The Stinger - Dec. 5, 2008 by samantha edwards

December 5, 2008

WITH

Q&A ROBBIE BRUNSON 28 page

I r m o ’s m o s t s p i r i t e d

INDEX

NEWS ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES OPINIONS SPORTS

Staffer of the Month

03 09 14 20 26

Riley McCullough Dearest Riley, You never seem to stop smiling. While the stress of deadline week often seems to get the best of the rest of us, you handle it with ease. The job of a section editor is not an easy one, yet you seem to have the hang of it. We think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing an amazing job â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially since you just started a few months ago. We want to thank you for being you- a sweet, talented person who always has something nice to say.

Josh Butler

- Jeanna & Sam

is now on Cover: Photo by Vanessa Lindower, Illustration by Samantha Edwards

STAFF: editors in chief produc tion manager business manager circulation manager copy editor news ed itor enter tainment ed itor features editors opinions editor spor ts ed itor photography ed itor photographers adviser 01

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jeannaCAMPBELL samanthaEDWARDS kaylaGROFF malloryMACGARGLE kristenPOLINSKI anniePARHAM jeannaCAMPBELL rileyMCCULLOUGH morganEDWARDS emmaMCWILLIAMS priyaPUROHIT margoGOODALE vanessaLINDOWER joshBUTLER britniSLONE shannonJAINDL

get connected.

The purpose of the Stinger is to inform the student body of Irmo High School about events affecting them, influence readers through responsible editorials, to entertain through features and to provide a medium for advertisers and consumers. These goals will be achieved through fair and accurate reporting. The Stinger is published eight times a year, including a prom supplement published in February and March and a senior supplement, to commemorate the graduating class, in May, by Journalism II-IV newspaper students at Irmo High School. Unbylined editorials reflect the view of a majority of the Stinger senior editorial board. All bylined editorials, cartoons, and personal columns reflect the opinion of the writer or artist. The Stinger encourages letters to the editor as they constitute a constructive avenue for opinion. Letters to the editor must be signed by the writer to be considered for publication. Letters may be brought to the Stinger room (room 149) or sent by e-mail.

Irmo High School 6671 St. Andrews Rd. Cola, SC 29212 (803) 476-3071

T h e authenticity of the writer will be verified before publication and letters may be edited for poor taste, libel, grammar, space, and style. Special requests to withhold a name may be submitted if the topic is sensitive enough to warrant anonymity. For advertising information or to request a subscription, please call (803) 476-3071. School District 5 of Lexington and Richland Counties does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, or handicap in admission to, or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs or activities. Inquires should be directed to the Chief Officer of Human Resource Services (Title IX Coordinator) and the Director of Special Services (504/ ADACoordinator) at P.O. Box 938, Ballentine, SC 29002, (803) 476-8110 www.lex5.k12.sc.us

Two Imo ROTC members invited to Singapore britniSLONE

Cadet Exchange Program (ICEP),” Seward said. “They also all have a historical background with England.” photographer While visiting, the participants will be touring the city, national Nov. 26, Colonel Seward, ROTC parks and military museums. instructor, two ROTC students, Chelsea Marsh and They will also see different branches of the Singapore military, Thomas Burnette, seniors, and two chaperones, will be including the Navy, Army and the Air Force, and they will be leaving from the Columbia airport to take a 25-hour flight visiting the U.S. Embassy. to Singapore. “I’m really excited to go,” Burnette said. “I know it will be a lot “Singapore is a city-state of work, but only almost completely across the ten people in the world,” Seward said. “It is country are chosen south of the equator and they to go, so I feel really are 13 hours ahead of us. The honored.” major city there is very urban, The students meaning it is very compact, will be staying much like New York City.” on the military This trip may seem like it base in Singapore, would be expensive; however, Singapore, in the most of it is already taken barracks, which are care of. like dorm rooms. “The United States The purpose of the Air Force paid for all the trip is to experience transportation charges and knew people, places the government of Singapore and things. pays for food and lodging,” “Many of the Seward said. “It will be people that will be relatively inexpensive, they Courtesy of Colonel Seward there have never just need money for the extra met an American ROTC TRIP 2008: Students from the previous trip get ready to rapthings they may want while before,” Seward pel or attend a similar rope activity. They are wearing BDU’s or there.” said. “It sets good Battle Dress Uniform. Also arriving in Singapore diplomacy and for the trip will be students from establishes bonds several countries including with cadets from Australia,New Zealand,India,United Kingdom andThailand. different countries. I have never been to Singapore, so that in itself Like the two students from Irmo, the students will be interesting. Because I run the summer leadership school at from these countries are in a summer leadership program The Citadel, I need to know what the Singapore students are like. run by Seward that is held at The Citadel. . The relationships I make with them is important.” “These countries are all a part of the International Seward and his students will be arriving back to Columbia on Dec. 8.

Ask Mr. Walker Why can’t seniors leave campus for lunch?

The primary reason is

you factor in getting to

concerns for student

your car, waiting in the

safety in leaving cam-

car line, and then driv-

pus for a 25-27 min-

ing back there just isn’t

ute lunch break. When

enough time. december 2008

Carpentry builds games for hospice patients anniePARHAM copy editor Carpentry students at Irmo High School are working on projects to send to terminally ill patients at Ascension Hospice. This is the first year Irmo High School’s carpentry program has worked on a project for a hospice. The idea came from Jessica Sanders, sophomore, who volunteers at Ascension Hospice. Sanders came to Bill Ammons, carpentry teacher, with the idea in mid October. “Jessica Sanders, one of my first-year students, is a candy striper over there,” Ammons said. “She came in and said that they were trying to figure out something to do for the adults over there. They just sit around all day. There was literally nothing for them to do.” Sanders thought the carpentry students

could build a game board to help entertain the patients. “We’re working on a number of different projects,” Ammons said. “The checkerboard is a project we’re doing for a hospice.” The carpentry students are also working on building other game boards for the patients. “We’re doing one now for a person that wanted a checkerboard on one side on an inlay table, and, on the opposite side… you’ve got a backgammon board on it,” Ammons said. Ammons says he is extremely proud of his students for their work. “Since the start of this project I have had a number of other students in this first-year class and the other classes take an interest in doing projects like this,” Ammons said. “It is a great feeling to be associated with these young adults.” Johnny Wenzell, senior, is enjoying

participating in the project. “I think it’s for a good cause,” Wenzell said. “We’re helping older people and giving them spirit for the holidays.” Other projects that the carpentry students are currently working on include building tables, bookcases for various teachers, sets for the drama department’s upcoming play, and repairing rocking chairs for special education classes. Most of the time, the recipients of the items must pay a fee. Ammons says in most cases the receiver of the project reimburses the carpentry class for the cost of the materials. The students’ current projects are expanding on what the bookwork teaches them. “They’re learning how to frame, they’re learning how to estimate a house, they’re learning drawings and takeoffs,” Ammons said. “They’re learning everything.”

WORKING TOGETHER: Carpentry students show off their projects for the hospice. The projects will be given as soon as they are finished. This is the first year the carpentry students have done this project, and many say they enjoy participating.

News Ticker A recent study shows that 30 percent of Britian’s dogs are overweight or obese. That makes a total of 1.95 million dogs obese.

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Canberra’s scientist found that Australia’s kangaroos are genetically similar to humans. They may have first evolved in China.

District 5 passes bond referendum priyaPUROHIT opinions editor

On Nov. 4, 2008 the bond referendum of District 5 was passed. On that day, registered voters residing in the boundaries of the district were given the opportunity to cast their ballot on the passing of the bond referendum. New schools for District 5 will be constructed as a result of the bond referendum passing. According to Buddy Price, director of community services, the new high school and middle school will be built near the crossing of Broad River Road and Freshly Mill Road and the new elementary school will be located between the Dutch Fork and Chapin areas. So far there is a vague plan of the schools and their setups. However, this plan will need to be finalized before any building actually begins. “It will be at least a year before the first construction begins,” Price said. First, the plan and setup of the schools needs to be completely thought out and flawless.

A 19 year old man in Florida was freed after a $7,500 bail for violently hitting his girlfriend with a sandwhich while driving on the interstate.

“Yes, I know that Irmo High School is overcrowded,” Julie Sellers; Humanities 1, Science Fiction Fantasy and Theory of Knowledge said. “I’ve been here at times when we only had 1700 students and it was much easier to run the whole school,” This reflects the opinions of multiple teachers here at Irmo High School. This also eliminates the issue of having year-round school as a result of the bond referendum not passing. “I’m glad the bond referendum passed because I didn’t want to have to have a year-round school system,” Manya Kenney, sophomore, said. “That would be plain ridiculous.” Passing the bond referendum will require families to pay higher taxes in District 5. “All projects will probably be finished in the next four years,” Price said. The construction of the new elementary school is estimated to take around two years; the middle school, three years; and the high school, four years. As far as rules of the schools, all that is known right now is that the policies will remain very similar to those of Irmo,

Dutch Fork and Chapin. There may be small discrepancies, but because the new schools will be built as a part of District 5, the rules and standards will stay more like current ones at Irmo, Dutch Fork and Chapin.

