The Talon Volume 11 Issue 3

The Talon

March 2018

Volume 11 Number 3

Nation Ford High School

1400 A.O. Jones Blvd.

Fort Mill, SC 29715

The The

World Is On On Is

Is NFHS

Prepared For A School

Shooting?

How Dating Has Changed

Fire

NFHS

Racecar Kid

2 • op/ed

New Lockdown Drill Good Idea But More Safety Measures Needed After 18 school shootings in 2018, NFHS has now decided to take new safety measures during FLEX School Resource Officer Dave Prescott said. “Coach [Pete] Tui and Coach [Brior the first time in 11 years, an] Turner monitor the bus loop doors Nation Ford has finally put during the day. Coach [Kate] Edwards into play a new school lock- and Mrs. [Heather] Unger are there durdown plan with a mock sim- ing FLEX and do not let students past ulation that occured during lunch them. I am also near the serving lines and FLEX. Administration has taken to keep an eye on the doors as well.”

Bottom line, the bus loop door is charge, and while no plan can be 100 percent effective, they are on the unlocked, making it too easy to enway to making NFHS a safer place. ter our high school. One solution is it The plan was implemented after a may be easier for all students to have shooter made his way into a school student ID’s which allow them to come in Parkland, Fla. and gunned down in through that door and still keep 17 students and faculty on Feb 14. it locked. Teachers, and students in Since 2013 there have been nearly classes like journalism (who sometimes 300 school shootings in America. On leave the building and come back) an average, one shooting takes place could have access cards which adminisevery week, according to a study done trators can assign to students. This does

by Everytown for Gun Safety. Since not minimize the possible threat if the 2018, 18 school shootings have already shooter was a student, but it increases the safety of NFHS. taken place. It is imperative that we ...on the second floor, Another problem is the noise level. Within have a safety plan a Talon reporter the Commons, stuwhen at FLEX/ lunch. But the curfound 29 classrooms dents are often extremely loud, so if rent plan doesn’t were open, while a shooting did take go far enough. during first FLEX on place they might not “It’s good to have lockdown the first floor 22 doors be able to hear instructions given to them drills and it’s imwere wide open. by teachers and staff. portant to have Chaos and mayhem them. I think it’s good that our school is taking steps will likely follow. For example, our fire to prepare and protect our students. I bell is a unique sound, and when we don’t think this drill was as effective or hear it, we automatically think “we must smooth as it could’ve been, so I think move to our respected area of exit.” If we will have to fine tune our prac- we had a specific alarm sound for when tice going forward,” one teacher said. a threat occurred, it may be able to alert “First and foremost, student safety teachers and students before a tragedy – physical and emotional, and men- happens or warn them to move to the tal – is paramount at Nation Ford,” area in which they are assigned. Pracsaid Principal Jason Johns to parents tice must also be put into play as half in an emailed letter. “As a parent… of the students didn’t get to practice and a principal, I want every one of the lock-down drill in the Commons.

Students and teachers have to take our students to feel safe when they are on our campus …I do think it is initiative to close doors during flex. important in light of recent events to During first FLEX on the second floor, reach out to ensure you the impor- a Talon reporter found 29 classrooms tance we place on our school safety.” were open, while during first FLEX on However, on Feb. 15, just 19 hours the first floor 22 doors were wide open.

With the world getting more dangerafter the Florida shooting, students found that not every door to the school ous, teens have been calling for more was locked during classes. Unfortu- safety within schools. At NFHS, we nately, no one can watch bus loop can take steps to making our school an doors all day. “The doors by the car rid- overall safer environment when in the er line are locked throughout the day,” Commons, hallways, or even in classes.

F

Staff Editorial

The Talon Staff ediTor-in-chief: Raegan Craddock ediTors: Hayden Biebel Carly Cashatt Precious Fisher Abigail Knight Julia Lako arT: Preston Lyerly

sTaff: Paige Burney Ben Burnham Markia Coleman Cole Hallberg Maggie Kell Adrianna Mancini Alexander Oppel AJ Smith Sam Yacovetta ad manager: Abigail Knight adviser: Beth Swann

1400 A.O. Jones Blvd.

Fort Mill, SC 29715 803-835-0000 The Talon

were two

The Talon policy

The Talon provides students with an opportunity to discuss information related to Nation Ford High School. The paper’s objective is to notify the school community of the news in a timely and informative manner and to entertain them through articles and columns.

The staff encourages letters to the editor. Nation Ford High School students, staff members, and the public can express their opinions and reactions to the articles in The Talon.

Letters should be signed and should not exceed 150 words. Letters submitted may be published in the paper at the discretion of The Talon staff and will be edited for accuracy, length, and grammar, as well as offensive or inappropriate content.

The staff may permanently keep all unpublished letters for reference or guidance for future writing. All submissions should be submitted to Mrs. Swann, room D109, or via email to swanne@fortmillschools.org.

Please keep in mind that opinions voiced in the articles and personal columns are not those of the Nation Ford High School newspaper staff or Nation Ford High School’s administration, faculty, or staff; opinions are solely those of the author who submitted the article.

International 1st Place by Quill and Scroll Society 2015, 2016 march 2018

op/ed• 3

Intensions Good But Improve On Shirt Idea

S Energy Drinks Dangerous

E

Carly Cashatt

nergy. Something everyone needs and wants. Over 20,000 people ended up in the emergency room because of energy drinks in 2011, and one out of every 10 were hospitalized. Energy drinks should be illegal. They are the cause of more than enough deaths, and according to Caffeine Informer, caffeine consumption corresponds with teens use of illegal substances.

Drug use was found to be more prevalent in teens who drank energy drinks than those who do not.

As of today, 30-50 percent of young adults and teens say they drink energy drinks. In one case, a 16 year-old-boy, from South Carolina died on April 26, 2017, of heart arrhythmia after chugging a large Mountain Dew, drinking a McDonald’s coffee, and an energy drink two hours before his death.

He died from consuming too much caffeine in a short time span and a energy drink was involved.

A regular cup of coffee has about 80-100 mg of caffeine, and someone

can consume up to 400 mgs without feeling any symptoms. When you drink too much caffeine, your heart rate increases to 180 beats per minute.

At 500 mgs, you start to feel jittery, aggravated, and sick to the stomach.

A 1997 study showed that it’s ‘okay’ to consume up to 5 cups of coffee a day, but once you get over 687 mgs (6 cups), your chance of going into cardiac arrest increases 44 percent. Of course, individuals react to caffeine differently.

Another study on 100 middle-aged people with heart problems found that drinking 10 cups of coffee a day increased their chances of cardiac arrest by 50.

Yet a 16-year-old boy dies two hours after drinking 3 drinks, and he had been perfectly healthy.

