November 2013

Inside this issue: • Expensive Eats • Moneyball • Financial Fervor • Cash for College

NOVEMBER 2013 VOL. XXIII ISSUE II

Pirates' Hookok

Editorial

SEE PAGE 5

Expensive Eats

SEE PAGE 10

Moneyball

Remaining counselors take on tough load The first semester of the school year is a busy time at Riverside. Freshmen need to be welcomed into the school, seniors are applying to colleges, and hundreds of students need schedule changes. All of these things require guidance counselors.

If you stay on top of the counselors and keep in close contact with them, they can be great. This year however, students have had a lot of trouble with the Student Services office. Forms have not been filled out in time, schedule changes were never made, and there was just an overall feeling from students that they were not being helped.

On any given day at the start of the school year, it was common to find a line of students at the guidance office looking for help.

Students have become very frustrated with Student Services, and try to avoid working with their counselors unless it is completely necessary.

The Pirates’ Hook staff finds this unacceptable.

It would be easy to blame incompetent and inadequate counselors. However, that is not the case.

The counselors at Riverside are very qualified and do their jobs very well. The problem is that there are not enough of them. At the start of the year, several counselors left Riverside or took leave, placing huge responsibilities on an understaffed guidance office.

The counselors that we have now have a tough job and work extremely hard and tirelessly to try and meet the needs of Riverside’s vast student body.

We need more counselors: for recommendations, for schedule changes, for sending in transcripts, for counseling.

We understand that there is just too much work piling up on too few counselors.

However, our students have requirements and deadlines we need to meet.

Riverside, and Durham Public Schools, need to provide the necessary support to get the job done.

SEE PAGE 18

Financial Fervor

Cash For College

SEE PAGE 21

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

Money makes The Hook go 'round

Money is crucial to existence in this world. Yet many students know nothing more than how to spend it. In this issue, The Pirates’ Hook is going to address money in sports, college, food, and the lives of high school students. If you have any experiences, tips, or stories regarding money, please send them to Riverside High School, Room 148 so we may use them in future issues. We hope you enjoy this issue and learn a lot as well.

November 2013

Face-Off

3

MEAT VS. VEGGIES

Carnivore

By Jasmine Lyon I am a true meat lover from bacon all the way to cow’s feet. I love it all and I’m not ashamed to say it. We, the humans are at the top of the food chain so why not eat like it.

Yeah, I know that vegetarians help save the environment, but honestly, who cares about that.

This world is already jacked up and there is really nothing we can do at this point. Not even someone who eats tree bark and leafy greens can fix our ozone layer.

To me, I think vegetarians are taking away the food supply from the four legged mammals that are supposed to eat that stuff. They need to beef up, so we can proceed to eat them. I don’t know why some vegetarians dress like hippies and don’t shave. Like why are you trying to look like what you eat?

Hygiene has nothing to do with what you eat. It is not an excuse for you to be walking around having more hair than a caveman, who by the way, probably ate meat.

How will vegetarians gain weight and become big and strong. I would say healthy too, but lets be honest, they are walking broccoli sticks.

Some animals just deserve to be eaten. For example a Hippo, it’s big and ugly so why not slice his legs off and fry them up on the grill.

People act like killing an animal is the end of the world.

News flash: we are all going to vanish including all the animals and even that pet gerbil you might have. Yeah, it’s going bye-bye. I look at it as like this: we are getting a head start.

Besides how good meat tastes,

it does a lot of important things for the body. It builds muscles, sustains iron levels and makes new red blood cells. Meat gives you the stuff you would need to live, especially protein.

That’s probably why vegetarians don’t like meat... because they would rather live for the trees than themselves. Vegetarians are so healthy that they could probably bring the lifeless trees and bushes at Riverside back to life just by breathing on them. I am pretty sure that would help out the botany class a lot.

Every person who complained about Mr. County cutting down the trees was probably a vegetarian.

I don’t think vegetarians should even live in houses because in order to build a house you have to cut down numerous amount of trees. If it was up to me I would just make them sleep outside like the animals they are so desperately trying to save.

I don’t hate vegetarians. I just don’t agree with their lifestyle.

Herbivore

By James Vample Scenario 1: It’s the crack of dawn, and you hear the chicken's daily cock-a-doodle-do.

It awakes all the farm animals so they can begin their day. Unlike the others, the chicken goes to its coop and mingles with its fellow chickens until it begins to make its way outside for a day of playing in the mud, cock fighting, and seeing who can lay the first golden egg.

The days are fun-filled, yet numbered for these chickens, and they all know it.

Scenario 2: It’s the crack of dawn and the gleaming sun is starting to peek out from behind the beautiful horizon. The farm fields are full from end to end with green vegetation. The corn is yellow and the strawberries are candy apple red.

The vegetables soak in the sun

• GRAPHIC BYBY PETER STREILEIN • GRAPHIC PETER STREILEIN

and enjoy occasional showers.

The grounds remain this way until harvest time, and then much like the chickens, they’re snatched up.

Luckily the vegetation is not alive so that when it is harvested, you don’t hear any screams.

These scenarios are prime examples of why meat is dirty and just plain gross. When you bite into your chicken leg, just think about where it has been. The skin on your chicken has been touched by the farm owner, other chickens, and many animals. The activities that chickens partake in all involve contact with dirt.

Vegetables are grown seasonally, which ensures that they are ripe.

They are watered often and also get a lot of sunlight.

When you bite into your vegetables, consider all the fresh water and minerals that have come in contact with it. Anyone with a little bit of common sense would rather have their food come in contact

with fresh water instead of other dirty, wild animals.

When you visit a very fancy restaurant your meal is always complemented by a vegetable, such as celery or carrots with ranch.

It is healthy and the carrots can even boost your vision. With that boost in vision you will see all the gross things about meat.

When people order meat they have to examine it and see if it’s done or cooked correctly.

When approaching a vegetable, you will just chow down without second guessing yourself.

If you’re starving, the last thing you want to worry about is your food being cooked enough and the possibility of contracting salmonella. When you bite into meat, the blood from the animal gushes in your mouth.

After having blood in your mouth you then realize that it doesn’t taste quite good enough and you need to bite into another set of ribs.

You soon would try rib after rib and realize that animal meat is gross and the only other option is human meat.

It’s pretty simple. Eat the ribs, be a cannibal. Eat the vegetables, be a normal person.

Consuming huge amounts of meat can lead to many deadly effects.

The essential effect is cannibalism; you will begin to devour your fellow humans.

To some this may seem normal, but for the most of us, eating humans is not okay.

It’s safe to say we all do not want to be surrounded by people who are thirsty for our blood.

The answer to these problems is to eat your greens and trash the meats.

4

Pirates' Hookok

Columns

Ode to Bigglesworth Dear Mr. Bigglesworth, (Sugarplum, King, Kiggly, King Kiggly, Bigs, Bunny, Puff, Sir Worth, Puff Daddy).

It breaks my heart that I will have to leave you. You’ve done so much for me. I know I can never repay you. You are my rock in times of hardship and my friend when I’m in need.

I’m as sad to leave you in the morning as I am over-joyed to see your shining face when I come home.

You bring light to every waking moment of my life. I will be forever grateful to you for that.

There are countless aspects of you that I will miss. I’ll miss your big loveable ears, your bright blue

eyes, your felt-like skin, your love for sweaters. I’ll miss how much you love it when I scratch you behind your ears and how you purr when you’re sleeping.

Most of all I will miss your soul. You are mature beyond your years, almost like you have lived an earlier life.

You have taught me to be a lady, to respect those around me, and to go after what I want - especially if it is on someone else’s plate.

I have and will always admire your patience.

You let me screech at you and pinch you, you let me sing to you and make you dance, and most importantly you let me love you in my own unique way.

You’ve made me the girl I am

today by being the best companion I could ask for.

To quote one of your favorite bands, the one that gets you purring, Rascal Flatts: “God bless the broken road, that led me straight to you.”

I will always have food in your bowl, a rug for you to sleep on, and a hand for you to hold.

You are my soul, my guardian angel. I love you Biggles.

Your best friend forever, Casey

• PHOTO COURTESY OF CASEY SPEER

Senior Casey Speer shares a warm embrace with her stunning hairless cat, Mr. Bigglesworth. Speer and Bigglesworth share an unbreakable bond and have a deep love for one another.

Screw off, Banks Dear Banks,

• PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMERON MCNEILL

Senior Cameron McNeill fights with his dog, Banks, for a bone.

Cameron has negative feelings towards his dog.

I just don’t understand it. I give you all I have and all you do is take it away.

I give you love, affection and hours of devotion, but I only receive hate from you.

How come, Banks?

Remember that time we watched Saving Private Ryan together? That was male bonding at its best.

We shared some Skittles and spent quality time basking in our masculinity.

We were boys!

I don’t know how we have gotten so far apart.

All you do is yell and holler at me for my imperfections.

I can’t always be right!

