the
cavalier
Dorman High School | Roebuck, SC | Vol. 53 | Issue No. 1 | September 2016
COLLEGE BOUND Student Council:
Behind the scenes with decision-making. Page 3
CENTER:
Working toward a brighter future. Pages 8-9
Homework:
Is it necessary? Does it help students? Page 14
Inside the Cavalier
September 2016
@Dorman
3 Student Council Dress Code
Profiles
Page 4
Junior Editors
Sarah Biggerstaff Eva Patnoude
Layout Editor
4 What Principal Would You Be? 5 Maya Logan
Sports
6 Player Injuries 7 Cavalier Football Girls Tennis
Features
Joye Smith
Sports Editors
Tylen Fowler Cole Kennington
Content Editor
8 - 9 College Bound 10 Miracle League 11 Google Search Tips
Haley Mainville
Photo Editor
Hope Culbreth
Webmaster
David Hawkins
Staff Writer
Hampton Ford
Page 14
12 13
Entertainment
Meme-ology ‘Burg on a Budget
Editorials
14 Is Homework Necessary? 15 Student Part-Time Jobs Brown Roof Review
The Cavalier welcomes and encourages any and all letters to the editor. All letters are subject to editing for libel, grammar, content, and space. Letters should be signed and brought to Mrs. Gallman in room B105. Some material is courtesy of American Society of Newspaper editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service. Discriminations of all persons is prohibited with regard to the provision of educational opportunities and benefits on the basis of race, color national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability in Spartanburg County School District Six as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendment Act of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding discrimination policies: Mr. Gregory Cantrell, Title VI, VII, and IX Coordinator, and Dr. Allan Eggert, Director of Special Services, 1390 Cavalier Way, Roebuck, S.C. 29376.
Catching up with Student Council at Dorman
T
Sarah Biggerstaff junior editor
hanks to student council, administration uses the input of the student body to decide what goes on at Dorman, so both staff and students have a say in decisions made. Every year, the student body elects new members of the student council, but their roles don’t end at making witty campaign posters. Dorman’s student council meets almost every Tuesday morning at 7:45 to discuss different fundraisers, to discuss ways to build school spirit, and to discuss upcoming events. Their jobs are to create balance between the administration and student body by taking any ideas to Mr. Kiser and bringing about changes for the good of their peers. So, what changes have they made recently? Student council members are responsible for any new fundraisers, such as the cookies sold on Valentine’s Day. They also come up with the themes for homecoming week, which was Disney themed this year. They help to keep Dorman’s timeless traditions, like Farmer’s Day, alive along with organizing any new fundraisers or events. “We’re the ones behind the scenes,” said Sandi Boyle, junior class treasurer, as she explained that student council makes posters and announcements to remind students of upcoming
events. “Without that, I don’t think we [the students] would be as organized,” continued Boyle. Student Council’s plans for this year include: a bonfire for Farmer’s Day and a boy’s volleyball tournament, though Photo By David Hawkins both of these are still up in Members of student council the air. walk together in front of their They also hope to raise homecoming parade float. student’s involvement in activities and fundraisers and plan to place a strong focus on Relay for Life. When asked how students who are not involved in student council can approach members with their ideas for activities, Boyle responded, “just talk to us.” Don’t be afraid to talk to our student council. In fact, they welcome any input from the student body. At Dorman High School, the student council exists to ensure that anyone can bring about great change. Do you have any ideas on how to improve student life?
Students, Teachers Weigh in on Dress Code
W
ith the beginning of the school year comes many challenges, one of which is transitioning into the school dress code, especially in Roebuck where the weather doesn’t cool down until well into the school year. It can be hard to follow a dress code that rules out most shorts and tank tops when temperatures can get up into the 90s. Girls are most commonly affected by the strict regulations surrounding their clothes, though everyone in the student body is affected by dress code rules, girls and boys alike. When asked about the dress code, a majority of students vocalized how unfair, at times, they thought it could be. “(It’s) a little too strict for this day and age,” C.J. Sturgill, junior, said. Although, not all students feel this way about the strict nature of the dress code, as Taylor Bright, senior, exemplified. Bright described how she doesn’t mind the dress code, saying, “it could be worse.” Students at Dorman High School are fortunate to have a fairly lenient
Joye Smith design editor and Sarah Biggerstaff junior editor
dress code that is understanding of individual student’s situations regarding a variety of body types. If students are dresscoded at school, it is mainly for shorts not meeting the criteria of being fingertip length. Other commonly violated dress code rules are: showing midriff, i.e. crop tops and low riding jeans; tank tops not being three fingertips in width; showing undergarments, i.e. pants sagging, sheer or low backed tops; and hats being worn indoors. We asked some students how they would change the dress code to make it more fair toward their peers, and many said they would make the three finger and fingertip length rules more specific than gauging it on one person’s proportions because different people have varying finger widths and arm/leg lengths. Because of these policies, students have to adjust their everyday outfits to fit the dress code. For some, this means wearing a cardigan, a sweater, or a jacket over their tops, and for others, this means having to wear primarily jeans to guarantee they won’t be called out on
their clothing. Cami tops can be worn under shirts that have low backs or necklines and sheer blouses. Even though outfits can be adjusted accordingly to the dress code, some students feel as if their independence is being challenged. Netyra Bradford, sophomore, explained, “we’re basically adults, (but) we are treated like kids.” Bradford, as well as others interviewed, believe they should have more freedom in their clothing choices because of their age-- some students are even legally adults at age 18. Others, such as Bright, don’t feel this way. When asked for a teacher’s opinion, Mrs. Bailey, who teaches 11th grade American Literature, said that she feels like Dorman High School’s dress code is fair because it allows students to show individuality without being a distraction in the classroom. Following a dress code doesn’t end after school. A majority of workplaces expect their employees to have a code of dress to represent the company well. So, in a way, Dorman High School’s dress code is preparing its students to be college and career ready.
