The Talon v. 12 issue 4 Nation Ford High School

May 2019

Volume 12 Number 4

Nation Ford High School

1400 A.O. Jones Blvd.

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Updated Training Needed For Shooter Scnerios

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Where Is Class Of 2019 Headed?

Fort Mill, SC 29715

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White, Male Authors Dominate English Curriculum

2• news

Making the Big Time ‘19 Concert Chorus Goes To New York, Performs As Part Of National Youth Choir

by Devin Taylor he Concert Chorus sang at Carnegie Hall as part of the National Youth Choir Concert performance in New York City on April 7.

36 students left for New York on April 5 for a four-day trip.

“They rehearsed for several hours each day, on the days leading up to it,” said Choral Director Michael Ramsey.

“This trip cost a lot of money – much more than $1,000 per person,” he said. “Students have been fundraising and working on their own to find the money to pay for this trip.”

Teachers Rally, Demand Better Pay, Conditions

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“[Singing at Carnegie Hall] was a really fun, once in a lifetime experience,” -Thomas Huntley (‘19).

DFStudents on the trip had an exciting itinerary.

“Students stayed in a hotel right off of Times Square so that gave us plenty of well-known shops and stores to visit,” Dr. Ramsey added.

“They also watched the Broadway musical ‘Mean Girls’ and visited the Rockefeller Center and the ‘Top of the Rock.’ And they will perform in Carnegie Hall, of course!” he said.

Students enjoyed the trip.

“I wanted to sing at Carnegie Hall with my classmates and get to experience New York City,” said Kylie Levosky (‘19).

For many students the trip to New York City trip was a fantastic experience.

“The trip was so much fun,” she said. “Our director was very energetic and funny, which made the experience so enjoyable. The city was beautiful, and we had time to visit Broadway, the 9/11 Memorial and The Rockefeller Center.”

The main event of the trip was when the concert chorus sung at Carnegie Hall.

“It was a really fun, once in a lifetime experience,” said Thomas Huntley (‘19).

(Above) More than 10,000 protestors gathered in front of the State House in Columbia, SC for the SC for Ed rally on May 1. Teachers hoped that the rally would bring about a change in the South Carolina Department of Education. Teachers were demanding better pay, mental helath resources, smaller class sizes, and an end to teacher shortages. Photo by Julia Lako (To the left) Wearing their SOLID red shirts to school on May 1, Associate Director of Bands Raymond Linkous and media technology teacher Bob Carroll show support for the teacher rally by.

Teacher Rally Demands Better Pay

by Julia Lako More than 10,000 people, including about 35 teachers from Nation Ford, joined teachers, students and supporters from around the state at the SC for Ed rally in Columbia, SC Wednesday, May 1. Teachers rallied to demand mental health resources for students, increased pay for teachers, smaller class sizes and an end to the teacher shortages.

Approaching the rally, the crowd could be heard in the distance. A huge crowd of red shirts surrounded the State House in solidarity. From the podium, Rep. Ivory Thigpen rallied the crowd, shouting, “We are the Red Sea!” Teachers held signs, such as “Teaching Not Testing” and “I Need More Funding Not Apples.”

Impassioned educators from across the state chanted slogans in unison between speakers, “I Teach! I Vote!”

Professional journalists gathered at the front of the crowd near the State House steps.

Guest speakers, including students, teachers and activists voiced their opinions on what needs to be improved and shared their stories to the thousands that rallied in front of the SC State House.

SC House Bill 3759 did increase entry level teacher salary from $32,000 to $35,000. SC for Ed said those rais-

es aren’t enough. Teachers stay after school to help tutor students who are struggling with school or even personal problems. In addition, many teachers have to take two jobs to pay the bills, and a looming teacher shortage worries educators.

State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman agreed that the education system needs improvement

Impassioned educators from across the state chanted slogans in unison between speakers, “I Teach! I Vote!” but disagrees with the teachers’ rally on Wednesday. In an interview with CNN, Spearman said she’s already worked with legislators this year to raise salaries, provide additional mental health and safety resources and to reduce excessive testing. She did not attend the rally.

Social studies teacher Haley Barts did attend the event in Columbia because she wanted to be unified with

other teachers in SC who are not as privileged as those who work for Fort Mill Schools, and she wanted to use her voice to express that the decisions being made aren’t in the best interests of students, teachers or SC. Mrs. Barts hopes that SC legislature will bring teachers into the decision making process, will add more funding and allow for greater voices for teachers as a result of the rally.

Nation Ford teachers who didn’t attend the rally showed their support at home, wearing SOLID red shirts. Principal Jason Johns provided teachers and substitutes with snacks and coffee.

“I’m in support of recognizing the value of education and making sure we have the resources we need to do a good job,” said choral director Michael Ramsey, who wore his red shirt.

English teacher Kristina Pihanich attended the rally and crafted a sign that said, “I teach my students to stand up for what’s right! Here is my real world example! #allout.”

“At the rally I felt unexpectedly emotional because of the unity I saw in Columbia,” said Mrs. Pihanich.

“Everyone who was there felt the same way that I did and it was really powerful. I felt super empowered and validated as an educator there.”

The Talon Asks... What are your feelings on the teacher rally?

“I fully support teachers in their fight for lower class sizes and higher pay.”

-Julie Hooper, Media Center Specialist

The Talon

“Teachers have awful pay and are treated badly, and people don’t realize how great they are.”

-Alex Hatcher (‘19)

“It was empowering to be with 10,000 people who stand for the children and better learning opportunities.”

-Jessica Cooper, English teacher

“I thought teachers had good pay, but now I realize they don’t and this is a big deal.”

- Megan Mclaughlin (‘21)

May 2019

news •3

Catawba Ridge Offers Unique Experiences

Principal Dee Christopher Discusses What Will Be Different At Catawba of the best around.”

The building will offer a lot of natural light and every classroom will have windows. One of the largest differences between Catawba and Fort Mill’s other two high schools is a large courtyard that will be located inside of the structure. Christopher explained that the courtyard will provide for an outdoor classroom as well as a place for students to hang out.

by Taylor Rumsey Fort Mill’s newest high school, Catawba Ridge, is expected to open this August for the beginning of the next school year with a total of 1,088 students attending. The school will have three stories and is offering a variety of classes, sports, and clubs. The building is expected to be finished and have staff working there in June, and students and parents will be offered tours beginning in July. Catawba Ridge also has features that its two rival schools, Nation Ford and Fort Mill, will not.

Catawba Ridge will be a large school, with 57 general purpose classrooms, 18 science classrooms, 14 computer classrooms, a media center, auditorium, band room and much more.

The Copperhead stadium will seat 5,000 people, and its auditorium will hold 1,000 people.

Catawba will offer five core aca-

“Catawba will have all the components that Nation Ford and Fort Mill have, along with a few different features.” demic classes, including social studies, science, English, math and world languages. The school is also offering 14

“It is exciting that we have students from both high schools that will build a unique Copperhead culture.”

One of Catawba Ridge’s many accessories is it’s open balcony floorplan that covers two out of the school’s three stories. Photo by Nick Rorarty sports, including baseball, soccer, football, basketball and volleyball. Band, chorus, theater and visual arts will also be offered at Catawba Ridge. Catawba will have many clubs and organizations that students can join as well. the school will be offering beta club, book club, dance team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, yearbook, Mock Trial, Model UN and much more. Catawba will also allow students to join the Ridge Rowdies, their version of the Dirty Birds.

