SPIN volume 7 issue 6

2 1 ‘ r o i n e S Established 2006

Volume 7

Issue 6

May 2012

South Pointe High School

Rock Hill, S.C.

2012 Prom King and Queen

Barber and Neely crowned in return to former prom voting tradition Olivia Smith Reporter Prom king and queen are possibly one of the most prestigious awards a senior could receive. For Corey Neely and Gertera Barber this was reality.

“My prom night is one of those nights that I’ll never forget,” said Neely.

Voted to win by their fellow prom goers, Barber and Neely were honored.

As everyone cheered, they walked to receive their prizes, which was candy and the most importantly, the crowns. The king and queen were crowned by Denise Khaalid and Dr. Al Leonard.

After the “royals” danced, they took pictures and celebrated with their friends

on the dance floor.

“It’s every girls’ dream to be a queen,” said Barber.

They both were shocked to hear their names called by prom committee adviser Kay McNutt.

“I thought CJ Davenport was going to win,” said Neely.

Barber was escorted in by Montay Crockett and Neely walked with Catherine Allen.

The Paris theme added to the excitement and romantic feel.

“It was better than last year, because the theme was horrible. But this year they did a lot better,” said Barber of the event.

C O R E Y Gertera Barber and Corey Neely pose for pictures after being crowned.

Art illistrated by Taylor Snyder

Assistant principal Denise Khaalid crowns Gertera Barber as 2012 Prom Queen. Barber received the most votes from all the juniors and seniors who attended Prom.

& G E R T E R A

Corey Neely and Catherine Allen are the first couple to walk in for the presenting of the 2012 Prom Court. After the couples gather in the middle of the dance floor, they partake in the court’s first dance.

Photos by Kaelyn Jiran/contributor

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Briann-Marie Ealy Opinion editor

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May 2012

Facing your fear:

Brianna-Marie Ealy Opinion editor

The graduation process is one of the major steps seniors will take with their transition from a high school student to an adult. Moving through this transition there can be a little stress, and even fear of the upcoming graduation date.

For some seniors their fears aren’t focused on one specific thing, “I’m scared of the whole thing,” said Sara Morrison.

Others, like Douglas Roberts, fear not knowing what will happen after high school.

For Victoria Jordan her biggest fear of graduation is not being able to see the people she sees in high school now.

After high school best friends might end up going to different colleges and won’t see each other maybe for years on end.

“Make sure you stay close to your friends because it gets stressful, and

Illustrations by/Brianna-Marie Ealy

you’ll need them during that stress” are Jordan’s words of wisdom to seniors who are dealing with the same fear she has. “I don’t think I’d change it,” she said of her experience. “I loved it.”

“Just don’t be nervous, this is what you’ve been waiting for, this is why you worked so hard,” said LaPorsha Alexander, who’s own fear is of tripping while walking on the stage to receive her diploma.

For Sigourney Zacharski, her fear of graduation is not graduating at all, and if given a chance to do it over she would change her study habits.

Not passing scares some seniors because of their lack of study habits in the years that led up to their senior year.

When asked what they would change, seniors answered that they would change study habits, attend school more and focus more on their studies.

A common fear for seniors has to do with their future after high school--a fear of getting out into the world and not making anything of themselves, of ending up as a failure.

“As long as you stay focused on your goal in life, everything will turn out fine,” said Schelsea Little. “Your fears will eventually pass.”

G R A D U A T I O N

Brianna-Marie Ealy/SPiN

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Graduation requirements cause concern

Voice of the Stallions

advanced for their age group in school work. They understand the class and assignments, learning how to do the work at a faster pace. Advanced minded students should be able to surpass grade levels quicker if they are able to.

Right now, students are trying to get school to focus mostly on career-building courses rather than core courses.

Programs like those at Applied Technology Center are showing that students have many options with career choices.

Some kids may be meant to be mechanics. Mechanics don’t require much reading or writing ability. English Art illustration by/Brianna-Marie Ealy classes are required number of a heavy required credits needed to burden as graduate in South Carofour credits lina is 24. The old number are required is 16. We need to go back for graduato that original number. tion.

The old number of credits A lot helped a lot of kids get of students out of high school in the now are 80’s and 90’s. aspiring Students are not the to become same as they were 20 to barbers.

Quay Walton 30 years ago. Society is Barbering Contributor moving at a faster pace. A and hairlot of kids in school now styling do How many people do you know have more responsibilities not require who didn’t graduate high school? than just education. Many advanced Was it because they didn’t have of us have jobs after math skills. enough credits to graduate? Many school. Several female The teenagers every year fail to graduate Art illustartions by/Brianna-Marie Ealy students have children to state of South due to the high requirements of totake care of. I can personally vouch for Carolina requires four math credits for day’s education system. The dropout students who are considered heads of their graduation. Having many credits in one rate is way too high. South Carolina households. All I’m saying, really, is many core class is overrated. has one of the highest number of high students of this generation aren’t capable Only students who see college as school dropouts in the country. We of getting 24 credits due to personal life their immediate option need these credits. need to lower standards. issues.

College should only be emphasized to First, you have to realize today’s Second, a lot of kids today are too far students looking for jobs with heavy cre-

Dress code? What’s the point?

Bryant Harris Contributor

Dress code. What is the point of dress code?

Seriously, what’s the point?

Dress code is pointless; it’s a way to keep kids restricted. Dress code makes us looks like the school wants us to look.

It’s our clothes and we should be able to wear them the way we want to.

There should not be a dress code at all.

If girls want to wear a bikini to

school, then it’s their choice.

If guys want to sag their pants, then let them sag. It’s their choice, it’s their clothes, so let the students dress the way they want to dress.

I think the dress code needs to be taken away because no one likes it. It’s a waste of everyone’s time.

If the dress code was taken away, then everyone would be so much happier.

There would be fewer suspensions and fewer problems with administration.

The second reason is that the dress code serves no purpose. It’s just a way to keep students under their thumb.

People are still going to dress the way they want to dress so just take away the dress code. It is highly unnecessary and unreasonable.

People are going to dress to look appealing because they paid for their own clothes.

Like me, if I paid for my pants, no one is going to tell me how to wear them.

I’m going to sag regardless of who tells me not to. I’m going to wear my hood regardless, because it’s my clothes.

The dress code only irritates and

angers students. If you want disrespect towards the administration to cease, then take away the dress code.

Also, the administrators wouldn’t notice any violations if they weren’t looking at inappropriate places.

Basically, the dress code is just a load of trouble.

I’m aware that some people think we might need a dress code, but we don’t.

Dress code is not a necessity.

People believe the dress code is enforced to make us look nice. Yes this may be true, but don’t control us on every little thing we wear.

Who honestly cares whether we have a dress code or not because we’re in high school?

Basically, dress code is highly unnecessary and it causes way too many problems.

I have already gotten in trouble over dress code and in my opinion, dress code needs to be taken away.

It would make everyone happier and save a lot of stress.

dentials in certain courses.

Third, the state of South Carolina should start to put more attention to career-building skills. The quicker the students are trained, the faster they can jump into the work force. Jobs can be filled quickly because elective-based schools like ATC can help students earn degrees in many trades early.

I personally feel we need to lower the standards if we want real improvement.

Many kids will say work is too hectic.

Twenty-four credits including most in core classes are unfair to students who lack certain math or English skills. Many students just aren’t good at science and history.

I believe we should start to focus more on career choices than core skills.

We need pre-employment education now more than core value education.

SCSPA 2012 Palmetto Award Winner 2010 SCSPA Sweepstakes Award Winner STAFF

.

Editor-in-chief...................Taylor Snyder Managing editor..................Ciara Burris

News editor...............Mary Hannah Neil (Editor-in-chief in training) Features editor......................Erin Fields Opinion editor..........Brianna-Marie Ealy Centerspread editor...........Jarvis Carter Sports editor..................Ashli Simmons (Managing editor in training) Photography editor..........Kendra Harris Copy editor......................Josh Davidson Webmaster..............................Alex Culp Reporters.....................O’Brian Brown Sierra Gilmore Kaylia Givens Skylar Jackson Vinita Maigur Marlana Mayton Olivia Smith Contributors.................Bryant Harris Shirley Nicholson Quay Walton Logan Avera Christina Hughes Executive Producer of SPiN in the morning......Catherine Allen

Adviser.................................Cindy Koon Principal...............................Al Leonard, 2009 Journalism Education Association Administrator of the Year

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Seniors should choose prom king and queen

Erin Fields Features editor The tradition of choosing who is crowned prom king and queen has always been, and should always remain the same.

