December 2013

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PS U W O L FOL ME

EXTRE E H T TO

DECEMBER 2013 VOL. XXIII ISSUE III

Pirates' Hookok

Holidays

School Safety

SEE PAGE 14

SEE PAGE 11

SEE PAGE 7

Follow-Ups

Addressing Sexual Harrassment

Julie is uncomfortable. Every day, she looks up and finds her teacher staring at her breasts. On occasion, she gets an awkward wink.

Chris is a football player. It is perfectly normal to get a pat on the butt as a sign of encouragement during games. However, there is one player who takes it too far. He pats Chris’ butt whenever he can during the game, and even in the locker room.

Sexual harassment is a very sensitive topic.

Because of that, it is rarely talked about in context with family or peer groups.

Sexual harassment is a serious crime. However, it is not spoken of in the same way as homicide, assault or battery.

We have never heard much about sexual harassment, much less what to do when it happens.

And although it may seem like common sense, to call the police; most people are afraid to do it.

There are many reasons for this hesitancy, but it might be due to the fact that the topic has not been talked about during adolescence.

School is supposed to prepare us for the future.

We learn basic skills like Math and Reading and even CPR, but it does not let students know what to do when sexual harassment occurs.

Sexual harassment is a very relevant topic for

students in high school. According to a study by the American Association of University Women, during the 2010-2011 school year, 56 percent of girls and 40 percent of boys, in grades 7-12 were sexually harassed.

Students in high school are arguably the most susceptible to sexual harassment. We are in school 35 hours a week, surrounded by hundreds of other students, as well as faculty.

It is mandatory for students to take Health and Physical Education, which involves learning about food choices, personal wellbeing, and sex education. However, there are practically no high schools in North Carolina that provide classes on sexual harassment.

The Pirates’ Hook finds this unacceptable.

Schools everywhere preach abstinence and safe sex.

Abstinence is a choice, but when sexual harassment takes place that choice is taken away from you.

Learning about sexual harassment - whether that is how to avoid or prevent it or how to react when it happens is just as important as learning about Sexually Transmitted Diseases and strategies to avoid pregnancy. The Pirates’Hook believes that a class on the subject is a necessity in high schools and we hope school boards across the city, state, and country in agreement with us.

In Loving Memory, Jesus

SEE PAGE 18

To The Extreme

Dirty-D

SEE PAGE 22

The editorials, unless signed, are the consensus opinion of the editorial staff and do not necessarily reflect the views of the adviser or the school administration. The newspaper welcomes letters to the editor. The newspaper reserves the right to edit letters for space and clarity.

All letters must be signed, however, the newspaper will withhold names upon request with good reason. Advertisements in the newspaper are paid advertisements and are not the opinion of, or the endorsement of, the newspaper or school administration.

•Head Editors: Cameron McNeill, Casey Speer •Editors: Luke Berndt, Timothy Duke, Emily Eubanks, Ben Huffman, David McSwain, Marie Muir, Ebony Anderson, Jason Bunch, Yakima Clifton, James Vample, Jasmine Lyon •Staff: Christopher Abuor, Javian Biswas, Jasper Cool, Neo Cruz, Ebony Donald, Maya Gacina, Lena Geller, Alyssa Hayes, Mone Jones, Cy Neff, Brandy Parrish, Nicholas Strauss, Sara Turner, Morgan Whithaus •Photo Editor: Deirdre Logan

www.riverside.dpsnc.net

3218 Rose of Sharon Road Durham, NC 22712

OPINION

2 Opinion

Every once in a while something happens that shatters our illusion of safety. Such an event took place on Nov. 19 of this year when Jesus Huerta, a fellow student at Riverside, died from a gunshot wound in back of a police vehicle.

We would like to express our extreme sorrow over his loss, and we send our condolences to his family and friends. We find it tragic that a person so connected to so many had to have his life end so abruptly.

Our sorrow is compounded by challenges to our faith in the fidelity of Durham’s police force. It seems to the staff of The Hook, and to many students, that this situation could and should have been avoided.

Very little information has been released about how Huerta died, though negative stories about Huerta have been circulated. More than three weeks after the incident, this imbalance raises questions.

We do not know exactly what happened that night. It does seem, however, that procedures handcuffing those placed under arrest in a police vehicle, and searching those for weapons - must

not have been followed properly.

Our concern is that rather than releasing a full explanation of events, or acknowledging mistakes, the police seem to be hoping the case will slip into obscurity.

The Hook believes, though, that the problem cannot be ignored. Huerta had a family. He had many friends. They will not forget, because Jesus Huerta will not come back.

Riverside has responded as a community, surrounding Huerta’s family and friends with support.

We call upon our city and police leaders to respond as well by providing the information that will answer questions and lead to changes that prevent such a tragic incident from happening again.

It’s clear that we will not get answers unless we ask the right questions. We must keep asking, until the need for justice outweighs the cautious path taken by our local police force.

Despite the tragic nature of this loss, we here at Riverside are trying to stay positive and give as much support to Huerta’s friends and family as possible. We lost a member of our Pirate family, but we will never forget him. Rest in peace, Jesus.

December 2013

Face-Off

LOCKOUTS?

Get to class, learn

By Alyssa Hayes

The crowded halls of Riverside High School have become reckless and filled with students walking exceedingly faster than normal, in order to make it to their classroom door before they get a locked door slammed in their face. This is the new norm for Riverside.

For the past two weeks, there have been a combination of lockouts and restricted movements at Riverside,. The changes with the lockouts and restricted movement are effective and beneficial. From kids pulling fire alarms to skipping and being late to class, lockouts catch them all.

In reality, who likes these lockouts?

No one.

Here are some steps to help you be on time to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th period: • Walk faster- Don’t be the aggravating snail in the middle of the hallway who walks slow and makes frequent stops to talk to their peers. Don’t be that person!

Not only will you be late to class, you could make others late as well.

• Take less time to talk to friends- Just like texting while driving, it can wait. Do it after school.

• If the bathroom is crowded, don’t go- If all the stalls are full and you only have two minutes to get to class, it’s a lot smarter to just wait until a better opportunity.

There is no reason someone should be late everyday. Honestly, is that even possible? You must have to try really hard to be late everyday.

Clearly the lockouts are in place to get students out of the hallway and get them to where they’re supposed to be, *cough* *cough*, class.

And to the people pulling the fire alarmsalthough students love having an extra five minutes out of class, it’s stupid. Sorry, but if I were an administrator, you’d be pulling the fire alarm in your house. Cause you

would not be in my school. Congrats on knowing how to pull a fire alarm! Too bad you are not smart enough to go to class for a change.

Some people would assume that the students in the lockout are “bad”, but that isn’t all true. Actually, assuming that only “bad” students get caught in lockouts is just false. “Good” students get caught in lockouts too. But good students have are able to prevent it.

For most students that get caught in lockouts, it’s on accident. They didn’t wake up saying, “Oh I think I’ll be exactly five minutes late to class.” No, it just happens. [Most] students come to school with the intentions of going to class, but we all know that others do

Enough, already

By Emily Eubanks “Attention teachers and students this is a lock out. Teachers lock your doors. Any students remaining in the hallway please report to the nearest tardy lockout table.”

This should be the new slogan for Riverside instead of “Roll Pirates Roll” because it’s repeated over the announcements at least four times a day. I know the poor ladies in the front office must be sick and tired of having

A hallway drastically changes before and after a lockout. not have the intention on going to class, therefore, lockouts are in action to prevent the lateness.

When you have a job in the future, and you have a certain time to get there, there is no “lockout.” You must get there on time, or you can easily get fired.

If I were an administrator, I would continue the lockouts. Maybe not everyday, but every now and again. It’s unacceptable to be late to class. If you don’t like it, get over it and suck it up.

You’re opinion is irrelevant and you liking or disliking the lockout policy will not end lockouts.

• PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN

to repeat it like they are a broken record.

And I’m sick of hearing it. We are people, and they are herding us like we are sheep.

With a combination of lockouts before every single period, in between lunches, and constantly being on restricted movement, Riverside is slowly transforming from a school into a prison.

You can not even get both feet out of the door of the classroom before being interrogated.

“Where is your pass? Where are you going? Where should you be right now?”

The once simple task of going to the bathroom has become terrifying for students.

3

Basically, if you are breathing and are not in class you are skipping. That’s a write up.

Even students who are in the top of their class are having their squeaky clean records ruined because they are late to three out of the 720 class periods in a year.

Sorry if we are human and have unexpected situations pop up that cause us to be late occasionally.

Okay Riverside. I’ll make sure to speed down the highway in morning traffic and stop my bladder from going off before class.

Obviously if I’m late to class I was using illegal drugs or having a steamy hook up in the bathroom stall.

To teachers and administrators who say “don’t stop to talk to your friends in the hallway.”

“If there is a line in the bathroom wait to go until a different time.”

First off, do teachers really expect me to sit through a 90 minute class period without talking and focusing on my work, then not talk during the “free” 4 minutes that I have? That’s completely unrealistic. I have to talk at some point and I would think that teachers would rather my talking be done in the hallway then in class.

Second, how am I supposed to control the length of the line in the bathroom? A girl’s gotta go when a girl’s gotta go and I’m not going to wait another ten minutes just so I can get to class on time. It’s not fair that I’m punished for having to go to the bathroom.

It’s a normal bodily function that none of us really have any control over.

Lastly, there are over 2000 people roaming Riversides hall every single day. There is no possible way for me to walk any faster to class. The fact that I even make it to class through the insanely large crowd of people is impressive.

Teachers, just worry about teaching, its none of your business what time students arrive to class. It’s up to the student whether or not they want to get here on time.

Last time I checked I already have two parents. They can be the ones who discipline me for being late. Students do not need teachers to act like our parents. That only makes me want to be more late for class.

4

Peg-Leg - Humor

These stories are as real as an 'excused' tardy

Pirates' Hookok

County burns down forest, ensures safety Before County arrived, wild packs

By Cy Neff of girls in leggings, lace-backed Principal Joel County arrived at shirts and tank tops viciously Riverside High School this year, roamed the school, terrorizing bringing new rules and lots of students and faculty. changes with him, all with one goal: After County changed our ways, the safety of Riverside students. threatening clothing was replaced

with friendly yoga pants, sensible sweaters, and button-down blouses. County did not stop defending our safety by modifying the dress code.