@Dorman 3
Maya Logan in Politics Dorman Student Travels to Republican National Convention
Logan being interviewed at the RNC.
S
ummer vacation is full of new experiences and memories that last a lifetime. Each student’s summer activities are different and unique in their own way. Dorman student Maya Logan knows this firsthand as she was invited to the Republican National Convention. The Republican National Convention is an event where delegates of the United States Republican Party decide on the party’s nominees for President and Vice President of the United States. This year, the convention was held July 18-21 in Cleveland, Ohio. Logan was able to go to the convention through the “How Tomorrow Votes” program, which aims to involve more young people in current politics. Each person who wished to participate was asked to submit a video of himself/herself posing a question. On June 20th, Logan received an e-mail from one of the “How Tomorrow’s Votes” program representatives saying she would be attending the Republican National Convention. The representative told Logan her energy would be an amazing addition to their team.
4 Profiles
Joye Smith design editor
The young people who were selected were made extremely comfortable. Logan said “that her mother was treated very well, and she had a guard in the convention.” The RNC has an exciting atmosphere, full of people hustling around. Logan said that the convention is very energetic and safe. There were police officers maintaining peaceful protests in the GOP center. The journalists and reporters were busy interviewing different people. The state delegates each had something to represent their state, such as Texans wearing cowboy hats. Inside the convention, Logan was involved in the action. “I was able to watch Trump advocates state their opinions, personal experiences, and relate it to the success that Donald Trump will provide to America.” Logan had the opportunity of following the Washington Post and watching their live interviews, as well as seeing what journalists are able to do at the convention. Logan had conference calls from USA Today and Reinery29. She talked with Washington Post and Bloomberg Politics. They asked her about her opinions on the current politics, her experience at the convention, and how her parents affect her political views. The convention taught Logan the importance of being aware and involved in politics. “I would suggest that others find a way to go to any political convention.” This experience will affect her as a voter when she becomes of age. “ I will be able to see how candidate proposals will be effective to the future of America,” Logan said. Logan suggests that if others have the opportunity to go to the convention or become more involved in politics, then they definitely should. The RNC taught Logan lessons that will stick with her and be important as she becomes an adult. Currently, Maya Logan wants to find an occupation that involves medicine and journalism. Her experience at the convention made her realize she has a gift of writing.
Photos courtesy of Maya Logan. (Left) Logan with her mom at the Republican National Convention. (Above) Logan interviewed.
z i u
Which Principal Would You Be?
What type of person are you?
Q
a) Relaxed and easygoing (2 pts.) b) Laid back but can be strict (8 pts.) c)Laid back and always gives chances (6 pts.) d) Relaxed and calm (4pts.)
a) Introvert who self-reflects, self-motivates, and is selfdriven (2pts.)
T
his quiz is designed to help determine which principal you would be. We have interviewed Mr. Brooks, Mr. Bush, Mrs. Lane, and Mrs. Rice to determine the results.. Answer the questions, keep track of your points, and your principal personality will be revealed.
Hope Culbreth photography editor
Are you athletic or creative?
a) Living life (2pts.)
a) Creative with my siblings (6pts.) b)Creative (2pts.)
b) Spending time with family, doing things like lazer tag, go karts, movies, etc. (8pts.)
c)Both - Crafts and sports (8pts.) d) A combination of both and always doing different things (4pts.)
“What is free time?”
You are like Mr. Brooks! A boisterous, laid back, introverted individual. You are more creative, and your schedule is always full. You live life in the moment. You love talking to everyone and being a positive light in their daily lives.
“I’m calm. If you stay calm with a student they will react the same way.”
You are like Mr. Bush! A fun loving, relaxed, extrovert. You have a way of making others laugh and getting to know others quickly. You probably are stuck in the middle of creative and athletic, but you enjoy staying active.
c) Going on vacations or day trips to places like the beach (pts. 4)
d) At the gym (6pts)
Are you active?
