May 2018

May 2018

Vol. XXVII Issue VI

http://thepirateshook.com

•graphic

by

Taj Smith

The Senior Issue

In this issue:

•Columns

•Destinations

•Quotes

•Shout Outs

•Wills •Superlatives

2

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.

* Editors: Eliza Althisar, Zoe Ashe-Jones *Photo Editors: Tristan Asuncion, Javier 3218 Rose of Sharon Rd. Morales *Artist: Taj Smith *Staff: Chris Allen, Luis Apolonio, Ingrid Castro Lara, Mair Famet, Ashley Gonzalez, Fabian Hernadez, Elijah King, Jada Kobbah, Talitha Durham, NC 22712 Maxwell, Sheenah Nela, Joshua Nicholson,Berly Perez,Diavian Poole,Divaldo Santos www.riverside.dpsnc.net

OPINION

Pirates' Hookok

Ms. Williams: Prepare for chapter 18 Class of 2018, For some of you, the last four years have flown by-and for others, it has crept by at a tortoise pace. Whichever is the case, you have made it to the finish line-graduation!

Graduating from high school is no easy feat, so do not let anyone tell you it is.

Throughout the last four years, your mind and body have undergone major changes while you managed home, school, and extracurricular activities.

This achievement in your life should be celebrated because you are now entering into a new phase of your life-adulthood.

For some, that means going away to college and being away from your parents for the first time. For others, that means finding your path in life, whether that means attending community college, living with your parents as “adults”, living off campus, enlisting in the military, or working full time.

Over the past two years, I have been amazed at your absolute excitement about your future. You all have plans for after high school, and that is something to be celebrated!!!! Whatever your plans are after high school, make no mistake, it is a new chapter in your book of life.

As you enter into this new chapter, let’s call it Chapter 18: Life after High School, remember some key tenets that you learned throughout your education.

Hard work really does pay off. What you put into something is usually what you get back. You worked hard through Clase de 2018, Para algunos de ustedes, los últimos cuatro años han pasado volando -- y para otros, se ha deslizado a un ritmo de tortuga.

Cualquiera que sea el caso, has llegado a la meta: ¡graduación! Graduarse de la escuela secundaria no es tarea fácil, así que no dejes que nadie te diga que lo es.

A lo largo de los últimos cuatro años, su mente y cuerpo han experimentado cambios importantes mientras manejaba su hogar, escuela y actividades extracurriculares.

Este logro en tu vida se debe celebrar porque ahora estás entrando en una nueva fase de tu vida: la adultez.

Para algunos, eso significa ir a la universidad y alejarse de sus padres por primera vez. Para otros, eso significa encontrar su camino en la vida, ya sea asistir a la universidad comunitaria, vivir con sus padres como "adultos", vivir fuera del campus, alistarse en el ejército o trabajar a tiempo completo. En los últimos dos años, me sorprendió su absoluta emoción sobre su

high school and it will pay off with a high school diploma. Equally, the time, effort, and thought you put into your next endeavor will help you live your best life, as long as you give 100 percent. You will encounter some roadblocks, but work your way through them because times of struggle will make you a stronger individual.

Will Smith once said, “The only thing that I see distinctly different about me is that I am willing to die on a treadmill.

I will not be outworked, period.”

Smith embodies that quote, which, in turn, has

assisted him with making his dreams come true.

Character matters as it is often said, your character is defined by what you do when no one is looking. Your success in life will be, in part, based upon how you respond to any given situation, and your character will determine that response.

C o a c h John Wooden always preached that character was

people think, but concentrate on what you know to be right. This is your book you’re writing, after all.

Use your time wisely. You have to decide what you are going to do with your 24 hours each day. Managing your time wisely is one of the most important keys to success, so make a daily task list and stay focused on your goals. It is easy to become distracted by everything going on in the world these days, so it is especially important to stay focused on your priorities.

In conclusion, you have to make choices in life.

Choices about whether or not to skate by with the bare minimum or push forward giving 100%; choices about how you respond to any given situation; choices about how to use your time.

Regardless of the choice you make, it will impact your life and write the subsequent chapters of your book. Make choices, don’t just let life happen to you.

