The Talon vol. 10 issue 2

The Talon

Volume 10 Number 2

Nation Ford High School

December 2016

1400 A.O. Jones Blvd.

Fort Mill, SC 29715

S.O.S.

Is Your Water Safe? 4 Bullying Teachers 6 Search & Seizure 8

2 • OP/Ed

NC House Bill 2 Discriminates Against LGBTQ+ Staff Editorial NC House Bill 2 law brings back discrimination – not against race, but for people who have been fighting for equality for a long time.

The government has no right to say what bathroom anyone can use.

Two months before the H.B.2 law was passed the City Council of Charlotte had a meeting approving LGBT protection from discrimination. Then, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a law that forces people to use the bathroom associated with the sex that is written on their birth certificate.

This bill was passed to prevent transgender people from using the restroom for the gender in which they identify. Additionally, NC has been in a battle over locker room usage for transgender people.

Those for the H.B.2 law also support the fact that restaurants have the right to put up signs that say they don’t serve the LGBT community. The people who support this heinous law are also the ones who went to the Charlotte City Council meeting and advocated that the civil right protections for LGBT people not be passed. It’s easy to say that they openly support discrimination.

H.B.2 has gotten a lot of attention and not just from NC’s own residents.

Transgender star Caitlyn Jenner tweeted a comment on the law, saying “Another day, another time for us to stand together!! Tell @PatMcCroryNC to stop this bill with the link below #NCGA.” Even North Carolina rep-

resentative David Price has commented on this odious law, saying, “The NCGA won’t hold a special session to raise teacher salaries, but they will come back to legislate discrimination? Enough is enough.”

Some schools in the United States have created a law prohibiting discrimination against sexual orientation.

In other states, students don’t have a law like H.B.2, so they must rely on federal Title XI law that prohibits sex discrimination.

The National Center of Transgender Equality (NCTE) has put up a map on their website showing which states have these laws and which don’t.

The NCTE has more information on how to help repeal bills like H.B.2.

The Supreme Court has now taken on a case about a transgender student in Virginia who wants to use the boys’ bathroom.

This case marks the first time that the Supreme Court is considering taking part in this very controversial issue that is making its way around the country.

The Justice Department of Virginia is also filing a law against the state socalled bathroom law.

Laws like H.B.2 should be repealed for all it does is allow people in this community to discriminate against something that they don’t like. According to The Constitution, we the people have the right to ask for a referendum against the law and demand it be revised or revoked.

H.B.2 is another way of disrimanting against citizens of our country. Nobody should not have to be told which bathroom they are allowed to use.

This bill was passed to prevent transgender people from using the bathroom for the gender in which they identify.

...the first time that the Supreme Court is considering taking part in this very controversial issue...

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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 PHOTO EDITOR: Emily Berrill

Staff: 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

What’s your opinion on N.C. House Bill 2?

Falcons Speak Their Minds

V

I think that [HB2] is the way to go.

- Daniel Davila ‘20

I think that transgender people should be able to use the bathroom of their choice.

- Jasmine Hope ‘20

I think that HB2 should be repealed because it’s discriminatory against transgender people.

- Kellie Fanning ‘19

If the world was a better place, and creepy people didn’t exist, then people should have every right to go where they want to go.

- Kimberley Copley ‘17

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 December 2016

OPinion• 3

Better Planning For Course Changes Needed Preston Lyerly By mandate from the South Carolina Department of Education, all Regular level classes (previously known as Tech Prep) have been eliminated from the curriculum. As a result, all students who had signed up for Regular level classes at Nation Ford have now been assigned to College Prep level classes. The change was made to provide affected students with high school credits that four-year colleges will accept. The Regular level classes were removed in each core subject year by year, and this year the change was implemented in English. As noble as these intentions may be, the manner in which the shift was handled in the English Department caused difficulties.

Parents, students and teachers were kept in the dark over the summer while the course changes were planned. The courses were not updated in the Program of Studies (and will not be updated until the 2017 - 2018 school year); the English lower level course – as well as other Regular or Tech class options – still appeared on Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) forms when students planned their schedules last year.

In addition, the students who had signed up for Regular level classes were not informed regarding a summer reading requirement, so they were expected to complete the summer coursework on top of their other classwork, which put them behind the other CP students from the beginning. These same students learned on the first day that they would have to purchase a vocabulary book for $13.

On top of that, English teachers who had been assigned in the spring Regular level classes for this year weren’t told about the schedule alterations until the week before school started.

If changes on this scale are being made to the students’ education, then it is the responsibility of the administration to inform and explain the rationale behind the changes far in advance to the students, their families, and the teachers.

Another large issue with the transition was the decision to merge all former students in Regular classes into College Prep classes without providing additional classes to support students who struggle in English, such as a class that is yearlong. (The one exception is one remedial class for freshmen before they take English I.) These decisions were solely the idea of the Nation Ford Administration; “Principals are ultimately responsible for scheduling classes,” according to Marty McGinn, Assistant Superintendent of the Fort Mill School District.

Essentially, every high school in York County has the ability to choose how to incorporate lower level classes into higher level courses; an example of this is Nation Ford’s elimination of Regular classes in math. (The last math Regular level class, ‘Geometry for the Technologies,’ will be phased out in 2017.)

However, classes such as ‘Foundations of Algebra’ and ‘Intermediate Algebra’ were created, so the Math Department still has more options for students.

Whenever Nation Ford changes course offerings, they shouldn’t try to reinvent the wheel – there should be planning and coordination with at least Fort Mill High School, if not other schools in York County.

When Fort Mill High School applied the state mandate to English, they simply left Regular classes intact and removed the “R” designation – for example, Fort Mill offers English I. These classes act like ‘Foundations of Algebra’ by providing a

more comfortably-paced class for former Regular level students, while still granting the credits that colleges will accept just like a CP class.

However, Nation Ford opted for a different approach. Instead of simply changing the name of the lower level courses, like Fort Mill High did, or like NFHS did for math, the administration took pre-existing Regular level classes and redesignated them CP classes, requiring the students to participate in more rigorous coursework than they e xpected. A few classes have co-teachers if there are large numbers of students who have learning disabilities requiring special services, but the number of special education teachers is limited.

Therefore, no students were redistributed across pre-existing CP classes, and the label of Regular (or TP) changed to CP along with expectations.

The administration cited Title VI of the Civil Rights Act as part of their reasoning for the changes as well, but the title states, “No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, col-

or, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Clearly Title VI simply tackles the matter of race in government programs such as public schools, not academic aptitude.

Nation Ford should follow Fort Mill High School’s example and provide classes that accommodate all necessary levels of education.

This large shift in academic policy was ineffectively managed by the Administration - from the lack of communication between the principals and the students, parents, and teachers to the removal of intermediate or even transitionary level English classes for students who need them.

In the future, planned changes should be articulated by Administration in time for faculty and family input, then publicized with up-to-date materials for smooth transitioning and the most appropriate student placement.

gal citizens and has campaigned against “birthright” citizenship.