TIPS WHEN USING A RIDESHARE APP

May 2019

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RIDE WITH OTHERS

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LET OTHERS KNOW

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CHECK THE CAR

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STAY INSIDE

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SIT IN THE BACKSEAT

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FOLLOW YOUR INTUITION

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GIVE FEEDBACK

Many teaching positions and other jobs for Catawba have already been filled, including the principal position, which will be filled by Dee Christopher, former principal of Fort Mill High School.

“I am most excited about building the culture of a new school,” Principal Christopher said. “It is exciting that we have students from both high schools that will build a unique Copperhead culture at our school. We are going to work hard to build our school into one

Catawba will also have a black box theater, which has black floors and walls, and allows room for theatre performances and instruction. Lecture rooms will allow more than one class to meet and discuss topics. Catawba will also have a track that stands apart from the stadium where students will be able to practice and host meets, which is something that Nation Ford does not have.

Students and faculty who will move to Catawba Ridge next year are excited for the opening of Fort Mill’s newest high school, which will offer students many new opportunities.

New Safer Ridesharing Apps

Uber, Lyft Provide Improved Safety Features To Assure Rider Safety After Recent Murders

by Julia Lako When University of South Carolina senior Saman- students safety from the dangers of rideshare apps. tha Josephson ordered an Uber close to 2 a.m. on In Columbia the police have placed fliers with safety March 29 in Columbia, she had no idea she’d never tips for rideshare apps and they also have highlights make it home. Surveillance footage of Josephson out- of specific drop-off and pick-up zones. Since 2017 side a bar shows her waiting for the Uber, and when Uber has been working with local law enforcement a car arrives, she gets in alone – but the car was a and college campuses across the country to work on fake, and she was killed. A group of turkey hunters improving the safety of riders. found her body in a field in Clarendon County. She Safety Features on Uber and Lyft For the safety of riders, Uber has a few steps for had multiple sharp force injuries. someone to become a driver. All potential drivers in Ordering an Uber may seem normal these days, the U.S. must complete a screening before becoming but it can be dangerous. It’s suggested that people a driver.

They go through a review of driving and travel with others to prevent being targeted and criminal history.

In these screenings, they check for for their general safety, good advice for people on moving violations, drinking and drug-related offenscollege campuses and also for es, violent crime and felonies. those on vacation in bigger citDrivers must remain in good ies. Despite safety measures in “I don’t feel very safe in standing with the law to continplace, many don’t know the feaue to be a driver. tures rideshare apps offer. an Uber or Lyft. I always On the app, Uber has an emerSouth Carolina lawmakers gency button to call 911 to get plan to introduce legislation ask the driver to tell me help.

The app will display your to require rideshare vehicles location and trip details to the to display illuminated signs. their name on the app” 911 dispatcher.

This will make it easy for ridLyft also has safety features ers to identify cars as Uber or -Bella Zaino (‘19) and background checks to beLyft, much like taxis are yelcome a driver. Lyft requires ridlow. South Carolina currently ers to be 18 to sign up for an account and unaccomrequires rideshare drivers to have reflective stickers. panied minors are not allowed to travel with Lyft.

Rideshare apps have become very popular for Lyft also has a no weapons policy and no smoking people to use as an easy way to get around. Many policy. people use them in situations where they don’t have Lyft has a Trust and Safety team available at all their car. Uber or Lyft is a lot easier than flagging times and tells its riders to call 911 if the rider bedown a taxi in a big city. lieves their personal safety is threatened.

Uber and Lyft do have a number of safety features People looking to become drivers will be screened on the app so riders get into the right car. Uber tells before they are permitted to drive for Lyft. This the rider the make, model and color of the car, the screening will be done by a third party and also by license plate number and driver’s name and photo. the DMV. Lyft also has a zero-tolerance drug and alUber and Lyft will also allow drivers and riders to cohol policy for Lyft drivers. text or call each other.

Regardless of features or laws, it pays to be careful.

College Tips College campuses have been working to improve

The Talon

4• sports

Risking It All

Makayla Meadows Does What She Loves Despite Danger

by Kailey Cota

Behind The Falcon Head

by Aiden Liles

It’s a tie game, with 30 seconds left in the second half of a basketball game and everybody is cheering on the Falcons. The school spirit erupts the gymnasium. But who appears to have the most spirit? The Falcon mascot running the sidelines, hyping everybody up for the big game.

The famous Falcon mascot may be silent, but behind-the-scene story involves a secret. Does anyone know who is under the mask?

Athletic Director James Shackleford has the scoop on the history of the mascot.

“Members of the Booster Club along with our previous A.D., Brian Turner, developed the mascots,” Coach Shackleford said.

Shackleford couldn’t remember a time without the mascot in the school.

“There have been two different suits. The new colors were just a change in design,” Shackleford added.

The Falcon has to attend many school events, such as pep rallies and sporting events, and that takes the work of multiple volunteers.

“There are usually about one or two students who have been the mascot for the different seasons and whenever they were available to be the Falcon,” Shackleford mentioned.

Mrs. Holly Bentley, leader of the Spirit Club knows the responsibilities of the Falcon.

“We don’t really have any set rules,” Mrs. Bentley says. “People usually volunteer. I have thought about having tryouts, but I’m not sure that there is much interest in it.”

A current Falcon weighs in.

“I chose to be the Falcon because I wanted to experience what it was like,” the Falcon said. “Not many people have the guts to do it.”

Since the school opened, the school has attempted to hide the identities of the volunteers inside the Falcon costume.

“I hide the identity because it’s simply just much more fun not knowing who it is, and I can embarrass myself, and no one else will know it’s me,” the Falcon said.

With so many events, volunteers must sign up for separate events. The whole time you have to deal with a hot suit and a not very good smelling head.

“I’m not tired of being the Falcon, because I don’t want someone else to be it, but it does get super hot fast,” the student admitted.

When the Falcon works an event, the main goal is to hype up the crowd.

“I enjoy dancing when I’m the Falcon,” one volunteer admits. “I think I’m a good dancer, and it gets the students hype.”

The Falcon is one of the students oldest traditions, and it is also one of the biggest mysteries at the school.

The Talon

Motioning at her fellow defenders on the soccer field, she aches to unleash a joke about the opposing team.

Then she’s fearlessly heading the ball and defending the goal. Makayla Meadows, jersey number 17, is having the time of her life playing a game that could potentially kill her.

“In April 2018 I was just chillin’ at QT with my family, getting pizza,” Meadows (‘20) said. “All of the sudden I couldn’t walk correctly— I was just dragging my left leg. I thought ‘this isn’t normal, this isn’t right.’

But, it eventually went away, so I thought it was just a freak accident or a pinched nerve. When I had an episode at school, my mom decided we needed to go to the doctor.”

After eight months of symptoms, she finally knew the diagnosis. Because she plans on going into a career in neurosurgery, Meadows asked for CD images of the MRI. When she pulled up the scans with her mother Tracy Houck, who has spent the past 15 years in vascular medicine, there was no confusion about what they saw.

“I knew exactly what it was before we were even told by a doctor,” Houck said. “It was shocking to see it for yourself— and very scary.”

Meadows has a grade 5 Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). AVMs develop when a group of blood vessels form incorrectly during development or shortly after birth, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. They condition is extremely rare— less than 1 percent of the population has an AVM, according to Mayo Clinic.