For now, Price said, the community will have to wait and see how these new schools will be constructed in the district. By the year of 2012, there is a great chance that new schools will be ready to be attended.

Show me the money

Chapin Elementary

$8,869,737

Chapin High School

$44,964,614

Dutch Fork High School

$1,1531,649

Irmo Elementary

$17,743,289

Irmo High School

$3,654,680

Leaphart Elementary

$13,172,063

Seven Oaks Elementary

$11,928,288

New Elementary

$27,642,851

New High School

$78,918,963

New Middle School

$35,238,558

A new feature on a baseball card is a strand of hair from the celebrity. One company has already began the process.

december 2008

Virtual schools offer alternative Virtual School Courses

malloryMACGARGLE business manager

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 06

• Art History Music History Business Systems Computer Applications Business Systems Keyboard Web Design I Desktop Publishing Anatomy/ Physiology Child Development I and II Family Life Education I and II Integrated Business Applications I Intro to Health Science Medical Terminology Pharmacy Terminology Global Business Marketing English I-IV (CR) English I-IV English I-IV (HN) Spanish I-II Latin I-II Algebra I-II Geometry Statistics Calculus SAT Critical Reading SAT Math Biology A and B (CR) Biology Chemistry A and B (CR) Chemistry Physical Science (CR) Physical Science (IC) Economics Geography A and B Government Sociology US History and Constitution

The Stinger

Irmo High School offers new programs where students can take their courses online. These programs cover many courses students need. The South Carolina Virtual School Program (SCVSP) is one of the few options students have for online courses. SCVSP offers courses for high school credit and is used for initial credit and credit recovery. Courses including economics and government, math classes such as algebra and geometry, foreign languages such as Spanish and computer applications, can all be taken at home instead of at school. Cherise Jacobs, guidance counselor and coordinator for SCVSP, approves the student application for SCVSP. Then she gets approval from Eddie Walker, principal, and the student’s parent or guardian before accepting the student to take SCVSP. “SCVSP is sometimes taken because students might not have enough credits or maybe just because they want to catch up or graduate early,” Jacobs said. “Students need to be selfmotivated and have to be willing to devote time to it because it’s time consuming.” SCVSP is not the only option for students. APEX, a new program, can also be taken, but not at home, only during and after school. Unlike SCVSP, APEX is for credit recovery only for students who have not passed a certain course.

Students can take APEX after Walker signs off on it and if they need it. It is offered Monday through Thursday from 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. and every other Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If students have room in their schedules, they can take APEX during the school day. Students who don’t have room in their schedule can take afternoon and weekend classes. Many courses are provided through APEX such as electives, language arts, math, science, social studies and foreign languages, with many different classes for each category. Students can even take P.E. online through APEX. Celia Boland, the APEX instructor, guides the students who take APEX. Boland said she has no doubt that the students who decide to take APEX can be successful at it. “It’s self-paced,” Boland said. “I think that students can truly learn material and standards through APEX.” With all the options that APEX offers, Boland said many students can find what they need to fulfill their credit requirements. “I think that APEX is very successful, but it also depends on the student,” Boland said. “Most students who take this are self-disciplined and manage their time very well.” Students who would like to take SCVSP or APEX can talk to Jacobs and Boland for help.

APEX

Josh Butler

GET TO WORK: (Above) APEX and SCVSP provide students to work on classes to finish ahead of time or before. Irmo students have a seperate class for such courses. FINISHING THE CLASS: (Left) The students spend their time to finish their courses as early as possible. Apex was recently known as Nova Net classes.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

English I-IV Algebra I Algebra I part 1 Algebra I part 2 Algebra II Geometry Pre-Cal Global I-II US History Government Econ P.E. Biology Physical Science Earth/Environmental Science Chemistry French I-II Spanish I-II

Complied by Mallory MacGargle

Josh Butler

BE ALL YOU CAN BE: Irmo’s fall 2008 Be All You Can Be nominees were recognized Wed., Nov. 19 by the Optimist Club. The nominees were chosen by Irmo High School staff members for always giving their all and having a positive attitude. The nominees’ parents and teachers were invited to attend the ceremony. The students were presented with a certificate. december 2008

Buffalo Chip Cookies

This cookie has a lot of protein in it, so it’s good for an energy burst. This recipe makes a lot of cookies; about 150, 4” cookies. You can halve this recipe if needed. Blend • 2 c. melted butter or margarine (4 sticks) • 2 c. packed brown sugar • 2 c. sugar

Stir in • 4 eggs • 2 t. vanilla • 2 c. oatmeal • 2 c. Special K (or another whole grain/high protein cereal) Sift together • 1c. whole wheat flour • 3 c. all purpose flour • 2 t. baking powder

Chicken Spurriers

“Chicken Spurriers,” was created by my friend, Executive Chef Marshall Hill, in honor of Coach Steve Spurrier’s arrival at USC. When I make these for my Clemson friends---yes, I have Clemson friends--- I call them “Tiger Toes.” For some strange reason they don’t want to eat anything called “Spurriers.” Go figure. . . . It’s now up to you to come up with a name we can call them for Yellow Jacket tailgates.

P 08

The Stinger

• • •

2 lbs. boneless chicken breasts or tenderloins 1 lb. bacon cut in half 1 lb. cubed cheese of your choice (the original uses pepper jack) toothpicks topping: this is my spin on the recipe) • 2/3 cup brown sugar • 3T chili powder • Mix together and set aside Heat oven to 350 degrees. If using chicken breasts, slice them so they are the size of tenderloins and flatten them so they are the same thickness. Place a cube of cheese on the end of each strip and roll it up. Take a half strip of bacon and cover the chicken (you may need another stip to enclose it completely) . Secure with a toothpick and roll in topping. Put the chicken on a rack that has been placed over a baking sheet (to catch drippings) and bake for 20 minutes . Let cool for about 5 minutes before eating. The cheese will be very hot.

• 2 t. baking soda Blend three mixtures together. Stir in • 6 oz. chocolate chips • 2 c. chopped nuts • 1 c. dried mixed fruit (optional) Drop by tablespoons on ungreased sheet. Bake at 325 for 17 minutes on top and middle racks of oven.

Tailgate Slaw

This recipe is great for tailgates, picnics, boating, etc. because it has no mayonnaise or sour cream in it. You don’t have to worry about keeping it ice cold over a long serving period. As with most vinaigrette-based recipes, the longer it marinates, the better it is.. Slaw Mix: • 1 head cabbage • 2 large carrots • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced • ½ t. celery seed • Vinaigrette: • 2 tablespoons good dry white wine • 3 tablespoons Champagne or white wine vinegar • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard • 1 T sugar (or Splenda) • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 10 tablespoons good olive oil Combine the wine, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt and pepper and slowly whisk in the olive oil to make an emulsion. Add the vinaigrette to the shredded vegetables and mix thoroughly. Let sit at least an hour before serving to meld the flavors.

ORTIONS OORE S IZED

Tailgate recipes from

Chrissie Poore

What “Twilight” readers expect from the film kaylaGROFF production manager

Written to draw the attention of mostly teen readers, the “Twilight” series by Stephenie Meyer has become one of the most read series since the young wizard Harry Potter came to the United States in the 1990s. Much like Harry Potter, this best-selling book was made into a movie, which came to theatres Nov. 21, 2008. The cast of this movie includes Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, who play the main characters, Bella and Edward; Billy Burke (Charlie)

and Taylor Lautner ( Jacob). “Twilight” is the first of four books in the saga and is followed by “New Moon,” “Eclipse” and “Breaking Dawn.” Those who love the series may be disappointed to hear that Meyer’s next novel, “Midnight Sun,” which was supposed to be written in Edward’s point of view, has been postponed indefinitely due to the illegal leaking of the rough draft on the internet.

With excellent reviews of the vampire novel, some of its readers were curious as to how the movie would be. These were some expectations that fans of the novel had for the movie. “I wish it would be as detailed as the book is and that the actors can act. I hope the movie can convey the emotions of the characters without being sappy or vulgar.” -

What did they think of the movie?

“It was good, the book was better”

-Laura Henderson, freshman

Katie Kerns, sophomore

“I think it should be good. I think Edward should be a hotter guy than what he is [in the movie].” -

Heidi Nichols, junior

“I expect it to be good, but I don’t think the characters match up. The characters I imagined don’t match up with the people who play them.” -

-Lorrane Simmon, sophmore

“It was good, the action was good.”