“I don’t think they have American citizenship, and if you speak to some very, very good lawyers -- and I know some will disagree, but many of them agree with me -- and you’re going to find they do not have American citizenship,” Trump said during his campaign.

The reason why Trump does not support birthright citizens is because some people migrate to the United States to have their babies and move back to their country. Some people do that in order for their children to receive dual citizenship, but Trump thinks that their American citizenship shouldn’t hold up in court.

On the other hand, Hillary Clinton encouraged immigrants to become birthright citizens, but she thinks that those children whose parents have been deported should be sent back to their country.

“They should be sent back as soon as it can be determined who responsible adults in their families are”, stated Clinton during her presidential run.

The United States currently has the right to deport undocumented immigrants even though they have children who are legal citizens. If the U.S. government does deport the parents and not the children, then there will be a higher rate of orphans in the United States.

What the U.S. can do is allow the children to go back with their parents and give the parents an opportunity to get citizenship the legal way.

Many republicans want to change the 14th Amendment because it would reduce the number of immigrants who are allowed in the United States.

The irony is that most American’s ancestors were immigrants; they wouldn’t be here today if their ancestors never came to the United States. Republicans call for a strict interpretation of the constitution, but it strictly says that everyone

born in the United States is a legal citizen. So how much stricter it can get?

If birthright citizenship were to be denied, then where would those born in the United States go? They would be stateless, because if they were deported, they aren’t considered citizens of the country that their parents are from.

Also, they would lack legal resources, the ability to get jobs, and could even face persecution.

The United States should stick by the Fourteenth Amendment because it clearly states that all of those born in the United States, no matter if their parents are documented or not, are citizens of the United States.

They should not have the right to reside here be taken away because their parent are not legal citizens.

Each of those babies who is born in the United States of America is a natural citizen and is their own person.

They shouldn’t be punished because of their parents’ actions.

Students arrived to school on the first day of the year unprepared for their own English class.

Preston Lyerly

Born In The USA: All Deserve Citizenship Jaddey Feliz Cabrera Should babies born in the United States to undocumented immigrants become birthright citizens?

Lately this has been a very controversial issue, and some want the Fourteenth Amendment to be amended so that birthright citizens are not considered legal citizens of the United States.

Anyone who is born in the United States shouldn’t have their citizenship taken away for any reason.

The Fourteenth Amendment clearly defines who is considered a citizen of the United States. “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” reads the US Constitution Amendment XIV section 1.

President-elect Donald Trump said he believes that citizens born to undocumented immigrants in the United States are not considered le-

The Fourteenth Amendment clearly defines who is considered a citizen of the United States.

December 2016

If birthright citizenship were to be denied, then where would those born in the United States go?

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The Talon

4 • News

Students Help At Operation Christmas Child Alexa LaFranca Each year, as the holiday season approaches, many children aren’t as fortunate as others. On Christmas morning, they don’t get to run downstairs and look at all the presents Santa brought them under their tree. Sadly, this situation is too common, even in Fort Mill. Luckily, students at Nation Ford have been working with Operation Christmas Child to provide presents for children whose families who can’t afford them.

Thanks to churches in the Fort Mill community, NAFO Student Council, and local volunteers, every child’s dream can be a reality this Christmas.

Operation Christmas Child starts their mission with people ordering boxes, filling them with toys, school supplies, and accessories and returning the shoe boxes to be sent out to families in need.

With nearly 80,000 volunteers, Operation Christmas Child is a huge success. Operation Christmas Child has filled and sent over 135 million shoe boxes since 1993, according to Samaritans Purse. With the help of more than 150 countries, Operation Christmas Child hopes to fill 12 million more

Justin McGuirl

Lending a helping hand, Camilla Rivas (‘19) and Cece Rahal (‘19) pack shoe boxes on Nov. 22 at Samaritan’s Purse processing center to send boxes of toys and more to children in need. shoeboxes this year.

Students such as Emily Bott (’17) and Camille Beck (’17) get the opportunity to help with Operation Christmas Child this year.

“Knowing that the boxes go to real children who will love them, feel

loved, and receive Christmas is my favorite part of working with Operation Christmas Child,” said Bott. “It reminds the community to give back as well as consider those who have next to nothing in other countries.”

“I know that the shoeboxes go to

Locals Raise Funds For Cancer Research In 5K

Christmas Parade Celebrates Fort Mill’s Diverse Cultures Jori Benton The annual Fort Mill Christmas Parade took place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. on Tom Hall Street and featured the Nation Ford High School and Fort Mill High School marching bands and colored guards, Fort Mill City Council members, and of course, Santa Clause.

Fort Mill businesses, schools, and programs participated in the family-friendly parade.

This year’s theme was “Christmas Around the World“ to celebrate different families’ ways of celebrating the holiday.

Participants in the parade are always

encouraged to have the most flamboyant and outrageous decorations on their floats while still maintaining the theme. The unit with the best decorations will take home the trophy, and the winner will be announced Dec. 12 at the Town Council Meeting.

The Grand Marshall will led the parade starting on Tom Hall and Unity Street and continued through the historic downtown Fort Mill before exited from the Walter Elisha Park.

Folks tuned in on Channel 115, who filmed the entire parade from start to finish from Main Street by the railroad. Last year’s parade the Carolina Panthers Percussion Ensemble, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Fort Mill History Museum.

Kris McClellan On the third Thursday of every month Wear Blue: Run to Remember meets at Veterans Park in downtown Fort Mill to honor armed service men and women who have fallen or who are fighting, and their families. Their next meeting will be held on Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

The non-profit charity reaches out to support those who have family and friends fighting in the military.

They recognize the loyalty and sacrifice made by veterans when they leave to defend the country.

This year’s theme

A Circle of Remembrance is held before running a 5K sponsored by the organization. The name of each military member who has fallen on that specific weekend within the past 13 years of war is announced.

Afterwards members share the name of the person they personally run for. They strive to unite civilians and military.

Wear Blue is completely voluntary and does not require any registration fees or dues to attending meetings.

All donations are accepted and given to support and expand the program.

Wear Blue invites all to join them for the run to support all veterans and their families.

“They recognize the loyalty and sacrifice made by veterans...”

is ‘Christmas Around the World.’

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people in need, and they always have a special way of getting to the right child at the right time,” said Beck.

If students are wanting to get involved this year, they can go on the Operation Christmas Child website to find out more information.

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Fort Mill’s Water Supply Could Become Contaminated

Older Homes Built Before 1986 Are More Likely To Have Lead Pipes, Fixtures & Solder The Talon

Ashley Garcia & Emily Berrill Water contaminated by lead.

It happened in Flint, MI and in fact, it has happened in Fort Mill.

So, is the drinking water safe?

Fort Mill buys water directly from Rock Hill and pumps water from the Catawba River, and is then purified for distribution. In 2015, Fort Mill purchased more than 800 million gallons of water from the City of Rock Hill.