Most people have a grade 1, 2 or 3, which is treatable by surgery or radiation. This is not the case with Meadows. She has a grade 5, and her AVM covers one-fourth of her brain. If doctors were to operate, she would most likely end up paralyzed, if not dead.

“Getting a diagnosis was overwhelming,” Meadows said. “I’m basically being told, ‘This is what you have. Sorry, I can’t help you.’”

The AVM covers her entire right motor cortex and some of the frontal and occipital lobes of her brain. She has seizures in which the left side of her body goes completely numb for a few hours at a time— these episodes occur about once every other week. Meadows also has headaches almost every day, and sometimes her vision goes in and out.

If the AVM ruptures, it can cause a hemorrhage— bleeding in the brain.

As long as the hemorrhages are not “too totally spectacular,” as Meadows says, she should have a normal lifespan. To avoid hemorrhaging, her intracranial pressure needs to remain steady. Because of this, Meadows cannot ride rollercoasters, lift heavy weights, and it’s questionable if she should ever have children.

“Doctors don’t know how I function because my motor cortex didn’t show any function on my f-MRI,” Meadows said. “I should not be able to move the left side of my body at all… but I can. It’s a miracle.”

When the doctors officially diagnosed Meadows, her first question was “Can I continue to play soccer?”

Her neurosurgeon asked if she loved it and if she was good at it. Convinced, his response was “Play on.”

But soccer doesn’t come without

During an away game against Northwestern on April 5, Makayla Meadows (‘20), #17, launches the ball away from the goal she’s defending. The Girls JV Soccer Team won 2-0, beating Northwestern for the second time that season. Photo by Kailey Cota risks a— kick or hit to the side of her head could cause her to hemorrhage.

“Watching her play soccer terrifies me because headers have always been her favorite thing,” Houck said. “Game before last, she literally did four headers during the game.

But I have to sit back and realize that’s what she loves and enjoys.”

Meadows looks up to all six of her brothers who also play soccer, and they were ultimately the reason she

“Doctors don’t know how I function because my motor cortex didn’t show any function on my f-MRI.” began playing club sports in sixth grade. When she moved to South Carolina from West Virginia before her sophomore year, the Falcon JV Coach Bob Blaschke was her first club coach, so seasons together have made them comfortable with each other.

Of course, playing on the JV team as a junior wasn’t exactly what Meadows was hoping for. But she loves the girls so much that she says she wouldn’t want to play varsity.

“People look at me with pity sometimes, which is really awful because I’m a very independent person, and I can totally take care of myself even though I have this,” Meadows said. “I don’t think the tumor makes me much different than anyone else. It just forces me to make harder decisions… Soccer was one of the hardest decisions I had to make because I wasn’t sure whether or not I could play, and it wasn’t because I didn’t want to — it was because I have this medical condition that forces me to decide what’s best for me, physically and emotionally.”

While it was a tough decision, playing has helped Meadows

move forward with her life by making her realize that she can still do things like everyone else, she says.

Another way Meadows balances the stress of her AVM is by pouring herself into painting and ceramics.

“Makayla is funny and sarcastic— a lot like me,” Meadows’ art teacher and Spirit Club advisor Holly Bentley said. “She doesn’t take things too seriously, but she can be very hard on herself when it comes to her artwork. I love and care about her, and it stresses me out that she’s having to go through this at such a young age.”

During a Spirit Club activity, Meadows met Mackinley Hoffman (‘19) and they became fast friends.

“Knowing her, you would never know she was sick,” Hoffman said. “Her personality is like ‘I don’t care, I’m gonna do me— this is it.’

Yes, she’s strong because of this, but she’s strong in so many other ways.”

Houck agrees.

She says Meadows has been independent since the day she was born.

“She feels like she can conquer things, which is good because that spirit can prevail through even hard things like this,” Houck said. “I’m just really proud of her for taking this on and not letting it get the best of her— she’s taken her life back and is controlling it as much as she can.”

If there’s any good that has come from learning about the AVM, it’s how Meadows’ character and faith have strengthened.

“At first when I got my diagnosis – I’m not going to lie – I was angry,” Meadows said. “I was mad at myself, I was mad at God. But then at some point, you have to come to peace with it. Now I look at it like ‘how can I turn this horrible thing into a good thing?’ It was really hard to make the decision to go from a negative mentality to this positive mentality.”

Meadows has been religious since freshman year, but the timing of her baptism and diagnosis is almost providential.

“I got baptized the Sunday after my diagnosis,” Meadows said. “I’ve grown closer to the church now that I’ve been diagnosed – we’re like a tightknit family.”

May 2019

sports • 5

4 Varsity Coaches Leave For New School Catawba Ridge

by Hayden Biebel and Nick Roarty

Four varsity coaches are headed for Catawba Ridge next year, and sports teams and athletes from Nation Ford will be affected.

Varsity competition cheer head coach Kristin Rhodes says she is very excited to be a part of the new school.

“Opening a new school allows me help establish new traditions,” she said. “I am looking forward to working with other staff members and students to create a positive culture among our athletes.”

Six varsity cheerleaders will be moving to Catawba Ridge along with Rhodes, while 18 cheerleaders will stay at Nation Ford.

Her replacement has been hired. “Coach Megan Bivins from Fort Mill Middle School will be transferring to Nation Ford as the new head coach. She is a talented coach and will continue to build our program” coach Rhodes said.

Rhodes’ legacy will be remembered at Nation Ford. “It’s kind of sad because she was my first cheer coach in high school,” cheerleader Wenti Mercado (‘22) said. “I’ll miss the memories of her being my coach.”

Varsity football offensive coordinator Zach Lendyak is leaving behind his Falcon roots to take the head coach position for the Copperhead football team.

Lendyak is more than thrilled to coach. “It has always been my dream to be a head coach,” he said.

“This is an opportunity for me and my family to fulfill that dream. I have loved my time [at Nation Ford], but I am very excited to get started at Catawba Ridge.”

While Catawba Ridge will not have a football team during the opening year, four of the current players will be departing to play for them during the 2020-2021 season.

“The final numbers are still up in the air, but Catawba Ridge will have about 850 total students, with the majority coming from Nation Ford,” Coach Lendyak said. “I would love for as many athletes to play football as possible.”

With Lendyak leaving, Dave Johnson has been named the replacement offensive coordinator for Nation Ford.

“I think that this is a great opportunity for coach

Freshman Plays Varsity Soccer

H Lendyak and his family, and I’m happy because his dream is to be a head coach,” said safety Devin Harper (‘20).

Varsity girls basketball head coach Kathleen Edwards is also among the coaches leaving to become a Copperhead.

Edwards is looking forward to starting the program from scratch.

“I think I was getting opportunities [at Nation Ford], but just the experience of being a part of something brand new was exciting for me professionally,” she said.

“I’m going to miss Coach because she was my coach for three years, and I’m going to miss her as a person,” Keeley Wong (20) said.

Varsity baseball head coach Stas Swerdzewski is also leaving Nation Ford to coach at Catawba Ridge.

Swerdzewski took the job partly due to his close proximity to the school.

“I live next to Catawba Ridge, and I like to live in the zone where I’m teaching.” he said. “I’m excited to start a new program.”

