The Talon vol. 15 issue 3 2022

THE TALON Volume 15 Number 3

Nation Ford High School

Founded in

February 2022

1400 A.O. Jones Blvd.

2007 as an Open Forum

Fort Mill, SC 29715

Voices for Diversity calls for action Polar Plunge exceeds goal

p. 3

p. 9

The Talon reviews food trucks, music

p. 10

Biology instructor Carson Yukob fills an Erlenmeyer flask during a demo on Feb. 7 in her classroom. Photo by Aiden Witkopf

2• OP / ED

Voices for Diversity Club creates forum

Club valuable asset to address concerns: hate speech, student grievances

P

Staff Editorial self is an incredible way for students to feel safe and eople–or schools–can be slow to adequate- heard, and the positive changes that the club is striving for have only positive effects on the school’s ly address hate crimes or hate speech. environment.

In turn, this tends to lead to Along with open discussions, edumore misinformation, miscating students and instituting more conceptions, and overall Hate speech is diverse voices in lessons is another confusion. Hate crimes and disthreatening or hostile way to address hate speech. crimination are topics that people In humanities classes, textwriting that communicates turn away from. books and novels are not always They’re uncomfortable and discrimination against a written by the most diverse cast sensitive topics. Even so, that group of people based on of authors. More diverse audoesn’t mean that the subthors should be introduced in ject, and its effects on people, race, ethnicity, religion, classrooms. should be ignored altogether. sexual orientation, or Hate speech should not be Hate speech should be more adswept under the rug, because if disability. equately addressed in schools, and hate speech is ignored, so are the efschools need to do a better job of refects and mental tolls it has on others. minding students that negative actions Hate speech and hate crimes cause psychohave an impact on the people around them.

Hate speech is threatening or hostile writing that logical and sometimes physical, damage according communicates discrimination against a group of to Maysa Akbar, the author of “Urban Trauma: A people based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual ori- Legacy of Racism.”

Experiencing hate speech and discrimination has entation, or disability. Acts of hate speech and hate also been linked with higher levels of anxiety crime can make these groups of people feel unweland depression. UCLA conducted a study come, and ultimately, unsafe. that consisted of people from ages 18 On Jan. 10, Monday at around lunchto 28 who have experienced distime, it was reported that a boy’s bathThankfully, at NFHS crimination at some point in their room had been vandalized with racthe Voices for Diversity lives. The study found that young ist and anti-Semitic messages. This adults who have faced discrimiwas not only an unsettling act of Club allows for open and nation based on race, sexual orivandalism but an act of hate speech frank round table entation, physical appearance that made students feel unsafe. discussions. These are more likely to develop mental Rather than disregarding hate health issues. speech and hate crimes at school, stuconversations are If hate speech is not addressed dents should have a place to go or peostudent-led... appropriately, or at all, this can create ple to talk to so that they can voice their or worsen depression or anxiety, which concerns and feelings. can lead to suicide. Mental health determines Thankfully, at NFHS, the Voices For Diversity Club allows for open and frank round table discus- how we relate to others, and because hate speech is a sions. These conversations are student-led and allow factor that affects mental health, hate speech has the students to converse without an adult in the room so power to damage communication and relationships that students and their discussions are more candid. with others.

Hate speech is a touchy topic that only serves to These talks are a great outlet for students to express their feelings or personal experiences, in or out of harm people. School should be a safe place for evschool, with race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and eryone, and having open discussions and diversifying education is a great step in the right direction so religion.

Voices For Diversity also allows students to come that everyone feels accepted, and more importantly, up with ways for NFHS to make positive changes feels safe.

AIA regarding the inclusivity of all students. The club it-

Race/Ethnicity

Sexuality

Religion

US Department of Justice

The Talon Staff EditorS-In-Chief: Addie Rae Allen Miné Karatas Section Editors: Amaris Arroyave Rian Donahue Ayden Hash Aiden Witkopf ART: Adalie Buckle Ad Manager: Zane Teubner Adviser: Beth Swann

Staff: Crystia Basnight Adalie Buckle Emily Cacciatore Leonor Carcamo Trey Chandler Gracie McNally Georgia Cox Cristina Flores-Jimenez Kaitlyn Hammers Kaleigh Heffernan Alex Lavender Sanaa Loyd Andrew Maduabuchukwu Lillieann Rabon Jada Small Rachel Studer Makayla Szymczak Zane Teubner Madeleine Thompson Renan Yilmaz

803-835-0000 thetalononline2016@gmail.com

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

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

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

The staff may permanently keep all unpublished letters for reference or guidance for future writing. All submissions should be submitted to Mrs. Swann, room D111, or via email to swanne@fortmillschools.org.

Please keep in mind that opinions voiced in the articles and personal columns are not 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 2015, 2016

THE TALON

February 2022

NEWS • 3

Students call for change, find apt forum to express concerns at Voices for Diversity Club A

by Rachel Studer

Voices for Diversity Club Meeting Student Grievances & Admin Responses

fter racist and anti-semetic vandalism occurred in January in two men’s bathrooms, the Voices for Diversity Club has renewed its efforts to invite the NFHS community to their ADMINISTRATION RESPONDS: STUDENTS SAY: meetings to discuss discrimination and diversity problems at the school.

1. We will work with the School Leadership to create Racist actions often go unnoticed by teachers Administration is working alongside an awareness for how our students of color feel. making students of color feel singled out. them to inform students and teachers 2. The Instructional Leadership Team have advised Students want teachers to do more to address about the environment of the school that we need to provide diversity professional learning the situation. and how to properly handle discrimfor all staff members at Nation Ford. ination.

The Voices of Diversity Club’s mission statement is: ‘We strive to create 1. The student handbook is updated annually by The consequences for hate speech aren’t an inclusive environment in which all Admin during the summer. Admin will discuss with severe enough starting at 2 days of in-school voices are heard and feel like they are the VFD group and ask for feedback regarding new suspension. safe and belong’. consequences for this particular action.

“The school has many issues when it comes to not only celebrating diversity but also accepting people and be1. Unfortunately, our teachers have to follow state There is a lack of perspective in the history ing respectful,” Jordan Jeffreys (‘22), standards for their respective courses. However, curriculum and slavery is often glossed over. one of the founding members, said. slavery is highly visible in many of our novels, and Steps are being taken to teach stuother reading documents throughout courses. dents and teachers about culture and diversity. NAACP, The Stan Greenspon Holocaust & Center for Social There is a lack of staff diversity, making it 1. Administrators and Department Chairs participate Justice Education Center, and a chilhard for students to relate to their teachers, in recruiting and hiring when openings occur. For the dren’s theater, are partnering up with and the other way around. past few years, we have sometimes only had one to the Diversity Club and the school to two candidates even apply, and if we don’t have a provide mentoring and assemblies to teacher in place to teach 6 sections for the year, then educate others.

“The school has many issues we have to hire long term subs which is not as good The club seeks to be an interface as a certified teacher here for the entire year. when it comes to not only between the student body and admin2. Currently in our country, more and more teachers celebrating diversity but also istration while finding ways to impleare leaving the profession, which makes it not only ment solutions. difficult to hire teachers who reflect our students, but accepting people and Voices for Diversity Club Leader just any teacher at all. being respectful.”

Darren Connell (‘22) says he wants 3. We do try very hard with our hiring practices to to hear all voices in the club, inlcudhire diversity, and we have actually increased the –Jordan Jeffreys (‘22), ing those who do not feel they have a diversity of both our teachers and admin in the past founding member voice. “I want to hear from people of few years. any racial and sexual identity, and I 4. We hope that by hearing the “voices” of our want to make sure that they all actustudents about specific concerns regarding equity ally have a chance to get their voices and embracing diversity in the classroom, that our heard,” he said. professional learning for our teachers will make a The club has gained popularity difference. to the point where there is standing room only at meetings, and faculty is vandalism, students of color in atten- Miller said.

Although the standards have been starting to take notice of the problems dance said they feel that white stuOver each summer the administra- revised with the goal of equal represenstudents are raising. During the meet- dents tend to be favored by the teach- tion reviews the student handbook, tation, textbook authors themselves are ings, topics of race, religion, and sexu- ers in their classrooms. checking to make sure that students’ not a diverse group. The Talon found ality are discussed. One of the biggest Russel Connell, Voices for Diversi- actions are adequately addressed. that of five history textbooks used at problems mentioned at the meetings ty club leader, expressed concern over Instead of ISS for students who NFHS, 43 out of 45 of the authors are was how the racist words and actions the number of students of color in ISS. make racist comments, one student at white, and 28 out of the 45 authors are of other students often went unStudents of color at the the meeting suggested a mandatory male. That does not necessarily mean noticed by teachers. meeting reported feeling class to educate those students about textbooks are biased, but there is a lack Students at the meetfrequently singled out, slavery and respect.