He removed dangerous birthday banners, restricted where students

• PHOTO ART BY DEIRDRE LOGAN

Principal Joel County observes his safety-inspired forest fire behind campus near the Eno River.

can eat lunch, and made sure Riverside got its recommended daily allowance of lockouts. These were all minor acts, warm-ups for County before he would confront his true nemesis: trees.

Pre-County, students and administrators would look at trees and simply think “Hey. A tree,” without giving it a second thought. County, however, sees the true nature of trees: leafy green menaces.

"These trees could collapse on a student at any given moment.

More than that, these trees are fire hazards, and they’re all over campus. What we have here is a severe case of tree terrorism,” County said.

After sawing down Riverside’s most dangerous trees in front of the school, County took the obvious next step: burning down the forest down to the Eno. “Forests are a huge safety hazard.

They have the normal safety hazards presented by ‘on campus’ trees, such as the danger of falling

on innocent students smoking behind the school.” County said.

“But they also pose extra risks.

Our cross country runners could be bitten by a venomous Copperhead, or our biology students impaled on a tree branch.”

The forest was burned down by the Marywood Volunteer Fire Department on Nov. 15.

Fortunately it was Fire Alarm Friday, so Riverside students were already outside and the schedule was not disrupted. This has frustrated everyone from SEAL club members, who liked it better when their school had a forest around it, to frequent skippers, who are finding it increasingly difficult to take cover behind charred tree stumps.

However, Senior and frequent smoker Donald O’Conner is finding a benefit in County’s scorched earth policy.

“With all the trees still smoking I can go right back there and noone even notices the extra smoke,” O’Conner said.

Durham students' writing progessively worsens

By Nick Strauss It has long been apparent that many students enrolled in Durham Public Schools (DPS) severely lack literacy skills. The formerly less-than-rigorous End of Course tests (EOC) served as a clear source of information regarding the absence of knowledge and understanding of many concepts.

Durham is known for its low percentage of passing students.

The school system rarely exceeds a 50 percent passing rate. Now, according to the new Common Core testing, DPS students with

passing reading scores are at an all time low: 34 percent.

It seems as time goes on, writing gets worse. Many students are failing their sophomore English classes. It seems to a lot of students that the new administration is the reason for the decline in test scores.

Others, however, believe differently.

Lot’s of people think that it could perhaps be the new tests.

After all, could it be that they are harder? Many kids seem to think so, seeing as how they used to do pretty okay on the EOCs. “Boy, I tell ya what. I can read

better than a bookworm in a library.

How are these new fangled tests gonna tell me somethin’ like that I can’t read?” sofomore Tim Duck

if it’s the tests fault or the new principle, and they are worried that the writing is going to keep getting more bad.

“Im pretty sure that I can speak for most of the student body when I tell you that we can do g o o d said. Student’s just don’t not know writing. Like you know what I’m

How are these new fangled tests gonna tell me somethin' like that I can't read?

Tim Duck, Sophomore

saying? Its ovbiously Counties fault, as soon as he came in and took down our banners, this happened. ” Psy Nerf said one time.

What for does it mean to be a good reader and writer in this place?

Could it be to the test to say?

Thing for sure is true: writing now is worse. Passing time makes the words not good as before were they.

Inded it is to be very les than what culd be excpeted and the ending of the wirds. Any usinf of a lot off desent spillin p. tihs Nlkdf dfn dkOfn pRwie fkTHeqf dflkdfspefFjf;sdHElpMEHel.MehELPME.?>qwdksdmj

December 2013

By Casey Speer My cousins, pecan pie, and opening that Easy Bake Oven - that’s all I’ve ever thought of when it came to Christmas.

What is Christmas? I’m not trying to be philosophical, I actually don’t know.

It has some religious importance or meaning, but I really couldn’t say with confidence.

I come from a non-religious family.

I go to church once a year on Christmas Eve. I watch everyone eat the crackers and grape juice and I’m fascinated with the whole process.

It’s hard to imagine that Christmas is more to someone than simply watching football and opening presents.

To some it’s the celebration of the birth of

Columns

5

CHRIST-mas?

Jesus (I think), his mom, Mary, and his dads.

I know Joseph is his father in a sense, but I think God is his Father.

The key is capitalization - nailed it.

Of course I’m open minded and accepting towards the different traditions of Christmas.

For some it’s a really emotional and spiritual time, and I respect that.

However, the closest thing to religion I have on Christmas is eggnog and How the Grinch Stole Christmas - the cartoon version, of course.

I’ve adapted to this. It’s all I know.

During the holidays as a child, Santa was practically my God. I would worship him, provide him sacrifices of cookies and milk, and even track the progress of his sleigh on Christmas Eve. Though I doubted him and questioned how

he could make it to my house when he had so many others to get to, my faith in him was unwavering.

I have to admit it was almost magical to believe in something so strongly and confidently.

That must be the feeling that some experience during Christmas as they celebrate the religious figures whom they worship.

Though I’m sure it’s rewarding to experience the holidays in this way, I think I’ll just stick to seeing Christmas as an opportunity to visit family, give and receive presents, and eat a heck of a lot of ham.

Senior Casey Speer is confused while attempting to read the bible. Though open minded about religion, Speer takes a secular approach to Christmas.

• PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN

Making volunteering powerful McNeill takes advantage of privileged life

Senior Cameron McNeill volunteers at the Habitat For Humanity Restore. McNeill accepts his duty to volunteer and help the • PHOTO BY CASEY SPEER community.

By Cameron McNeill I fall down the stairs daily, have little athletic ability, and anytime I cook it ends with disaster (microwave or die).

I am terrible at a lot of things most would consider “common sense.”

Although I go through times of vulnerability, I have to admit I am a lucky kid.

I have two parents who support me through everything, three siblings who are just as supportive and excellent teachers that are always there for a talk.

I live in a nice house with nice dogs.

I am pretty sure I will get to go to a nice college.

I pray for Duke to get coveted basketball recruits (prayers answered), not for my family to have food on the table.

It’s all nice.

Future may sing “You deserve it,” but in reality I did nothing to deserve my lifestyle.

There was nothing I did before I was born to be where I’m at today.

When I was a twinkle in my dad’s eye, I had the same chance to be born homeless, living on the streets, as anyone else.

About once a month, I do charity work with the volunteering club at school.

To be honest, it is somewhat out of guilt, somewhat to make myself feel better.

I go with National Honor society too. It’s good to help people who have been born into bad situations.

But there must be more that I can do.

I spend most of my weekends watching football on my couch instead of building houses at Habitat for Humanity.

When I do volunteer, I usually question why I woke up early on that one Saturday of the month.

At that moment, I’d rather be laying in bed contemplating my laziness for the rest of the day.

Hopefully, I am not the only one who would rather be doing that...don’t make me feel bad.

The reason why I still get up on those Saturdays is for the feeling afterward.

There is a sense of accomplishment, the sense of a good deed.

I feel like a “good kid” for the rest of

the day because I helped those that might not be able to help themselves.

I receive praise from my peers and parents.

It’s all nice.

More important than how I feel is the actual action of volunteering.

When one volunteers, people that need help, get help.

It is important that as we move on in our lives that we help those in need.

It doesn’t matter if you are doing it because you are forced, you want to impress some colleges or it just makes you feel good; the intent matters little when it comes to volunteering, action is what counts.

It's my duty to volunteer and help others I need to accept this role, and in doing so, make volunteering powerful.

I did nothing to deserve my lifestyle

Cameron McNeill, senior

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BRIEFS

The plaque that sigifies the dedication of the stage to Andrew Crabtree. A concert was • PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN held for the dedication.

Wrestling The Riverside wrestling team looks to improve upon last year’s efforts as the season gets into full swing.

The 2012-2013 season saw two wrestlers, Gary Whitaker and Jaquan Sowell, qualify for state playoffs and four wrestlers make the NC All-Star National Team. Whitaker has continued to dominate thus far, boasting an undefeated 8-0 record in the heavyweight division and a win at the prized Eagle Invitational.

The team is off to a solid 4-1 start and coaches Gary Palmer and Broc Dickerson are very proud. Palmer was pleased to share the 100 percent academic eligibility of returning wrestlers. And rightfully so, 100 percent eligibility is a feat which is rarely accomplished in the realm of high school sports. Palmer approaches coaching with a can-do attitude. Palmer believes that everyone can make a contribution, no matter how small, as shown by his motto.

“No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”

With powerhouse wrestler Gary Whitaker and his undefeated streak, and a solid

supporting cast, Riverside looks to improve its conference standing in 2014.

By Jasper Cool Men's Basketball Helps Community Unwrapping turkeys, cleaning them out, and removing the neck, are all activities the men’s basketball team will partake in.

The Riverside Men’s Basketball Program volunteers yearly during thanksgiving at the Durham Rescue Mission.

“It was fun to volunteer, even though it was cold,” senior Joey Cabrera said. “The turkeys were frozen and we had to cut them open so our fingers were dead numb.”

In addition to volunteering, the Pirates’ were participants in a Thanksgiving holiday tournament, the Bull City Classic.

“We did well going 1-1, winning a close game against Durham School of the Arts and losing against Mount Zion,” junior Eric Peaks said.

The Pirates’ lost their first game in a nail-biter Tuesday, Nov. 25 to the Middle Creek Mustangs in overtime 94-98.

Following the 1-2 record after the tournament, the Pirates’ defeated Green Hope

Pirates' Hookok

to even their record at 2-2.

Womens Varsity Basketball The men’s basketball team looks to With a swish and a leap the women’s varbecome a threat this year and to overcome sity basketball team (3-1) shoots and scores their underdog status from last season. for a win against Middle Creek High School.

By Kima Clifton & Mone’ Jones

Stage Dedication T h e voices of the Riverside chorus swelled with love and sadness as they sang a beautiful rendition of The Beatles’ “Let it Be” at their concert on N o v. 2 1 .