How would you describe yourself?
b) Extrovert with c) Extrovert who is people gravitating quite the clown and to you because loves making people you are sociable laugh (6pts.) (8pts.)
How do you spend your free time?
b) Yes, with a)No, I’m constantly busy my family and sports (8pts.) (2pts.) c) Yes, mainly d) Yes, mainly with sports and playing with the gym (6pts.) my siblings. (4pts.)
d) Extroverted and loves to interact with people (4pts.)
You are like
Mrs. Lane! An individual who likes to interact
with people and who is certainly easy-going. You are more than likely active and enjoy trips to the gym.
Scoring
10-19 points - Mr. Brooks 20-29 points - Mr. Bush 30-39 points - Mrs. Lane 40-49 points - Mrs. Rice
“[Being an
“I’m laid
extrovert] makes my job easier and allows me to interact with others.”
back, but I will holler at you if I need to.” You are like Mrs. Rice! A laid back, sociable person who can be strict when needed. You like to stay active, whether it’s sports or other activities. You also enjoy spending time with you family above anything.
Profiles 5
Photo by Eva Patnoude
The training room in A-wing: a resource for athletes.
Cavaliers: Blood, Sweat, and Tears
H
igh school athletes seem to be caught in a constant cycle of injury and recovery, and players at Dorman are no exception. Though the school is equipped with an expert training staff who helps prevent damage and treat various minor traumas, Cavaliers seem to be finding their fair share of sprains, breaks, and tears. This isn’t uncommon; according to stanfordchildrens.org, about 3.5 million
children and teens are injured playing an organized sport each year. This makes up nearly one third of all hospital visits from minors. The common perception is that more violent sports, such as football and wrestling, are the most likely to end in injury. However, sports such as baseball and softball are more dangerous in reference to collisions, and cheerleading takes the
Eva Patnoude junior editor
cake for soft tissue damage. Most of these injuries can be avoided with rest and safety measures, but after the fact, athletes put in effort to return to the field, or track, or diamond. The dedication that Dorman athletes, such as Wynn Johnson, junior, Harris Finley, junior, and Courtney Hrubala, junior, below, have for getting back in the game is admirable, and a source of pride for the school.
(Top) Tennis and lacrosse player, Courtney Hrubala, junior, damaged her hip in the first tennis tournament of the 2015 season but has since returned to playing. The injury caused Courtney to feel nervous when she participates in athletic activities, as she required surgery, and she “doesn’t want to have to go through recovery again,” She found returning to the sport after missing a significant amount of time difficult, saying, “It’s hard to see where you could be [when] you’re at a setback because of the injury and time off. (Middle) Wynn Johnson, junior, a record-breaking cross country and track runner, is currently recovering from a stress fracture in the neck of his femur. The injury began as microfractures, caused by running, and progressed into the break. Johnson said he “was on crutches for over eight weeks, so that was pretty rough. [He] wasn’t able to run for a couple months, so that was difficult too.” He still attends practices and races but won’t be able to participate in any of the 2016 cross country season. Fortunately, the fracture shouldn’t effect Johnson’s college prospects, so long as he’s careful not cause any lasting damage. (Bottom) Harris Finley recently severely injured his right foot, while blocking during a football game at Bob Jones University. He still attends practices, and will be able to return to playing at the end of December. The injury has largely affected his daily life, as he is on crutches and must struggle to do simple tasks, like getting a drink of water or getting up stairs. Harris is looking on the bright side, however, and said, ”[The injury] makes me mentally tougher, which is something I can take with me to college and after.”
6 Sports
Photos by Eva Patnoude
Cavaliers Look to Make Another Run at State Championship Tylen Fowler sports editor
Cole Kennington sports editor
Photo by Haley Mainville Senior quarterback Jalen Fowler releases the football against the Northwestern Wildcat’s defense.
L
ast year’s State Championship runner up, the Dorman Cavaliers have many returning seniors and are looking to make another run at gold. Even though the Cavaliers lost several senior starters on both sides of the ball, they still have plenty of experienced players this year. The Cavaliers are also sporting some skilled sophomores and juniors who are capable of making an impact. This year’s offense has a balanced attack behind the arm of senior quarterback Jalen Fowler and junior running backs Marcus Ratchford and Kameron Wilson.
Photo by Tylen Fowler Junior running back Marcus Ratchford
Ratchford said he can help the team by running behind his big offensive line and by being a leader. Ratchford isn’t concerned about his size because, “It’s not about your size, but it’s about how much heart you have, and all you have to do is play hard.” The Cavalier defense has the potential to better themselves. Defensive Coordinator coach Copper said, “We have the potential to do something special this year.” This defense is so athletic and fast, opposing offenses have nightmares before playing them. The defense is dominated by seniors again this year, but the entire defense can play at any moment. The major weaknesses of the Cavaliers now are injuries and a slow start to the season. The strengths are they’re very athletic, and, best of all, they will never give regardless of the scoreboard. They know that leadership is going to be the most important factor in how their season goes this year. This year’s team has so much potential to be great; they just have to work hard and remain determined not only physically but mentally.