Randomly choosing names out of a hat takes the pride out of receiving the title.

Several years ago South Pointe High School switched from the traditional way of choosing prom king and queen to having the results be random, based on which box you were given as a court member.

Many students didn’t agree with the decision being random, so those students elected to the 2012 prom court decided to change it back to the traditional voting method this year.

This year’s court royalty were called in for a meeting Thursday before prom and made the change. Then on Friday, when prom goers picked up their tickets for the next day’s prom, they were also given the opportunity to vote for king and

queen from the princes and princesses voted on earlier by the senior prom goers.

“I would rather the students vote for prom king and queen because that’s a tradition throughout the U.S.,” said Ryan Shaw. “I just believe that is the proper way to do it.”

Traditions that have been the same for years should never have been changed. Having students vote for prom king and queen is a huge deal to some students.

Therefore the rules should remain the same, giving students something to look forward to.

It is really up to the students on who deserves it. Prom king and queen isn’t just a pointless title; it is a huge honor. But if the decision is just based on luck, how is that an honor?

It’s good the method is back to its old tradition; being named prom king and queen is meant to go to someone who truly deserves it, someone who is caring, friendly, and outgoing. But if a person is randomly crowned, that leaves the person who really deserves it with little chance of getting it.

Of course, some students did like the random drawing method.

“I liked this idea because a lot of people tend to vote for the same people,”

says Stephanie Woehl. “There is more of a fair chance.”

In my opinion, the only upside to prom king and queen being randomly chosen is that it opened up a lot of doors to the underdogs on the prom court.

“It gives everyone a chance to be king or queen,” says Albert Hughes.

If students are still allowed to choose the

prom court, I believe they should also be given the choice of who wins king and queen.

If you really want to be crowned prom king or queen, you have to work for it and try to get as many votes as possible. But if people are randomly crowned, that gives prom court nothing to work toward.

“It does away with putting up signs and giving out candy, because in that case

you are basically just chosen ‘most popular’ instead of prom king or queen,” said Guidance Department Head Kay McNutt, who is the faculty member in charge of the prom committee the past several years.

By tradition, the honor is normally given to students based on personality and popularity. Who is going to be happy if someone gets chosen for all the wrong reasons? Now that students get to vote again, “most popular” is the one who is crowned.

“Prom is about the students so the students should have a voice,” said Chamara Clark.

Would you rather be crowned by your classmates who want you to get it, or randomly crowned and having a chance of people being unhappy with the decision? If most people are upset with the outcome, I’m pretty sure that ruins all of the excitement for the prom king or queen.

Prom court is not a silly game on seeing who gets lucky enough to get crowned. A lot of people really take it seriously, which is how it should be.

Being named prom king or queen should be something to be proud of because you worked hard for it. That should be something that you tell your grandkids about which may even make them look up to you as a role model.

The pride of having the honorable title of prom king or queen should be carried on throughout your lifetime and not just forgotten after high school.

Voice of the Stallions

Students, not guidance counselors, should have final say on course selections for upcoming school year

Logan Avera Contributor

A student passes all of his classes with an average of a 95 on all of his report cards. Then while in his classes he pays half attention to the lessons that are being taught, but every year regardless of what classes he signs up for, his schedule always puts him in basic, college prep classes and nothing harder. Finally one day the student’s parent came in and demanded him to be placed into higher level classes. South Pointe High School should improve its course selection process so students can make well-informed choices for themselves.

First, if the school allows students to choose their classes in the spring, it should allow the students to take those classes.

The guidance councilors should talk to the students about what the curriculum is for each class they want to sign up for.

If a student chooses to put themselves in higher level classes, he should be briefed

on the individual concepts. His guidance counselor should not choose what classes the student takes. When the student and his counselor talk at his IGP meeting, the classes the student wants to take are finalized. Then the student schedule he receives the next year still doesn’t reflect the classes he chose to be in; they reflect the classes his counselor believes he should take.

Second, before students choose their schedules, they should take placement tests for their classes.

This ensures that all students are placed in correct classes that are based directly on their scores. This stops students from obtaining an easy “A”, and forces the students to learn and pay attention in their classes. It also ensures that the less intellectual students are put in classes where they have a fair chance of passing. This process would also help the attendance of every student because they won’t give up as easily on a class that they have a chance of passing.

Third, an improved selection procedure would make sure students learn the

information needed at their own speed.

The terms “Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior” would no longer be suitable terms to use because it would take most students longer to graduate. It would prove that understanding the course is better than just earning the credits. There wouldn’t be the standard: four math and English credits and three social studies and science credits.

There would only be the concepts that the students have to master, to ensure that the students are prepared for life outside of school.

Others would say this idea would over-populate schools by making it take longer to graduate for most students, or even that the students shouldn’t be worried about passing individual concepts if they could pass the whole class. But if a student passes a class without understand-

ing all the lessons taught in the class, the student is not learning what they need to be, depending on the stuff they can do to carry them through the concepts they don’t understand. The oversizing of classes is easily solved by hiring more teachers or even extending the school day to reflect more of a college schedule.

The schools should let the students choose what classes they attend. Students know their limits and what their capable and willing to do in school. Also guidance counselors should focus more on informing the students about classes and less on just placing them in classes, letting the students take more control in their education preparing students for their futures.

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2012 class members gives advice for

Vinita Maigur Reporter Seniors having their last couple of days left in high school can be freeing and stressful all at the same time. With juniors worrying about what’s in store for their next year, seniors graduating this summer give some beneficial advice and wisdom about the trials and experiences that will arise for them next year.

“Enjoy where you are now. Senior year is a big reflection of your entire life and it goes by fast, so don’t let the memories slip away. Cherish them,” said Shivam Patel Most lower classman can agree that trying to fit studying, jobs and relaxation in a 24 hour day can seem impossible, with everything from sports to choir practice to hanging out with friends, but we have to remember that our education has to be taken seriously especially as we climb the ladder of success and move on to bigger and better things.

“Stick with their education. That’s just the best thing you could ever do through life. Oh, and enjoy your senior year,” Justice Clark said.

Every senior I spoke with has told the class of 2013 to enjoy every moment of their senior year and to hold the memories close, so they never forget them.

“Just to make their senior year as fun as possible but stay focused at the same time,” said Hannah Combs.

The advice given by the class of 2012 can give the class of 2013 confidence and perseverance to push on and be focused throughout their senior year, Also it can help to not let them forget that they are not alone because the more you climb the mountain of success, the harder it gets for everyone. A support system and a great group of friends can make it all possible.

It makes high school so much better when you know people who are there for you.

“Have fun! Do your work, but have fun; it goes by way too fast not to enjoy it. Be yourself and live free,” said Grant Brannon.

“I would tell them make sure you study a lot because they will push you until you graduate and make sure if you don’t pass the HSAP, try hard on it because you need to pass it to get your diploma, but other than that it’s fun.

Teachers are nice and you get to do more like leave class before everyone and leave school,” said Christina Teague.

One senior’s advice came straight from the heart.

“Don’t get too stressed about things, have fun and enjoy your last memories of high school, but get your work done too,” Lindsay Wooles recalled.

As we say goodbye to our seniors of 2012 and the wisdom and legacy that they leave behind at South Pointe High School, our friends and fellow future graduates will move on to an experience that could possibly change their lives. Not having them around is going to be painful. As we walk to the front of the school and open the glass doors on the first day of school in August for the class of 2013, we will be reminded of our classmates, friends and fellow graduates of the class of 2012.

May 2012

Live Above The Influence

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Band deserves more recognition Pointe requires students to earn a certain number of arts credits in order to graduate. When funding is cut from classes such as chorus, orchestra, and band that are options to fill those arts credits, students have less to choose from. Football isn’t required, yet they receive more money each and every year. They have enough money to buy new uniforms, new equipment, new shoes, and new workout clothes, while the band has had the same uniforms for five

Christina Hughes Contributor If someone got credit and rewards for doing the same things that you do, but you did not get the acknowledgement, would you be happy about it?

When a group of students does something that not only makes them happy but pushes them to the edge, they deserve to be rewarded for their actions. Band students should get the same acknowledgements as other groups.

First, band students should receive acknowledgment for the athleticism of marching band by receiving a PE credit.

