The Talon vol. 10 issue 1

The Talon Volume 10 Number 1

Nation Ford High School

October 2016

1400 A.O. Jones Blvd.

Fort Mill, SC 29715

10 Years of Falcons

Living with Autism p. 5

Is Kaepernick justified? p. 2

Dress Code Too Strict p. 3

2 • OP/Ed

To Stand...

Kapernick Defiant, Wrong and teens for the same reasons they shoot black teens and adults. Blacks When Colin Kaepernick, San Fran- aren’t the only people who have excisco 49ers’s star quarterback refused perienced police brutality in America. to rise off the bench for our country’s I believe that standing up for the nanational anthem during a preseason tional anthem is a way to show respect game against the Green Bay Packers to those who have fallen for our counon Aug. 26, it opened a national con- try so that we can all have the everyday troversy on whether his behavior was freedoms and rights we enjoy. Kaeperacceptable or not. It is okay to not sing nick is disloyal and should at the very the national anthem, but refusing to least he should be given a temporary stand for the anthem of our nation is suspension from the league for his act not. Many men and woman have given of defiance and the arrogance of his detheir lives for your freedom and Amer- cision to neglect the heroes who have ican citizens’ rights to make your own sacrificed themselves for America. decisions, to have your own beliefs, Kaepernick needs to realize that and not standing for the anthem is the America has come a long way since utmost disrespect to not only those men the 1950’s when racism was the stanand women who have sacrificed so dard in most states. If he feels the need to prove much for something the our as a black country, rights matand the ter activUnited ist, there States of are better Amerimethods ca as a than ofwhole. fending When our nation confrontand those ed about who have his stunt, served Kaeper- Colin Kaepernick our counn i c k in NFL post-game interview try for our claimed, freedom.

“I am not Instead going to of doing stand up to show pride in a flag for a country the right thing and standing for the that oppresses black people and peo- anthem and responding to the racial ple of color.” This is a ridiculous state- injustice, he wanted to be arrogant ment considering Kaepernick is basi- and did not only hurt himself and his cally saying the entire United States family’s reputation, but he also cost his of America is racist. If America was team many fans fans. There are videos racist then there would be no NFL, of 49er’s fans all over the nation burnbeing the National football League ing their Kaepernick jerseys, which is meaning people of all races and reli- not a surprise considering the majorgions can play and be treated equally ity of the stadium booed Kaepernick and Kaepernick should know this. He after his attempt to make a statement. goes to say that police men are get- Kaepernick claims his statement was ting paid leave for killing innocent “taken the wrong way.” He also went African Americans. It is true that this as far as to saying the media is trying to happens in the U.S., but that does not paint him as an un-American, but how mean every cop is a dirty cop and/or a else could his actions have been taken? racist. Nor does it mean that everyone He refused to stand during the Nationgetting singled out by police for what al Anthem and he didn’t expect people seems to be nothing (though there is to call him un-American? Kaepernick usually a reason for the police to use abused his power as a role model and force) is black because there are white professional athlete and should never and black cops shooting white adults again be respected.

Carson Elliott

“I am not going to stand up for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”

The Talon Staff Editor-In-Chief: Justin McGuirl Editors: Jori Benton Hayden Biebel Kailey Cota Raegan Craddock Joslyn Ferguson Hailey Fletcher Jalen Hodges Preston Lyerly Nathan Tyson

Staff: Emily Berrill Makayla Brown Carson Elliott Ashley Garcia Alexa LaFranca Kristianlyn McClellan Emily Skroly Ad Manager: Morgan Cummis Adviser: Beth Swann

1400 A.O. Jones Blvd.

Fort Mill, SC 29715

803-835-0000 thetalononline2016@gmail.com

The Talon

...Or Not To Stand

Colin K. Sits For His Rights Preston Lyerly

“Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech...”

-The First Amendment This essential section of our constitution promises everyone in these fair states the right to political expression.

Colin Kaepernick, a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers and self-proclaimed social activist, made waves in the news and in the public – not for making a last minute game winning touchdown, or trash talking a fellow athlete, but for a song and some socks. But that song wasn’t just any song – it was the Star Spangled Banner. And they weren’t just any socks, they were socks depicting cartoon pigs wearing an eight-pointed police officer’s cap. The symbolism there is pretty straight forward.

Though the national anthem brings up a number of strong patriotic feelings in a lot of people in this country, it’s important to realize that its lyrics echo the ideals of men who would defend Kaepernick in a heartbeat. Like it or not.

George Washington said on the matter of free speech, “If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” Thomas Jefferson said, “…

For as long as we may think as we will, and speak as we think, the condition of man will proceed in improvement.”

It is obvious that the men who not only drafted the Constitution but founded the entire United States believed very strongly that

any man, woman, or child holds the right to express their beliefs in a peaceful and harmless manner.

Many have said that Kaepernick’s actions are an insult to men and women who have served and died for this nation, but it’s an important to realize that those people who died for the nation didn’t die for the anthem - they died for the rights of every American citizen. And of these rights the most core and valuable to the operation of our society is the freedom of speech and political expression.

Kaepernick’s stance caught on with many in the athletic arena. From the Woodrow Wilson High School football team in Camden N.J., to professional U.S. female soccer player Megan Rapinoe, sportsmen and women alike are kneeling during the national anthem. The relatively simple action of refusing to stand has given both youth and adults inspiration to shed their political apathy.

Kaepernick’s act could even be perceived as patriotic in and of itself.

The man believes there are dire issues in the nation’s current society, and he chose to use his influence as a professional athlete to make a statement. The exercise of his constitutional right is a truly American act.

No matter how disagreeable a person’s actions may be, no matter how different their opinions, if someone is expressing them peacefully and reasonably, then that person is within their full constitutional rights to do so.

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 D517, 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.

2015 Best Newspaper in South Carolina 2015 Newspaper Palmetto Award ALL STATE Rating for 2015 International 1st Place by Quill and Scroll Society October 2016

OPinion• 3

Change Essential To New Dress Code

J

Staff Editorial

ust when you thought it wasn’t possible, the dress code at Nation Ford High School has enraged students even more than last year. The 2016-17 student handbook has a new installment stating that no torn or tattered clothing can be worn during the school day. In the 2015-16 year, rips were permitted if they met the dress code standards (not past 4” above the knee or exposing undergarments). Students are furious, and some have decided to disregard the rule completely. The rule was put in place to avoid making adults uncomfortable with having to make a “judgement call” to tell if the holes met the 4 inch rule, according to Principal Jason Johns and Assistant Principal Pamela Pittman.

A main issue for the students about this new change is that administration changed the code on the online version of the Student Handbook in June but didn’t send out any email or notification to the students that the dress code had been changed, nor was there any information on the school website homepage. After the students had already purchased school clothes that abide by last year’s dress code, on the second day of school, administration called a school meeting and announced the change in dress code.

“We take ownership of that,” said Mrs. Pittman, “After that second day we went on to tell people not to wear [the clothing violating dress code] and didn’t charge people with violating dress code.”

On the third day of school before first block, four students had already been assigned to attend In School Suspension for violating the dress codedue to wearing ripped jeans.

According to the Student Handbook, “… [students will not dress in anything that] is not immodest or revealing and does not interfere with the educational process.” Yet at a school pep rally (which was held during school hours), cheerleaders’ uniforms were well above the 4 inches rule and can barely cover their matching under garments. Are these uniforms

considered “immodest” or is the violation of dress code justified for girls who are ‘performing’ for the school?