Girls Tennis Team Determined to Overcome Challenges
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Haley Mainville content editor
irls Tennis is taking on a new season, expecting to make it one to remember! With a rocky start at their first game on August 25th against Boiling Springs, the tennis team rebounded quickly after recognizing their weaknesses. Rankings were chosen; everything began to fall into place, and the girls proved their abilities through the overall wins in the next two games on Saturday, August 27th against Riverside and Union. Practice has certainly been challenging for the team. Yasmine Quezada, junior, said, “drills and the heat have tried to beat us, but we’re putting in the effort needed, working our way to the top.” As an athlete, Quezada’s priorities are to always make sure she is putting in all the effort possible and to make sure she motivates her team. Outside of practice, she has been working on her tennis skills with her neighbor who’s very experienced with the game. She has seen improvements in her own performance as well as in her teammates’. Her goal, and of course her team’s goal as well, is to be the winning team. While they know it will be a challenge, they’re willing to face it. “Once another team knows each of our weaknesses, it’s going to become difficult, but that’s all the reason we have to do our best to become the best,” said Quezada.
Photo by Haley Mainville Yasmine Quezada during practice.
Sports 7
COLLEGE BOUND
Working Toward a Brighter Future
C
ollege is right around the corner, and you may have no clue what to do about it. Am I
right? When thinking about college, most of the time the burden of not being able to afford it is stressful, but determination always finds a way. Although it is important to lay out a financial plan so that you won’t be too far in debt or in debt at all, do not rule out college because of financial circumstances. Grants and scholarships, which do not have to be paid back, can be earned. While students receive grants by demonstrating financial needs, students also receive scholarships by demonstrating talents, skills, and outstanding grades, mostly unique aspects of yourself. There are many websites that allow you to search for scholarships. The following are only a few that are available; there’s many more: fastweb. com, collegeboard.org/scholarships, and scholarships.com. Tyrece Wilkins, senior, plans to go to Anderson College for digital film or music, and Julianne Montagna, senior, whose top choices are Air Force Academy and Coastal Carolina for aviation or aerodynamics, highly recommend students start applying for scholarships as soon as possible. Both say they wish they would have begun
Photo by Haley Mainville Tyrece Wilkins, senior
Don’t let procrastination grasp you by the neck.
8 Features
Haley Mainville content editor
sooner. Go to your guidance counselor to learn about scholarship opportunities offered at Dorman. There is also free, local colleges to consider; Spartanburg Methodist College and Spartanburg Community College offer free tuition to students who maintain a 3.0 GPA. Your next concern may be that you don’t know what you want to do for a living, but going to college doesn’t require you to know what you want to do as soon as you begin. More than most decide what they want to be during or after college. Mrs. Martin, alumni of the University of Alabama and Converse College, was
Photo by Haley Mainville Julianne Montanga, senior
Apply for scholarships early. Don’t wait if you have the chance to get ahead! initially majoring in Broadcast Journalism, but she changed her major to Theatre and English. “I didn’t decide what I wanted to do with my life until I was 26. Everyone will figure out their own path on their own timing,” said Mrs. Martin, eleventh grade English teacher. Visit http://sccis.intocareers.org to help determine your future by learning about your career interest, using “dorman” as the password and username, and to discover career
Photo by Haley Mainvile Mrs. Martin, English Teacher
Ask questions. Seek help when you need it. Find a way to balance work and having fun. Get involved! options, visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/ sa/prepare-for-college/careers/search. Another worry is what do I do in high school to prepare? There are things that colleges look for, and it’s different for each one; that’s why it’s important to know what college you’re going to ahead of time. Colleges look at SAT/ACT scores, class rankings, involvement in your community or school, and grades. During high school, it is highly recommended that students explore college websites, visit college fairs and open house, take the SAT or ACT multiple times, and take challenging classes to prepare yourself, including dual enrollment classes to get ahead. “My grades and SAT scores combined with my course work and involvement at Dorman secured my spot at ‘Bama,” said Mrs. Martin. You can sign up to take the SAT at www.collegeboard.org. To sign up for the ACT, go to www.actstudent.org, preparing for it can be done at www. actstudent.org/testprep. The following are the SAT dates with deadlines in parenthesis: November 5th:
(October 7th), December 3rd (November 3rd), January 21st (December 21st), March 11th (February 10th), May 6th (April 7th), June 3rd (May 9th.) The following are ACT dates with deadline dates in parenthesis: December 10th (November 4th), February 11th (January 13th), April 8th (March 3rd),
Photo by Haley Mainville Dr. Lancaster, Senior Guidance Counselor
Do your best! Be Proactive— constantly work on your plan and put things into place to make it happen. Don’t wait on an opportunity to come to you— know your chosen college standards and try to get there! and June 10th (May 5th). There’s the other worry of what to expect in college. Some may think fun, party, fun when college is mentioned in a conversation, but others may think stress, essays, stress. “I absolutely loved it! I enjoyed the social, athletic, and academic side of college. It was a great experience where I earned a great degree, but I especially appreciated the life-long friendships I made and enjoy to this day,” said Dr. Lancaster, senior guidance counselor. “It was only stressful leading up to big assignments or when there were several things due at one time, but it was a lot of fun too,” said Mrs. Seaman, Spanish teacher. To have the best experience in college, try to find clubs or other extracurriculars to get involved with. Mrs. Polson, Director of Guidance, who went to Presbyterian College, specifically mentioned her involvement