-Olivia Haley, sophmore

Caitlyn Viars, junior

“I expect it to be a little bit different because movies are always different than books, but I don’t want it to be too different.” -

“I like the movie but the book was better. The book was more exciting to read than watching the movie.”

Jada Spain, senior

“It was okay i didn’t read the book, so i didn’t know what it was about.” -

Jovonta Bolton, senior

december 2008

Corn Maze way through the corn maze!

Start at the bottom, and try to find your

end here

start here

Kristen Polinski

The Stinger

Amazing maze made of maize morganEDWARDS features editor As we took I-20 for about 10 miles out of Columbia, I was already unsure of how well this endeavor would go. A 15 minute drive hardly seemed worth it to go walk around in a maze made of corn. I remembered looking at the website and their reason for going to the maze. It was supposed to be a family experience and fun for all. Clinton Sease Farm was on one of the back roads off of exit 51. There was no mistaking we had the right place when we drove up to a parking lot facing a row of corn stalks. I walked up to the counter and paid the worker my ticket price, $8. I checked to see what time it was, 2:30. I wanted to time how long it took to complete the maze. My reason for going was that I was intrigued by this year’s design. The maze would twist and turn into the shape of a donkey and an elephant with “vote 08” at the top in honor of this year’s election. “Our corn mazes aren’t just a walk in the stalks, they’re adventures! The cornstalks are

Keep Your Ears Open For...

Kevin Rudolf His name might not be familiar yet, but it will be known. Rudolf, 25, born and raised in New York, signed to Cash Money/Universal Republic at the beginning of the year. He recently produced a major hit, “Let it Rock,” featuring Lil Wayne which made the top ten list on iTunes. Rudolf had his first run with fame in 2004 when he met up with Timbaland. He started off at a slow pace playing songs you may have heard such as “Say it Right” by Nelly Furtado and “The Jump Off ” by Lil Kim. Then his career really started to take off

a backdrop for a themed experience that’s different every year,” it said on the website. Then the fun began. I looked at a map, trying to figure out which way would get me to the other end successfully. Although I could figure it out on paper, I already knew that getting it right on foot would be a lot harder. My mother and our friend Suzanna had decided to go with me, having never seen a corn maze before. Mom was all for the adventure and quality time and Suzanna was like a Chihuahua on steroids when she was excited. They just barreled in to the maze without looking back. “Getting lost is half the fun, Morgan!” my mother said. I rolled my eyes as they took a left. I knew this was wrong already but I didn’t try and stop them. I remembered something or other about safety the website had said. “We patrol the maze, look out for flags, hire security for busy nights and/ or work extra staff for busy days.” That was reassuring enough for me. I put the map in my back pocket and followed in after them. A good day of family and friend bonding, I suppose. Or so I thought. An hour later I started to get frustrated, as the “clues in the corn” were proving to be about as useless as my sense of direction. I think somewhere around then is where I decided to stop trying to

when he got a chance to meet Cash Money’s executive Slim Williams who offered him a record deal. Rudolf will release his first album, “In the City,” on Nov. 25. On Billboard.com Rudolf describes the new album as being a “conceptual album that follows the story of my experiences; it’s like a coming of age story in NYC.”

figure it out and just enjoy the exercise. We passed person after person, a family of four, an older couple and more. As they walked one way, we walked another. We went up bridges and down bridges. Occasionally we’d hear someone yell for their mom as they wandered too far away. Another web quote filled my head: “Visitors of all ages experience the thrill of competition and test their skills and knowledge while they enjoy an up-close encounter with nature.” Clearly not so much. Frustrated kids were just climbing through the corn and finding their way out. I was almost tempted to follow them, but by this point I was near two hours into the maze and defeat by quitting was just not an option. The happy-go-lucky stage was gone now for all of us and vengeance was in the air. Two hours and 30 minutes after entering, my mother, Suzanna and I walked out. “Well… that was fun,” my mom said. I imagine my face must have been a mixture of “are you serious?” and “never again” because Suzanna laughed when she saw me. The corn maze, although interesting enough, is something you should do with a giant group so that when you get lost it’s still a hoot. I’m fairly certain that without my mother and Suzanna I would have just about lost my mind.

Matt Wertz If Matt Wertz hadn’t bought a guitar his freshman year in college, you might be wearing a pair of sneakers he designed. At first he wanted to be a shoe designer—that is, until he picked up his first guitar. Behind all of his music is a story or a situation he has been through. In the beginning he did not want to share his music with others, but with a twist of fate and a miracle, situations to share his music came up. Over the past year-and-ahalf Wertz has been playing in lowkey places such as college campuses, bars and even coffee houses. He has toured with Jars of Clay and opened up for Matt Nathanson and OneRepublic. In 2001 Wertz independently released his first

album, “Somedays.” Two years later he released “23 Places.” In 2005, when his third album, “Today and Tomorrow,” came out, he was finally signed to Nettwerk Records. His first record under them,“Everything in Between,” was released in 2007, featuring songs such as “5:19” and “Carolina.” He recently released “Under Summer Sun” with cuts from “Everything in Between.” Wertz is your typical boy next door and with his laid back attitude, his music sounds similar to that of John Mayer, Jason Mraz or Gavin Degraw.

december 2008

Schedule for the holidays

What?

When?

Where ?

How Much?

Nov. 22 to Dec. 30 form 6 to 9 p.m.

Zoo

$ 5 for kids $7 for adults

Nov. 26 to Dec. 31 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Saluda Shoals

$10

Dec. 1 to 31

City Hall Grounds

Free!

Rock N Raquets Evita

Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.

Colonial Life Arena $17, 37, 57, 87

Dec. 5 to 14

Trustus Theatre

$25

WOW! 2009

Dec. 31 from 4 to 9 p.m.

Finlay Park

Free!

Dec. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 21 at 3:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. Dec. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Dec. 4 to 7 at 8 p.m. or 3 p.m. depending on the day Nov. 21 to Jan. 2 at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. or 3 p.m. Dec. 1 from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Koger Center

$5, 12, 17, 22, 28, 32

Koger Center

$5, 12, 17, 22, 28, 32

Koger Center

$5, 12, 17, 22, 28, 32

Columbia

$12 for 18+ $8 for ages 6 to 7

Atlanta, GA

Free!

Nov. 26

San Diego, CA

$42 for park admission

Lights Before Christmas Holiday Lights on the River The Lights of Cayce

The Nutcracker Hansel & Gretel A Christmas Carol Histoic Columbia “Holiday Tours” Children’s Healthcare of Atlantic Children’s Christmas Parade LEGO Christmas Tree Lighting at Legoland by Kristen Polinski The Stinger 12 compiled

week 1

“The Tales of Beedle the Bard” by J.K. Rowling book “Punisher: War Zone” movie week 2 “No Limits: The Will To Succeed” by Michael Phelps book “The Day The Earth Stood Still” movie week 3 “The Mummy: Return of the Dragon Emperor“ dvd “Folie a Deux” by Fall Out Boy music week 4 “Marley and Me” movie “House Bunny” dvd

week 5

Season 1: Chapter 2 of “Greek” dvd “The Twilight Saga: The Official Guide” by Stephenie Meyer book

The Breakdown The Breakdown is a week-by-week glance at the books, music and dvds that will be released in the upcoming month.

nove m b e r

compiled by Vanessa Lindower december 2008

Blackboard c o n f e s s i o n a l

Travis Coakley

Math

Band

Travis Coakley has been a music teacher since 1999, when most of his current students were too small to hold up a tuba. Coakley was the first person from his family to graduate college and get a master’s degree. He has worked in Mississippi, Florida, and now South Carolina. “I moved to Columbia to one day begin work on my Doctorate at the University of South Carolina,” Coakley said. He is a member of the Music Educator’s National Conference, National Band Association, International Association of Jazz Educator’s, and International Trombone Association. “Trombone is my main instrument,” Coakley said. “I also play the euphonium, tuba and some piano.” “The music I enjoy listening to comes and goes in phases. I will listen to only one type of music for several weeks and then completely change directions and listen to another. If I had to pick one I would say East Coast bebop is my favorite musical genre,” Coakley said. Coakley also enjoys traveling. “I try to visit a foreign county every year,” Coakley said. “This year I have been invited on a performance tour to Germany.” Coakley has a job where he is constantly with his students. This has affected his teaching techniques in interesting ways. “Because I teach a performance based class I always try to put myself in my students’ shoes and remember how I felt as a student performer,” Coakley said. “I have always had a close relationship with my students because we spend so much time and after-school hours together. They are very hard-workers and I respect them so much for that.”