“I want to hear of representation regarding authors. ings said hate speech though perhaps not al“It hurts me every day,” the student Textbook adoption isn’t an easy fix, from people of any racial ways intentionally. has been prevalent, said, commenting on the idea for a because the textbooks aren’t chosen by not just with vandal“Students of color diversity module to be added to cur- the school, but by the state. and sexual identity, and ism, but in everyday don’t have as much riculm. However, schools are bound Though there have been problems I want to make sure that life. room to mess up,” by state standards. in the school, teachers are listening, Students at the Russell Connell said.

Along with the struggle in the class- Miller said. There are instructional they all actually have a meetings reported Students also room, students expressed concerns teams working to help teachers have a chance to get their hearing ‘Go back to said when they do with the history curriculum. Many stu- better understanding of the students’ the farm’ or some varitry to bring issues to dents said they feel the topic of slavery backgrounds to create “a sense of voices heard. ” ation of that comment evthe attention of faculty, is often glossed over. awareness about the diversity in classery week. The insult, aimed at students have experience The curriculum’s most recent revi- es, and how to build relationships with Black students, refers to days of slaves repercussions. The opinion of club sion took place this school year. Every them [the students],” Miller said. working in fields. “I haven’t even gone members is that lack of staff diversity five years educators help revise the “I do think we’ve opened the discusa whole day,” one student said when has contributed to the situation; some standards; this committee consists of sion with the adults in the school; it’s referring to the frequency of discrimi- say faculty can’t relate to students be- experts in the history of African Amer- obvious what we’re doing isn’t going natory comments. cause they don’t have insight on the icans, women, Native Americans, and to be a solution to all of our problems, A big concern that frustrates stu- situation. However, COVID-19 has many other marginalized groups. This but it’s certainly a step in the right didents is that when situations like these made it difficult to hire new teachers, process takes place in an effort to show rection,” Jeffrey said. are brought to the administration’s making staff diversity a challenge. representation across the U.S. History Russell Connell agrees, but he wants attention, students want them to do When the staff does reprimand dis- curriculum. to make sure that the club doesn’t bemore to address the situation. Due to criminatory actions, the starting conse“Through planning within our de- come an echo chamber. the nature of the meetings at the time, quence for hate speech starts at a level partment and across the district, we “One of the issues with making which were more of a listening session 2 offense- 2 days in ISS. strive to show the truth of the horrors progress in any group, different peoformat, the administration did not forAdministrators are reviewing of slavery,” Dawn Lisk, AP U.S. His- ple with different tasks, agendas, and mally respond to these statements by the handbook, considering current tory instructor says. “Slavery is taught identities can forget to listen to each students at the time; Principal Chris events, and rethinking the conse- throughout the units in the antebellum other,” Russell Connell said.

Chandler attended one of the meet- quences for hate speech, said Debra era. Throughout the curriculum, there Regardless of race, gender, religion, ings and is listening to the student’s Miller, assistant principal and Voic- is a focus on social reform movements, or political beliefs, Voices for Diversity concerns. es for Diversity Club faculty sponsor. including the fight for civil rights over wants to make it clear that everyone can At the first two meetings after the “Unfortunately [the review] needed,” the entirety of American History.” be heard.

February 2022

THE TALON

•Talon’s BHM Spotlight•

4• NEWS

Elizabeth Keckley: from slavery to White House

by Makayla Szymczak

The Talon’s spotlight on Black History is a focus on Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, a mixed race woman who wrote a memoir about her remarkable life called “Behind the Scenes: Thirty Years a Slave, and Four Years in the White House.”

Keckley has local ties due to being owned by the Burwell family, who started a school for girls that became Queens University of Charlotte. Burwell Hall, which was built in 1914 and was named for the Burwell family, was recently changed to Queens Hall after staff members found information that the Burwells had direct ties to slavery .

Keckley was born into slavery and was a slave for 30 years. She wrote about her experience of being raped and beaten to the point of bleeding welts.

After earning money as a seamstress, she finally purchased her freedom and went on to become a civil rights activist and a successful seamstress and author.

Keckley became Mary Todd Lincoln’s dressmaker and friend during those difficult years that the Licolns lived in the White House and after.

Mary Lincoln wrote to Elizabeth Keckley in 1867, “I consider you my best living friend.”

You can find her book on Amazon.com and elsewhere.

Miles wins Miss Nation Ford

by Kaleigh Heffernan

Five winners were named in the Miss Nation Ford Pageant on Jan. 27, with Olivia Miles (‘22) being named Miss Nation Ford. The money raised by the pageant and the service projects pageant girls completed supported the Rock Hill Home Attention Center for troubled teens.

“I’m so honored to represent Nation Ford and I’m so thankful for Stuco and all of their hard work,” said Miles.

Miss Mia MacMillan won Miss Senior, Miss Kayla Armstong won Miss Junior, Miss Alaina Mahmood won Miss Sophomore and Miss Congeniality, Miss Emilee Black won Miss Freshmen, and Miss Emily Wheeler won Miss Ads. The girls had to raise $125 in ads, and the pageant costs were $100, raising about $2000. About 90% of the money went into the winners’ scholarships, which totaled to $1,000.

The remaining 10% went into the production

Extra credit for students banned

by Georgia Cox A new school-wide policy prohibiting extra credit has students upset, but many teachers have been against extra credit even before the rule was in place. According to Principal Chris Chandler, the Grading Advisory Committee, composed of each department head, enforced the rule around December and it’s now being reinforced, however, this policy has always been a school policy, it just was never enforced.

“They’re the ones who brought this topic back up this year,” Chandler said. “The reason this is a rule is because we believe that grades should reflect what students actually

‘Chicago’ set to take stage

by Gracie McNally

The Spring Musical cast and crew has started rehearsals for this year’s dazzling musical, “Chicago,” which will be premiering in the Nation Ford Auditorium on March 31, as well as April 1, 2, and 3.

Chicago is all about jazz, murder and love. The original musical written by John Kander takes place in the ‘20s. One of the most famous numbers is the opening scene with Velma called “All that Jazz.”

Director Cheri Addison chose this musical because she wanted to try a new mature and different kind of show. Tickets will be $10 general ad-

THE TALON

of the pageant.

The kits the girls made for the Attention Center cost $200 in total.

Twenty girls competed this year. “Some had to step out of their comfort zones and go great lengths in order to win their titles,” says sponsor Mrs. Kathy Seastead.

After demonstrating her grace, beauty, integrity, and intelligence to receive a scholarship, Miss Miles came out on top of the competition as Miss Nation Ford.

Her reason for competing in the pageant was because she had fun last year and wanted to participate for her senior year. Her favorite part was dressing up, and listening to music in the dressing room, she says.

She was very excited to have won. “It was anybody’s game,”said Miles.

She was able to make friends with the other girls and had the chance to improve her public speaking and confidence, she said. She recommends girls who are interested to participate.

Photo by Addie Rae Allen

CLASS SPOTLIGHT

Miss Nation Ford Liv Miles (‘22) greets previous winner Madison Peeler (‘21) after the crowning ceremony.

learn and not necessarily be based on extra credit.”

Kathy Seastead, honors Biology and AP Environmental Science teacher, is a fierce advocate against extra credit.

“I think that extra credit is setting students up for failure,” Seastead said. “I believe it is a grade inflation.

Why should we give students extra credit if they’re not doing the work to meet the standards?”

Her concern about extra credit is that it’s not fair, it boosts students GPA’s, and affects the integrity of scholarship applications. Seastead has always offered help for her students in other ways, though.

“I will reteach a concept as many times as I need to make sure that a student understands it,” Seastead said. “They can come to me and I can

help them, rather than just saying ‘Oh, do this extra credit project and bring your grade up.’ It’s about one on one instruction. It’s about giving students clarification so that you can help them be successful.”

Human Geography teacher Haley Barts is somewhat less intense about the subject of extra credit, but she doesn’t give extra credit either.