Band students run laps around the band field every day. We stretch, do pushups, jumping jacks, and sit-ups. We march strenuous shows that put more sweat on your brow in a five minute show than playing a football game for an hour.

Why should the ROTC class get a PE credit when we do more athletic activity, while they sit in a classroom playing a flight simulator game? We have to push ourselves even harder. Not only are we marching at fast tempos, but we also have to play our music while doing it. You can only breath in certain places, you have to remember your drill and keep in time.

Band isn’t just music; it’s physical and mental work. You have to keep up, and you can’t just go and take a break for a little while. Band students are out in the sun during class, after school, and on the weekends. So why shouldn’t we get the credit?

Second, band students should also be recognized at the state championship football game. When the marching band arrives on the football field, you know the game is about to begin. We play our nation’s anthem and support our team with the fight song. We play music in the stands to entertain the crowd. Sometimes we play really loud to distract the other team. We play the music that the cheerleaders dance to. The band goes to all of the home games and most away games too. Our halftime shows give the crowd something to watch while the players are in the locker rooms. We even play music at the pep rallies. Two out of the four years that I have been at South Pointe, the football team has become State Champions. The football team and the cheerleaders line up on the field to receive their medals. But where is the band? We sit in the bleachers and watch as the cheerleaders get rewarded for cheering on the team. But isn’t that the same as what the band does? The band should get rewarded too because we do as much as the cheerleaders do.

Lastly, the band class as well as the other arts classes should receive the appropriate funding and should not be cut.

Why should the arts classes have less funding than the football team? South

years. We pay extra for our shoes and we don’t have the money to buy new instruments that we desperately need. Our band shirts that we wear under our uniforms are cheap and fall apart after one season. Band is required to put sponsorship stickers from Coca Cola, Food Lion, and Family Trust Credit Union on the back of our band trailer. These sponsors supposedly sponsor our school, yet we don’t receive funding from them. The football team does! Band students pay hundreds of dollars each and every year to participate in band.

This last year, band fees actually went up because of budget cuts, so students had to pay $450. This cost drives students away because they can’t afford to pay it every single year.

What do the football players have to pay?

Most pay nothing, and if they do pay, it is around $20-30. Even with the money our students pay, there is still not enough. The band students do not deserve to pay so much. The funding should not be cut. This program should grow, not wither away.

It is understood that there are some reasons why these things happen. Students who are in band need to know how to play an instrument. Some students might not be able to choose this class because of this. But students never have the chance to learn before high school because middle school budgets and some programs have

been cut. If students are willing to learn, we will gladly teach them so they can be part of our band. Even though this class is an arts class, it is very strenuous, but some administration might not allow it to have a PE credit because then it would be considered a dual credit course because you would receive an arts credit and a PE credit. A compromise to this would be to only receive the arts credit but exempt those students from having to take PE. Another option could be to allow the first year in band to be a PE credit and the next three years to be arts credits. If students are to be considered equal, then the programs should be treated equal as well. Some might say that it would cost too much money to give the band the acknowledgment it deserves, but why should band be at the bottom of the totem pole? These students deserve the chance to be recognized for their hard work too.

Band students would be more likely to feel that what they do on a daily basis is recognized for what it is worth if they received the same rewards as others. They need to get the same recognition as the cheerleaders at the state championship games. The students need to be given the same credits as ROTC. They should also receive the same funding as the sports teams. More students would join the band and the program would grow if something was done to improve this problem.

Erin Fields Features editor

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The secret life of a teenage actress Kendra Harris Photography editor You may know her as the small red-headed girl jumping around in the hallways, but others know her as the talented Catherine Allen, producer of the student morning show and on-stage actress in numerous school and district productions.

for the show and I tried to be on the show in the seventh grade,” said Allen of how she took the small steps necessary to taking over the entire morning show her senior year.

“When I went to Sullivan Middle School, I was a techie for two years and now I’m the executive producer for SPIN in the Morning,” Allen said.

“You may not believe this if you know the wide-

career. I expect great things from her in the future!”

While taking full advantage of high school classes and experiences, Allen will not be heading to a university in the fall like many of her classmates. She’ll launch her career fulltime. She took classes in drama and journalism, seized opportunities both on and off campus with any project that interested her, all while still a high school student. Even before graduation June 2, she is a professional model and actress, so there is not the magic divide between student and adult life.

“I’ll be in Italy for a month, I’ll be starting a documentary with a fashion designer, I’m doing another film, and I’m moving to L.A. in January,” Allen said.

The Los Angeles-Hollywood area is the obvious epicenter of the film industry, but unlike so many students, Allen realized the way to start in the business was right in front of her.

“My first professional audition was the T-Mobile commercial; it was filmed in Rock Hill,” she said.

Of course, her incredibly supportive parents help make living her dream possible. “My family supports me.

My mother calls herself my manager, and my dad, he is my driver. He drives us everywhere,” said Allen. They even parked the expectation she attend college, giving Catherine a year to see if she can launch a successful career on the West Coast. If things continue as they have, it should be a piece of cake. If not, well, then college goes back on the front burner as what they’d like to see her do.

They understand their energetic red-haired daughter has to act to get more acting jobs.

“My film premier ‘Secrets in the Snow’ was April 14, 2012, and they are showing it to ABC family, and other TV shows,” said Allen, who finds one thing often opens doors to another in show business.

So high school could be the highest level of education this girl attains. And she attributes a lot of her success to the classes here at South Pointe.

“I think having the Arts in school is a good thing because if we didn’t, I would not have the level of skill that I have now,” said Allen.

open, confident senior Catherine Allen, but when she What you may not know is that while most seniors were heading into mock AP exams or trying one last time was a tiny little ninth grader, she came into that SPIN in the Morning room with all those juniors and seniors to pass that HSAP, Allen was up in Chappell Hill, N.C., and never said a word. She watched the boy who did the walking the red carpet as a film actress attending the boards and then she started doing the boards. premier of her latest movie.

“When I was eight years old, I started acting at a dra- She worked hard, was 100 percent reliable, ma camp. My first roll I played was an ommpa loompa in was always on time,” SPIN adviser Cindy Koon said of Allen. “I am no longer the morn‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” said Allen. ing show adviser, but it is a joy watching what Her extensive involvement with Stallion Repertory all Catherine has done for the show. She came Theatre productions and director Jimmy Chrismon and into Journalism I and then Newspaper Producwith the school’s morning show was a natural fit. This tion and helped start up SPIN Wired. She had semester she is exploring visual art with Ashley Beard. an innate feeling that journalism “I’m the and drama were a nice fit, and only actress in they are. Some colleges even my family, and have them housed together or I have done 30 have the programs interconnectplays/musicals, ed. It is so rare to have a student three or four ‘seize the day’ the way she does, films, three with that mature awareness that commercials, life is not something in the future, a book cover, but something we all live right and I’m a now, in the present. She knows commercial this is no dress rehearsal.” model,” Allen Because of her contribusaid. tions, South Pointe principal Dr. When Al Leonard chose Allen as the people find out Student of the Year. about her ca“I selected Catherine Allen reer, many of to represent South Pointe as them are like, the Student of the Year largely “Wow, lucky!” due to the positive way that she But Allen represents the school, both in the would be the building and in the community,” first to tell you Leonard said in an email. “Her that having the enthusiasm and love for her dream and then school is contagious! She has pursuing your helped to build the foundation A three year old, Catherine Allen mugs for a picture. passion to the for the morning announcements by estabCatherine Allen and her co-star from the movie “The Secerts in the exclusion of almost lishing high standards for years to come.

Snow” walk the red carpet. everything else is what it takes to break through. Well, Catherine’s passion for acting is evident in that and actual talent combined with hard work. her performances with our theatre arts de“In sixth grade Mr. Dickson ask me to be an intern Photos contirbuted by Catherine Allen partment and will serve her well as she pursues her acting

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May 2012

What is your favorite thing about being a senior?

De’Angela Douglas

“Leaving early.”

Quayvontae Rose “It’s my last year and we get out of class early and get out of school a week

Keyonna Miller

“Getting out of class early and this is my last year of high school.”

Norman Davis “This my last year.

I’m ready to get out of school and experience the college life.”

Devane Leach

“My name and picture getting into the newspaper, getting senior privileges, and doing what I want to do.”

Lamar Byers “Senior privilege.”