Remember, this book is yours to write, not anyone else’s. I wish you all much success in your futures, and I certainly hope our paths cross again. I am forever grateful that I was able to be your principal for the past two years. Always remember, roll, Pirates, roll!!!!!

"Managing your time wisely is one of the most important keys to success, so make a daily task list and stay focused on your goals." more important than reputation because “character is what you really are, while reputation is merely what others think you are.”

Don’t worry about what

futuro. Todos ustedes tienen planes para dispuesto a morir en una cinta rodante. No después de la escuela secundaria, y eso voy a trabajar mucho, punto. "Will Smith es algo para celebrar !!!! Cualesquiera encarna esa cita, que, a su vez, lo ha ayudado que sean sus planes después de la escuela a hacer sus sueños realidad secundaria, no se equivoque, es un nuevo El personaje importa Como se dice a menudo, tu personaje se define por lo que capítulo en su libro de la vida.

Al ingresar a este nuevo capítulo, lla- haces cuando nadie está mirando. Tu éxito mémoslo Capítulo 18: La vida después de en la vida se basará, en parte, en la forma la escuela secundaria, recuerde algunos en que respondas ante cualquier situación principios clave que aprendió durante su dada, y tu personaje determinará esa educación.El trabajo duro realmente vale la respuesta. pena. Lo que pones en algo es generalmente El entrenador John Wooden siempre predicó que el personaje era más imporlo que obtienes.

Trabajaste duro durante la secundaria tante que la reputación porque "el carácter y te pagará con un diploma de escuela es lo que realmente eres, mientras que la secundaria. Del mismo modo, el tiempo, reputación es simplemente lo que otros el esfuerzo y el pensamiento que dedique piensan que eres". a su próximo esfuerzo lo ayudarán a vivir No te preocupes por lo que piense la gente, su mejor vida, siempre que brinde el 100 concéntrate en lo que sabes que es correcpor ciento. Te encontrarás con algunos to . Este es su libro que está escribiendo, obstáculos, pero sigue tu camino a través después de todo.Usa tu tiempo sabiamente de ellos porque los tiempos de lucha te Tienes que decidir qué vas a hacer con tus convertirán en un individuo más fuerte. 24 horas cada día. Administrar su tiempo Will Smith dijo una vez: "Lo único que sabiamente es una de las claves más imporveo claramente diferente de mí es que estoy tantes para el éxito, así que haga una lista

de tareas diarias y manténgase enfocado en sus objetivos.

En estos días, es fácil distraerse con todo lo que sucede en el mundo, por lo que es especialmente importante mantenerse enfocado en sus prioridades.En conclusión, debes tomar decisiones en la vida. Las opciones sobre si debe patinar con el mínimo o avanzar dando el 100%; opciones sobre cómo responder a una situación determinada; elecciones sobre cómo usar su tiempo. Independientemente de la elección que haga, tendrá un impacto en su vida y escribirá los siguientes capítulos de su libro.

Toma decisiones, no dejes que la vida te pase.Recuerda, este libro es tuyo para escribir, no el de nadie más. Les deseo a todos mucho éxito en su futuro, y ciertamente espero que nuestros caminos se vuelvan a cruzar.

Estoy eternamente agradecido de haber podido ser su director durante los últimos dos años. ¡Siempre recuerda, rueda, Piratea, rueda!

traducido por Ashley Gonzalez

May 2018

Class of 2018: By The Numbers

408 graduating seniors 47,835 Trips to Cookout this year 1 day of school missed due to a teacher walkout 9 kids will go on to play sports in college 17 Pool Passes sold to Freshmen 7 well-painted parking spots 894 hours of class wasted playing Fortnite 1 Parkland shooting protest 3,724 empty Juul pods in the bathroom trash 1 skylight finally cleaned after 27 years of collecting dirt 134 underclassmen left for lunch every day

Seniors Squash Faculty

Be like Cap and do the right thing

By Eliza Althisar

You may be thinking how in the world can the one and only Captain America have any of the same characteristics of my senior year. Well, for starters he slept for 70 years after World War II, and I’m pretty sure all of my naps throughout my high school career combined accumulates to at least half of that that.

Another thing that Captain America does that I think all high schoolers should admire and aspire to, is that he always fights for what he believes in and for what is right, even if he knows it might end up putting him in an uncomfortable position.