when asked about her experience. “Presbyterian college is a small college. I enjoyed being able to get involved in many different activities,” said Mrs. Polson. Finding a college that is best fit for you is most important. When looking for the right one, consider academic, social, and economic factors: admissions policy, location and size, costs, campus life description, and degrees offered. Make sure to schedule visits! It’s also important to consider whether or not you want to attend a two or four year college. Two year offers certification and/or diplomas and associate degrees which can be used for transferring to a four-year college. Depending on the four-year college, bachelor’s degrees, master’s, and doctorate degrees can be received. Because of this, you need to know what your career choice prefers regarding degree types. It’s also important to decide on whether or not
Auditorium on October 24th from 6pm-8pm is a great opportunity to learn more about different colleges. There is also a college fair held at Dorman on January 23 from 5pm-6pm in the Cafeteria. College representatives visit Dorman during lunch, so take advantage of that as well. You may even be wondering how and if college can really benefit you. It certainly has the capability of helping you earn more money and offers more job opportunities. According to the U.S. Department of Education, $1.5 million more is earned by a college graduate than someone with merely a high school diploma. Furthermore, the higher the degree, the higher the pay. From lowest to highest there are associate’s and bachelor’s, both being undergraduate degrees, and master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees, all three being graduate degrees. Whether it’s your senior, junior, or sophomore year, this is all relevant to you. It’s your future. It’s your responsibility, and your responsibility alone, to make the best of it, to use your present to determine your outstanding future.
Work hard; take the most challenging classes you can be successful in; explore all options.
Photo by Haley Mainville Mrs. Seaman, Spanish Teacher
Keep your priorities straight. Get involved with on-campus organizations and activities. Study abroad! Even if you don’t major in a foreign language, studying in a different country is such a rewarding and worthwhile experience.
Photo by Haley Mainville Mrs. Polson, Director of Guidance
you want to go to an in-state college or out-of-state, being more expensive. Ed-Op at Spartanburg Memorial
Features 9
Dorman Teams Foster Miracles Eva Patnoude junior editor
T
Photos courtesy of Marcia Patnoude Jack Hennessey, Junior, and Samuel Hendricks, graduated 2016, help a Miracle Laegue athlete around the bases.
Mason Patnoude, Senior, and Jacob Hennessey, graduated 2016, round third with a Miracle League player.
10 Features
he Carolina Miracle League is an organization that provides an opportunity for a wide range of differently abled youths to play baseball and be a part of a team. Dorman High School has worked and played with the Miracle League before, and the softball and baseball teams have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to be volunteer “buddies” with these players. Founded in Conyers, Georgia, the Miracle League’s mission is to help all children safely play baseball, with a focus on having fun. Dorman sports teams, in an effort to help achieve this goal, regularly volunteer to participate. Cole Kennington, who has been a Miracle League player for roughly ten seasons, remembers the Dorman softball team coming out to play. Two of the softball players, he said, even argued over who would get to be his buddy! This collaboration between regular-ed students and the Miracle League allows a group of kids to interact with a community here at Dorman who they otherwise may not. The able-bodied student athletes of this school can also greatly benefit from volunteering to help out as buddies, learning about the
value of charity, community, and gratefulness. Samuel Hendricks, who played for Dorman’s baseball team before he graduated last year, felt that “[working with the] Miracle League is one of the most enjoyable activities [he] got to participate in while on the baseball team. It’s fun to see the excitement that they have for baseball and everyday life.” Luckily, Dorman students don’t have to be a baseball or softball player to get involved with the Miracle League. Any person can sign up to become a volunteer buddy or coach. If you’re too busy to donate your time, you can help financially by sponsoring players and events, such as the Miracle League’s end-of-season bash, which happens to be Cole Kennington’s favorite part of the year. If you’re interested, go to http:// carolinamiracleleague.org for schedules, background information, and contact information. Any contribution helps these kids to get the supplies and help they need, and as executive director Dean Alford says, “...when you give a child a ball, no matter what their abilities or disabilities, they will play with it, they will play together with other kids and they will try to do things they’ve never done before.”
Google Search Tips E
veryone seems to know that Google can be used to speed up searches. Searching for information can go even faster if you use these handy tips to retrieve the best information possible. Note: the tips below should be typed as written without quotes.
1
Type into the Google search bar “filetype: mp3 or mp4” without quotes to search for music. Ex. To find Bon Jovi music, try “filetype: .mp3 Bon Jovi.”