“The whole purpose of dress code, is to not spend time on dress code,” said Mr. Johns. During an interview, Mr. Johns proposed the idea of enforcing a “no dress code” rule. This seems to be the most logical way to go about spending the “least amount of time possible” on the dress code issue. How is it possible to spend a minimal amount of time on a dress code that restricts most clothing that modern-day teenagers wear? Although he would like NFHS to run on such a policy, he syas he afraid that it would seem like the school is adapting an “anything goes” policy instead of a “no dress code.”

Mrs. Pittman seems to have a different approach, “I just can’t support that,” she said. Both administrators

“The whole purpose of dress code is to not spend time on dress code.”

-Principal Jason Johns believe that no policy at all would not work out because of the choices students would have to make for themselves, such as deciding what would be appropriate in a school setting.

In an article entitled “My School Doesn’t Have a Dress Code-and it Works,” published online by an online community for women sponsored

by Time Inc. in October of 2015. “A popular argument in favor of dress codes is to allow students to focus solely on academics, without distraction of certain clothing. However, this is not how the real world works.” The teenage authors of this article explain how their school ran without a dress code, and functioned well without issues. “Being in a classroom environment with all genders in all types of clothing, the guys learned to look

past external appearance and treat the girl in the crop top the same as their friend in basketball shorts.

Best of all, they did it on their own.”

Mr. Johns is proud to say that NFHS has adopted a “gender neutral” dress code, which technically is true. The Student Handbook does not have a dress code sectioned by gender, although the dress code seems to have an extensive list of banned clothing, and the majority is worn by females. A list of a few specifically targeted items consists of the following: clothing...should not expose midriff, no hair curlers or rollers, no cleavage, bare shoulders, exposed back or underarm area, halter tops, skorts or skirts that do not meet the 4” above the knee mark, tights, yoga pants, leggings, jeggings, and no sign of undergarments can be visible. In contrast, there are about four points made that seem to specifically target males.

As a result, most students found to be violation of the dress code are females.

It is not right that females are automatically accused of being less likely to wear modest clothing when males get away with wearing whatever they please, for the most part. From the NFHS In School Suspension records, this year there have been 98 people thus far who have been admitted for dress code.

Out of the 98 who were sent to ISS, only 24 of the students are males.

Toward the end of this school year in April, administration and student council will be holding a meeting together to discuss dress code and other controversial topics in the Student Handbook. Mr. Johns and Mrs. Pittman both agreed that they are open to change and are excited to see what the Student Council has to say.

Change is a must at NFHS and many other public schools across the country. Dress code is not only an inconvenience but it a cultural issue.

Even within a “gender neutral” dress code, the standards are not equal. The controversy will be an ongoing issue until the NFHS dress code is reasonable and enforced equally among all students.

Admin Respects Students’ Social Media

B

Justin McGuirl

usted. A student’s social media post is flagged and sent straight to the school district in Orange County Public schools in Orlando, FL. The distric implemented a social media monitoring software called Snaptrend to actively search for “dangerous comments” on Orange County students posts. Out of the thousands of accounts that were invaded by the school district, only 12 resulted in a police investigation. Clearly, almost all of the accounts that were monitored were unnecessary to check in the first place.

Software such as Snaptrend and the monitoring students’ off-campus posts should be not be practiced because it violates students’ rights to privacy.

On average, a teenager in the United States will spend nine hours a day on their social media accounts, according to according to the report by Common Sense Media. Multiple school districts across the country do not trust what teenagers post and monitor off-campus posts on social media as a result. Thankfully, the Fort Mill School District respects students’ pri-

October 2016

vacy and does not invade students’ private social media accounts. Unlike other schools that practice online monitoring, the school district should be commended for respecting the privacy of students and should continue their school policy regarding social media.

Assistant Principal Ernest Poag believes in all high school students’ rights to privacy as part of the First Amendment rights. “No school should have the right to look through their student’s social media accounts,” he said.

In fact, the school is extremely limited as to what it can do in regards to punishing students for social media posts.

“The school can’t punish someone for something posted off school grounds - only if the post is from or about school,” said Assistant Principal Emily McQuay.

This policy is good because it allows all students to practice their freedom of speech and post ideas and pictures as they see fit. Students do not need to fear repercussions of something they posted because others may disagree with their post.

“The school does not want to violate freedom of speech,” said Dr. McQuay.

Unfortunately, some students abuse this policy for the purposes of cyber bullying. “The school can’t do anything if the cyberbullying takes place outside of school – only if the posts or messages are from school grounds,” Dr. McQuay said.

Although the school cannot punish a student for cyberbullying, administration can still take some steps to prevent the bullying from continuing while respecting a student’s freedom of speech. Rather than examining a student’s social media account, the school continuously encourage students to report all cyberbullyingattacksto schooladministration.

Although the school administration may not hold power to assign punishments, the school resource police officer can become involved in cyberbullying activity.

Also, the school may call a student’s parents and report off-campus actions.

Fortunately, Fort Mill Schools do respect students’ rights to privacy on their personal social media accounts.

Other schools should follow our lead and allow students to practice their right to free speech.

Students on the New Dress Code

“I personally don’t like the dresscode because it doesn’t allow anyone to wear ripped jeans. I think we should all be able to express our style with our clothes.”

-Livie Snyder (‘20)

“A lot of people spent their money and time going out to buy things that they can’t even wear now.”

-Paris Owens (‘17)

“What I don’t understand is why it’s acceptable for boys to wear shorts that go well above 4 inches over the knee, but it’s considered ‘shameful’ for me to show my shoulders.”

-Bella Zaino (‘19)

“My parents always told me that if I didn’t have anything nice to say, to not say anything at all.

-Tim Smith (‘18) The Talon

4 • News

Ashley Garcia

Secrets to Success

How students can improve their college applications, acceptances amounts of money, depending on lars, etc. Use this link to help you out: Ashley Garcia Q : What are the High School various factors. Give the Financial Aid http://diycollegerankings.com/ Requierments?

It’s that time of year for students Office a call to find out more informafaqs/what-is-the-common-data-set/. to start applying to college, and the tion or go to the college’s website. .

For example, the report shows the A : Find out what the average GPA process can be very difficult. So here 25th percentile and 75th percentile for is, and how many credits you need for Q: Sports scholarships? are a few tips.

SAT and ACT. It also tells you which each course. test scores the college prefers.

A : If you play sports, check to see Q : Does the college have your Q: What are the deadlines for? what sports are there, whether it’s major and/or minor?

Q :What’s Family Connections?

NCAA or intramural, or if it’s a club.

A: Make sure to pay attention to A : You want to make sure that you A : Family Connections by Naviance deadlines. There are many types of Q: What Test Scores are needchoose the right courses. If you’re not sure, go to the school’s website, and look up the academics page. It will give you a list of all the courses at the school.

ed?

A : SAT and ACT test scores depend for different schools. Also, make sure you find out what the minimum score you need for both test.

Q: How much is tuition?

Q: What is Common Data Set? A : If tuition costs an arm and a leg, scholarships come in handy. Check A : It’s the best kept secret to help the school’s website to see if there are students apply to the perfect college. any scholarships available.

Q: Is Financial Aid available?

A : A majority of the schools in the country have financial aid. Different schools will give you different

Common Data Set provides accurate and timely data to students and their families. Each college has to report information on what exactly they look for in an applicant, such as volunteer work, test scores, GPA, extracurricu-

is a web-based program that helps students and families navigate through the college admission and career readiness process.