No one is perfect, especially you.

You attack my best friend Luke, bite my family members and then pee throughout my house.

C’mon man, what the heck?

But guess what bud, I giveth and I taketh away. I won’t let you eat my food anymore, or even food in general.

I won’t spend my free time with you. Good luck having an exercise buddy - you are running on your own from now on.

I always thought I was nice to you about giving you some food.

I let you take my left-overs and sometimes, when I feel really generous, I let you eat chocolate.

No more M&M’s for you, bud.

I have friends (I think). I could spend my Saturdays playing basketball or watching football with them.

Instead, I sit on the couch with your lazy face. I have been dedicated to our friendship, but you obviously don’t appreciate it.

I even try to initiate exercise, but you literally cannot walk a mile.

It’s not even worth my time anymore.

I go outside and try to play lax with you, but you just run away from me everytime. It’s like you’re running away from our friendship.

Where’s the love?

It’s okay.

I don’t need you. I have other friends.

They appreciate me.

They like to spend time with me.

They eat my food and play catch.

They are nice (most of the time).

They are everything that you are not.

Most importantly, they aren’t even dogs.

See you never, Cameron

November 2013

EXPENSIVE EATS

5

Pirates give thanks, give back

By Sara Falcon A faint smell of pumpkin spice, sizzling turkey, and warm cranberry sauce fills the air as families gather around the table. That time of the year filled with kind gestures and family dinners is back yet again.

These are two of many ways that Thanksgiving brings the community together.

Generosity is the first word that comes to mind when describing the population of Durham in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Many are helping out in the community as much as they can, whether it is giving a meal to someone in need or donating time to volunteer. Still, there is much more that could be done to help others.

Students like freshman Wanda Wilkins feel compelled to give back to society during this time. Wilkins has been going to local donation clinics with her sister for as long as she can remember.

“My family and I try to go as often as possible, we have even spent our holidays preparing food for the less fortunate. I really get a thrill out of seeing happy families get the things they deserve, the smiles on their faces are enough to know that they are thankful,” Wilkins said.

Preparing food is not the only act Wilkins does to share her thanks

with the people around her. Wilkins participates in the annual Creative Food Drive at Riverside.

“I try to donate any extra items I can with anyone that needs it, I’m glad our school had a food drive,” Wilkins said.

The Creative Food Drive took place on Oct. 19 and was run by the National Technical Honors Society (NTHS). The drive collected items for the NTHS to help them create a model of Durham. The leftover proceeds went to the North Carolina Food Bank located in Raleigh.

“I’m happy that needy people will be able to receive a part of the project. It would’ve been a shame to let these [items] go to waste,” Introduction to Engineering Design teacher Adam Davidson said.

Davidson happily accepted the responsibility to receive student donations and run the food drive.

“I think the whole idea of helping the community is great, it tells a lot about the person putting in time and money to give back to others,” Davidson said.

Food Banks and charities love the attention that they get over the holidays, especially in North Carolina. Shocking statistics from The News & Observer show that the only state in the U.S. with a larger hunger rate is Louisiana.

More food and more money donations mean more families

Riverside students proudly stand around the towers of food they collected for the Creative Food Drive. The • PHOTO COURTESY OF ADAM DAVIDSON drive was a great way for students to give back to the community. will get a well prepared meal this Thanksgiving. This spirit contributes to the overall warmth felt on this holiday. “I love seeing people come out and help complete strangers, it really shows how strong our

community is,” co-worker at the North Carolina Food Bank Amber McDowell said. “I’ve been working here for almost two years, and the donations only get better each season.” Many Riverside students

Super Service, Super Price

get involved and give back during Thanksgiving. By supporting the community, donating, or sharing the love, students and faculty at Riverside come together to give back over the holidays.

919-730-3376 3129 Rose of Sharon Rd Durham, NC 27712-3127

6

Expensive Eats

Spending dough with friends

Pirates' Hookok

Students eat out on regular basis

By Marie Muir The sound of laughter and the smell of fried food floats through the air as teenagers filter in and out of the dimly lit Cook-Out parking lot.

It’s a typical midnight scene after the home football game on Friday.

Teens find themselves addicted to the social aspect of eating fast food, not the calories.

Hillsborough road offers it all; Bojangles, Chick-fil-a, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Arby’s, and Cook-Out all act as cheap lunch options for teens.

As high schoolers receive their much anticipated drivers license, the line at fast food drive-thrus increases.

“I probably eat out four times a week,” senior Dyshia Simms said.

“Bojangles is my favorite dinner spot because I am lazy and don’t feel like cooking when I get home.”

According to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Simms is contributing to the statistic that over 25 percent of Americans eat fast food everyday. Medical problems begin to occur when teens substitute nutritious home cooked meals with unhealthy fast foods full of fat, sodium, and sugar.

“Childhood obesity is now the number one health concern among parents in the United States, topping drug abuse and smoking,” the American Heart Association said.

Data shows that one meal at a fast food joint can contain the 2,000 calories necessary for a whole day.

Ordering a sweet tea or a regular soda can add 450 calories to a meal and 35 teaspoons of sugar.

While fast food takes a serious toll on students health, it also creates bad money spending habits.

Americans spend on average ten percent of their income on eating

out each year.

“Over the summer I was addicted to Cook-Out milkshakes,” senior Alisha Anaya said. “Now I try to only eat out once a week for senior lunch leave, and when I do I split a subway footlong with a friend.”

Students who take part in social eating events but wish to maintain a healthy body use different techniques when faced with the fast food menu.

Ordering grilled over fried foods, diet over regular beverages, and small meals over a supersized meal are all choices teens must make.

“Eating out for my students is more of a social event than just a burger and fries,” AP U.S. History teacher Andrew Markham said.

“The only way to eat healthy is by avoiding fast food places in general.”

Working class families and student athletes turn to fast food due to time consuming schedules.

The tradition of American families sitting around the kitchen table every night has been replaced with quick meals late at night in these synthetic family oriented fast food Several students hangout with friends as they eat Cookout. Many students spend money every week on restaurants.

• PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN fast food.

Junior volleyball player Atlanta Woodall understands the necessity of eating out as a result of a busy schedule.

“Eating fast food depends on if I have a game, if I do it’s usually too late to cook when I get home,” Woodall said. “I have to take additional vitamins at home to make up for the vitamins I lose by eating at fast food places.”

As the food culture of America continues to change, teenagers eating habits are influenced more and more by their peers. The final decision on whether to pack a lunch or order out will depend on just how hungry teens are for a future of health and happiness.

November 2013

Expensive Eats

7

Dieting carries unexpected costs

Senior Bryan Antunez balances his intake of fattening food and nutrition. Many other students are on diets or trying to manage a healthy lifestyle.

By Neo Cruz and Ebony Donald Depression and insecurity are both emotions students associate with body weight. One way to achieve happiness is through dieting, but most doctors suggest that high school diets are unhealthy. In today’s society, there are a lot of young adults who are obese and self conscious with their weight.

Student athletes, especially wrestlers, face overwhelming pressure to maintain a necessary weight.

“I stop eating for a couple days, or eat protein bars and drink lots of water seeing that I wrestle all year I have to diet the whole summer,” junior wrestler Jaquon

Sowell said. “Once the season actually starts, not eating makes me feel depressed. Due to all the food around me, I begin to become angry not being able to eat everything, but in the long run it benefits me.”

While students are counting calories and jumping on the scale, Duke University dietitian Kate Pilewski does not recommend students to diet because they are still growing.

If someone is looking into getting lean they should increase protein intake, especially after working out, Pilewski suggests.

The best way to recover after a workout is to drink a glass of milk.

“It’s important to have a snack

that has protein and a little carbohydrates within 45 minutes of working out,” Pilewski said.

Pilewski prefers students to use whole foods rather than protein bars and shakes, but they can be helpful on the go or for someone who needs to increase protein intake.

“As for wrestlers, it’s very individualized. I’d recommend they work with a sports dietitian,” Pilewski said. Wrestlers are also recommended to eat a little snack like apples and string cheese between school and practice so they can stay healthy.

Health goes beyond sports, according to the Help Cure Child Obesity organization; 16 to 33

percent of teenagers are considered to be overweight or obese. Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95 percentile for children of the same age and gender. One way to prevent obesity is to control portion sizes and to eat healthfully.

“All foods are okay in moderation,” nutritionist Kara Mitchell said. “Sometimes there may be a food that at first we just need to stay away from because it is so hard for us to control portions with it.”

According to News Medical, obesity increased from 13 to 32 percent between the 1960’s and 2004. The prevalence of obesity among children aged six to 11 years increased from six and a half per-

• PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN

cent in 1980 to 19.6 percent in 2008.

With the obesity epidemic on the rise, dieting might sound like a good option. However, Pilewski does not recommend it for high school students. While students are still growing, balancing foods and eating healthy are better than going on a diet.

