The Talon vol 9 issue 2 2015 16

The Talon Volume 9 Number 2

Nation Ford High School

December 2015

1400 A.O. Jones Blvd.

Fort Mill, SC 29715

C To: U From .S. M : NF ilitary HS

olonel Sean Mulcahy leaned against the cold, concrete wall of his office in Washington D.C. The TV lights flicker and flash the horror of a plane colliding into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York.

Suddenly, he felt what he thought was a squadron of fighter jets flying overhead.

His office shakes violently, followed by an ear-piercing explosion.

He sprinted down four flights of stairs to stumble upon the destruction of the Pentagon as glacier-sized walls of smoke plunged into the sky above waves of 40-foot flames crossing the building.

Colonel Mulcahy’s family had no idea he had survived the catastrophe. His wife and sons could only hear the media reports when American Airlines Flight 77 flew into the Pentagon, killing 64 people on the plane and 125 in the building.

It’s difficult for families and the soldiers to be away from their loved ones, especially during the holidays.

See Not Home page 7

by Justin McGuirl

Jalen Hodges

Dip & Chew Penalty Lenient For Students p5

Next Big Thing? p8

NFHS Grads Successful After High School p3

2 • news

Exchange Students Visit NFHS Jalen Hodges & Cory Crawford

N

ation Ford High School is proud to welcome three foreign exchange students to the 20152016 travel abroad program.

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Paula Penalver, Spain

Paula Penalver, an exchange student from Madrid, Spain, is attending NFHS as a sophomore and is staying with Corinne Luksch (’18), her host family.

“My first day of school was scary at first,” Penalver said. “I barely knew any English, but I was still excited for all the new things that are about to happen.”

In Spain, students did not go from class to class like they do in the United States “The students stay in class but the teacher changes the subject,” she said. Classes are 45 minutes each, and there are a total of 7 in a day, in a total of 7 hours a day.

Another difference in the Spanish school system is the grading is more difficult and strict. “The grading system is way easier here, I love that I don’t have to worry about school work all the time and I can get a chance to do

things after school,” she said.

Paula’s favorite things to do after school is going to the mall, eating out, and going to the movies with her new friends.

“I like eating the ‘bad’ food here, and shopping has always been something I like to do,” she said.

She misses not having to drive around in cars.

“In Spain we take public transportation everywhere and I miss it,” she said.

She also misses her friends and family.

“I miss my family and friends especially when I Skype them, but I’m making friends here, and it gets easier,” she said.

The only thing she does not like about the U.S. is kids are less likely to let people in, she says, but she feels welcomed and loves that she gets the chance to live here.

“Living here has taught me a lot of English, and given me a lot of friends I am very welcomed and comfortable here.”

Marlena Schwinhorst, Germany

Marlena Schwinhorst, a foreign exchange student from Everswinkle, Germany, is staying with Emily Berril (’17) and her family.

“I love them and they are really friendly, I feel at home” said Schwinhorst.

Her first day in an American school was a weird experience she says.

“I like it a lot. It’s really different and so much bigger the people are much friendlier,” she said.

The schedule at NFHS is a bit boring she says because in Germany, Schwinhorst’s school schedule offers various classes everyday, but at NFHS it’s pretty much the same with a few exceptions.

Schwinhorst loves it in the U.S. because of the culture and how it’s unique compared to Germany’s culture.

She’s enjoying her foreign exchange experience but misses her family.

“It’s weird because I was here for a few weeks before I really stared to miss home,” she said.

She only has seven more months before she goes home.

“The time is going by so fast,” she said.

After graduation, Schwinhorst wants to get a college scholarship to a school in the U.S. and live in America because she has family here, and she finds the country more fun and diverse.

Rachel Araujo, Brazil

Rachel Araujo is attending NFHS this year as a senior.

She is from Brasilia, Brazil.

For Rachel, her first day of school was exciting and scary. “This school is way bigger than my old school.

I also got lost,” she said.

Also for Rachel the language was a struggle. “I knew hardly any English, and I was so afraid to talk, but I’m learning a lot and can understand a lot more now,” she said.

In Brazil, Rachel took different classes during a week, but she only took five classes each day.

“We don’t have blocks – we go to one class every day and the teacher teaches all the classes,” she said.

Rachel is involved in international club, drama club and plans on doing the spring musical The Little Mermaid. She also enjoys playing soccer with friends.

Her favorite activities in America are watching American movies and hanging out with friends.

Now Rachel speaks better English and has made more friends. “Being here is a good experience and I am very happy to be living here,” she said.

Tuition Free University Changes Face Of Online Colleges Lexcee Shelton Tuition $40,000. The number stares you down from the computer screen. I’ll be paying this off for the rest of my life. All for four years of college.

Any students hoping to get a worthwhile degree for their career must pay a hefty price for their education. Students that are fresh out of college may be weighed down with a huge debt, which will follow them for many years to come. This has been a problem for college students in the U.S. and all over the world since colleges were founded. But a group of like-minded individuals have set out to change the cost of higher education.

The University of the People began in 2009 as a nonprofit online university with the mindset that higher education is a basic right. The mis-

sion listed on their website is, “to offer affordable, quality, online, degree-granting educational programs to any qualified student.” The only requirements for entry are: •Applicants must be 18-years-old or older.

•Applicants must be proficient in English as all courses and materials are in English.

•Applicants must prove high school completion through the submission of a high school diploma and transcripts. The diploma and transcripts may be in a language other than English provided the applicant submits an official translation document that is notarized prior to submittal.

“Although UofPeople is tuition-free, it is not completely free. All we ask from our students is to pay an application processing fee of $50 and Exam Processing Fees, which are

$100 per exam,” the website states. Unfortunately, with it being so new, UofPeople only offers two courses of study, Business Administration and Computer Science. Within these courses students can receive several degrees, from an Associate’s to a Bachelor’s.

Because of the easy accessiblity this university, students from all over the world have attended, including students from countries in Africa and Europe. English Languate Learning teacher, Mrs. Bartell, thinks a tuition free university would be a great benefit to students who are unable to pay full college tuition.

“None of my English language learners are able to pay full tuition unless they attend a technical school,” she said.

“And even then, they are extremely limited. They often end up on a payment plan

instead of being able to pay the full amount right away.”

Still, even with all the benefits to a tuition-free college, some students may still have fears about attending.

“However, many of my students would be apprehensive about why the university does not cost them money.

Some are also wanting to be just like ‘everyone else’ and go to schools that their peers are attending,” says Mrs. Bartell.

When asked about her personal opinion on attending the school, Mrs. Bartell was a bit skeptical.

“For me personally, I would have to make sure the university is accredited before attending. I would want to make sure that classes I take at the tuition free university would be transferable to other colleges that might fulfill my major...such as becoming

a doctor or a lawyer (hypothetically speaking). I think that anything that is labeled as “free” raises red flags.”

UofP is accredited as an online school by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Despite its low initial price, each student also has the opportunity to qualify for a scholarship.

There are 12 scholarships available with benefits ranging from the first 10 tests being free to a full ride. The qualifications for scholarships are relatively easy to meet, adding further accessibility for financially unstable students.