The song accompan i e d t h e Junior Mone Jones plays hard defense against Athens Drive. The dedication women's basketball team has gotten off to a fast start this season.

• PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN of the stage to Andrew Crabtree, a former Riverside student who The basketball team has had a great start over the summer after a long battle with to the season, with wins against Middle cancer.

Creek, Durham School of the Arts (DSA), “Andrew was a strong student in both and Green Hope. chorus and theater,” chorus teacher Jill BoAlthough there was a loss against Hillside, liek said. “Both of those programs use the the team still remains proud and ready to stage all throughout the year. We decided to compete. name the stage the Andrew Edward Crabtree The Lady Pirates hope to improve from stage.” the last season.

In addition to the teachers, many stu“We want to have a better season and dents were touched by the tribute. Freshman improve from last year,” senior Kiara JaMargie Westcott attended the concert. cobs said.

“The speech given by Ms. Boliek was Last season, the team lacked chemistry lovely. I felt kinda emotional during the and had trouble ending games. This year, dedication,” Westcott said. bonding and end-game situations are a focus Junior Colton Stanley, chorus member, for the team. agreed.

“We want to bond as a team, finish all “I thought it [the tribute] was really of our games, and hopefully make states,” cool,” Stanley said. “I didn’t know him him Jacobs said. personally, but I’m sure he deserved it.”

This season, the players are determined Crabtree will forever be remembered to step on to court and reach for their goals

by Riverside students and staff. to make the state playoffs.

By Lena Geller

By Maya Gacina

December 2013

FOLLOW-UPS

7

The hallway is left abandoned after a lockout. Many of the changes Principal Joel County has inforced, such as lockouts every period, leave students with mixed emotions.

• PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN

Changes made to better school create mixed reviews

By Javian Biswas Rushing up the stairs and trying not to drop her books, freshman Kelsey Trollinger worries that she will be late to class. With little time left, she gets caught in her first lockout. Despite her disappointment, she is yet to realize that this is only one of Principal Joel County’s changes that has affected her.

When County first came to Riverside, his top priority was to provide students with the materials they need for success. County’s determination and ambition toward a better school have affected both the teachers’ and the students’ work culture.

To get more students into class,

County has started a lockout routine. At the end of each class period the bell to dismiss students will ring as usual. This will be followed by the late bell, after which all teachers must lock their doors and not allow students inside without a pass. If a student is caught in two lockouts, he or she will have one day of After School Detention (ASD).

The lockouts started four weeks ago, and the impact has been immediate.

“There have been less incidents of ditching class and fewer late students are disrupting,” County said. “There used to be one to two fights every week, and since the lockouts have started there has only been one.”

The Student Resources Officers (SROs) have also taken notice.

“We have definitely caught less people now that more kids are in class, both skipping and larcenies are way down,” Deputy Fox said.

Though implementation of the lockouts have been quick, many students think that they are just time-consuming.

“The lockouts are just unnecessary now,” freshman Miles Webb said.

The “unnecessariness” may simply be due to the fact that the lockouts are only influencing those who usually skip, but wasting the class time of those who do not.

Others feel that the lockouts have become redundant.

“When the lockouts first started they were helpful, now it is just not effective because it is becoming a routine and it should be a little more surprising,” freshman Conner Thompson said.

Though County is aware that many students are getting frustrated with the procedure, he knows that the lockouts will have to continue until the issue is fully resolved.

Alongside getting more students into class, County has other ways of improving the school. To make the appearance of Riverside look more appealing, County has taken down the birthday banners that used to hang in the front driveway.

“Several parties have brought to my attention that the banners

give the school a less than classy look, the idea is not to eliminate the creativity though,” County said.

Since many students are disappointed with the change, County has teamed up with Student Government Association (SGA) to come up with an alternate plan.

Possible ideas include starting a banner wall at the back of the school or having specific hallways for each grade. For now, birthday shout outs on the morning announcements will substitute.

“I think that the banners outside the school made it look trashy and that the birthday announcements

Cont. on pg. 21

8

Pirates' Hookok

Follow-Ups

Roll Pirates Roll: the Re-up

By Nick Strauss Tetrahydrocannabinol, the active substance found in marijuana, is so coveted by high school youth that it powers an extensive drug based economy. Still, school resource officers based at Riverside believe drug use has been reduced this year from previous years.

The last issue of The Pirates’ Hook featured a story documenting the scale of Riverside’s drug economy. Deputies Fox and Jobe paid The Hook a visit the day after the story was released to explain that as far as the officers were concerned, the drug situation at Riverside was more than under control.

“I don’t think the drug problem is as bad as the story led people to believe,” Deputy Fox said. “We’ve just seen less drug activity [than in previous years].”

According to reports given by Riverside’s police staff, the level of drugs being used on campus is declining.

Some police officers believe that the amount of people smoking in school is directly linked to the amount of total drugs sold on campus.

“The problem is lessening. We had kids in previous years smoking at school. We just haven’t had that this year,” Deputy Jobe said.

“We’ve just not seen the same amount of people high at school since County came.”

Students, on the other hand, see the drug situation differently.

“I’m pretty sure drug use is up from last year. I’ve seen more people with drugs at school than ever,” junior Jeremy Nelson said.

For students that are just becoming aware of the drugs in Riverside, the situation can seem shocking.

“I really didn’t know much about the drugs last year. This year it seems like almost everyone I know

has done them. [Compared to last year] I definitely know of more people at Riverside that do drugs,” sophomore Tehila Rosenblatt-Farrell said.

While most students are aware of the drug problems facing many high schools, a small but dedicated few are pulling the strings. Dealers not only know how to sell drugs around school, but often know how to sneak the product around law enforcement.

A drug dealer interviewed by The Pirates’ Hook said marijuana is just one of many drugs that are sold in school.

Pills represent a substantial problem for officers of the law. The small, odorless drugs often slide right by any scrutiny.

“We can tell if people are on weed if they smell. Pills are harder to find,” Fox said.

Due to the officer’s inability to stop pills from entering the school’s drug marketplace, it is unknown just how many currently are being used and sold.

While Deputies Jobe and Fox feel that drug related problems have declined this year, this is clearly still a serious issue. Exactly 12 instances of drug related arrests have occurred in the first 13 weeks of school, making drug and paraphernalia busts an almost weekly occurrence.

“We’ve admittedly been busy this year, but it seems that at this point last year we were having more drug related issues,” Deputy Jobe said.

The new policy on class lockouts is having an effect on the use of drugs in Riverside. While students might be able to buy and sell their drugs in school, the chances of them having the time to smoke on campus is slim.

“I think that there is a serious correlation between the lockouts and the lower number of drug

Principal Joel County discusses with administrators and a Student Resources Officer the result of the lockouts. Together, they have been coming up with methods to prevent drug related issues. busts,” Deputy Jobe said.

Deputy Jobe says that the new policy could very well be displacing the use of drugs to a new area.

“Kids that used to smoke around school are just going to the woods,” Deputy Jobe said.

With a constant stream of distractions and other matters, the police likely have less time to investigate matters outside of the

school.

When asked how they can prove that less smoking in school means less drug purchases, the police specified what they consider to be the parameters for a real issue that may occur on campus.

“The fact is, since we’ve been keeping an eye out, we’ve not noticed the problem being as evident.

We have to consider the school itself

• PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN

as being less affected,” Deputy Fox said.

While there is evidence of a drug problem at Riverside, it is important to remember that there are many other schools in the area, all facing similar issues.

Riverside police plan to continue to work with school administrators to create policies that lessen the influence drugs in school.

December 2013

Follow-Ups

Code Red gains momentum

9

Students engage in fight for teachers' rights

By Morgan Whithaus The hallways are flooded with the color red every Wednesday.

Many passionate individuals unite together to spread awareness about what needs to change in the North Carolina Public Schools system.

“There have been unfair budget cuts that have been negatively affecting the public schools,” Algebra II teacher Julie-Lynn Austin said.

“I’d like to see more money come into the public schools so that we can have smaller class sizes, the needed supplies, and fair pay for teachers.”

Students and teachers that are a part of this campaign agree with Austin. The public school system’s budget does not have enough money to pay for the needed supplies. Textbooks are falling apart at the spines and class sizes are outrageous, hindering the learning environment.

“We need better supplies and smaller class sizes,” freshman Lexi Newnam said. “I think that our teachers and students need more so that we can have a better education.”

On Monday, Nov. 4, a rally and “Walk-In” took place at Riverside.

Several hundred students, teachers, parents, and community members gathered at the school entrance to raise awareness and gather support.

Many were holding signs asking

for fair teacher pay and enough money in the budget to provide the basic supplies.

Even though the focus has shifted towards the issue of underpaid teachers, students also feel the affects of the inadequate budget.

“Budget cuts affect students too.

It’s not just about the teachers’ pay,” sophomore Cassidy Leovic said.

“We don’t have enough money for books and we don’t have enough money for paper. Our schools can easily improve with more money.”

Despite the passion, dedication, and support behind this movement, wearing red has not changed the system much so far.

There have been no budget changes or any political steps taken yet. However, this does not hinder people from becoming aware and even involved in the “Red for Ed” campaign.

In the midst of this campaign, some North Carolina school systems are against teachers and students standing up for funded education.

In New Hanover, North Carolina, the New Hanover County School Board made a statement that teachers were not allowed to wear “Red 4 Ed” shirts to school.

The school board felt that wearing these shirts brought politics into the classroom.

However, the school board did allow teachers to continue to wear

Algebra II teacher Julie-Lynn Austin's second period class wears "Code Red" shirts to support public education and fight for teachers' rights. Students all over the state wear red to raise awareness for the color red. There has been a lot of debate over this, arguing whether “Red 4 Ed” is a political debate or just supporting public education.

Some even question if this is a violation against freedom of speech. “[As teachers, we are] not supposed to encourage one political side over another here at school, according to the school board,” World History teacher Joye Cordell

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said. “I don’t know if it is political; I think wearing red is about supporting education.”

The students and teachers at Riverside have created a club where students can come together and express their opinions on the topic of “Red 4 Ed.” Code Red meets on Mondays right after school in room 231.

