. I probably owned 5 different colors of crocs. Yes, I have so much shame. Then, those rubber Livestrong bracelets that you could buy in gas stations became so popular. People were as cautious trading those bracelets as they were giving someone a piece of gum. That trend almost immediately led to silly bands. These strangely-shaped bands looked like awkward masses on the wrists of middle schoolers. From ice cream cones to dogs to the mystery-shaped silly band, collecting these were a lot like cloud watching. People interpreted the shapes to be different objects and argued about them for weeks. I’m pretty sure silly bands took storm around the same time that wheely shoes did. Wheely shoes only lasted a few years due to the extreme threat they were to people in the hallway. I never
understood why teachers would have panic attacks when students switched from a walk to a glide, but wheely shoes made you significantly cooler. Middle school trend I don’t want to talk about: “TWILIGHT.” My middle school days were the “Jersey Shore” days. “Jersey Shore” started so many trends, and I am so ashamed to have watched that show. Fashion turned to snookie bumps, bro tanks and GTL shirts. People thought “gym, tan, laundry” was the greatest way to live your life. And, don’t let me forget the transformation from teenage girls to walking Cheeto puffs. I was never a part of the population that looked like the annoying orange, but I will never understand why people thought it looked good to be so orange. High school was filled with the most trends. I’m not sure if it’s just our generation or if this happens with every generation, but high schoolers follow so many trends. I’m not even sure when anything started. There were YouTube remixes changing news stories into songs that birthed the “hide yo kids, hide yo wife” song. Rebecca Black’s “Friday” created hostility in the whole school. There were those shudder glasses inspired by Kanye West. People thought they were so cool, but they just looked like they had blinds on their sun glasses. People also felt the need to constantly “merp” and “derp” all the time. Not going to lie, “merp” is still my favorite word. For some reason, fighting became a trend at Southport High School my freshman year. Luckily, Principal Barb Brouwer put on her super hero cape and created our one-and-done policy to stop that silly trend. Honestly, I think it was the case of the stupids that everyone got from “Jersey Shore” that caused this out-
SAMM I am
{thumbsUP}
{thumbsDOWN}
‘Great Gatsby’
LeBron
“Gatsby? What Gatsby?”
Breaking his nose.
March
Thunderstorms
Hello, spring!
They are scary.
Schoolboy Q
2:56 dismissal
Oxymoron is finally out.
Thirty-six extra minutes.
May 28
AP Mock exams
We don’t have to go til June!
A whole period of testing.
break. Or it could’ve been hostility from “Friday.” I’m glad people decided to release their hostility by planking on random objects instead of fighting. Your abs thank you too. “Harlem Shake” was by far my favorite dance to watch, partially because dancing became flopping like a fish on the great, but it was soon replaced by “gangnam style.” We were lucky enough to have Johnny Chau to dance like that on the announcements every day. Thanks for replaying those SPTV. Unfortunately, we must endure the twerking trend and continue to ask the question, “Turn down for what?” I don’t know whether our generation will be known for being orange and having super high hair or for the billions of selfies making duck lips and holding up a peace sign. It will probably come down to orange, duck face selfies with some high Snookie bumps. However, these trends have turned into something that brings our generation together. I guess trends are a way to express ourselves through strange dance moves and nerd glasses. They define what our generation was into. Just like the ‘80s were all about perms and “Dirty Dancing,” our generation will be defined by our own trends. I’m excited to participate in trends through college and see what trends go through younger generations. I hope to God my future kids won’t be twerking in preschool though. Miley better stop by then.
{retweeted} Payton Meadors
@pay_mead “Praying they don’t make a dress code announcment today.”
Jake Arnett
@JakeyOcean4 “I really don’t understand people at this school.”
*These are the Journal’s favorite retweets
Discover who you’re meant to be “Don’t ever touch my perch.”