With high demand for education and the prices skyrocketing, education is inaccessible to some students. University of the People aims to allow every student knowledge.

High Teen Unemployment Despite Many Job Opportunities Samantha Sweeney Teen employment has fallen in recent decades. Fifty percent of teens were employed in 1974, according to the Pew Research Foundation. In 2014, that percentage was cut in half with only 25 percent of teens employed.

Surveys say adults across the United States believe it would be a good idea for teenagers to become employed.

However, many teens are not motivated to get jobs.

Due to lots of homework, students want to work leisurely hours, according to InsiderMonkey.com. The av-

The Talon

erage high school student gets approximately 17.5 hours worth of homework each week, and 79 percent of high school students regularly participate in exta curricular activities, according to PublicAgenda.org.

The top paying job for high schoolers is babysitting.

Babysitting is most often practiced by female students. It is an easy way to make quick money. Babysitting is not limited to seasonal work, which is why many students engage in this work. Jessica Shamble (’17) occasionally babysits.

“I usually make like $10 an hour, but that’s

for two kids,” she said.

Another top rated job for high schoolers is working at an animal shelter, according to MoneyCrashers.com. Students who love animals can find this part-time job exciting. Employees get to spend time with the animals by helping to clean their cages.

Working at an animal shelter could also provide experience to those who plan on becoming a veterinarian. Having this job also looks good on a resume.

Young adults who have a skill or passion or even just a need for cash can be motivated to work – if they can find the jobs they’re looking for.

Teen Vs. Overall Unemployment

24.1%

Teen unemployment rate

7.5%

Overall unemployment

Source: bankofamerica.com

Unemployment rate for teenagers 2015 & unemployment overall in the United States.

December 2015

News • 3 (Left) Thomas Werner shows off his superior culinary skills at Epicurious Restaurant.

Alex Meredith, class of 2014 Fashion & Merchandising

Where Are They Now? Mike Hill, class of 2010 Writer/Producer Short Films

NFHS Graduates Successful In Professional World Ashley Garcia Nation Ford High School has been open for eight years now and students have come and gone. So where do graduates end up?

Thomas Werner ’09

A member of Nation Ford’s first graduating class, Thomas Werner works at two publications-- one is a fulltime job at Epicurious, a website for food ideas, where he is an editorial assistant, and the other job is his side job which is at Put A Egg On It, a magazine that comes out two times a year and it’s all about food.

His focus was English, Spanish, and journalism during high school. At the time, he was a student of Mr. Chuck Walker.

“He was a very hard worker and very creative when it came to brainstorming for the yearbook,” English II, Yearbook, and Broadcasting teacher Mr. Walker said.

NFHS offers many resources to build the foundation for a student. For Werner his place to go was the media center.

“That library is amazing, and I owe them a lot of thanks for giving me the space to build a framework,” Werner said. “I also had some fundamentally wonderful people as faculty mentors who helped me shape my goals. Chuck Walker showed me how to imagine and realize a publication.

Brendan Wright inspired me to absorb some worldly experiences but not take anything at face value and take lots of

December 2015

good pictures wherever I go.

Deborah Bustamante’s punk rock attitude and always-on energy, which has shaped my own approach so much. Frances Davis showed me the capability of writer’s voice... In all of my time with Dawn Lisk, I got (I think) one perfect essay score. Mrs. Lisk never handed them out. That drove me crazy, and it made me try even more at tightening up my work and making it better.”

Once Werner graduated from high school, he went to the College of Charleston.

While there he worked for the school newspaper, created a magazine and managed to work at other magazine companies in the Charleston area.

He also hosted little dinner parties. He made some food and then invited his friends to come over to eat together, and they invited other people who walked by to come taste the food as well.

He now lives in New York City because he did an internship at Bon Appetit during his junior year and fell in love with New York.

He has been living in New York for two years now.

He became interested in journalism when he used to go to Fort Mill High School before NFHS even opened.

He loved the yearbook.

“I always thought it was a cool thing to be a part of because I could put all my interests (photography and writing) in one place,” he said.

He reflected back to

his high school life, and he offered some advice on how to get through it.

“I think you really have to try on a lot of different shoes before you find your style.

And that’s okay, just go with it.

“Ask questions, especially why,” Werner said. “Know the difference between ‘can’t’ and ‘shouldn’t’ – and never stop reading!”

Mike Hill ’10 Mike Hill produces and writes short films. His day job is creating and editing content for a major YouTube channel that gets millions of monthly views.

He attended Western Carolina University and earned a degree in Screenwriting for Film, even though he originally thought about majoring in creative writing or English.

“Film offered me a really cool environment to work in,” he said.

Hill found a love for film in college, and he has always wanted to be a writer. He thinks that film gave him a good foundation.

“Just before my senior year, my dad signed me up for Mr. Walker’s class. It turned out to be one of the most positive and influential classes I ever took,” Hill said. “I learned a lot of video and TV during that semester, and it ended up leading me to the film department in college.”

He then returned to Charlotte and started working in the film industry.

He also was in a band called Saving Saturday. He and his band toured around the Charlotte area and played some cool shows.

“It was a good time,” he said.

He left the band in early August of 2015 so that he can focus more on film work. But he still writes and records music.

Hill started playing bass in middle school, but then quickly learned how to play guitar.

“I became pretty much obsessed with it,” he said.

He was also in the NFHS marching band, and it helped drive his interest in music.

Hill co-founded a film group called IHF Films with Patrick Abernethy. Abernethy is a Charlotte-based director Hill met during his internship for college.

IHF started out as a joke at first. “Without a production name, we’re just incredibly handsome friends,” Hill said.

Abernethy liked the idea so that’s when they became IHF. Their most recent film is based on a Stephen King short story called “Rest Stop.”

Hill’s advice for high school: “Don’t worry too much about what you’re supposed to do with your life and don’t be afraid to try new things,” he said.

Alex Meredith ’14 Alex Meredith attends the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising of Los Angeles. She lives in L.A. and says she couldn’t be happier.

When she toured the campus

last year, she fell in love with it.

She knew she would be there someday, she said.

“FIDM is one of the most prestigious fashion colleges in the country, following Parson’s University in New York,” Meredith said.

Meredith majors in Marketing Management and she loves it a lot. She wants to be a marketing manager for the beauty industry.

In high school she studied music and loved playing the clarinet, but before Meredith started college she was undecided about what she wanted to do in the future, she said.

She decided to take a year off to enroll online college and work.

After a year off, she moved to Los Angeles, Calif.

“I feel like I can finally spread my wings and start my future,” said Meredith. “And I have worked very hard to be here, and I am glad that my work is paying off. I could not be more blessed or happy.”

Getting a job prepared Meredith for her current career. She worked in the restaurant business with a lot of adults, which helped her learn how to effectively and run a profitable business.

“The advice I would give is just to work hard and get involved in clubs and activities,” she said. “Do not worry about what anybody thinks of you. You are there to enjoy high school and to work hard towards college or any other plan you have.”