Members discuss ways to spread

• PHOTO COURTESY OF CODE RED

awareness for the need of change in the funding of North Carolina’s public schools. They In whatever way it comes, it should not be long until something monumental happens for this cause.

Through the rallies or wearing red, and the voices of teachers, students, and parents being heard, the change that they are demanding will see results.

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10 Follow-Ups

Pirates' Hookok

Pirates’ revolutionary turn-around

Senior kicker Micah Goodwin sends the ball through the air to kick off the game. The Pirates had their best season since 2006, led by a strong core of senior leaders.

• PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HELM

By Ben Huffman

The clock strikes zero, the horn goes off, and the Pirates football team celebrates a memorable Senior Night, 2012 victory over the Jordan Falcons, 40-0. The team storms the field and celebrates its first victory of the season. However, that was a year ago, and a lot has changed since then.

A year after finishing with only one win, the Pirate football team cruised to an impressive eight win season. The team finished second in the Piedmont Athletic Conference (PAC-6), losing its only conference game to Hillside.

“There was a complete change in the way we played this year,” junior safety Byron Norman said.

“It was a big improvement from

Riverside Football All-Conference Players

last season.”

The team won its most games since 2006 when Riverside won 11 games and played in the 4AA State Championship game against Charlotte Independence.

“We seemed way more focused this year,” Norman said. “Other than our record, that is the one thing that has been the most obvious.”

Norman believed that the se-

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

nior class was one of the biggest reasons for the turnaround.

“Last year we didn’t have a good group of senior leaders,” Norman said. “This year was the complete opposite. They made sure everyone was involved, focused, and ready for the game.”

Along with the change in senior leadership and the addition of several coaches, the mood around the practice field and walkthroughs were different.

“There wasn’t as much talking this year as there was last year,” Norman said. “People are talking but it is more about strategy and planning then it is goofing around.”

Junior running back Willie Hooper has noticed similar changes that the team has had.

“We seemed much more mature this year,” Hooper said. “It’s been a revolution.”

Hooper agrees that the team seems much more focused this year.

“This season was fun and serious at the same time,” Hooper said. “I hope we can keep it up for next year.”

The team set multiple school records this season, including the

most players Riverside has ever had make the all-conference team, which includes nine seniors. Also, senior running back Joel Evans set the school single season rushing record with 2,747 yards, enough to earn him conference player of the year. “[Evans] was a big part of the team’s success,” Norman said.

“He was a great player and a great leader.”

It was a tremendous turnaround for the team as they saw playoff action for the first time in seven years. Unfortunately, the team suffered a defeat to South View 20-17. The loss, however, did not put a damper on the season.

“I still think we had a successful season,” Norman said. “We didn’t accomplish all we wanted to, but we exceeded the expectation of everyone in the area.”

The team finished its season 8-4, including their loss in the first round. The team will hope to rebuild and replace this season’s team in the upcoming season. The returning players are up for the challenge and expect to be in the playoffs again next season.

Riverside Fall Sports All-Conference Players

Diante Strothers

Demond Timberlake

Joel Evans

Jawwad Evans

Darryl Smith

James Vample

Deon Yarborough

Cameron Roane

Steven Perry

Micah Goodwin

Garrison Weaver

Juwan Williams

Samuel Carrell

Patrick Volk

Stephan Jacobs

CROSS COUNTRY

Nekesa Schutte

John Hasse

Morgan Whithaus

Leland MacDonald

Schuyler Wright

Great job Pirates!

TENNIS

VOLLEYBALL

Emily Danes

Mone' Jones

SOCCER

Zariya Thomas

Leland MacDonald

Cameron McNeill Jake MacMillan

JOEL EVANS

Yakima Clifton

Casey Speer Victoria Pearce

FIELD HOCKEY

December 2013

HOLIDAYS

Lending a helping hand

Students give back to community on Thanksgiving, Christmas

By Kima Clifton While sitting all alone, some have to come to the conclusion that no one is coming to visit them.

The only option is to wonder about family, friends, and anything other than their loneliness during the holiday season.

To help those who are lonely, Riverside students give them a special gift: company.

“I have one on one visits and talk to people who do not have any visitors or those who do not have anyone to talk to,” senior Amik Chowdhury said.

Several students care for their communities and volunteer to help out those in need for the holidays.

Volunteering is a way for students to reach out a helping hand.

“I volunteer because it is a way to help out the community and a way to help you feel satisfied by helping others,” senior Alex Umstead said.

Many find refuge in helping the elderly rather than helping those who just want charity.

“Elderly people have helped out in making things for us now, so why not help them when they are vulnerable and need help,” Chowdhury said.

Chowdhury is one of the 23 percent of young adults between the ages of 16-24 who volunteer yearly, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Sometimes, busy schedules prohibit teens from volunteering full time. However, many attempt to get in as much time helping others as they can.

“I volunteer at least three times a month,” senior Terrence Suitt said. “I am going to be doing it more because Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming up.”

There are a plethora of different facilities

Riverside students send supplies to soldiers fighting in Afghanistan for the holidays.

Government and Politics teacher Pat Roeber takes collections in his room yearly.

• PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN

which help people in need.

The most common ones are the Durham Rescue Mission, the Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, and Urban Ministries of Durham.

Organizing and preparing food for Thanksgiving and giving out gifts for Christmas are common activities volunteers partake in when the holidays come around.

Chowdhury even created activities for the elderly to keep them involved and engaged.

“I go to Croasdaile Village Retirement and I am the Life and Enrichment director,” Chowdhury said. “We make them do activities for them [the elderly] to stay active.”

Being a caretaker is a gift a lot of people have, but many do not know what to do with

it. Helping others can make a person feel better about themselves afterwards.

“It really feels good to know that I have built a community where I go, so it is like my third home,” Chowdhury said.

“At first I only volunteered for a reward, but later I realized it helped me develop a better character and improve my social skills.”

Giving back is a great thing to do, regardless of a reward.

Helping those who are at a disadvantage will open multiple opportunities for them to live a better life.

This is one of the many reasons that students throughout the school choose to give their time and volunteer over the holidays to their communities.

11

Foreign traditions

By Elizabeth Kamara

While many children in America are anticipating opening their presents on Christmas morning, freshman Elveda Doe will be enjoying the beautiful cultural dance of Old Man Bayka in her home country of Liberia. She, like many others around the world, celebrate the holidays in a non-traditional way.

In America, Santa Claus gives out gifts during the holidays, but the Old Man Bayka in Liberia does not come bearing gifts; instead he comes to receive gifts, while offering amusement and joy to families through dance and song.

“I love the holidays because I get to tell my aunts and uncles ‘my Christmas is on you’,” Doe said. “It’s a tradition, I get to collect money from them”.

Similar to the American tradition of Halloween, the children in Liberia go to houses to collect sweets on Christmas.

In Liberia, the Christmas holidays are the highlight of the year. To some, it has more importance than Santa coming down the chimney.

Like Doe, junior Andredi Negrescu celebrates different traditions in his home country of Romania. He will visit his home village in Transylvania this winter to spend the holidays with family and friends.

“The holidays in Romania are mostly to celebrate family, to give out gifts and enjoy cultural performances,” Negrescu said. “We have kids and a person who dresses up as a goat with multicolored masks caroling at neighbors’ houses for sweets, fruits, and even money.”

It is considered a celebration of peace and joy, a time when all conflicts and wrath disappear.

“Members of my family gather to have traditional cake called Cozonac and lots of sarmale-stuffed cabbage and caltabosi, similar to hogs pudding,’’ Negrescu said.

Holidays are celebrated all around the world in unique fashions, traditions, and cultures. However, they all have one purpose and goal: to spend the holidays with family and friends.

The Pirates' Hook December 2013

12

How divorce stole Christmas

Holidays with da “bae”

Students cope with separation during the holidays

By Ebony Anderson According to Fox news, researchers estimate that 40–50 percent of all first marriages will end in divorce or permanent separation. This statistic affects many Riverside students, especially during the holiday season.

During the holiday season, many students look forward to spending time with their families.

However, several students do not get the luxury of enjoying the holidays with all of their relatives.

These students strategically plan which parent they will be with at what time.

Senior Rasheda Crew has had to plan out her Christmas break since she was a small child.

“My parents have not been together since I was born,” Crew said. “My siblings and I spend Christmas with our mom and the following year we spend it with our father.”

Crew is not the only student who is having to plan out their break.

Sophomore Imane Caple is also having to work out how he will spend enough time with both parents.

“I will be spending the beginning of the break with my dad until Christmas Eve, then I will spend the rest of the break with my mother,” Caple said.

Divorces can affect the children as much as they affect the couple.

Tips for spending the holidays with that special someone

“It was very heart breaking to find out my parents weren’t going to be together anymore,” Caple said.

While some students find it very stressful to have separated parents, others find the silver lining in it.

“Of course I miss my parents be-

ing together, who d o e s n ’t enjoy being around family?

But I am used to it now so it does not bother me as much as it used to,” senior Joey Cabrera said.

Junior Alexis Anderson is another student who has to find time on Christmas Day for both parents.

“My parents have been split ever since I was six years old,” Anderson said.

“Normally we just spend christmas with our mother, but this year we decided to enjoy this day with both of our parents, even if they’re not together," Caple said.

Some percieve this situation in a negative way, others can find a bright side in having to divorce parents.

“Even though they’re not together, I still have fun being with them,” Cabrera said.“It used to be hard around Christmas time but now I just look at it in way that I get to have two Christmases and not just one."

13

By Emily Eubanks

The Logan family breaks out into a pie war over Christmas. Students experience humorous events during the holidays.

• PHOTOS BY DEIRDRE LOGAN

Nightmare before Christmas

By James Vample

The entire family gathers around the table for Thanksgiving with spoon and fork in hand ready to dive into their plates.

Suddenly everyone stops. A loud sound has just come from the kitchen. A quick investigation discovers that the turkey has blown up in the oven.

This is one of the many insane and hilarious events that are experienced by Riverside students over the holidays.