One example of Captain America’s loyalty is when he fought his friends and fellow Avengers in order to protect and stand up for Bucky, who was his childhood friend and also wrongfully accused wanted criminal even though he knew it could and would put him in an uncomfortable situation and that it would end split up the avengers.

During my time at Riverside I’ve been in similar situations. Though I can’t say I’ve been in a life and death battle like Captain America was, I have had to stand up for myself and others even

though it was difficult to do at times. But at the end of the day you must do what is right, not what is easy. My advice to everyone would be never let something you know is wrong continue to go on simply because it is easier to ignore the problem than to address the issue. If the problem goes unresolved at least you can sleep at night (and nap during the day) knowing you tried.

Captain America is also known for being a very loyal person. He and Bucky have been friends since a little before World War Two. I met my best friend in the sixth grade and I think that having someone to share everything with is a key part of surviving high school. They are always there for you to lean on during hard times, whether you need to talk about a break-up or just need someone to ride around with while listening to High School Musical on blast.

Friends are there to stand by your side through thick and thin, a lot like how Captain America stands by Bucky’s side no matter the situation. I think that having a best friend is a big part of having an awesome high school experience, so my advice to all incoming and underclassmen is to find someone that you can trust and confide in.

a great partnership and a great way to showcase our relationship” said Duncan. “The game brings everyone together, in a setting you don’t usually see them in.”

The students picked their game up in the second half and eventually tired

the teachers out. An all-Lady-Pirate lineup of Nala Terry, Shea Hatley, Aija Perry, Ashnutee Nelson and Riverside teachers suffered another Abira Reddish closed the gap early hard loss to the seniors in the 2018 in the second half. student-faculty basketball game.

Later on the students spilled their Led by math teacher John Nevola, moves on the RHS staff, leaving the the teachers had a promising start. final score at They led 2945-50.

19 by halfMen’s vartime. sity basketball D u r i n g coach Brian halftime prinStrickland had cipal Tonya a chance to cut Williams, aththe lead to just letic director two points late Margratha in the game, Chambers and but stumbled Robert Dunand fell before can thanked he could take representathe shot. tives from “Shoutout Coca Cola for to the threedonating new point line for scoreboards tripping me,” for both the • PHOTO BY MAIR FAMET Strickland gym and footSenior Sean O'keefe and math teacher John Nevola reach for the opening tip-off. said. ball field.

The Students trailed at halftime but went on to win by five points.

“I think it is

By Mair Famet

3

• PHOTO BY MAIR FAMET

4

Pirates' Hookok

Weathering the Storm

• PHOTO• BY PHOTO TRISTAN

BY MAIR ASUNCION FAMET

Breaking through barriers

By Divaldo Santos

Bruce Banner has something we all want: one of the smartest minds in the Marvel Universe. Banner is also known for being the human alter ego of one of the most ferocious and powerful characters in the Marvel Universe: The Incredible Hulk.

Through many depictions of Bruce Banner, we see him view the Hulk as a sickness. He’s a beast that causes chaos and havoc when he loses control, making himself a target and forcing him into exile.

His transformation was caused by a failed experiment involving gamma radiation. The experiment was Banner’s own creation. Even after this, his genius mind was highly respected. Especially after many see what actually came out of the experiment: the Hulk.

I remember growing up determined to be just as smart. The Hulk was my favorite character and served as an inspiration. Banner also views the Hulk as his evil side, a dark side of himself.

I’ve always seen my angry side as my terrible side, too. I’ve let out too much emotion at times and it’s never ended well. Some were simple moments, such as flipping out over losing in a video game, throwing my controller or punching my chair. Others were more serious, like losing my cool over a really bad break up and saying terrible things.

They’re all part of my dark and angry side - my Hulk.

Of course, the Hulk is also a hero and is always portrayed as such, despite Banner’s views. He always arrives to aid his fellow Avengers and knows who the enemy is. In one of the most popular moments in Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars” #4 (by Jim Shooter, Bob Layton and John Beatty) Hulk was forced to stay back on a mission his fellow heroes went to fight. As Iron Man, Thor, Hawkeye, Spider-Man, Captain America and many more suffer terrible wounds at the hands of a villainous team led by the powerful and mysterious Beyonder, they attempt to escape to recover. During the escape, a villain named Molecular Man drops

a 150 billion ton mountain on them.