LaPorsha Ingram-Kayla Isaacs -Avery Jackson -Tiona Jackson-Justin Johnson-Katherine JohnsonCharetha Jones Raven Jones Kendle Jones-Salley Phillip Kellas Brandon Kelley Michael Kerber

seniors

Hollis Kimbrell Parker Kirchinger Michael Kuehl Joseph Levi Jasemine Lewis LaBrian Lymus

Taraleigh Mackey Taylor Madson Jessica Mai Jacob Martin Joseph Martin Jalen Massey Jamesha

Massey Nicole Massey Alex McCleod Dana McCrorey Katy McFadden Khalid Mills Tyler Minton Cadarious Mitchell Yantae Mitchell Brandon Mobley Diana Monteith Sallai Moore Trevor Mullinax

Seth Munyan Kyla Myers Nicholas Myers Johnsha Nelson Robert Nelson Andre’ Orr Kodie Oswald Allen Patterson John Penyak Nakeya Poage Ashley Potts Tevon Potts Brian Price Sierra Pusloski Anthony Quinones Ambrehea’ Rhodes Emmanuel Richardson Andrew Robbins Daniel Roberts

2012 2012 2012

2012 2012 2012

early.”

Jasmmine Robinson Khadijih Robinson Sh’Kayla Roddey Quayvontae Rose Alexandrea Sears Zachary Sewell Samuel Shannon Garrison Sherer Tyler Sherman Douglas Showell Donisha Sibley Katelyn Sortet Chandler Thomas Adria’ Thompson Cayla Thompson Jaime Torres Sarah Turbeville Hydeia Wade Oceania Walker Keiosha Ward Kelli Ward Jarvaris White Abbigail Whitesell Antione Corbin Hannah Womack

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Seniors share favorite memories Nine months to choose from challenges these five to come up with only one of many memories that make up the last year of school

“What was your favorite senior memory?”

Samone Boulware “Probably winning state.”

Lynsie Brandon “My favortive memory would be when Tyler took out friends and I out to dinner, got down on one knee and proposed.”

Kaleb Hemphill “When we won state.”

Macee Coursey “Getting my graduation present early, which was my car.”

Isaac Rodgers “My car wreck.”

Seniors talk college freshman must-haves

Jon’Quesha Peterson “Mini-fridge.”

Brooke Costner “A laptop.”

“What is your college freshman must-have?”

Page By: Marlana Mayton

Maya Pendigrass “Music.”

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Caitlyn Hoofnagle

2012

Micheal Howard Darian Dunn

Noah Butcher Jared Hovis Diamond Hope

Alex Blair Devin Hemphill n w o r B e n K i arisa B m s a J Lala oggs kish Terrick Burton a Be m a h l n a i r B z Alex Culp aire Tre’ n i a Amber Brunson Kerber l r e b Shank m a ia Glov Lane Ch er Alex Gibson Kirsten Dart Lajuandree Burris Michael Broome Mason Horne Dillon Hord

m a h g n Shenika Howze i n n Christina Chester Keosha Cu Taylor Coggins W i Jonathan Cruz nsto n k n c o N t C r a o u r k s i a B ra Har t a v r n e n A tt Ha Dontrell Evens n ris Ma Jevon Hinton Emma Hampton Christopher Hemphill Brenton Efaw Lewis Dickert Ty’rica Davis k r u b r e Kaitlin Ebeling d n u F e n i r a h t Ka Robert Herring Jessica Ferguson Deneshia Hogan Tarik Dunn Asia Hayd e n l l i h p Sarah Harbin Natia Hem Lindsey Hinnant Quincy Goode gram l l n E i m il y I H F u n d e r n s b u r k h u o o i J v a t n o D Megan Humphries Nikia Green

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Hangout Spots for 2012

Page 11

Kadeidra Page

May 2012

Chasmine Strong

Seniors’ favorite places to hangout for 2012 O’Brian Brown Reporter

Brehannah Anderson, left; Zamonii Gibbs, right

A good portion of students’ days are revolved around school. Whether it’s the time spend preparing for school, the actual time spend at school, or afterschool activities some participate in. When that bell hits 3:37, what kind of things do seniors like to do?

Zamonii Gibbs and Brehannah Anderson spend a lot of time together.

“We are together all the time. We enjoy each other’s company. You never know where you’re going to find us.

The places where we go most of the time are malls. Our favorite mall is Pineville Mall. Our favorite stores are Forever 21 and American Eagle,” said Gibbs.

“We got to hit up that food court and Body Central and we go for the boys. We’re like Venus and Serena, Beyoncé and Solange; we’re inseparable,” said Anderson.

This seems to be one strong sister bond that can never be tarnished, broken, nor rained on.

Chasmine Strong likes being out in the public as well.

“My favorite place is Wing King,” she said. “I love their food. My favorite is their fried pickles. There is no place I’d rather be on earth. It may sound greedy, but Wing King is definitely worth it.”

While some like to go public places, some like Kadeidra Page like to keep it simple.

“I just like to go chill with my best friend Akeem Hayden. We spend a lot of time together; we’re either at his house or my house. I’m the type that likes to keep it simple and I enjoy spending time with him,” said Page.

With all this said the class of 2012 has some interesting places they like to hang out and it seems they really enjoyed themselves.

Seniors plan life after high school O’Brian Brown Reporter After high school, seniors are challenged with really tough decisions to make about their futures. While being a college freshman might be on some minds, other students have post-high school plans not involving college, like Michelle Pittman.

“I originally planned to go to college. I thought I had everything together. I was on track to go and I had my mind set on two colleges, The University of North Carolina and the College of Charleston. I got denied by both, but I didn’t feel bad. That experience built me and made me realize that other people have the same goals in mind as I do. So if I want it bad enough, I got to step up my game. I’m going to keep working hard at my job, but I will achieve my goal one day sooner rather than later. I will be a proud college student,” said Pittman.

Unlike Pittman, senior Jimmy Ward never wanted to go to college. He had his mind made up at an early age about what he wanted to do with his life.

“I’m going to the military like my grandfather,” Ward said. “Growing up, he was my idol. It became clearer to me when I was 14 that I wanted to go to the military. I want to make a career out of it and be successful. Everybody should try it at least four years. Also I messed up in school, so my options were already limited.”

We all at some point in life have to make decisions that are going to affect us for the rest of our lives, and for Pittman and Ward these deadline for these decisions are quickly approaching. Only time will tell if the paths they have chosen will be the right ones for them.

From High School to College and Work and the Military, Here are the plans seniors make

Michelle Pittman Trey Ward

“Believe that things will work out… follow your intuition and curiosity… trust your heart even when it leads you off the well-worn path… You have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future… The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it… Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”~ Steve Jobs

2 1 ‘ r o i n e S Page 12

May 2012

Senior week: Cure for senioritis Joshua Davidson Copy Editor

The week after school gets out wasn’t nicknamed “Senior Week” for nothing.

It’s the week that graduates, fresh out of high school, get to enjoy their lives after the long years of mandatory schooling.

This period of time is usually spent at the beach or with family members. It’s a time for relaxation and for celebrating after working hard to earn the diploma that exemplifies success.

Rachel Love

LaSharra Barber

1. “Making a play list of songs on my iPod.” 2. “Disney World.”

3. “My mom.”

1. How are you preparing for Senior Week?

2. Where are you spending Senior Week?

3. Who are you spending Senior Week with?

1. “Saving up money and working out.”

2. “Going to the beach and going to Florida to visit a college campus.”

3. “My friend Diamond.”

Joshua Davidson/SPiN

Karon Robinson

1. “Going shopping.”

2. “Myrtle Beach.”

3. “Friends.”

Joshua Davidson/SPiN

Teachers reminisce on memorable moments What is your favorite memory of one of the senior students?

Andre Patterson, French teacher “My favorite memory is of Eliza Wilcox. I loved the way she creatively and humorously breaks the rules. It always makes me laugh.”

John Keith, science teacher “Trevon Washington sat at the front of my Chem. Tech. class.

Sometimes it would get rough in there, and since he sat at the front he would catch all my rude comments. This let us have a few jokes, and I got the impression that he really enjoyed the class. The other day he saw me in the hall and told me that he was going to college. This made me emotional because the other students probably won’t. I’m very proud of him.”

Erin Fields/SPiN

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Sen Page 13

May 2012

peace. LOVE. sPECIAL OLYMPICS.