Riverview Community Water System (RCWS) is required to test its water quarterly, and the water that people drink is tested at least 12 times a year.

The water is considered safe because of all the purifying that takes place before distribution, according to RCWS. But what about lead? Lead can enter drinking water through corroded water pipes. Pipes have a higher chance of corrosion when water is high in acid or contains low amounts of minerals. The amount of lead that should be in water is zero because lead

is a toxic metal that can be harmful to human health even at low legal levels.

According to the EPA, if more than 10 percent of tap water samples exceed the legal lead limits, then water systems are required to take additional action. On Jan. 27 the water in Foxwood neighborhood in in Fort Mill had water contaminated by lead, according to Carolina Water Service.

Foxwood homes were first built between the years 1974 and 1986, and the neighborhood had a lead violation of 57 ppb in their drinking water. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures, and solder.

If people are concerned about contaminants in their water, they can have their water tested by a reputable water testing company,” said Mrs. Katherine Seastead who teaches Environmental Science. “You can purchase filters to place on your faucet to remove any contaminants… run the water for 15 -30 seconds prior to its use to remove additional contaminants.”

December 2016

news • 5

Meet the New Members of the School Board The Talon interviewed the candidates who won election to the Fort Mill School Board this fall.

Carson Elliott

Q

uestions:

1. Why did you run for school board?

2. What are some of your goals for improving Fort Mill schools?

3. In your opinion, what are some of the biggest issues in Fort Mill schools?

4. What are some traits you have will prepare you for being on the board?

5. Why do you think the voters elected

Kristy Spears

Tom Audette

Scott Fratarolli

Kristy Spears

on the board from my years of Change Management, Risk and Compliance I have been volunteering with with BAC. I really didn’t run on a platform FMSD for the last few years of ‘change’ for the district. I think since I retired from Bank of America. I have been incredibly impressed most of the decisions we will face in the with the way the district is run and next four years will be ways to keep the have really enjoyed all of the oppor- excellence we have today in the face of tunities for involvement. When Scott growing student population and flat or Patterson decided not to run again, I shrinking budgets. There are already knew his seat would be available. I several items on the district’s stratewas thrilled at the opportunity to be- gic plan that involve expanding AP, come even more involved, and I felt CATE, languages, etc. that I would like like I have skills that would be useful to see implemented as planned.

3.

Tom Audette

3.

1.

2.

1.

I am very proud to be part of the nationally ranked Fort Mill School District and it has been an honor to be Fort Mill School Board Member the last four years. I am also honored to be reelected for a second term. Thank you to everyone in the district for your support.

I am involved with multiple sub committees, strategic planning committee’s (from budgeting, hiring, land agreement, policy design, etc. along with state and federal law that affect our district) along would being a monthly public spokesman/ advocate for strong school safety for the Fort Mill School District. We have increased the level of security

Scott Fratarolli When I worked for the district, I always told myself that when I retired I would run for School Board. Public education has always been a part of my life, and I’ve missed being part of the district over the last year. I decided that since my own children were in school and I still had a lot of contacts within the district, running for School Board in the most recent election made a lot of sense to me.

1.

2.

While there are some things related to the Fort Mill School District

December 2016

at our schools, including adding additional security officers at our elementary schools. I currently have 3 daughters that attend the Fort Mill School district, so the reason for running for reelection is to continue driving for excellence in all areas for our nationally ranked Fort Mill School District!

2.

There are multiple goals we have in place to continue our excellence from within the Fort Mill School District. One of those goals is to continue to build state of the art schools for our students. Our students again will have the pleasure of enjoying two new top notch schools which will be our new middle school which is opening in 2017 and our new high school which is opening in 2019.

that I am passionate about, I am part of a team of seven that will govern the policies and procedures of the district.

I hope to bring a unique skillset to the Board with my educational experiences and background that will make a difference in discussions we have as a team. Most importantly, I believe in working collaboratively with the district stakeholders as challenges, decisions, and the need for change arise.

3.

The biggest issues in Fort Mill look different than the issues of other public schools in our state.

I believe our issues reside in three main areas – accountability, growth

Our growing population will require more school facilities, more teachers and more general staff, all of which require additional funding. This is a problem not necessarily shared by the majority of districts in SC as FMSD is growing at a rate significantly higher than anyone else.

4.

During my 24 years at Bank of America, I held leadership positions involving Change Management, Risk Management and Compliance. I see all three of these skills as being ap-

The top two issues I feel that are facing the school district would be the challenge of generating operating revenue through act 388. Because of our rapid residential growth it is causing a financial challenge for operating revenue. There is an in balance between residential growth and business growth. The second would construction cost for new school building because of the approximate 8% per year student growth, roughly 1000 new students per year which relates to additional schools that need to be built.

4.

The experience that I have gained in the last four years as your Fort Mill Board member along with my education and leadership experience would be the traits I would carry from

and funding.

Accountability is a wonderful thing for all of public education. I have it listed as an issue because accountability drives the challenge to not settle for status quo. Our district needs to continue to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to school safety, instructional practices and facility maintenance.

4.

I am an effective communicator.

This one trait plays a part in so many other traits that will assist me with this position - Examples: being able to effectively build strong relationships with anybody – regardless of any factors (age, socioeconomic

plicable to the Board of Trustees, along with my existing knowledge of District policies and procedures.

5.

I have spent a lot of time the last few years involved in many different areas of the School District and as a result, I have relationships with parents and faculty at almost all schools across the district. I hope those individuals cast a vote for me because they have seen my dedication, my work ethic, and my ability to work with others for the good of the schools.

the last four years into the next four years on the Fort Mill School Board.

5.

The Fort Mill School Board election is an at large election process and there were three school board seats up for election. On Nov. 8 there were three candidates that got elected to fill those seats.

I think the reason I was reelected for one of the seats was my experience and accomplishment I gained in the last four years as your Fort Mill School Board member. I think that helped me to get reelected for the next four years as your Fort Mill School Board member.

Thank you to everyone in the district for your support!

background, education level, etc.); sound and fair decision-making abilities; and being able to communicate a shared vision.

5.

All of the candidates in this election had the passion and the leadership qualities needed for a position on the Board. I had 19 years of experience in the district as a teacher and an administrator, and overwhelming I believe I had positive and influential relationships with thousands of families and staff members in the district. I believe the results were a testament to the way people felt about my leadership experience.

The Talon

6 • Centerspread

“Don’t be ashamed of your story – it will inspire others.”

-Anonymous

From Suicidal To Hopeful: Teens Can Recover Names of students in this article have been changed to protect their privacy.

I

“

Raegan Craddock

felt like a stress factor to everyone… my parents were always fighting, and I felt bothersome,” says Nation Ford High School student, Emma.

Emma is one of a number of students who attempted to end her life, but now is proud to say that for the most part, she’s happy.