2
Similarly, try “site:” to search for a certain kind of website. Ex. “site: .gov Government Information” or “site: .edu School.”
3
Although it should not be used for homework, Google solves equations and graphs functions.. Ex. In the search bar “x + 5 = 4” to find x or graph a function with “y = x + 5.”
4 5
Hampton Ford staff writer
Click the microphone (right hand of search bar) to verbally tell Google what to search. Using “intitle:” searches websites for the title typed in. Ex. “intitle: Romeo” will pull up all the websites with Romeo in the title.
6
Use quotes to search for exact terms including capitalization and spelling. Ex. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. “
7
Timer will start a timer for whatever time you set. Ex. “timer for 5 minutes” or “timer for 30 seconds.”
8
Use “define: Words” to search for any definition quickly and easily. Ex. “define: pneumonoultra
microscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis”
9
A hyphen searches for a range of values.
Advanced Google Search can be found by clicking on the gear icon and then on Advanced Search. It searches exact phrases, exclude certain words, and also has the “site:” option without all the hassle. File types can be found with a drop down menu near the bottom of the page, although less options are available with this than the “filetype: .png” (for some pictures). While these tips are useful, Google also has a website for students and researches. Google Scholar can found by searching for Google Scholar or typing in the website address, “https://scholar.google.com/”. Google Scholar is used to find scientific articles. The results can be changed by adjusting the “Since Year” or “Sort by Date” buttons.
I
n addition to many handy tips, Google also has hidden Easter Eggs (hidden features). These Easter Eggs are a lot of fun if one is bored or simply wants to switch up their usual search experience. Some of the features are merely meant to be funny whereas others are games or outside references.
•
In a reference to Star Fox, “Do a barrel roll” will rotate the screen in a full circle.
•
Typing “What is the answer to life the universe and the center of everything” will print out 42 from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
•
After clicking on a YouTube video, click the frame and then press an arrow to play a snake game while the video plays.
•
Searching “atari breakout” and clicking on image just below the Google search bar collapses all the images into the game.
•
“Let me google that for you” and clicking the first result is a sarcastic tutorial on how to Google something.
Photo by Hampton Ford
Features 11
Meme-ology Vital in Pop Culture
M
emes are becoming a bigger part of internet culture. Though they are typically associated with the “web obsessed” generation, they have a surprising impact on people of all ages. “The mind is just attracted to comedy,” said Dylan Blackwell, junior. People are drawn to what makes them laugh, which is an attribute to the rise of meme culture and its prevalence on every social media outlet. Not only do people like the humorous aspect of memes, they also like what they can obtain from them: current events, new trends, and others’ opinions expressed in pictures. Mr. Stephen Vernet, who teaches Dual Enrollment U.S. History said, “it’s a way of expressing yourself without using words. It’s a way of sharing your mood.” Some teachers even use meme’s popularity to their advantage to relate the subject or topic to the students
Dtrending
Ddead (rip)
“Screaming Drake” is a “Button pusher” widely underestimated memes are almost meme with great obsolete at this point. potential.
“Livin on a prayer” memes are the newest trend.
12 Entertainment
Sarah Biggerstaff junior editor
through humor. As AP Bio teacher, Mrs. Jeneane Allgood explained, “I use (memes)... to relate a harder topic to everyday life and to add humor.” But as prominent as memes are, it can be hard to keep track of what’s trending, what has ceased to be popular, and what will always be popular. Here’s what students at Dorman consider to be “trending:” Arthur’s fist, screaming Drake, Livin on a Prayer parodies, and R.I.P. Harambe are all extrememly popular. The memes that students have deemed as “dead” are political memes, Pokemon Go, Olympics memes, and the button pusher. Some memes, however, are neither trending nor dead. These are the timeless memes. A few “timeless” memes are Pepe, senior quotes, any kinds of Spongebob memes, and Batman & Robin.
As summer gives way to fall, “Pokemon go” memes give way to newer trends.
timeless
Chuck Norris facts were one of the first viral memes to hit the internet. “
Somehow, seniors still manage to make hilarious jokes in their final quotes.
Photos by David Hawkins The Beacon (above) and Sparkle City Mini Putt Course (left).