The Talon

4 • OP/Ed

NC School’s Ban On Clubs Discriminates Against GSA

A

Kailey Cota

t Rutherford County K-12 grade Public Charter School, the administration shut down all clubs and after-school activities because a club similar to Nation Ford High School’s Safe Zones was created.

Their club for LGBTQ+ students was to be an environment that made students feel comfortable in their own skin and at school, knowing that they could be safe around allies and peers. The club was designed for positive outcomes. Ironically, all of the clubs and after school activities were suspended by the administration.

In contrast, the Nation Ford community is to be commended for the fact that Safe Zones was created and still stands among all of NFHS’s other clubs and activities. However, praise isn’t always what Safe Zone receives. Recently, profanities were drawn in pencil have been found on the Safe Zones Ally Pledge banner. The banner has also been torn.

A video recording already caught one student defacing the hopeful and unifying pledge signed by students and faculty this fall.

As a country, the United States of America is moving toward equality for all races, genders, and sexualities. Same-sex marriage was legalized in all 50 states on June 26, 2015. Improved transgender bathroom rights are being defended in federal courts.

Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender in federally funded education programs or activities.

And yet, Title IX seems to be ignored in Rutherford County School’s disgrace. Schools have the right to allow after school activities, and that right should not be suspended just because a LGBTQ+ friendly club was founded. Rutherford County’s administration needs to mature and realize that LGBTQ+ people have the same rights as any other citizens.

Dr. Todd Rosendahl, the Director of School Outreach with Time Out Youth, an organization that works to empower LGBTQ+ students, agrees that everyone should be treated equally.

“Transgender individuals deserve

the same rights and protections afforded to cisgender individuals in our society. Unfortunately trans people often face discrimination, harassment, and violence aimed at them simply due to their gender identity/ expression…,” said Dr. Rosendahl.

His statement is aimed at transgender rights, but it applies to all LGBTQ+ individuals as well. By suspending all of the clubs at the Rutherford County School due to funding a GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance Club), in a sense, the First Amendment is being ignored.

“Regardless of your feelings on transgender issues, or LGBT issues more broadly,” Dr. Rosendahl says, “we all have a responsibility as citizens to protect our neighbors from violence and harassment and advocate for equal rights for all.”

Rutherford Country School is not protecting its LGBTQ+ students at all; it is causing more harassment to be placed upon their shoulders.

Safe Zones at NFHS is a place where all students can come together in their community and know that they’ll be safe and accepted. Although NFHS has had some problems already this year, such as the Homecoming Dance flyer quote that offended so many and the defacing of the Safe Zones Ally Pledge poster, it must be praised for at least having the existence Safe Zones.

For those who don’t know, Safe Zones offers a safe environment at school for students and those who support them.

All students should embrace the fact that our school offers a Safe Zones club because it is merely a place where all students can come together in community and know that they’ll be safe and accepted.

All schools want to be recognized as a safe place where all students can learn and grow in complete safety. If students wish to attend, the club meets every other Monday right after school in room D517.

As of 2011, about 9 million adult U.S. citizens identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. If schools don’t allow GSA clubs for the LGBTQ+ and their allies, school is not a safe and accepting environment for all students.

The Talon Staff Editor-In-Chief: Justin McGuirl Editors: Drew Carpenter Kailey Cota Raegan Craddock Emily Skroly Samantha Sweeney Preston Lyerly Layout: Lexcee Shelton Makayla Brown Nathan Tyson Ashley Garcia Ad Sales: Tre Cooper Adviser: Beth Swann

Staff: David Beck Hayden Biebel Matthew Bieser Cory Crawford Jymontae Drafton Carson Elliott John Gwinn Kennedy Hinkle Jalen Hodges Nick Hoffman Greg Lore Kristianlyn Mclellan Lyliana Mendez Amber Richardson Megan Richardson Staff Editorial: Preston Lyerly

1400 A.O. Jones Blvd.

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

The Talon asks...

Who Are We?

“Social Networking” -Kelsie Kidd (‘16)

“Selfie” -Janiyah Thomas (‘16)

“Ratchet” -Michelle Garcia (‘17)

“Digital Age” -Mathew Irven (‘18)

Generational Question

How Will We Be Remembered?

B

Lyliana Mendez

aby Boomers, Generation-X – but who are we?

Technology has had and still has a big impact on today’s generation.

The current generation of teens has many nicknames, but a couple of them are “Screen Addicts” because most teens are glued to their phone, and another name is the “New Silent” because teenagers would rather text than talk to each other face to face.

Ninety-two percent of teens have reported they go online daily using their smartphones, according to Pew Research Center. Society has

developed and changed over the past decade due to technology. According to The Guardian, teens being punished and getting sent to their rooms is what teenagers want – so they can be left alone with any of the digital device they have and be able to enjoy it.

It’s all true from my experience – this current generation lives off technology. Smart phones, tablets, iPads, and laptops – teenagers use all of these devices to text and access social media or to play games to entertain themselves rather than going over someone’s house to hangout to talk face to face.

For better or worse, this generation is totally Gen Tech.

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@fort-mill.k12.sc.us.

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 2015

Ignoring Bullies Doesn’t Work

OPinion• 5

Despite Frequent Advice From Many Teachers, Counselors

E

Kris McCellan

veryone learns something new about bullying at some point in their lives, and we’ve been told that we’re not supposed to bully others because we should treat others how we want to be treated. In a perfect world, we would treat others in that manner, but this is the real world and some people are set on hurting others.

We’re told to ignore the person calling names, hitting, harassing, and humiliating us. Is it always the best advice? Absolutely not. All over the country teachers, counselors, and even parents are telling children to ignore the situation, but that frequently doesn’t make the situation any better.

While ignoring a internet bully may be good solution, it does no good when you have to see the bully face to face every day. People are targeted because of physical appearance, mental disabilities, sexual orientation, or because of a friendship fallout. Whatever the case, experts highly encourage victims to tell someone and discourage ignoring bullies.

Bullies victimize others because they think the victim is weak. “Bullies usually pick on people who are smaller and physically weaker than they are, or who they feel will not retaliate,” said Allan L. Beane, an expert in education and school safety. If they realize that they’re being tuned out, they’ll make a way to be heard. Walking away creates a feeling an inferiority that builds

JUST IGNORE HIM? YEAH, RIGHT!

Preston Lyerly

up in the victim. Yes, a victim will ignore bullies, but he or she may also begin ignoring others, and eventually isolate themselves. Isolation makes the situation worse because not only is the victim viewed as being weak, but there wouldn’t be anyone to support them.

Another problem with ignoring a bully is the prevention of victims facing their fears. Everyone’s afraid of something, from public speaking to the number 13, and those are only things we have to face temporarily. Bullies don’t intend to scare and scar you for

Dip & Chew Health Dangers - Nearly 90% of people with mouth cancer are tobacco users - An estimated 7% of high school students are smokeless tobacco users

-Studies show 7% to 27% of spit tobacco users have gum recession and bone loss around their teeth Source: mouthcancerfoundation.org

Smokeless Tobacco Penalty Too Lenient At Nation Ford

D

Staff Editorial

ip. Chew. Spit. Smokeless tobacco. The nicotine rush and has become uncomfortably popular among the students of Nation Ford.