For many, the holidays are the best times of the year. Food, family, and freedom from school contribute to this feeling. For some, however, the holidays are a comedy fest.

Freshman Gillian Wensell had one of those moments over the holidays with a very special food item.

Wensell’s family was so caught up in conversation that no one remembered the turkey was still cooking in the oven. A turkey explosion seems like it would top off a Thanksgiving, but the series of unfortunate events did not end there. The Wensell’s put

their pies outside to cool off, hoping to eat them later. Racoon managed to take their pies while they were cooling, adding to the ridiculous mishaps.

“It was inevitable. There was always something that we got to laugh at the following year. When passing the oddly shaped turkey we would giggle, the laughter would erupt after we would send the dads out on the deck to make sure no woodland creatures would take the pies that would be cooling,” Wensell said.

In other cases, holiday madness happens on purpose. Freshman Ebony Green thought her Thanksgiving was not “fun” enough. She decided to put an end to the boring mood and throw pie at her brother.

His reaction was quick and not well thought out. He threw the pie back at her, which caused a domino effect. Everyone at the table began to throw pie at each other.

Green’s mother was angry, which unfortunately resulted in Green being responsible to clean it up by herself.

As the holidays come and go, many families will continue to have funny moments. They will all soon be memories that everyone can laugh at.

With Christmas rapidly approaching, many young couples are wondering how to appropriately act around their “bae” during the holiday season.

What gift should they give? How should they act around their “bae’s” extended family? How much time should they spend with each other?

With these tips, students can be sure to have the perfect holiday experience with their boo-thang.

Rule number one: When gift giving, make it personal.

Commercials on T.V. make it seem like the only way to make your special-someone happy is to buy the most elaborate and expensive gift.

While it’s true that expensive gifts are nice, there’s nothing more intimate and thoughtful than a gift that comes from the heart.

“There’s really no limit on the price of the gift, just put some thought into it. Even if it’s only a poem it’ll still mean a lot that they thought of you,” senior Anna Freeman said.

The price tag does not matter. As long as you put some thought into your gift then your bae will be happy.

“Gift giving is actually really easy. It depends on the person with what you choose to give them. But as long as you are in the true spirit of giving and make it personal, you will be fine,” administrator David Hackney said.

Also, one major rule for the guys out there is this: if your girl says she does not want a gift, she is lying. BUY HER A GIFT NO MATTER WHAT. If you do not buy her a gift, trust me, you will regret it.

their events, so do not make “A lot of students claim they do not or girlfriend’s them uncomfortable,” junior want a gift but that’s a lie. Teenagers family. But Alysha Hall said. want to feel special and a gift validates do not be Also, dress appropriately. for that person that they mean something disrespectThis is important. to you,” Hackney said. ful. It is “Do not show too much Rule number two: Do not pressure a privicleavage in the boob or your boo into skipping family events lege to breast region. There is a to be with you. be able time and place for you Many families only get to see each to join to look good for your other around the holidays. them boo but around their While it is understandable that you a t extended family want to be with your bae around the is definitely not holidays, do not make them feel like it,” Hall said. they have to choose between you and With these holtheir family. iday tips your boo “Give them time with their family thang will happier and do not pressure them to skip than ever. You’re family functions to hang out with welcome. you. Family comes first. You’re Happy Holisecond, you can always celebrate days from a different time,” senior Bonnie the Pirates’ Hansley said.

Hook.

A good way to spend time with your boo and not make them ditch their family is to go to their family events with them.

“My boyfriend and I usually go on a date for Christmas and we exchange gifts, his family has a Christmas party and my whole family goes to it,” Freeman said.

Rule number three: Keep PDA to a minimum when around your boo’s family.

A hard core make-out session under the mistletoe is a no-no when you’re around your significant other’s family. You do not want to give your boo’s grandma a heart attack.

“Be yourself when you Seniors Ka'Travia Wright and Chris Abraham pose for a picture in matching Christmas are around your boyfriend sweaters. Many couples enjoy sharing holiday traditions together.

14

Pirates' Hookok

SCHOOL SAFETY

One in four women are raped or physically abused in relationships. Domestic Abuse is the leading cause of abuse in North Carolina. People who are in abusive relationships may • PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN not know how to report the violence or even may stay in the relationship.

Domestic Violence Awareness month passes, issue stays

By Maya Gacina

Scars and bruises are obvious signs of an unhealthy relationship.

Now more than ever, couples are going through emotional breakups and physical abuse, even after Domestic Violence Awareness month passes.

Domestic violence occurs when two people get into an intimate relationship and one person uses a pattern of coercion and control against the other. It often includes physical, sexual, emotional, or even economical abuse.

In North Carolina, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women. In each of the last three years, there were more than 70 incidences of domestic violence homicide.

The domestic violence unit in Durham is responsible for investigating all cases that fall into this

category, along with prompting a community-wide response. Deputies do not only respond to issues in the county, but also the local high schools.

Deputy Fox has been at Riverside for four years and has not encountered any incidents of domestic violence this year, which he believes is surprising.

“There were four or three incidents in the past four years that were associated with domestic violence,” Fox said.

Although domestic violence may not be the most prominent at Riverside, media and other influences of violence can make this a common problem.

Young teens can get the wrong impression through the media. In 2009, Chris Brown had brutally assaulted his girlfriend at the time, Rihanna. In the following years the two celebrities began dating again.

These pop sensations are a huge influence on teenagers, one wrong move could result in the victims of violent relationships going back to their abuser.

The most recent incident at Riverside regarding domestic violence occurred in 2012 and resulted in the accused man getting sent to jail.

Many victims receive support when they take their case to court.

“Many women and victims are ordered a domestic violence protective order (DVPO). A DVPO is an order to issue the victim before the court hearing,” Executive Director of North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCCADV) Dana Mangum said.

When a protective order is issued, there are no fees involved and the order may be valid up to one year.

During the court hearing, the victim must remain in court to continue the order when it expires.

Along with protecting the victim with court-ordered protection, the state provides each county with a domestic violence shelter.

“Every county is required a shelter that is available to victims,” Mangum said.

The Durham Crisis Response Center provides a 24-hour crisis hotline for men or women willing to open up about their abusive relationships.

Although women are the stereotypical victims when it comes to violence between a young couple, women can also be highly abusive to men.

In a 1995-1996 study conducted in the 50 States and the District of Columbia, nearly 25 percent of women and 7.6 percent of men were raped and/or physically assaulted by their partner.

“Understanding what they could do to help themselves is another

way we can influence the victims decision,” Mangum said.

Mangum believes that if NCCADV hopes to bring more awareness to people who are experiencing domestic violence so that they can achieve safety from their dangerous relationships.

“A problem with catching the abuser in the act, is that domestic violence can be an unknown crime.

People like to keep it silent to protect themselves or their abuser,” Mangum said.

Although it may not be a common issue, it needs to be acknowledged.

Domestic violence in relationships can result in terrible outcomes.

Luckily, there are resources and means of help students can reach out in order to prevent or escape this trauma.

24-hour Crisis Hotlines: 919403-6562 (English) 919-519-3735 (Español)

December 2013

School Safety

15

New policies drastically reduce occurence of fights Zero fights since beginning of lockouts

By Timothy Duke Following the increased number of fights at the beginning of the school year, the period by period lockouts and increased awareness by the Student Resource Officers and administration staff has helped to dull the frequency of occurring violence.

“We’re trying to lower the amount of fights happening by being more present in the hallways and lunchroom, we think that if we’re visible more, students will not fight as much,” Deputy Jobe said.

The severity of the fights has been varied, but a few were caused by gang rivalries.

“Some of the fights this year have been gang related but most of them are not, most of the fights have actually been between girls,” Deputy Jobe said.

The administrators also deal with the less severe altercations between students, but have ideas to help bring down the number of

fights. Coach Hackney believes that a more strict dress code could help reduce the frequency of fights.

“There have been studies over the years that agree that a stricter dress code could help. There are some families that can’t afford certain clothes so that would help with bullying. Also with the dress code the gangs wouldn’t have the colors to fight about,” Hackney said.

According to Education.com, school uniforms would reduce the abundance of fights, claiming that school uniforms make schools much safer. Uniforms are said to reduce gang influence and minimize violence by reducing some sources of conflict.

“I don’t think that Riverside would use uniforms. I know years ago there was rumors that we may go to uniforms. But many people argue that uniforms may stop students’ freedom of expression,” Hackney said.

Stricter dress codes and more presence in the hallways and

lunchrooms are not the only ways the schools has dampened the fights. The period by period tardy lockouts have also helped reduce the number of fights, “I knew that the lockouts would curve them [the fights] because they mainly happen after lunch and if we got everyone into class, they wouldn’t be skipping and doing other things that might cause fights,” Principal Joel County said.

County believes that the tardy lockouts have had many positive effects including less people being late and a decrease in skipping as well as fights.

“Our role in teaching is to prepare students for going out and getting jobs and part of getting and keeping a job is not fighting and getting there on time,” County said.

Currently, County does not have any plans to address the fights anymore.

“There isn’t an issue anymore.

But if an issue arises we’ll do something about it,” County said.

Deputy Jobe tazered a student for being agressive due to a violent fight that broke out on campus. • PHOTO COURTESY OF JARED KIRCHMAN

School mourns loss of Jesus 'Chuy' Huerta

By Marie Muir In a series of disheartening events on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 17 year old sophomore Jesus ‘Chuy’ Huerta lost his life. Even as his family and friends mourn Huerta, questions have been raised concerning the circumstances of his death.

The circumstances around Huerta’s death remain uncertain. What is known is that Huerta was picked up late at night by a Durham Police officer after his family called to report that he had left his house.

He died in the back seat of a police car as he was taken to police

headquarters.

Recordings of a 911 dispatch released to the public indicate that Huerta died of a gunshot wound, and police now say the gunshot wound was self-inflicted.

A student led memorial was held in the Media Center Nov. 20 in which students, faculty, and family members shared memories and words about Chuy.

“Whenever you saw Chuy in the hall, even if you barely knew him, he would give you a smile,” senior Vianey Fuentes said.

The school is planning future fundraisers to help support the

Huerta family with burial and other expenses.