A Rockstar energy drink has 160 mgs in a 16 oz. can. But a 24 oz. can has 360 mgs, so drinking two 24 oz. Rockstar puts someone past the point of showing symptoms.

In 2010, Rockstar introduced gum, and one pack has 10 pieces of gum, so each pack contains more mgs of caffeine than five 8 oz. cans, or two and a half 16 oz. cans. Energy drinks should be illegal or at least monitored by the FDA.

“As of today, 30-50 percent of young adults and teens say they drink energy drinks.”

Sam Yacovetta

chool spirit is one of the most stressed elements at Nation Ford High School. This year, teachers are handing out solid red T-shirts to students who “deserve a pat on the back for going above and beyond” and “for anything positive,” in a initiative created by Principal Jason Johns. While this is an innocent effort towards a school spirit and community building, this idea may have some unintended consequences.

Why T-shirts? “I think it’s important that our kids our proud of the school they go to, so small things like that is the reason for those things,” says Mr. Johns.

When the idea was first launched, its original goal was that every single student would receive a T-shirt by the end of the first month the initiative was launched. However, 5 months after it was launched, a large number of students still have not received a shirt from any teacher – even students who are well-behaved and aren’t disobedient. This could easily make them feel left out or disregarded.

Simply giving a T-shirt to every student would be fruitless, and giving T-shirts to every student would also make the value of the shirt insignificant. Meanwhile, for every outstanding student, there is a student who may not meet the criteria.

At the same time, this idea itself is in some ways effective. It gives teachers an opportunity to show their gratitude for students and lets students know they are respected. However, the school could use a new way to include more students and make them feel even more valued.

For one thing, more dedication to the initiative would make it easier to give more students their reward.

If students were also given a more unique gift rather than the same shirt to every student, it would help greatly. Perhaps a joint effort by the Art Department and students could result in the worthy student creating something unique, such as a button or a sticker, might be a better idea. Teachers could randomly receive the stickers or buttons then give it to a selected student. An original and unique prize made by another student could be more treasured by students, and school spirit could skyrocket.

The Talon Asks....

Is School Spirit Important?

Why?

“No, because it’s highschool and it won’t matter after we graduate.”

Lexcee Shelton (18’)

“Yes, it makes school more enjoyable.”

Barbara Barnes (18’)

“Yes, it’s the culture of the school. and it sets the tone!”

Trina McFadden (Teacher of the Year)

Cheer Is A Sport, It Should Be Treated Like One

C

Paige Burney

heerleading. It is one of the most stereotyped sports in high school and in college.

Most people hear the word and immediately think of sideline football chants and dolled up teens with too much makeup. The truth is, cheerleaders are dedicated to their teams and their schools, and they work just as hard as other athletes.

While some may disagree, cheerleading should be considered a sport.

Yelling chants and standing on the sidelines isn’t the only aspect of cheerleading. The squad spends hours in the gym working on new skills and conditioning until they drop. They stretch muscles to an unnatural extent. Day in and day march 2018

out, these hard-working athletes train to become better cheerleaders.

Two minutes and 30 seconds go by for each routine while these performers flip, jump, and lift teammates over their heads while doing insane tricks.

These athletes deserve more credit.

All cheerleaders go to practice at least five days a week, and they practice until they can’t do it any longer. Each and every one of the athletes support each other and always cheer them on.

When performing, cheerleader Kira Baker (21’) is no different than the average football player on the field.

“You get a rush of energy, nerves, and adrenaline waiting for the music to start, and relief after you get off the stage and hit a perfect routine,” she said. “Sometimes I get scared just going to practice, not knowing if I will

get a concussion, or break a bone.”

Baker is concerned with good reason cheerleading is responsible for 65.1 percent of catastrophic sports injuries, according to Live Science.

The injuries are so severe that they could lead to permanent disabilities or even death. If cheerleaders make one wrong move, it could possibly be the end of their cheerleading career.

The American Cheerleaders Association decided that cheerleading should be considered a sport, because there is physical activity, and competing takes place. But not everyone respects the cheerleading world.

“Cheer is only a hobby -- it has minimal training, and all you need is a good body” says Dylan Dority (21’).

Steven Johnson (21’) agrees “It isn’t a big deal -- anyone can

flip through the air. The stereotypes aren’t wrong,. It’s an activity for girls to just run around,” he said.

Little do these boys know what hard work these girls put into this sport and the team.

“Performing is scary, but also exciting at the same time,” says Nyla Mckinney (21’), a Junior Varsity cheerleader. “When you’re waiting to go up in your stunts or your tumbling pass, you get a rush of adrenaline that gives me energy to hit my stuff,” she said.

Cheerleading is not just a sideline activity. These athletes travel the country competing, showing off their routines and leaving their hearts on the mat.

It’s time cheerleading gets more support from the athletic program, and the students. Cheerleading is a sport and should be treated like one.

The Talon

4 • news

Nation Ford Art Student Regional Winner, National Scholastic Art Award Recipient Carly Cashatt Abigail Knight (‘20) won the Gold Key award, the highest award for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

Teens in grades 7-12 can submit in 29 categories of art and writing. In 2017, more than 330,000 works of art and writing were submitted.

“I enjoy painting portraits, and I'm intrigued by the human face,” Knight said.

“I came to love using a palette knife as opposed to paint brushes. The skin texture was made possible by the mediums I used.”

Her oil painting ‘Big Words’ will now go on to compete at the national level.

At Nationals, ‘Big Words’ will compete for Gold Medal, Silver Medal, American Visions and Voices Medals. National winners will be on display in Carnegie Hall in New York City.

The results of the national competition will be released March 13.

Tech Crew Working Hard For Perfect “Seussical” Musical March 15-18 Sam Yacovetta This year’s eagerly anticipated school musical, “Seussical” premieres from March 15 to 18.

Of all the events held at Nation Ford, theatrical shows are among the most widely attended. While some students may marvel at the performances of our talented actors, others may forget the people behind the scenes, the tech crew.

With 29 members currently under the supervision of theatre teacher Cheri Addison, tech crew is responsible for the construction, painting, lighting of, and nearly all behind the scenes aspects of every show.

Construction of the set for the newest musical has already start-

After school, Ellie Ford (19’) works on tech crew to paint the background for the upcoming musical.

ed, and tech crew has been preparing for the show since winter break.

Members have been busy creating concept art for possible set and prop designs, researching materials to craft elements for the show, and some have even been putting their own money into materials for show.

Finishing everything before the show premieres isn’t always smooth sailing.

“The most difficult thing I have worked on so far was the plane we built for [The Drowsy Chaperone],” said Bethany Houston (‘19). “We just kept messing it up for some reason.”

Tech will sometimes work long hours just to get the job done, staying late after school to work even if it’s a school night, on top of the work for

school they need to do aside from tech.

“A problem I run into a lot is needing to problem solve really quickly and efficiently,” Houston said.