Dieting might work for some but it is not recommend for all because it has unhealthy side effects. Students dieting need to remember to balance food groups and eat the correct portion sizes.

Eating nutritious foods and exercising daily are the first steps students must take toward achieving a healthy lifestyle. It can make a difference.

8

Pirates' Hookok

Expensive Eats

By Kima Clifton

Long process to healthy living

Durham Public Schools (DPS) is in the process of going from unhealthy to nutritional, hoping to lower adolescent obesity. By investing in healthier options like wheat bread, two percent skim milk, and new sweet potato fries the school system hopes to provide students with better meal options.

“We want kids to be more healthy, and try to cut down obesity rates,” cafeteria manager Patrick Kenion said.

Although these options are healthy, many students dislike the new food being provided.

“Their decision to eat healthy is good, but some of the food choices are nasty,” junior Brenna Brown said.

Many students agree that

the food is less appetizing, but managment is working to provide appealing options.

“We are trying to establish healthy meals as well as traditional meals like lasagna and pot pies,” Kenion said.

Being healthy is a huge step for the school systems, but it takes everyone’s involvement to be successful.

“I think it is a good initiative to try and promote healthy lifestyles,” administrator David Hackney said.

“It’s going to take some time to get everyone on board, without losing participation.”

Changes have already occurred this year, such as the school removing chicken sandwiches and solely giving chicken nuggets. Also, pizza is now only given three days a week, as opposed to everyday of the week.

“$2.50 for a slice of pizza is messed up, the only days I could have a decent meal was on Friday,” senior Cameron Roane said. “Those were the best days to eat, because the pizza was the hottest.”

According to DPS Child Nutrition Services, a typical meal might include baked spaghetti, broccoli florets, chilled peaches, a breadstick, and milk. A child could select all of these items for $2.50 at the high school level.

Even though many students agree with the nutritional strive, many feel they should have an option of what they want to eat.

“If it was up to me I would serve nicely cut chicken salad, grilled foods (that’s the key), fruit beverages, and more water,” Roane said.

According to Medical News Today, many people argue that the

• PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN

A variety of fruits and chips are being offered to students and faculty at lunch. Many school systems are moving toward healthier lunches.

850 calories given to high school their bodies. aged children are not enough for There is a variety of different some growing adolescents. diets and meals people eat, but the They argue that all children are school system has made a decision different and need varying amounts to strive for one thing: a healthy of calories a day, depending on student body.

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November 2013

Expensive Eats

9

Students well-seasoned in family business

By Lena Geller In the dining area of Pomodoro’s restaurant, guests laugh as they sit around candlelit tables and feast on traditional Italian cuisine.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, things are all business. Freshman Giovanni Finazzo is experienced when it comes the backstage of the food industry - his parents are the owners of Pomodoro’s.

“I work as a busboy, and I just get paid in tips,” Finazzo said. “But next year, I’ll be able to work as a waiter.”

Junior Allasha Roth is also experienced at working with customers. Her dad is a co-owner of Motorco, a bar and music hall in downtown Durham.

“I sometimes work the door,” Roth said. “I sit in the hallway like a little pony, so when people exit [the performance area] to use the bathroom, I tell them where to go and check if they have the mandatory hand stamp. It’s extremely frustrating.” Roth spends an average of 16 hours a week at the music hall.

Running a restaurant means leaving for work early and coming back late, even on the weekend.

“They [my parents] are always busy, especially on Fridays,” Elmenshawi said.

Elmenshawi’s parents own American Hero, a small sandwich shop.

“I spend around nine hours a week there, but they spend many more. I’m sometimes home alone because they are at the restaurant,” Freshman Daniel menshawi said.

Junior Tracy Tran is in a similar situation. Her mom owns Akashi, a popular Japanese restaurant in southern Durham.

“My mom is really busy,” Tran said. “It’s hard to run a restaurant.”

Tran is absolutely correct - an astonishing 60 percent of privately owned restaurants and cafés fail within their first three Freshmen Daniel Elmenshawi taking a selfie while working at his family restaurant. Elmenshawi is one of years, according to Businessmany students at Riverside who work and help out their famlies. • PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIEL ELMENSHAWI week. That number is raised to 90 percent in the first five years.

“One of my brothers will probably keep Pomodoro’s going have a business called Cupcakes by can mean economic uncertainty and when my parents retire, but not Lulu and Kristin, Too! constant stress, those who pursue it “I’m very busy - I have about do so with gusto. They work long me,” Finazzo said about the future.

“I don’t think I want to work in the one order a week - but I love making days in order to continue serving cupcakes and interacting with peo- consumers. food business.”

But for every ending, there’s a ple,” Iacono said. The two sisters Given the great businesses that new beginning. Freshman Kristin currently operate from their house, are alive today, the next generation Iacono is well on her way to making but plan on opening a bakery in the of restaurant owners will no doubt it big in the food industry. She and future. bring culinary and bureaucratic Though owning a restaurant talent. her 12 year old sister, Alyssa (Lulu),

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10

Pirates' Hookok

MONEYBALL

Sophomore Austin Von Alten executes a front flip with a jump rope in hand. Von Alten is one of many students at Riverside who enjoys sports outside of school that are not offered at • PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN Riverside.

Students stay active outside of school, pay the price

By Morgan Whithaus While sitting in second period, the announcements seem to go on and on.

Finally, the results from the previous day’s sports games are revealed: volleyball with a win, football with a close match, and soccer with a loss.

It is normal to hear about the traditional sports that students play, but often times certain athletic activities that are not as well known are overlooked.

Rowing, karate, dance, jump rope, and tae kwon do are all activities that students can be involved in.

Participation in these sports derives from many different reasons - the extra competitive edge, for fun, or because of their love of the sport.

“I dance because I am in love with it,” junior Megan Shepherd said.

“Dance is a way for me to express myself and let go of everything that has happened throughout the day.

I don’t really have to think, I can just dance.”

Shepherd dances four to seven days a week outside of school while continuing to dance every day in school.

Each day she spends a minimum of four hours dancing.

One of the differences of par-

ticipating in an out of school sport instead of an in-school sport is the price difference.

Almost always, athletes at Riverside do not have to pay much, if any, to play their sport. The only money that is spent by an athlete is for their own personal equipment.

With a price tag of about $200 a month for her regular dance classes outside of school along with her competition fees including entry costs, hotel rooms, and gas money, Shepherd is in over her head.

She spends about $600 a competition weekend and an additional $400 a year for her recital costumes and fees.

Like Shepherd, sophomore Austin Von Alten is involved in out of school sports.

Von Alten balances jump rope, ultimate frisbee, breakdancing, and club soccer with being on Riverside’s soccer team.

“I choose to spend my time playing sports. I like being athletic,” Von Alten said. “Mainly because it’s a lot of fun.”

The prices associated with these sports also begin to pile up for Von Alten. The Bouncing Bulldogs, a jump rope team, costs about $750 a year, not including travel or competition fees.

Von Alten does help his family

with the expenses though; when he wants to go on a trip with his team, he pays for it himself.

Despite the large price difference between in school and out of school sports, Shepherd and Von Alten still find participating in these sports worthwhile.

While Von Alten finds playing outside of school to be more competitive than playing in school; Shepherd finds that dancing both in and out of school helps her to become a more well-rounded dancer.

“I get more out of dancing. I take what I know and help others,” Shepherd said. “Helping others betters me as a dancer.”

November 2013

By Mone Jones

Blood, sweat, and tears are poured into the weight room, on the field/court, also in the classroom for all college athletes. However, they do not receive any salary.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is in a continuous discussion on the common topic of athletes getting paid on the collegiate level and whether or not it should be allowed.

Statistics show that the average out of pocket expenses for a Division One athlete, who is on a full scholarship, is $3,222 per year. That is $12,888 over all four years. Also, 86 percent of college athletes are below the poverty line, meaning these scholarships are often necessary for most athletes.

Close to half of the 86 percent of collegiate athletes are playing in college so that they can potentially play in the professional league after graduation. Out of the percentage of athletes that are below the poverty line, only 20 percent make it to the professional level.

“I think college athletes should get paid because they are basically making money for their school and they are also making the school look good,” junior track runner Atlanta Woodall said. “Athletes need to get some profit in return.”

Athletics brings both money and prestige to a school. This money mostly comes from the athlete’s performance on the field or court.

There has been a big push from the athletes at various schools for

Paid to play?

compensation for their effort.

Fans are buying athlete specific merchandise that the athletes themselves cannot receive a profit from.

“Most college athletes only wear their sweats and other athletic clothes that they get from the sport that they play on,” sophomore basketball player Zaria Rogers

the university.

“They already pay for you to attend their school so why should they pay you extra money?” senior volleyball player Victoria Pearce said. “If I was in college I would want to be paid, but we need to earn it first."

In this situation, the Fab Five

Moneyball

in stock. Inside, they found their jerseys with their last names and numbers on the back being sold for $80. The Fab Five made a statement that they could not purchase their own jersey, they did not have the money to do so.