This tool provides the ability to research colleges and careers, take assessments and surveys, create goals and to-do lists, and seniors have the ability to submit requests for transcripts and recommendations to be sent to their selected colleges/ universities electronically.

Guidance has your username and password to access your account.

It’s important to keep your account updated to help with applications.

deadlines, such as, Early Admission, Regular Admission, Scholarships, Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), etc.

Q : What’s the school environment like?

A : Schedule a visit to tour the campus, and maybe visit some classes.

Talk to some students who attend the school. Get some advice from them, or hear about their experience at that school is going.

Source: SchoolGuides.com http://nfhs.fortmillschools.org/ guidance/family_connections

Fort Mill School District Growth May Diminish Due To Housing Joslyn Ferguson

A mural for the Math Department brightens B Hall.

Student Artists To Paint Murals For Classrooms

[NAHS members] are painting on a large Masonite wood board,” said The National Art Honor Society, Bagley. an honors art club at Nation Ford Each teacher that wants a mural High dedicated to community ser- has personally funded the creation vice, plans on making art murals for of their mural from the canvases, to the teachers all around the school the paint, to the brushes. The teachbefore Christmas break. ers have also been given the op NAHS will be making 10-20 art portunity to select the designs they murals, each 4ft. by want for their class4ft., to put around the room mural.

I think [the school. These murals “Some of them [teachhave been officially re- mural project] ers] created their own, quested by the teachers some of them… are helps promote leaving it up to the stuof Nation Ford High.

“I had 20 teachers dents to kinda’ create the arts... ask me for one. I have their own idea based committed to the first off their guidelines,” ten,” said Ms. Alicia Bagley. “if we said Bagley. finish them early, then I will start Bagley hopes that these projects pulling from the waitlist.” will help promote art in the com These murals will be painted munity, the students creating the on handmade canvases, allowing murals, as much as those who will teachers to move them around the get to enjoy them. classroom or take them with them “I think it helps promote the arts, as they move classrooms each year. gives attention to the art students, “So instead of actually painting and just creates some more visual on the wall in the classroom, they interest in the classrooms.”

Bethany Houston

Ever since its establishment in 1873, Fort Mill has grown with businesses booming on every corner of the city and more and more people enter every day impacting the schools. But the number of people entering Fort Mill Joslyn Ferguson may downtrend because of the current housing situation. The York County Council continues to flip flop on a A lone excavator on a construction site on Kimbrell Road. housing freeze.

Back in mid-April, the council ap- As of now, home builders still have the proved a freeze on all homebuilding ability to get plans approved, so the for the last half of the year. The plan schools may overcrowd. Superintenpassed with a 5-2 vote, with Coun- dent of Fort Mill Schools Chuck Epps cilmembers Britt Blackwell and Wil- addressed enrollment numbers in liam Roddey voting against. This years to come, saying, “Of course, our means no new plans for zoning classi- projections show that we will show fications or plans for single/multi-fam- increasing growth going forward as ily housing will be it appears already-apmade until 2017. “... our projections proved houses will be The impact of this coming online. In othshow we will show er words, the numbers freeze on the school system may happen increasing growth should increase,” said quickly since almost Dr. Epps.

2,200 homes were going forward...”

Overcrowding built last year and toschools could be a tal enrollment for the – Dr. Chuck Epps, real concern. “We take Fort Mill School Disinto account the future Superintendent trict reached 14,000 number of homes apduring the summer of proved by the City of Tega Cay, the 2016 alone.

Town of Fort Mill, and York County In May, the freeze underwent anoth- in our 10 Year Facilities Plan,” said Dr. er vote, and currently the council has Epps. “We look at student projections opposed the freeze. Talks of revisiting and predict when new schools should the topic have been discussed, but no be built partly based on the numofficial word has been given since the ber of home that will come on line in second vote in May. the future.”

Features • 5

Meeting Challenges:

Student Lives With Autism Morgan Cummis Like any mother, she wanted her son to have a life full of friends.

But he had trouble making friends.

Born in 1999, J (not his real name) was a very quiet boy. He had trouble communicating well with other kids, and they often thought he wasn’t interested in playing with them. He also struggled with learning in school. He grunted and pointed sometimes instead of speaking.

Something was wrong.

His preschool teachers suggested that his parents have J tested. “We had a battery of tests, which was frustrating since there are waiting lists and paperwork -- and of course we wanted to help him right away,” his mother remembered. “The tests took weeks, and the process involved lots of doctor visits-doctors watching him play and interact-as well as trips to a genetics expert and a neurologist.”

J’s mother was overcome with worry. Had she done something wrong during her pregnancy?

Then the diagnosis came back -- J was on the autism spectrum.

Autism is a neurological disorder that ranges from an extreme ability in some areas – such as math – coupled with weaknesses in other areas, such as social behavior and communication.

Autism can cause severe learning disabilities, including persistent repetition and self-harm, according to the National Autistic Society.

Hence the term “spectrum.”

“We were sad because we felt so helpless and didn’t know what to do,” J’s mother said.

After J was diagnosed, doctors prescribed the medication Adderall. While on the medicine, J’s temper became very short, and he lost weight. His mother noticed his personality changing as well.

J’s parents did some research that led them to take him off the medication, and instead they started him on therapy and consulted a nutritionist so he could get treatment without risk of bad side effects.

“The downside is that Adderall is paid for by insurance -- the physical therapy and nutritionist are not,” J’s mother said. So far, J’s family has spent $50,000 on his treatment, but a close family friend has spent up to $100,000 on their autistic child, J’s mother said.

Life for J and his family changed after his diagnosis.

His father started working from home so he could take J to therapy and doctor’s visits. His mother began sharing her feelings and ideas with other parents going through the same experience. J was seemingly oblivious to his condition; he didn’t seem to recognize it until he was older. He didn’t know he experienced the world differently.

“I didn’t know I had autism,” J said. “I used to be emotional. Sometimes I’d be a bit sensitive, in class -I’d cry over little things or just get mad. I never really knew I had autism as a kid.”

A few years after J’s diagnosis, his father went back to working in the office, and his mother worked part-time so

“...I never really knew I had autism as a kid.” she could spend more time helping J. The part-time job also helped pay for some of the therapy insurance would not cover.

When J was in elementary school, his family moved to Fort Mill. J’s family couldn’t adjust to the new setting alone, his mother admits. A friend of J’s at elementary school was also on the spectrum, and his mother helped to care for the boy while his parents were at work.

He struggled the first few years in elementary school and had to repeat fourth grade. Meanwhile, his parents tried to find therapy that would work for him.

“I remember back in grade school one of the doctors telling us that he would probably never go to college, and we were devastated,” J’s mom said.

Eventually, J’s parents met

with therapists and teachers affiliated with the Fort Mill and Charlotte Mecklenburg school districts.

After J repeated the fourth grade, he advanced with his classmates and eventually had to tell his parents and instructors he needed a more rigorous and challenging course of education. Thereafter, J was provided with speech therapy and oneon-one time with teachers.

“It was pretty frustrating having most people treat me like a 5-year-old and barely being able to have a serious conversation with anyone,” J said.

Today, J is an honor student and is no longer involved in therapy. “He’s a good kid and works hard and shows a lot of promise,” one of J’s current teachers said.

J is interested in going to Denver University where he aspires to be a graphic designer.

“I am so proud of J, because he works hard and is excited to go to college in a few years,” J’s mother said.

J says symptoms were much more severe when he was younger, but as he’s matured he’s been able to open up. He doesn’t let autism hold him back, he said.