“It’s extra work for teachers,” Barts said. Even though the two teachers don’t like extra credit for different reasons, they’re on the same page: they don’t like it.

Students, however, feel very different on the topic.

If a student is willing to put in the work, Enrique Carcamo (‘25) thinks teachers should not complain that it is extra credit.

“I think people should get extra

credit if they’re failing and they need support,” Ella Borsum (‘23) said.

Another student had concerns about the extra credit policy concerning students' mental health and needing the credit when they are able to get back on track.

“Students could be struggling with their mental health and be doing bad, and they need support to help them get back on their little feet,” Brianna Borgeson (‘25) said. “Not everyone has motivation to do schoolwork.”

In a Talon poll of 84 students, 96 percent of students said that they supported extra credit, 68 percent said that they’d taken advantage of extra credit in the past. When asked if they believed extra credit was fair to students who already did their work, 66 percent of students said it was, but 80 percent said the rule was unfair.

mission and $8 for students. Student rush will be March 31st, with tickets being on sale for $5. As far as Covid protocols, the actors will not be wearing masks but the audience is encouraged to do so.

Auditions were held mid-November in the auditorium by Addison, Construction Director Melinda Marsh, and Music Director Madeleine Neff.

Soon after winter break, rehearsals

began and the cast started preparations for opening night.

After school rehearsals have become a ritual that the cast could do with their eyes closed.

Sid Willoughby (‘23), who will be playing Velma Kelly, loves to stay after school with the cast.

“Every day I get to go back and be with a support group of people I love and care about,” Willoughby said.

For Enoch Tonkin (‘25) who is playing Amos Hart, rehearsals are

a comfort zone. “There is always lots of goofing around,” Tonkin said.

The cast also says that they are excited about the setting. “It’s really fun that the musical is based in the ‘20s!” Caitlin O’Reilly (‘22), who is playing Roxie Hart, says.

Marsh put together the plans for the sets and choose the paint colors.

From the outside, the crew work may look fun, but on the inside of the operation Marsh says it can be stressful. “If we’re working on a short deadline, kids have other things to do,” she says. Kids are busy with homework and after school activities almost everyday.

Ryan Ellis (‘23), who is playing Billy Flynn agrees. “It’s hard to have enough free time in high school to make this kind of commitment.”

February 2022

FEATURES • 5

Energy Drinks: boost or health risk

A closer look at energy drink labels & ingredients show dangers of drinks

amount of daily caffeine intake for adults.

The consistent consumption of energy drinks hat do you think of when you hear during the past five years of Jordan’s life contributed the word monster? Is it what stands to his hospitalization on April 24, 2021. outside your window while you Nick’s wife, Lauren Jordan, was on Nation Ford’s sleep? What you checked your cheer team during her high school career. Six years closet for as a kid? The thing that after graduation, she now works as a registered goes bump in the night? nurse at Novant Health and has worked with various For your nervous system, it’s Monster Energy. victims of addiction.

Two decades after its 2002 debut, Monster Energy “How a caffeine or general addiction works is has maintained the rank of one of America’s most a person will use an addictive type of substance popular energy drinks. The drink’s label shows the and their brain will increase certain levels of drink contains many ingredients, one of the most neurotransmitters that make the user ‘feel good,’” notable being caffeine.

Lauren says. “The person will, in return, likely want However, the label also holds a secret: while these to feel that way again, so they will go back to that individual ingredients are regulated by the Food and substance.

Drug Association, the energy drink itself is not. This is “It will get to a point where the person will feel true for all energy drinks. like they need that substance to function or feel like For students past and present themselves in their daily life.” at Nation Ford, this fact is often The neurotransmitters that “I had a massive overlooked. people are most familiar with “I have soccer practice and also include serotonin, acetylcholine, headache , and I was lots of homework,” Katelyn Carroll and dopamine. According to (‘23) says, “so I need to make sure the National Health Institution, throwing up.”

I stay up long enough to complete dopamine—which is the my assignments.” neurotransmitter associated with – Nick Jordan, former student caffeine—affects “reward-seeking, Stressful situations do not cease after graduating high school. If movement, and motivation.” energy drink culture is dependent on stress, the Since dopamine helps supply motivation, it’s no development of energy drink-related health issues is secret why people with high demanding tasks, like possible.

Nick, Lauren, and Carroll, are drawn to caffeine.

Nick Jordan, who attended Nation Ford from Ironically, while caffeine helps tired people through 2012-2014 and was the youngest soccer player to win the day, it could ultimately be making them more the Golden Boot during his sophomore year, now tired in the long run. works as an apprentice at the electrical company “[People] are trying to compensate for a lack of BB&H. His position calls for strange hours that push sleep,” Valerie Byars, AP Psychology and European Jordan to carbonated caffeine.

History teacher, says. “[Lack of sleep] can lead to “[I was] working a late—night shift and I decided chronic sleep deprivation, and that can cause health to have some energy drinks and coffee throughout problems -- particularly it can make you more the night along with some throughout the day,” Nick susceptible to illness because your immune system explains, “which ended up being too much for a day, becomes compromised. causing my body to pretty much shut down. “[Students are] perhaps following their circadian “I had a massive headache and I was throwing rhythm, or their technology replaces sleep. To make up. I didn’t want to go to the doctor for something I up for that, teenagers turn to energy drinks,”she essentially did to myself. [My company] wouldn’t let explains. me drive a company vehicle, so I passed out in my Health professionals report that alternatives boss’s truck.” to caffeine may be more beneficial for long-term Since the age of 19, Nick has been drinking various wellness. Activities such as meditation, exercise, energy drinks such as Monster, Bang, Red Line, and listening to music, and spending time in the sun are Red Bull. Of the four, Red Bull has the most amount reported to also release dopamine similar to caffeine. of caffeine per can at 111 mg, which accounts for Changing how someone recovers their energy more than a fourth of what is considered a healthy could be the difference between sickness and health.

W

by Addie Rae Allen

Mask pollution has ecological cost

Mask disposal, its harmful effects leave lasting environmental damage

by Mine Karatas

The increase in disposable mask usage has led to an increase in environmental waste. As the prolonged pandemic becomes a reality in daily lives, masks have become an essential part of our wardrobe. Disposable masks are very accessible in today's world as the need for them increases.

According to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology study from MIT News, the COVID-19 pandemic has been estimated to generate up to 7,200 tons of medical waste every day, much of which is disposable masks. Supply and demand continues to increase as stores stock up on disposable masks.

A separate study shows that 3.4 billion face masks are discarded every day. The disposing of masks has led to an increase in microplastics in the environment. Face masks are also made up of multiple plastic fibers, primarily polypropylene, that will remain in the environment for decades.

A single face mask can release as many as 173,000 microfibers per day into the seas. The microfibers still remain in land and marine ecosystems, leading to consumption and subsequent death of certain organisms. The waste generated also harms our ocean life as the pollutants cycle back into the ocean.

February 2022

The waste decreases biodiversity of organisms and harms the predator/prey cycle as they die off from the pollutants.

According to ABC Science, a study in the journal “Nature Sustainability,” explains that there is a 9,000 % jump in global face mask litter just last year.

The United Kingdom was the worst offender, and Australia came in a close second.

An increase in reusable masks and more people adopting that culture has led to a decrease in mask pollution. It significantly reduces waste and savings.

The MIT study has suggested that the fully reusable silicon N95 masks could offer an even greater waste reduction. Cloth and cotton masks still work to protect wearers, however, N95 masks provide bigger protection against the virus. These types of masks can be found anywhere such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, and pharmacies.

“We as a nation have to do more to protect our planet. One way would be to make biodegradable masks,” says Kaiden Bridges (‘22).

Bridges suggests biodegradable masks capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms. This is an effective way to help decrease masks in landfills and oceans.

Disposing masks properly is an important step in protecting the environment, experts say.

“We as a nation have to do more to protect our planet. One way would be to make biodegradable masks.”

– Kaiden Bridges (‘22).

THE TALON

6• CENTERSPREAD

Falcon F

1.

Smiling in front of their Algebra class on Feb. 6, math teachers Nicole Dakes and Marigrace Yuskaitis say they enjoy

1

They’ve got the job

teaching at Nation Ford.

2

2.

Working on “Squak on the Block,” Media Tech instructor Bob Carroll checks broadcast news packages his second block class on Feb. 8.