According to Nation Ford High School rules and regulations, cigarettes, vapes, and chew are all equally offensive – but in practice the enforcement of the tobacco ban falls short on dip. It is commonplace for a student caught with even the liquid of an electronic cigarette to be given three days of in-school suspension, and for a pack of cigarettes, students can expect the same fate or worse, but users of dip will find their habits slipping through the hands of administration.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 5.6 percent of teens use some form of smokeless tobacco, and the majority of those will also smoke cigarettes at some point. Nation Ford is an example of this statistic. In the halls and bathrooms, students withdraw their chew cans from their backpacks or

December 2015

pockets; water bottles containing the brown liquid adorn the trashcans.

Another unsettling and widespread belief among the student population is that dip is less dangerous than cigarettes, yet the facts dispute that assumption. Despite the marketing that smokeless tobacco is a better alternative to smoking, dip can cause mouth, jaw, tongue, skin, and pancreatic cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

Chewing tobacco can also cause tooth and gum decay, high blood pressure, and risk of stroke. In no way, shape, or form is dip healthy.

It is unfortunate that NFHS doesn’t crack down more on suspected dip users, for the usage of such a drug in the school tarnishes the school’s high standing. If teachers see smokeless tobacco in any form, they should confiscate the tobacco and treat it as if it were any other contraband of its kind. Students caught with dip or caught chewing it should be sent to ISS, and a student selling it should face the same consequences as one selling cigarettes or liquid.

Chew, dip, snuff, and spit are all just as bad as cigarettes.

just one day. In fact, bullying is considered repeated use of superior strength or social status to intimidate someone.

Ignoring this injustice would only make the bullies believe that what they are doing is right and that there are no consequences. As long as they believe that, they will continue to hurt others.

When worse comes to worse, ignoring a bully could attract more of the pack.

When that happens, the best option is to tell them calmly and in a straightforward manner that if they continue the harassment, you’ll report them.

If you want to help someone face a bully, support the victim by telling an adult. If the victim refuses to speak with an adult, stay near and share your strength – you don’t need to be superman strong, just strong enough to help a victim fight through it.

Ignoring bullies only worsens tensions. Schools first need to become more aware of bullying and then give students more support, such as the buddy system, and encourage victims to tell someone. After that, school may become a bully-free zone.

Headphone Policy Doesn’t Work Better

L

Lexcee Shelton

ast year, it was a common sight to see students listening to music before school, in between classes and after school. Music is an integral part of a teen’s life, with many different tastes and styles that students enjoy. But a new rule in the student handbook has banned the use of headphones completely. The rule states, “No headphones are allowed with use of phone or any other device without special permission from administration.”

The administration may see that music is a distraction, and it can cause accidents in the parking lot or in the hallways with students listening to it. While this may be true, it’s not hard to see that the benefits outweigh the down sides in this situation.

Last year, administration allowed the use of headphones before, after, and during school. The new rule limits the little bit of relaxation the students are able to steal during the day. The school day is stressful enough with the workload the students have to bear, and not allowing them to relax a bit between classes could cause them to become even more stressed out.

One reason for not listening to music in school is that it makes a student deaf to others who are trying to get their attention. It could also cause an accident while someone is trying to get to the nurse, or if someone is coming through with a cart of computers. But this can be easily rectified if students are required to use only one headphone earbud.

Students who don’t listen to or follow

this rule can be punished accordingly.

Students are also not allowed to listen to music in class while working. Many teachers even used to use music as a reward for doing work. Therefore, losing the use of headphones is not only detrimental to students, but also to teachers.

Some administrators would argue that listening to music distracts students rather than helps them in class, but according to the Stanford Medical Program, listening to music while working encourages the brain to focus on the task at hand.

Others would also argue that students listening to music may be anti-social, isolating them from their peers, but this is not completely true.

While some students are not social, music does not contribute to that. On the contrary, music can be used as a safety net for those who are uncomfortable in social situations, or it could open up new social situations. Two people could become friends over similar musical taste, which would benefit the social skills of both involved.

Music speaks to us. Song lyrics can be a representation of what is going on in the world or maybe even a situation a student is going through. Music has proven to be a soothing escape from hard situations in real life, which is why music therapy is effective.

Teenagers now days are allowed so few chances to relax with the combined weight of schoolwork, extracurriculars, after-school jobs, spending time with family and spending time with friends. It would be cruel to rob teenagers of their music, too.

The Talon

6 • Entertainment

t NoHome

For T

Megan & Ambe

“O nC d pre ow hrist n fam sents stai mas an rs, day ily ing wat d th open I go my Am che en t h s -Ri erica Goo e wh ley d o Kh toge Mo le ode the rn‘19 r.”

“I w the ake u m p hun ornin early g in t -Co ing al and g ope r Pl l day. o ” yer

“My wife mak whole family onesies and then sleep in the livin together o Christmas E

‘17

-Coach Leon Bou

To Do Over Break Bake cookies with friends Holiday On Ice (outdoor skating rink in Charlotte) Nov. 21-Jan 6, Skating costs $9 per person and $3 for skate rental Have a bonfire, roast marshmallows, and drink hot chocolate

Art by David Beck

Send Gratitude To U.S. Troops Amber & Megan Richardson Imagine being far from home, unable to be with your family for the holidays. The U.S. has the most military personnel deployed in the world in almost 150 counteries. Being in the military can cause a lot of emotional stress for the soldiers and their families.

Soldiers worry about what is happening at home that they cannot control or something happening to their families while they are gone. There is also that thought in the back of their minds that today could be their last day.“ I would facetime my parents at least once a week. They would feel less lonely when we talked,” Austin Williams (‘19). Soldiers put their lives on the line to protect what matters to citizens. One way for showing gratitude is by simply sending a care package to someone serving.

It is very easy to send a care package to a soldier. Support Our Troops is an organization that sends packages to the military. You can make a care package and the organization will send it for you.

The number one item that is requested by the military is phone cards, so that soldiers can talk to their loved ones back home.

The Talon

Another popular gift for them is personal hygiene items. Chap Stick, floss, toothbrushes, feminine products, and foot powder are appreciated by the soldiers.

Soldiers sometimes sell things to each other if they don’t need something. One of the most popular items soldiers want are baby wipes.They are useful in the field to help keep equipment clean. Paper and pens are popular so that the soldiers can write letters and journal entries. Receiving letters from people saying how much they appreciate them makes a huge difference to them. A simple thank you can go a long way.

At times the soldiers get bored, so they like footballs and cards.

Over half of the deployed soldiers will not be able to come home due to their different ranks, and how many are allowed on leave at once. Each solider earns 2.5 days of leave per each month so most soldiers save up leave and when they have enough days they take 1-2 weeks off. Soldiers have to go months without seeing their families, and when they do see them, it’s only for a week or so. If they are in training, mlitary personnel are not allowed to leave until their training is complete.

Stay in and watch Netflix Donate presents to those in need.