“Even if college athletes are on scholarship, they still need money

11

their education instead of financial situation.

“I do not believe that college athletes should get paid because college is mainly for education purposes not for money,” sophomore volleyball player Naomi Van Horn said.

There is talk about college athletes getting paid on the NCAA board.

“Rather than push college athletics further and further from academics, we need to bring it closer,” NCAA president Mike Emmert said.

Many do not believe this law will pass because of the money issues.

“No one wants to give up more money to anybody,” physical education teacher Robert Duncan said. “This law should pass because schools are making money off of the athletes but, it will not pass because people do not give up money.”

The NCAA is discussing the issue. Many football players have been wearing wristbands that have “APU” (All Players United) on them. This is a group of athletes at various colleges that formed Junior Atlanta Woodall gets prepared for her race. Many people believe college athletes should be paid to show that they are united for • PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HELM change. because of how much time they commit to their sport.

“I believe that the APU group is really important because it show said. “They have no money to buy of the University of Michigan is because they do have a life,” assis- that the athletes really care about things for themselves.” often referred too. The Fab Five tant volleyball coach Sherai Jones what goes on in the NCAA,” There are some who believe was composed of five freshmen said.

Woodall said. college athletes should not be paid on the 1991-1992 men’s basketball Most collegiate athletes are on a If athletes get a percentage of the for the purchased merchandise and team. Before a game one night, full or partial scholarship. Many do profit or not, their hard work and that they should be grateful with they strolled around the arena and not believe that athletes should get dedication towards their sport and the scholarship they received from came to a gift shop with team attire paid because they need to focus on their school will never be denied.

THE PIRATES HOOK ON-LINE: WWW.RIVERSIDE.DPSNC.NET

12

The Pirates' Hook November 2013

13

Spirit Week & Homecoming 2013!

• PHOTOS BY HOOK STAFF

It was so cool that Ciro Cruz, Jyqueria Peaks, Clinton Magwood, Kendyll Purcell, Deonn Yarborough, Delona Harden, Mackensie Green, and Frank Smith won Homecoming! Frank was so sweet to give John Hoover his crown! Go Pirates!!

14 Moneyball

Pirates' Hookok

Club Sports: Worth the price to play?

By Ben Huffman Between paying for hotel rooms, food, gas, and even airfare, playing club sports can put a serious dent in a family’s wallet.

Students can sharpen their athletic skills by playing club sports, but it is the parents who reach in their wallets to fund this experience for their children.

“Tournaments can burn a hole in your pocket,” sophomore Zaria Rogers said. “But your child is getting better and they can potentially become great.”

For basketball players like Rogers that play Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball, the costs can be extremely difficult to handle.

It can cost parents anywhere from $1000 to $8000. The cost, however, depends on the level of play.

Whether playing on an elite team that travels all over the country, or on a local team that plays in tournaments around Durham, the cost is always present.

Sophomore Naomi Van Horn has spent three years playing for Jammers Volleyball Club.

In order for Naomi to play volleyball, she must pay $1400 a season, and an additional $250$300 for the uniforms that may be used for more than one season. On

a tournament weekend, the cost will add up to $300, which accounts for two nights in a hotel, food, and $50 for gas.

Van Horn’s twin sister, sophomore Meg Van Horn is also a part of a club sport. She has spent two years playing for Triangle United Soccer Association.

Meg’s soccer experience costs her family $1195 a year and $200 for uniforms that are used for two years. Each weekend tournament costs $175 for the family.

With both Naomi and Meg playing club sports, it has really put the Van Horn family into a financial crunch and made them rethink their financial situation. Meg and Naomi were not allowed to play and simply have her parents pay for it all. They had to do their share in paying for the sports.

“When they first started, we had the girls earn money to help pay for a portion of it,” Karen Van Horn, mother of Meg and Naomi, said.

“The privilege wasn’t just given to them, they had to save their money.”

While the Van Horn family realizes that it does cost a lot of money for Meg and Naomi to play for their club teams, they acknowledge that club sports help their children develop as better athletes.

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prove with playing a club sport,” Van Horn said. “I feel like it’s been worth it for them to get better at a sport that they love.”

Many people think that playing club sports will help aspiring college athletes during the recruiting process. Former Riverside student and Duke basketball walk on, David Mayer, was very serious about basketball and was hoping to get a scholarship to play at a Division One university.

“Playing AAU sports was very expensive for me,” Mayer said. “It was never a huge economic problem for my family, but for some of the guys on my team, it was really tough. We would have to have fundraisers, like car washes, to play for long trips, like Disney World.”

Mayer spent a large amount of money to try to get seen by major schools, but could only get a walk on opportunity to play for Coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke.

“Playing club sports really did help me get looked at,” Mayer said. “The only problem was that I probably gained more bad habits than good.”

While playing club sports may be a huge toll on one’s wallet, many feel that as long as they are getting better then it is all worth it in the long run.

November 2013

Costly life of a devoted fan

By Jason Bunch As one looks into the crowd, they can see painted faces, foam fingers, and crazy wigs.

These devoted fans spend money as well as time following their favorite team.

There are various products that devoted fans spend their money on, whether it is a limited edition team snapback or that dri-fit tee shirt.

Some would see the money that fans spend on their favorite team as a waste, but for the ones actually buying the gear, there is nothing better than triumphing over hated rivals on a last second shot, field goal, or penalty kick.

Sports are a backbone for people all over the world, giving them something to look forward to after a long hard work week or school day.

Teachers and students find one or more teams to devote their time and money towards.

“I spend around $300 per season on tickets and apparel for N.C. State,” junior Mark Tillitson said.

“I think the time and money I spend is worth it because it gives you something to pull for and you form a bond with the teams.”

Some fans are more fortunate than others when it comes to success.

For Spurs fans, they have experienced four championship wins from 1999-2007.

For Patriots fans, they have seen their team win three Super Bowls since the year 2002, including back to back championships in the years 2004-2005.

Other teams are not so fortunate, which tests their constituent’s fanhood.

History teacher Patrick Roeber has been a fan of Pittsburgh sports since he was a kid.

Roeber has experienced the triumph of the Steelers, who have won

6 Super Bowls, and the Penguins, a family man, I devote more time who have won the Stanley Cup and money to going to my kids trophy three times. sporting events and playing sports “I have always focused on the with them because, to me, that is Penguins and Steelers and I always more important,” Meglin said. try to go to at least one Hurricanes Meglin still finds time to devote versus Penguins game per year,” to the Giants.

Roeber said.

“Mostly I go to the sports bar The Pittsburgh PiSpartacus. There are a lot of rates, on the other hand, Giants fans there and many have not been as fans enjoy being together fortunate. watching the games.

Previous to Sports bars are a this season, home for fans,” the Pirates Meglin said. had not exFor some, perienced money is not an a winning obstacle when it season since comes to sports.

1992.

For junior C.J. Carpenter, Many fans had lost this is the case. Carpenhope in their team. ter’s mother is the head Roeber, however, did volleyball coach at Duke not.

University which gives him “Over the summer many discounts on Duke I went to see the athletics and gear.

Pirates play. I have “With my mom working always been a fan of at Duke, I receive season the Pirates and it was tickets to the basketball nice to finally see them and football games as well experience a winning as a pass to get into the socseason after all these cer, baseball, and lacrosse years,” Roeber said. games,” Carpenter said.

Roeber also added So much access to all that the money he the sports and gear for free spends on tickets and makes it easier to be a fan. other things related t o Sports have been in his favorAmerica since the Senior Jacob Nordman shows pride ite teams is early 1900’s and in his team by sporting a tar heel “definitemany have dehead and jersey. Many students at ly” worth it. voted themselves Riverside devote time and money to For Entowards a team. support their team. glish teachFor those that • PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN er Christohave not, there is pher Meglin, sports have taken a no greater joy in sports than backseat as he gets further on in life. experiencing a team achieve the Meglin has been a huge New ultimate goal of winning a chamYork Giants fan for most of his life. pionship.

Now, he has prioritized things that Because of this, the fan is makare more important that he devotes ing every penny devoted towards his time and money to. their team through tickets and gear “Now that I have a kid and I am worth it.

Moneyball

15

Sports outside of America is also similar to baseball because it has a pitcher, who pitches with Ashik Mostafa is enjoying a a soccer ball.”

Chamgbe noticed differences competitive cricket match in his home country of Bangladesh. like using a bat instead of one’s The roaring of the crowd keeps feet and the teams switch when the players on edge. He made his the opposing team has had three journey to the United States only outs.

In the Netherlands, senior Nienke to find that Riverside does not have Wouters did not even get the oppora cricket team.

Mostafa found that baseball here tunity to play for her high school.

“We didn’t have sports related is almost identical to cricket in to school,” Wouters said. “We Bangladesh.

“Cricket is very similar to base- play sports at clubs year round.” ball,” Mostafa said. “It is played Wouters and her club field hockey on a strip of dirt surrounded by an team practice only twice a week.