“He is one of the most compassionate people I’ve ever known,” J’s mother said. “Sometimes I think that might be because of what he went through when he was little. He just really goes out of his way when he thinks any person or group is being treated unjustly.”

In gym class freshman year, he recognized an old acquaintance from middle school and felt comfortable enough to re-introduce himself. His friend has introduced him to others.

“He is a very selfless human being,” another friend said. “He doesn’t focus on himself very often. He’s out to amuse and please his friends.”

NFHS 2016 Political Poll Background Information This poll was taken of a random group of Nation Ford High School students and faculty members, asking participants to share their views on some of society’s current, more c ontriversial topics.

1) Political Party Democrat 26 votes REPUBLICAN 39 votes Neither 25 votes

2) Presidential Candidate Hilliary Clinton DONALD TRUMP Gary Johnson

10 votes 38 votes 20 votes

3) Transgender Bathrooms..?

Based on Sex at Birth - 24 votes

Gender Neutral Bathroom - 25 votes

BASED ON GENDER IDENTITY- 37 4) Stance on Gay Rights PRO GAY Against RIGHTS- 75 Gay Rights- 7

5) Gun Control Pro Gun Control: 21 votes PPO REGULATION- 53 votes Pro Banning Guns: 2 votes 6) Which Lives Matter ALL LIVES MATTER- 67 votes Black Lives Matter-16 votes 7) Legalization of Marijuana Pro Medical Marijuana- 20 PRO RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA- 45 No Legalization- 7 Infographic compiled & designed by Kailey Cota Preston Lyerly Raegan Craddock Nathan Tyson

Hands to Paws Club Helps the Humane Society Makayla Brown-Culpupper

Jalen Hodges

Sheba the cat watches as visitors pass by her bed at the Humane Society on September 28, 2016.

October 2016

Supplies. Good homes are not the only things that the 159 animals at the Humane Society need. Litter, grooming utensils and food are some of the things that these precious pups and cute kittens need to be properly taken care of before they get adopted.

The Hands to Paws Club supports the Human Society and was started by two Nation Ford High School students, Sydny Long (’17) and Rachel Smith (’17) in January 2016. The

club is sponsored by teachers Ms. Ashley Pulaski and Mrs. Cristi Sain, and it meets every other Friday in room D507 or N510 rooms.

They support the efforts and service projects that the club officers propose.

“I have a passion for animals, so I love being involved in this club and sharing my love for animals with our club members,” said Ms. Pulaski. “I think it is fantastic that Sydny Long and Rachel Smith created this club and are bringing awareness to our stu-

dent body. There are so many animals in our community that deserve good homes.”

The club members help the Humane Society by sending volunteers to help take care of the animals, and club members collect donations as well.

People usually donate items like cat toys, litter and food for the animals in need at the Humane Society.

By May of 2016, the club had collected 100 lbs. of donations for the Humane Society and spent over 50 hours volunteering there.

The Talon

6 • CENTERSPREAD

Teaching Since Day One

Walker, Wright Reflect On Their 10 Years At Nation Ford High Hailey Fletcher Been there since day one.

It’s been 10 years, and teachers Mr. Chuck Walker and Mr. Brendan Wright are still inspiring students at Nation Ford.

“This is the best high school in South Carolina.” Mr. Jason Johns, who has been the principal for two years at Nation Ford, says it all the time. This may be true, and it’s because teachers like Mr. Walker and Mr. Wright, who have been here since day one.

Mr. Walker, Broadcast Journalism, English IV, and Yearbook teacher, has been at NFHS since 2007 when

941 students became the first Falcons.

He is one of the many teachers who have stuck around to watch the enrollment grow to a whopping 1,982.

“The kids are still great,” said Mr. Walker. “Only the technology and the role of social media has changed.”

He has always enhanced his skills so that he can be at the top of his game each year, he said.

His expectations have always been the same. “I want them to do their best while [still] enjoying life,” he explains. “Each day I am blessed to work with my students.

Fall 2007 Grand Opening

It’s the best memory. They are my heart!”

Mr. Wright, a social studies teacher, has also been here since the doors first opened.

“I don’t think much has changed in the way of teachers,” he said. “Many teachers have come and gone, but Nation Ford always has high standards for who teaches our kids,” he said.

His expectations have always been high when it comes to curriculum and instruction. “[There are] many more electives and AP courses now, and it’s easier to do when we have more teachers — due to the increased student enroll-

ment.”

His best memories?

“Seeing some of my best students give their valedictorian speeches, our Model United Nations team winning the Winthrop Cup, being named teacher of the year last year, and the amount of love and support I received from students and teachers when my dad passed away,” he said.

These teachers help make NFHS be the best high school in South Carolina. It’s the little things they do to help create a special learning environment.

With a rich history the high school is sure to remain open for many more years to come.

January 29, 2008 First ‘Miss Nation Ford’ pageant

Mr. Chuck Walker Yearbook Adviser

May 2008, First Prom, ‘A Night in Manhattan’ September 4, 2009 NAFO Stadium opened

October 19, 2007 Crowning of the first homecoming queen.

Look Back 10 Years Ago Hayden Biebel Most Popular TV Series Nielsen Media Research named Veronica Mars the most popular TV series during October of 2006.

The show’s final season premiered at the beginning of the month. The show was losing its hype halfway through the season, and ultimately ended up getting cancelled in 2007.

Popular Music After its release to the radio on September 26th, “SexyBack” by Justin Timberlake blew up. It was all over the radio and no one could stop singing it. It was even number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart throughout the entire month of October. Other

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popular music of the month included “Money Maker”

by Ludacris and “Lips of an Angel” by Hinder.

Popular Movies One of the biggest movies of the year was released in theaters, The Nightmare Before Christmas. It was one of the biggest movies that came out of 2006, and it was definitely the biggest movie of October.

Popular Video Games Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories took gamers by storm. The game was the seventh best-selling game of the year, despite only being available for the PlayStation 2.

What Was the Internet Like? `The internet was so different than it is now. Nowadays, we have multiple social media accounts to juggle. Ten years ago, only MySpace existed. Facebook had just been opened to the public. And, at

the time, wasn’t very popular.

What Was in the News?

On October 9, 2006, North Korea claimed they carried out their first nuclear weapon test. Although the claim has never been confirmed, it was enough to scare the world into taking precaution. The next day, a North Korean official threatened that they would launch a nuclear missile unless United States leaders would have an in-person discussion with North Korean leaders.

How Many Students Attended Nation Ford High?

In the very first school year, NFHS was a lot smaller than it is now. According to Mrs. Boyd and Mrs. Carroll, there were 950 enrolled students, and there was no senior class. The student body has more than doubled since then, with a total of 1,978 students attending current-

ly. In fact, the student body has grown so much that new wings have been built since the beginning.

How Has Dress Code Changed Over Time?

The school’s dress code is probably one of the most controversial things that has changed since opening day. In the beginning, the dress code was simple, but very strictly enforced. The only thing that was different from our current code is that leggings were not permitted. If the rules weren’t followed, consequences were issued. Today, it’s a totally different level.

This year is the first year that clothing items like headbands and ripped jeans have been deemed as inappropriate school attire. While the majority of the student body does not agree with the new rules, Mrs. Pittman says, “The dress code is not changing.”

October 2016

10 Years

CENTERSPREAD • 9

2011 The band goes to Macy’s Day Parade in New York City

2011 First Falcon graduating class

2015 Football team takes a huge win against Fort Mill High with a score of 49-27

...