“That’s necessary for tech and when you’re still in school at 11 at night after being at school for 15 hours, that can be a lot harder than you might think.”

One of the most stressful aspects of tech is the dreaded “tech week,” the week before the show premieres when the crew takes care of any last minute finishes.

“Tech week is always a struggle because everyone is stressed and running on fumes,” says Ellie Ford (‘19).

During the tech week of the previous play, “Lend Me a Tenor” the crew had to paint the entire set from

top to bottom and add more details to it.

Despite the difficult job, tech members say they work hard for the pride and accomplishment from seeing their work on the big stage.

“I hope that the people watching the show will see our hard work and appreciate our efforts,” says Mary Anders Giavedoni (‘18). “But just knowing that the audience is enjoying the beautiful atmosphere we built is enough.”

Members of the tech crew seem to also share another universal reason for joining the show: the people they work with.

“Everyone is so unique, talented, and funny,” Giavedoni said. “Tech has let me make a lot of beautiful things, but making friends with this band of wonderful weirdos is easily my favorite thing. I love my tech family!”

All-inclusive Park Being Built In Fort Mill Kia Coleman The physically handicapped, developmental disabled, autistic, and children with numerous disabilities are frequently unable to play on traditional playground equipment. But Lori Chris tison, a Fort Mill mom, is trying to change all that with the “All Play Together” Playground project.

A website was created for donations and fundraisers to raise money for park equipment, and Nation Ford teachers have contributed to the effort.

The Town of Fort Mill donated 25 acres of land for the park to be built near Waterside at Catawba.

So far, the campaign has received more than $100,000, but still need to reach the goal of $500,000.

More than 53.9 million children in the U.S. The Talon

have disabilities, and most can’t play in traditional parks. Swings, monkey bars, slides, and seesaws are often difficult for disabled children and may require assistance from others.

This is a problem for parents with disabled kids who wish they could play with local children instead of traveling far to find a playground suitable to their needs, or not going to the park at all.

The “All Play Together” Project is an all-inclusive playground for all ages, with wide ramps for wheelchairs, swings with buckets, and traditional and special seating The playground also includes rubberized surfacing, zip lines, and much more. The playground is designed so handicapped and special needs children can be active in the park without any dif-

ficulties. These special features allow a more exciting, fun, and beneficial way for everyone to play.

Jessica Mauer, the bookkeeper at Nation Ford, is the stepmother to a disabled 12-year-old. Mauer says currently, taking her stepdaughter to the park is difficult, and they have to watch other children play.

“How wonderful would it be if she could actually participate alongside her peers on accessible equipment,” she said.

“Children need to play in their lives, and they need the contact of peers to watch and learn from.”

A playground allows kids to be independent, make new friends, express themselves, be creative, and have fun with others.

This playground will allow all children to have those opportunities, no matter the disability.

March 2018

entertainment• 5

NC Author Alan Gratz Talks About His Writing character I have loved sense a kid, and I’m really hoping I get the gig. Fingers crossed A geek at heart, pen in hand. When that I’ll be able to announce something he was growing up in Knoxville, TN, he soon. But yes, I will continue to prioritize only hoped to write books for a living. my own stories over telling stories with Now he lives in Bakersville North, other characters—those books are all me.”

Carolina, and he’s the author of 14 nov- And he does have more books coming. els and eight short young adult fiction “Coming out later in 2018 is my new book, books. Gratz is the author of “Prisoner “Grenade”. I got to visit Japan a few years B-3087” and “The League of Seven” series. ago, and while I was there, I met an old man His young adult fiction has captured who had been a boy on the island of Okimany hearts, and his website reads “Put- nawa during World War II.,” he said. “The ting fictional kids in danger since 2006.” day the Americans invaded, the Japanese army pulled him and “I realized that in all the other middle almost every one of school boys out of my books, kids are school, gave them danger somehow, so What happens in real life each a grenade, and I just decided to own told them to go off it,” Gratz says. “I like is not necessarily what into the forest and writing thrillers. And nothing is more thrillmakes for a good novel. not come back until they had killed an ing than when a perI had to add a few things American soldier. son is in real danger.”

That explains why here and there and sub- That’s the first chapter of my book, and most of his books tract a few things here what my main charinvolve peril and exploration young and there to make Jack’s acter does with that grenade is the end.” adults or newly teens. life into a good ‘story.’

“Grenade” Gratz has a faslooks like it will be cination with retmuch like a ‘based ro-futures, such on a true stoas steampunk and teslapunk cultures, which shows in ry’ novel, much like “Prisoner B-3087” his favorite book. “My favorite of my Of course writing a book based on a books is “League of Seven,” Gratz said. true story is challenging, as he learned writing.

“Prisoner B-3087”.

“When I was developing it, I wrote when down all the things I would have thought “Getting the truth was easy—Jack were awesome when I was 10-years-old Gruener was alive when I wrote that, — submarines, clockwork robots, gi- and I could go directly to the source ant monsters, ray guns, airships, brains to get more information,” Gratz said. in jars, and more — and pinned each “Making it dramatic for the novof them up to a bulletin board...and el was much harder, as you’ve guessed. the result was “The League of Seven.” What happens in real life is not neces Besides writing, Gratz enjoys ac- sarily what makes for a good novel. I tion figure collecting, watching had to add a few things here and there baseball and building catapults. and subtract a few things here and there A few of his books are about baseball, to make Jack’s life into a good ‘story.’ a sport he’s rather fond of. “I’ve always “It’s mostly true—everything that felt that baseball lends itself to story,” he happens to Jack really happened—but I said. It has the basic structure of a good added things here and there to tell a fullstory to begin with — leaving home, hav- er, more complete version of the Hoing and adventure, and returning home is locaust,” he said. “It was the first time one of the oldest stories there is, and if you I’d ever written a book where the main think about it, that’s exactly what baseball character told me what he did and didn’t is. You leave home plate, round the bas- do, instead of the other way around.” es, and eventually hope to return home.” He grew up with a love of books. Now He has written two fan fiction novels, Gratz has become a contributor to the as well. “I would do it again,” he said. “I writing world himself, and now he can have a chance to write for an comic book inspire the next generation of authors.

Israel Plyler

Some Novels by Alan Gratz

“

”

SPECIAL COLUMN

Dating & Tech: It’s Different For Today’s Teens Adrianna Mancini Dating has become a blurry topic. There is little guidance for the younger generations – it has become a regular thing to be “close friends” or “talking” rather than dating. Back when our parents were teens, generally the boy would ask the girl to the movies or possibly a dinner. Now, the normalcy of hanging out in groups has deteriorated the classy and meaningful sense of being with one another. Many individuals have been in a dating relationship while never actually going out on one date.