Kimberly White was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, and moved to South Carolina in 2002 to accommodate her husband’s work. Math has been her favorite subject since her school days and she was inspired from her favorite math teacher to go into teaching. “I graduated from the University of Texas in San Antonio where I earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and certification in secondary mathematics,” White said. White’s teaching method is centered on questioning. Her motto is that the only dumb question is the one that is never asked. “I try to maintain a positive, open relationship with my students,” White said. “I want them to be excited about learning and not to be afraid to ask questions. I want them to understand that if they put forth the effort, the benefits will come.” For her life at home, the inspiration came from her parents. “They raised seven children and put us all through college,” White said. “The only question we had about college was not if we were going but where we were going. My parents have been married for 53 years.” White has been married to her high school sweetheart for 23 years and has three children which she says are her greatest pride. “My son, Christopher, will graduate from A&M this December with a degree in Civil Engineering,” White said. “My daughter, Kierstyn, is playing softball at USC where she is majoring in Civil Engineering. My daughter, Kaitlyn, is a member of the Irmo Varsity Volleyball and Softball teams and is an honor roll student.” College and sports run in the family. “One thing that people probably don’t know about me is that I played volleyball in college. I love sports and am a huge Cowboys and Spurs fan!”

photos by Josh Butler

The Stinger

Kimberly White

compiled by Morgan Edwards

MAXimum flexibility makes a contortionist emmaMCWILLIAMS features editor Max Nielson, freshman, can twist his body in many different ways. Many would like to call him a contortionist or double jointed, but he calls himself flexible. “A lot of people ask [if I’m double jointed], and the medical explanation is no, because that’s impossible,” Nielson said. “Having two joints where there should be one can’t actually happen in a nonmutated specimen of human. I just say I have elasticity to the point where joints can dislocate. I’d say I’m more flexible than 99 percent of everyone else on earth, just as a guess.” His girlfriend, Hope Contreras, sees his flexibility every day, and it doesn’t bother her unless it looks like it hurts. She believes him to be a contortionist. “Have you seen him bend?” Contreras said. “He can put his feet behind his head. It’s scary. Yeah, he’s a contortionist. [His ability] is weird but cool at the same time.” Nielson believes his flexibility is both a talent and an ability because he has to continuously work at staying flexible, and not many people can perform the things he can. He has been doing this since around the second or third grade. “The first thing that I learned how to do was, well, a lot of people call it ‘the arm thing,’” Nielson said. “That’s where my

hands are clasped in front of my body and I bend them over my head so that my hands are flexed behind my back without letting go.” Ever since Nielson was little, people have had different feelings toward his abilities. He believes that some of the people he doesn’t know see him as different or as “that kid.” The people that really know him aren’t affected whatsoever by his flexibility. “When people first see me do anything flexible, it’s [their responses are] really one of two things,” Nielson said. “It’s either utter and total disgust or genuine interest or a mixture therein. In any given crowd of 50 people, you will have 25 that are disgusted and 25 are like ‘cool.’” Nielson believes his teachers are grossed out by his flexibility and become annoyed. He often puts his feet behind his head he’s sitting at a desk or eating because he believes it is a comfortable position. Nielson thinks one authority figure who has really noticed his talent is the principal, Eddie Walker. “He saw me doing a split outside by the car rider place and got me really interested in wrestling, and now I’m on the wrestling team,” Nielson said. “He pulled me aside and showed me some of the wrestling moves because I didn’t know [any] and he asked if I knew. If I work at it more, the idea is I won’t be able to get pinned because of my shoulders.”

Britni Slone

Walker saw that Nielson had exceptional flexibility and, since his son wrestled in high school, knew it’s hard to pin a wrestler who is flexible. Walker was surprised to see how flexible Nielson was when he observed him performing his movements. “I realized that we needed to get Max involved with our wrestling program,” Walker said. “Coach Kimrey is a great coach who cares a great deal about his wrestlers. Wrestling is a great sport and is great martial art training. It is also free.” Nielson doesn’t plan to pursue contortionism as a career because he believes this to be a hobby, not a lifestyle. He does it mainly to see people’s reactions. “It doesn’t really make any tasks easier, it’s just different ways of doing them,” Nielson said. Nielson thinks he brings diversity to Irmo, and it makes him feel special. Walker thinks the diversity students bring is one of Irmo’s strengths. Nielson’s flexibility can be taken as entertainment. He occasionally gets requests from his peers and agrees to show off his ability. “Most of the time I’ll do something just because, well, it’s like it’s gotten to where having my leg behind my head is actually a comfortable sitting position,” Nielson said. “Once the kids see me do that they’ll actually ask ‘what else he can do?’ and that’s where a lot of my displays start.”

Britni Slone DOING THE IMPOSSIBLE: Max Nielson, freshman, can lick his elbow. He’s been working at his flexibility since second or third grade.

photo illustration by Emma McWilliams december 2008 15

Community service is important f Community service opportunities

-Palmetto Health Baptist is looking for Volunteers-please call Personal Touch Volunteer and ask for Rebekah Sease at 2965570 or online at www. PalmettoHealth.org. -Keep America Beautiful in the midlands provides the opportunity to Adopt-A-Highway or Adopt-A-Waterway. -Food not Bombs asks for one dollar from every person to help with feeding people who are struggling with the current economy -Home Works is opening up the opportunity to volunteer to fix up houses and give donations. -PALSS boxes in English classrooms. -Paws and Claws is holding a”Drive for Supplies” to donate supplies for animal rescue groups. Contact Mrs. Judy Cook or a Paws and Claws club member.

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Margaret Butler, coordinator of extended studies, says District 5 is the only district e d i t o r - i n - c h i e f that gives students the opportunity to get Community service is required for the extended studies diploma. Students are required to do 10 hours of community various courses, clubs, and awards. “I want students to see how it’s not a service each year, beginning their freshman government action, it’s everyone’s action,” year. “[The students are encouraged] to Jan McCarthy, government teacher, said. “There’s value in community service and not give up by senior year, such as to take they shouldn’t just wait on others to finish it, three years of Spanish instead of just the requirement of two that they can do it on years,” Butler said. their own. It’s a value The students of participation.” are required to As a district have 10 hours of requirement, all community service government and per year to qualify economics classes for the diploma. The require hours deadline for the 10 of community hours of community service. At Irmo, service is usually the requirement for Contributed by Shayla Baker May 1 for freshman, student’s economics and classes is five hours SPENDING TIME WITH OTHERS: Reaching sophomores for the semester- out to kids and being a mentor is a way juniors. “The senior long class, and in of community service. Community service shouldn’t be considered a chore. deadline is Feb. 1, and government classes, this year 35 seniors five hours are required per nine weeks for a total 10 hours for the have consistently turned in their community service,” Butler said. semester. Community service, according to Some students, like Anna Sheppard, economics teacher Karen Heath, isn’t senior, does community service by choice. “Over spring break I took a mission trip just helpful to the community but is also to Reynosa, Mexico, with my youth group,” beneficial to the student as well. “I don’t want it to be a chore,” Heath Sheppard said. “And I’ve never been so moved by another human being. The people said. “Because it’s an extension of someone’s personality.” changed my life.” Community service is an opportunity According to Sheppard, the people of Reynosa are in extreme poverty and live in for students to change someone’s life or to their own landfills, but they still do their have someone change their life. “It gets them involved, and shows them own community service. “They [the people of Reynosa] take time there are other people in need,” McCarthy to give to their community, even without said. Sheppard also believes community pay, because they know it’s right, and it really put things into perspective for me,” service is important. “There’s something for everyone,” Sheppard said. Another activity Irmo offers that requires Sheppard said. “Clean out your neighbor’s community service is the extended studies garage. If you have a passion for it, you should do it.” diploma.

jeannaCAMPBELL

for more than just the community

Classes that require community service

-Economics required 5 hours for semester. -Government required 10 hours for semester. -Health Science – required to volunteer at Special Olympics in spring. -IB students required to complete 150 hours in 2 years. -Psychology 101 required to complete 20 hours.

Contributed by Vanessa Lindower

LENDING A HAND TO HELP OTHERS: Students are preparing to paint a mural at an orphanage. Fixing up houses is a service opportunity Irmo students can be a part of.

-Extended Studies students required to complete 10 hours every year

Clubs and groups participating in community service -Mrs. Laubach, Mrs. McGee and Mrs. Martin’s classes run the recycling program at Irmo. -Civinettes give the opportunity to volunteer at LMC Extended Care in different categories. -Civinettes are also asking for volunteers at Seven Oaks Elementary for the School Improvement Council to help with kid’s reading skills. -Student Council is a part of the CropWalk, Blood Drive, Battle of the Bells, and Cinderella Project.