According to Nienke, athletes oval field and the game requires the brawn to hit a fast moving leather are divided alphabetically. The youngest age group ranges from ball with a wooden bat.”

Mostafa, remembering his days five to eight years old and goes all on the cricket pitch with a smile on the way to kids 18 and older.

Wouters also said the schools his face, feels the game is foreign to fans of fast paced American sports. do not have any cheerleaders, Sometimes the matches stretch for there are no buses to bring them days instead of three or four hours to away games, and all games are on Saturdays. like baseball.

Students have played different Like Mostafa, junior Grace Chamgbe noticed the same differ- kinds of sports in their home ences with kickball in Liberia. She countries, but when they came to relocated to the United States and America, the individual sports that to her surprise the game she loves they love to play were not present.

But they have realized that there is not played at Riverside.

“Kickball is an all year sport due are very similar sports played at to the humid climate and perfect Riverside. This provides them with weather that they enjoy in West the opportunity to experience new Africa,” Chamgbe said. “The sport activities in a new country.

Congratulations to the cast, crew of 'The Little Prince'

By Elizabeth Kamara

16

Pirates' Hookok

SPORTS BRIEFS

Field Hockey Despite a seemingly disheartening record of 0-10, Riverside’s field hockey program was not one to give up or lose hope this season.

“The score does not reflect our efforts and improvements from the season. It doesn’t reflect the level of commitment and the challenges we faced,” coach Su Stone said.

Looking back, Stone was pleased with the number of girls playing this fall. Sharpened skills from both returning and new players along with the decreased number of goals scored on her team compared to previous years, rank high on her season highlights list.

“I liked that we had an increased interest this year and enough players to have two teams,” Stone said.

“I’m proud of our ongoing spirit despite the goals scored on us and our losses. I’m really proud of our play, we cut the scores in half.”

With nine seniors graduating from her team this season, there will be a big gap to fill. Stone is prepared for next year with a plan already in mind.

“I would like to tighten things up a little. I want to focus on creating a more committed team where field hockey is part of their future, not just part of their high school years,” Stone said.

With so many improvements, and a larger interest in the sport, the 2014 field hockey team will be something you do not want to miss.

By Morgan Whithaus

Soccer The men’s varsity soccer season ended on a high note, with a 4-3 win over Northern. That win was one of the few bright spots of the season for the team.

Overall, they posted a 3-9 record which included a 7-0 beatdown of Person as well as a tough 4-0 loss to Carrboro on senior night. When

most of your games are losses, it is was a really good season. It’s nice for states we all did really well, hard to label one as the worst, but having people who are experienced especially the seniors,” junior Jack captain Jose Garcia thinks the loss players, but also helping beginners McAdams said.

Even though cross country had a to Carrboro takes the cake. improve.”

“That was our worst game, in my The construction of the new ten- good season, the team faced some opinion, because it was our senior nis courts at Riverside was sched- obstacles along the way. ‘’We had lots of ups and downs night,” Garcia said. uled to finish earlier in the season, It has been a disappointing year but it has been delayed because of this 2013 season, there were good for the soccer team, but some unstable soil and unpredictable points but we had lots of injured people on our team,” McAdplayers have ams said. still had good Despite the issues, cross seasons, which country coach Mike Marks offers promise is proud of his team. for the future.

“This season, we had a lot One playof talented and hardworking er that others individuals that put in the may call upon time and miles in their trainto shoulder the ing,’’ Marks said. “Our team load is Sophhas been very successful, omore Bryan since both the girls and boys Navarro, who teams have ranked third in scored a remarkthe pac-6 conference.” able eight goals The runners are looking and earned high forward to another chance praise from Garto improve even more next cia. season.

“He [NavarBy Elizabeth Kamara ro] is the MVP in my opinion,” Junior Kima Clifton with a big spike to help lead Riverside said Garcia.

• PHOTO BY JAY GENTRY to the quarter finals.

Volleyball Many seniors After a heartbreaking five set are leaving the team after this year which means re- weather. The team was forced to loss to Wakefield in state tournaturning starters will have to improve ride a bus to Whippoorwhill Park ment quarterfinals, the volleyball team plans to brush it off and get and new players will have to step to use their courts. up for the team to be a contender “Having to drive to a different ready for next year. Coach Michael in the Pac-6 Conference next year. place everyday was pretty in- Hodge thought that the girls could

By Jasper Cool convenient,” sophomore Mollie have gone farther, but is happy with McCullough said. “It took time how far they got.

“I’m very proud of the season Tennis out of our practices.”

The Riverside tennis team had a The team ended the season with and very proud of my ladies,” solid finish to the season with one a record of 4-6, but is looking for- Hodge said.

Hodge is already looking for the of their best players, junior Leland ward to the new courts next year. next leaders for the team to replace MacDonald, landing a spot in the

By Lena Geller some of the teams stars that led regional tournament. them to a record of 26-2.

“I got out in the first round,” Cross “Special shoutout to Riverside MacDonald said. “But it was cool Country just to get to play.”

The Riverside cross country lady Pirates, and individual shout Junior Emily Danes did not team had their last qualifying meet out to Casey Speer and Victoria make it to regionals, but she had Saturday, Oct.19. The team did not Pearce for being the leaders when a very close match in the PAC-6 qualify for the state playoffs, but the ladies needed it,” Hodge said.

The team had a lot of pressure tournament. they did extremely well.

“I lost 7-9,” Danes said. “But it “Though we did not qualify and big expectations to live to and

were disappointed by their loss to Wake Field.

“We had the lead but we let it slip in between our fingers,” junior Emma McClintock said.

The team went farther than last year in the state tournament, but they hope to do even better next year. Returning starters Yakima Clifton and Mone Jones will be responsible the new players that get pulled up from junior varsity,for next year’s team to be successful.

By Neo Cruz Football The football team is back on the winning track after a 49-13 rout of the Jordan Falcons last Friday, Oct. 25. They maintained focus, and rebounded successfully after losing a tough conference game against Hillside in the previous week 35-21 on Oct. 18. This was the second homecoming spoiled by the Pirates as they also beat East Chapel Hill on their homecoming two weeks ago.

“It feels good to have a winning season after years of futility,” head coach David Hackney said.

The team is exuberant and so is Hackney as the previous win ensured a winning season. This is the first time football has had a winning record since 2006. The 2006 team reached the state championship game. With that in mind the Pirates goals are set high for the rest of the season.

“It feels good to have a winning season, were finally playing as a family not individuals, “ senior Shalom WIlliams said.

Williams and his supporting cast agree that their team effort this year has gotten them to the level of success they’re currently at.

The Pirates will take on the Person Rockets(3-6) for homecoming on Monday, Nov.1 where they look continue their success.

By James Vample

November 2013

NEWS BRIEFS

Seeing red, thinking green Although red is only a color, it means a whole lot more than what meets the eye. Teachers all over the state have been using the color red to protest their fundamental flaws of our educational system.

Several hundred parents, students, and teachers gathered in front of Riverside on Monday, Nov. 4., from 7- 7:30 to voice support.

Students chanted “ let’s go red”, teachers held signs, and parents offered words of support.

Frozen teacher salaries have become a problem for many families. With no raises on the horizon, teachers and students felt the need to take action.

“The rally brought awareness to the parents about the unfairness that teachers are being treated with, and thankfully, many administrators, and students showed up to show their support towards their teachers,” science teacher Carly Coughlin said.

The rally had an effect on some students as well as teachers.

“My mother is a teacher’s assistant so I understand the importance of education,” junior Rania Hassan said. “The teacher pay should be fixed immediately.”

Students that sacrificed sleep

time to show up at school early enjoyed the rally and felt it was a step in the right direction.

“My favorite part from the rally was seeing the support from the community. There were parents and random people driving and honking. Junior Leland MacDonald said, “I love seeing the support and effort, today’s students are the future and we have to educate them.”

These protest will continue until teachers get what they deserve.

By Jason Bunch

“We are involving a large amount of leaders that are motivated to go to college, and have the skills to go to college,” Campos said.

Destino Success is also workMarching band excels ing in collaboration with El Centro Riverside’s marching band Hispano, an organization dedimembers’ faces shine bright with cated to strengthening the Latino pride as they received first place communities and improving the awards for their excellence in the quality of life for their residents. band competition that was held on By involving more people, Destino Saturday Oct. 26.

“We won first in color, first in Success gets more people engaged show and first in overall [in 1-A],” in their mission.

For fundraising, Destino sophomore Jack Brigman said.

Success hosts many events, but The marching band is in 1-A, the biggest and most effective is the smallest band group, which has the biannual 16-team soccer tourfour other marching bands. nament.