Several freshmen and sophomores are heading with Swerdzewski to Catawba Ridge, with Assistant Coach Mike Lewis taking over as Head Coach for the Falcons.

Baseball Player Turns College Athlete

by Hayden Biebel

Cracking jokes. Having fun. Hogan Drane (‘19) is not only the personality to Nation Ford’s varsity baseball team, he also happens to be one of their top prospects.

Drane committed to Grace College’s developing baseball program as a pitcher back in Nov. 2018, achieving his goal of playing college baseball.“I’ve been playing since my dad signed me up for tee ball at age 4, but it wasn’t until the seventh grade when I knew I wanted to play college baseball.” Drane said.

“That’s when I fell in love with the game, and I’ve worked hard over the past few years to achieve my dream.”

Drane is especially excited to play as a pitcher.“Being a pitcher, you get to compete on every pitch, but, you also have to have a short memory and be able to shake off bad pitches and bad outings,” he said.

After receiving multiple offers from different schools around the country to play baseball, Drane decided to sign with Grace College, located in Warsaw, Ind., a nearly 11 hour drive from his home in Fort Mill.

“I’m excited to be on my own, but at the same time I know I’m going to miss my friends and family,” he said.

While he may not live close to loved ones, Drane is hoping the small school feel of Grace will make the big move more comfortable for him.

“The school has a family atmosphere, and it’s a Christian school, which will help me grow in my faith,” he said.

Coach Hayden Mobbs is confident that Drane will succeed on the college field, due to Drane’s determi-

May 2019

by Nate Merritt is everyday life is no different than many others at Nation Ford. But he has a second family off the field that most freshman can’t say they have.

Patrick Bramlett (‘22) is one of the few freshman at Nation Ford on a varsity team. While this may occur more often in sports such as softball and volleyball, it rarely happens in soccer.

“Freshman rarely make varsity— usually because of size and maturity,” Varsity soccer coach Kenny Halas says. “We have had only 3-4 players over last five years that have made varsity.”

Bramlett may be on varsity now, but neither Coach Halas nor Bramlett were positive he was going to have a spot on the team. Like any high school kid would at a sports tryout, Bramlett had his doubts.

“My size and skills are definitely there,”

During a home game against Fort Mill High School on Feb. 23, Hogan Drane steps up to the plate in hopes of getting a winning hit. Photo courtesy of Hogan Drane nation and drive.

“Hogan competes whenever he has the chance and does whatever he can to help the team win. He is always a good person to talk to at practice or games, and his attitude and hatred of citrus fruits will be missed,” Mobbs said.

Teammate Mitch Kyzer (‘19) advises Drane to play hard in college but also to have fun.

“Hogan is a funny guy who works hard at what he does, and he’s showed his determination to play at the next level,” Kyzer said. “Hogan knows he’ll have to work hard to excel on the college field, but I just hope that he has fun with it. It’s just a game.”

Whether it’s pitching or the Nation Ford mound or for Grace, Drane is committed to the game.

“Patrick’s future has high opportunities.”

—Coach Kenny Halas says Bramlett. “But trying out for a team as good as ours there is always a little doubt in your head.”

Obviously, to make a varsity team at a young age, you can’t be any average Joe. There are certain qualities that separate you from the rest.

“Patrick separates himself from other players in that his technical ability is very high,” says Halas. “He sees the game very well and is typically one step ahead of the play, so he knows where the ball needs to go next before he even receives the ball.” Bramlett has been playing the game for eight years.

“At my age I’m just expected to be the rookie,” Bramlett says. “But since I have been playing for so long [8 years] the soccer mentality is there, all I need is support and connecting with the team.”

Most athletes will admit someone has helped them become the players they are today. For Patrick, it was his father.

“Sometimes he is annoying about getting on to me, but I do appreciate my dad trying to help me and his good advice,” Bramlett says.

“He gives perspectives that I don’t see from other people’s point of view.”

Despite being the youngest player, Patrick was welcomed by his teammates.

“I think we have a good family kind of relationship, but when it comes to being serious we are good at that too,” he says. When it comes to hanging out together, it can also be a problem. “Sometimes it’s annoying because I can’t drive yet,” Bramlett says.

“Patrick’s future has high opportunities,” Coach Halas said. “He has the ability to play next level.”

The Talon

6• centerspread

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arewell F

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Georgia Institute Of Technology Madeleine Pollack

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Other Olivia Audette Makayla Blackwell Alexia De Souza

Anderson University Aaron Bennett - Audrey Biggers Mitchell Kyzer - Sam Little Madeline Murray - Noah Tamez Amilyah Whitmire

Culinary Institute of America Hunter DeYoung

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BYU York Technical College Madisyn Adkins - Justice Alfred Adam Altman - Dani Cannady Emily Carter - Amber Cartrette Jackson Cleary - Alec Cline Houston Cole - Lyndsie Collins Mili Desai -Peyton Fisher - Hailey Fletcher Rhiannon Gudermuth - Greyson Harter Alex Hester - Carson Holland Madi Huber - Luke Lamb - Gabe Lara Cammy McDonagh - Leah Merritt Donte’ Moore - Tiffany Neal Sam Pattinson - Audrey Sabo Grace Totherow - Kendrick Watts Caleb Willard - Sarah Williams

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High Point University Johnathan Heath Karleigh Heath

Francis Marion University DeShawn Drakeford Malik Moses

Louisberg College Malik Bryant

North Florida University Ryan Williams

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Brigham Young University Utah Addy Rogers Idaho Jessica Vanderwalker

University Of Tennessee Katie Gilstorf Western Carolina University Taylor Cook Alondra Montalvo Cameron Murray

Columbia International University Bridgette Hollowell

Lander University John Weiss

The Citadel Stephen Griffin Josh Hewey Chris Young Erksine University Amber Bellamy

Aveda Institute Of Cosmetology Alyssa Williams

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Lee University Thomas Huntley

Newberry College Emily Salisbury

Marian University Mari Hudson

Naval Academy Deonte Hayes Brandeis University Pauline Bisaccio

Carson Newman University Makayla Garner

The Talon

Appalachian State University Lauren Molina Savannah College Of Art And Design Layla Morell Natalie Gallo

May 2019

centerspread • 7 University of South Carolina Columbia Lily Averkamp - Paul Barone - Sam Bentley Matthew Bieser - Ethan Bodie - Logan Brodfuehrer Makayla Brown - Garrett Buckley - Jacob Childs Keith Cooke - Josh Cortez - Kailey Cota - Payton Deal Johnathon Duong - Riley Doyle - Sam Eaton Payton Farish - Carly Gardner - Stella Grennan George Hanna - Davis Hobbs - Curtis Johnson Sebastian Jones - Ashley Jordan - Megan Kelley Emily Kuhn - Kaleigh Lark - Abigail Lavallee Leah Letterhos - Kylie Levosky - Elizabeth Little Kathryn Little - Mara Lorton - Garrison Lubben Ryan McFadden - Luc Mercado - Gaines Michels Zach Otero - Charlotte Pollack - Ethan Pugh - Riya Renji Jackson Ringley - David Sain - Kaila Stegall Jaclyn Swain - Samantha Sweeney - Paityn Tanda Cole Williamson - Greg Yeager - Joely Yzquierdo Lancaster Karla Jarquin - Curtis Johnson - Christian Keiger Sarah Merritt - Larissa Mudry - Hunter Neely Bradley Quillen - Julia Sevcikova - Justin Therrell Andrew Wilson Beaufort Jordan Lett - Macy McKee - Jacob Moore - Josie Wild Upstate Joi Nelson - Alexis Ruffalo - Khydarius Smith Sumter Xavier Cumbee Lees- McRae University Madison Budd Belmont University Abbey Loftis