“Most people don’t put in the effort to make one on one time, they just hang out when they happen to be in the same place, ” Paige Burney (21’) says. march 2018

Is our generation lazy, or just socially awkward?

Most teenagers are unsure of how to act towards each other. Ben Burnham (20’) addresses this issue.

“Since phones are a more prominent use of communication lately, I feel that girls don’t always talk as confidently amongst themselves, which can make it harder to get used to each other in person.”

When we hide behind our phones, we tend to act differently than when we’re face to face. It’s easier to be upfront with someone who can’t react in person. You can ask more questions and talk about a wider variety of topics, which may seem like a plus side to socializing over social media, but then it can make it more awkward in person. time Just today I received some un-

wanted or warranted negativity from a teenage boy in the halls at school.

He felt it was okay to comment “nice shorts skank.” Now you may be thinking maybe my shorts were too short. Showed too much leg, even if the nearly 80 degree weather had warranted it. Regardless, would that have made his comment okay?

Our schools, parents, and society should try and better educate young individuals, male and female alike, on how to treat each other in general.

Netflix, social medias, and music have brought physical attraction to the front of the line when it comes to relationships.

“A large variety of people decide its more fun to snapchat and send photos of themselves rather than have a conversation.” says Paige Burney (21’). It’s like we

feel it takes too much time to open our mouths and speak instead of just looking at each other. People seem to feel that they should take more time making their appearance more presentable rather than making them selves a better individual or a person with more interests and substance to personality.

“Sure it may be someone’s looks that reel you in, but nobody’s going to want to stay unless you’ve got an appealing personality too,” Burnham said.

Try taking the time to have a conversation and get to know each other. Show some effort, and take a special someone out to dinner or to see a movie, just the two of you. Maybe even make phone calls over texting a new habit. See where it gets you, you may find yourself surprised.

The Talon

6 • centerspread

How Close Is World War III? Raegan Craddock “Citizens will be the last to know,” is one of the many fear kindling quotes given by the hacktivist group ‘Anonymous’ in their video concerning the outbreak of World War III. The chilling YouTube video, released in May of last year, continues its relevancy as some of the biggest world powers inch closer to war every day. Tensions are growing as well as the issues within these countries.

One of the main points of the video that the group released was concerning the tension encircling Korea. Though the bomb threat to Hawaii earlier this year turned out to be an inconvenient accident, North Korea is building toward becoming an actual nuclear bomb threat and is getting closer every day.

“All the signs of a looming war on the Korean peninsula are surfacing,” an Anonymous group member said. In fact, North Korea is just months away from creating a nuclear-tipped ballistic missile that is powerful enough to hit the mainland of the United States, according to an article in the New York Post.

North Korea is not the only nation posing bomb threats, either.

President Donald Trump has also hinted toward nuclear threats as well, including a tweet he sent out about the size of his “nuclear button” on Jan. 3 of this year. So far in his presidency, Trump has become notorious for his statements in regards to other countries, especially North Korea. In regards to that, the group comments, “…although there will be ground troops, the battle is likely to be fierce,

brutal and quick. It will also be globally devastating, both on environmental and economical levels.”

Meanwhile at home, the ongoing conflict continues between law enforcement and citizens. So far this year, 108 people have been shot and killed by police, according to The Washington Post. Many of those shootings were controversial. There have also been several police shootings so far this year, including the shooting in York County, where three officers were wounded and one was killed responding to a domestic violence call. The officer who lost his life was Nation Ford High parent Mike Doty.

Then, there’s the recent outbreak of sexual misconduct allegations spreading throughout the U.S. like a virus.

Currently, there are nine states investigating accusations of sexual misconduct of political figureheads, and even more, including some against the president. Because of these allegations, many politicians are dropping out, having quick replacement politicians hired to run our country.

All of this, and we are only two months into 2018. Tension between all nations are rising progressively and many nations are struggling with internal issues like never before. Nuclear weaponry is being built at rapid speeds and are only becoming more intricate and powerful by the day. Law enforcement and government officials have failed to keep the country safe as promised.

What Has Happened In 2018 So Far?

• January 3: Trump tweets to North Korea about the size and power of his “nuclear button” • January 13: False alarm for ballistic missile threat in Hawaii • January 20: Government shuts down • January 24: Larry Nassar, former USA gymnastics team doctor, is sentenced 40 to 175 years in prison for sexual abuse of over 150 girls and women • February 9: 2018 Olympics begins in South Korea • February 14: The 18th school shooting of 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, 17 people killed • February 20: President Trump suggests banning bump stocks and arming teachers

Alumn Cierra Wall Caught In Hawaii’s False Alert: Ballistic Missile Warning Hayden Biebel

Herds of people running. Students crying and screaming. They don’t know what to do or where to go.

The Talon

Cierra Wall knows what real panic looks like -- she was there on Jan. 13, when the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency sent an alert to Hawaii residents and tourists, reading “BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT INBOUND TO HAWAII. SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.” Wall, who was a member of Nation Ford’s class of 2017, is currently studying at Hawaii Pacific University. She was sleeping when the message went off at 8:07 a.m. local time.

“I had my phone on ‘Do Not Disturb,’ so I didn’t hear it… someone came banging on my door and one of the RA’s was screaming to get out of the building,” Wall said.

She started shaking. The first thing she did was contact her loved ones. “[I had to] text my family that I love them, just in case anything happened,” she said.

She was surrounded by commotion. “Some people were crying, some people were real-

ly calm and didn’t take [the alert] seriously. Everyone was kind of all over the place.

“Everyone on campus had to go hide in a stairwell in the academic building.

It was super hot and crowded,” she said.

After 38 long minutes of terror, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency finally sent an alert stating the initial message was a false alarm. The millions of people in the state were filled with a sense of relief, but according to Wall, “Some people’s parents wanted them to come home, even after finding out it was a false alarm.”

Most of all, Wall was looking forward to talking to her mom.

“I was just excited to talk to [her] because we didn’t have service in the stairwell.”

Afterwards, Wall took to the beach to help shake off the stress. “My friends and I celebrated by going to the North Shore.”

March 2018

Prescott Speaks On Safety With Cell Phones Elena White They come into his office complaining about something that’s happened to them on social media. But students sometimes find they themselves are the ones in trouble.

Dave Prescott, the resource officer of Nation Ford High School, says he has had multiple cases of girls telling him they’ve been raped, but the sex actually turned out to be consensual. He’s had to deal with girls who have taken pictures of themselves to send to their boyfriends, who eventually turned into their ex-boyfriends, and decided to post the girls pictures on social media or send them around.

He says these situations were just as common at York High School, where he worked previously. National studies indicate that 20 percent of teens have sent or posted nude or semi-nude pictures or videos of themselves, according to GuardChild.com, a group who combined the statistics from national studies conducted by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, The Pew Internet & American Life Project and the Cox Communications Teen Online & Wireless Safety Survey. It’s a growing problem in modern society.