“The first one we played was “Everyone always has a good the James Bond theme song. The time, there is Spanish music and second we played was Skyfall by Spanish food. I would say it is Adele and the third was gold finger. the most fun event at Riverside,” Then we ended the show with the Campos said.The most recent theme song again,” Brigman said. tournament was held on Oct. 24 Brigman plays the tenor saxand the turnout was great. With ophone and says that he thinks the $500 raised, Destino Success was marching band can do just as well happy with the result. in the next competition.

With many other fundraisers Sophomore Gavin Bell agrees. in plan, Destino Success intends “We’re really good so I think to have more student and parent we can,” Bell said. involvement to extend their influBy Timothy Duke ence.

By Javian Biswas

Destino Success Destino Success was started Book donation gets students four years ago by Spanish teacher excited about reading Fernando Campos to give Latino When students hear the word students an opportunity to go to book, you will get a wide variety college that do not realize it as a of answers.

Some will be happy, possibility.

17

individual.

“I think it was great for the first competition,” Brewer said.

In the team’s next competition the same drills will be performed but the freshmen team will not be performing.

By Ebony Anderson

while others turn their head and get upset.

Ms. Trudi Smith’s Honors English One students are enjoying a new novel, The Help, that parent Bartnik Jennifer donated.

Students have been ecstatic about these books being donated. This helps students strive to read even more, expand their vocabulary, and improve their lexile scores.

The book is based off of a companion novel To Kill A Mockingbird. Both books share common themes such as prejudice and racism. Honors English One Students will be assigned the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, as well as The Help to read through the sschool year.

“Thanks for the support from freshmen parents,” Ms Trudi.

By Ebony Donald ROTC wins competition Air Force ROTC Team came in third place in their first competition of the year on last Saturday, Oct. 26.

“I am so proud of them” Major Roger Bailey said ." "This was my first competition and I was so happy when we came in third place."

The team is very excited and relieved after this competition, but they are continuing their practices everyday after school.

“I don’t know if I was supposed to show my excitement or not but I’m just so proud of them,” Sargent Bally said.

Junior Spencer Thornton and Senior Nick Brewer came in second place in their duet. Brewer also came in second place with his

Two elected for NC orchestra Hardwork and dedication has paid off for Matt Liard and Phillip Jones as they were accepted into the NC Honors Orchestra.

Matt Liard (a junior violinist) and Phillip Jones (sophomore bassist) were selected because of their high placement in the Eastern Orchestra event last spring.

“If you did good in regionals, then the top kids will get into the Honors Orchestra,” Liard said.

They will play in the NC orchestra with many other high standard musicians that were selected in North Carolina.

“I get to play with good musicians and make many memories,” Liard said. The NC Honors Orchestra event culminates with a concert on Sunday,Nov 10 at 4:30 pm in the Steven’s Center downtown Winston-Salem.

“I am really looking forward to the concert with other fellow musicians,” Jones said.

Contributed by Sarah Moore

18

Pirates' Hookok

FINANCIAL FERVOR Roll, Pirates Roll

Riverside students contribute to booming drug economy

By Nick Strauss and Cy Neff The morning bell rings. Two thousand students pour into the crowded halls of Riverside. While most make their way to class, a few students make their way to a local dealer and shake hands, quickly switching money for illicit substances.

Within an instant, dozens of drug deals can take place. Before most people could even notice, a dealer can walk away with close to $100 and head to their first class.

Teenagers everywhere are looking for ways to make money, and Riverside’s students are no exception. With the job market

By The Numbers $8000

spent on drugs by seniors every month

$500 how much a dealer can earn in a month

52% of seniors have used drugs recreationally

for teenagers becoming increasingly barren, students with access to legitimate income are few and far between.

However, for some students, a real job is not the way they make their money.

“I sell Hydrocodone, Adderall, Vicodin, Oxycodone, Oxycontin, Roxicet, and a lot of weed,” dealer Michael said. “I make around $500 in a month from what I sell.”

This is not an uncommon situation, especially for Riverside, whose population of seniors trumps the national average when it comes to percentage of drug users. In a survey conducted by The Pirates’ Hook, 52 percent of Riverside seniors said that they have used drugs recreationally and 50 percent said that they have smoked marijuana.

This contrasts with the 2012 University of Michigan survey, which reported that 36.4 percent of seniors smoke marijuana. The sheer number of drug users at Riverside has created a substantial black market at the school.

Despite ample drug education in Durham Public Schools, it is apparent that the majority of seniors at Riverside have an affinity for drugs. While some results of The Pirates’Hook survey were not taken seriously, the majority of the papers painted a clear picture: Riverside has a drug problem.

Based on reports received from the surveys, it is estimated that Riverside seniors are spending a total of around $8000 every single month on drugs. It is possible that in a single school year, over $70,000 will be spent on drugs by Riverside seniors.

Selling drugs, like any other business, has a hierarchy associated with it.

“I’m not a heavy supplier, that’s too risky at the moment. I’d consider myself a profitable middle man,” dealer Alex said.

A middleman buys in bulk from the largest dealers and sells to the smaller ones. Almost all dealers at Riverside are supplied by middlemen like Alex.

“I buy a QP [quarter pound]; that’s four ounces. With a good connect it’s $700; a bad connect it’s $900. An ounce can be gone in a week if you’re not worrying about schoolwork,” Alex said.

In North Carolina, possession of more than one and a half ounces of marijuana is a Class One Felony.

Despite the risk, Alex has never been caught by the police.

“My paranoia has kept me safe.

I never sell in school, that’s for plebeians,” Alex said.

Despite some dealers preferring not to sell on campus, most students purchase drugs from connects in school.

“I sell that space weed and that space weed only. I started when I was a sophomore, been going strong for almost three years now,” dealer Jordan said. “I sell in and out of school, mostly out.”

Jordan was caught on campus with a joint a few years ago, but kept selling anyways.

“I still sell this [stuff] because cash is king.” Jordan said. “The most I’ll bring to school is two balls [7 grams]. I have some on me right now, actually.”

While Jordan may have been caught, it is becoming harder and

Illicit substances and paraphernalia cover a Rivrside planner. Illegal drug activities are having a financial impact on the school.

• PHOTO COURTESY OF NICK STRAUSS

harder for deputies at Riverside to make drug arrests.

“We’ve been so busy with fights we’ve hardly had time to address the drug stuff,” Deputy Jobe said.

Only ten Riverside students this school year have been charged with drug-related offenses, compared to numerous documented thefts on campus. Because of the increased focus on theft, deputies have had less time to be vigilant about drugs.

“The larcenies are tying us up,” Jobe said. “We’re spending a lot of time looking at tapes because of stolen phones.”

If someone at Riverside believes that something was stolen from them on campus, the student can go to the School Resource Office (SRO). Deputies spend time to look

over the security camera tapes, creating a cycle that nourishes Riverside’s drug economy.

Students with stolen property come into the SRO office every day, keeping the officers at their desk for a longer period of time.

Stolen goods represent a small fraction of the common distractions police officers face. Fights are a common occurrence on campus, resulting in many arrests. These arrests prove unconducive for proper monitoring of drug traffic in school, due to the time it takes to process students.

School may be known as a riskier place to sell, however it is not the only place in Durham dealers are getting caught. In 2012,

Continued on next page.

November 2013

Roll, Pirates Roll cont'd from p.18

violations in Durham, and just under 300 pounds of marijuana were seized by the Durham Police Department.

Out of the 1783 drug violations, 119 were committed by juveniles (people ages 17 and below).

Although drug possession penalties for juveniles vary, the consequences are never light.

In the end for dealers it comes down to risk versus reward, and with a wide open market, some lean towards reward.

This is true not just in Durham, but nationally. A Bureau of Justice Study found that 66.7% of drug offenders were reconvicted less than three years after their release from prison.

Even when faced with the consequences, the reward can prove too tempting.

The drug economy at Riverside is saturated.

With police officers tied up, dealers are finding it easier than ever to sell their product.

“I got hella customers around school. Usually by word of

mouth do they find me,” Jordan said.

As drug busts become scarce, dealers are becoming more confident with their territory.

“I guess [cops] are a threat.

I don’t care too much, though.

I’m too careful to ever get caught,” Michael said.

More money is put into Riverside’s drug market than any other student run-organization.

Every year more money is put into Riverside’s drug market, and every year more people are affected by this. Despite anti-drug education, the percentage of high school senior marijuana users continues to rise, according to the Michigan study.

Dealers sell, get arrested, and sell again.

Until more emphasis is placed on inhibiting dealers’ actions, illicit substances will continue to flow through the school’s veins.

Editor's Note: Student names in this story have been changed to maintain anonymity.

Financial Fervor

19

Managing money: Never be a fool spend. Without it, there will be no money to budget for.

With all of the things that Number Two: Don’t be a fool. high schoolers feel they need A job paying $7.50 an hour to buy, Riverside students may for 15 hours a week will bring in find themselves running out of around $450 a month. If you are money quickly. The Pirates’ only making $450 a month, you Hook has three simple tips for the should not spend more than $450 students of Riverside to manage a month. It is common sense, yet their money and prioritize their millions of Americans are in debt. financiwal needs.