-Teacher Cadets tutor students after school. -The Future Greek Club is attempting to collect 800 boxes of Macaroni and Cheese for the Oliver Gospel Mission. -FBLA is participating in Salvation Army’s Angel Tree and Operation Santa. -Society for Irmo Service are doing Palmetto Place wish list, Operation Santa, and Irmo High Food Bank.

december 2008

Super juniors race towards graduation rileyMcCULLOUGH entertainment editor

Getting out of high school, being a senior and going to college in three years instead of four sounds really good to some students, but Hope Rugemalira, head of the guidance department, says that there is a lot of hard work that goes into graduating early. “You take a heavier course load and you must take virtual school or some summer school course work,” Rugemalira said. “You are combining your junior and senior year, and I don’t think some students realize how much work that takes.” Rugemalira says to become an early graduate there are many things a student must get approved and figured out, and they need to want to put forth the effort. “The first thing a student needs to do if they want to graduate early is talk to their parents about the decision,” Eddie Walker, principal, said. “The second step is to develop a plan for graduating early which includes a career goal and steps to further your education at technical school or a four year college. The third step is to take your plan and your parents’ approval to the guidance counselor. If your guidance counselor and parents are in favor of the request, then I review and will usually grant it.” Being approved to become an early graduate is not solely based on if the student makes good grades. It is also based on character. “Mr. Walker will then ask the counselor for their

recommendation based on the students’ grade point average, their desire to do this and their level of motivation,” Rugemalira said. “Then I make a decision.” Some students only want to graduate early to get out of high school, while others, such as Kayla Diggs, want o get a head start on their futures. “I want to be an English teacher,” Diggs said. “I figured if I already know what I want to do, and I want to get my PhD and graduating early will kind of give me an extra year to get things accomplished.” For the students like Diggs who have an exact idea of what they want to pursue, Rugemalira says graduating early is an advantage. “If you know you want to be a doctor, a lawyer, a dentist, or a program that is going to require several years of study, this might be an advantage for you,” Rugemalira said. Diggs feels that graduating early will prepare her to enter the college world. “I made A’s and B’s in all my classes I took online and at school,” Diggs said. “I also worked, I’m a student trainer, [I am in] different clubs and I had a personal life so it taught me how to juggle a lot things. It also showed me how to take initiative and see something that you want to do and to go after it. Even if everyone is like ‘oh that is going to be so hard’… So [graduating early] will help me in college, because it showed me how to stay focused on something that you really want to do.” W h e n students take on the process of early

Morgan Edwards

A LOT TO SMILE ABOUT: Kayla Diggs poses in her graduation cap and gown. Irmo High School has several students graduating ahead of their class. 18

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graduation, they are going to be taking on a heavier work load. Having to take virtual classes and doubling up on classes can become a handful. “Taking [English 3, US History and Probability of Stats] and taking the eight classes in school and then working and school clubs-it was a lot of work,” Diggs said. Graduating early is not for everyone. The work load can become overwhelming and if the student’s motivation is not there, early graduation can become a waste of time. “It is a lot of work and students need to keep in mind their GPA,” Rugemalira said. “If you are trying to get that South Carolina scholarship and you start slipping up, this might not be the thing for you.” Virtual classes become unavoidable as an early graduate is trying to cram four years’ worth of classes into three years. If the student does not do so well in the virtual classes, this could be a sign that they are not ready for early graduation. “SC Virtual school program is where you take classes on the computer and students have to do that, basically, to graduate early,” Rugemalira said. “Because most students don’t have a spot in their schedules to take extra classes, and we don’t really put you into double up English classes and things like that unless you are a senior, so you do have to do some of that in virtual classes. The students I have who are graduating early have done that and they have done well. But if a student did a virtual class and didn’t do well, that would be a red flag to me that this probably isn’t for them.” Rugemalira feels that graduating early is not all that is it cracked up to be because of what you miss out on. “You also may be doing a lot of social events, or activities with students who are not necessarily in your class,” Rugemalira said. “So, prom and things like that, you know you are going to them, but this might not have been the group that you would have been socializing with. That can be a big deal or minor deal depending on the student.” For Diggs, graduating early is worth all the trouble because she feels it makes her unique. “Normally you don’t see many students doing [early graduation] and so that kind of makes you unique in a positive way, like you’re not unique for getting pregnant, or dropping out of school, you’re unique for graduating in three years instead of four,” Diggs said. Early graduation is an individual’s choice. It may not be for everyone due to the amount of effort that goes into the process, but some students can benefit greatly from early graduation.

Irmo students intern at Lexington Medical vanessaLINDOWER photography editor Irmo High School offers many opportunities to further your areas of study while in high school, like internships and job shadowing. Seniors at Irmo High School have the privilege and option to intern with their peers under the guidance of trained professionals. Each student gets to choose his or her area of interest that could influence his or her future aspirations in the work force. Many students have taken advantage of this and have found it helpful. Jessica Harrell, a senior at Irmo High School, is an intern

Lexington Medical Center. “I do interning, or shadow [Registered] nurses,” Harrell said. She is hoping to become a nurse herself. Harrell started interning in hopes of learning first hand what nurses do on a daily basis. Becky Carter is in charge of setting up internships at Irmo. Only seniors are eligible to participate and only a handful are selected into the internship program. Whomever is accepted is first trained and then put on site. “You apply for senior internships your junior year around March,” Harrell said. She was accepted to LMC after Carter placed her on the list for LMC to look over and evaluate.

History of LMC

Harrell follows three RN nurses and gets to experience their job with them. “We do vitals and visit patients,” Harrell said. The internship has had a positive impact on Harrell’s desire to be a nurse. While she still wants to be a nurse, she has changed her mind on what age she wants to work with. “I have changed my perspective of being an RN at first because at first, I wanted to be a neonatal nurse,” Harrell said, “Now I want to work with older patients and the elderly.” The internships prepare you for the work force by putting you in a working environment. This can be very beneficial to your career decision process.

1963-First board of trustees 1971-Opens doors to public 1974-First expansion of hospital 1982-Second expansion of hospital 1991- $35 million dollars spent on construction/renovation 1997-Expansion of Emergency Room 2000-Lex Medical Park opens

Morgan Edwards

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE: Jessica Herrell, an intern at LMC, wears her scrubs and a shirt reading AHEC, short for American Health Education Center.

Lexington Medical Center • Has 21 high-tech operating rooms

area such as being the first to invite fathers to join in the birthing experience.

• Employs over 4,000 members

• Cost to construct the hospital was $4.5 million

• Owns most powerful Magnetic Resonance Imaging available, a machine used to view any part of the human body

• Has been voted best hospital in the Midlands area for nine years

• Opened their doors in 1971 • Has introduced several services to the Midlands

• Is one of the first hospitals in the United States to perfrom minimally-invasive endoscopic surgery to repair aortic aneurysms with a catheter. december 2008

Don’t worry, be happy margoGOODALE

The way I see it, Facebook is no place to display or vent your feelings or problems to the rest of your friends or to the people that are stuck in a vortex for days straight, looking at the Facebook home screen and waiting for new notifications. I especially hate getting on and seeing what our world has come to just with the simple status updates. The election of a new president that isn’t like the rest has brought out the worst in some of us, our negative side. Some think there is no greater place to vent this negativity than Facebook. When I got on my Facebook, I came to read things such as, “you think America is bad now, just wait till Obama becomes

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president,” “nobama,” “Canada is going to be overpopulated,” and one that stood out from all of the others: “don’t worry, be happy.” I could not have put it any better. I mean, for people to sit there and say negative things about the country they live in and how the next four years are going to be terrible is terrible in itself. Why can’t we look at some of the positive? We should be thankful for the country we live in. We could have genocide or even be a third world country striving to have a successful government, but we’re not. Sure we are going to hit a few bumps along the way, but you get back up eventually. The election of a leader who brought along change just with the color of his skin doesn’t mean that we need to sit here and bash him and our country, especially not to go as low as to do it on Facebook. What’s that thing we learned way back in second grade? If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it at all, especially if it’s about our country and our new leader. To support our country we need to back up the new president and stand behind him no matter what he does. Last time I checked, the world is not coming to an end, so, “don’t worry, be happy.”