Coastal Carolina Jadyn Barrett - Delaney Jungels Jon Luther - Makenzie Martin Wayde Prince

Wingate University Shaman Alston - Jacob Brown Connor Hassing - Courtney Matthias

Trevecca Nazarene University Elizabeth Reynolds

West Virginia University Ceasar White

Benedict College Justin Arrington

Wofford College Peter Griffith - Emma Sutton

Livingstone College Jaylin Garcia-Draper

Military Allisha Bou - Devin Cook Elizabeth Helms Nazir Johnson Landon King Kristianlyn McClellan

George Washington University Morgan Brizendine Alissa Ilacqua

Grace College Hogan Drane

Liberty University Blair Quales Virginia Technical University Michael Peterson North Carolina A&T Mekenzie Robinson

Bosch-Rexroth Apprentice Lee Milton-Jones

Army Jay Eubanks Jacob Fulton Arizona State University Tori Morgan

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Katherine Silver

Pfeiffer University Will Cole

Clemson University Kevin Adkisson - Matt Akers - Gabi Baum - Leo Beck Jonah Bednar - Madelyn Bullard - Leah Brindle Bryan Carroll - Cade Chatham - Anna Clawson Nick Couch - Jan de Voor - Sophia Dixson - Kathy Do Eric Dressel - Taylor Dunifer - Marie Duprez - Megan Edge Collin Frames - Gretchen Fischer - Morgan Fulton Alyssa Gibbs - Alyssa Gourdin - Pavel Herman Iris Hernandez - Jake Hill - Sarah Hill - Mackinley Hoffman Tyler House - Grace Howell - Katie Irish - Ciara Johnson Katherine Kaczmarski - Gracyn Kidd - Kay Koffi Olivia Kuebler - Cooper Kuess - Zach Merritt - Claire Pond Meredith Pool - Ashten Shaufert - Nick Shaffner Morgan Shaw - Keara Spencer - Cam Tate - Cate Tedford Angel Thomas - RJ Upton - Mia Valentim - Kaila Wallace Perry Wasson - Mary Werner - Jenna Whisenant - Drew Wilke John Williams - Josh Willoughby Thomas Windell - Adriana Witalis

Air Force Isis McCain

Cairn University Jake Tolar

North Greenville University Spencer Henkle Central Piedmont Community College Ryan Chan - Jada Davis Harding University Bailey Ridenour

May 2019

F

Furman Jessica Agnew Amanda Cordle

CHARLESTON Hampton University Morgan Lewis American University Elaine Griffith

Winthrop University Andrew Blondo - Kayla Boan Cale Bock - Jackson Browning Angela Costanzo - Alex Cueto Irene Cueva - Brianna Gibbs Harrison Hawkins - Grace Hebert Nadia Maier - Daniel Osorio Chaves Bryson Perdue - Jason Pugh Macee Smith - Macy Spilmann Zachary Taylor - Rozlyn Tucker Full Sail University Jiya Benton

Charleston Southern University Madi Fitzgerald - Brianna Queen

Columbia College Gemekia Gordon Ellona Moulds

University Of Las Vegas Jada Harris

Texas A&M Nick Grigat

Winstom Salem State University Quenterius Kelly

Greenville Technical College Alex Lavigne

Queens University Hayden Biebel Jeffery Maidhof

Midlands Technical College Seth Dal Poggetto

Guilford University Kenneth Raudales

College Of Charleston Sophia Catan - Danielle Doorn Paige Evans - Kellie Fanning Regan Honeycutt Bethany Houston Johanna Jackley - Sydney Lako Aubrie Paradise - Cece Rahal Jake Short - Matt Smoak Will Smoak - Cora Standley Lauren Watt - Devya Wilson

University Of North Carolina Chapel Hill Josh Causey - Tyler Causey Charlotte Jonathan Daniels - Alex Veach Greensboro Bradley Bott

The Talon

8• features

Eurovision:

Big International Song Contest To Hit Airwaves

by Sam Frank

Every May, nearly 200 million people eagerly gather around their television screens in anticipation of the results of the Eurovision Song Contest. The event, which begins this year on May 14, is the largest non-sports broadcast on the planet. The annual competition is a way for competing nations to showcase culture and identity through music and live performances to the rest of Europe and other countries. Created in 1956 to unite a devastated post-World War II Europe through the new medium of television, the contest has grown exponentially since. Last year saw 43, a record number of competing nations.

Each country must send an original song either chosen by the country’s broadcaster or selected via a televised national selection.

This year, 41 nations are headed to Tel Aviv, Israel to compete in the 64th edition of the contest. The event will be hosted in Tel Aviv because the winner of the 2018 contest was Israel with the song “Toy” by Netta Barzilai. Consisting of two semi-finals and one grand final, the competing countries will battle it out to see who will be the winners of this year’s contest. This year’s grand final will be held May 18, with Semi-Final One held on May 14 and Semi-Final Two held on May 16.

Eurovision has been the claim to fame for many internationally successful artists, including Celine Dion who won for Switzerland in 1988, ABBA who won for Sweden in 1974, and Olivia Newton-John who placed fourth for the United Kingdom also in 1974, among many others.

This year’s contest has some stiff competition, with the current favorites to win being the Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland, Italy, and Iceland.

The winner could be anyone’s guess. With songs spanning several genres, such as pop, alternative, ethnic, indie, screamo, soft-rock, and dance, this year has something for everyone.

The representatives for the Czech Republic, an indie-pop band called Lake Malawi with their song “Friend of a Friend” had some things to say regarding this year’s cotest and the competition as a whole.

“It is a huge opportunity. It may sound like a cliche, but how else would you describe a show that is watched by hundreds of millions of people?” said Jeroným Šubrt, the band’s bassist.

“We’ve always wanted to be successful not only in our country but abroad as well. We take Eurovision as a perfect platform to share our music with not just Europe, but the whole world.”

Why hasn’t the U.S. joined in on the excitement? Participation in the contest requires membership in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Plans to expand the contest to the U.S. have been discussed and are in the works. Soon, an America-vision may become a reality.

However, there have been many Americans who have participated at the competition in recent years. The 1997 winner, Katrina Leskanich and her band “Katrina and the Waves” was born in Topeka, Kansas and represented the United Kingdom. Trey Campbell and Johnny Manuel represented Bulgaria at the 2018 contest, finishing 14th out of 43. Both are American citizens but were part of the Bulgarian-American super-group “Equinox.” Two major American artists have also provided entertainment at the grand final of the contest. Justin Timberlake was the guest performer at the 2016 contest in Stockholm, Sweden, and this year’s interval act is none other than the “Queen of Pop” herself, Madonna.

The beauty of the contest transcends international borders and unites nations via the power of music. For those who aren’t particularly into sports, this competition is a must-watch. The nail-biting suspense of the voting sequence keeps even those who aren’t regular watchers on the edge of their seats.