To find a local Salvation Army location, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org Decorate your room with festive lights Make ornaments! For inspiration, visit Michael’s Blog, the Glue String Donate food or money to Fort Mill Care Center, who provides Christmas dinners to families in need. Located at 2760 Old Nation Road Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715 Phone: (803) 547-7620

Emily Skroly

Send a gift to a soldier: Support Our Troops P.O. Box 70 Daytona Beach, FL 32115-0070 December 2015

EnterTainment • 7

The Holidays

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Military Families Long For Loved Ones On Holidays Continued from page 1

“I traveled all over the world for excercises,” said Colonel Mulcahy, a senior marine instructor at Nation Ford High School since 2008. He served in the military from 1975-2008, 33 years in both domestic and foreign service. He began his first tour in 1981-1982 to Japan and then returned for a second tour.

During this time period he left his wife, six months pregnant, at home alone.

“There’s a sense of guilt when you leave a family member behind,” said Col Mulcahy. “I wasn’t there to hold my wife in the middle of the night when she would hear a sound outside and get scared,” he said.

He then went on a tour in 1989 to Panama. “While in Panama, I left my wife and four kids at home,” Colonel Malcahy said His final tour in 2005 to 2006 was to Fallujah, Iraq. Three of his sons were in college and one was still in high school and living at home with his wife, Bridget, during his tour.

Overall, he coped well during his time away from home. However, he felt guilt because his sons lived without their dad for a time. He used to worry about his kids and wife at home alone, and he was always worried something would happen to them.

His kids also struggled with not knowing where he was at any time. Colonel Mulcahy was not allowed to communicate where he was with his kids or wife because it was classified information.

Physical Sciences teacher Richard Dunkle also served in the military. Mr. Dunkle served in the artillery during the Vietnam War from September 1968 to July 1970.

“I left my mother, father, three of my brothers, and my sister,” said Mr. Dunkle. The fourth brother served in Vietnam at the same time as Mr. Dunkle, however he only saw him once in Vietnam. The war was less lonely for him when he was with his brother.

Unfortunately, Mr. Dunkle had to miss an entire year – and all

December 2015

the holidays – with his family.

“It was a growing experience, however it was mix of different emotions,” said Mr. Dunkle. Time away did not prevent him from communicating with his family, but the process took time. “I sent written letters and taped recordings to my family,” he said.

Today, many military members keep in contact with their families through video chatting. Military personal have the option of using facetime, skype, oovoo, and more choices for communicating NFHS student Austin Williams (‘19) talked with his parents via Facetime when they served in the United States Air Force. “We didn’t talk every day, but at least once a week,” he said.

There were certain occasions where they could Facetime, such as Christmas and my birthday,” said Williams.

His mother, Master Seargent , Catine Williams worked with a medical group and retired in 2014, while his father Robert Williams worked in maintenance and retired in 2015. They both served in Qatar, Kuwait, and in the U.S. “I’m glad my parents are retired so that I don’t have to worry about their safety,” Williams said. He would often worry about their base being attacked.

Fortunately for Williams, he always had at least one parent at home with him at all times.

He recalls there was a time where he almost had to live without both of his parents, but the situation was avoided.

“I didn’t want to be home alone,” said Williams.

From what his parents have told him, they had fun on their many adventures while serving, yet it was lonely for them to be away from their son.

Williams also wrote letters to his parents almost every day. “They would write back to me every day,” he said.

“This comforted me when they were away because I didn’t so feel alone.”

JROTC Collecting For Toys For Tots Carson Elliott Nation Ford High Schools’ JROTC is sponsoring its annual holiday fundraiser Toys For Tots. Toys For Tots is a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve foundation project meant to collect new, unwrapped toys for underprivileged kids in the community in which the fundraiser is held.

To participate in Toys for Tots, the JROTC is collecting both canned and nonperishable foods along with new and unused toys for the under privileged youth in the area. They will be visiting local Walmarts to pursue shoppers to purchase new toys and place them in one of the donation boxes. The unwrapped toys donated will then be sent to another group of volunteers who will wrap the toys. Finally, the toys will be delivered to a third

set of volunteers who will who take the toys to the underprivileged children for Christmas.

Toys For Tots has many co-sponsors such as Disney, Toys R’ Us, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Macy’s, and many more.

Over 700 communities in the U.S. participate in Toys For Tots annually during the holidays. The main purpose for Toys For Tots is to provide toys for children who wouldn’t get any presents otherwise.

The founders of the organization hope to inspire children to become outstanding citizens as they grow to be adults.

Toys For Tots also sponsors marathons, golf tournaments, bike races, and take monthly donations draw interest in the fundraiser.

The U.S. Marine Corps started the Toys For Tots Foundation in 1947.

The Talon

8 • LIfestyle

“I believe that the longer you wait, the more likely you are to be satisfied you will be with the result, and you will have no regrets.”

–Mrs. Nancy Webber, history teacher

Artistic Forms Of Self-Expression Growing In Popularity Nathan Tyson Tattoos. Piercings.

Blue hair. Body art has been growing in popularity and acceptance, especially with today’s young people.

A recent poll shows that a majority of Nation Ford students appreciate and accept these signs of individuality and artistic style, and while many people are accepting of body art of many forms, there are others who think it is unnatural and unprofessional.

Some people also worry about the negative health effects and permanence of some forms of body art, including ddthe

dangers of contageous diseases such as Hepatitis C, infection, or scarring.

Professional Acceptance

Currently, many businesses do not allow visible tattoos, unnatural hair colors, and piercings (other than the standard ear lobe). Some businesses require workers to cover up tattoos, and take out piercings. That is, if the employer hires them in the first place.

A former employee of the restaurant Fish Market, said “tattoos that can be seen weren’t allowed, even during the 100° weather”. “People with tattoos couldn’t roll up their sleeves or wear a pre-approved short sleeve shirt like the rest of us could, even when the AC was broken.”

Many places such as Starbucks, Teavana, and other cafés actually encourage individuality and artistic ability to be shown, and are much more accepting towards many forms of body art.

Out of 81 NFHS students interviewed, only three people said they would be uncomfortable being served by someone with tattoos, ten said they would be uncomfortable with being served by someone with multiple piercings, and seven people were uncomfortable with being served by someone with unnaturally died hair.

The students who were uncomfortable with these forms of body art stated that it simply wasn’t professional, and that it wasn’t attractive in their opinion. These opinions are few and far between in today’s youth, but still exist in today’s society.

Brendan Wright

Health Risks

“Tattoos are art. You can look down upon them or look at them with happiness. It may look trashy to others, but you know what, I wear my art because I am proud.”

–Nic Suarez (‘18)

The Talon

One of the main fears people have about body art are the negative health effects.

Tattoos can cause infections, but that is likely only if the parlor does not sterilize their equipment.

To avoid any infection and scarring, customers should always check the reputation of the parlor.