Nationally, there are about 12 people per every 100,000 who take their own lives. South Carolina’s average is 14 per every 100,000. The community wonders why so many Nation Ford students have attempted or followed through with taking their own lives.

“The reason it keeps happening, is because it has happened,” said Lane Liotta, Lead Clinician of the Fort Mill School District’s Behavioral & Mental Health Services. Mrs. SLiotta says this issue has nothing at all to do with the school itself.

The Contagion of Suicidal Behavior is a theory written by Columbia University and the New York Psychiatric Institute based on studies of media reports of suicide, suicide clusters, and the impact of the exposure of adolescents to a suicidal peer.

These factors are what Mrs. Liotta believes is to be the main cause of the misfortunes of the school.

After Emma’s diagnosis, she was admitted into a facility in Connecticut by the name of Silver Hill Mental Health Hospital, where she stayed for two weeks and received treatment. “It [the facility] was terrifying… but in the long run was a huge help,” explained Emma. She described her experience as being kept mostly in isolation, but she also discussed how being isolated was what she needed.

“Had I not been locked up for a while, I would have really followed through with ending my life…Looking back on it now I’m glad I didn’t,” she said.

Major red flags that signal suicidal feelings are giving away possessions, reconnecting with past loved ones, saying goodbyes, taking unnecessary risks, and making threats of violence online. The most common signal from Nation Ford students has been direct verbalization in expressing suicidal thoughts, according to Mrs. Liotta.

“Depression knows no socioeconomic boundary,” explains Mrs. Liotta. Depression is more common among males and younger middle school students. This disease also tends to be seasonal, hitting people harder than any other time during the winter. According to Mental Health America, 30 – 70 percent of suicide victims suffered from major depression or bipolar disorder.

Also, over 20 percent of suicides involve people with alcohol and/or drug related problems.

In the event a suicide occurs within the Fort Mill School District, crisis teams are brought into the affected school to provide assistance and counseling for students and teachers in the classes the child attended and to whomever else should need help.

Teachers and staff are trained to know how to handle speaking and providing emotional aid to students in those times of need as well. The school is currently working with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to install a suicide awareness program in all HS101 classes in the district, teaching the students what to watch for and how to handle a peer with suicidal thoughts.

“My life has turned around significantly,” explains Emma. “I have a loving girlfriend who I also love very much, my parents have learned how to handle me, and I actually see a future for myself. For the most part I’m happy.”

Her depression is linked to a chemical imbalance within her brain. She encourages anyone with suicidal thoughts or depressed thoughts

The Talon

SIX PROVEN WAYS TO HEAL FROM DEPRESSION NATURALLY, WITHOUT MEDICATION According to Psychologist Karen Young’s website: ‘Hey Sigmund’

OMEGA-3

YOUR THOUGHTS

Filling your diet with supplements such as Omega-3 instead of sugar supplements encourages the construction of new brain cells and reduces symptoms of depression.

Rumination is the act of dwelling on the same thought(s) repeatedly.

Doing this allows your stress hormones to attack your hippocampus, which is the part of your brain holding your memories.

This allows your hippocampus to shrink, inevitably causing depression.

A way to avoid rumination is to avoid spending time alone.

SURROUNDINGS

EXERCISE

The human brain mistakenly interprets depression as an infection, making someone affected isolate themselves from other people. Doing this encourages rumination. Spend time with people that care about you.

Being active releases key neurochemicals that help to elevate energy levels, mood, and motivation. Research shows that walking for 30 minutes 3 times a week has the same neurological effects on the brain as the antidepressant Zoloft.

SUNLIGHT

REST

Being deprived of sunlight can have an impact on the level of serotonin in the body.

Also, Light Therapy is an existent method of treatment for depression that has similar effects to antidepressant medication.

Although this may seem obvious, 8 hours of sleep is essential for the day-to-day human life. Sleep is a healing power, you need it.

Infographic by Raegan Craddock

in general to see a counselor or a licensed therapist to learn how to cope with those feelings.

“There are still bad moments where I feel like relapsing…but I do different exercises and now am usually able to calm myself down,” Emma said.

Nation Ford High provides several services to help students to a better state with their mental health. Students are able to visit the guidance office as many times as needed. If students need help outside of school, the counselors will assist in finding and setting up appointments with licensed therapists.

“From experience, taking prescription drugs that are not your own such as Xanax, may feel like it is depleting your depression or the impact your depression has on your life – but really all it is doing is blocking out your depression for a short period of time and ultimately, when the high is gone, drugs do nothing but feed into your depression,” explains another NFHS student, Brandon.

If a student is suffering from a drug problem, NFHS works with the organization Keystone to help students through drug therapy. Members working with Keystone will make appointments to come to NFHS and counsel at the school. If students are 16 or older, they are able to sign their own consent form, meaning their parent(s) or guardian(s) do not have to be notified about

the issues they are having or the treatment.

For the students who are afraid of making a friend angry or upset by reaching out to get help for them.

“At the risk of [temporarily] losing a friendship, you could risk losing a friend,” Mrs. Liotta said.

Mrs. Liotta explains that if a loved one is expressing signs of being suicidal, it is most effective to get professional or licensed help. It is human nature to want to attempt to heal a loved one personally, but there are too many feelings involved to provide the help that the person really needs, she said.

“I honestly don’t think that my friends could have helped much…when you’re that depressed clinical help is what you need,” Emma said. “I had a friend who was in a really bad place after I had gotten significantly better. I contemplated not telling her mom for a while, but after an attempt to commit suicide, I felt like I had no other option but to tell her mother. That wasn’t something I could fix myself – she needed a doctor.”

That person has gotten significantly better after receiving treatment, according to Emma.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 to talk to anyone who needs emotional support at 1-800-273-8255. Also, there is a 24/7 addiction and mental health counseling hotline available at 1-800-821-4357 for help with an alcohol or drug problem, and other mental illnesses.

“My life has turned around significantly...” l

December 2016

Centerspread • 7

Positive Portrait Campaign:

Website Seeks To Help Teens With Self-Esteem Frank Martinez “Depression is a big problem in the world today amongst teens,” said Jessica Kimball (18’), founder of the Positive Portrait Campaign.

With the help of Julia Antonie (‘20), Abby Milo (‘20), Sydney Ziemer (‘20), Kimball decided to do something about this rising issue by establishing the Positive Portrait Campaign.

Kimball knows that depression is very common among teens from personal experience. “My sister has depression, so does my best friend, and so do a lot of other people in my life,” she said.

Kimball’s attention was brought to this problem not only because of her family and friends, but because she herself went through problems with depression.

“I suffer from extreme anxiety and panic attacks that result in me fainting,” she said.

Jessica knew that she would not let herself go through an avalanche of emotions and carry the weight of negativity.

“I had to learn to be okay with myself, and I just wanted to live the life I wanted to live,” she said.