The Talon

Speaking Out On Alcoholism

Father Fights Addiction, Genetics While Family Struggles Alongside To Support His Daily Battle

by Hunter Mattes “In a way, it’s difficult, more so for my sisters than myself,” Isabelle admits. “The only thing it caused Note: The names in this article have been changed. ack Brown wakes from his uneasy slumber to a me to do personally was make me give up. I gave up pounding headache and a wave of nausea. He on him – I stopped talking to him. For my sisters it chokes on the smell of vomit and strong whis- just destroyed them.”

Isabelle has always felt that her father put alcohol key. As he slowly sits up, his bloodshot eyes scan the unfamiliar room. He sees a toilet in the cor- before her and her sisters. But she believes that he’s ner, a man passed out on the concrete floor, and a really trying to get better, now more than ever.

“I think his family members are trying,” says Isalarge steel door with rusty hinges. Jack comes to the belle, who believes the worst is over.“He’s motivated unfortunate conclusion that he is in a jail cell.

Jack is an alcoholic, and he was arrested for driv- now more than in the past when he wasn’t motivated enough. It’s all being done ing while under the influence. now.”

He suffers from a disease offi“What most people complain Sheila agrees that Jack has cially known as alcoholism, and been making progress. he inherited the Gamma-Amino “Between you and I, right Butyric Acid (GABA) gene from about is nothing to me. now, I have really a lot of hope, his parents. The gene causes a dependence on alcohol, and is I laugh when people complain a lot of hope right now. And if he falls off the wagon, I’ll get my extremely difficult to overcome hope back down the road, I will. once someone with the gene because they don’t know We’re all kind of here for him,” takes a drink. Jack, however, is says an optimistic Sheila. “He not alone in this struggle. Achow bad it could be.” can change this around. Any cording to a study published minute of any day, you can deby the Journal of the American Medical Association, one in eight Americans have an cide to change your life. And right now he is doing awesome, he really is.” alcohol disorder.

Jack is thankful for all of the support that his fam“He was pre-disposed to alcoholism, which means that there is a strong genetic pre-disposition,” said ily has shown him, but he knows that his battle is Sheila Brown, Jack’s mother who has thoroughly re- internal, and he’s not ashamed.

“It has to be for me,” Jack says solemnly. “I wear searched the subject. “And it is very real. They have proven it time and time again. That gene caused the it as a badge of honor.” In the months after his arrest, Jack has started a new job that he loves, a healthier alcoholism in my family.”

The battle against alcohol addiction has been a lifestyle, and he has also been attending AA meettough one for Jack, who was arrested for drunk driv- ings. Now, he has an AA sponsor who lends him ading in late 2017, and was fired from his job in 2018. vice and guidance.

“We look to each other for help. It’s a bunch of He also deals with seasonal depression and takes anti-depressants, which don’t mix well with alcohol. people just like me,” he says.

Jack has also gained a brand new perspective on “I would say that my worst experience with alcohol was my kids not wanting to come to my house life.

“I just don’t have a bad day. I’m always happy anymore,” says Jack. He has three daughters and has been feuding with his ex-wife Amanda over visita- now that I’m getting better,” he says. “What most people complain about is nothing to me. I laugh tion rights since 2007, when they divorced.

That was also the year that Jack’s GABA gene when people complain because they don’t know started to affect his life and thrust him into alcohol how bad it could be.”

Jack Brown wakes from his blissful slumber to the addiction. After Jack’s life began revolving around alcohol, his daughters no longer wanted to see him. sound of his alarm and the lively barks of his two “One of my daughters would want to drive up dogs. He breathes in the smell of coffee and mornand see me while the other two wanted to stay at ing dew. As he sits up in bed, he glances around his their mom’s house for the weekend,” recounts Jack. cozy bedroom. He sees sunlight streaming through the open window and his work clothes neatly laid “It was heartbreaking.”

Jack’s oldest daughter, 16-year-old Isabelle admits out on his dresser. Jack gets up and prepares to start a new day filled with opportunity and hope. that the ordeal was challenging.

J

REVIEW

Maui Açaí New Fort Mill Favorite

H

by Maddy Doan, Luke Marlovits, & Sophia Plate idden in the back parking lot of the Baxter customers. Even building your own bowl is easy.

YMCA, lies a picture-perfect purple truck After the food is ordered, it takes five to 10 holding one of Fort Mill’s best kept secrets: minutes to prepare and deliver, depending on how amazing açaí bowls. Maui Açaí is a food many bowls you request. truck that has gained When it first tremendous popularity arrived, the food was in the past few months. visually pleasing.

Their inexpensive, The fresh fruit aesthetic and trendy toppings are bright and bowls are composed colorful, and Nutella of açaí smoothie base, and various nut granola, and your butters were drizzled choice of toppings delicately. The fine, ranging from fresh fresh, fruity, flavor fruits to nut butters. of Maui Açaí bowls The hidden location is a taste you don’t requires a quick drive want to miss. With to find, but it’s hard to the deep notes of the miss the bright purple açaí berries beneath truck in the corner of Maui Açaí’s classic granola bowls topped with tasty treats those of the crisp in the lot once you arrive. have become Fort Mill’s hottest commodity. The Maui season fruits, you will The ordering process Açaí food truck is located near YMCA in Baxter. Photo by not be disappointed. was easy with all of the Maddy Doan This truck provides options clearly written on the menu and the cheery Fort Mill with a wonderful place for a quick bite on employee being very helpful in assisting all any sunny day. ssssssssssssssssszzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzz May 2019

features • 9

MUSIC MAN

Nation Ford’s Michael Ramsey inspires students in chorus, guitar classes

I

by Ivan Rubanenko

enjoys Ramsey’s style of teaching. t’s early in the morning. Dr. Michael “The way Dr. Ramsey teaches, it’s Ramsey, chorus and guitar teacher, unorthodox but fun,” Brinn said. wakes before the sun rises to get to Hannah Cole (’21) sings soprano in his classroom early.

Concert Chorus.

Once in his classroom, he brushes “I just enjoy the family environment his stormy-gray hair and exhales deepof it and the complexity of the songs we ly. This week is going to be busy, but get to learn,” she said. “And it helps me he isn’t surprised. He sits down on his to better myself as a musician and as stool, which bears scars from drummers well as a singer.” from the past, and he begins practicing But in Ramsey’s opinion, those aren’t today’s lesson on the piano. the only reasons a student should be in“When I was 8, my mom asked if I volved in music. wanted to learn how to play the piano, “Music is the place where all the othso I started taking piano lessons,” Ramer classes come together,” he said. “Musey said. sic is a pursuit that requires an innate Second period begins, and he walks understanding of math and the historiinto a chaotic classroom. Students who cal context of a piece, the social aspect, are in Concert Chorus are still talking or the language, and all these things that preparing for their vocals. But no matwe do in music involve all the different ter how rambunctious the class, Ramsey parts of the brain. knows that one thing can bring all of “So music, for me, is a way that stuthem together – music. dents can go beyond thinking about one Flipping through his book of scales, Dr. Micheal Ramsey prepares to warm up the Music is a big part of his life, too, but thing in one class, using one part of the voices of students in second block Concert Chorus on March 5. it wasn’t always. brain in this class, to using all the parts Photo by Ivan Rubeneko “I don’t necessarily come from a muof the brain at once,” he said. “I tell the sical family,” he said. “My mom sang a kids sometimes that ‘Musicians have to little bit, and she loved music, and my mom and dad ville. And I have a Doctorate in music composition be smarter because we are doing everything at once.’ had lots of records. But we didn’t have lots of people from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.”