Huerta is the third person this year that has died in an encounter with the Durham police. Investigations remain incomplete in all of the cases.

On the Friday following Huerta’s death, Nov. 22, an estimated 200 protesters, including some students, organized a ‘March for Justice’ in Downtown Durham.

“People are angry because Chuy was well liked, and his safety was entrusted to a figure who is supposed to protect the public,” Spanish teacher Fernando Campos said.

Protest participator, Senior Francisco Fabian Pahuamba, understands the frustration of Durham citizens.

“I thought [what happened to Chuy] was wrong because the story didn’t make sense,” Pahuamba said.

The largely peaceful march erupted when some non-student protesters began throwing firecrackers at the police, and police cruiser windows were shattered.

Three people were arrested.

“It is important that we help students understand that protest demonstrations lose their purpose when they become out of control,”

Principal Joel County said.

In an attempt to console grief-stricken students, outside agencies such as El Centro, Project Build, and school system dropout prevention counselor Pablo Friedman have stepped in.

“The school has really pulled together its resources to support, listen, and advise kids who are experiencing grief,” County said.

Meanwhile, the family is seeking help with raising funds for a burial, and the family and community await further details of the story behind the death of a son, friend, and classmate, Jesus Huerta.

16 School Safety

Pirates' Hookok

Caucasian Migration

Some white families leaving Durham Public Schools

By Cy Neff Although Durham’s population has grown 19.83 percent between 2000 and 2010, Durham Public Schools’ (DPS) student population has increased by a lesser rate, growing by just 12.49 percent between 2000 and 2013.

Some believe that the perception of Durham’s schools as dangerous and inadequate has played a large role in these numbers.

White flight has played a major role; in recent years the amount of white students in the DPS system has actually declined.

In the 2007-08 school year, 7,431 white students were attending DPS schools. In the 2012-13 school year, this number had dropped down to 6,278, a decrease of 1,153 students.

The white students and families leaving DPS sometimes move to nearby towns that they see as safer like Chapel Hill or Carrboro.

Some even send their children to private schools like Durham Academy.

Charter schools are another alternative for Durham parents, including schools like Research Triangle Academy, Central Park School for Children, Kestrel Heights and Voyager Academy, which are situated throughout Durham and the surrounding areas.

While some of the charter schools match up racially with Durham, others seem to be destinations for white families.

Voyager Academy does not require tuition. Its website states that it accepts students “without regard to race, sex, disability,color, religion, national, or ethnic origin.”

However, Voyager’s demographics are nothing like Durham’s.

At Voyager Middle School, 82.1 percent of students are white (42.5 percent of people in Durham are white), 13.1 percent are Black (41 percent of Durham is black), and 2.6 percent are Hispanic (14.2 percent of Durham is Hispanic).

Numbers and schools like these can help explain the declining DPS white population.

However, they do not explain why a tuition-free charter school is a completely different color than its surroundings.

“The rich parents want their kids to be safe and they don’t think the public schools are safe so they send their kids to Voyager,” freshman and former Voyager student Matt Schultz said.

Voyager’s unusual demographics do not only apply to their student body.

“I don’t think I ever had a black teacher at Voyager,” sophomore and former Voyager student Addison Oliver said.

While students at Riverside generally feel safe about the school and

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Durham itself, the outside view is much different.

A 2013 editorial in UNC-Chapel Hill’s student newspaper The Daily Tar Heel labeled Durham not just as a violent city, but also blamed a sizable amount of Chapel Hill crime on Durham’s residents.

While the editorial is one of the only articles openly expressing this viewpoint, the sentiment can still be easily found.

However, some students at Riverside see things differently than they are commonly perceived.

“I think it’s safe at Riverside. I like it here [Durham],” sophomore Karolina Hernandez said.

Hernandez is not alone in her views.

“I feel safe [at Riverside],” junior Malik Jacobs said. “In places it [Durham] is bad but overall I think it’s safe.”While Durham’s crime rate is high, this by itself cannot explain the perception of Durham. The other factors could include Durham’s surroundings.

When a diverse city is situated next to a college town (Chapel Hill) and towns that are largely suburban and white (Apex, Cary, Wake Forest), Durham’s, and its schools’ reputations start to look unavoidable and maybe even permanent.

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December 2013

School Safety

Sexual harassment under-addressed

By Mone Jones

Tardy students can receive lockout passes from an administrator, usually in the cafeteria or at tardy tables. The lockout policy has helped improve safety at Riverside.

• PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN

The Hurt Lockout New police improves works to improve safety

By David McSwain It is 7:31 on Monday morning when a student reaches the door of her first period class.

As she sees the teacher close the door in her face, she knows what is coming next.

The loud speaker calls for the infamous meeting in the cafeteria, it is another lockout.

Being caught in these lockouts as a result of tardiness to class can lead to major problems for students. Those whose lateness is a habit can be punished with a day’s sentence to in school suspension (ISS).

This strict policy can seem like a nuisance for many students around Riverside, but important reasons for their existence lay beneath the surface.

“Too many kids had been tardy and skipping classes, especially

3rd period, administrator Paul Keene said. “We needed to solve the problem and lockouts were the best way.”

The lockouts, which started in late October have already made a big difference with the tardy issues.

“105 kids were caught in the first 1st period lockout, since then the lockouts have helped significantly with tardies,” principal Joel County said.

County believes that forcing students to get to class on time is an important life lesson.

“Part of the reason for the lockouts are to prepare people for the future. All the careers our students will be pursuing after school will require them to be somewhere on time,” County said.

While the lockouts have proven to be a success in the issue of tardiness, they have also helped with violence problems.

Many fights between students occur after the tardy bell rings.

Because of the lockouts, students have come to fear being late which causes them to stay out of trouble and get to class on time.

“There have not been any fights since the lockouts started,” County said.

While the lockouts have worked well, students still tend to perceive them in a negative way.

“It’s good that there haven’t been fights since they started doing them, but I don’t think they should keep having them, we have gotten the point by now,” freshman Jyles Ruff said.

County sees no end coming to the lockouts anytime soon as they have worked so well.

With the reduction of violence and tardiness, it seems that students are not the only thing being locked out of school.

Getting uncomfortably touched , being called sexual slurs, and being howled at are just some actions that occur during sexual harassment.

“This topic is really subjective,” counselor Jennifer Schira said.

In schools, sexual harassment is unwanted or unwelcome behavior of sexual nature that interferes with the right to receive an equal educational opportunity.

According to the American Association of University Women (AAUW) survey, 76 percent of girls and 56 percent of boys in the grades 8-11 have experienced sexual comments, jokes, gestures, or looks. Also, 65 percent of girls and 42 percent of boys have been touched, grabbed, or pinched in a sexual way.

The immensity of sexual harassment is an important issue that schools fail to recognize.

“Most people do not know how to report sexual harassment or some do not even want to speak about it because they are scared,” Schira said.

Reporting sexual harassment can be difficult, but there are many ways to get help.

If there is a case where a student is being sexually harassed, he or she can talk to a teacher or administrator.

“If a student is comfortable with

17

a teacher or counselor than they will more than likely tell them what is going on,” Schira said.

If the sexual harassment is severe, students can go to a counselor or an administrator and they can report it to a sheriff who will deal with the case at hand.

Most students that are sexually harassing someone do not know that they are committing the act.

“A lot of students do not know if they are sexual harassing someone or not. That means that they [girls and boys], need to be educated about what sexual harassment is and what are the consequences of it,” Schira said. “Some people sexually harass, not realizing how that can affect someone. They need to know that you might be joking but the other person could perceive it a different way.”

Sexual harassment is not a common issue in school, but it does happen.

“I do think that sexual harassment happens but I do not think it is as frequent as other cases of bullying,” Schira said.

Even though sexual harassment is not as frequent as other bullying acts, it can alter someone’s life.

Anyone who has been sexually harassed should not feel fear when reporting this act. There are counselors and other staff members here at our school that will be willing to help.

Most people do not know how to report sexual harassment Jennifer Schira, Guidance Counselor

18

Pirates' Hookok

TO THE EXTREME Hardcore for parkour

Students eager to learn risky tricks, stunning flips

By Jason Bunch Whether one is running towards a wall at maximum speed or sliding down a 50 foot rail on top of a skateboard, extreme sports offer a thrill that can not be obtained from other sports.

When most people think of sports, their minds usually drift to football, basketball, or baseball.

Rarely do people think of the extreme sports like parkour or skateboarding.

Parkour uses high speeds to leap or flip off of an obstacle.

The sport requires extreme courage, mental toughness, and high endurance.

Junior Andrew Breedlove often takes part in parkour and sometimes worries about the dangers involved.

“While parkouring, you have to be aware of the risk of getting hurt, that is something you have to overcome to be successful at the sport,” Breedlove said.

Although there are many risks, the thrills make it all worth it.

“Parkouring makes me feel like I am flying,” Breedlove said.

Along with Breedlove, junior Aaron Daniels-Freeman enjoys parkour, but for other reasons.

“I think it is a great confidence booster and it shows that you can accomplish whatever you put your mind to,” Daniels-Freeman said.

Many students partake in skateboarding, another extreme sport.

Not only does skateboarding allow one to experience fast speeds, it also allows one to attempt ridiculous or even impossible tricks.

Skateboarding is not limited to only a skatepark, it can be done in most parts of the city.

“When I skateboard, a lot of times I go with my friends to downtown and we go street skating. Sometimes we go to the new skateboarding park downtown,” senior Hunter Moste said.

Overcoming the fear of being injured is a big aspect of skateboarding.

“Skateboarding can put you in dangerous situations. I’ve been hurt multiple times. Last year while skating, I attempted a trick and I didn’t land it, it resulted in me severely twisting my ankle and not being able to skate for 3 months,” Moste said.

After overcoming fears of being injured, students can take more risk when attempting tricks.

“There is nothing more thrilling than landing a huge trick you have been practicing for a long time,” Moste said.

Whether one partakes in parkour or skateboarding, the risk

Juniors Aaron Daniels-Freeman and Andrew Breedlove spend thier leisure time practicing parkour at E.K Poe. Places such as E.K Poe or skate parks provide a lot of objects which can be useful when partaking in skateboarding or parkouring.

• PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN of getting injured is always present.

However, when one sees all of their hard work pay off, there will be nothing stopping them from coming back

for more. Students generally understand these risks, but continue taking part in these activities for the joy and adrenaline they provide.

December 2013

To The Extreme

19

Money makes me say "I love you" Students live with expensive spending habits

By Sara Falcon Closets filled with price tagged clothing, fresh kicks, and the best accessories dictate the lives of some image-conscious students.

High school creates pressure to have the best brands and be caught up with the latest trend.

In response, many students make sure they never fall from the top of the high school fashion world.

M u c h like his peers, senior Jonathon Allen cares about his image and makes it a priority to supply himself with the best the market has to offer.

“I’ve already pre-ordered the new Jordans’ coming out in about a week.

I stay kept up with their newest releases,” Allen said.

There is a reason behind this madness: students dress to impress.

“When it comes down to it, it is about how you look.

That’s what makes an impression on people,” freshman Jordan Lovell said. “I think appearance

matters, you should always make yourself presentable.”

Dressing in the best brands does not come without a price.

According to a C B S News s t u d y, teenagers spend 8 0 percent of their money on clothing every

month.

“If I think it is worth the investment, I will buy it,” freshman Shamar Milligan said. Milligan’s spending habits are up to society’s standards: more money means more

clothes.

“I spend around $50 on clothes every month,” Lovell said.

Students’ money flow depends on whether they work or if they receive a allowance from their parents.

Junior Dal Davis goes straight to his parents for cash.

“My mom gets me everything I want,” Davis said. “I mean she is my mother she needs to get it for me.”

When Davis’ mother does not give him what he wants, things get ugly.

“When I realized she didn’t get me the watch with the galaxy note I almost smacked her,” Davis said. “She knows better.”

Most students go to their parents for the money when they do not have a job. The cost of a new wardrobe builds up, purchase after purchase.

“It’s a really expensive habit.

All of my money goes towards clothes,” Milligan said.

Although the cost of clothes is phenomenal, many believe it is worth it to stay atop the fashion world.

• PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN

Freshman Jordan Lovell carries around shopping bags due to her monthly spending habits.

Many students spend large amounts of time shopping hoping to improve their image.

Riverside Stands up to Cancer!

Open to all studnets and faculty, join us to support the fight against cancer and fundraise for a cure.

When: Every Wednesday at 2:45 pm Where: Room 130

20 To The Extreme

Pirates' Hookok

Strict parents restrict freedom Families seek to balance intervention, independence

By Marie Muir There is a constant buzz that follows students from class to class, to every sporting event, and through every stage performance. It is the sound of a helicopter parent hovering over their child’s every move.

Extreme parents push their children to the breaking point in academics, sports, and anything they have the power to control.

There are two types of extreme parents. The first type of parent is the smotherer. This is parent that shields their child from any possible failure and smothers them with unending praise.

Feeling love and affection is critical to a child’s development, but Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology teacher David Norman believes some parents go too far.

“It’s natural to want to see your child succeed. Parents live vicariously through their kids,”

Norman said. “But some kids can get suffocated, AP classes in particular. Each semester I get a parent or two who will get angry at me for a grade they think their kid did not deserve.”

The second type of extreme parent is the perfectionist. This is the parent who enforces strict rules in their child’s life and uses punishment when the high expectations are not met.

Whether it is maintaining a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) every semester or scoring the most goals on the soccer team, teens with extreme parents feel the pressure of meeting expectations.

“My mom will tell me that if I get any C grades on my report card that she will take away sports, turn my phone off for a month, and I can’t go out with friends,” junior Brenna Brown said. “This stresses me out

because it puts more pressure on me not only to make good grades but I don’t want to disappoint them.”

Parents naturally seek to protect their children and shield them from danger.

Because of this, parents may wish to have control over every movement that their child takes.

“My curfew is at sunset, so in the winter that means 5:30 pm,” junior Rania Hassan said.

“My mom worries about me being out after dark, which is aggravating because I can’t do normal things like go see a movie at 7 pm with my friends,” Hassan said.

No one can deny the importance of looking after a teen’s safety, but extreme parents who invade their • PHOTO ART BY DEIDRE LOGAN child’s privacy potentially create unhealthy relationships.

“Having extreme parents makes me stressed and embarrassed. They take away my iPod and phone and check my messages,” sophomore Phillip Jones said. “It makes me mad but I know that’s what they’re going to do for the sake of my interest.”

Students that have extreme parents often suffer through issues related to anxiety and depression.

Those with extreme parents usually struggle to find their identities after high school, and may even have the inability to make decisions for themselves later in life.

According to New York Times Bestselling Author and International Speaker, psychologist Michael Thompson, extreme parenting is driven by the parent who believes “they are the engine of how their children will turn out.”

No parent or child is perfect. In the end, however, a parent has to consider who is in control of the child’s life.

December 2013

To

the

Extreme

Extreme body alterations

21

Students express themselves through body art

By Ebony Donald Bodies covered in ink art, neon hair dye, and bronze skin are all extreme body alterations that fill the hallways each school year. High school students love to express themselves with tattoos and other forms of body art.

One reason students feel the need to express themselves is for the meaning behind the art.

“I have three [tattoos] the one I cherish most is the one of my little sister,” senior Jarlyn Johnson said.

“The one at the top of my neck means success will come and I live by that motto.”

Students’ tattoos are filled with symbolic meaning and represent many different aspects of their lives.

“All tattoos have meaning behind them,” senior Khalid Hopkins said.

Another way students change their skin is by visiting the tanning booth, but it comes with a price. According to Refinery29, indoor tanning before the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma dramatically by up to 75 percent.

This statistic, however, does not phase senior Blair Frazier.

“I tan because I really don’t like to look pale. I tan every other day

for twenty minutes,” Frazier said.

“I started tanning my sophomore year.”

Although tanning may appear extreme to some, it is important to other students. Certain bodily changes, like dying one’s hair, makes students feel unique.

“I get bored with my hair very easily,” senior Ymani Davis said.

“I have dyed my hair blonde, burgundy, black, bleached purple, green, and raspberry.”

Compared to getting tattoos, dying one’s hair is a cheap way for students to express their individuality and change their appearance.

“I just like to dye my hair because

it makes me look unique,” senior Ally Merrit said.

Students are sometimes not aware of the damages that can occur to their bodies after getting these alterations.

“I understand the fact of the danger of getting a tattoo, but I always watch the artist pull a fresh needle out before he begins to do art,” senior Khalil Allen said.

Overall, students find different ways to define themselves through changing their appearance. Whether it be through a new tattoo or a tint of hair, students will continue to go to the extreme in order to feel unique.

• PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN

Changes to better school...

Cont. from pg. 7

are great,” counselor Cathy Sebring said.

While teachers and administrators are happy with the replacement, students disagree and feel that they should not have to compromise.

“The announcement shout outs do not substitute the banners at all, it’s just not the same,” freshman Margie Wescott said.

While the birthday banners remain an issue that County has to resolve, his interaction with SGA has kept a balance with his changes.

In order to get a student perspective, County has been attending SGA meetings and discussing with members how to give back to the students in a way that showcases their creativity.

“We have been talking about a potential spirit wall and other different things,” Student Body President and senior Natalie Liller said.

County believes that by letting

students have a voice, he will have a better understanding of what adjustments best suit them.

To do so, County has been meeting up with students in focus groups. At the monthly meetings he allows students to exchange views on how the school year has been going.

The most recent gathering was held on Nov. 20.

This specific focus group consisted only of freshman so that County could get a view on how the transition from middle school to high school has been for them.

“This [discussion] has gotten some things I’ve wanted to say off my chest,” Brianna Williams said.

Though many of County’s changes are most significant to students, he also has a goal of cleaning up the outside of the school.

The trees that used to be in the front have recently been taken down due to the fact that they were blocking surveillance cameras.

The large oak tree in tree in the back was diseased and had to be cut down.

“We went over the all the landscaping changes over the summer,” Botany teacher Ron Jones said.

Together County and Jones decided which plants had to go and which got to stay.

However, all plants that have been taken away will be replaced sometime in the next semester.

Jones’ botany class will replant around the school and make everything smaller so that nothing overgrows.

“I personally think that the campus looks better and the campus is a more open environment,” Jones said.

From settling disputes to cleaning up the environment, County has taken Riverside by storm.

He will ensure that all students feel content on campus in the foreseeable future, a task that will further benefit the school.

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22

DIRTY-D

Pirates' Hookok

DPAC proves to be one of Durham’s shining stars

By Lena Geller

Christmas Carol.”

“I wasn’t sure if I would get in Freshman Nashara Turrentine when I auditioned, but I look at it as was in third grade when she started an opportunity to have an audience performing in Evening of Enter- for material that I’ve been working tainment, an annual chorus show, on,” Spero said. at the Durham Performing Arts Spero added that the DPAC is Center (DPAC). As she was lined up a spectacular sight to see, even outside with the other participants, behind the scenes. bundled up in the frigid February “Backstage, all the cast memair, she noticed something rather bers from previous shows have unsettling. signed the wall. It’s incredible,” “I looked over at the jail and there Spero said. “The DPAC just makes were men in their cells waving at Durham a more fun place to live in.” us. It just kinda freaked me out,” Spero is right - Durham is often Turrentine said. listed as one of the best places to Though uneasy with the theater’s live in the country. It has thriving location, Turrentine had no problem artistic and intellectual communilaunching herself into performance ties as well as hip, small businesses. mode.

However, it was not always such a “Walking on the same stage as sought out city to inhabit. famous people is a really humbling “There used to not be much to experience,” Turrentine said. “The do around here,” Bryan Nickellspace is really big, the acoustics stage, owner of Ninth Street’s Ox are great; it’s just an all-around and Rabbit, said. Nickellstage was awesome place.” raised in Durham and attended E.K. With the astonishing rank of Powe elementary school. third most popular theater in the “Back then, [Durham] wasn’t nation, the DPAC draws hundreds a really funded city, especially of thousands of people to Durham downtown Durham. It made me every year. For performers, guests, laugh when they built the DPAC, and even workers, the DPAC is the because when I was a kid the only place to be. big building downtown was the Junior Austin Spero knows firstprison,” Nickellstage said.