She came up with the idea of helping others with problems such as hers. This is when she found this “group of lovely ladies” to save her from falling into something she did not want to be involved in. The girls of the Positive Portrait Campaign, Jessica Kimball (18’), Julia Antonie (‘20), Abby Milo (‘20) and Ziemer says, “Depression was handed off Sydney Ziemer (‘20), uploaded this photo to their website to display their optimistic energy to their followers. to me.” Ziemer had surrounded herself with a rough crowd so she started to become someone dence. Abby Milo was surrounded by people who religion. “Life is so much more than being negawho was pessimistic and started living a color- made her feel less than what she knew she was. tive,” she said. “Something that really affects peoless life. Ziemer noticed what she was becoming This is when she met Ziemer and Kimball. ple (Depression) is their surroundings.” Julia said and wanted to change immediately. Kimball ob- “They helped me with everything. They once she met with the other three girls in person for served that she needed help so she shared “her better me as a person,” Milo said. Milo won- the first time. “I am impressed with how much you confidence and love.” Ziemer then concluded that, dered what people who felt the way she did have grown from what you were to then to what “You aren’t yourself unless you have your flaws.” would do without people like Kimball and you are now.” Jessica told Julia as she invited her Depression had a major role in their lives so once Ziemer. “Happy people bring positivity,” she to become part of the Positive Portrait campaign.

Kimball told Ziemer about the Positive Portrait said. So she decided start radiating positivi- These girls cheated one of the most common Campaign she was willing to help spread positivity. ty and joined the Positive Portrait Campaign. types of death amongst teens, suicide because they “I struggled with self-confidence,” Julia Antonie was surrounded by bad people had each other at their time of need/depression. AnMilo said. Most teens have struggled with who influenced her to pretend to be someone she tonie, Ziemer, Milo, and Kimball have created the self-esteem, most common among girls. was not. Antonie started to act like the people she Positive Portrait Campaign, an Instagram page Milo had a realization about what could be was surrounded by, started pretending she was where they post pictures that “Spread self-love.” the source of the problem. “People I surround- the type to do some unethical things, and became The girls agree that the people you surround ed myself with,” she said. This realization made thoroughly depressed. What made her change was yourself with is a major reason why teens are dea huge impact in bringing up Milo’s self-confi- different from the other girls, she got closer to her pressed and become something they are not.

NFHS Teachers Bullied By Students, Parents Kailey Cota The names of teachers in this article have been changed for privacy purposes.

“I’ve had parents who have told me I’m racist – which is interesting because I’m actually married to a black man and have children who are different races…,” said Mrs. Suzanne Smith, teacher at Nation Ford.

Results of a recent faculty-wide survey show that most NFHS teachers say they have been bullied multiple times – some on a regular basis – at work. 29 percent of teachers and faculty say verbal assaults come from parents, 24 percent feel it comes from bosses, 14 percent feel that students are verbal bullies, and 8 percent of verbal bullying stems from coworkers at the school. Also, many teachers stated that multiple sources have been the cause of bullying at one point or another.

“They [parents] don’t see a problem with being really upfront and saying horrible things without knowing the whole story or without knowing me as a person. They’re things that you just shouldn’t accept in the workplace; it’s not right – it’s disrespectful,” continued Mrs. Smith.

December 2016

The problem of teachers experiencing bullying is nothing new, and goes well beyond NFHS. According to the US Department of Education, one out of five teachers surveyed say they have been verbally abused on the job, and one out of 10 say they have been physically threatened. Another one out of 20 have been physically attacked.

Mrs. Smith said that once an angry parent

“came in immediately and just started verbally attacking me, curse words and everything else.”

From surveys from the 2007-2008 school year to more recent surveys from 2012 and 2014, reports on teachers being bullied have increased. The Independent School Magazine says there are three major contributors to the rise of parent to teacher bully-

ing. They believe increasing anxiety, a culture of competitiveness and loneliness, and a failure on the administration’s part to realize when they’re dealing with a personality disorder all create pressure that parents take out on the student’s teacher.

“To be a confident parent requires, among other things, that the rate of change be slow and that the choices for children be few,” Robert Evans and Michael G. Thompson claim for The Independent School Magazine.

However, everyone knows that life has become fast-paced with technology and higher sets of requirements at school. Parents want their children to become anything they want, and, “Their confidence for how to raise them is in sharp decline,” said Robert Evans and Michael G. Thompson.

“In general, I have parents who are upset about grades Nathan Tyson and things like that and automatically go toward it being the teacher’s fault and don’t always even talk to their children first,” Mrs. Smith said.

The second contributor to the rise of parent to teacher bullying is “a culture of competitiveness and loneliness” among parents.

“What they do have is a willingness to advocate for their children… and a tendency toward

continued on page 8

The Talon

8 • CENTERSPREAD

Search Seizure and

Morgan Cummis

E

very student who steps onto the school campus gives up privacy.

By law, administration has the right to perform search and seizure at any time.

This means that our school administration is allowed to search a students person, book bag, any other belongings, and even car with reasonable suspicion.

Nathan Tyson

Any Student Can Be Searched On School Campus “Because they [students] are on campus, they can’t deny to be searched if we have reasonable suspicion,” Administrator Ernest Poag said.

In other words, the administration can search a student if they believes he or she may be participating in illegal activities on campus.

The paper trail for student searches is thin because of confidentiality reasons.

If a student is searched, no official record is kept of the act. Nation Ford does not have many statistics on student searches because school administration believes that incidents like searches should not affect a student’s future.

Search and seizure procedures are listed in the student handbook, and signs are posted at school entrances which imply consent to search students and visitors who are on campus. It’s also a federal law.

“The right to privacy entails being

Teachers Bullied

cont. from 7 advocacy can lead to ferocious overreactions.” l “Too often, it takes months of parental misbehavior for administrators to recognize that they are dealing with serious psychopathology that will not yield to normal intervention,” they continue. Failure on the administration’s part to realize when they’re dealing with a personality disorder can allow stress to be taken out on teachers in what the Independent School Magazine considers bullying.

Mrs. Smith perfectly sums up a solution to this in one word: “Communication. When communication fails, we have a problem.”

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free from unwarranted government intrusions into our personal affairs,” according to the American Civil Liberties Union. “It means that individuals, not the government, should determine how and when others get access to their personal information.

The ACLU litigates and advocates for laws and policies to curtail proliferating threats to personal privacy in the Information Age,” is their official stance. “[Searches are] the only way to find out if claims are legitimate or whether or not there’s something inappropriate or illegal going on at the school,” Mr. Poag said. “That’s just part of the process that we have in place.”

Administration doesn’t always find

something. At least two students in particular have been searched more than once, and administration has come up empty-handed each time.

Levi Kenley (‘18) was 14-years-old when he was searched by the school resource officer for the first time and that was not his last. He was searched three times to be exact.

“I got searched, and they found nothing, every time,” Kenley said.