Freshmen seem to be the hardest grade level to deal with, according to Officer Prescott. They seem to have a hard time adjusting to high school. Situations they got away with in middle school are not tolerated in high school, he says.

The age of consent in South Carolina is 14 to 16. That means students are not legally responsible to have sex until

centerspread• 7

that age. If students are in that age group, having sex with someone in the age group can lead to being prosecuted as a sex offender.

“We’ve had three convicted sex offenders at NaFo,” he said. “We have two currently at this school. There were five at York.

“When someone gets put on the sex offender list, they’re on it for life. Anyone can find out who the sex offenders in any given area are.

If someone’s registered as one, it’s public knowledge, and each and every Halloween, they have to turn themselves in at jail and spend the night there.”

It’s important to think before acting.

“I’ve had parents whose daughters sent naked pictures to guys, who then passed the pictures throughout the school,” he said. “The parents wanted to charge the boys. I had no problem with that. I told them possession of pornography is a felony, a 5-year felony.

“But then, I’m going to have to go to your house and charge your daughter for three felonies. Manufacturing of pornography, distribution of pornography, and possession of pornography. That’s 15 years. It’ll be on her record and never go away.”

Even Prescott’s daughter got caught up in an unexpected, dangerous situation.

“One of my former soccer players at York went to a party and got roofie mixed in her water,” he said. “Luckily my daughter and a friend of hers who were both on the swim team with her were there to take her home and put her to bed. Things like that can happen. They do happen.”

“...20 percent of teens have sent or posted nude or semi-nude pictures or videos of themselves...”

Do You Feel Safe At School?

Precious Fisher

“Yes, because I trust in most of our current safety measures that we have. I feel if there was an emergency it would be taken care of seriously. “ Elizabeth Marvin (‘18)

march 2018

“Yes, because we have officer Prescott and the teachers seem to actually care about their students and their safety. They imply that they will not allow anything to happen to them.”

Joseph Wilson (‘19)

“No, anybody can walk into school with a gun because we have no IDs or metal detectors…not enough safety measurements.”

Kelise Williams (‘19)

The Talon

8 • features

Women’s History Month Movement Celebrated, Continues Work Julia Lako

Womens’ History Monthxxxxxxxxx

ADDICTED Student Cell Phone Usage Linked To Depression Ben Burnham “I think there is cell phone addiction problem nationwide,” says Assistant Principal Emily McQuay. The research seems to back up her claims.

Cell phone usage can affect people in many ways. For example, there are 1.6 million car accidents yearly, one fourth is caused by cell phone usage while driving, according to Edgar Snyder and Associates. This results in a large majority of 330,000 annula injuries, according to the Daily Mail. But driving with cell phone use is only one way that cell phones can affect your life negatively.

Another way cell phone usage affects a person is mentally. Studies suggest excessive cell phone usage leads to depression, anxiety, and mental health issues.

“I feel cell phone usage is more of a problem with young people, but also with adults as well,” says Dr. McQuay. “Finally, empirical research has caught up with what educators have known for many years that there is a direct correlation between cell phone usage and depression, anxiety, and mental health issues.”

Depression and anxiety are on the rise in the teenage population, and some experts say the problem is because of the isolation social media causes. The constant use of cell phones causes an imbalance in the brain’s chemistry and affects proper brain development at that age, according to Dr. Ishii’s study reported in the Daily Mail.

Not only is brain development affected by phone use, but the addictive nature of cell phones is another concern for parents with teenagers. Dr. Martin, a substance abuse expert at Columbia University conducted a study that found that video games and using social media meets the needs of thrilling activities and the need to find new activity. This has led to a decrease in drug use as teenagers find a new addiction, their cell phones.

Although a decrease in drug use is a positive, teens replacing one addiction with another is possibly not a good solution.

Teenage cell phone addiction is becoming an increasing problem at Nation Ford High School as well as in society today. Administrators at Nation Ford are focusing on decreasing cell phone usage in the school.

“For example, if we see that headphones have gotten out of control one week,” Dr. McQuay says, “then we all might look specifically for that the next few days to address.”

NFHS students seem to have mixed feelings about their cell phones. Some recognize they are on their phones too much, but admit that they want to have them at all times.

Research indicates the addiction is a growing problem that ought to be addressed in a timely manner.

The Talon

March is Women’s History Month, celebrating women and their accomplishments.

Women’s History Month originally started out as Women’s Week as proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan on March 7, 1982. The next five years Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week”.

After being petitioned, Congress designated March of 1987 “Women’s History Month”. Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month.

#MeToo MovementXXXXXXXXXX

The #MeToo movement was founded in 2006

Journalist, feminist, and social politicalactivist Barbra Steinem speaks out at the Women’s March in New York.

March has been proclaimed the month to celebrate and recognize leadership and accomplishments by women.

by Tarana Burke to help survivors of sexual harassment, specifically young women of color from low wealth communities. The movement uses the “empowerment through empathy” to show survivors they aren’t alone. The movement has brought forth a wave of women coming out about their sexual harassment stories.

More than merely marching, many women around the country have declared running for public office.

More than 5,000 people paraded through Charlotte on Jan. 20.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Many women have turned this march into a movement. Taking place on the anniversary of last year’s march, this year’s event showed how women have taken their passion and translated it into activism.

al harassment, especially in the entertainment industry, but not only in the entertainment industry.

At the end of 2017 and beginning of 2018 many women in the entertainment industry came forward about sexual harassment by Harvey Weinstein.

Soon after this occurred, others soon came out

#TimesUp Movementxxxxxxxxxxxx Womens’ Marchxxxxxxvxxxxxxxxxx The Times Up movement is a response to sexu-

New Laws Created In 2018 Please Some, Confuse Others Hayden Biebel Quite a few laws have come into effect nationally and statewide for 2018 in efforts to fix some problems that have happened during a turbulent 2017.

While some laws are serious and make sense, many find other laws to be unnecessary, random, and some find them to be straight up laughable.

South Carolina- Exotic Animals Cannot Be Considered Pets Anymorexxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Before New Year’s Day, South Carolina was one

Illinois- Barack Obama Dayxxxxxxxxxxxxx The state of Illinois will now commemorate the

work of former President Barack Obama on August 4 of every year. State Bill 55 was passed unanimously in early August to make his birthday a state holiday to honor the former president in the state where he started his political career.

California- Police No Longer Can Ask of five states that did not have restrictions on citi- Immigration Statusxxxxxffffffxxxxxxxxxxx zens keeping “dangerous” animals in their homes. The new “Sanctuary State” bill was passed in the A new law that bans residents from owning exotic animals changed that. Citizens can no longer have large cats, apes, or non-native bears in their homes.