Customers should also consider the permanence of a tattoo, and should really put a lot of thought into what they are getting. Many people with tattoos say it’s much better to get a tattoo that means something to you either emotionally or artistically because even if the importance of the tattoo fades away from them, a tattoo isn’t going anywhere. Laser tattoo removal surgery is always an option, but they are extremely expensive at $200 to $500 per treatment, and the bigger/more intricate the tattoo, the more treatments someone needs. Studies at New York University Langone Medical Center showed that people with tattoos were four times more likely to have contract-

ed Hepatitis C. People also worry about piercings getting infected, but as long as the person cares for and cleans the piercing properly, it should heal within the estimated time. Some ways to prevent infection are: avoid touching the piercing with your hand for the first 24 hours; research the signs of a normal healing process; clean properly every day; don’t mess with the piercing other than when you clean it; and be patient.

Many people lose patience and think the piercing is done healing, so they stop caring for it, but that can lead to infection.

Customers should also always get their piercings at a parlor that sterilizes their equipment and that preferably uses needles instead of guns, because it is extremely difficult to properly sterilize a piercing gun.

Doing a piercing yourself is much more dangerous than simply going to a parlor. When you do the piercing yourself, you risk having much more pain and a higher chance of infection.

Hair Dye

Hair dye can be damaging to hair and can even make it fall out, but that is only if the consumer uses harsh chemicals and products. Using natural and organic products is much less damaging to hair and can even hold the color for a much longer period of time. Also, there are many shampoos and conditioners specifically for people with dyed hair.

Hair dye is becoming very popular because of its ease and non-permanence compared to other forms of body art. Hair dye can temporarily change appearances and express inner self.

Self-Expression

“The tattoo you’re getting should really mean something to you,” Nic Suarez (’18) said. “That’s why I got this breast cancer pink ribbon, because I know it will always have importance to me.”

Body art is becoming more and more accepted into society because it is a sign of artistic expression and style, but before anybody settles on getting some form of body art, the decision should be taken into serious consideration.

Nancy Webber, NFHS history teacher waited until she was 62-years-old. “I believe that the longer you wait, the more likely you are to be satisfied with your results and that you will have no regrets,” she said. “I do not regret any of my 10 tattoos.”

Body art should also always be professionally done in an establishment that can be trusted to keep their equipment sterilized because people will only continue to accept body art if they see how safe and responsible the consumers are being.

December 2015

REviews • 9

Mockingjay Part 2 Grips Audiences

I

Nick Hoffman & Greg Lore

n the fourth and final movie of an unforgettable saga, director Francis Lawrence delivers an absolutely stunning picture filled with emotion and action that grips the viewer from start to finish.

In “The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 2,” Katniss (portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence) is thrust back into her never-ending love triangle between Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) while leading a revolution that is turning more and more lethal as the rebels approach the capital.

Lawrence directs an outstanding movie that is masterfully shot and maximizes the emotional appeal of each scene.

The film truly gives you a feeling of being in the movie.

The movie effects are strong, and you almost never get a feeling of a scene being computer-generated. For example, in

the Capital battle scenes, Katniss and Gale battle through the city while under a wide array of deadly attacks, most notably from the Capital’s “pods.”

The only significant imperfection with the picture quality was Plutarch Heavansby (Phillip Seymour Hoffman). Hoffman died before the filming was complete, and that unfortunate event led to the film makers creating a computer-generated Heavensby in the final two scenes. For the most part audiences won’t be able to tell, however, at the end of the movie, Heavensby slightly glimmers. ll in all, the movie was a worthy end to an outstanding series. While the movie is not a carbon copy of the book – like most books that are converted to screen plays — “Mocking Jay Part 2” will be an entertaining conclusion for both fans of the movies and dedicated lovers of Suzanne Collins’ best-selling books.

A

5 Seconds of Summer

Connecting With Their Fans, Rocking 2015 Music Charts

R

Kennedy Hinkle

ising Australian pop/punk band 5 Seconds of Summer have been rocking the charts with their new album “Sounds Good Feels Good” released on Oct 23. The band consists of Luke Hemmings (lead vocals), Michael Clifford (Guitar), Calum Hood (Bass), and Ashton Irwin (drums).

Every song on the album portrays someone’s struggle behind closed doors. 5 Seconds of Summer wanted to connect with their fans through the music, telling them it’s okay to not be okay, and setting an example for teens out there who have struggled to get where they are now.

“Jet Black Heart” portrays a badly damaged heart after a previous relationship. The lyrics speak to people who have been through this situation. Even though the lyrics are

upsetting, the instruments supporting the lyrics give off a rock vibe that makes you want to go crazy.

While making this album, the guys wanted to make songs that mattered, songs that speak out against depression, anxiety, and loneliness.

For every fan that has felt unworthy of living, they want to make the fans know that they’re here to pick them up when they’ve fallen.

“She’s Kinda Hot” was made for people that don’t feel right for the world and for fans who feel like they don’t fit in. The song gives off a radiating sense of assurance that not everything is going to last forever.

5 Seconds of Summer started to realize that fans are looking up to them to make a change in the world and to speak out against society. The guys took that chance and wrote an inspirational album that not only speaks out for fans, but for themselves, too.

Restaurant Offers Best Cows In The Sea & Answers John Gwinn To Your Prayers December 2015

The band introduced “The New Broken Scene” as something fans can look up to. “The New Broken Scene” includes people who feel lost in the world, people who are struggling speaking out against an issue, people dealing with depression, anxiety, and just people who cannot find themselves.

“The New Broken Scene” is for people who need an escape, some freedom, and some positive influences teaching them everything will be okay.

On Feb 19, the band will be starting off their worldwide tour called “Sounds Live Feels Live” in Japan and will end the tour in Texas on Sept 18.

Have you ever craved sushi and burgers at the same time? Now there is an answer to your prayers. Cowfish the restaurant on 4310 Sharon Road X05, Charlotte, NC serves the binto box with your favorite sushi roll and a mini burger with fries or eudemonia with cucumbers soaked in vinegar. The sushi at cowfish is made to perfection.

The interior of the building is well-designed the architecture is exquisite, with eye-popping designs all around the restaurant.

The service at the restaurant is good, however it might take a while for your order to come because they make everything fresh. Some of the best things

at this restaurant are everyday dishes with different ingredients.

The burgers at cowfish are fresh and cooked right when you order them.

They have all the burgers you could imagine. They have burgers with jalapenos, bacon, and vegetables.

They carefully make each and every sushi roll by hand. The seating is splendid-it is very comfortable.

Cowfish is a popular restaurant, so you will want to make a reservation.

The impressive waiters know the menu by heart. When you order your food it will take 10-20 min depending on what you order. I would recommend this restaurant to all my friends.

The Talon

10 • Sports

High Flyer Taylor Queen Ashley Garcia

Ashley Garcia

Point Guard Taylor Queen (‘16) Point Guard Taylor Queen (‘16)

Taylor Queen To Be Crowned “King” Of Court This Season Drew Carpenter Every team needs leaders who are there on and off the court for their teammates, and that would describe Nation Ford Varsity basketball player Taylor Queen (’16).

“My biggest strength would be keeping a positive attitude and supporting my fellow teammates even when the team is going through a tough stretch,” said Queen.

“I’m also pretty good at stroking three pointers.”

Queen’s goals are high.

“Our expectation this season is to become region champions, which will require full commitment and dedication from each player,” he said.