Another student, who chose to be anonymous, has been searched twice by Officer Prescott, Nation Ford’s school resource officer, and also said the search resulted in nothing. This student said he does not believe that search and seizure is a productive course of action

Also, 60 percent of 1,500 teachers who responded to a survey completed by National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) reported that abusive comments have been posted about them online by parents or students.

“I got an email one night… from an anonymous student.

It just said that basically I was a terrible teacher, that everyone hated me, and that they were going to get me ‘voted out of the school’, they were going to get me fired…” said Mr. Robert Jones, teacher at Nation Ford.

Can there ever be an end to bullying or any complete solution?

“Realistically, I just think you’re dealing with too many different types of people, and there’s just not enough time to get us all to understand each other. But I think the solution is for us all to try to educate kids – whether we’re the teachers or parents – on respect,” Mrs. Smith said.

People have chances every day to practice respect, she believes.

“I think we should take opportunities like the election to

“The right to privacy entails being free from unwarranted government intrusions...”

“There are days you wonder if you can keep doing this...”

to take because,”...who cares, if it’s in your bag it’s not hurting anybody.”

Officer Prescott is under different orders when it comes to searching students.

“I have to have what they call ‘probable cause,” Officer Prescott said. “Probable cause is, I have good evidence that shows there’s illegal activity going on, and that’s when I can search them, if I have probable cause.”

“I feel like there’s a big difference between searching for drugs and searching for weapons,” August Beck (‘18) said. “I think it’s a big difference between harming people and not harming people.” Although Beck has never been searched, she still has a strong opinion on the topic.

At the end of the day, it comes down to the law: “... persons entering school property are deemed to have consented to a search of their person or property. (Acts 373 of 1994).”

say we can disagree, but we have to do so tactfully and respectfully. By ingraining that in generations to come and teaching it, we’ll do it ourselves,” said Mrs. Smith.

Bullying can be stressful. Stats from the Association of Teachers and Lecturers conference states that about 40 percent of teachers quit in their first year.

“There are days you wonder if you can keep doing this because-am I getting paid enough, am I getting enough respect, am I making enough of a difference…,” says Mrs. Smith, “...and then of course you see that you are, and this is just part of the job, and every job probably has their issues.”

December 2016

sports • 9

Falcons Win Season Opener With New Coach Joslyn Ferguson The Varsity Girls won their first game 38-31 against Lancaster High School. On Dec. 6 the girls have their sights set on Indian Land High School at home at 6 pm.

Coming off of a 5-9 campaign for the 2015-2016 season, the Lady Falcons have some new faces, including the coaching staff, to help lead the team to victory this season.

Three seniors were added to the varsity team this year. The new additions include Chyna Crawford (‘17), Kelci Adams (‘20), and student body president Lili Martinez (‘17).

Kate Edwards, the new head coach, brings with her a record of 58-18 over the past three seasons. She comes to Nation Ford from Parkwood High School in Monroe, NC where she coached the Lady Rebels and won Rocky River Coach of the Year three consecutive times in the Rocky River Conference Championship. Her methods have led her team to victory time and time again throughout her years of coaching.

“My coaching philosophy is com-

Ashley Garcia Practicing ball handling skills, Courtney Wells (17’), Denaundria Greene (20’), and Ellona Moulds (19’) dribble down the court during a practice Nov. 23 in the gym.

prised of several items,” said Coach Edwards. “I believe in doing the little things right in order to reach a consistent level of success. We are not concerned with wins or losses. I believe if we focus on doing the little things consistently like fundamentals, shooting

C O L U M N

Horseback Riding Should Be Considered Athletic Sport

ers are shown jumping 5 foot and higher jumps. Riders don’t know Over 1,200 pounds of muscle and whether the horse will jump perferocity races down a track, leaps fectly or if it will all go wrong. If over jumps, and slices around bar- the horse doesn’t jump precisely rels at top speed. This is the horse, enough, there’s a good chance the a magnificent animal who can only horse will end up on top of you. be controlled by the ones who have Newspapers in several parts of enough faith in the animal to ride it. the world fail to include horseback An equestrian is the only one with riding in their sports pages because enough courage to attempt tam- they simply don’t understand the ing this wild animal. They say it’s sport. In Saugerties, NY a rider by not a sport, that it’s easy. Some say the name of Rebecca Weissbard was you just ‘sit there.’ They don’t know pronounced dead after being diswhat it takes to be an equestrian. mounted off her horse during the Whether or not horseback rid- HITS competition. This is one of the ing is a sport has been a controver- largest competitions and this year sial topic among people who ride was the only year this New York horses and people who don’t. First, newspaper chose to write a story let’s look at the statement; ‘You just on it. The fact is that too often a horse event is covsit there.’ This ered only when statement is in“It’s one of the only someone dies. correct for various reasons. team sports where your aa“A sport is something requir A recent study by healthstatus. teammate doesn’t know ing physical energy and practice, com shows that a your language.” both of which are person who wieghs important in any 150 pounds on a horse at a walk burns 171 calories an discipline,” says Adeline Yednock, hour, which is equivalent to walk- intermediate three-day eventer. ing 2 miles per hour on foot – not Like many other sports, horse ridto mention the same person would ing requires teamwork. The differburn 441 calories each hour at the ence however, is that you are forced trot, and 549 calories at the gallop. to find alternate ways of commu Still think riding isn’t a sport? nication with your teammate. The What about the dangers of horse- horse does not speak as you do, so back riding? Horses are born as you must use your actions and tone wild animals, so they have minds of to communicate. Riders who have their own. Imagine going 40km/h mastered this skill can get a horse to aboard a 5-foot animal when your listen to them with only their seat, only form of control is the trust be- leg, and hand. It’s quite amazing. tween that animal and yourself. “It’s one of the only team sports In football, when you fall, you’re where your teammate doesn’t only falling the length of your know your language,” said Emown body. When riding a horse, ily Jones, fellow equestrian. you can fall from 5 feet in the air To have an animal three times or more. Not only are you fall- your size put its complete trust in ing, but nine times out of 10, the you is an amazing thing. The bond horse has no intention of stopping between horse and rider is inde– and could trample you or worse. scribable. Everyone just needs to In the Olympics, horses and rid- ride a horse to know what it takes.

Kaylee Battle

December 2016

high percentage shots, and getting to loose balls, the winning takes care of itself. I also believe in an up-tempo style of offense which facilitates to lots of lay-up and free throw opportunities.”

Fans can’t wait to see more of the girls on the court floor this season with the

fast-paced play Coach Edwards prefers.

“Through my playing experience and through my previous coaching experiences I have come to believe that this style of play suits me well,” said Coach Edwards. “I have had successful years using this style of play. It is fun to play this way, but also fun to coach this way.”

By earning her Masters in Physical Education, Edwards has been able to achieve a lifelong dream of hers.

“Coaching and teaching has always been my dream job. I believe through sport a coach can assist kids in learning many life skills that will help them once their basketball career is over.”