3.

Working through an Algebra problem, students get the help that she needs from Math

3

Teacher Nicole Dakes on Feb. 6.

4 5

4.

As the second block P.E. class practices in the gym, P.E. Instructor

Robyn Stockunas talks with Coach Stephan Harrison.

5.

As the 1st lunch kids arrive on Feb. 7, cafeteria worker Carla Corona

6

7 Photos by Gracie McNally & Aiden Witkopf

prepares lunch for the students.

6.

Putting books away on the morning of Feb. 6, Media Specialist Julie Hooper organizes the library.

7.

The AP Economics class listens to a lecture on Feb. 8 as economics teacher Dave Berns points out main ideas on the smartboard.

2022 Teacher of the Year announced

Early Childhood Ed Teacher Kristi Krufts selected by colleagues

by Sanaa Loyd Early Childhood Education teacher Kristi Kruft was selected to be Teacher Of The Year on Feb. 2. She majored in Early Childhood Education and earned her masters degree in Special Education K-12 at University of Virginia.

She is currently working on her second masters degree at Winthrop in Educational Leadership. Kruft has been nominated three times prior to winning Teacher of the Year.

Kruft has been teaching for 16 years but this is her seventh year at NFHS. She said that the amazing students and the good reputation is what brought her to NFHS.

THE TALON

The other teachers and faculty say they are excited for her.

“She is wonderful with her kids and has a personality that sparks the school, ” math teacher Marisa Adamson says.

One of her students, Caden Berson (‘22), says when he found out she won he was ecstatic.

“I am so grateful to the teachers who nominated me and voted for me,” Kruft said. “I just love the faculty here at Nation Ford, and feel a real sense of family with the staff here.

“This is the best school I’ve taught at yet!”

Kruft said.

In her fourth block class, Teacher of the Year Kristi Kruft assits her students with an arts and crafts project on Feb 3.

Photo by Sanaa Loyd

February 2022

CENTERSPREAD • 7

Faculty

b down to a science

Swamped: school nurses in pandemic

Overwhelmed school nurses triage in sick rooms with ill, injured students

by Renan Yilmaz

alters the workflow of the nurses.

“So much of our day and focus is geared towards School nurses play an important role in schools.

COVID-19,” Stout said. “It has changed how we have Responsible for the care for hundreds or even thouto prioritize our day and our time.” sands of students and providing care to those who The coronavirus affected the nurses with large are injured or ill, nurses are excellent at what they swaths of students being quarantined, driving their do. However, they still face many challenges, espeeffort to help contain and keep Nation Ford open. cially during a pandemic.

The issue of the many students getting caught with Despite this, the school nurses still find their work the coronavirus creates a challenge to ensure stuto be exciting and challenging. dents with medical problems are able to be given “Working as a high school nurse is rewarding, proper care. challenging, eventful,” says “There are times that it Lori Stout, a registered “We have had to work past our is hard to give each student nurse who has been working usual time to go home due to not the amount of time and atfor more than two decades, tention they deserve due “and quite honestly it is my having time to get all of our work to how busy we are,” Stout favorite nursing job that I completed during the typical said.

“We often have multihave had in my 21 years as a school day.” ple students in our offices at registered nurse.” one time. “ At Nation Ford High To compensate for the lost time of having students School, there are only two registered nurses for the with coronavirus-related problems and still be able more than 2,000 students. This would mean that each to take care of students with other medical issues, nurse, Stout and April Annin, have to assess and they have to work far harder to still give medical ascare for more than 1,000 students. This number of sistance. students strains the school nurses, leaving them very “Our days have been extremely busy, often not little time to commit to other activities. getting a chance to eat lunch or take a break,” Stout “Our days can be filled with a lot of interruptions said.

“We have had to work past our usual time to go and unpredictable events,” Stout said. “Each day can home due to not having time to get all of our work be different as we really do not know what may hapcompleted during the typical school day.” pen on any given day at school.”

While the school nurses may find their work to be With all of these problems that the nurses must enjoyable, they still face many problems with their deal with to provide care to students with chronic small staff and large number of students for which and acute medical problems, the coronavirus heavily

Cleaning the cots on Feb. 22, Nurse Lori Stout workes hard to keep the Nurse’s Office free of germs.

Photo by Gracie McNally they need to administer health care.

While many elements of being a school nurse are a constant source of difficulty, the nurses at Nation Ford stay resilient against the immense challenges that come with managing medical problems and keeping the school away from COVID-19.

Two teachers hired for second semester Leah Wilt

Will Mitchell

by Crystia Basnight & Leonor Carcamo

by Alex Lavender

New French teacher for second semester Leah Wilt majored in French at Winthrop. Wilt has been teaching and substituting for more than 9 years at Mason Prep, York High School, Pelion High School, and Blue Ridge High School in Greenville, SC. “I actually had quit teaching in 2020,” Wilt said. Wilt started subbing for teachers last semester.

“Then Ms. Janet Hachen, who was a French teacher, found out that I was a French teacher and she was retiring,” she said.

Wilt gets along with the other foreign language teachers and loves her students, she says.

“We are super excited to have Ms.Wilt,” says Principal Chris Chandler “We are fortunate to have a teacher as qualified as her to fill in for Ms.Hachen.”

“She has a nice vibe and a warm spirit,” Assistant Principal Michael Abraham says.

Spanish teacher Sebastian Tellez thinks Wilt

February 2022

New human geography and sociology teacher Will Mitchell chose to join the Nation Ford faculty because the school is closer to where he lives.

“I like it a lot,” he admits.

The father of two – he has an 11-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old son– has one main goal as a teacher; he hopes his students will become critical thinkers who see things from both sides.

Mitchel has lived in Fort Mill for 12 of the last 14 years, but he was the head football coach at Lewisville High in Chester County for the last 10.

Happy to be a part of the Nation Ford family, French teachHe’s physically active in his spare time as er Leah Wilt teaches her second block class on Feb. 8. Photo well. “I just started taking Jiu Jitsu when I turned

by Crystia Basnight 50,”he said.

He says the teachers, staff, and administration describes her as a pretty laid back person who has a at NFHS have been super to work with, especialreally relaxed personality. ly since he started in the middle of the year.

Wilt says she doesn’t plan on being in the teaching He was inspired to become an educator by one field for much longer because she hopes to pursue a of his own teachers. “I had a phenomenal English career as a tattoo artist. teacher when I was in high school,” Mitchell said.

“So I’m just here for the semester,” she said.

THE TALON

8 • SPORTS

Few scholarships for grads in ‘22 due to ‘20 NCAA rule

by Aiden Witkopf

At Nation Ford High School Grey Davis ‘24 gets ready to play Gaffney High School. Photo by Yasmine Anakkar

As of last year, the National Collegiate Athletic Association instated a rule saying that if students played a sport in 2020 they will have an extra year of eligibility to play. Covid-19 caused many setbacks for athletes and athletics as a whole: seasons were canceled, cut short and teams were quarantined.

This new rule gave seniors a sixth year to play and get better, meaning now there are 24-year-olds competing against teenagers for not only spots on the team but scholarships too.

The rule s a big deal for high school athletes because coaches are now giving scholarships to sixyear seniors rather than a kid who is fresh out of high school.

This is an easy decision for coaches, when a 24-year-old is more physically mature and has more experience in a competitive environment.

Not only are high school athletes losing scholarships to six-year seniors but they are also losing them to college athletes in the NCAA Transfer Portal. The Transfer Portal is a platform that allows players to transfer from one school to another with visibility to other schools. Right now there are approximately

3,000 players in the Football Transfer Portal. Coaches will pull a player out of the Transfer Portal with at least one year of experience, rather than a high school player who is eligible to play just as long as the older player in the Transfer Portal with this eligibility rule.

Exacerbating the situation for high school athletes, as of July 1, 2021, the NCAA gave players the opportunity to earn endorsements from the use of their names. This is called the Image and Likeness deal. Recruiters are using it to their advantage and claiming they can give them more endorsements than a competing school. This was not the intent of the NCAA’s NIL rule–they wanted to give Collegiate athletes the ability to earn money and be independent. Most NCAA athletes don't have the time to even work a part-time job.

The reason the number of athletes in the Transfer Portal is so extensive is that players know that they may reap more benefits at other schools than the one they currently attend.