Queen is coming off a leg injury which hampered him throughout the entire season.

“I’m continuing to work on my confidence in taking people off the

dribble and drive to the hole,” he said. “Once I start to trust the skill I possess, my offensive production should increase dramatically.”

As the season approaches, Queen is already looking at the Falcons’ biggest rival. “I’m definitely looking forward to the home game against Fort Mill because the atmosphere is always intense and exciting when we play them,” said Queen.

Working hard will propel a good team to a great team, and as Queen puts it, “We, as a team, need to continue working hard at practice and work on coming together as a team. If we continue to bond, our season could be something special to watch.”

Being a senior, this is Queen’s last go around in the red and black.

“I am going to miss the brotherhood that we seniors have created over the four years of high school,” he said. “We have gone through so much together, and I am going to miss being on the court with them playing the game we love.”

That’s the way, Galloway!

Passing the ball down the court, Terry Galloway (‘16) looks for the big play in a game against Andrew Jackson Nov. 30, however the Nation Ford fell to the Andrew Jackson Volunteers 63-52.

Varsity Basketball Hopes For Home Court Victory Nick Hoffman & Matt Bieser The Men’s Varsity Falcons basketball team will be looking for a big win against Lancaster High School on Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at home. At press time the Falcons have no wins.

Unfortunately the Falcons narrowly missed making the playoffs last season, with a respectable 13 wins and 11 losses (a .542 winning percentage).

This season the Falcons are looking to make a statement.

Nation Ford has a solid group of seniors coming back including Cameron Holmes, Terry Galloway, Taylor Queen, Hank Tuipulotu, and Will Lawhon. The team also has a talented group of underclassmen who will be looking to make an impact.

“I have a good group of seniors returning that will hold the team together like glue,” said Coach Michael Tew. The only worries Coach Tew has is that the team may have too little experience, but that’s where the seniors have

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got to step up and not let the younger players off the straight and narrow.

Since the team didn’t make the playoffs last year, Coach Tew really wants to set high expectations “The game I am most looking forward to is the championship game in Columbia,” said he said.

Most of the people with

“Our expectation this season is to become the Region Champs which will require commitment and dedication...” ~ Taylor Queen (’16) knowledge of the program expect a strong season, such as big man Will Lawhon (’16).

The team expectations are high this year, said Lawhon.

“We got picked preseason number two for the first time in a while, but we’re not satisfied unless we are number one

when it is all over,” he said.

Lawhon also believes that one of the team’s strengths is the leadership some of the older players bring to the team.

He thinks the teams hustle will help them win some games over the course of a long season.

“I will miss playing my favorite game with some of the guys who have become family to me,” said Lawhon.

The team definitely has some high expectations with a good bunch of seniors returning to lead the team.

“Our expectation this season is to be region champions, which will require full commitment and dedication from each player,” said Queen.

Lawhon, believes this team is due for a region championship and expects to claim one this time around. “We have the team to win as many games as we want. We just need to focus.”

With experience, the Falcons basketball team can still have a winning season.

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Gothetoschool the school website to get See website for more information more information

December 2015

NFL Playoffs Opening Up Matt Bieser

half the league) with an above .500 winning percentage, seven of those team are only one game over .500.

This year, the Super Bowl will be hosted at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. This year is the NFL’s 50th super bowl or Super Bowl L. If the Super Bowl was to happen tomorrow, and the NFL had to pick the number one seed from each of the conferences, the Patriots and Panthers would have a rematch of the 2004 Super Bowl.

This year the NFL had its problems. But it included its bright sides of incredible season, with new records and a bit of history in the making.

Falcon Wrestling Led With Strong Bonded Brotherhood Jymontae Drafton

The Nation Ford wrestling team is preparing to match up against South Pointe and Vance Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. at home.

The Nation Ford Falcons wrestling team is looking forward to a successful season with the leadership of Coach Leon Boulware.

“Dalen Bylerly (’16), Jake Gravely (’17), Dylan Curtsinger (’17), Christian Trimble (’18) and T.J. Giarrantana (’17) will be the key wrestlers on the team this season,” said Coach Boulware.

Bylerly’s expectations are high. “We really want to make a run for the state this year and win our region,” he said.

The Falcon’s biggest strength according to Bylerly is “how close we are outside of wrestling – it’s like we all are a big family with the bond we share.”

Competition is tough this year. “Our biggest competition would be ourselves, and within the region, Rock Hill, and we have to get over the hump and beat Fort Mill,” said Coach Boulware.

He feels confident about the group of athletes, and he has

hope for a good season to top it all off.

“It’s a very compatible team, I feel real very comfortable with this group of wrestlers” said Boulware.

Christian Trimble (‘18) thinks the biggest competition is Dorman.

“Dorman, “They just have one of the better line-ups,” he said.

Trimble does like the camaraderie. “I’m going to miss the long bus road trips, and wrestling with these guys” after the season over, he said. The team expectations to make it to the state finals, he said.

Nov. 11, Drake Durham (‘16) signs with to Witchita State University for a pitching position on the baseball team. Durham’s parents Glenn and Mendy were with him as he signed to play ball.

High Flyer Haley Fulton

Ashley Garcia

With the National Football League more than halfway over for the regular season, teams are starting to compete for a spot in the playoffs. One team in particular is looking to repeat football history.

So far the only team in NFL history to go undefeated all season is the Miami Dolphins under Coach Don Shula. This year the NFL had two teams to enter week 11 undefeated, the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots.

The Panthers capped off a 33-14 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on their Thanksgiving game. However, the

Patriots didn’t have a happy Thanksgiving – a loss to the Broncos left them at 10-1.

Currently the playoff picture looks like the Bengals, Cardinals, Panthers and Patriots with a first-round bye week. The Broncos, Chiefs, Colts, Packers, Redskins, Seahawks, Texans, and Vikings playing in the first round.

Although that is how it looks right now, many teams can take over those spots such as the New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers and other teams.

This year has been a big mix of bad records and good records. With there being only 14 teams (which is less than

Sports • 11

Guard/Foward Haley Fulton (‘17)

Fulton Plans To Lead Strong Falcon Basketball Team Hayden Biebel

Whether it’s scoring bas-

kets or scoring high in the classroom, Haley Fulton (‘17) is succeeding in more ways than one.

Fulton is currently the Lady Falcon’s varsity point guard.

She has plenty of high level playing experience.

“I’ve been playing for a while now – since kindergarten,” she said.

Fulton crushes the standards set by herself on the court and in the classroom; she is currently enrolled in honors level courses.

“It’s not really that challenging to balance my grades and practicing,” she said. “I’ve been a good student for my whole life.

I just take my time wisely and get things done.

Haley exceeds expectations on and off the floor.

As fast paced and action packed as basketball is for viewers, Haley enjoys a

slightly different aspect of the game.

“I think my favorite part is to let loose after school and be competitive when we have games,” she said.

Haley is uncertain of her personal goals for the season, but they’re sure to be quite high. Fulton hopes the Lady Falcon’s will dominate the court and win their way to state.

Fulton is an impressive player to her peers and her coach.