Laura Grier, Samantha Woodard, Ben Strong, Victoria Jordan, Laine Austin and Marissa Grant gather on the soccer field at Cherry Park on April 13 for the opening ceremony for the Special Olympics. South Pointe had many different groups help volunteer and represent the school, such as soccer players, IB students, football players, FCA and many more.

Renada Massey helped escort the Special Olympics bear around the park with her Teaching Fundamentals class.

(above) Liana Rameriz works the ribbon table at the male 100-meter walk with an Applied Technology Center classmate.. (above left) Anna Mckeown works the Special Olympics t-shirt table. Mckeown is part of the Rock Hill City Council which puts on the event every year as part of Come See Me.

Matt Hutches and Hadden Finch talk with a Special Olympics participant while he awaits his ribbon at the male long distance jump. Finch and Hutches volunteered at the Special Olympics as players on the varsity soccer team.

Christina Hughes particpated in the Special Olympics by walking around Cherry Park taking pictures with kids.

Chelsea Roddey pins a second place ribbon on a Special Olympic participant during the 100 meter female race. Roddey attended the Special Olympics with the Teaching Fundamentals class at ATC.

Photos by Taylor Snyder

Han n

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Venisha

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Karlie Davis, Hannah Henderson 1. Hannah: “Baking together.”

2. Karlie: “Since birth we’re cousins.”

3. Hannah: “Baking, because we can bond and share stories; we’re emotional cooks.”

4. Hannah: “Anywhere, it doesn’t matter as long as we are together.”

5. Hannah: “Han.” Karlie: “Kar--we cut off the rest of the name after the first syllable.”

ah

Jatee Vanderpool, Venisha Pendergrass 1. Venisha and Jatee: “Going to Great Falls.”

2. Jatee: “Since our freshman year.”

3. Venisha: “Spending the night our each other house, and playing volleyball.”

4. Jatee: “We don’t have one.”

5. Venisha: “Nisha.”

Jatee: “Tay.”

. . . .

FRIE

1. What is your favorite me Latisha Degraffenreid, Jarvis Carter, Tyrone’ Carter, Renada Massey 2. How long have you 1. Latisha “Renada’s 18th birthday weekend.”

3. What are your favor 2. Tyrone’: “All of us, since the 8th grade.” togethe 3. Latisha: “Going out to parties, out to eat, just having fun, and 4. What is your favori enjoying life.”

4. Tyrone’: “Anywhere, when we are all together.”

5. What are your 5. Tyrone’: “Nene.” a Latisha: “L-Dawg.” Renad , Jarvis, Tyr Renada: “Nikki.” on e Jarvis: “Jayda1.”

’& isha Lat

Mariah Lawrence, Kaiti McFadden 1. Mariah: “’It’s not really memories, it’s lik inside jokes.”

2. Kaiti: “Since kindergarten.”

3. Mariah: “We eat a lot together and we bread and chocolate, two major friendsh groups.”

4. Mariah: “Kaiti’s house.”

5. Kaiti: “Ginger.”

Mariah: “Mariah-on-Fiyah.”

b i ’N y a & J o b o B n

e a ish

Joneisha Murray, Bobbi’Nya Washington 1. Joneisha: My favorite memory with Bobbi was when we first hung out together and we was in the parking lot. singing and dancing with an old lady.

2. Bobbi: Since 10th grade, when I first came to South Pointe.

3. Bobbi: We usually eat and goof around.

Joneisha: Going out to eat and to the mall.

4. Bobbi:We don’t really have a favorite hangout spot; we hangout all over Rock Hill.

5. Bobbi: Boobie.

Joneisha: Neisha Bishia.

Kadeesia Patterson, Jasmine Burris 1. Kadeesia: “One time when we were office helpers, Jasmine came out the office door dancing and she fell.”

2. Jasmine: “Since the 11th grade.”

3. Jasmine: “Singing songs together, dancing, and acting crazy.”

4. Kadeesia: “Any place with food” eesia & Ja d a K 5. Jasmine: “Thelma and Louise.” sm ine “Frock and Frak.”

Kadeesia: “Skinny and Minnie.”

“Thick and Thicker.”

.N.D.S

emory as best friends? been best friends? rite activities to do er? ite hangout spot? r nicknames?

Kaiti

Chelsea Lloyd, Jessica Barnes, Brian Price 1. Chelsea: “Going to Jessie’s farmhouse.”

2. Chelsea: “Three years.”

3. Jessica: “Going to Pink Berry, because it’s the best frozen yogurt ever, and it’s not in Rock Hill.”

4. Chelsea: “Jessie’s basement because there is a pool table, a foosball table and movies.”

5. Jessica: “We call ourselves Team Awesome!”

&M iah

e love hip food

Photos by Jarvis Carter and Kaylia Givens

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Editors brings home seco Managing editor lives with lupus throughout high school Kelsey Davis Contributor Hair up in a ponytail with her bow, smile on her face, dancing around. That’s Ciara. Skinny little thing with braces.

That’s Ciara. A personality that shines and makes people laugh. That’s Ciara.

Ciara Burris defines happiness as living life stress free and always having a smile. She wants to be remembered as a person who strived to be the best.

“My greatest fear?

Dying before experiencing life and how far lupus can take me,” said the South Pointe senior.

Burris, 18, has lupus nephritis, an illness affecting the kidneys. She’s still as strong as she can be, not letting this disease take over her. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, at least five million people worldwide have some form of lupus. The disease develops in people between the ages of 15 and 44. Ninety percent of people diagnosed with this disease are women, and it’s two to three times more prevalent among women of color.

Reflecting back on her reaction to the diagnosis, Burris said, “I was shocked and sad, but it didn’t stop me because it didn’t stop my sister.”

Burris lost her sister, Marketia Heath, to this same disease. She had blood clots that went from her legs to her heart. Burris has to keep a watch for blood clots as well.

Marketia was 19 years old when she died, and Ciara is 18 now.

Burris said this disease is hereditary. She does have aunts on her mother’s side who have it. She and her sister are the only ones with it on her dad’s side.

People close to her may notice the disease’s signature red spots on her cheeks and across her nose, a butterfly rash.

Her lupus has flared up.

She’s being a little mopey, looks like something’s wrong.

Still, she’s smiling, still laughing. Still being Ciara.

During track season her ninth grade year, it was blazing hot

Photos contributed by Ciara Burris and Taylor Snyder

outside, and she was cold. She had chill bumps running up and down her legs.

“I thought my iron was low,” Burris said.

She missed out on her whole summer, lying in the bed. Her mom had to force her to eat.

She was going to her doctor, but he didn’t know what was wrong, and he sent her to Charleston. The doctors ran tests on her and they thought she had lupus but weren’t sure. The doctor in Charleston sent her to another doctor, Dr. Maury Passo. He diagnosed Ciara with lupus nephritis on Oct. 1, 2009. During the whole process she was in and out of school.

Ciara can’t stand in the sun all day and has a limitation of sports she can do.

“I don’t know what I can’t do because I do it anyway,” she stated.

Who can stop her from her love of dancing? When Ciara was three, her mom asked if she wanted to take gymnastics or dance. She chose to dance.

“Dancing was fun. I really enjoyed it. Going to competitions allowed me to experience different places.” She danced at Sullivan Dance Studio and Dance by Sherri.

“It was the love of my life,” Burris said.

She received her 10th year trophy for competitive dance.

In ninth grade, Ciara wrote an autobiography in her Journalism 1 class. Her story was so good, adviser Cindy Koon

wanted her to be a part of SPIN (South Pointe in the News), the student newspaper.

Her sophomore year she joined the SPIN staff. This year she’s the managing editor of the newspaper.

“She’s real because she tells you what it truly is,” stated senior Que’Desha Crawford, who’s friends with and cheered with Burris.

It’s her friends who help her get

through the rough times.

On May 18, 2011, Ciara had to have a biopsy. She couldn’t move her body at all that whole day. The surgeons took a piece of her kidney out because the level of protein in her urine was too high. The surgery was a five minutes process that left Burris in agony.

“I was in pain, and my back was hurting. I was happy though, because all my friends came to see me when I came home,” Burris stated.

Despite an affliction that sometimes threatens to overcome its sufferers, Burris plans to attend Francis Marion University and become a broadcast journalist.

“I like to get the facts right so people that wants to know the truth can know,” Burris said.

She was only looking at small schools to apply to. Her guidance counselor told her that with her lupus, teachers will be closer to her.

Her mind guided her to choosing Francis Marion or Lander University.