Because the transfer portal is full, and 5-6 year seniors are playing in college sports, things are not looking good for the ‘22-’24 classes. The hardest year to get an athletic scholarship is 2022.

JROTC rifle team takes home yet another national title

by Lillieann Rabon Nation Ford High School is the first and only team to ever qualify three teams to compete in the Marine Corps JROTC National Rifle Championships. Held in Phoenix, Arizona 2-6 Feb, more than 2,000 Marine Cadets competed in the qualification round. Nation Ford teams finished first, third, and sixth place.

The win was team’s 46th national championship team title since their first national rifle team title in 2015. Individually, Nation Ford’s top athletes finished 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th place.

NFHS team has won the Marine Corps JROTC national championships for the past seven consecutive The rifle team including Christian Derenzis, Caroline Audette, years–an accomplishment no other team in the na- Liam Hunter, Jennifer Zermeno, Maya Cameron, Samantha tion has achieved.

Zermeno, Isabelle Fetting, and Kyle Orr focus in on the target.

Additionally, Kyle Orr (‘22) set a new Marine Corps JROTC National Standing Record when he Arts classroom,” he added. “They would moved all fired a 189-9X out of a possible 200. It is the twentieth of the desks to the side and actually shot corner to national record set by Nation Ford shooting athletes corner in order to replicate the 10 meter competition distance.” since 2015.

As the team outgrew that room, they practiced Samantha Zermeno also achieved Civilian Marksin the Commons, wrestling room, and agriculture manship Program Distinguished Expert status at facility.

That required them to spend half of their the national championships. She is the 22nd athlete practice time transporting and in the NFHS program who has “...to remain focused on setting-up and tearing down the achieved this milestone.

Col. Sean Mulcahy, the Senior the task at hand and not feel range each practice period, Col. Mulcay said.

Marine Instructor, identified six the effects of stress makes “Their time was often limitmajor aspects that have signifia significant impact on ed to three days a week as they cantly contributed to the teams shared the space with dance and success in the past seven years: [athletes’] ability to perform.” cheer.

Eventually, then Principal “First, we have our own Beverley Bowman succeeded in appropriating funds 25-point firing range which I believe is the best high for a JROTC building.

Having a dedicated range was school air rifle range in the state,” he said. “Second, the beginning of something big,” he said. we have the best equipment in adequate supply for The team held two practices each day. “This alour team. lowed band students, athletes, students with after“Third, as the coach I have expanded and innoon jobs to belong on the rifle team by attending creased my knowledge of air rifle competitive shootmorning practices and still meeting their afternoon ing. Fourth, we out-train, out-practice all of our requirements,” he said. competitors. I offer ten practices per week of which During this time the Marine Corps purchased 25 five are mandatory. Two weeks prior to a national new, state-of-the-art air rifles for our team and apchampionship, I require all team members to attend plied for NRA grants each year and purchased addidouble practices each day. tional rifle and equipment using Booster Club funds.

“Fifth, I implement and incorporate the practices “Routinely, our rifle team began each school year and techniques of mental focusing/sports psycholwith more than 50 athletes,” he said. “By winter ogy. break, we were down to 25.

By the end of June or “Finally, we travel or host between 30-45 shoulJuly we may have 8-10 athletes still practicing and der-to-shoulder competitive rifle matches per seacompeting.” son,” he added.

Students practice and compete year round. Their The program originated from humble beginnings. last National Rifle Championship is the last week The JROTC program started in 2008, including a rifle in July at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado team. To start, they received air rifles from a Marine Springs.

JROTC program in Mississippi that was disbanded.

“Where ever they could find a rifle match, they “The rifle were old, dilapidated, and not accurate, would go and compete. They won their first state Col. Mulcahy said. champion title in 2013 and haven’t lost a state title At the time, students did not possess their own since,” he said.

“They won their first National Rifle range to practice and hold competitions. “They used Team Championship at the NRA Nationals in Albutheir JROTC classroom which is now the Theater

THE TALON

A team - 1st place team in the nation Kyle Orr Maya Cameron Isabelle Fetting Samantha Zermeno

1st Place Individual 2nd Place Individual 3rd Place Individual 4th Place Individual

B Team 3rd place team in the nation Christian DeRenzis 5th Place Individual Jennifer Zermeno 18th Place Individual Liam Hunter 19th Place Individual Caroline Audette 38th Place Individual C Team 6th place in the nation Abril De Castro 7th Place Individual Ben Whitaker 25th Place Individual Kees Vandergriff 26th Place Individual Harris Lachlan 56th Place Individual Eli Edwards Ben Loser

Alternates

66th Place Individual 71st Place Individual

querque, NM in 2015.”

They usually compete in eight to nine national rifle championships a year. Team members have won more than 20 individual championship titles in the past seven years and these athletes have set a total of 21 team and individual national records.

“About the time our team starting winning national championships is the time I started implementing mandatory mental focusing,” Col. Mulcahy said. “An athlete’s ability to remain focused on the task at hand and not feel the effects of stress makes a significant impact on their ability to perform.”

NFHS team members have not necessarily master the art of mental focusing, he says, but they are leaps and bounds ahead of their fellow competitors.

“This may be the single most contributory factor in our team’s and individual successes,“ he said.

February 2022

SPORTS • 9

Strong, not sorry

Junior Blair Dykes pumps up for bodybuilding competition in Virginia

by Addison Rae Allen brought up the idea of entering a bodyBlair Dykes (‘23) closes the garage building competition to Erin. door behind her as her dog, Charlotte “I saw a video on Tik-Tok about Rose, follows suit. Instead of cars and someone doing bodybuilding,” Blair childhood bikes lining the walls, there remembers. “I was like, ‘It would be so are weights, benches, and bars. funny if I did bodybuilding,’ and then Almost eight hours a week, Blair [Erin] was like, ‘No, you should,’ so stays in this garage working out before that’s where we are.” starting her homework. This rigorous Her weekly workout sessions quickroutine has been stable for almost a ly became almost daily as Blair joined a year after Blair stopped dancing for gym membership and began constructCharlotte Youth Ballet. ing a home gym in her family’s garage.

“I sprained my ankle Each gym day switches badly dancing in Nutoff between targeting “ I feel a lot more cracker -- I rolled over legs and arms with a confident just being.” plan that Blair’s perit,” Blair explains.

Blair’s physical thersonal trainer crafted for – Blair Dykes ‘23 apist had previously her. As Blair’s routine recommended weight heightened, so did the training to better protect her from seri- reality of competing. ous injury while dancing. It was at this “My competition is on April 23 in time that Blair connected with her per- Richmond, Virginia,” Blair shares exsonal trainer, Erin Taylor, the owner of citedly. “I now workout more intensely Strong Not Sorry. [for it].”

“My mom works at the district office The demanding work that Blair and Erin’s mom works at the district completes for competition preparation office,” Blair says. Mrs. Dykes, Blair’s has not only helped with muscle tonmom, got her in touch with Erin. ing, but also Blair’s livelihood.

For a year, Blair was seeking physi“I feel a lot more confident just cal therapy while also maintaining her being,” Blair explains. “If I can lift role in her ballet company. However, [weights], I can speak in class.” various injuries catalyzed revaluation Today, Blair celebrates her deadlift about Blar’s passion for dance. max of 175lbs -- around 130% of her “I had vertigo for five weeks, and I body weight. In the years to come, realized that I didn’t miss dancing, but she hopes to celebrate the personal I missed working out.” improvement of becoming strong, not This summer, Blair sarcastically sorry.

Finishing her 160 lb. lift, Blair Dykes (‘23) prepares for her upcoming competition in Virginia in April. Photo by Addie Rae Allen

Not your average sport BMX racing rocks

by Aiden Witkopf

Waving to his fellow falcons, Matthew McCormick (‘22) prepares to plunge into the cold water at the Baxter-Close YMCA as part of the Polar Plunge fundraiser Saturday, Feb. 5 . Photo by Addie Rae Allen

Polar Plunge surpasses goal

by Trey Chandler “It was a lot of fun,” said Principal Chris ChanNation Ford’s Polar Plunge surpassed their goal dler. “The coldest part was waiting to go down the of $6,500, raising $7,298, almost $800 beyond the slide. It’s always great to support our Special Olymgoal. The event occured on Saturday, Feb. 5 at the pic athletes.”

Baxter YMCA. The Polar Plunge takes place all over the world The Polar Plunge raises money for the South Carwith the goal of raising money for olina Area 11 Special Olympics various causes. This was not Scorand for Special Services classes.