‘Burg On A Budget Spend $10 or Less
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hen you’re not studying, playing sports, or participating in Dorman’s Fine Arts program there are plenty of things to do right here in Spartanburg! Students rarely get free time, and when they do, they don’t know what to do with it. Going to the movies can be rather costly, with each ticket costing $12 for ages 13 and up. Tickets for all movies, both old and new, are only $5.13 with the exception of 3-D showings on Tuesday nights at NCG Cinemas. If you want to go bowling you can go to Paradise Lanes on Sundays for only $4.99 a lane including shoes. While it is quite competitive, it doesn’t require much effort. There’s also Sparkle City Mini Putt for free. All you have to do it bring your own putter and golf ball, unless you borrow them from a local business. This course is based on our city’s rich history and iconic restaurants. So many students have talents here at Dorman. Some students sing, dance, write poetry, and much more. To those who want to share their talents with others, there are several open mics in Spartanburg. Teen Voices is a teen centered open mic night that includes many different teens who are supportive of each others’ talent. Teen Voices happens about every two months on a Friday and takes place at the Spartanburg Headquarters Library. On the first Friday of every month, the Brown Roof thrift store has an open mic night as well. The South Carolina State Fair is coming to Columbia October 12-23. Tickets to attend are only $7, but you have to pay extra for concessions and rides. There’s also going to be some musicians attending. For King & Country is going to be free, but the rest of the music line up does require the purchase of extra tickets. At the Chapman Cultural Center, there are plenty of free exhibits to check out. If you’re interested in politics and
history there is a “We The People” exhibit coming this month and carrying into next month. It is a portrait of the history of politics of in Spartanburg County. The exhibit will be open until November 13. On Monday, the exhibit will be closed, on Tuesday-Friday, it will be open 10am-5pm, and on Sunday it will be open 1-5pm. There is a little of everything to do around Spartanburg. There are inexpensive activities for sports fans and fine arts students alike. Whatever interests you may have there is sure to be something to do in your free time in Spartanburg!
In addition to the activities around Spartanburg, we also have iconic restaurants like the Beacon. Part of the Sparkle City Mini Putt course even features a replica of the Beacon’s sign. Depending on what you order, the price of your meal will range. Ten hot wings are $8.95. For a cheaper option, there is a burger or a cheeseburger for $3.50. With your meal, you can have sides and drinks as well. Sides like fries and tater tots are $2. Beacon’s classic sweet tea is only $1.85. Another popular choice for local restaurants is Willy Taco. For $3.20, you can have a basic taco with ground beef or chicken, shaved lettuce, jack cheese, pico, and Willy’s house cremo. The average side dish is $3, and drinks are around $1-3. Wade’s Family Restaurant is a staple here in Spartanburg. You can get a hamburger, fries, and a soft drink for $8.79. You can always see Wade’s billboard that contains food puns looming over Sugar ‘N Spice, Hopefully you now have an idea of the activities you’re able to do around Spartanburg. You don’t have to go far to have fun and then get a bite to eat. You can share your talents at Teen Voices or play mini putt at Sparkle City. After that, you can enjoy classic southern eating at Wade’s or go to Willy Taco for exotic Mexican food,
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Is Homework Necessary? Photo by Hope Culbreth Senior Emilee Panhorst does homework in the cafe.
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Homework is an additional practice that is definitely beneficial to students. When a student is at home, without distractions, he/ she can process information independently. Homework assignments help assure students that they will pass an upcoming test or quiz, or it lets them know where they need to improve and where they should seek help. Subjects like math, science, and foreign languages are where homework is the most beneficial, but homework can be helpful in subjects like history and English as well. For Corey Henderson, the occasional homework assignment in French goes a long way toward his success. Gabriela Romero claimed homework is beneficial in subjects like math. “You learn better by doing examples,” Romero said. Without additional help of examples completed at home, some students would never be able to retain information like the quadratic formula. Based on the difficulty level of a subject, more time spent on homework would help students pass graded assignments. That is not to say that homework in other classes like English and history is never necessary. The necessity of the homework and the benefits that students reap by doing it really depends on the assignment. Practicing writing sentences or analyzing current event articles are really helpful for classes like English or history. Both of these examples are actual homework assignments and
NO
As students, we often wonder if homework is really necessary. Some of us need practice but others lack the time for homework. In 2014, the United States Census found out that six out of ten students participate in at least one extracurricular activity. This can include fine arts, sports, and other various clubs. Mrs. Revan, an English teacher, gave homework earlier in her teaching career, but a “Rule of Thirds” led her to stop. In most circumstances, she realized that one third of the class didn’t do the homework, one third did do it but failed to reach her expectations, and one third met her expectations but are still anxious about the assignment. Mrs. Revan thinks that homework increases stress in most students. Many
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Hope Culbreth photography editor can be beneficial to students and teachers alike. Science teacher Mr. Terry stated that “students need to read, synthesize, organize and elaborate on thoughts,” for homework to help them do well in school. Practicing sentence structure will help not only the student produce better sentences, but allow the teacher to see how a student has improved or how they have not improved. Current event articles help students stay up to date on events happening in the world. They also teach students the importance of having an opinion and having knowledge of the world around them. These articles allow the teacher to see student opinions and the knowledge they have gained from forming their new opinions. Math teacher Mrs. Martin stated, “for the majority of my students, homework is necessary to be successful and master the concepts.” Mastering concepts is the entire point of homework. A coach wouldn’t let a player participate in a game if he/she did not practice. According to Duke Today, the amount of homework should vary by subject once students reach high school. The time it takes to do the assignment should also vary by subject. Homework should not take hours of a student’s time; he/ she needs to be able to relax after school and still have time for their other commitments such as sports, jobs, or clubs. Assigning shorter assignments every couple of days is an easy solution to this problem.