However, one of only twenty five South Carolinians who own exotic animals are allowed to keep them, as long as the animal is registered with animal control and officials have proof that the animal was owned before Jan. 1.

state of California that prohibits law enforcement to ask anybody their immigration status. The law also prevents officials to arrest, detain, or search an individual based on speculation that the individual may be an undocumented immigrant.

Oregon- Citizens Must Pump Own Gas Pumping your own gas is regular routine in South Carolina, but for people in Oregon, it is not.

Nationally- Minimum Wage Increasexxxx There, gas station attendants pump gas for cus Eighteen states are now raising the minimum tomers. But as of Jan. 1, counties with less than wage, ranging from a 4-cent increase in Alaska to a $1 increase in Maine. The pay increase is a result of workers’ rights activists battling for years to raise the minimum wage to a more “livable” salary, meaning at least to make enough to provide money for basic necessities.

40,000 citizens are forced to pump their own gas, and the new law has caused quite the outrage.

Many citizens find the new law unfair, since some citizens have never pumped gas before in their lives.

Others may find the self-service takes away jobs and does a disservice to the community.

Illinois- Divorced Couples Can Now Fight New York- State Now Allows Paid Leave Over Custody of a Petxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx For Family Situationsxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx In most states, pets are treated like objects in Citizens who work for private state coma divorce. Couples are expected to agree on who the pet lives with, and if there’s a dispute, the legal owner takes the animal home. Now in Illinois, each spouse can present evidence to a judge to prove they will be best suited to care for the animal. “[The pet] has feelings and emotions,” Sen. Linda Holmes said in a statement to WQAD-TV. “They’re looking at what would be in the best interest of the animal.”

panies can now take up to eight weeks of paid work leave to assist to their families.

The law was created for employees to birth and bond with newborns or adopted family members, care for an ill relative, or support loved ones while a family member is deployed abroad or on active military duty.

Workers who choose to take their paid time off won’t geth the same amount of pay as when theyar are working. They will get half their weekly salary. march 2018 March

features• 9

“In Tennessee more than 10 school districts closed within the month of February because of the flu.”

“A shortage in Tamiflu across the U.S has contributed to more than 4,000 deaths within the month of January.”

During a race in Mooresville, NC, Christian Braunlich (20’) heads for a 3rd place win on Feb 10.

Student Finds Passion Racing On Track, Working In Garage Dom Campo You’re going around a curve at 212 miles per hour, the checkered flag in sight. Adrenaline rushes through your body. Inches ahead, the driver next to you is pulling away. It comes down to the final moments. Your stomach turns, and you cross the finish line, but who won?

Christian Braunlich (’20) has been racing since he was 6 years old. He put in long hours training at GoPro Motorplex in Mooresville, NC. Christian and his Dad trained until Christian finally got on the track.

“I trained for 5 years with my Dad,” Christian says. “At first it was really hard and challenging. It took me awhile to get used to it.”

When Christian got on the track for his first race he fell in love.

“It’s exciting and gets your adrenaline pumping when going that fast,” Christian said. It’s dangerous driving high speeds.

“It’s so intense when you’re going that fast,” said Christian. “You know at any moment you could mess up and get seriously injured.”

Drivers need special equipment when racing just in case something bad happens. Christian wants to buy the best materials to save his life, even if it’s pricey. Brand new equipment could cost up to $2,561.

“I usually wear a Sparco suit, gloves, shoes, KI Rib protector, Evo neck brace, and a Zamp helmet,”

Christian said. “Those things are usually mandatory when you’re racing.”

Knowing the danger, drivers get nervous before climbing into the car before a race, and Christian is no different, but it’s worth the risk he says.

“I’m usually just really excited to see where I finish,” Christian says. “It’s kind of like how I am before a football game- just excited to compete and hopefully win.”

Christian isn’t just into racing cars he’s also into fixing them.

“I love fixing cars,” Christian says. “My dad and I will go out in the garage and usually fix our car that we have.”

Christian has a 2009 Volkswagen that Christian and his Dad work on. They usually work on the problem instead of going to a mechanic and spending money or getting ripped off.

“I love learning new things about cars,” Christian says. “I guess you could say I’m really into it.”

Christian goes to the track twice a month and has competed in 4 races.

“I haven’t won any races yet,” Christian says. “It’s challenging there are some really good racers that I have raced against.”

His family loves going and watching him race almost every weekend. Christian hopes to continue racing after he turns 18, and make a career out of racing.

Sophomore’s Arcade Game Repair Business Big Success Abbie Knight When Hunter Lawrence was given a $250 loan by his parents, he had no clue that $250 would turn into a business worth six figures. kkkkkk By buying and fixing arcade machines, he has become a nationwide vendor for arcade games. His garage became the shop for Hunter’s Arcade Games and Sales.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx With the help of his parents and Mrs. Marsh, the marketing teacher and leader of FBLA, he has acquired serious negotiation skills. Making sales calls and meeting with customers has helped him tremendously. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx “I don’t really tell people that I’m 16-years-old.they just assume that they’re talking to an adult,” Lawrence says.xHHHHHHJxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx With no prior work experience, Lawrence is the prime example of a committed entrepreneur.

“I enjoy working for myself and being the boss,” he says.zzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz With high ambitions, Lawrence calls his business more of a side job.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx “I enjoy school, I try to get good grades, and school always comes before business,” Lawrence says. “I especially enjoy business classes which relate directly to my life.” march 2018

Attending Nation Ford full time, Lawrence has a busy schedule with work and school. He stays focused on both.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx “I want to go into computer software developing, so I hope to attend Clemson University after high school,” he says.

Computer software is relevant to what he is already doing. When he gets to Clemson, he will be more experienced with machines than most of his peers.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx “I enjoy working on computers, I like the circuit boards which relate to arcade games and the electrical aspect of it,” he says.

Clemson’s requires students who are highly motivated in and out of the classroom.

Lawrence fits the description.

“I use my time wisely and try to get my homework done during flex. I’m very grateful that the school has FLEX,” he said.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Now that his business has taken off, he has moved his work location to a storage facility in Fort Mill.

He covers the cost to rent it, and pays for all of his business expenses.

A better website is currently in the works as well, and his social media outlets are growing.

“Anything is possible, Lawrence says. “Anything in life that you want to achieve is possible.”

“In Dallas, 54 flu deaths have been reported, and more than 2,900 deaths from the flu and pneumonia have been reported in the month of February.”

Flu Epidemic In The Carolinas What doctors say can help prevent the flu and what symptoms to look for Carly Cashatt Fewer people show up for class every day because they’ve got the flu. Already from October through January, 37 people and children have died from the flu, and they had been in perfect health. The vaccination for this year doesn’t concentrate on the main strain, making it easier for anyone to get the flu. In New Jersey, there were 14 new deaths in February. ER visits increased by 14 percent in the last weeks of February.