“This event helps our sone’s first.

“It’s such a great cause because “I did the Polar Plunge in MyrSpecial Olympic Athletes there is not a lot of funding for tle Beach, jumping into the ocean,” feel like part of Special Services classes, so when he said. we have the chance, we try our the family.”

The Polar Plunge is more than best to do as much as we can,” just a fundraiser, it’s a way to insaid Assistant Principal Anthony clude every person into one big family, Chandler Scorsone. said.

Participants from all over the Fort Mill School Dis“It’s so important for us because we believe so trict slid into a pool of freezing water. strongly in the Nation Ford family,” he said. “We “I enjoyed it a lot,” Scorsone said. “It was cool to want everyone to feel supported and loved. This see other people from different schools. It was sunny event helps our Special Olympic Athletes feel like outside, so the sun kept us a little warm, even though part of the family.” it was still cold outside.”

The Fort Mill Police Department, Tega Cay Police Participants from all over the Fort Mill School Dis- Department and York County Sheriff Department all trict were at the Baxter YMCA. donated money and plunged.

February 2022

The gate falls, and it's a race to the first obstacle, dirt flying and wind blasting past him. For Alex Lazarus (‘24) it’s just one of the 30 races he competes in every year. Bicycle Motorcross or BMX, the sport involves eight riders on a single gear bike racing around a circuit that has a series of obstacles.

The sport might seem cheap – you might think all you need is a bike and a helmet but, just the bike alone costs between $400-$5,000, and that's not including the elbow pads, chest and back protector, knee pads, gloves, and a special BMX helmet riders have to wear.

“It seems like a more extreme sport than football or soccer,” Lazarus said.

Studies have shown that kids get suffere more injuries competing in sports such as football, baseball and soccer suffer more injuries than BMX riders.

“One time I crashed so hard that I snapped the seat in half,” Lazarus admits.

Lazarus has been Riding for five years. “I started racing after I saw the bmx world championship in Rock Hill in 2017,” Lazurus said.

Alex has been in some big events. His favorite memory was a three-day event held at his local track, over a thousand races were held at the event.

It's a large sport and growing in the U.S. In 2020 approximately 3.88 million people participated in BMX according to Statista.com. We even have a track in Rock Hill right down the road, in 2017 the BMX world championship was held in Rock Hill.

BMX was added to the Olympics in 2008, and just Last July at the Tokyo 2020, Olympics BMX Freestyle made its first appearance at the Olympics.

BMX freestyle is not the same as just BMX, it is often referred to as just “Freestyle”. It's a routine of tricks and maneuvers to be scored by a judge.“ I think this sport is growing a lot faster ever since it was introduced into the Olympics back in 2008,” Lazurus said. BMX coming to the Olympics was a big step for the bike world and that the sport is going world-wide.

THE TALON

10 • REVIEWS

“Wolf” masterful narrative

2013 album entertains 9 years after its release

Hole-in-the-wall food truck offers cheap good food

by Ayden Hash As someone who likes to eat out, I like to try and get a taste for all different types of food, whether it’s a good home-cooked meal, or a generational recipe passed down through someone’s family. Food trucks offer a similar experiance home-cooked meal, prepared right in front of you as if you were sitting in your kitchen.

Tacos Coranay is located in Indianland (9775 Charlotte Hwy), and really gives you a taste of Mexican cuisine. What makes this taco truck stand out from its competitors is its simplified menu with only six items.

Each leaves you with 11 choices of meat, from steak and chicken to beef tongue, beef

head, and cow tripe (edible cow intestine).

It’s something you won’t find from any other taco truck in the area.

Tacos Coranay has one of the meanest burritos around, they come with the same thing every time. Your choice of meat, rice, a slice of avocado, lettuce, and roasted jalapeño. The burrito is spicy, but the kick of the jalapeño mixes perfectly with the other ingredients.

My order is either a campechanos burrito, which is steak and chorizo, (a type of pork sausage), or a barbacoa quesadilla, the perfect size to fill your stomach. Usually, along with the burrito, it will come with a few slices of cucumber and radish, a whole grilled serrano pepper, and a small portion of grilled onions. When paired with the burrito, these ingredients only add to the food’s flavor.

You will find the quesadilla accompanied by shredded romaine lettuce and a few tomato slices on the side, which add flavor to your meat choice. You can also ask for one of their many different types of salsa to accompany your food. Unlike your average salsa, these are more of a dipping sauce rather than a side item, with varying flavors and heat. I can’t say with accuracy which is the hottest, but I do think you should try all three. They have the staples for salsa, red and green, but they also have an avocado salsa that’s cold and works perfectly with pretty much everything on the menu.

In all fairness, I think Tacos Coranay is something everyone should try. It’s a meal you won’t regret.

THE TALON

by Adalie Buckle up all the time, but other than that, I’m fine, I got a If you’ve been a Tyler, the Creator fan for a while, little money in my pocket.” The dealer believes he you would understand that Tyler loves to incorporate has to be selfish to keep himself afloat. This song is different characters or personas throughout his al- arguably the most impactful on the album, alternatbums, and likes to tell twisted and dark stories using ing between lyrics and interviews with people who these made-up characters. One of the most important struggle with addiction and/or witness it every day.

“Colossus” is an inside look of Tyler’s struggle albums I find in Tyler’s career is “Wolf” , which was released April 2, 2014. This album was written to dis- with kids who only know his name because he ficuss Tyler’s success, “Awkward” relationships, dark nally started getting recognition for his edgier lyrics, and few mainstream feelings and thoughts, reviews on his previous and struggle with public two projects. The narrative life after his extreme rectakes place at a Six Flags ognition with “Goblin,” theme park after he turns produced 3 years prior. down taking pictures with The first track on the kids he knew didn’t listen album is titled “WOLF”, to his music, and he meets where Tyler is heard a mega-fan who explains talking to his therapist, his obsession with Tyler’s Doc. TC. The track is a discography and characshort song introducing ter. The song is a humor2 characters that show ous, yet an extreme take up throughout the rest on his super-fans, who can of the tracks: Sam and end up taking it too far.

Wolf. Wolf, being a per“PartyIsntOver/Campception of who Tyler fire/Bimmer” is a 3 in wants to be, and Sam 1 track, featuring Frank being a character who Ocean and Laetitia Sadier. repeatedly gets in the The album switches back way of Wolf’s achieveto the persona of Wolf, inments. At the end of this track, listeners hear Sam getting introduced to Tyler termittently telling the story of his attempt to steal Sam’s girl, Salem. By the end of the track, listeners (Wolf), and the first altercation between the two.

Immediately after the first track, listeners jump find out he was successful, when Salem agrees to right into “Jamba” which features Tyler’s former fel- meet Wolf by the lake.

“IFHY” is another one of Tyler’s most successful low Odd Future member Hodgy. This track is meant to show Tyler’s very intense rap skills, and gives long songs, with over 52 million views on YouTube. This term fans the opportunity to get a taste of what Odd is a story of an obsessive relationship between Sam Future used to sound like. The upbeat sound quickly and his lover Salem who betrays him in the previfalls into another character story told by Sam, with a ous song. Characters aside, the song shows what it’s like to be in a relationship with someone who is darker and harsh sound.

“Cowboy” is a solo track, showing the control completely obsessed. This song has so much emotion freak, Sam, feeling threatened with his placement on shown through it, you can’t help but hear the frusthe ranks. The song also expresses Tyler’s feelings tration, and feel the pain in Sam’s voice. In the end on his success compared to his friends’ who have of the track, Salem tells Wolf that Sam is actually a been making music beside him for a decade before dweeb, and he hides behind a mask of acting tough the release of “Wolf”. “Do you know how weird it is to hide his unfortunate situation back at home.

“Pigs,” another intense song tells the story of Sam, knowing I make a bunch of cheese while my friend’s can’t afford little pizzas from Little Caesars” he sings. and why he is the person he has become. It’s a stoThe track ends and fades into a mellow, smooth ry of how he was bullied at school, so much so that he ended up starting riots sound--the beginning of and went on a killing spree “Awkward”. This is yet “Didn’t realize this game messed to give himself a name that another character stoup some lives. ‘Oh how’s mine?’ my shows his anger. ry, told by Sam, which “Parking Lot” features shows his embarrassment conscience eats it up all the time...”