students here at Dorman have jobs and extracurricular activities. Schedules can become conflicted such as practices versus work shifts versus homework and studying. Having to choose which activity to compromise to make time for something else can be very stressful. Mikayla Carter, a member of the sophomore student council, finds that she becomes stressed when she gets home and can’t find her homework or textbooks needed to complete it. Students can easily misplace things when they balance extracurricular activities and school. On an average day, Carter estimates that she has at least two pages of homework a day. Kayla Reneau, a junior, says that school often leaves her tired. Getting home from about a six-hour school day and then having to do one to two hours
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of homework is very overwhelming to students. When asked about whether teachers should try to give little to no homework she said that it depends on the subject. Both Reneau and Carter agree that math is a subject that requires homework. Math is certainly a subject that can be very difficult to understand for many people. Math requires the memorization of many mathematical rules and equations like PEMDAS and the quadratic equation. Some students have an easy time with this but many others need homework to help them, there are other subjects students might need help in. It is should definitely be an option for students to request homework if needed.
Students Should Have a Job in High School
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n high school, many students debate whether they should get a job or have fun with their friends before they have to grow up and take on responsibilities. There are pros and cons to having a job at this age. Because of their inexperience, most students don’t know what to expect in a job. Some wonder if businesses will respect that students can’t work as much on school nights, or that sometimes other events, such as a school performance or sports will take priority over the job. Another huge concern is how having a job will affect one’s school work. Having a job does affect the amount of time I personally have to complete my homework, but it isn’t impossible to work around, and the experience I receive teaches me time management and how to deal with stressful situations. Some high school students would say that the only good thing about having a job is the money, even though most teenagers are only paid minimum wage. Having this money allows students to learn how to pay for a car, gas, shopping, and entertainment without having to rely on their parents for cash. They also learn how to manage money and have a bank account, which are valuable skills for the future. I enjoy learning how to pay bills, managing a bank account, and paying for personal wants. It allows me to learn what things are going to be like money wise in the future. Jobs require commitment and time which, for students, can be negative because it takes away from study time as well as valuable time with friends and family. Junior Thomas Dien said, “the pros outweigh the cons.” Having a job in high school teaches one valuable lesson that a student doesn’t expect to learn. It teaches the student intrapersonal skills and how to react to different situations in life through the work place. According to TeenLife, “Going to work regularly offers
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teens the chance to cultivate their time-management skills, and with that, comes a sense of responsibility.” In every retail situation, the customer is right, and the employee must try to accommodate the customer in any way they can. A variety of people visit businesses, and employees must learn how to deal with each kind of person, even if it is difficult. Being an employee teaches responsibility and how to act under a boss. Most jobs require uniforms and a name tag like school where we have dress code and a student idea. Junior Kaylee Fisher said, “It is a good experience, having a boss because it teaches liability and prepares you for the real world.” It is important to have responsibilities and to learn how to deal with people before teenagers enter into the workforce. Jobs may take up time students could be using to do school work, but it isn’t impossible to get it all done. Most businesses who hire teenagers are understanding about the fact that students can’t work as much as adults because of school work and extracurricular activities that are important to experience. My boss understands that I need days off for family, friends, church, and other activities. It’s good for teenagers to have a job and experience the real world before they are on their own. However, it can be very difficult to balance time between work, school work, and sleep. The lessons learned are extremely valuable, but students do miss out on opportunities such as sporting events and having fun with friends. Though this can be disappointing, students will benefit through balancing their time between a job and extracurricular activities as a teenager.
Review of Brown Roof, a Charitable Thrift Shop
Hampton Ford staff writer
Photo by Hope Culbreth An inside look at Brown Roof Thrift Store.
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rown Roof CEO and founder, Robert Caldwell states, “The goal is for people to donate their clothing, household items, and furniture. In turn, we are able to sell these items and create revenue which we give to non-profits in the community.” The charities include Mill Village Farms, GOAT (Great
Outdoor Adventure Trips), Neighborhood Focus, GAIHN (Greenville Area Interfaith Hospitality Network), and Meals On Wheels. Dorman students had many positive things to say about Brown Roof. Junior Editor, Sarah Biggerstaff said, “It’s a great place to find good clothes.” Junior Ben Weaver, a regular customer, said it was a “good experience and a fun place to go with friends and get coffee.” When Brown Roof employee Nathan Hulsey was interviewed about his experience working as a barista. Hulsey said, “I enjoy it. It’s very enlightening and it teaches me skills I’ll need later in life.” As the business grew, Robert Caldwell decided to expand. There is now an online store, a store in Spartanburg (141 Fernwood Dr.) and another in Greenville. The Greenville store is over 10,000 square feet with an 800 square foot coffee shop that has a drive through. The Spartanburg store is open from 9:00-8:00 Monday through Saturday. The Greenville had its grand opening September 16 and will have the same hours.
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