“I like Francis Marion because it’s not at the beach, but it’s at the beach. Lander’s in the middle of nowhere,” she said.

The choice also respects her mother’s wishes that she go to Francis Marion. She admires her mother the most out of her family. Her mom is a determined, independent person, Burris said.

“I can vent to my mom because she knows everything about me,” she added.

People find it surprising that she’s a girl who has an illness, because you can’t tell from just looking at her.

“No, I couldn’t tell she had an illness until she told me, and I couldn’t tell after,” junior Ashli Simmons said. She cheered with Ciara and also works with her on the newspaper staff.

“She’s a smart, outgoing person,” friend Ashley Jaggers said.

ond state championship Editor-in-chief of two years gets into ‘dream school’

Art Illustrated by Taylor Synder

Taylor Synder placed fourth in the nation for National Federation of Press Women’s graphic art category for the art illustration above.

Vinita Maigur Reporter Taylor Olivia Snyder is a blue-eyed, brown-haired Rock Hill native who is South Pointe High School’s youngest editor-in-chief and the first junior to carry over the title over into her senior year.

As a junior she led the staff to another South Carolina Scholastic Press Association Palmetto Award. Snyder has won individual awards for her work in journalism as well. In 10th grade she was named fourth in the nation for graphic art by the National Federation of Press Women, having placed first in the category in the South Carolina Media Women’s High School Communica-

tions Contest. She was named first for sports photography by the SCSPA. She also placed second in the Winthrop University Society of Professional Journalists annual “Free Speech” essay contest.

“When I received my first award in the 10th grade, I felt like I could do this, that I could become an accomplished journalist and one day be editor-in-chief,” said Snyder.

Now that junior staff members have been trying out for leadership positions, with Mary Hannah Neil earning the top job, Snyder has had mixed emotions. “I started crying when I realized that I wasn’t going to do this anymore. I am really going to miss it,” said Taylor.

One of Snyder’s favorite parts about being editor in chief of the paper is helping students and doing something tangible to benefit the school. Snyder has a set mind on what she wants from this world, whether that’s helping others or hanging out with her friends.

“If you go into an article or a photo idea thinking what award can I get from this, then your product turns out not what you wanted. You have to let your talents work themselves; don’t do something just because you want an award. Do it because it will look good and it will be good,” said Snyder.

Although Snyder seriously considered journalism or mass communications or graphic designer as a major in college, she is taking on an entirely different challenge this fall at the University of South Carolina.

As a young child Snyder’s fondest memory was spending time with her father at the

USC stadium.

“My first Carolina game was when I was about five

years old and I had a little cheerleading outfit on and I was with my dad and we were walking up to the stadium and it was just so big, it scared me. I remember walking in and seeing all the fans and the field was huge and beautiful with the gamecock in the middle. I looked over to the students section and saw them jumping up and down with the towels to the song sandstorm and that is when I realized that I wanted to be a gamecock,” recalled Snyder.

Snyder has always dreamed about the day she would get accepted into USC; she found out that she was accepted in January. Walking to her mailbox from her front door to retrieve the mail at the end of the driveway, not knowing when many of her acceptance letters would come piling in, she was nervous. When she got the mail and started walking from the end of the driveway, she flipped though the bills and flyers that the Snyder family gets on a daily bases when she came across the envelope from the USC admissions office.

Excited, she ran back into her house with the envelope in her hand. Snyder had been told that if she had been accepted, there would be a big Gamecock logo on the back. She slowly turned the envelope over: the big Gamecock logo said YES. “I jumped up and down, I was so excited. I always wanted to be a Gamecock,” recalled Snyder.

She now has her heart set on becoming a doctor, possibly even a heart surgeon, so she is a pre-med and biology major.

Because of her strong family bonds, her grandmother’s illness may have played a part in Snyder’s desire to be a healer. She found out that her grandmother had breast cancer, a disease that touches one in eight women each year in the United States according to cancer.org, Taylor realized quickly how this experience was going to change her life forever.

“My grandmother is a strong person because she is fighting breast cancer, and I realized that the small things in my life do not compare to the things she goes through in her life,” said Snyder.

But it does help to go through the big and little things with a best buddy. Snyder remembers when she met a spunky, red headed girl and Beta club member Catherine Allen two years ago at prom. Snyder was taking pictures for the newspaper and Allen was helping through the Beta Club. The two knew each other but really didn’t talk much. An instant connection came that night.

“We jumped into the middle of the dance floor with everyone, even though we weren’t supposed to,” Snyder recalled.

Allen and Snyder have been close friends ever since that night two years ago at prom. Catherine is the producer of

South Pointe’s morning show and Snyder serves as the sportscaster on her staff. They work together every day on afternoon announcements. Allen took fourth block to help out Snyder’s staff on SPIN. When asked the question what you do for fun, Snyder replied with her blue eyes wide open and a big smile on her face that she enjoys hanging out with family and good friends, listening to a band called Hot Chelle Rea. “I love this band called Hot Chelle Rea and my favorite song is Beautiful Freaks. And I love photography,” said Snyder. Her church basketball team made it all the way to final championship game in the league before falling to the other team from Lake Wylie.

Snyder has been looking back on her last semester in high school, wondering of what type of legacy she wants to leave behind. She came to a conclusion to shape the future senior Stallions.

“Just because it’s your senior year, don’t slack off. This year still counts, so make it worthwhile,” Snyder said.

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May 2012

Seniors plan life after high school

Chase Smith 1. Go to college to study music.

2. He always thought he was going to go to college to get financially stable and to have a career.

Nathan Acevedo 1. Go into the military.

2. Everybody in his family has gone into the military and he always wanted to do it.

Lang Bigham 1. College.

2. Still thinking about it.

1. What are your plans after high school?

CJ Davenport 1. Got to the College of Charleston to get his law degree.

2. Always wanted to go to law school.

Logan Avera 1. To become an adventurer.

2. To be like an explorer and discover new things.

2. Why do you to pursue this plan?

Jack Nguyen 1. College.

2. To get a good job and education.

Lottieonna Ervin 1.College 2. To be successful

Heidi Ebeling 1. College.

2. To further her education.

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May 2012

2 1 20

Senior Superlatives Asha Kumar & Ishmael Wilkes

Quietest

s e y e t s e i Prett

Kris

M o r g a n M c K o y

awkins

ani H t t i r B & k Coo

J a r v i s P e t t y

Best Smile

Most likely to skip class Jameishia Ingram & Cla

M o s t

R a n d o m

Bethany

ytavious Mit chell

Polk & Za chary

Taylor

ompson

And

ryn Th a T & n a c n y Du

Loudest

2 1 ‘ r o i n e S

S

eniors tackle new tradition

Page 21

May 2012

Seniors Deunta’ Hughes, Kaiti Gebhardt, Augusta Couch, Jameishia Ingram, ChrisShondra Gaines, Grant Brannon, Kaitland Williams, Keasha Currence and Kally Williams pose for a picture before the powder puff game in District 3 Stadium South on March 23.

The game was a fundraiser for the prom and the afterprom activities.

Senior girls powder puff team members cheer and chant before the game, getting ready for the first play.

Senior girls line up ready to try and move forward to get a touchdown. Quarterback Brooke Costner throws senior Keasha Currence the ball as she attempts to run through the junior defenders.

Photos by Shirley Nicholson

ChrisShondra Gaines runs from a junior defender during the spirit week powder puff game, gaining the seniors some yardage.

Jameishia Ingram gains yardage for the seniors -as she flees from junior defenders.

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May 2012

Middy and Sneaky Jay move to next level Seniors say goodbye to Stallions and hello to college baseball season this fall

Mary Hannah Neil News editor On April 13 Jacob Midkiff got his 101st hit, breaking the Stallions’ hitting record. He broke former Stallion Brad Zebedis’ (class of 2010) record of 100 hits.

“I felt nervous trying to get the hit,” said Midkiff. “But it felt great to be able to break a record by a player who has shown how good he is in high school as he is in college.”

Midkiff (Middy) and Jacob Carrington (Sneaky J) are the two seniors of this spring’s South Pointe baseball team, which had its best season ever. They are both starting players, Midkiff as pitcher and shortstop and Carrington as left fielder.

“These two seniors are great teammates. Both them work hard on the field and do very well in the classroom,” said head coach Jason Terry. “One is an OF, and the other is SS. Both are pitchers, so trying to replace two pitchers is hard, but we have great young talent that will hopefully fill their shoes.”