Ago

Nat hom ion Fo e r Sig to thou d High n s have ificant ands fo School even r th has left e t s i p n in th ast been a have delib lear le me e scho 10 yea mo ol’ ne rs the d and h ries to s histor .

Fal con ave gro those w y ho fam w ily. n in

Fall 2 016 Nation Ford High has bee n running 1 years s 0 trong

Past Graduates Where Are They Now? 10

2008-2009 “i cannot believe the school has been open for 10 years. it blows my mind!” graduated from charleston southern university in 2013 cheer team, soccer team, spanish club, youth in government, yearbook, and student council. currently working at aspen dental in augusta, ga.

October 2016

10

2008-2012; health science junior and varisty cheer, hosa, and spirit club clemson univeristy (english major), alpha phi sorority currently works for bb&t life insurances in charlotte in application analysis/sales support

10

2009-2013; “i had a great experience going to nation ford...” currently enrolled in online college through usc columbia studying elementary education & a part time nanny and substitute teacher spirit club, hosa & soccer

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8 • SPORTS

Varsity Football Saucin’ On The Season Emily Skroly With a strong defense 9 weeks into the season, the Varsity Football team is 6-2 and ready to take on the Northwestern Trojans tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the NAFO stadium.

Senior captains Alex Stennett, Corbin Tesimale, Damian Peeples, and Halen Burgess are leading the team through a successful season, and say they are hoping to make it to playoffs for the second year in a row.

In the Homecoming game the team took on Indian Land High School on Oct. 3. The Falcons had

“Overall, the team is doing really well..

Ben Bruckner (’17) an easy victory, with a final score of 40-3, adding another win to season.

On Sept. 23, the team took on Indian Land High School, for the Falcon’s Homecoming game. The Falcons had an easy victory, with a final score of 40-3, adding another win to season.

The team won decisively with a 42-13 victory over the Clover Blue Eagles on Sept. 30 at Clover stadium.

After bringing home the victory against York Comprehensive High School, the boys were confident go-

Ashley Garcia

Ashley Garcia

During practice, Coach Wayne Richardson runs a defensive line drill with Matt Montgomery (‘17) defensive back, Jaylen kneels (‘19) defensive end/ tackle, Deandre Watkins (‘17) defensive end, and Tim Smith (‘18) wide receiver/defensive back. ing into the home game against Lancaster High School on Sept. 16. The game ended in another Falcon victory and a continuation of the defensive record - the least amount of points scored against Nation Ford.

Ben Bruckner (’17) says that the team prepares for big games by giving their all during practice with no days off.

Varsity Coach Michael Allen says the team was bruised up early in the season for few weeks and suffered a big loss

when Bryce Kopyta (’17) tore his ACL during the second game of the season, against South Pointe High School.

“Overall, the team is doing really well, always supporting each other on and off the field,” Bruckner said.

For Martinez Play Becomes Work As Referee Raj Dwivedi Frank Martinez (‘20) hears the loud ringing of his phone, and he slowly drags himself out of bed. It is 6:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning, and he has to referee four soccer games.

Martinez goes downstairs, where his mother is making him breakfast.

Blurry-eyed, he sits at the kitchen table to eat his eggs and bacon and drink his coffee. He needs as much caffeine as he can get. After breakfast, he puts on his refereeing jersey, black shorts, a pair of soccer cleats, and grabs his stopwatch and whistle.

As his mother drives him to the soccer fields, Martinez thinks about how much he’ll have to run today.

“They usually assign me about four to five games a day,” he says.

“The length of each game depends on the age group and can last anywhere from 40-90 minutes.” He hopes that the head referee only assigns him four games so he can go home sooner and finish his homework before he goes to bed.

When they arrive at the soccer fields, Martinez rushes over to the head referee to tell him that he has arrived. Shortly, the first game of the morning starts, and Martinez jogs onto the field where he finds both teams lined up and waiting for him. “Good morning. My name is Frank and I’ll be your referee today,” he says.

He points to the team on his left and says, “Please call it in the air.” He tosses the coin.

“Tails!” the team’s captain calls out. After a few thumps, the coin lands on the ground.

It’s tails!”

Martinez yells.

The captain opts to take the ball first. Martinez hands them

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the soccer ball, and they throw the ball in. The game begins.

Martinez runs up and down the field, blowing his whistle. For Martinez, it’s the most fun in the world.

“The love of soccer runs in my family,” he says. “The thing that got me interested was my dad.

He was a great soccer player in his prime, and he had scholarships to clubs he played with.”

The love of soccer rubbed off on Martinez at a young age.

“I have been playing for 15 years and have played on many recreational and travel soccer teams, as well as my middle school team,” he said.

After finishing his first game, Martinez congratulates the winning team and slowly walks off the field, sweat dripping down his face.

He sits down on a bench, wipes his face, and gulps down two bottles of water. Then he sips some Gatorade.

He eats a couple handfuls of trail mix. His next game starts in five minutes, and he has stay hydrated.

Martinez was born in Mexico, where soccer is the most popular sport.

“What I wanted to do like any other kid in the world is be a professional soccer player,” said Martinez.

His family immigrated to the United States and settled in Fort Mill when he was 10-years-old.

While growing up in the United States, Martinez played on several teams, but he did not know that a person could become a referee at such a young age.

“When I realized that I could become a ref and watch people play soccer while getting paid, I immediately applied for a refereeing job,” he said.

All referees work for the league in which they referee. To become a soccer referee, Martinez registered

Waiting for a game before his to end so he can get on the pitch and officiate the next game, Frank Martinez (‘20) prepares to work at Tega Cay Middle School on Oct. 15.

on www.arbitersports.com. The site gives applicants a step-by-step guide on how to become a referee.

One of the requirements is that all applicants must attend an in-class clinic and pass a test to make sure they have an excellent knowledge of soccer and the rules.

Soccer referees like Martinez can make anywhere from $22-$70 per game, depending on the age group for which they are refereeing.

Referees have a lot of pressure on them because some of the calls they make can cost a team a a crucial win. It isn’t unusual for parents of young players to yell at referees during the game.

“There was one time when I was refereeing a U13 game when I had to take a goal away from a team because they had violated the offsides rule, and they lost the game because of this. A lot of the

parents were very mad and a couple yelled at me,” Martinez said.

After a tough day of refereeing four games, Martinez goes home and works on his homework. It’s a challenge to balance work and school, he said.

“I organize myself so that I don’t work on weekdays, because I save those days for school only,” he said.

“This allows me to do less work on the weekends so that I can work. This job takes up about half of my weekend.”

He devotes a lot of time and hard work to his job and to school, but even with these demanding activities, he always makes time to be with his family.

The love of soccer and family and his determination are what keeps him going everyday.

“I truly love what I do,” says Martinez, “and I hope that I can continue doing this job for a long time.”

October 2016

SPORTS• 9

Girls Tennis Team Finishes Tough Season White was the team’s number 2 varsity singles player until she got The Nation Ford ladies tennis team injured and lost a really valuable had a tough season with a record of player. White has competed in com3-8. The team had a recent change in petitive tennis tournaments, which their line up with Josie Perez (17’) ris- included the Junior State Tournament, ing up to the varsity number 1 singles which she played in over the summer. spot after beating Natalie Sawyer (‘20). The tournament helped her im The girls lost their last match against prove tremendously as she played Charlotte Catholic on Sept. 10 on their more challenging players, and it alSenior Night. They lowed her to imalso lost against their prove her technique. ”We did improve in rival Fort Mill 0-6.