Casey Veggies and Mike with his first kiss with G. This track tells the story his crush, Salem, demon-- “48,” Tyler, the Creator of Sam, this time singing strating Sam actually has about how he is forming a a gentle side to the rough, group to attack Wolf for getting with Salem. edgy character.

In “Rusty”, Wolf does the exact same thing as Sam “Domo23” is one of the most impactful songs that helped Tyler’s career, having performed it at the in “Parking Lot”, and in the next track “Trashwang”, AfroPunk Fest in 2016. This song highlights Tyler’s the track is just a representation of the ‘war’ between skills in the rap industry along with dissing those the two. The track ends with Salem asking Sam who disagree with his style of rap and call him “rac- to hear her new song, and in the next track “Treeist” and “homophobic” though, ironically, he is a home95,” Sam takes back Salem and leaves Wolf heartbroken. man of color and is openly bisexual.

The sound of Tyler’s hit song “Tamale” may throw The song mellows again to open “Answer,”one of Tyler’s most vulnerable songs in his career, address- you off the first time you hear it. The beat seems to ing his struggle without a dad. The song swings just be thrown together, and the sound of chaos is the through anger to sadness to anger and acceptance. highlight of the track. This track doesn’t have a stoHe claims he never even needed a dad to get where ryline, and is really just Tyler rapping about random he is today, but he wonders what life could have stuff and making it sound good.

The final track of “Wolf” is titled “Lone”, where been like if he had a dad to support him and his single mom through it all. “Gave me a chance to see a Tyler (or Wolf) is back where the album started, in world I wasn’t supposed to, I’m stoked that I didn’t his therapist Doc. TC’s office, and talks about the biggest struggles he had to deal with in his head. know you, but sucks you ain’t give a ****,” he sings.

Switching beats to introduce a track featuring Throughout the track, Tyler’s character Wolf seems Frank Ocean, “Slater” is a staple song with the dy- to have lost his mind, so Doc. TC decides he’s had namic duo, adding backround about growing up in enough, and throws “Wolf” in a mental hospital, which takes us backwards to where his previous althe slums.

“48” is the next track, telling the story of a drug bum “Goblin” starts.

Tyler, the Creator is a musical genius and uses his dealer’s perspective of knowing they’re making lives worse with the only way they make money. Told by creativity to create characters out of the real-life emoSam, the song rationalizes his choice to continue to tions he has everyday. Through the long story told deal drugs for the money despite the harm he knows throughout this project, Tyler is trying to show a he’s causing. “Didn’t realize this game messed up battle in his head with two made up characters: Sam some lives. ‘Oh how’s mine?’ my conscience eats it and “Wolf”.

February 2022

REVIEWS • 11

Frank Ocean’s ‘Blonde’

Emotional album full of love, change and growth

by Andrew Maduabuchukwu

blond

When I first listened to “Blonde”

by Frank Ocean, it sent me to another world. As a previous listener of “Nostalgia, Ultra” and his album “Channel Orange,” I found he inspired a sense of awe. Rebranding himself, Frank Ocean reminisces on his past romances, overcoming struggles, personal trauma, having to move from Louisiana after hurricane Katrina and more.

“Blonde” expresses the innocence of Frank’s early life. Frank shows he’s a mastermind in this album–he delivers magnificent lyricism and shows his creative mind.

Did you know that Blonde is split into 2 parts? That is why there are two different spellings: “Blond,” which is featured on the album cover, and “Blonde”. Additionally, exactly 30 minutes into the album, during his song “Nights,” the beat completely changes. That is why “Nights” is one of the most recognized songs in the album – the amazing beat switch that reflects the change in what he has but has so little time. mood of the album.

The song “Nights” is one of the best songs in Starting with “Ivy.” Frank begins with heartfelt “Blonde,” and it has two different sounds – the first lyrics: “I thought that I was dreaming when you part is an upbeat high and the second slows with said you loved me,” reminiscing about growing up more lows. In the beginning, Frank’s lyrics are agand his past regrets of separating from someone. In gressive, signaling the end of the relationship. He the song, Frank says, “It was the start of nothing,” says he cannot break the law with that person, and revealing the relationship eventually ended and how they can’t be honest with him. bad it was for their health. His Avant-R&B style (a Frank uses the title “Nights” to show the rough mix of neo-soul, jazz fusion, hip-hop, and pop) along nights that he goes through in this period, wanting with a distorted electric guitar fits his vocals and only wants drugs, money, and sex to the point where makes the whole experience mesmerizing. he just doesn’t put in the initiative to fix the situation.

Then, in Frank’s song “Pink + White,” the lyrics He sings, “Did you call me from a séance?” and he’s express the feelings about someone who previously having a heated conversation and wants to get away showed him love to new heights, but that, too, would from that person. Frank then says, “If I get my monsoon end. He delivers the narrative in an almost an- ey right. You know I won’t need you.” He believes gelic melody with backing vocals by Beyoncé. Frank things would be better without the person, and this also used some lyrics that alluded to drug use espe- person makes him less than he thinks he can be. cially after going through hurricane Katrina, and he Then says, “Why your eyes well up?” showing admits how he used to resort to cocaine when things feeling sad can be irritating to him, and he does not were bad, just like his girlfriend. care to comfort the other person. He says, “You are In “Self Control” Frank sings, from my past life” and “Now and then you miss it, sounds Frank is better off ... ‘Blonde’ a love story like no implies make you cry. Some nights you being without them dance with tears in your eyes.” is followed other, it might not be a good by “Nights” Frank felt nostalgic about what he “The Crash,” when and his lover had while listening to Frank goes through this the music. This song features only relationship, but it is a real one. he realizes that drugs, sex, a bass guitar with no drum beats to and money are terrible for highlight the deep meaning. him, and it’s depressing. He remembers facing the “Self Control” touches on anyone being in a rela- after-effects of Hurricane Katrina. He starts with tionship where there’s no maturity. As Frank says, “Every night f***s every day up. Every day patches “Wish I was there, wish we’d grown up on the same the night up,” signaling how it got to the point where advice”. The lyrics bemoan the experience of being all of his days became recovering from what he did in a relationship with someone who doesn’t share in the nights. Also in “The Crash,” Frank goes into similar mindsets or opinions, someone you almost his roots and how he escaped from them. But, these don’t know. He sings, “You see me like a U.F.O” things add to his addiction, an endless cycle, leading showing how alone or unknown he feels with this back into the song name. person. He even explores a one-sided relationship, Next, “White Ferrari,” can bring anyone to tears which is why the song is called “Self Control” be- and could have a thousand meanings. Frank sings, “I cause both of them need the self-awareness to realize didn’t care to state the plain. Kept my mouth closed” it won’t work in the end, so it is better to end it. showing he is in love with someone but doesn’t say “Skyline To” evokes a beautiful setting in nature. anything because it could be obvious to the person.

It starts with Frank saying, “This is joy, this is sum- One of the main themes of the beginning of the song mer” with birds chirping in the background, and is silence, how much silence can keep someone away then progresses to a mellow guitar leading to a kind from the other. To some extent, someone has to evenof faded drum that just really tops everything off. tually say something, but they both are too afraid, This song has a somewhat simple production but leading to Frank not connecting with the person. He can stir so many emotions. “Skyline To” is about a sings, “ I care for you still, and I will forever,” acsummer love in which he realizes that time moves knowledging that he has these feelings for this perby too fast and wants to cherish the memories that son and will continue to do so. The lyrics show him are made. For example, he sings, “Solstice ain’t as begging to be close, destroying his sense of peace, far as it used to be. It begins to blur, we get older. then leading him to believe that love would never Summer’s not as long as it used to be”. It’s as if he’s come. deeply reminiscing about memories and is afraid of In conclusion, “Blonde” is a love story like no how fast time is going. Lastly, Frank gives a beauti- other; it might not be a good relationship, but it is a ful outro where he says, “In comes the morning”; the real one. This album truly is one of the greatest of the morning is what he’s afraid of because it shows that 2010s, and even all time. Soft, motivating, and sad, new days are beginning when he wants to treasure this album truly is unpredictable and like no other.

February 2022

Chanchos Tacos: So-Cal food truck great hot spot

by Zane Teubner As a community in the South, we can be seen to lack cultural influence from areas outside of what many of us call home. An introduction to true latin culture has recently come to the area in the form of the culinary art that is authentic Mexican food. Chanchos Tacos has spread their love of food to the area with their delicious varieties, sure to have something for every palette.