MGMT's Andrew VanWyngarden strums his guitar while performing at hand how excellent the DPAC is in DPAC is not only a great place the DPAC. The DPAC often hosts famous singers and bands.

• PHOTO COURTESY OF NOAH ROSENBLATT-FARRELL December, he will be playing Peter to visit - it’s also a great place to Cratchit in the annual musical “A work. Noah Rosenblatt-Farrell,

the DPAC’s house photographer, has been working with the theater since it first opened in 2008. He photographs shows, cast parties, headshots and more.

“When it opened, I didn’t know it would be third in the nation, but I knew it would be big,” Rosenblatt-Farrell said. “There was a lot of money put into it. It also has 2500 seats, which is a lot.”

Some of Rosenblatt-Farrell’s photography can be found on the DPAC’s website and Facebook page.

The DPAC seems to have a unanimous vote of adoration by Durham’s population. Senior Anna Allman is a season ticket holder, meaning she pays one price which allows her to see the majority of shows that come to the DPAC. “The faculty is nice there and everything is really well organized.

The performers are professionals.

It’s really similar to how it is on Broadway. The DPAC brings in really high quality shows, so it’s fun to go see them,” Allman said.

The DPAC helped morph Durham from a disreputable town to a coveted place to live.

The theater has made a positive difference in many people’s lives. From the staff to the shows, the DPAC brings its all.

ATTENTION PARENTS OF SENIORS!

Jonathan

Titus We

are so proud of

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There is still time to buy an ad for your son or daughter to go in the yearbook. Send in money and photos by January 17th.

Ad courtesy of Strawbridge Studios

December 2013

Dirty-D

A food truck rodeo in Downtown Durham is bustling with people.

Durham hopes to shed its boring reputation with events like this.

• PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN

Bored in Durham?

By Jasmine Lyon “There is nothing to do in Durham.” This is a phrase that would be commonly heard from a teenager in this generation, reinforcing Durham’s boring reputation.

Earth Science and teacher Jeff Harris and Social Studies teacher Rebecca Stone both have lived in Durham their entire lives.

Jeff Harris has watched Durham blossom into an improved city over the years. He also saw Downtown Durham become more energetic.

“For most of my childhood,

Downtown Durham wasn’t a place for a kid to be unless they were looking for trouble. All the businesses and departments were downtown and there really wasn’t much to do,” Harris said.

According to Harris, people started to go downtown in the mid 90’s due to a new restaurant scene.

When Harris was a teenager, he and his friends would go to Chapel Hill to walk on Franklin Street and sometimes hang out at the malls.

“There were various parks we could go to but essentially we just had to find things to do to keep ourselves entertained,” Harris said.

Southsquare, a very popular mall

that was built in 1975, closed in 2002 because of competition with Southpoint Mall. Harris claims that Southsquare was the spot to be around that time.

Over time, Harris says that Durham has grown and has become more diverse.

“Back then, people who lived in Durham were from here. Now it’s diverse with more people from out of town and few Durhamites,” Harris said.

The diversity may have excited the city.

“Durham used to be a quiet town and now it’s a bigger and has more of a city kind of feel. Good things have come from Durham becoming a bigger city,” Harris said.

Along with Harris, Rebecca Stone has lived in Durham her whole life. Stone believes that Durham is more diverse now than when she was growing up. She also has seen the economy and job market improve, especially for teenagers.

As a child, she attended various events on weekends such as the CenterFest Festival or even visiting the Museum of Life and Science with family.

Growing up as a teenager, Stone engaged in similar activities that teenagers do now.

“On weekends I would go to the mall and movie or walk 9th Street with friends and go to some cute boutiques. I was really excited when they built SouthPoint Mall,” Stone said.

The restaurant scene was also growing rapidly at that time.

“I think that there are more diverse places to go and eat and that there was a big boom of restaurants in Durham. More people are wanting to try new things because of that,” Stone said.

Over the years, Durham has grown into a big, populated city filled with a diverse group of people and plenty of opportunities.

As the city continues to grow, the possibilities are endless.

23

Durham

By Christopher Abuor With Durham’s reputation, one might not think it is one of the top ranked cities in all of America. In reality, Durham has actually received a large number of accolades.

Downtown Durham is a huge attraction for tourists who are food enthusiasts because of its collection of cultural restaurants.

“I feel like the good restaurants in Durham contribute to the high rating,” sophomore Matthew Melton said.

Durham also boasts one of the top college graduation rates in the country.

“Durham has done a lot for the students in terms of graduation,” administrator David Hackney explained.

As a cultural hot-spot, Durham can be recognized by a common attitude of tolerance. Durham was ranked the most tolerant city in the country by the Daily Beast.

“I like Durham when it comes to tolerance in terms of sexual orientation. Durham holds a gay pride event that is well attended and the city provides security for the people who attend the event which is a sign of support from the governing authority,” English teacher Christopher Meglin said.

Basketball has also con-

tributed to the culture of Durham.

Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke is the Mecca of college basketball.

“The amount of kids that play basketball and the talent makes Durham a basketball town. Good basketball programs in schools like Duke also contribute to the rating,” junior CJ Carpenter said.

With all of these amenities, one would think Durham is an expensive spot. However Durham is among the top four affordable cities to live in according to NBC’s Today Show.

“I think the rating is relevant to the housing prices in Durham which are lower than other places,” Spanish teacher Fernando Campos said.

United States News and World Report rated Durham among the top ten places to live in because of all these factors. Durham, however, is mostly known for its diversity.

“People who love diversity will love Durham. Durham has every kind, racially, sexual orientation and level of income.Durham also takes care of the poor and unemployed,” Exceptional children teacher Patrick Naley said.

Durham has achieved recognition through awards, accolades and ratings. Hopefully, these factors will help Durham develop a better reputation.

Durham Ratings

#1 Americas Foodiest Small town- Bon Appetit #1 Greatest Basketball Town to visit - CNN #1 Most Tolerant City- The Daily Beast Top 10 Places to Live- US News and World Report #1 MSA for College Graduation Rate Top 4 Most Affordable Places to Live

24 Dirty-D

Durham boasts prime asset

Pirates' Hook

Durham Bulls baseball franchise adds culture to already thriving city

"Hit bull, win steak. Hit grass, win salad." This sign inside the Durham Bulls Athletic Park is an iconic image for the city. The Bulls add to Durham and its flourishing downtown scene. • PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN

By Luke Berndt A live bull led the newly formed Durham Bulls onto Hanes Field on April 24, 1913. Fans in attendance buzzed in anticipation for the first game against the Raleigh Capitals which would be their first of many wins.

The Bulls, arguably the most famous minor league baseball team in the country, are located in the heart of Downtown Durham.

Durham’s team has undergone many changes since that first game in 1913. They changed ball parks twice, they changed major league affiliations, created Wool E. Bull as their mascot, and were a major part of the formation of the American Tobacco complex.

In 1926, the Bulls moved to El Toro Park, later to be the Durham Athletic Park (DAP). The team remained in this stadium, which is still held dear by many lifelong

Bulls’ fans, for almost 70 years.

“I can remember as a child going to DAP,” Physical Education and Health teacher Michael Whitfield said. “It was a tight, small park that kept you close to the action and really made the games enjoyable to watch.”

Much of the team’s fame can be attributed to the historic stadium in which many older Durhamites watched games. Both the stadium and the city of Durham caught the

eye of people in the movie-making business.

Writer and director Ron Shelton wrote a script involving a minor league baseball team but did not know which team or stadium to use.

Shelton scouted many ballparks throughout the southeastern United States but eventually decided on Durham for the location of the movie Bull Durham, rated the best sports movie of all time by Sports Illustrated.

“You could really relate to the movie because you lived it, going to all those games,” Whitfield said.

The iconic movie put Durham on the map.

The team’s popularity caused the Bulls to be moved up from Single-A to Triple-A. When moving leagues, the team also changed their major league affiliation from the Atlanta Braves to the Tampa Bay Rays, a bittersweet move for baseball fans in the area.

“The Braves are the local major league team that people in the area watch and follow, and when the Bulls were an affiliate for them, it made the games even more special because you connected more with the players and the organization,” Whitfield said.

Older fans in the area were somewhat disappointed with the change of affiliation. However, the new generation of Bulls fans have acclimated to the transition.

There are now many avid Tampa Bay Rays fans in the city due to the Bulls’ affiliation.

“I am a huge Rays fan,” senior Nic Festa said. “I love being able to watch all of the players I saw playing here in Durham.”

The entire franchise improved as the Rays have drafted stronger talent in recent years. The Bulls are now four time Governor’s Cup Champions, winning the Triple-A

Championship in 2002, 2003, 2009, and 2013.

The recent success has caused Durhamites to get excited about their hometown team.

“I have always been a Bulls fan, but I have definitely gotten more into the team since they’ve started to do better,” Festa said.

In addition to picking up their play in recent years, the Bulls have also changed venues. In 1995, the team moved to the new Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP). Attending a game in the DBAP is something that most Durhamites have done. The new stadium provides room for extra activities which make the games more family friendly. Also, it has given people of all ages a great local team that they can cheer for.

“I try to attend three or four games a year,” Festa said. “The games are fun to watch and it is a great atmosphere.”

The new park has helped revamp the American Tobacco district of Downtown Durham.

In 2001, the former American Tobacco Company headquarters were turned into one of the best entertainment districts in the southeast.

“The new ballpark has really helped Durham with the revival of the American Tobacco District,” Whitfield said.

The Lucky Strike smoke stack and water tower that rise up in the background of Bulls games is a big part of the experience, along with “Hit bull, win steak. Hit grass, win salad,” Wool E. Bull, and The Blue Monster. Not all of these images have been constant since 1913, but they all add to the Bulls’ atmosphere today.

The Bulls are critical to Durham, and contribute greatly to the downtown scene.