Sucking out the mystery really bites

in the auditorium. I hadn’t seen most of the movies, and some of them were ruined for me, including “The Bucket List,” “13 Going On 30” and “Spiderman 3.” The speaker even spent copy editor several minutes talking about the end of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” which I was in the middle of at the time. As I write this, I am halfway The body count for that week: three movies and one long book. through the first chapter of the Within the past two months, I have read five books, wildly popular novel “Twilight.” and I’ve known the ending to all but one of them. It’s likely that you’ve heard So right now I happen to be reading one of the most popular books of this book, and even likely of this year. And I happen to have rotten luck in avoiding accidental that you’ve read it yourself. run-ins with unwanted information. Add that to a sea of teenage girls If you have, please shut up. whose obsession has become “Twilight,”and you see my problem. It seems as though every There’s extra danger for me with constant movie trailers time I start to read a book or and ads everywhere I look. So, I’ve been trying to look the other watch a movie, somebody blurts way when a commercial comes on to steer clear of any details out the ending: “Oh, is that I see that might not only ruin the movie, but the book, too. the one where such-andPlus there are three more books such happens?” Well, I don’t know yet, but thanks for asking. in Stephenie Meyer’s series, and I It’s cool to get recommendations about books, but much So, I’m trying to save might even end up wanting to read less cool when the recommendation comes with a full account some of the mystery as those, too. So, I’m trying to save some of the climax of the story. The same goes for movies. I can’t of the mystery as long as possible. long as possible. tell you how many times someone has assumed I already knew In a perfect world I will finish some major plot element and started a conversation about it. the book and see the movie like I For example, before I had a chance to see the classic movie assume normal people do—with “Psycho,” a friend of mine accidentally revealed critical information lots of suspense and anticipation for the end. That’s not going about the climax of the film. She wasn’t trying to ruin the film for to be easy with so many teens and adults excited for the movie me; she just assumed I had seen the movie and compared the ending premiere and so many advertisements and possible spoilers to another show we were watching. I watched the movie anyway, but on the Internet, waiting to trip me up. The odds are against me. despite my attempts to forget what she said, the suspense was dead. So far, on page 12, all I know about this book is that I was even more mad after a week I spent at a church youth it’s about vampires. But if anyone gives anything else retreat with my youth group. Each day the main speaker referenced away to me, I will be forced to retaliate. Do you know a different book or movie, showing clips of it on the big screen what happens at the end of the book you’re reading now?

anniePARHAM

“ ”

Thumbs up Thumbs down

- To the bond referendum passing- in a few years students will actually be able to make it to their classes in six minutes! - To the football team’s amazing first round playoff performance- why did the other team even bother showing up? - To the biggest loser program- for once, losing is a good thing. - To Thanksgiving break- three days off of school!

- To the freezing cold classrooms- why does it seem warmer outside? - To the indecisive weather- one day flip flops, one day boots. - To the fire that started in the cafeteria’s roof- and the false hope of thinking we were going to go home early.

december 2008 21

Irmo is a high school that works Dr. Elizabeth Fisher assistant principal High schools that Work is an effort-based school improvement initiative founded on the conviction that most students can master rigorous academic, career and technical studies if school leaders and teachers create an environment that motivates students to make an effort to succeed. School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties selected this high school reform method to meet the requirement of South Carolina’s Economic Education Act. The Economic and Education Development Act (EEDA) is designed to give students the tools they need to build prosperous and successful futures. The goal is achieved via high school reform initiatives. The reform initiative recommended by the EEDA is High Schools That Work. In June 2007 Irmo High school sent a team of teachers and administrators to the South Carolina Business Education Summit in Greenville, South Carolina. The team of teachers and administrators developed Irmo High School’s first year implementation plan while attending this conference. After much discussion, the team wrote three action plans. Action Plan 1 was the implementation of the Advisor Advisee Program which is our Alive in the Hive Program. Action Plan 2 is to increase literacy across the curriculum. Finally, Action Plan 3 was to include common planning time between career and technical education teachers and core area teachers. Teachers and staff worked to implement these three action plans during the 2007/2008 school year.

A group of teachers and administrators attended the High Schools That Work national conference in Louisville, Kentucky in July 2008. Upon returning to school, faculty and staff began preparing for the site visit which would take place in October 2008. School personnel attended meetings prior to students’ arrival in the fall to review the beliefs and 10 key principles of High Schools that Work. High Schools that Work is based on the simple belief that most students become smarter through effort and hard work. School teachers and leaders can motivate students to achieve at high levels when they: • Expand students’ opportunities to learn a rigorous curriculum • Create supportive relationships between students and adults • Work as teacher advisers with parents and students • Focus school leadership on supporting what and how teachers teach Faculty, administration, and support staff worked together to produce the 220 page report. Colonel Seward worked with Ms. Grant and former student, Pablo Heredia, to produce a video to be viewed by the twelve-member visiting team. The team included educators from South Carolina, Florida, and the Irmo Community. The team arrived on October 15 and attended a welcoming dinner and presentation. They interviewed faculty, community members and students on October 16. More importantly, they visited classrooms throughout the school to assess the instruction taking place at our school. Before the visit, the team leader informed us that the group would be looking for evidence of teachers using the Ten Key Practices for Improving Student Achievement as outlined in High Schools That Work Technical Assistance Guide. In short, the HSTW leader emphasized that they expected to see lessons in every class they visited that showcased these ten practices; they did not want teachers administering tests, classes watching movies, nor classes in which teacher/student interaction was not taking place. In the final meeting before the visit, administrators stressed: “Be honest.”

Students benefit from bond money After the third time around in the polls, the bond referendum has been approved for District 5. Irmo High School is receiving three million dollars to improve the facilities, while District 5 as a whole is receiving around 234 million dollars to build a new elementary, middle and high school and update other district schools. As a staff, we believe that the bond referendum will be beneficial to the process of uncrowding our school and other area schools. Although most current Irmo High School students will probably have graduated by the time the schools are built, we feel certain that the new and updated facilities will continue the tradition of excellence in District 5.

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Black or white: either way it is right vanessaLINDOWER photography editor “I have a dream.” These are words t h a t started it all 40 years ago. America has been on a long road to recovery since Martin Luther King Jr. boldly spoke

these words with many to follow. It has taken those words 16 years to have a meaning to me. I have always seen everyone as equal, no discrimination. My life is like an episode of “Doug,” a cartoon I watched as a kid. Everyone was friends even though many were different shades of purple, blue and green. I thought that this was how everyone viewed people. I never realized how bad racism is until I moved to South Carolina. Everyone is different, duh. Does that mean that everyone should be treated differently? I feel like it is understood that everyone is judged based on a double standard. We now have an African American president. This is history in the making, not only because he differs from previous

presidents’ ethnicities but because this is ridding us of double standards. Once people understand that everyone is equal and have equal opportunities, so much hate will be gone from our society. On the Wednesday after Election Day, Principal Eddie Walker came on the loudspeaker and made a speech about racism. “This is not a blue America,” he said. “It is not a black America or a white America. This is not a green America. This is the United States of America.” This may sound silly, but for me, this hit home. I grew up believing this and I want for everyone else to feel how freeing it is to know that this is America and with that comes equality.

resulted from the news that the greatest and most amazingest (I know that is not a word) rock and roll band ever was reuniting in London’s O2 Arena. For those who were living under a rock last year, I am referring to Led Zeppelin’s reunion. As the one year anniversary of the reunion was quickly approaching, and my band was still not on the road, I was beginning to fret. It wasn’t until several weeks ago when John Paul Jones, their bassist, announced that he, Jimmy Page and Jason Bonham had been rehearsing together, that I was reassured of my unlikely dream. Jason is John Bonham’s son who, in recent years, has filled in for his deceased father. Jones even said they all were excited about touring! Robert Plant, their vocalist, is currently touring with Alison Krauss and is not interested in joining his former band at the moment. But instead of being discouraged, this fan is hopeful of possibly seeing her favorite band in concert. The first time I heard Led Zeppelin was during the summer before eighth grade. Their song “Stairway to Heaven” was being played and, looking back now, I clearly did not know what good music was. My

first impression of Led Zeppelin was that it was a one man band and the guy singing was just overemotional. However, I did like the guitar solo at the end, but I only made it that far because I was having too much fun cracking jokes at the singing. During eighth grade I decided to listen to them again. This time I listened with a bit more background knowledge. For example, they were not a one man band; they were actually composed of four brilliant musicians: Jimmy Page, John Bonham, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones. Due to my obsession with cute boys who can play the guitar, Page, their guitarist became my instant favorite in the group. Ever since then I have become the proud owner of their studio albums, live albums, live DVD, their movie, shirts, buttons, books, posters, vinyl, etc. Their reunion last year was amazing, so a full-on tour would definitely be on that same awesomeness level. I am predicting a tour or tour announcement within the coming year and that Plant will join them – it just wouldn’t be the same without him and he knows it. And when they come to the U.S., well, you will know where to find me – front and center.

The song remains the same kristenPOLINSKI circulation manager M y cell phone vibrated in my pocket. T h e screen indicated that I had just received a text message from Katherine. Hmmm… “WHAT?! This better not be a joke!” I quickly called Katherine. She wasn’t kidding; the internet and TV even confirmed the breaking news. It all seemed very surreal for a few minutes as my excitement level shot through the roof; it probably even reached the moon and circled it a couple times. Out of my thousands of unrealistic aspirations, I had always thought of this one as the most unlikely. I am happy to admit that I was wrong. Anything can happen. Last year, all of this exhilaration

december 2008 23

KIDS

IN THE

HALL

Do you think APEX makes it easier to learn?