This may be Edwards’ first time working with the Lady Falcons, but she has no doubt that they will give their all at every single game. “I think the players will be motivated on their own as a team each game. They want to prove themselves as contenders every night. It is our job as coaches to make sure to prepare them in practice and focus their attention on taking care of ourselves and not necessarily worrying too much about the opponent.”

Wrestling Off To Great Start Kris McClellan Wrestling season officially began on Oct. 31 and the team has been hard at work. At press time, new coach Daniel Snell is preparing them for their second competition on Saturday, Dec. 3 at Cuthbertson High School.

They displayed their hard work at their first competition at South Mecklanburg High School on Nov. 23 when they came in second place, just behind Hopewell High.

Players say they are excited for the next competition.

“A personal achievement for me

would be to win all of my matches,” said Bryson Perdue (’19). “The entire team has high hopes for a victory and we are more than ready.”

Newcomers are looking foward to more victories. “I was nervous, but I won one match so I’m not disappointed,” said Oronde Smith (’19).

The team conditions year round to stay in shape and to prepare for the wrestling season.

Coach Snell has coached for 10 years and expects the team to represent themselves and the school to the best of their abilities off and on the mat. He encourages them to practice like champions.

Ashley Garcia During the game against Lancatser High School on Nov. 29., Zeb Graham (‘19), Malik Bryant (‘19), watch teammate Eric Moulds (‘18) block a Lancaster player from making a basket.

Falcons Start Season With Win Frank Martinez Coming off a 32-25 win against the Lancaster Bears in Falcon territory Nov. 23, the varsity boys’ basketball team will face Indian Land High School at home on Dec. 6.

The grind has been nonstop for the Falcons, and in the words of varsity Coach Jared Adamson, “The game plan is to win against Lancaster.”

The Falcons have been putting in work, practicing six out of seven days a week for at least two hours, coupled with lifting two to three times a week. Coach Adamson has been pushing his athletes to be

not only the best basketball players they can be, but the best students they can be.

The practices consist of all kinds of drills and running of plays such as Chin and Wrist.

“I can’t stress this enough you are a student… athlete, school comes first,” he said.

Coach Adamson has enforced many strict rules regarding missing practices to hold players responsible.

“Every minute a player is late is one suicide run, and if a player has an unexcused absence to practice, they will have to run 50 additional suicide runs,” he said.

Coach Adamson feels the boys are prepared and ready to take on the season “strong, fit, and smart.”

The Talon

10 • Entertainment

Upcoming Area Concerts Kissmas Concert: Shawn Mendes, DNCE, Hailee Steinfeld, Alessia Cara (Spectrum Center) – December 13, 2016 Mac Miller (The Fillmore) – December 16, 2016 Sabrina Carpenter (McGlohon Theater) – December 16, 2016 Lil Uzi Vert (The Fillmore) – Decmeber 18, 2016 Tory Lanez (The Fillmore) – December 20, 2016 The Avett Brothers (Bojangles Coliseum) – December 31, 2016 Riff Raff (Amos Southend) – January 18, 2017 Daya (The Underground) – February 24, 2017 Cherub (The Fillmore) – February 24, 2017 Chris Tomlin (Spectrum Center) – April 13, 2017 Dawes (The Filmore) – May 3, 2017 Bastille (AvidXchange Music Factory) – May 6, 2017 The Weeknd (Spectrum Center) – May 17, 2017

Emily Berrill

Meet And Greets

Fans, Fave Celebrities Get Together Hayden Biebel Imagine you’re about to meet your favorite celebrity. Someone from their team motions you in the room.

A million butterflies erupt in your stomach. You see your idol. You give him a hug, maybe start crying a little.

You’ve dreamed of meeting him for the longest time. He thanks you for being such a huge fan, then takes you to get a picture with him. You pose with them and you see a camera flash. You have the opportunity to ask a couple of questions, then you’re whisked away.

It’s over. Just two minutes of your life, but you feel on top of the world because you met your favorite person.

Meet and greets give fans the opportunity to meet celebrities. Many celebrities like to do meet and greets mainly for one specific reason: to meet their fans and to thank them for supporting them.

There are usually several different options for a meet and greet experience. Some celebrities just offer to meet you and have to go your way, others allow special privileges like going on a backstage tour, getting free merchandise, or even getting the

chance to hang out with them before the show. Even though the premium fan experience may cost a lot of money (usually thousands of dollars more), many fans say the heavy price is worth it and that meeting the person they love and admire is priceless.

Meet and greets are one of the biggest ways celebrities thank their supporters. After all, celebrities would not be where they are if it weren’t for their fans. Hosting a meet and greet isn’t much to ask, so when celebrities say no to meet and greets, some fans think it’s disrespectful.

A few celebrities, such as Justin Bieber, have come under fire for cancelling meet and greets and refusing to meet fans. His reasoning for the call was he felt “mentally and emotionally exhausted to the point of depression,” which still left fans confused as to why a few minutes with them could cause him to feel that way.

Whether you want to go for the experience or just want to go to see your favorite celebrity, meet and greets can help boost your mood and make you genuinely happy, at least for a few hours.

Upcoming Meet and Greets - Kissmas Concert: Shawn Mendes, DNCE, Hailee Seinfeld, Alessia Cara (Spectrum Center) Dec. 13, 2016 -Sabrina Carpenter (McGlohon Theater) Dec. 16, 2016 -Daya (The Underground) Feb. 24, 2017 -The Weeknd (Spectrum Center) May 17, 2017 The Talon

Solange’s New Album Stunning David Francis Solange’s dynamic voice is highlighted in her new album, A Seat at the Table which addresses the bliss and pain of being a black woman. This is her third full-length album and is the work of a woman who has truly evolved in the music industry. Her music sprouts from the introspection and community.

Though it has not been out longer than a couple of months, the album already shows historical significance, not just with regard to musical achievement, but also the rise of black cultural and social history, its richness and truth.

The funky beats of “Where Do We Go” expresses true pain on the outbursts of police abuse on young black teenagers. Other songs on this album dignify the struggle of blacks in the present society. Therefore, she is making a statement on this topic and addressing the media coverage of the wrongs blacks have suffered. Most importantly, it offers a black woman’s voice on a society that casts a shadow on her bright light.

Her genre of music falls under R&B with a mix of soul and funk. It contains eight interludes with a total of 21 songs. The interludes freeze time

with the recordings of her parents and their past experiences. “Cranes in the sky” and “Weary” are featured songs of this album with a tone of high intensity. In the song “Mad,” Solange features Lil Wayne, a million dollar selling rapper with a massive body of work. Sampha, a musical artist whose work is focused mainly on electric, is featured on the song ‘Don’t Touch My Hair.” Other featured artists include The-Dream and BJ the Chicago Kid in “F.U.B.U” (For Us, By Us), Q-Tip in “Borderline: An Ode to Self Care,” and finally Kelela in “Scales.”