You’re doing incredibly detailed, incredibly chalNow, as a high school teacher, Dr. Ramsey does a lenging things with your brain and that makes your singing and playing instruments around the house.”

After years of playing the piano, a young Ramsey lot to prepare for upcoming semesters. brain better.”

“I am making sure that I can read the music, makwanted to try something new and different.

Challenging your brain, however, is not the only “It wasn’t till I was about 16 when I picked up the ing sure I know what’s going on in the music,” he reason he believes in involving oneself in music. guitar,” he said. “And at first I just wanted to learn said. “But before that even, I have to select the music “I think also, music gives people a creative outlet how the guitar worked, so I could write for it better. by picking things that I think match what the choir but also inspires creativity in what they do in everyBut I almost instantly liked it more than piano, so I can do so they sound good. thing,” Ramsey said. “As in a choir or a band, you “I don’t want to give them pieces that they aren’t also have to develop the skills to work as a group. So started playing it all the time.”

Surprisingly, Ramsey didn’t sing in the chorus in going to be successful at,” he said. “I always want to I think that music, in a music class especially, helps look for pieces that can highlight what they can do. make every student smarter, helps make every stuhigh school.

“I was in a very small high school. We didn’t have So I try to find a difficulty level that is appropriate dent more creative, and helps make every student a much of a chorus,” he said. “I didn’t think much better team player.” about singing at the time. I was a guitar player. We In addition to teaching, Ramsey has many respon“My goal for every class is for each didn’t have a guitar class or anything like that, so I sibilities outside of school. student to be better today than they didn’t do guitar in school or really any music at all “I don’t have any free time,” Ramsey says, jokwhen I was in school. I miss chorus, and I wish I had ingly.

“I have another part-time job that I do. I am a were the day before.” now that I do that all the time, but I didn’t.” worship administrator at a local church, and that reAfter graduating from Trinity Christian High and the number of singers and those sorts of things quires a good bit of my time. I have a wife and three School in 1983, Ramsey found his passion for sing- all come into play to what I select.” kids. My son, Benjamin, is 17, and I have a daughter After he decides which songs work best for his named Abigail; she’s 8. My oldest, Courtney, is 22, ing.

“By the time I got into college, I was singing in the classes, Ramsey must learn how to play them. and has graduated with a music degree at Anderson “Once I select the music, then I have to make sure University of Rock Hill and is now studying music choir for my first degree and continued to do that all that I can play at least some of it on the piano, that I therapy at Queens University in Charlotte. I love through my college years,” he said. know it enough to be singing it to the students and spending time with them.”

How did Ramsey find his passion for teaching?

“I always liked sharing what I knew,” he con- demonstrate to the students what they’re supposed But Ramsey still has a little free time to pursue fessed. “And after a time, I was leading music in my to be doing,” he said. other interests.

Unlike most teachers, Ramsey has only one goal church in the youth group. Some of the kids in the “I also like playing video games. I am no good at youth group also wanted to learn how to play guitar, for students to accomplish in his class. them, but I like video games,” he confesses.

“My goal for every class is for each student to be so their parents said, ‘Would you teach so-and-so?’

As the ’18-’19 school year ends, Ramsey prepares ‘Yeah, I’d be happy to.’ So I started teaching their pri- better today than they were the day before,” he said. for next year’s classes, which will be new. Ramsey “To learn something new about singing or guitar or is looking forward to introducing Guitar II and AP vate lessons in guitar and kept doing it.” something, that’s my goal every day.

To earn his doctorate, Ramsey had to work hard.

Music Theory beginning in the ’19 - ’20 school year.

“So for me, the ideal student isn’t always the one “I went to three different colleges,” he said. “I At the end of his day, Dr. Michael Ramsey packs have my first degree, my Bachelor of Music Edu- who is the best singer or the best guitar player, but up his stuff to leave work at 6:30 p.m. cation, and I have a master’s in guitar performance the one who works the hardest at learning, singing, He gets in his white, Hyundai Sonata, and on the from Winthrop. And then after that, I have a master’s or guitar every day.” way home, he tunes the radio to channel 25 to listen Elijah Brinn (’20), who took Guitar I last semester, to some classic rock. in music composition from the University of Louis-

REVIEW

Fratelli’s Serves Authentic, Delicious Italian Meals

N

by Grace Janzen estled in Baxter, the heart of Fort Mill, is one of the town’s most authentic Italian restaurants.

Fratelli’s Ristorante and Pizzeria is a quaint place to spend an evening whether you’re on a date, catching up with a friend,or spending time with family.

The restaurant offers a variety of different menu options, each one of them extremely tasty.

May 2019

On weeknights, the restaurant isn’t too crowded and it’s not loud and bustling like some places.

However, on weekends, it is most likely packed with locals and there may be a wait.

The prices are somewhat higher than most Italian restaurants in the Fort Mill area, but the quality of the food is worth it.

Most of the entrees range from around $15 to $25. The food is presented very cleanly on white china, and you can tell it has been carefully prepared. The salad I ordered was delicious and the pizza had an exceptional taste that was very authentic.

The only complaint I would have is that even though there weren’t

many customers when I was there, there was a decent wait of a wait for the food to be served. If you are in a hurry, Fratelli’s is definitely not ideal;-but if you desire a relaxed evening, it is the place to go.

Overall, Fratelli’s is a very nice place when you’re in the mood for an authentic Italian feast, and I would highly recommend stopping by for a relaxed evening the next time you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a delicious meal.

The Talon

10• opinion

White, Male Authors Are Excessively Represented In English Curriculum

by Ivan J. Rubanenko

Number of Authors in English Classes by Ethnicity & Gender

As the 2018-2019 school year comes to a close, students prepare for next year’s English classes by choosing books for summer reading. Both summer reading and the required reading are not representative of the world, for too many of the authors of these books are white males.

In class, many students will be reading ‘The Scarlet Letter,’ ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ and ‘Farhenheit 451,’ books that have been read in schools for generations. By sixth grade, students begin to focus more on literary analysis. They’re educated on how others think and how to critically think for themselves.

Students may not realize it, but English is one of the most important core classes they will take throughout their academic career.

The main point of any art form – books, music, TV, movies, etc. -- is for creators to express their views on the world. English classes give stu-

# of Books 100

by Miné Karatas Source: NFHS English Dept.

92 87

75

29

50

“Schools can’t expect students to take English class and understand how others think if they

25

read from only one perspective.” dents opportunities to read and think critically about books, and at Nation Ford, students read from a list of 116 books in high school. Certain books of these 116 are representative works of their time, and culturally significant to America and the world. Books such as ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ ‘The Grapes of Wrath,’ ‘1984’ and others are considered to be in what is essentially the district’s canon. Notice something about the authors?

They’re all white.

Out of the 116 books in Fort Mill’s Canon, 92 of those books are written by white authors – only two of the 116 books are by Hispanic authors. But that isn’t the only problem – 75 percent of these books are written by male authors.

The white / male majority needs to change immediately because our school system and the rest of the world are greatly affected by imbalance. Schools can’t expect students to take English class and understand how others think if they read from only

0

Editors: Hailey Fletcher Julia Lako Joi Nelson ad manager: Nick Roarty Adviser: Beth Swann

African American

5 White

Asian American

one perspective.