Chanchos represents themselves well with their Wet Chancho Burrito, Chef’s style, which comes with a Large Warm Flour Tortilla filled with Al Pastor, Rice, Beans, Monterey Jack Cheese, Pico de Gallo, Guacamole, enchilada sauce, and a cheese and sour cream topping.

Compared to the famous California Burrito, this gave us a taste of the chef’s abilities to combine all the flavors with his own twist in a more classical So-Cal palette. The taste brings me back to my hometown of San Diego where

latin mix cuisine is deeply embedded into the culture. With a friendly staff and a great product, Chanchos gives off a positive atmosphere anywhere they “park” their business.

Alongside the Wet Burrito, we also decided it was best we go the whole nine yards and finish with their signature dessert, Bavarian cream filled churros, which were perfectly fried and the cinnamon sugar coating didn’t overpower the cream inside. Although you would imagine that the cream would be warm, the cream was ice cold. This difference complemented it perfectly, like a warm brownie with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream.

Depending on the day, you might be able to find a brightly colored food truck, sides adorned with a drawing of the character Chancho from the movie “Nacho Libre,” tucked away in the parking lot of Fairway Fuels at the intersection of Tom Hall Sreet and the Fort Mill Southern Bypass. Given their newfound popularity, the truck is often seen with a line of customers and a seating area filled with happy eaters. Overall, Chanchos Tacos was a great experience from the kindness of the staff to the delicious food. If you have yet to try this flavorful food truck, you are missing out. They have a seating area set up by the Fairway Fuels but are always switching up their location, often visiting neighborhoods and other businesses to further extend their food to more customers. Be sure to be on the lookout for Chanchos Tacos in your area.

THE TALON

COLUMN / ADS • 12

Covid & Concerts: Is It Worth The Risk?

As concerts seek to make a big comeback, fans have to ask hard questions It’s 7 p.m. on the dot and the doors just opened.

Hundreds of people flood into the venue; there’s a guitar, a drum set, and a few mics on the stage, but not much else. The air is electric and full of life as people are dancing and mingling while waiting for the first act to come on. The lights go dark, and there’s cheering, and suddenly, the concert has begun.

If this memory sounds in any way at all familiar, it’s because you’ve probably been to a concert at least once in your life. Almost as old as music itself, concerts have always been a way for people to connect and interact with each other while enjoying familiar tunes.

However, since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, this scene has been missing for a while.

Tours and venues, small and large alike, started shutting down in mid-March of 2020. Massive artists like Billie Eilish, Elton John, Guns N’ Roses, and even My Chemical Romance, who were set to return after seven years of their break, had to cancel their tours. With Covid-19 cases still on the rise, and the concert scene becoming active once again, it’s time to ask ourselves, has anything truly changed?

Now, 5.6 million covid-related deaths later, live concerts seem to be coming back stronger than ever, but should they? The virus is still easily transmitted and crowds of people in a cramped space unmasked still seems like a thing of the past, but as we ramp into 2022 massive festivals and concerts are coming up for the first time since the pandemic, including Coachella, or the Grammys.

As a pretty avid concert goer myself, there was something distinctly missing in my life once concerts had shut down. Special events that had been planned for months were canceled, and live music felt farther away than ever. That was until July 27, 2021, when I went to my first concert since the pandemic started, the Hella Mega tour, which includes acts from Weezer, Fall Out Boy, and Green Day.

Column by Maddie Thompson

At the Atlanta’s Truist Stadium, Maddie Thompson dances to Fall Out Boy in July ‘21. Photo courtesy of Maddie Thompson Situated in Truist Park, the home of the Atlanta Braves, 32,000 people came together to listen to live music, most likely for the first time since Covid-19 swept the world. At the pit, standing room only, thousands of people crowded together, masks off, drinking, dancing, and yelling the lyrics to their favorite songs. Situated up top in the stands, was everyone else, sitting, still packed together, but significantly less so.

About one in five people wore a mask, but at this time, the CDC’s COVID-19 guidelines said that since it was an outdoor event, this was appropriate. Merch and concession lines were a mile long as the music was blaring, but for the avid concert-goers, this felt like home. It felt like a return to normalcy.

The acts went off without a hitch, regardless of the rain that came over the area midway through the concert. Weezer was the starter, and after a brief speech about the importance of wearing a mask and getting vaccinated, they went on to the concert as if nothing had changed.

Fall Out Boy followed, saying nothing about the effects of COVID-19 on them, except for how happy they were to return to live music once again. Finally, the headliner, Green Day started their set, and after many guitar solos, headbanging, and bass-lines, they ended with a touching speech about the importance of staying masked and getting vaccinated.

For the first time since March of 2020, there was a semblance of normalcy in the air, that we seemingly had made it out the other side of the pandemic stronger and more excited for live events than ever.

Now, this would have been incredibly impactful and touching, if it wasn’t followed by a Fall Out Boy member getting COVID-19 only a week later, and the group having to cancel their section of the tour for the next five shows. The current state of the world came crashing back down fairly quickly after that.

While the tour continued after the quarantine period for the members was over, it was still different at the following shows, for artists and fans alike.

Almost two years into the pandemic, there are still an average of 2,000 Covid-related deaths a day in the U.S. according to the CDC, and we are now forced to ask ourselves the question: is going to live events, like sporting events, shows, concerts, and more worth the risk? It’s estimated that about 5,000 out of that 32,000 that attended the Atlanta Hella Mega concert left with the virus. That’s more than 15%.

Is the fun had at these types of events worth the increased danger we pose to other people when returning? Is it worth it for the rush of pre-pandemic normalcy you feel when attending? We have to ask ourselves hard questions these days.

NATION FORD HIGH SCHOOL’S THE FORD

YEARBOOK NOW ON SALE! EARLY BIRD YEARBOOK - INCLUDES FREE NAME STAMP! until August 22nd only! ............ $75.00 YEARBOOK Aug 22nd - Oct 10th ............................................................................................... $75.00 YEARBOOK Oct 11th - Mar 20th ................................................................................................ $85.00 * Presale ends on Sunday, March 20, 2022. After this date, yearbook price will go up AND copies will be limited and sold on a first come, first served basis.

More personalization options available online until January 21st (see icon options on the back of this form.)

Visit our new location in Fort Mill Brayden Pkwy, Ste 102, Fort Mill, SC 29708

ORDERING A YEARBOOK IS EASY! Click on: https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/index.cfm/job/41103 OR click the QR code to the right of this link.

BUY NOW & PAY LATER - NEW for 2022!

Buy now, pay later with PayPal’s Pay in 4. Pay in four interest free payments!

Select PayPal at checkout and then once in PayPal, select Pay in 4 - that’s it!

Start your day off delicious with our wide selection of dounuts

DEADLINE: Early bird pricing expires at 11:59pm on Sunday, August 22nd!

NOTE: All yearbook sales will be conducted online. A copy of the yearbook cannot be guaranteed for your student IF it is not preordered online by Sunday, March 20th. After this date, quantity will be limited and sold on a first come, first served basis.

Ford’s theme NEW! SENIOR AD The ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS:

this year:

“Through the Eyes of a Falcon”

To reserve your senior ad space, visit the link above OR scan the QR code to begin. You can chose to have your ad professionally created for you OR create it yourself. both options require payment online.

You will also be able to complete in multiple sittings since you will be prompted to create an account.

FULL PAGE

Ad Size

Eighth Page

HALF PAGE

Ordered before December 17th

Ordered after December 18th*

$100.00

$125.00

Get your order in today!

Memories that last a lifetime!

Quarter Page

$175.00

$200.00

Half Page

$250.00

$275.00

Full Page

$350.00

$375.00

EIGHTH PAGE

QUARTER PAGE

EIGHTH PAGE

* Please note that the final deadline for senior ads is February 14, 2022.

Friends, Facutly, Fun Times... the year in pictures.

Questions?

See Mrs. Amanda Murphy Ford staff adviser

February 2022

Hours of Operation Monday

7 AM - 3 PM

Tuesday

7AM - 3 PM

Wednesday

7 AM - 7 PM

Thursday

7 AM - 7 PM

Friday

7 AM - 7 PM

Saturday

7 AM - 7 PM

Sunday

8 AM - 5 PM

Contact us at 803-228-4018

THE TALON