White is upset that Although the team she can’t play, but every match...” lost, the coach was is excited that she still proud of her can come out and --Coach Julie Sawyer team. ”We did imsupport her team. prove in every match, “I was really deand we’re a little plagued by inju- pressed at first because I was reries, but we are continuing to im- ally excited that I bumped up so prove with a team of all first-time much, and I worked for it all to starters,” said Coach Julie Sawyer. end up not playing – but I’ve got The team currently has two in- ten better about it recently, and jured players. Sawyer is currently I just like coming to the games to injured but has continued to play. support the team,” White said..

Leah White (‘19) has been out for Unfortunately, the girls will not be most of the season due to a wrist in- advancing in their conference due to so jury and is allowing her wrist to heal. few wins this season.

Jaddey Feliz- Cabrera

Preparing to serve the ball, Elizabeth Little (‘19) practices while Lily Do (‘17) and Natalie Sawyer (‘20) observe her technique on Sept. 27 at Nation Ford.

Wrestling Team Preparing For Upcoming Season Andrew Thurman Wrestling is already kicking into gear and getting ready for the upcoming season that starts Oct. 31.

The team lost three seniors who graduated last year, but they have six seniors on the team this year.

Coach Daniel Snell is enthusiastic about the upcoming season.

The team is already in preparation

mode for their upcoming opponents.

Currently, the team is working on conditioning, running outside and lifting weights.

“We have great people, great support from the community, our administration, and phenomenal facilities,” he said.

Coach Snell has a lot of experience coaching wrestling. “This is my tenth year as a wrestling coach,” he said. “I’ve previously coached in

Ohio and North Carolina,” he said.

The team is looking forward to competing against cross-town rivals and making a run for a dual and individual state title.

“I’m looking forward to facing some great teams this year and focusing on becoming a better wrestler,” said Josh Paxtor (’18).

“I look forward to facing Fort Mill and going to state qualifiers and fac-

ing some of the state’s great competition,” said Keane McClellan (‘18).

“We have a very strong region … Fort Mill & Rock Hill are our biggest rivals,” said Coach Snell.

“Senior Night will be against Fort Mill, and there is nowhere to hide on a wrestling mat. We are looking forward to taking out Fort Mill in front of a sold out crowd in the annual “Crosstown Throwdown,” Coach Snell.

Cross Country Team Runs The Distance To Victory Frank Martinez Hoping to outrun the competition at the State Qualifyer meet, the cross country team goes head to head against the clock to get the fastest time in the meet on Saturday, Oct. 29 in Sandhills, Columbia.

Coached by Jason Byrne and his wife Jocelyn Byrne, assistant coach, the most recent meet was against Rock Hill both teams lost, but in the third meet, both guys and girls took third place against Furman High in Greenville, SC. “The competition’s top runners are faster, but overall we are faster,” Coach Byrne said.

At the following home meet against Clover, the boys lost but the ladies took home a victory.

Falcons finished in the top 20 spots at the international invitational in the eye-opener meet Spartanburg, SC on Sept.

3.

Students practice by running between 3 and 10 miles a day.

This amount of running increases their stamina allowing them to run at a fast speed for a long time.

Racing is a mental competition, according to team captain Ben Kelly (‘16). Coach Byrne agrees. He

Jalen Hodges Running together on Anne Springs Greenway during practice, Abigal Audette (‘17), Addy Rogers (‘19), and Olivia Kuebler (‘19) run in preparation for up coming Cross Country meet. says racing has two parts: neurological, stretching synaps and impulses, and the physical element.

To be a Nation Ford runner is tough. “[It takes] dedication and

perseverance. When you’re hurt, you have to push through,” he said.

The long distance running prepares the team for those moments in their races when their bodies are

extremely tired, and they need to get in the zone and stay focused. ‘‘I love the traditions we have as a team, and as captain I enjoy leading younger runners,” Kelly said.

Late Oct.-Early Nov. Sports Schedules Thursday Oct. 27 JV Football Fort Mill @7:30

October 2016

Thursday Oct. 27 9th Grade Football Fort Mill @5:30

Friday Oct. 28 Varsity Football Fort Mill @ 7:30pm

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10 • Lifestyles COLUMN

Eye On Your Health:

Vegetarian Diet Good For Community Jalen Hodges

The depleting ozone layer. Defor-

estation. Heart disease. All of these problems and more can be solved by joining the vegetarian community.

About 375 million people have decided that cutting out meat will benefit their bodies, but doing that also helps the planet and the many animals on it.

For the Animals In the U.S., over 30 billion animals are poorly treated and then slaughtered for our consumption. Farm animals spend their lives in scorching hot, overly populated warehouses for days on end, to the point where they can’t even turn around.

The odor of ammonia pollutes the air from the animals’ waste.

Chickens get their sensitive beaks slashed off and cows and pigs get castrated without painkillers.

For Our Bodies Heart disease, strokes, obesity and cancer, some of the leading causes of death in America, are partly due to meat consumption. The amount of cholesterol in meat builds up in blood

and can block flow, fatty acids flood or arteries. Vegans and vegetarians are 90 percent less likely to get any of these diseases than the average meat eater.

“Approaching planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases,” says W.J. Craig of the American Dietetic Association. But this can be bad for the body if vegetarians don’t get the right nutrition their bodies need. For example, a cheese pizza and soda would be considered part of a vegetarian diet, but it would not give the protein that a healthy body needs.

For the Earth More than half of all green-house gas emissions are caused from the animal agriculture industry, according to a report conducted by the Worldwatch Institute. The report says that half of America’s water supply is used cleaning animal flesh and their living quarters. It also states that forests are going up in flames to make more room for these farms. This results in soil erosion, and even species extinction.

What to Eat

• Beans • Quinoa • Dark greens • Tofu

• Nuts • Various fruits • Soybeans • Check vegetarian restaurants

How to Transition

• Have good reasons • Research, Research, Research!

• Try one recipe a week • Try meat substitutions • Slowly cut out your meat consumption • Make sure to get your protein!

• Have fun!

What are the Dangers?

• Possibility of not getting enough B12 • Vitamin D deficiency • Low Iron levels

• Weak bones • Insufficient levels of omega-3 fatty acids

Weight Lifting Nourishes Mind, Body growth of brain cells, and growth of many different kinds stem cells, which comes with benefits such as improvement in memory skills and learning aptitude. One study, performed by the Harvard School of Public Health, also shows that regular physical activity lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and strokes. Exercise also improves sleep, boosts mood, and keeps cognitive functions sharp as the body grows older and older.

While many fear the negative effects of lifting weights while young, such as growth stunting, Nation

Nathan Tyson At times, a student’s life can be too overwhelming to keep fitness at the top of the priority list, and finding time to exercise outside of school can be a difficult task. But luckily, Nation Ford has a class that solves that dilemma. Weightlifting.

The students taking this class are expected to see a great change in both their physical and mental health, according to their physical education teacher Jared Adamson.

“Weightlifting has inspired me to eat healthier so that both my

“I really care about my body, and [working out] definitely helps a lot with baseball.”

-Levi Kenley (‘17) confidence and health are at peak performance,” said Preston Berger (‘18), who enrolled in this extremely opportune and useful class.

To those wary of taking weightlifting, ‘staying in shape’ doesn’t necessarily mean drinking protein shake upon protein shake and eating super fruits daily. It really means giving your body what it needs and staying active.

“If you eat right, you won’t need protein shakes and kale,” said Adamson. However, simply wanting to be fit won’t make the cut for some people. Finding a motivator should keep the relevance strong.