For example, a white male who goes to high school may not consider himself racist or sexist, but if he is uncaring towards others who have different backgrounds, then that intolerance is not completely his fault, for he only truly understands those like himself. But what if he walked into English class and read books such as ‘We Should All Be Feminists?’ or ‘So You Want to Talk About Race’? He could ultimately become a more intelligent and empathetic individual because he could learn from others’ perspectives. That is at least partially what English class is ultimately about.

The Talon Staff EditorS-In-Chief: Hayden Biebel Kailey Cota

14

Staff: Grace Asaad Sam Frank Kendall Grahl Kate Guerra Enoch Ibarra-Garcia James Liles Haley McCurry Nate Merrit Ryan Nguyen Taylor Rumsey Devin Taylor

1 Hispanic Latino/a

3 Other

Of course, if a student was taking European Literature, many of the authors would be white, for at the time, no other ethnicity would have been as influential to Europe.

This does not excuse the fact that Nation Ford does not offer a true World Literature course, and instead includes few books by diverse authors. Only one book listed for English 2 College Prep (‘A House on Mango Street’) is not written by a white author.

“Anything less than diversity is an inaccurate representation of life,” said Winthrop Intern Felicia Chisholm. zzzzzzzz

The Talon Policy The Talon provides students with an opportunity to research and write informative articles related to Nation Ford High School or topics students find interesting. 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 D111, or via email to swanne@fortmillschools.org.

Please keep in mind that opinions voiced in the articles and personal columns are not

Nation Ford High School 803-835-0000 1400 A.O. Jones Blvd.

Fort Mill, SC 29715

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.

2015 Best Newspaper in SC / International 1st Place by Quill and Scroll Society 2015, 2016 / ESNA Sweepstakes Awards, 2nd Place in SC, 2019

The Talon

May 2019

opinion • 11

A.L.I.C.E. Training Necessary: Students Should Practice Evacuation Staff Editorial The year 2018 had the greatest number of school shootings since 1970, with 82 recorded incidents.

School officials, parents and even students often have the problematic mindset that shootings are rare events that could “never happen here.”

However, just 10 days ago, a deadly shooting occurred at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, only 28 miles from our school.

The current lockdown procedures and preventative measures of schools nationwide have failed. Teachers should be required to have ALICE (alert, lockdown, inform, counter, evacuate) training, in order to keep the classroom as safe as possible.

With the increasing number of life threatening active shooter incidents, students and teachers need to be well prepared in their school environment.

“It does sound as though the teachers did everything humanly possible, down to risking their lives, to protect the children at the Connecticut school,” said President Donald Trump, speaking on the Sandy Hook Shooting.

However, former SWAT officer Greg Crane told ABC News that he does not think current lock-down procedures are sufficient. During the Sandy Hook shooting, first grade teacher Kaitlin Roig locked and barricaded herself and 14 other students in a bathroom, a smart move according to Crane.

He founded the lock-down training program ALICE, to keep his wife, a school teacher, safe after the Columbine shooting. He has established himself as one of the foremost school safety and active shooter specialists in the nation.

Currently, only 31 percent of schools in the US have been trained by the ALICE training program.

In the past, locking the door was not always enough protection. During the Marjory StonemanDouglas High School shooting, the gunman fired an

NEVER AGAIN

AR-15 rifle through the glass window pane of one of the classrooms, caught on video by a student in the classroom.

The current lockdown procedures were originally not intended for active shooters. They were created to keep students safe in the building while crime was occurring on the streets-- not for a death threat inside the building. ALICE was designed using the advice of law enforcement officials who have been put in life threatening situations.

According to the official website, the instructor led classes to provide preparation and a plan for organizations and individuals on how to more pro-actively handle a threat or active shooter. What differentiates the program from most lock-downs is two words, counter and evacuate. During the UNCC shooting, the message spreading across the campus was “Run. Hide. Fight”. At Nation Ford, students practice only “Hide. Fight.” We trap ourselves in the building, and we have never practiced our instinct to exit the building and flee danger.

ALICE training teaches the skills needed to counter an attacker’s ability to shoot. They teach the use of noise, movement, distance, and distractions to make shooting accurately very difficult. Most students have been informed on what to do if the shooter is outside of the classroom, but if they reach the inside, everyone is likely unprepared.

If teachers know the shooter is not anywhere near them, they can make their way to the nearest exit and leave the building. Since lockdowns were originally designed for a threat outside of the location, evacuation has not been taught, because the plan is for an attacker who was already outside the building.

In the future, all teachers and students must be informed and trained to protect themselves and others from this ongoing problem in America. ALICE training will prepare schools for the tragic event that could happen anywhere at any time. -L.S.

School Shootings Indicate More Training Needed

56

STUDENTS & TEACHERS

were killed in 2018 during school shootings

96%

OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS

have been trained by the ALICE program

96%

OF NFHS STUDENTS say lockdown programs should be improved

60%

OF NFHS STUDENTS say they feel unsafe at school

Sources: 2018 FBI Report 28 Students Surveyed May 3, 2019

by Lily Schweder

Students, Custodians Should Maintain Cleaner Building

S

Kendall Grahl & Sam Frank

chool is a place to learn and grow. It is also a place where germs spread and kids get sick.

Children spend more time at school than anywhere else except home – an average of more than eight hours at school everyday. Schools can have a major effect on children’s health by teach ing children about health and promoting healthy behaviors. More than 22 million sick days are taken each year due to the common cold alone. Nation Ford needs to improve school cleanliness everywhere, particularly in areas where students are largely unsupervised.

One of the most common complaints is the lack of cleanliness in the bathrooms. In the bathrooms located near the Commons, lack of soap and toilet paper has been a consistent issue. This problem is completely unsanitary and increases the risk of germs spreading. The bathrooms also have dim lighting and bugs, and students report broken locks on bathroom doors, which causes a lack of privacy.

On D-hall, two stalls are currently locked and one doesn’t have a toilet seat.

Another place that collects many germs at Nation Ford are the water fountains. Kids with bad coughs are being excused from the classroom to go use the water fountain where they spread their germs.

A study on Germiest Places at Schools reported

by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that there were actually more germs found on an average classroom water fountain spigot than on a toilet seat.

In addition, Nation Ford High School locker

May 2019

rooms are littered with clothes, shoes, and others items left behind on the floor. Two mice were found dead in a mousetrap by a group of boys on March 15.

Mice can carry diseases and contaminate food and food surfaces.

The accumulation of feces from mice and rats can spread bacteria, contaminate food sources and trigger allergic reactions in humans, according to National Pest Management Association. Once the fecal matter becomes dry, it can be hazardous to those who breathe it in. Moreover, rodent droppings can spread diseases and viruses, including hantavirus, bubonic plague and salmonellosis.

Fortunately, a new extermination company has been hired to hopefully correct the rodent problem.

A schools’ lack of cleanliness can be a distraction to students. It can affect student’s allergies especially at the beginning of spring. Dirty schools also spread germs, increases bug and rodent infestations and promote higher stress levels, according to APPA Cleaning Affection Learning.

One solution to this accumulating problem is for students do a better job cleaning up after themselves. Food, clothes and other miscellaneous items are always left behind for the custodians to clean up.

People need to take care of themselves and take after their belongings.

Because the current custodial staff works for an outside company, a second solution might be for the school district to employ custodans who can be held accountable for their work.

A clean school is a safe and productive school.

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