Do not spend more money than Number One: Don’t be a fool. you are making. Every month It may seem to be a simple you should be saving some of the concept, but many people do not money you earn. understand where money comes Students should open a savings from. It does not just pop out of account so the money that they an ATM machine or just magically save is earning interest. If you conappear behind the counter of a tinue to save some of the money bank. Nor is there just a never- you make every month and put it ending flow of cash out of your in a place that earns interest, you parents’ pockets. Money has to will not be in financial trouble. be earned and the best way to do Number Three: Don’t be a fool. that is through a job. Whether it Do you really need those new be over the summer or year-round, $250 Jordans or $200 Beats? No. a job is crucial for a high school What about that $50 trip to the fair student who wants money to or $30 movie night? Nope. DisBy Luke Berndt

Many students seem to think they can magically pull money from a hat.

tinguishing the difference between needs and wants is a big problem for high school students that leads to wasting money. Determine what you need each month and budget accordingly.

Things such as gas, food, or necessary clothing are all needs that need to be budgeted for. After your needs are taken care of and you have put away some money to save, then you can buy whatever you want.

Go get Grand Theft Auto, that shirt you want, or a new system for you car, but only after you have saved and taken care of your needs. Remember, sticking with the coolest trend is not as cool as sticking with your budget.

If you follow these simple tips while in high school, you will stay away from financial ruin and have money to spend later on in life. Most importantly, always remember, don’t be a fool.

• PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN

20 Financial Fervor

Uncertain Vacation Riverside families live with government shutdown

By David McSwain and Christopher Abuor While doing much needed yard work or fixing the old bicycle that has been taking up room in the garage for years may seem like a successful vacation for many, for others it marked the stressful and annoying time off during the 17th government shutdown in US history.

Over 800,000 people were out of work from Oct. 1 to Oct. 17 including multiple parents of Riverside students.

“On October first we came into work for a half day and we did what was called ‘shutdown activities’ where we could finish up any projects we were working on and update our email and voicemail until the office opened up again,” Kelly Leovic, a worker at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and mother of sophomore Cassidy Leovic said.

The time off during the shutdown was a period of uncertainty for the families involved. The workers did not know exactly when the shutdown was going to end, which left them in a state of constant wondering. Besides worrying, the temporarily laid off employees spent their time off in a number of ways.

“The main things that I did during the shutdown was I repaired things in the house, made a bicycle and cooked dinner for my family,” Andrew Geller, EPA worker and father of freshman Lena Geller, said.

More uncertainty swirled around the government shutdown as employees wondered whether or not they would be paid for their

A receipt shows a purchase made by using food stumps. Some families depend on food stumps that were unfortunately not available to them, along with other important things, during the government • PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSELLINE ROMERO shutdown. time off. Eventually, as part of “I thought the shutdown was very the bill that ended the shutdown, unnecessary and pointless,” Hutson the employees did receive back said. “I hope there will not be anpay for the time they were out of other shutdown but I wouldn’t be work. The uncertainty made some surprised if it did happen sometime families think twice about making again in the future.” big purchases.

Geller also believed the gov“It definitely made me a lot more ernment should have handled the careful with money because I didn’t situation differently, “I felt that know how long it was going to go Congress did not value the work on,” Leovic said. “My daughter the EPA does for our country,” loves to go shopping but when she Geller said. wanted to last week I had to tell her With the government having ‘not yet’ since we didn’t know if we already gone through 17 shutdowns would be paid.” in a span of 36 years, government For many of the employees workers are shrouded with uncerinvolved in the shutdown, it was a tainty asking themselves whether frustrating turn of events that they it will happen again and what will thought could have been avoided. be consequences the next time it Senior Collin Hutson’s father, Nick occurs.

Hutson, who has been working for If it does, the parents of Riverthe EPA since 2001, believed that side’s students will be prepared the whole situation was a waste anything that comes along with a of time. shutdown.

Pirates' Hookok

Students spend, save

By Alyssa Hayes After a long two weeks of rigorous working, a paycheck finally reaches the employees hands. Now, the question is what to do with it.

When it comes to money, students have many choices on what they would like to do with their cash. While some students spend their money on things such as food, others spend their money on more frivolous things such as clothes.

Senior Andrew Miller finds himself at auctions spending his money on items that can be repaired and sold at a higher price.

“I spend most of my money on auctions. I go to the auctions, sometimes I spend around $60, sometimes I spend around $600,” senior Andrew Miller said.

While some buy in hopes to eventually resell and make profit, others purchase items solely for personal enjoyment.

“I spend most of my money on clothes,” said senior Jaralyn Johnson. “I should be saving up for a car.”

In order to make money, most students have to work for it, yet some receive money from their parents.

“My parents put about 100 dollars on my debit card every two weeks,” junior Jordan Sawaya said.

“I mostly spend it on gas and food.”

A recent survey of 50 upperclassmen found that 54 percent

of students have a job, 28 percent receive money from their parents and nine percent get money from other sources .

Aside from spending, some students choose to save their money.

Students may have a long term goal to save toward something big, while others may be saving up for college.

“I’m saving up for a bass guitar,” junior Matt Laird said.

While Laird is saving up for a guitar, some students are saving up for larger things that will take more time to accumulate enough money for.

“I’m saving up for a car. I already have a car, but I’m hoping to get a new one before senior year,” junior Jawwad Evans said.

Another recent survey done by The Pirates' Hook, based on 100 students showed that students spend most of their money on food.

“I typically go out to eat about once a week with my family or friends,” junior Christina Full said.

“I spend maybe about 100 dollars a week.”

After working extremely hard to earn cash, students choose to spend their money a variety of different ways. As well as spending, some students decide to save up their well deserved cash on college or other worthy future endeavors.

In the end, those who spend their money hope to do so in a thoughtful manner in order to have more money for the future.

By the Numbers

Students spend the most of their money on:

29% Food 21% Entertainment 5% Other 19% Gas 26% Rely on their parents

November 2013

21

CASH FOR COLLEGE Schrickx nominated for Park Scholarship

By Maya Gacina Through Riverside’s vast pool of exceptional students, senior Harry Schrickx stood out with his leadership and academic abilities, resulting in his Park Scholarship nomination.

For exceptional students, the Park Scholarship nomination is a great reward for all of their effort.

Schrickx was the only student out of more than 2,000 at Riverside to receive the nomination.

“It’s a great opportunity,” Schrickx said.

“There are plenty of benefits and expenses saved.”

Offered at North Carolina State University (NCSU), the Park Scholarship offers the full cost of education expenses, which includes full tuition.

This includes room and boarding, travel, books and supplies, computer, and personal fees.

“The Park Scholarship is provided at NCSU, but it is provided for any student with the qualifications,” Schrickx said.

Though the Park Scholarship provides many benefits, many requirements are necessary to become a Park Scholar.

“It requires extracurricular activities, like lots of volunteering

and leadership opportunities and activities,” Schrickx said.

A nomination from one’s high school is the first requirement in receiving a Park Scholarship.

Numerous essays, interviews, and letters of recommendation also prove to be extremely important.

“My teachers and other adults

“His leadership and cooperative nature shows when Harry freely helps his classmates once his group finishes their work,” Engineering teacher Seth Stallings said.

Whether the scholars are doing something big or small in their community if it shows leadership and responsibility then the components of being a Park Scholar are shining through.

“There are four pillars of being a successful Park Scholar, these will become even more critical when the scholar arrives,” Schwartz said. “Those pillars are scholarship, leadership, service, and character.”

Stallings is supportive of Schrickx’s outstanding accomplishments and believes he is the perfect student for the nomination.

“Even in “competition” situations, Harry helps others. He is respectful, well spoken, and insightful - a model student,” Stallings said.

Schrickx knows he continues to have a lot of work ahead of him, but if he gets accepted into the Park Scholarship, he then will receive the many benefits and opportunities it offers.

The Park Scholarship is indeed an honorable and prestigious award.

Schrickx's effort throughout high school has earned him the sole nominaton for Riverside.

His leadership and cooperative nature shows when Harry freely helps his classmates

Seth Stallings, Engineering teacher for my letters of recommendation include Mr. Velegol and Mr. County who is working with my counselor, Ms. Sebring,” Schrickx said.

Schrickx is devoted to accomplishing the many requirements and demands to fulfill being a Park Scholar.

“People who are a leader by title and also by example are ones who are most likely to be accepted into this scholarship,” assistant director of the Park Scholarship at NCSU Valerie Schwartz said.

Senior Harry Schrickx helps teachers by polishing Bright Links Projectors. Schrickx often volunteers to help out teachers and faculty members. Schrickx enjoys contributing time after school to making Riverside a better place while continuing to dedicate his time in school for academic excellence. • PHOTO BY STEVEN UNRUHE

22 Cash for College

Pirates' Hookok

Hopeful NASCAR technician racing towards bright future Student‘s love of cars expressed in college decision

By Ebony Anderson Summer is over and the incoming college freshmen will spend most of their days sitting in a class listening to their professor drone on and on.