A shortage in Tamiflu across the U.S has contributed to more than 4,000 deaths within the month of January. February is the peak month for this year’s flu season, even though it’s usually December.

In Tennessee more than 10 school districts closed within the month of February because of the flu. Students are not the only victims, a elementary school teacher, died at 38 from the flu on February 4, 2018.

In Dallas, 54 flu deaths have been reported, and more than 2,900 deaths from the flu and pneumonia have been reported in the month of February.

“This is the worst case of the flu since H1N1,” says Cynthia Cashatt, a nurse at Levine Children’s Hospital Specialty Center. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx In 2009, H1N1 was the strain of flu for that killed over 12,469 people.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Getting the flu can cause victims to get pneumonia, an infection in the lungs. Pneumonia could end up attacking other organs as well.

Also, when someone’s immune system is trying to fight the flu, they are in danger of catching another illness like bacterial pneumonia.

An existing chronic illness, such as asthma, or even diabetes can make someone more prone to the flu or flu related illnesses.

Some people who have Crohn’s already get medicated to keep their immune system down, so it won’t attack the body, which means they are more prone to getting sick. If they did get sick with the flu, they could be more at risk.

Victims younger than 5 or older than 65 could have higher risk in addition to other factors, making the flu even more deadly than it already is.

Common flu signs are, fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, tiredness, vomiting and diarrhea.

Some signs that they are getting worse are any signs of dehydration, fast or labored breathing, Inability to interact with others, and confusion.

While rare, dogs can get the flu, too. Continue washing your hands, and most importantly, don’t share any drinks or food. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx As this year’s flu season continues officials say it’s too soon to know if the worst is over or not.

The Talon

10 • sporTs

Freshman F ly er Victoria Jordan

Kicking the ball down the field, Ryan Halas is a part of the JV Boys Soccer team. Coach Kenny Halas has high hopes for the 2018 season.

Power Forward Victoria Jordan (‘21)

Dominating The Court, Classroom Zaria Drakeford Late practices. Painful Injuries. Roaring students in the stands.

All this comes down to Girls Varsity Basketball. One particular player stands out.

At 5’10” basketball player Victoria Jordan, also known as “Vicky J,” is the only freshman on both the varsity boys and girls basketball teams.

Jordan is a power forward and already earned recognition from colleges across the country.

“I plan on going to Stanford for academics, or Tennessee for basketball,” she says.

She hopes to be in the WNBA, but if that does not work out, she wants to be an orthodontist.

Somehow, she finds a way to balance both school and basketball.

“I do homework on the bus to the away games and after home games, then get right back up at 6:30 a.m. to get ready for school,” she said.

Although Jordan is on varsity, it’s not all fun and games.

“At first it was hor-

Expectations Held High For Young JV Boy’s Soccer Team Cole Hallberg

rible. I didn’t really know anyone, I had nobody to talk to that was my age, and I was underestimated from the start -- but as the season went on, it got better.”

Coach Kate Edwards says Jordan is “a very positive kid who works hard and is easily coachable.”

Edwards also believes that Jordan has improved the most on the team.

“The games are faster, so she can think faster through the process and make smarter decisions,” Edwards said.

Jordan’s favorite game this season was her comeback game at Northwestern.

She had a rough time sitting out of a few games and practices, but Coach Edwards thinks sitting Jordan out has helped her watch what has been going on around her.

Being the only freshman on a varsity team may be tough, but if there is one thing everyone can agree on, is that Victoria Jordan will do great things someday.

With the soccer team this year composed of 16 freshman, the fairly young JV team hopes to make a loud statement as they begin their first season in high school.

The Falcons won their first game on Feb. 9, shutting out River Bluff 3-0.

Despite their young team, Coach Kenny Halas has high hopes for this season.

“I think this season will be very successful,” he said. “We have the youngest team we have ever had on JV since I have been at the program --five years -- but the talent level is very deep. It will take some time for the roles of each player to evolve, but I am very optimistic at our ability to compete

with the best teams in the area.”

Coach Halas is impressed and excited to work with this year’s team.

“The technical ability is as high as ever,” he said.

“

The technical ability is as high as ever.

”

- Coach Kenny Halas

The challenge will be creating a culture of working together and building the team to be the best defensive team in that area.

“Last year’s squad had six consecutive shutouts, never allowed more than one goal in any league game all season.

We have a great challenge in front of us to live up to the standard we have set defensively as a school program.”

Halas thinks that this year might be one of the most talented teams to come through the school, but there can still be some setbacks because of the team’s age and inexperience.

“Time will tell,” he said.

“This is certainly one of the most technically proficient teams we have had at the JV level. It’s also one of the smallest [team size] we’ve had....so we could meet some stiff challenges when we play teams that have older players. But I am confident this group can perform well and handle their own with any team around.”

Varsity Boys Fall Short Of South Carolina State Finals Maggie Kell The varsity boys basketball season came to a suspensful close on Feb. 20 with a loss against Wade Hampton High.

The Falcons won 18 games this season, finishing with a state rank of 16 with Head Coach Jared Adamson and top players Zeb Graham (‘19), Shaman Alston (‘19), Malik Bryant (’19), Khy Smith (‘19), Ben Tuipulotu (‘18), and Eric Moulds (‘18).

“The season has been full of ups and downs,” Coach Adamson said.

The Falcons have had their highs and lows this season, but certainly more highs - as they climbed closer to the top of the state rank after every win.

On Feb. 2, the Falcons beat Northwestern High, moving up to a state rank of 25. They later won two more games, which gave them a higher rank of 23.

On Feb. 8, the team beat rival Fort Mill High with a score of 63-51, continuing their streak of beating the Yellow Jackets.

The team played their first playoff game against Hillcrest High on Feb. 14.

Adamson said their hardest challenge would be “tough teams” going into the playoffs.

The Falcons practiced hard in preparation for their second playoff game against Gaffney High on Feb. 17, keeping in mind that they were deeper in the playoffs.

The team pulled off an-

other playoff win, allowing them to advance to the semifinal round of the playoffs.

On Feb. 20, the boys were ready to beat Wade Hampton, praying that they could win this game.

The Generals kept the lead for the majority of the game, with the Falcons attempting to make a comeback and give a glimmer of hope, but they were not able to recover after Wade Hampton made a last minute three-pointer.

Even though the boys fell short of the championship, they have reason to be proud of their hard work and determination that brought them this far this season.