In eighth grade, I used a gay slur directed toward somebody who didn’t deserve it. I got in trouble, but I moved on. He, however, was distraught, and for the longest time, he didn’t speak to me. I had no reason for what I did, I just did it. That’s who I was. I never thought about what I did until I needed him. Looking back, I realize the reason. I didn’t know who I was, so I acted out for attention. In the past, I would not do school work, because I thought that talking to somebody around me was more important. I had no goals besides getting through the eight hour days and going home to sit and do nothing. To all of the readers reading my editorial, so far, you would look at me as somebody who has little to no social life, somebody who acts like a fool just to be liked. Well, if you saw me eight months ago, you would be correct. I have had the hardest time discovering who I am. I thought I was a kid. A kid that got on everybody’s nerves and pester and pester until one person would be my “friend.” In the end, that “friend” would hurt me emotionally and break my trust. I thought that I had to be a bully for people to like me. I thought I had to be a know-it-all for somebody to like me. When, in reality, people don’t like bullies or know-it-alls. Now, in my junior year, I know who I am. I am
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by Bradley Davis Reporter
a young adult. I respect people for who they are. You can’t establish who you are until you I don’t judge people based on mistakes. I believe know how you want to be treated. You need to in second chances for people that have done me set your standards so your friends know how to treat you. Establishing standards will help wrong. This is me. I figured that out when I sat down in my room you realize how to treat yourself so you can with no music, no phone, nothing at all, and I be- move on to changing you. Not everybody will like you when you change. gan writing in two notebooks. At the top of the first one, I wrote how I act around friends, and at the You won’t like everybody. That’s life. If you lose top of the second one, I wrote how I act around my your current friends, then guess what? They mom and dad. When I finished, I compared the two. weren’t really your friends. You have to move on Nothing was the same. I wanted to be the person and work to find your friends. Your true friends will who my mom loves because I love her, not the per- find you or you will even find them at some point, and you won’t even notice. son that nobody, including my mom, would like. What I have been trying to say throughout It then took me a while to determine that the majority of this paI was ready to change. I had to per is that you should want to become yourfind the confiself. I know that everydence to not allow You need to set your body is different, so my people’s words to standards so your friends tips and even my story hurt me. So, when I was ready, I told may not apply to you. know how to treat you. But, take into considmy friends who Establishing standards will I wanted to beeration what you want your life to be. come. And, that help you realize how to is when I knew The saying “life is treat yourself so you can that they (Katie, what you make it” is completely true. I want Trisha, Brandi, move on to changing you. Brittany, Mikaela to be able to make my own smart choices. My and Tisa) were my TRUE best friends. friends have helped me They helped me gain a social life. I also joined realize that this is who I want to become, bethe newspaper and gained a new hobby and a cause they accept me for who I am. I have realized that I should want to be me. group of people that I call family. In order to find out who you want to be, “Me” is a guy who cares about his friends. ‘Me” you have establish who you want to be, and is a guy that can laugh at a joke. “Me” is a guy you have to know your self-worth. Any deci- who won’t harm somebody mentally, physision you make, whether it is choosing who cally or emotionally. “Me” is a guy who most your friends are or letting peer pressure get of all knows that I can still become an even to you, it can be directly related to self-worth, better person, and I will not stop trying until I according to education.com make my life one I want to live.
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{theJOURNAL} CONTACT INFORMATION
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MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Southport High School Journal is to inform the student body of timely events and issues that affect their lives while being a voice for the faculty, staff and community. Journal staff members will observe the same legal responsibilities as those imposed on all news media, thus will refrain from production of material that: 1. Is obscene, according to community standards; 2. Is libelous, according to the legal definition; 3. Creates a clear and present danger or an immediate material and substantial physical disruption of the school. The Editor-in-Chief is solely responsible for all content. Views found in the Journal do not necessarily reflect the opinions the Journal staff as a whole, or of the staff or administration of Southport High School or the Metropolitan District of Perry Township.