“I really care about my body, and [working out] definitely helps a lot with baseball,” said Levi Kenley’s (’18).

Many athletes, such as Kenley, keep themselves moving

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“Figure out what your goals are, then go from there.”

Carson Elliott

In weight lifting class, Hunter Neely (‘19) benches weights to building strength Oct 17. down the path of wellness with their love for the sport, alongside those who exercise for relaxation.

“I do it to relieve stress,” said volleyball player Ava Philbeck (’18).

The idea is backed by a plethora of studies proving that exercise not only enhances the body – it also nourishes the mind and rids the mind of negative emotions. As it turns out, the term “dumb jock” may be an oxymoron.

In the weightlifting class, Mr. Adamson makes sure to work on every important muscle group along with cardio exercises to keep his stu-

dents balanced. Cardio is extremely important to keep in the routine, as it benefits the heart and veins.

Many think that cardio exercises are far superior at burning fat than lifting weights, but that is not necessarily true.

Lifting burns much more calories overall than cardio, with sprinting being the exception to that general rule. In addiCarson Elliott tion, lifting weights adds muscle and cuts fat. While most cardio exercises definitely cut fat, they also come along with the risk of losing muscle mass.

Keeping the blood pumping through the brain encourages the

Benefits of Weight Lifting Relieves Stress Improves memory

Builds Lean Muscle Betters heart health

Prevents heart disease and stroke

- Jared Adamson, P.E. teacher Ford nurse Kristen Maxwell denies that concern as simply a myth.

“The main thing that the kids in weightlifting need to worry about are repeated motion injuries, and those can be avoided simply by using caution while lifting,” says Mrs. Maxwell.

Mayo Clinic, Center for Disease Control, and the American Heart Association report that only 30 minutes of physical activity each day, at a minimum, is enough to keep the body active and fit.

If taking weightlifting or joining a gym is out of the question, then the next option is home exercises. If done properly, home exercising can be just as effective at gaining muscle and cutting fat as using any gym machine.

“Figure out what your goals are then go from there,” Mr. Adamson advises. “Learn the basic movement forms and work on proper technique.

Have a good balance of muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and body composition.”

October 2016

Features• • 11 LIFESTYLES 11

SCarowinds Open For Frightening Fun Kailey Kailey Cota Cota Bitter Bitter monsters monsters lunge lunge out out at at specspectators from every angle in a hazy tators from every angle in a hazycorn corn maze, maze,desperate desperateto toruin ruinyour yournight. night.

Laresa Laresa Thompson, Thompson, Public Public Relations Relations manager at Carowinds, manager at Carowinds, isis the the woman woman in in charge charge of of creating creating that that exhilarating, exhilarating, theme theme park park atmosphere. atmosphere. SCarowinds SCarowinds isis open now, open now, on on weekends weekends until until Oct. Oct. 30th, with prices varying 30th, with prices varying dependdepending ing on on the the night night and and ticket ticket option. option.

“What’s most important “What’s most importantto tome meisisthat that II create create that that positive positive image,” image,” ThompThompson son said. said. “It’s “It’s also also my my job job to to let let folks folks know about all of the good things know about all of the good thingsthat that are are happening, happening, all all of of the the events events such such as asSCarowinds SCarowindsthat thathappen happenhere hereat atthe the park as well as regular park operations.” park as well as regular park operations.”

SCarowinds SCarowinds has has been been open open 16 16 years and has new mazes each years and has new mazes each year. year.

“We “We actually actually talk talk to to our our guests guests and and say ‘Hey what is it that you’d say ‘Hey what is it that you’d like like to to see?’ see?’ so so that’s that’s how how we we come come up up with with those those new new ideas… ideas… We We have have aa new new corn maze, Dark Harvest, corn maze, Dark Harvest, as as well well as as Psycho Psycho Circus Circus which which II think think you’ll you’ll thoroughly thoroughly enjoy,” enjoy,” Thompson Thompson said. said.

There is something There is something for for eveveryone eryone at at SCarowinds, SCarowinds, as as long long as as you’re you’re willing willing to to be be scared. scared.

“So I was really cool in high “So I was really cool in highschool, school,so so we wehave haveone onethat’s that’scalled calledZombie ZombieHigh High so sothat’s that’smy myfavorite,” favorite,”said saidThompson.

Thompson.

However, if customers However, if customers are are still still on the frightened side, there on the frightened side, there are are ‘Boo ‘Boo Necklaces’ Necklaces’ that that they they can can purpurchase chase to to keep keep monsters monsters from from perpersonally frightening the sonally frightening the visitor. visitor.

“Get “Get aa Boo Boo Necklace Necklace ifif you you don’t don’t want to be scared but you still want to be scared but you still want want to to come come out out and and ride ride your your favorfavorite ite rides rides at at night,” night,” said said Thompson.

Thompson.

"

“Expect to be scared and feel the thrills and chills...”

- Laresa Thompson, Public Relations Relations Manager manager Public

Trying herKailey best to scare the living daylights out of people, Makinley Porter works her shift at Massacres at the SCarowPhoto Cota Photo by by Kailey Cota inds preview that took place on Sept. 14.

Student Student Alex Alex Cueto Cueto (’19) (’19) took took adadvantage of the opportunity vantage of the opportunity to to ride ride some some rollercoasters rollercoasters in in the the dark. dark.

“I went on The Hurler, “I went on the hurler, and and itit kind kind of of made made me me want want to to throw throw up… so yeah you should up… so yeah you should come, come, it’s it’s really really fun,” fun,” said said Cueto.

Cueto.

Opening Openingnight nightof ofSCarowinds SCarowindstakes takes alots lot of ofpreparation, preparation,and andthen thencontinualcontinually eachand andevery every night night of ly each of the the season. season.

“We have to start planning “We have to start planningfor forSCaSCarowinds rowindsright rightafter afterititends endsthe theyear yearbebefore, fore, so so we we started started planning planning [for [for this this season] season] last last November, November, and and the the real real things get underway in January,” things get underway in January,” she she said. said.

“We “We have have more more than than 400 400 monmonsters, so we have to get sters, so we have to get them them all all ready, ready, we we start start usually… usually… around around

33 o’clock, o’clock, getting getting them them dressed dressed up up and ready to go,” Thompson and ready to go,” Thompson said. said.

Once the monsters in their Onceall theofmonsters are inare their placplaces, customers 13 and older can bees, customers 13 and older can begin gin the experience that is SCarowinds. the experience that is SCarowinds. AfAfter bringing sister to SCarowter bringing herher sister to SCarowinds, inds, Cueto agrees to respect age Cueto agrees to respect the agethe recomrecommendation in the future. mendation in the future.

“I “Iwent wentwith withmy mysister sisterwho’s who’s8,8,and and she was super scared,” Cueto she was super scared,” Cuetosaid. said.

Even if customers aregorestricted to If someone waits to till an oldan older age, suspense can only be built er age, then it will be just as thrilling. up for what to is to in future visits.

“Expect become scared and feel the thrills “Expect to be scared and feel the and chills here at SCarowinds. thrills and here at You get to chills ride some of SCarowinds. your favorite You get to ride some of favorite rides still, and you alsoyour get to enjoy rides still, and you also get to some of our fall foods: we haveenjoy a fall some our as fallwell foods: havefritter,” a fall funnelofcake as anwe apple funnel cake said. as well as anare apple fritter,” Thompson “There going to be

This is a cutline Sarah Mullen with her name plays midieval and what song music on the harp she is playing atand thewhen and of Renaissance course where and Festival onelse you whatever Oct. can 2. think to say.