Midkiff has been playing baseball since he was six years old, and has been

Taylor Snyder/SPiN

Jacob Midkiff and Jacob Carrington hug as they are announced on senior night on April 17. it was the last regular season home game for the two seniors.

playing for the Stallions since he was in seventh grade. He is now the captain of the baseball team for the second year in a row.

Along with Midkiff, Carrington has played for the Stallions since he was in ninth grade. He has also played for the Rock Hill Hitting Facility, Post 34, and TCT Bulls.

Carrington’s most memorable moment while playing for the Stallions? “We were playing Nation Ford. I was in my defensive position in left field. Nation Ford’s first baseman hits a bomb to left field, so I took my route for the ball. As I was coming close to the fence, I elevated to the ball. When the ball was inches from my glove, my feet clipped the fence and I flipped over, landing on my back,” he said.

Junior first baseman Troy Rawls said of Carrington, “He’s always helping people out when they’re struggling, and he never gets mad when someone messes up.”

Midkiff has played for many teams outside of school, such as CBC

O’s, On Deck O’s, On Deck Braves, On Deck Tigers, Carolina Outlaws, Carolina Cougars and Carolina Red’s.

“My favorite baseball memory is when I hit my first home run. I was 11, it was in Steele Creek little league,” said Midkiff.

After 12 years of playing baseball, Midkiff remembers a game in this year’s preseason tournament at Buford, where he bare handed a slow roter up the middle and threw the leadoff batter out at first.

“My greatest baseball play was when I stole home last year in the Wheels Tournament for the go ahead run,” said Carrington.

As Carrington and Midkiff finish their final season for the Stallions, they both wish to continue the sport after high school.

“I plan to play baseball at Presbyterian College and be in field and pitcher,” said Midkiff, who committed to play for them in

November. He will join Zebedis at the private college in Clinton, S.C. Carrington also plans to play in college for Belmont Abby University in outfield.

Rawls says about Midkiff and Carrington, “They have made a big impact.

They get along with everybody, and they’re two of our main players.”

“Middy’s our Ace and Carrington’s got good speed in the outfield, and we’re going to miss both of their bats in the lineup next year,” said Rawls. “It will be pretty good, but it’s not going to be the same.”

The Stallion boys have had their best season, winning 19 games and losing 8. ”Both guys will be successful in whatever they do, if they have the desire they do now they will be successful for a longtime,” said Terry.

Terry also said both Carrington and Midkiff were a pleasure to coach. He wishes the best of luck at whatever they do after high school, and that he hopes they come to visit the South Pointe team.

“Both are good role models in different situations, I will truly miss both of them,” said Terry.

Mary Hannah Neil/SPiN Mary Hannah Neil/SPiN

(left) Jacob Carrington makes his first hit of the senior night game against Chester. (right) Jacob Midkiff positions in his short stop stance. The stallions later won the game with the score of seven to three.

Mary Hannah Neil/SPiN

2 1 ‘ r o i n e S Page 23

May 2012

Is three a charm?

Sierra Gilmore Reporter “When I was only six years of age I was around a group of high schoolers that attended Northwestern High School, and they bribed me into pole-vaulting 12 feet into the air. From that moment I felt great to accomplish this at a young age, and I knew right then and there I was going to be pretty good,” two-time pole vaulting State Champion Brett Squibbs, a senior at South Pointe High School, recalled.

Pole vaulting is more than just a sport to Squibbs. It’s a family tradition.

Squibb’s father Bryan Squibbs was pretty good in high school and even pole vaulted in college. Squibbs had three older brothers, Terry, Jeff and Ryan who were also great at pole vaulting. Terry got a full scholarship to University of South Carolina Upstate for pole vaulting. Terry also set the record at South Pointe to14 feet, and Brett beat that when he was only a sophomore. “It just felt great,” said Squibbs when asking him how he felt about beating his own brother’s record.

He also earned a State ring his sophomore year and followed with a second championship as a junior. As of press time, he was hoping to get one his senior year.

“Three is a charm. I’m working hard daily at practice to fulfill this goal,” said Squibbs. “My family supports me 100 percent, and it feels good to have such a great support system. Knowing that they believe in me is just remarkable.”

Squibbs’ number one goal is to break the All-State record, which is 17 feet.

“Getting to the next level and getting better is what pushes me. I’m more spoiled into getting better. I’ll make sure I will come out on top,” he said.

Squibbs loves pole vaulting and wants to continue to keep a smile on his family’s face.

“I haven’t really progressed this season, but trust me it’s coming,” says Squibbs.

After high school, the pole vaulter is heading to the University of South Carolina on Life and track scholarships.

Contributor/Kaelyn Jiran

(above) Senior Brett Squibbs led the Stallions with a win at the Northwestern Trojan Relays. (left) Squibbs, pole vaulting during regular season, qualified for the state meet at semifinals May 5.

“

Squibbs loves pole vaulting and wants to continue to keep a smile on his family’s face.

Brett Squibbs

”

Senior reflects on track and life

State and compete for a track ring but this our way to South Pointe High School so was only a small piece of my strongest we could get on the buses and head to a memory. school around 2 or 3 hours away. I was Some of the things that I was going listening to my music to put myself in the through in life at that time had put an efrunning mood. I call it, “getting my mind fect on me and the way I preformed that right.” It’s something like a self-esteem day. builder that helps me before my race.

The problem started at home with my The sky looked as if something was father and me. We were supposed to go about to happen. It was dark and lit up at to Hartsville to see my family, but there the same time. was only one problem, I had qualified for I feel pain, pain from the shin splits State. and I feel happy, happy for the wins that I He was upset already and said, have achieved in the beginning.

“You will have to get ‘em again next year,” and Some of the things that I was going I replied, “Man, through in life at that time had put whatever. No, this is my chance to an effect on me and the way I do something big performed that day. in my life and I’m not letting you mess that up for Bj Muhammad me.

My team needs me to be there and do this and that’s what They really bring a good feeling to I’m going to do.” my heart and put my mind at peace. It’s It pumped me up so much that I like a power from God himself and the forgot I had nowhere to go to the next energy that I need. morning so I called my coach and I stayed I can now leave my past behind. I’m with him until the morning. in the race of my life; it’s time to beat it The day had started and we were on and this is only the beginning.

“

Sierra Gilmore/SPiN

Bj Muhammad finishes first against Northwestern at a home track meet on arch 13.

B.J. Muhammad Contributor Track-- it’s what I hear; it’s what I do.

The crowd, the wind, the pain, and doubt, it’s all track. 90% mental, some people do

it for the fame and fortune but I don’t do it for the fame or a name. I do it for me it makes me happy.

Also when I was down, it helped me put the thing I feared behind me.

I was hoping and waiting to go to

”

2 1 ‘ r o i n e S Page 24

May 2012

Senior takes on a doubLE

Ashli Simmons Reporter Senior defensive end and wide receiver JaRyan Jennings leaves behind some significant stats: 113 rushing yards, 576 receiving yards, 155 total tackles and 144 initial yards. But they won’t be his last because the gridiron star will be playing on Saturday come August.

Jennings has been playing football since he was seven years old. Some people might be surprised to know that he didn’t want to play.

“After the first game, I loved it,” Jennings said.

He hasn’t stopped playing since then.

Always wanting to go to the next level, Jennings lifts weights and works hard.

Even though he’s competitive, there’s always a different side to the players that no one really gets to see.

“My family in the stands cheering is what keeps me going. When you’re on the field, there might not always be a time to be worried about what’s going on around you. I’m just always thinking about the play,” said Jennings.

Photo by Kaelyn Jiran/ contributer

Jennings tries to get ahead of a Trojan during the 110 hurdles during a South Pointe home meet against Northwestern and Nation Ford.

Photo by Taylor Syder\SPiN

Jennings makes an assist in a South Pointe home game against Fairfield Central. The Stallions later beat the Griffins 27-23.

Photos by Taylor Snyder/SPiN

Jennings is joined by mother and father on national signing day. Jennings signed with Newberry College.

When asked his favorite thing about football he said, “The competitiveness, you get to hit people hard.” Having many goals, he wanted to reach two: winning state and getting a full ride to Newberry College. The senior accomplished both.

Jennings did pretty good in his high school football career, but he thinks differently.

“I should have worked harder,” said Jennings.