Got O P I N I O N S ? Letter to the

EDITOR

How to submit your letter: • Letters may be brought to the Stinger room (room 149)

• sent by e-mail to stingernews@gmail.com

“No because it’s easier with a teacher so they can individualize it”

Madalyn Hazlett freshman

“It would help some. Some can’t concentrate but some people need a teacher to guide them through it.”

Emelin Garcia sophomore

“Yeah, because some people can’t learn in classrooms and it’s easier at home.”

Jessica Irvin junior

“Some people can’t learn as good on the computer as they can in a class.”

Dylan Rice senior

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Find on

We want to hear them. The Stinger encourages letters to the editor as they constitute a constructive avenue for opinion. Letters to the editor must be signed by the writer to be considered for publication. Special requests to withhold a name may be submitted if the topic is sensitive enough to warrant

anonymity. The authenticity of the writer will be verified before publication and letters may be edited for poor taste, libel, grammar, space, and style. Letters should be no longer than 350 words. Longer submissions will be considered for publication as guest columns.

One option too many kaylaGROFF produc tion manager I’ve always had big goals for myself. From as far back as I can remember I always k n e w I was going to college. My mom instilled this in my head as a very young age, and it has stuck with me all the way up to this point in my life. I was never expected to go anywhere major, like Harvard or Princeton. As long as I go to a college and get a degree, then everyone is happy. Some parents tell their kids which college they want them to go to. My parents are letting me choose, no matter how big or small it is. Well, after many thoughts and

places to choose from, I chose two colleges that I felt were a great fit for what I want to do. So, I applied to them, hoping for the best. The best I was hoping for came from both colleges within a few weeks after sending in my applications. Here’s the tricky part. How am I supposed to choose a college when I’ve been accepted into both of my top picks? This is the dilemma I’ve had since the letter came from Winthrop a couple of weeks ago. I asked everyone which one I should choose. When I asked, I either received a “choose what’s best for you” or “Winthrop.” When I would ask why to Winthrop, I would get “I don’t know” as a reply. The thought “thanks so much for the help” crossed my mind every time. Newberry. Winthrop. Newberry. Winthrop. Both schools were running in and out of my brain like track runners trying to win a race. I tried to look through my memories of both campuses, which I had visited prior to applying. They were both amazing in their own ways. Then I tried my major. Both schools are accredited for Elementary Education, but Newberry gives me the opportunity to have field experience

I r m o ’ s Carpentry c l a s s e s aren’t only for students’ interests and education. Hospice patients are benefiting from the students’ hard work as well. Upon suggestion from a hospice volunteer and carpentry student, the students are making checkerboards and other board games for the patients. Irmo High school students have always been active in the community, but now they’re getting the opportunity to better someone’s life while getting course credit. These students are very selfless. They spent a lot of time and dedication towards creating a gift for people they didn’t even know. They have never met

my freshman year. Most colleges and universities wait until junior year. Yes, I was back at point A. So this is what I did: I sent an e-mail to Newberry, asking about their communications program. I plan to double major just in case one doesn’t work out in the long run. Before I could send an e-mail to Winthrop asking the same questions, a representative from the school called me. I was going to base my decision on who had the better communications program, but when one college is right on top of things (congratulating me through a phone call getting in), while the other is extremely slack (a simple letter of acceptance and nothing more), those factors tend to stand out. As this moment, I am leaning a little more towards Winthrop, a turnaround from a week before when I was set on Newbery. I plan to visit the university one last time before I send in my deposit, which will make me officially enrolled for the fall semester of 2009. I always knew picking a college would be a lot of work, I just never realized how much it was – not with applying, but with making the final decision. Either way, getting into college is a pretty awesome thing.

the patients before, and instead of using their new knowledge of carpentry to make things for themselves they gave it all to the patiens. The school provides the students with money for their class. These students have obviously put that money to good use for our community by helping people who will appreciate their creations.

december 2008 25

Split down the middle joshBUTLER photographer

Some students at Irmo have families that are divided between Clemson and Carolina. The members of these families have different reasons for wanting to be a Gamecock or a Clemson fan. “I really like the Gamecocks just because their school colors are my favorite colors,” Genobia Clarkson, freshman, said. “I like Clemson Tigers because they are way better than USC,” Brenton Womack, sophomore, said. “We do not have six to seven of our players get arrested and a chicken as a mascot. That’s just stupid.” Many homes are split so that one parent likes Clemson and the other likes Carolina. “My step mom is a Clemson fan, and my dad goes for the Gamecocks,” Ryan Williams, sophomore, said. In some homes, family members bribe each other to get more people on their team. “My grandma always tries to pay me money just to cheer for Clemson, but I won’t sell out for less than $200,” Clarkson said. Other family members have other ways to bribe the kids of the family. “My uncle would always want me cheer for Gamecocks,” Womack said. “He would take me to the USC games. He would even by me T-shirts and other stuff, but I always chose to go for Clemson because they are better.” When the day of the rivalry game came on Nov. 21, some of the families drew lines and separated the houses before the game began. “My parents talk about the strategies; then they separate the living room and tell themselves and each other that their team is gonna come out on top,” Williams said. Other families have their own traditions for game days. “We all go over to my grandma’s house and watch the pre-game, Womack said. “During the pre-game my cousins and I put bets on who is going to win.” Ultimately, one of the teams has to lose in the end. The side of the family who wins gets the opportunity to hold it over the opposing side’s head—at least until next year. “If my team loses I never hear the end of it until next year, where I hope I can hold the win over her [my stepmom’s] head,” Williams said. 26

The Stinger

Another year, another round margoGOODALE spor ts editor Irmo’s football team found themselves in the playoffs again this year. The football season began with a 0-2 record and running back/tailback Mustafa Greene, junior, out because of an injury. However, after defeating Dutch Fork, Irmo moved into the playoffs. The first round was behind them after a win against Greenville’s Hillcrest High School but came out with a loss in the second round against Rock Hill. “Irmo is usually a dominant team in the state and getting into playoffs has become an expectation of every Irmo team,” backup quarterback David Olson, junior, said. “We were very happy to enter the playoffs at the number two seed in the state and win our region, but we know every team wants to not only beat Irmo, but win the state championship as well. So, we always have to play our hardest against everyone.” According to Olson, during playoffs, football practices

become more intense, and the players are pushed more. “We are preparing for our opponents the same way we usually do except for there is an air of intensity every player can feel, Olson said. “We [the football players] all know we have to play our best every Friday or the season could end for us. The coaches are pushing us and our players are responding positivel y with the hard work we need to be successful.” Just the entry into playoffs

increased the motivation in the players, and for the seniors, their motivation is the determination to go out with a big win. “For the seniors on the team, every playoff game could be

their last. Any slip up could end what for many of them is their last time ever playing football,” Olson said. This is the biggest part of the season, according to Olson. He said everyone is determined and motivated to go all the way. Before every playoff game the players are concentrating on the task at hand and preparing themselves to achieve their main goals. “Most players try to get in the zone for the game throughout the whole school day so that they have that aggressiveness and tenacity when game time rolls around. Between the end of school and the start of the game, everyone prepares in whatever environment he likes best. Some players will listen to their iPods, some sit in locker room with the stereo playing, and some find a quiet spot for full concentration. But no matter the environment everyone is getting their minds on what they have to do for every play,” Olson said.

courtesy of Evan Allen

REGION CHAMPIONS:Addison Taylor walks away after a tackle during the Irmo vs. Dutch Fork game.

Sportswire

FOOTBALL vs.Rock Hill GIRLS’BASKETBALL

November 21

7:30

November 22 and 24 Chapin Claw Classic December 9 Ridge View December 12 Spring Valley

2:30 6:00 6:00

December 16 O.W. December 19 Aiken

6:00 6:00

December 2 December 9 December 12

at Spring Valley Ridge View Spring Valley

6:00 7:30 7:30

December 16 O.W. December 19 Aiken

7:30 7:30

December 5&6

Palmetto Classic

6:00 6:00

December 16 at Sumter December 17 O.W.

6:00 7:00

BOYS’ BASKETBALL November 24-26 Tip Off Tourn.

WRESTLING December 3 away vs. Hillcrest/BHP

december 2008 27

ROBBIE BRUNSON varsit y ba sketball

Robbie Brunson, senior, is optimistic about the upcoming basketball season. Brunson plays small forward and power forward on Irmo’s varsity basketball team, and he is the only senior that has been on the varsity team since freshman year.

Q: A:

Who is Robbie Brunson?

What does it mean to be basketball intelligent?

A: Q: A:

Q: A:

“Really laid back, calm... [I] try to be nice to everybody... [I] try to be friends with everyone. [I’m a] hard worker. [I’m] somewhat athletic—enough to get by...[I’m] Basketball intelligent. I don’t know if I would be intelligent in the real world.”