Mullen at and thisplays cutline must fill the white the Renaissance space soevery it doesn’t Festival year. look so bad.

This festival Very takes veryin very bad. So place I sure hope the Huntersville, N.C.

Halloween Activities " Kris McClellan

Fall Festival: 11 a.m-5:00 15077 Molokai Fall Festival: Oct.Oct. 29, 29, 11 a.m-5:00 p.m,p.m, 15077 Molokai Dr., Dr., Tega Cay, SC !

Free food and live music will be proTega Cay, SC ! Free food and live music will be provided, vided, along with contests which there will be prizes. along with contests in whichinthere will be prizes.

TheHaunted HauntedMill: Mill:7:30 7:30pm-11:00 pm-11:00pm, pm,6325 6325Wilkinson Wilkinson The Blvd.,Belmont, Belmont,NC NC! !This Thisevent eventwelcomes welcomespeople peopleofofall all Blvd., agestotojourney journeythrough throughthe themill milland andhopefully hopefullyfind findthe theexit. exit. ages SCarowinds:Hit Hitthe therides ridesand andhaunted hauntedhouses housesbefore beforethe the SCarowinds: seasonends. ends.! !Remember: Remember:SCarowinds SCarowindscloses closeson onNov. Nov.1st.

1st. season MovieMarathon: Marathon:Watch Watchaaseries seriesofofHalloween Halloweenmovies moviesall all Movie nightwhile whiledogging doggingout outon onjunk junkfood. food.! ! This Thisisisan anactivity activinight ty that the whole family can participate in. that the whole family can participate in.

Cinema:IfIfyou youdon't don'twant wanttotospend spendthe thenight nightatathome, home,then Cinema: thento head the movie theater! !There are plenty of movscary head the to movie theater! !There are plenty of scary movies coming outinjust infor time for Halloween. ies coming out just time Halloween.

Baking:Baking Bakingisisfun funfor foranyone anyoneofofany anyage. age.Get Getininthe the Baking: kitchenand andstart startcooking! cooking!! !You Youcan cantry trythe thetraditional traditional kitchen pumpkin pie, candy apples, or go all out with creepysnacks snacks pumpkin pie, candy apples, or go all out with creepy forthe thefamily. family. for PlayHalloween HalloweenThemed ThemedGames: Games:Encore, Encore,aagame gamefor forall all Play musicbirds, birds,isisaaparticularly particularlyfun fungame gametotoplay. play.! !Prepare Prepare music cards each with a three Halloween themed words such cards each with a three Halloween themed words such asas “scarecrow,”“wolf,” “wolf,”oror“nightmare.” “nightmare.”Split Splitinto intotwo twoteams teams “scarecrow,” andtry trytotofitfitthe thewords wordsinto intoaasong. song.IfIfyou youcan't can'tcome comeup up and with lyrics after 30 seconds, the other team wins the round. with lyrics after 30 seconds, the other team wins the round.

Howeveryou youdecide decidetotospend spendyour yourHalloween, Halloween,make makethe the However bestofofititand andmake makesome somefun funmemories! memories!! ! by Kris McClellan best October 2016 October 2016

Thompson said. “There toget be a lot of different things are thatgoing you’ll atolot of different things that you’ll get enjoy- besides being scared!” to beingisscared!” enjoyWhile besides SCarowinds a famous autumn Whilehit, SCarowinds is only a famous it is not the event that autumn hit, it is not the only event that Carowinds offers the public.

Carowinds offers the public.

“The Kids Fest was new this year, and “The Kidsnew FestFood was Festivals. new this year, we have This and was we have new Food Festivals.

This the second year for Bands, Brews, was and the second year for as Bands, and Barbeques, as well TasteBrews, of the CarBarbeques, as well as Taste of the Carolinas,” Thompson said. olinas,” Thompson said.

More information is available about More information is available about these events and many others on the these events and many others on Carowinds website under ‘Thingsthe to Carowinds ‘Things to Do’ and thenwebsite ‘Specialunder Events’.

Do’ and then ‘Special Events’.

Carowinds offers plenty of yearlong activities, Carowinds offers plenty yearlong but SCarowinds isofonly open activities, but SCarowinds is only for the fall, so fans will want toopen take for the fall, of so this fansopportunity will want towhile take advantage advantage they can. of this opportunity while

photographers did

Renassaince Festival Rocks Open For Frightening Fun The festival offers variety ofshows,

activities - whether it’saenjoying Alexa LaFranca LaFranca & & Emily Emily Berrill Berrill Alexa

Inaacircle, circle,dancers dancershold holdhands handswhile while In singing an an old old Renaissance Renaissance song. song. PeoPeosinging ple walk walk around around with with giant giant turkey turkey ple legs, and and kids kids in in medieval medieval costumes costumes legs, chase each each other, other, and and men men carry carry roses roses chase andcall callout outto totheir theirlovers. lovers.The Thescent scentof of and chocolate lingers lingers near near the the fudge fudge shop, shop, chocolate and the the harpist harpist starts starts to to play. play. and The Renaissance Renaissance Festival Festival is is one one of of The the most most popular popular festivals festivals that that North North the Carolina hosts hosts each each year year and and for for good good Carolina reason. Thousands Thousands of of people people make make reason. their way way to to Huntersville Huntersville from from Oct. Oct. 11 their to Nov. Nov. 20 20 to to experience experience aa blast blast from from to the past past for for aa $23 $23 adult adult admission admission ticktickthe et.Prices Pricesvary, vary,so socheck checkthe thewebsite websitefor for et. information on on prices prices and and coupons. coupons. information “I had had so so much much fun fun at at the the fesfes “I tival!” said said Kat Kat Schemine Schemine (’17). (’17). “I “I tival!” loved seeing seeing everyone everyone come come in in coscosloved tumes and and interact interact with with the the workers. workers. tumes My favorite favorite part part was was the the incense incense and and My candle stores. stores. II had had aa great great time time and and candle can hopefully hopefully go go again again next next year!” year!” can The festival offers a variety of

activities - whether it’s enjoying shows, shops, games, or food, every venture shops, the games, or food, venture makes times of theevery Renaissance makes the times of the Renaissance seem especially real. real. seem Theespecially festival is suited for all ages The festival is suited for and all ages – rides, face painting, crafts cre– rides, face painting, craftsenjoyable and creating wax hands are also atingkids. waxFor hands also there enjoyable for the are adults, are for kids.fortune For the adults,and there are games, telling, more. fortune telling,coming and up, more. games, With the fall season it the With the fall season up, it is perfect time to gocoming the festival is thefamily perfectortime to goWhile the festival with friends. there, with family or friends.

While spectators learn about the past.there, The spectatorsshow learn isabout the entertainpast. The jousting highly jousting is highly ing as areshow the opera singers.entertainFriendingworkers as are the opera singers. Friendly stayed in character at all ly workers stayed character at all times adding the in overall aesthetic. adding the into overall aesthetic. times It’s $5 to enter the medieval It’s $5museum. to enter Walking into the medieval torture through torture through the dark museum. and dustyWalking halls, you learn the dark and dusty you learn how criminals were halls, punished and how rough criminals and how life were couldpunished have been. roughwe’d life recommend could havethebeen. how Overall, Re Overall,Festival the Renaissance Festival is naissance for anyone intera good a fun weekend.

Bring ested inchoice a fun for weekend.

Make sure to extra cash crafts, games,games, and food. bring extrafor cash for crafts, and food.

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