Upcoming Sports March 2

Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Myrtle Beach High School Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Providence Day School

March 3

March 5

Boys Varsity Lacrosse vs. Charlotte Latin

Girls Varsity Lacrosse vs. Dorman High School

March 6

Boys JV Lacrosse vs. Providence Day School Boys JV Baseball vs. Fort Mill High School

March 7

Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Eastside High School Boys JV Soccer vs. Eastside High School

ß The Talon

March 2018

sporTs• 11

New LAX Coach Hopes To Redeem Team After 2017’s Disappointing Championship Loss

Freshman Flyer Kyle Ashforth

the inaugural JV Upper State Invitational The Boys’ Varsity Tournament in NAFO Lacrosse team has Stadium this year.” some challenges to The team also overcome to get back endured a lot of preto the state champiseason workouts mulonship where they tiple times a week were defeated 19-9 with intense training. against the powerCoach Tauzin house Wando High has his expectaSchool last year. tions set very high This year, the for this season.

Falcons lost their The pressure former head coach, is on when trying to Bryan Holland, work back to where who was replaced they were last year, by former JV Head and even more to Coach John Tauzin. change the outcome.

Coach Tauzin “I absolutely think not only has to we will end up worry about game making it to state plans, but also on and win,” he said. how he will replace Last year’s team practices before the big game. Coach This year’s team the star seniors John Tauzin hopes to send the team right back to the is very talented, with from last season. athletes playing who championships this upcoming 2018 season.

“We have a have played for years. team composed of young talent,” he said.

Every team has a weakness, whether it “We lost nine seniors, who were replaced by is endurance speed or just plain out skill. five seniors. Our varsity squad is composed of As for their biggest weakness, Coach Tauzmostly juniors, five seniors and four sophomores. in believes it could be internal struggles.

Other than age, we have a tremendous amount “We lack the understanding of our individual of talent on this year’s varsity team. We have 12 strengths and weaknesses and how maxreturning varsity players, and our entire varsity imizing the utilization of our strengths [roster is made up of] returning lacrosse players.” will lead to overall success,” Tauzin said.

Coach Tauzin also stresses about how he will “With team chemistry, it’s a combination keep his team in shape to perform at the level of asking specific players who require more where they are more prepared than any other team. confidence to assert themselves and asking “We practiced and conditioned in the fall to ob- those who have a more commanding prestain better stick skills and to create chemistry,” ence to act in an inspirational manner.”.

Tauzin said. “We practice five to six times a week, It will take a lot to replace Coach Holand have lined up more scrimmages this year land, but if anyone can, it’s Coach Tauzin. than we’ve had in the past. We’re also launching The Falcons’ hard work is sure to pay off.

Alex Oppel

Track Competes in First Meet AJ Smith With the Clash of the Carolinas meet coming up March 10, the track teams are preparing to compete.

Last Saturday, the Falcons first track meet officially kicked off at 2018 YC Winsborn Invitational in Rock Hill, SC, hosted by Milesplit SC with a first place finish overall for the girls.The boys placed sixth overall.

The girls team set a state record in the 4x1 with a time of 47.97. The girls are looking to lower their time even more and claim a state title at the State Championships held in May. The month of December and January was a bit rocky in the off-season training in regards to develop-

ment because of the weather.

Head Coach Christopher Ross is excited about the direction of the team as meets begin.

“The girls have been steadily working hard throughout the offseason,” Assistant Coach Anthony Hutch said.

“They have been putting in the necessary time both on the track and in the weight room. We have added a handful of talented new faces to the varsity squad this year.”

The boys are training hard, too. sjdhskjfhk “The boys do a great job in taking care of their bodies and practicing with a sense of pur-

pose,” Coach Hutchinson said.

“Over the two years I have been a part of the coaching staff, they have created a culture of hard work and accountability.

Last year, the team sent their first girls and boys 4x4 relay team to Penn Relays in Pennsylvania. They sent girls Makayla Blackwell (‘19), Holdyn Ferguson (‘17) Skylar Holmes (‘20) and Angelnique Bryant (‘18) and boys Joshua Victorin (‘17) , Alphonse Smith (‘18), Trai Morris (‘17) and Dj Robinson (‘17).

Even with the loss of last year’s seniors, the girls are still able to run their way to first place and a new state record.

Midfielder Kyle Ashforth (‘21)

Soccer Player Works Hard On, Off Field Kierston Lankford The sun is setting as Kyle Ashforth (‘21) sits mid-field waiting for that ball to slam against the net. As sweat drips down his forehead, he is dreaming of his head hitting the pillow. But not after the game– Ashforth has to go to another hour practice.

“Kyle is a very hard worker, he takes constructive criticism and plays well on the field,” Head Coach Kenny Halas says.

Ashforth’s attitude towards soccer is very driven. He has a burning passion for what he does.

“I take soccer very seriously on the field, I use it as my escape when I’m stressed or angry. I play best when I have had a bad day,” Ashforth said.

Bad days or goods days, these soccer skills come naturally. He is built for the sport.

He has muscular legs that are great for getting the momentum you need for kicking the winning shot.

One thing that stays the same is his kind personality.

“Any time someone would get hurt or fall down, Kyle would be there to pick them up and tell them nice job,” said Dylan Dority (‘21).

Ashforth has had lots of time to learn good sportsmanship -- he has been playing for more than 6 years.

“I have been playing soccer since middle school,” he said.

While soccer is very important to Ashforth, his grades come first.

“I hope to accomplish more in life than sports, take my intelligence and do some good with it,” Ashforth said.

He hopes to go to Clemson University, but not for soccer.

“I like soccer, but just for fun. Others on the team take it very seriously, but I’m just there for a good time,” Ashforth admits.

At the end of the day Ashforth eats, sleeps, and breathes soccer. It truly is his passion. Soccer is his life and he is certainly proud of it.

Upcoming Sports March 9

Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Boiling Springs HS Boys JV Soccer vs. Boiling Springs HS

March 10

Boys Track Meet @ Cuthbertson High School Girls Track Invitational @ Cuthbertson High School

March 13

Boys JV Lacrosse vs. Blythewood High School Boys Varsity Soccer vs.

Eastside High School

March 14

Girls Track Meet vs. Northwestern High School Boys Varsity Baseball vs. Clover High School

March 7

Boys Varsity Lacrosse vs. Fort Mill High School Boys JV Lacrosse vs. Fort Mill High School

ß March 2018

The Talon

2764 Pleasant Rd. Suite 101 Fort Mill, SC 29708 1135 Stone Crest Blvd. #115 Tega Cay SC, 29708

(803)-415-7227 @simplyjaneformals

10% Off Any Nail Service

803-547-0102

2435 SC-160, Fort Mill, SC 29708 2435 SC-160, Fort Mill, SC 29708 (803) 547-4555 (803) 547-4555

1329 Broadcloth Street Suite 104 Fort Mill, SC 29715

USDA Certified Organic

(803)-415-7227 1135 Stone Crest Blvd. @simplyjaneformals #115

See The Spring Musical!

10605 Centrum Pkwy.

Pineville, NC 2813 803-543-0484

Check Out

10605 Centrum Parkway Pineville, NC 28134

The Talon Online!