Looking at his stats, others may disagree. Playing two different posi-

tions, Jennings has a lot of pressure on him, but he still says he could have done better.

His goal after college is to make it to the NFL. “I got to work hard to get there,” said Jennings.

2 1 ‘ r o i n e S Page 25

May 2012

Just keep swimming, seniors Art Illustated by: Vinita Maigur

Olivia Smith Repoter

Michelle Thacker Brandon Anguiano

“When I lived in California, I played baseball, but after moving here from California my dad made me and my brother start swimming. My dad started training us because at first I didn’t know how to swim, but after I started practicing, I became better but still not as good as my father. Eventually, one day when he’s in a wheel chair, I will be better than my dad,” said Brandon Anguiano.

Anguiano’s father motivates him to do his best because like Anguiano, he is

still swimming but at the age of 50 years old.

Anguiano have only been swimming for five years. In these few years Anguiano has received plaques for Coaches Award and Region’s Winner for Best Strokes.

“The feel of adrenaline that I get before a race inspires me to keep going and push for the best,” said Anguiano.

“I hope to continue swimming in college if they have a program for it,” said Anguiano.

“I like the feel of the water because you don’t have the effect of gravity,” said Michelle Thacker.

Thacker has been swimming ever since eighth grade. Since then Thacker has been awarded first place metals and ribbons.

“My parents encourage me to keep swimming,” said Thacker.

Although Thacker likes swimming now, she second guessed herself her first year in the sport.

“When I started year-round swimming, I liked it, but I kind of second

guessed myself so I quit, but I figured out that I was right the first time and started year-round swimming again,” said Thacker.

Thacker prefers the water because it helps her to relax and relieves any anger or stress that she might have.

Although the water is relaxing for Thacker, she also has a fear that something can go wrong while she swims.

“I have a fear of my goggles coming off and I have to swim without them,” said Thacker.

After high school Thacker plans on continuing swimming in college but doing intermediate swimming instead.

Seniors serve it up Olivia Smith Repoter

Shirley Nicholson/ Contributor

Shirley Nicholson/ Contributor

Shirley Nicholson/ Contributor

Alex Glasscock

“My family motivates me to keep playing,” said Alex Glasscock.

Glasscock has been playing since seventh grade. She also tried track and basketball but didn’t like them as much as volleyball.

“I enjoyed volleyball more than the other sports, and volleyball is more fun,” said Glasscock.

Glasscock was awarded with a Coaches’ Award and an award that the whole team got while competing in a tournament.

She doesn’t think she will be playing volleyball for her first year of college; instead she will be riding horses, which she has been doing since she was three years old.

“I think playing volleyball and riding horses will be too much for my first year of college,” said Glasscock.

Kaiti McFadden

“Becoming the best motivates me to keep playing volleyball,” said Kaiti McFadden.

McFadden has been playing ever since seventh grade. She also played basketball but she felt like it wasn’t for her.

“I chose volleyball because it’s fast pace and exciting,” said McFadden.

McFadden has been awarded with an Allstate trophy, an All Region trophy and an Offense Player of the Year trophy.

Even though McFadden is undecided about pursuing volleyball in college, this sport has made her a leader, more aggressive and more hard working.

Nikki Poage

“The feel of winning motivates me to keep playing,” said Nikki Poage.

Poage has been playing since seventh grade. She also tried basketball ,but it wasn’t for her.

“I picked volleyball because I was too girly for other sports,” said Poage.

Poage was awarded an Every Year Award and a tournament award.

“Volleyball has made me a better team member,” said Poage.

Poage will not be attending college but instead will join the Navy.

Shirley Nicholson/ Contributor

2 1 ‘ r o i n e S Page 26

May 2012

Take a shot for me 1. Plans after high school?

2. How do you feel about what the team accomplished this year?

3. What was your biggest high school highlight?

Manzey

Miller

1. “I plan on attending Brevard College in the fall on a full ride.”

2. “I feel that this year’s progress was a great start for Coach (Melvin) Watson as the head coach and I am happy that I was able to play with him this year. I always wanted Watson as my head coach.”

3. “The game against Coach (Dwayne) Hartsoe at Fort Mill when I scored the last basket at he buzzer.”

Zay Williams

1. “Attend college.”

2. “I’m glad that in my senior year the team won Regionals.”

3. “When I made Jhante McMillan (Northwestern) fall last year.”

Geral Nabritt

1. “Going to South Carolina State to be a sports agent, and I plan to walk on the basketball team there.”

2. “We became a better team overall; I feel really great.”

3. “When I had a chase-down block in the tournament this year verses Concord.”

Isreal Lightener

1. “Go to college to study busi ness.”

2. “It’s a great accomplishment; Coach (Melvin) Watson made a big difference in our success.”

3. “When I scored and one, and the crowd went wild.”

2 1 ‘ r o i n e S Page 26

May 2012

Seniors cross the finish line

1. What events do you

participate in?

2. How long have you been running track?

Javaris White

Miles Lebby

White is a State qualifier 1. 4x8, 4x4, 400, 800, 1600 and cross country.

2. Seven years.

Lebby is a State qualifier

Montay Crockett

Crockett is a State qualifier 1.4x1, 100 and long jump

1. 4x1, 4x4, open 4, 200, long jump, triple jump and cross country.

2. Four years.

2. For eight years.

Mariah Lawrence

1. Pole vault.

Alexis Ukeweli 1. Long distance 2. two years.

2. For eight years.

Jamal White

Jamal is a State qualifier 1. 4x8, 4x8, 400, 800,

1600, cross Country.

2. Four years.

2 1 ‘ r o i n e S Page 27

May 2012

1 2 3...ding!

Tyrell Neely

Ben Strong O’Brian Brown Reporter Wrestling is one of those sports that requires specific mental and physical abilities. Wrestling involves taking calculated risks and trying to predict your opponent’s next move while your head is always on a swivel. Unlike other sports, you make one wrong decision there isn’t someone else to clean up your mistakes.

That’s why it takes a special type of person to not just perform, but to perform on highly skilled levels, people such as senior wrestlers Ben Strong and Tyrell Neely.

“I started wrestling when I was 13. I like it because it’s intense and makes me work. My mom actually made me start doing it, and then I got into it and I liked it.

I would like to continue it as a profession, but I don’t think I’m good enough. Out of 100 matches I won 60 of them,” said Strong.

“I started wrestling when I was 14 years old. The only reason I started wrestling was because I didn’t make the basketball team. Wrestling builds your work ethic and you get a lot of responsibility and treats. My overall recorded is 160-45-6. My funniest moment while wrestling was I feel asleep during a match, but I love it,” said Neely.

K C A B R E T R A U Q D R A U G G N I T O O H S C G Y G M Y F Y L E E N L L E R Y T M P J G W R E S T L I N G A O V B Y O Y W O R H T E E R F S R E T N E C S T A L L I O N S H B F O J R Y T T K I J F S I T K A N G L L A B T E K S A B I W B T P N J J S J C T E O W D A T O S V W S O V O F D R I Z C U B O I P Y L Q P P U N T E R T E G Y I I G G N O R T S N E B A J L K T L R G C L N A X J B E D Y V C D B C V D Y H K A S L K K C A S E M O N T A Y C R O C K E T T E L O Y I R G L H L A C A R B J E E S N E F F O V H H J K F S R P L A O G Q O L D I R W A Q Z N X F I M U O M M M A S W I A E R Y N S B R L E H T L U O F A Y X L L A B E S A B M V F T R C X D V K T P Y Y W N I C A R Q E G M R J E D N B W P Y H E L I H L H S H E A D C O A C H D F R T U D E F E N S E I H Z N N E I J T E Y T V C N Y A S A W C O R L L A B T F O S O R D N C V T O N L T O U C H D O W N X R C N U R E M O H C A N Q O I D E P W O R L N T U O E M I T A Y L O R S N Y D E R J S B W S Y R

Baseball Head Coach State Champions Basketball Homerun Tay Hicklin Ben Strong Montay Crockett Taylor Snyder Center Offense Tennis Corey Neely Jr. Punter Timeout Defense Quarterback Touchdown Football Shooting Guard Track Foul Short Stop Tyrell Neely Freethrow Softball Wide Reciever Goal Stallions Wrestling

2 1 ‘ r o i n e S Kendra Harris Photography editor

Photo essay by Mary Hannah Neil

Page 28

May 2012

Midnight in Paris P R O M 2 0 1 2

Photos by Kaelyn Jiran