From a social-cultural standpoint, she has captured the suffering of Civil Rights Movement partipants to modern day activasts. This includes the injustice inflicted on her own ancestors as well as herself. Through an artistic means, she offers her own personal narrative incoporating her mother, Tina, and father, Matthew, in their own words during musical interludes.

The origin of her family lineage was in Louisiana where she completed most of the recording of her album.

A Seat at the Table is a important work that audiences won’t forget.

December 2016

ENTERTAINMENT • 11

Helpful Tips Keep Dyed Hair Vibrant, Healthier Longer Makayla Brown-Culpepper

Kailey Cota Hailey Prosser (‘19) shows off her citrus orange dyed hair.

Dove’s Dry Shampoo Improves Dyed Hair Mara Lorton

Dove’s dry shampoo product is made so people do not have do wash their hair every day. This is especially useful for semi-permanent hair dye if people do not want their brightly colored dyed hair to fade quickly. Brightly colored dyed hair tends to be expensive and fade quickly if it is washed every day, and if it is not washed, then it can get oily and messy which is why Dove and other companies, such as Sephora and Olay, have made dry shampoos to help clean hair and protect the fade.

Dove’s dry shampoo works very well. The hair feels clean, and Dove’s protects hair from fading since it does not need sulfate like many wet shampoos. The product can be used for about two consecutive days before the hair begins to feel and look oily or unclean. On the other hand, Dove’s dry shampoo is expensive. Especially for long hair, the buyer must wear good bit of shampoo to get a clean feeling and the bottle goes by faster than expected for the price.

Although it is expensive, it does work well and protects dyed or naturally colored hair, especially since dying hair can be more expensive than the shampoo itself. After about two or three days of using the product, definitely two days for thinker and longer hair, the hair begins to feel oily again and it will need to be washed with wet shampoo in the shower.

Over all Dove’s dry shampoo works very well when someone just needs to keep their hair oil free or if someone can’t take a shower right away.

Ultimately the product works well and keeps dyed hair from fading quickly while also keeping hair feeling clean. Dove’s dry shampoo works great for all hair types and for brightly colored hair. The product definitely has earned its four stars and a big thumbs up.

‘Pulp Fiction’ Full Of Originality, Superb Performances Raj Dwivedi Oct. 14, 1994, “Pulp Fiction” made its debut as director Quentin Tarantino’s second film and undoubtedly his most iconic, cementing him as an all-time great director. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta, Bruce Willis, and Uma Thurman, “Pulp Fiction” tells the story of how two hit men, two robbers, and a boxer all get mixed up in violent situations full of blood and mayhem. “Pulp Fiction” posses a plot like no other, and is one of the most original films ever created.

The movie starts out with a couple in a diner having a conversation while drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes, but the situation quickly escalates when they both pull out guns and decide to rob the diner. The next scene cuts to a car-trunk view of two well-dressed hitmen named Jules Winnfield (Jackson) and Vincent Vega (Travolta), having a conversation while casually loading guns and walking up into an apartment building to fulfill their orders of retrieving a briefcase for their boss and killing some people. The two hit men finally get up to the apartment, end their conversation and bust down the door with their guns pointed at three young men inside the apartment.

DECEMBER 2016

Uma Thurman poses on the “Pulp Fiction” movie poster.

After Jules utters some of the most iconic lines in film history, he and his partner, Vincent, proceed to shoot one man multiple times in a sort of comedic fashion. Shortly after, a another young man runs out of the bathroom with a gun and fires six shots at Jules, but misses him. When all three people realize what just happened, Jules and Vincent shoot and kill the young man who ran out of the bathroom and take the last remaining man to their boss.

Theses first two scenes are captivating, and audiences will struggle with a sense of excitement while trying to find out what is going on or how the two

Blue. Green. Pink. In today’s society you see more and more dyed hair. Some people think it’s trashy, others think it’s fun and funky. Those who choose to dye their hair do it for themselves and no one else.

And it is not limited to teens – any person of any age can dye their hair. Many people may not want to pay a pretty penny for something that isn’t lifelong.

“My family doesn’t necessarily let me [dye my hair],” Brea Dorman (’19) said. “When I get the dye, I go into the bathroom, and when I come out, I have blue hair, and they don’t really care.”

Everybody’s hair is different so certain products may work better for some people than they do others. “Everything I’ve tried doesn’t really help keep the color in my hair,” Hailey Prosser (’19) said.

“I have used Vidal Sassoon, Manic Panic and Splat [hair dye], and I wash my hair with cold water afterwards to help keep the color longer. I honestly dyed my hair because I was sick of blending in. I wanted to stand out for once,” Prosser said.

“It really helped me with my self-confidence.”

For whatever reason you want to dye your hair, you should be careful and thorough.

Even though there are tons of tips to help you with dying your hair at home, if this is the first time you’re dying your hair, you should go to a professional or get a friend who has done it before to help you out.

Tips For Upkeep Of Dyed Hair 1. Use sulfate free shampoos.

2. Use heat styling tools meagerly. When you are styling your hair make sure to use a heat protecting product or spray.

3. Color Oops. It removes permanent hair color if you follow the instructions exactly, but you should definitely visit a professional.

4. Before swimming, rub some coconut oil in your hair.

5. When washing your hair, condition it first to protect it.

6. Wear clothes you don’t mind ruining when dying it.

7. Get someone to help you dye the back parts you may have trouble reaching.

8. Put Vaseline on places you might get dye, but don’t want it – like behind your ears, on the back part and tops of your, ear on your forehead and around your hairline.

scenes are connected. Both opening scenes do a great job of grabbing the viewer’s attention, which is probably what makes “Pulp Fiction” so watchable. People always want to know what is going to happen next and how it ties in with the scattered plot.

The film then goes on to introduce a new character, Butch Coolidge (Willis), who is a boxer who has swindled Jules and Vincent’s boss, Marsellus Wallace, out of money that had been bet against him in a boxing match. The movie then goes on to tell the story of how all the characters’ lives are intertwined.

Throughout the movie, the acting is impeccable.

Every actor fits perfectly with their characters and displayed excellent chemistry in the movie. Samuel L. Jackson’s wild, loud, and eccentric Jules is perfectly paired with John Travolta’s calm, cool, and quiet Vincent, which provides a deep contrast and makes each character stand out even more.

“Pulp Fiction” may be considered a serious thriller movie, but there is no doubt that it contains some comedic elements. The overuse of curse words by Jules, the ridiculous amount of blood, and the plot all add to the comic relief. Combined with the great acting, and amazing directing and screen-play, the humor is why almost everyone loves “Pulp Fiction” and why audiences keep going back to rewatch it.

This movie’s use of a backwards plot to captivates the audience’s attention while leaving audiences amazed. “Pulp Fiction” does not contain the stunning graphics and action of today’s films, but the one thing that it has that is hard to come by these days is originality paired with Oscar-worthy performances and directing.

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