“She’s a strong player,” Head Coach, Tamara Washington, says. “She’s a hard worker on and off the court.”

With a strong work ethic and a solid skills, the Falcon team and Fulton believe that this team can not only win regionals, but head deep into playoffs and prepare for battle with other high schools.

As the season continues, the Falcons look to end with a bang.

Lady Falcons Bouncing Back After Rough Start Carson Elliot The Lady Falcons will be matching up Dec. 15 against Lancaster High School at 6 p.m. at Nation Ford as the falcons look to have a successful season under head coach Tamara Washington.

“I’m looking forward to building on to our team chemistry” Emma Starkey (‘17).

The girls are eager to do well and bring their best game this season.

“One game that I am really

December 2015

looking forward to is the Fort lost by 1,” she said. “All of our Mill game,” key player Hailey games were closes calls due to Fulton (‘17) said. a few mistakes. We really need The girls to work have had 4 on our “This is going to be a pre-season shooting, season of discovery, to our shots scrimmages so far. weren’t see what we have to “Each falling.” work with.” one we T h e – Coach Tamara Washington Lady Falm a d e strides to cons are get better,” Coach Washington eager to work hard and make said. it to the regional playoffs this “The first scrimmage we season. lost by 9, by the last one we “I’m looking forward to

working hard as a team and winning games,” Lauren Johnson (’16).

“This is going to be a season of discovery, to see what we have to work with. I am not to consent on the setup but one of our strengths is the number of varsity girls,” said Coach Washington.

The varsity girls will really have to step it up if the team wants a chance at the championship this year.

“Our weakness is our basketball IQ, but we can fix that

by the end of the season,” said Coach Washington.

Every team has their weakness, and this team’s isn’t that hard to overcome. Just everyday practicing their skills could easily help.

“The goal of this season is to get the girls to regionals,” Coach Washington said.

That is always a big goal for any team no matter how much talent or how good the team.

The Lady Falcons will have to compete in every game if they want to reach that goal.

The Talon

Foster Families

Nation Ford Custodian Cares For Kids

twelfth grade. Also, one of my (foster) kids graduated last year n the U.S., 640,000 children from high school and goes to were in the foster system in school at the University of South 2013, according to the Chil- Carolina to study computer dren’s Rights, an adovcacy engineering,” Ms. White said. organization. Since then, the She also has three biological number of children in the fos- children. ter care system has increased.

“They are all brothers and A perfect sisters,” Ms. example of a White said.

“I love how I’m able to foster family “All six give them a warm bed in the Nation children get Ford commualong with to sleep in – as opposed nity is Edith each other to some of their backWhite’s famand love grounds.” ~Ms. Edith White ily. Ms. White each other as has been workif they were ing as a custodian at NFHS for related by blood,” she said. the past year and is a member of Why did Ms. White take in the NFHS transportation team, her foster kids then? “There’s so working as a bus driver for the much I can do for them. I show past five years. She works tire- them love,” she said. lessly to complete all of her duShe’s passionate about being ties. their mother. “I love how I’m “I wake up at three a.m. and able to give them a warm bed to go to sleep at midnight,” Ms. sleep in – as opposed to some of White said. their backgrounds,” she said.

She only has time to get three Ms. White also helps foster hours of sleep a night because kids through their past experishe is so busy. ences before their lives in the “I have four foster kids. I foster system. For example, one have one in fourth grade, one of Ms. White’s foster kids was in eleventh grade, and two in molested before living with her.

I

Justin McGuirl

Cars Show Personality Of Drivers

NFHS Teen Drivers 49%

Greg Lore & Tre Cooper For a teen, a first car is important. Some want a nice car to show off to their friends. Psychologist and writer M. Farouk Radwan has a theory about the personalities of drivers based on the choice of cars.

People who drive trucks most of the time don’t want to get past people – they just want to get over people, he says. The clear message they want to send when driving a big truck is Get out of my way.

“I do agree that truck owners are aggressive,” said Matt Montgomery (’17) who drives a 2001 Dodge Magnum V8.

People who drive a sedan are balanced and practical people, according to Radwan. However, when the car is an expensive brand, this shows that the driver may be obsessed with status and showing off.

The same applies to people with sports cars, but they are possibly going through a midlife crisis, Radwan claims.

“I believe that people with sports cars can be in a mid-life crisis or are just gear heads that love cars,” said Fez Slaich (‘17) who drives a 2005 Roush stage 1

“He was really quiet at first,” is a need for more parents.

“There are many parents that Ms. White said.

It took him a long time to start apply, but only some are qualiadjusting to his new life with Ms. fied to have a foster child. Many White. “I was able to provide him parents do not meet the qualifications,” Ms. Goetzman said. with a counselor,” said White.

Many eligible parOver time, he learned the vients do not consider betal skills he needed to cope and coming foster parents. grow. As a result, he became far “People get scared somemore outgoing. times,” Ms. Goetzman said.

Because of her experience with What people don’t know is her foster kids, Ms. White apprethat social services is there evciates the foster system. “They ery step of the way to help the have always been there to help parents with their foster kids me when I need it,” said Ms. the way they help Ms. White.

White. The biggest way the foster “Foster parents meet with system assists Ms. White is with other foster parents in monthly Christmas time. “I ask the kids meetings and discuss how they to make a list of things they want can help each other. The fosfor Christmas. ter kids also They try to get get together, everything the “I pray to God every night but those meetings kids ask for,” to give me a big enough are meant Ms. White house to hold as many to be more said. fun than The South kids as I can handle.” a n y t h i ng Carolina De~Ms. Edith White else,” Ms. partment of Social Services (S.C. DSS) is the Goetzmanisaid.jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj largest social services program in WFoster kids have changed Ms. White’s greatest wish. “I pray the state of South Carolina.

Kathleen Goetzman, pub- to God every night to give me lic information coordinator of a big enough house to hold as the DSS acknowledges there many kids as I can handle.”

11%

71%

51% spent more than $10,000 89% parents purchased child’s car 29% of teenage drivers had an accident

50 Students Surveyed Ashley Garcia & Tre Cooper

Mustang.

A person who drives a sports car wants to be perceived to be in a higher social class, according to Radwan. But what if the inside of the car is disorganized with lots of papers and bottles everywhere while it’s clean from the outside, Radwan said.

This again wshows that the person is probably flashy and only cares about showing off in front of others yet does not care about his personal comfort.

No matter how teens choose, getting a first car is a big deal for both the parents and the teen – it’s a ground breaking moment in that family’s life.

Jennifer Cooper True Advisor

True Homes has communities thoughtout North and South Carolina offering Space, Style and unprecedented Value with four differenthome collections to choose from.

INTEGRITY $100S-$150S

TRADITONS $200S-$400S

ELEMENTS $100S-$250S

DESIGNER $350S-$800S

To schedule a time to find a home that fits your personality, lifesyle and budget contact: EMAIL: jcooper@TrueHomesUSA.com CELL: 980.318.0754 TrueHomesUSA.com WE VALUE WHAT YOU VALUE 1015 Bassett Way, Indian Land SC 29707