STAFF LIST Editor-in-Chief KATIE HINH ‘14 Managing Editor-of-Content RACHAEL SAMM ‘14 News Editor MOIRA MCKINNEY ‘14 Foreign Language Editor EMILY SUNG ‘15 Student Life Editor TORI UPDIKE ‘15 Entertainment Editor VANESSA ABPLANALP ‘15 Features Editor CASEY SMITH ‘14 Opinion Editor CAITLYN JONES ‘15 Sports Editor NICK HOLLAND ‘15 Photo Editor JESSE ROLLER ‘14 Staff Artist HOPE RANDALL ‘14 Business Manager BAILEY JULIAN ‘15 Staff DERRICK GRAY ‘14 MCKENZIE WITHERELL ‘14 BRADLEY DAVIS ‘15 LINDSEY FARLEY ‘15 SARAH FOWERBAUGH ‘15 CHRISTINA HEMPHILL ‘15 GARKHOR KULIA ‘15 ALEXANDRIA MUSSER ‘15 BROOKLYN RAINES ‘15 SIERRA SULLIVAN ‘15 JANET TLUANG ‘15 ABIGAIL BARRETT ‘16 DELANEY BUCKER ‘16 COOPER DAVIS ‘16 NICK MEACHAM ‘16 BRITTON WHITLOCK ‘16 Adviser MR. MIKE KLOPFENSTEIN Principal MS. BARBARA BROUWER
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Students, staff and community members are welcome to write a letter-to-the-editor that will be published in The Journal when space is available. Letters-to-the-editor must be received five days prior to publication date. Submissions should be short and concise, not exceeding 300 words. They are subject to editing for content, grammar and length. All letters must be signed. Personal or unfair attacks of businesses or individuals will not be published. Bring all submissions to room 400 or address an envelope to Mr. Mike Klopfenstein and take it to the Main Office. Submissions also may be emailed to theshsjournal@gmail.com. The Journal reserves the right to reject any advertisement or Letter-to-the-Editor. Anonymous letters will not be published.
Correction(s) In issue 9, the following names were misspelled: Bronte Wright, Maddsion Bethel-Brown, Jaclyn Boyer, Karen Nyirendia and Luther Starks. We are extremely sorry for these mistakes.
2014
12
February 28, 2014
Chin National Day
Photos
A DAY OF CHIN by Janet Tluang Reporter (Falam/Mizo)
(Translated from Mizo version on page 2.) The 66th North American Chin National Day organized by Chin Community of Indiana (CCI) and many sponsors was successfully celebrated once again with cultural dances, a traditional fashion show and many cultural songs. It was held at The Life Center at Southport on Feb. 22. According to CCI vice president Mr. Ro Dinga, he has been one of the member of CCI since 2004 and felt very blessed to be apart of it. Dinga says that as a member of CCI, they need a lot of money to celebration this celebration. Luckily they, had a lot of sponsors such as The Asian Market, Chin Brothers, Indiana Interpreter and some people who sponsored in cash. They have prepared for this celebration since last October and spent $12,000 for the whole festival. According to Dinga, this celebration has two very important purpose, said Dinga. For one, 66 years ago on
Feb. 20, 1948, Burma got their independence. At that moment, the people of Burma needed to decide whether they will have one king to rule like the old time, or if they will have a true democracy. In a 5,000 person vote, 17 people voted against democracy while the remaining voted for it. Dinga adds that the second purpose is that there are a lot of Chin people living in America. It’s easy to forget our cultural and traditional treasure, especially for growing kids and teens in America. “Our regions and our history is the thing that keeps our culture alive. We need to celebrate this festival so our kids and our grand kids will forever remember the importance of our country while growing up in America,” Dinga said. Chin, Mizo and Kuki are the names that Indians and other countries called us Chin people, according to Dinga. There are a lot of big tribes that are Chin. Many people speak Mizo, Lai, Lai Zo, Min Dat. Dinga says that each tribe has a celebration. Mizo have Chap Char Kut, Falam have Fang Eer Puai, Hakha have. But, Chin National Day is the one day we all have together to celebrate their freedom.
The full English Version can be found on shsnewsbureau.com. (Above) During the fashion show, senior Peng Uk Thang (left) and sophomore Htayni Sui (right) pose for the audience. Photo by Jesse Roller. (Below) As spectators watch the wrestling match, Mr. Tial Cung Thang is taken down. Thang ended up winning in this match. Photo by Emily Sung.
Scan the QR code on your left for more coverage of Chin National Day 2014!
(Above) During the opening song for Chin National Day 2014, junior Emily Sung sings a song called “Iang Ngei Lairam” by Ni Hlei Sung. Photo by Jesse Roller. (Below) After the fashion show, Southport graduate Nun Cung (second from left) poses among his fellow fashion models. Photo by Katie Hinh.
(Far left) Twirling his partner in the fashion show, sophomore Lal Nun Mawia does his routine for the audience. (Left) Junior Alung Bawi was among the musicians who performed in the Chin National Day Concert. Photos by Jesse Roller. (Below) Backstage during the concert, Southport graduate Iang Hlei Mawi sits down after her appearance in the fashion show. Photo by Janet Tluang.