“I would say basketball savvy. I’ve got a feel for what people are going to do before they do it. Why basketball? Have you played other sports?

“I used to play football, and I didn’t like the whole concept of only getting to play offense or defense. I wanted to play both, and football is too many people. [In] basketball you have more of a tight relationship with your team. You’ve got to play offense and defense.” “Either basketball or soccer have got to be the most athletic sports in the world.” How tall are you? Is your height another reason for why you play basketball? “[I’m] 6’4” or 6’5”

“Kind of, but not really. My dad was a golfer, and he was 6’7.” He went to NC on a golf scholarship. I think it’s more about the demand on athleticism and getting to play offense and defense. That’s what was really big for me because if you think about it, basketball is really the only sport where you get to play both.” 28

The Stinger

Q: A: Q: A:

Did your dad encourage you to play basketball?

“Yeah, for sure...My family is divorced, but my dad taught me the fundamentals and how to play the game, and my mom got me where I needed to go. My dad was my coach when I was a little kid (Rec League)...” How does this year’s team look? Better than last year?

“We’re going to be good. Much better than last year. Last year we were all about power. This year we’re all about speed.” What does it mean to be all about speed?

“We’re going to try to run you to death up and down the court—try to wear you out because we play on a college court.” The regulated length for a high school basketball court is 84 feet. Irmo High School’s basketball court is 94 feet long— the length of a regulated college court.

thePOINT: Practicing on a longer court than

the other teams gives Irmo a slight advantage at home.

Q: A:

What position do you play?

“I’m actually a small forward and a power forward. I play both because I can shoot. I can play guard if I need to.”

“I like going down low and shooting. I like pretending like I’m going to fake right and then go back left. That’s probably my signature move that I do the most.” GET IN THE GAME

“

FACT:

Q &A

FACT:

What other teams do

“My AAU (Amateu team is the top rank southeast—us (Beac the Atlanta Celtics. mayor of Myrtle Be tournament in S.C.. Goods] Big Shots T Beach, and every yea play in the Las Vega This year we played Ariz., Va., and L.A.”

“The Amateur Athle is one of the largest, n teer sports organizati States. A multi-sport AAU is dedicated ex promotion and devel sports and physical fi -w

AAU INVITATION

summer to raise money program, and we were Coach Whipple came to wanted to put a team to why not’....So I put a t of course he matched Ball Select our first gam obviously the worst tea obviously the best team them, and I ran point g and afterwards they ca ‘do you want to come pl

We have to have people in the stands. If we’re win...the arena needs to be sold out—stand only every night...Fans play such a big part of it. It doesn’t r us if fans are there, but it hurts us if they aren’t there because inflict so much confusion on the other team from just being hard to score when you’ve got tons of people screaming in yo School spirit just doesn’t seem like it exists... At the end of th all have to come to Irmo. We are all students here, not anywher if we could just unify all the students, it would be bad for oth

TO THE FANS

-Robbie Brunson

“” I have explosive power. I’m not strong, but I’m just powerful. My big body and my quickness make me powerful.

ur Athletic Union) ked team in the ch Ball Select) and We’re owned by the each... We play in one . It’s Dick’s [Sporting Tournament in Myrtle ar we go to Vegas. We as [Adidas] Super 64... in tournaments in ”

etic Union (AAU) non-profit, volunions in the United t organization, the xclusively to the lopment of amateur fitness programs.” www.aausports.org

“Irmo always has an AAU tournament over the y for our basketball e one team short so o me and asked if I ogether. I said ‘sure, team together... and us up with Beach me because we were am, and they were m. I played against guard for my team, ame to me and said lay?’ I said ‘sure’.

e going to ding room really help e they can loud. It’s our head... he day, we re else. So, her teams.

-Robbie Brunson

Q: A:

What is the best moment you’ve ever had in a basketball game?

“Actually, the best moment I’ve ever had in a basketball game walks hand in hand with the worst moment I’ve ever had in a basketball game. It’s kind of an interesting story. Sophomore year we were playing Fort Mill in the semi-final, and everyone was talking about whoever won the game was gonna win state because we were the best team in the state by far. And we were down by two with 1.7 seconds left and I got a rebound and got fowled. I went to the free throw line for a one-in-one which means if i make the first one I get to shoot the second one, but if i miss it then it’s just live. So obviously I’m nervous. I’m scared because the game is on me. I made them both and we went to overtime, and that was a great moment for me. But then we lost by three or four.... Of course Fort Mill went on to win the state championship easily.” Do you want to play college basketball?

“It just kind of depends on how this season goes to be completely honest with you. I mean, I’ve gotten scholarships, like Newberry [College] has offered me a scholarship and Lander [University] has offered me a scholarship, but I don’t know if I want to play D2 basketball because there’s life after basketball, as crazy as that may seem.” “But if I don’t play basketball in college, I’m just going to go to South Carolina. Me and my two best friends will get a house together and get a bull dog named Maximus because I’ve always wanted a bull dog named Maximus.”

Do you have any heroes?

“Definitely my mom. It’s just like ever since the divorce, she’s been the rock. She worked two jobs for a long time and all that good stuff just to make sure I had everything I needed and that kind of perseverance is just amazing. The stuff that she did is not anywhere close to the stuff I have to do on the basketball course. [It] doesn’t even compare.”

“I wouldn’t want to play for anyone else. That’s really a true story. That’s half the reason I’m concerned about playing in college because I don’t think I’ll have a coach as good as Tim Whipple to be completely honest. He’s just one of those people who you question a lot until you get to the end of the road, and then you’re like ‘wow, that crazy guy I doubted the whole time was actually right.’” COACH WHIPPLE

Q: A:

You recently won the senior superlative for school spirit, why is school spirit so important to you?

“I just think why not [have school spirit]?... I mean it’s your school. You might as well take it in and get excited about everything in it. It just makes it funner.”

COMMITMENT: Robbie has never missed an Irmo varsity football game.

FACT:

you play on?

Q: A:

“I got my wisdom teeth taken out the day of a football game and I went. I was changing my gauze in the stands while I was yelling.”

Do you still wear your Gorilla suit? (As pictured on the cover).

Q: A:

“Yeah, it’s in my car, actually. I keep it in my car in case I ever feel the need... You never know when you’re going to need a gorilla outfit.” What do you like to do outside of school and basketball?

“I’m just pretty much like every other kid. I just hang out with my best friends... We just play ‘Halo.’”

samanthaEDWARDS

editor in chief December 2008

Thanks for your support! Patrons

COACH’S CORNER

Gregory Airasian

Words of wisdom: “Always do your best because you never know who is watching.”

Supporters

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The Stinger

SUN.

MON. 23

TUES. 24

WED. 25

National Parfait Day 30

Computer Security Day 07

World AIDS Day [AIDS Awareness Day]

Tie Dye

THURS. 26

No School

B-team Basketball

Thanksgiving

Final Senior Make-up Photo Session

Beta Club Induction 09

Eid al-Adha

FRI.

SAT. 28

No School

Hannukah Begins 12

Hannukah ends 16

EXAM 1A & 3A EXAM 5B & 7B Bill of Rights Day

Winter Assembly

Josh Butler 06

SAT TESTING

Ice Cream & Violins Day 20

EXAM 6B & 8B EXAMS 2A & 4A Attendance Make-up Days

crossword

6 2

2 3

4 2

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.

7 5

8 4

7 6

2 5

15. River 16. pilgrim 17. Washington 18. corn 19. gobble 20. Charlie

sudoku 8

Answers:

8. what we give on Thanksgiving 10. traditional Thanksgiving dessert; _____ pie 11. main course of Thanksgiving 14. big shopping day after Thanksgiving; Black _____ 16. an early colonist who celebrated the first Thanksgiving 18. crop that helped the Pilgrims survive harsh winters

1. Squanto 8. thanks 2. November 9. cranberry 3. Macys 10. pumpkin 4. cornucopia 11. turkey 5. Plymouth 12. autumn 6. Thursday 13. football 7. Mayflower 14. Friday

Across: 1. Native American who helped the Pilgrims in the New World 9. fruit used as a Thanksgiving side dish 12. the season Thanksgiving is in 13. popular sport on Thanksgiving Day 15. “Over the ______ and Through the Woods” 17. president who formally proclaimed Thanksgiving 19. sound that a turkey makes 20. _____ Brown Down: 2. month Thanksgiving is in 3. New York department store that sponsors Thanksgiving Day parade 4. the “horn of plenty” 5. where the first Thanksgiving took place; _____ Rock 6. Thanksgiving falls on this day 7. boat the Pilgrims traveled on

6 1

3 4

6 5

1 december 2008

Irmo High School

6671 St. Andrews Road

Columbia, SC 29212