Meanwhile, senior Casey Cole will spend his days doing hands-on work in the NASCAR industry.

Cole will be attending the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Charlotte, North Carolina in order to become a NASCAR technician.

Cole’s desire to attend this school arrives from his early passion of cars.

“I have been around cars my whole life. My grandpa and uncle were NASCAR racers,” Cole said.

At age 14, Cole had his first experience of what working on a car is actually like.

“The first car I worked on was my friend’s 2003 BMW M3 and I had to re-tune it,” Cole said. “I can remember the exact feeling I got while I was fixing the car.”

Sometimes working on cars can be difficult. Without the proper tools needed to fix them, some parts may be impossible to repair.

“The absolute hardest thing to

Senior Casey Cole sitting in his BMW. Cole enjoys working on cars and plans to attend UTI to become a • PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN NASCAR techician in the fall of 2014. work on in a car is the engine. If demands, speed, and precision of clean driving record for two to five something’s wrong with your en- NASCAR racing. years, and an ability to pass a drug gine, you either need a new engine “I am so excited about going screen test. They also must have a or car, depending on how bad it’s there. I look forward to what I love willingness to pay their dues as an messed up,” Cole said. doing, working on cars,” Cole said. entry level technician.

At UTI, the program is 15 weeks Each student wanting to become Nearly two-thirds of UTI stulong. In those 15 weeks, upcoming a NASCAR technician is required dents graduate, a rate significantly technicians are able to learn the to have a valid motor license, higher than that of 4-year public

universities and 2-year public colleges. UTI is a committed school providing the necessary tools and support to ensure that students succeed in their training and are prepared to enter the workforce.

Internships provide opportunities for students to experience the job first-hand and what it is like to work in various industries. UTI has two types of internships programs: the Jordan Suzkui Internship and the MMI Supercross Internship.

When a student graduates from UTI, there are many opening jobs just waiting to be filled. The services at UTI include professional resume development, interview training techniques, a nationwide job database, on-campus interviews, career development classes, employer recruitment, and ongoing employment services.

Every year, four out of five students receive professional jobs as soon as they graduate.

Cole looks forward to being a part of the university.

“I will always have a passion for cars,” Cole said. “They are my one way to be able to escape this world."

Grades, Attendance Information Available On-Line Get User ID From the Riverside Front Desk

November 2013

Cash For College

23

Common problems with Common App

By Timothy Duke

Havoc ensues as students across the country frantically try and connect to the Common Application website to complete their applications.

Problems with the website are preventing students, teachers, and counselors from getting and staying on the website, sending in applications, submitting teacher recommendations, and making payments.

Students and teachers are hit hard with this problem.

“The website doesn’t work when you want it to. You lose momentum and instead of doing your Common App you go off and do other things,” senior Rachel Utz said.

Losing momentum to finish applying can leave some students stranded with fewer options than they would have liked. Some colleges are pushing back the deadline so students can still apply early decision.

“One school I applied to, Barnard, which is the sister school of Columbia, pushed back the early decision deadline,” Utz said.

The Common Application is accepted by over 500 colleges and universities but only a few have pushed back the deadline, including UNC-Chapel Hill and Georgia Tech.

Utz believes that the Common Application website is a great idea but it was not set up to handle the

traffic that it is getting. Some internet bloggers agree with this idea.

“It’s annoying to have colleges, students, recommenders, and counselors used as ‘beta’ testers for software that should have been largely ready to go before being introduced to the market,” Examiner blogger Nancy Griesemer said.

Teachers have experienced a great amount of problems with the website, because they are the “beta” testers.

Engineering director Timothy Velegol traditionally gets asked to write over 100 reference letters every fall, and the website problems made sending in the reference letters difficult.

“The Common Application has been a prime vehicle for transporting references across the country,” Velegol said.

The website also changed which web browsers are supported.

“They no longer support Internet Explorer (IE), and a lot of us still use IE. So they put up a notice where if the website detects that you are using IE it tells you to download either Chrome, Firefox or Safari,” Velegol said.

Teachers at Riverside still use IE because it works best with the way that the DPS email system is configured.

Because of this, the website froze the recommendation process for teachers and counselors which worried students dearly.

“I filled out the recommendation

• PHOTO COURTESY OF NEUSHA ZADEH

A student overwelmed with the amount of brochures from colleges that want her to apply there. Students cannot apply to these colleges if the website that is used is not working as intended. form and went to submit it and it Velegol said. not impact all users,” the Common would come back with an error Velegol’s problems being solved App said. ‘please confirm your affirmation’ gives weight to the notice that was Hopefully the Common App so you would go looking for what posted on the Common App website website will be fully functional you need to fill out and it would on Oct. 15. for all students, teachers and counbasically just freeze you from con“We are aware that some users selors soon so that they can share tinuing the process,” Velegol said. are experiencing problems with the Velegol’s joy of using it without Velegol’s issues with the web- PDF previews. We are investigating hindrance. site were resolved after he sent a the cause and will report as soon Once the website is finished message to the website’s IT help. as we have information to share. working with its few issues, it will “After I sent a message to the As frustrating as this problem is help streamline the application IT help I was able to upload the for those who encounter it, please process for students and recomfirst five recommendations,” know that it is not systemic and does mendations for teachers.

DPS All-County Chorus Concert November 16 – 3pm at Riverside

Chorus Concert

November 21, 22 – 7 p.m, at Riverside - $8 adults, $5 students

Holiday Concert

7 p.m. at Riverside - $5

24 Cash for College

Pirates' Hookok ook

National Merit Scholarship opens up new opportunities Glisson is Riverside's sole nominee

By Javian Biswas Though most students strive to succeed in their high school career, few will have the great honor of being a part of the National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP).

With 1.5 million entrants each year, the NMSP has become a very prestigious program and the difficulty of entering the scholarship competition has increased.

Even with the pressure, senior Hannah Glisson has made it as a semi-finalist.

To Glisson, this nomination was no surprise. She studied well for the qualifying test (PSAT), and after seeing her scores, she instantly knew that it would bring her great benefits. In addition, Glisson has always been an outstanding student both in and out of the classroom, which is exactly what the NMSP looks for in students.

“She is a very motivated, yet quiet student, and she is always on task and working hard,” AP Biology teacher Mika Hunter said.

Glisson is also very devoted and involved in the engineering program.

“She has a real passion for academics,” engineering director Timothy Velegol said. Velegol has known Glisson for four years and has taught her in two classes.

“There is a lot of material and the level of difficulty is high and tremendously challenging. She shows a real strong ability to handle the pace and the content,” Velegol said.

Alongside having the exceptional qualities the NMSP recognizes, Glisson has the academic skills required to be in the running for the scholarship. To participate in the NMSP a student must be a citizen of the United States, be enrolled in a high school/progress

normally toward graduation and take the PSAT/NMSQT in the specified year of the high school program. The entrants who score in the top 50,000 will get program recognition and continue in the competition.

If the requirements are met, a little more than two thirds of the 50,000 high scorers will receive Letters of Commendation in acknowledgement of their impressive academic promise, but they will not continue in the competition.

However, these students may be chosen for Special Scholarships provided by corporate and business sponsors associated with the NMSP. The remaining top scorers will become semi-finalists in the competition. Semi-finalists are only the highest scoring entrants in each state. For them, the NMSP will supply scholarship application materials with information explaining the new set of requirements to advance in the competition through their high schools.

Some 15,000 semi-finalists will then will be notified that they have advanced to the finalist standing. All Merit Scholar Award winners will be chosen from this group of finalists depending on their accomplishments, skills, and abilities.

Selectors will then evaluate a variety of information to award approximately 8,000 winners. They will finalize their decisions based on the finalist’s academic record, two sets of test scores, information about the school’s curriculium and grading system, the high school official’s written recommendation, and the finalist’s own essay.

The Merit Scholarship winners will be awarded on a state representational basis. Winners are

Senior Hannah Glisson uses her skills to control the robot using the remote. Glisson's National Merit • PHOTO BY DEIRDRE LOGAN Scholarship Nomination is attributed to her hard work in the classroom. selected without consideration of college choice, major and career plans, or financial circumstances.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation will distribute three different kinds of scholarships -- the National Merit $2500 Scholarships, the Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship Awards and the College-sponsored Merit Scholarship Awards.

Though the process is prolonged and very intricate, just the involvement in the program itself is very impressive.

After becoming a semi-finalist in the competition, Glisson has gotten many recruitment letters from colleges such as Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, and Virginia Tech.

“So many colleges want me,

but I want to go to Virginia Tech,” Glisson said.

By identifying and honoring academically talented students, the NMSC has provided a new and more extensive respect for learning in general.

Glisson hopes to take advantage of the opportunities that the NMSC has given to her in the years to come.