None other than the Hulk jumps in and manages to carry and hold the mountain long enough for the heroes to escape and come up with a plan to eventually defeat the villains.

The Hulk might be scary at times, but it’s just his way of doing things.

I’ve always loved watching the Hulk triumph over bullies and enemies he runs into (both literally and figuratively).

It’s helped me depend on myself and not take any junk from people. In some cases, I’ve stayed focused and made it through things such as school work, projects and people I care about. I’ve used my temper before to help others, such as shutting bad situations down and defending people I deeply care about from actual bullies.

All in all, the Hulk/Bruce Banner has served as an inspiration to me since childhood and continues to do so. Anger is something that will never go away, but the best we can all do in control it in order to not turn into somebody you don’t want to be.

Thank You Hook Sponsors!

Lydia Krause The Kaiser-Potter family Heidi Asplin Lisa & Mike Salyers Kevin Primus Jennifer Ashe Robin Kirk Carolyn McAllaster Sarah Reckhow The Bhandari family

Robin Kirk Steve Schewell Joe Neff Kelly Macklin Melissa Young JoEllen Mason Steve Schewell Steven Unruhe The King Family Caroline Mercer

Gary & Esperanza Gereffi The Wheezers & Geezers In memory of Lenny May David Ascher Gay Bonds Bob Fullenkamp Richard and Scott Hill AA Espenshade David & Diana McNeill Michael Reckhow

Be a sponsor: email Bryan_Christopher@dpsnc.net

• PHOTO COURTESY OF TALITHA MAXWELL by talitha maxwell

One day, in my social studies class junior year, we were sitting in the classroom. The teacher was teaching a lesson and we were talking and laughing with each other. She kept telling us to be quiet while she was teaching.

After she was done she gave us a assignment. Some of us were working on it and some weren’t. She came over to where I was sitting.

“Why are you guys talking?” she asked. “Is your work done?”

I looked at my friends and started laughing. and then she turned to me.

“Talitha, did you do your work?”

Suddenly, it started thundering.

“Don’t try to play me like I don’t do my work,” I yelled, “‘cuz I do my work and you know it.”

Everyone in the class looked at me.

I heard someone say “Oh, my god, Talitha.”

“No,” I responded, “‘cause she tried to play me.”

At that moment I felt like Storm - a mutant, but also powerful. I’d changed the climate in the room. I had never said

something like that to my teacher but I wasn’t ashamed of what I said.

Ever since this experience I have learned that it isn’t good to just go off at people when something bothers me all the time.

But this was a positive moment in my life because I stood up for what I believed in and did not to let people say whatever they want to me.

I’m still learning how to control my temper when something bothers me and to also not let people get a reaction out of me.

All in all I’ve had a good high school experience. There were both good and bad times, but all of them were valuable.

I learned new things about myself and had fun.

I would like to encourage underclassmen to just stay focused. Do what you gotta do and stay in your own lane.

Don’t let what other people say about you affect you - just brush it off and keep it moving.

I would also like to thank Ms.Watson and Mr.Nguyen for being amazing teachers and giving me advice and always supporting me and motivating me.

Congratulations,

2018

Adam

STEM

Davidson

Educator of the Year

• PHOTO BY FABIAN HERNANDEZ

k

5

May 2018

A hero and a villain Never surrender

By Ricardo Galeas

Of all the different heroes, Goku is most like me. Son Goku is a Saiyan, which is a race of extraterrestrials, but he was raised on planet Earth.

Goku practiced martial arts since he was a kid and fought against many villains who threaten Earth’s peace and existence. Throughout the whole Dragon Ball series, Goku and his friends fight villains and Goku usually finishes them off with a Kamehameha, which looks like a light beam that forms from the concentration of ki (life force energy) between his palms.

What always made Goku stand out was his bravery and protecting his friends as well as people from

By Diavian Poole

the earth by asking his opponents to follow him into a desert territory to avoid innocents from falling victim to their fight.

Although he is not real, I learned from him to never give up and always fight to protect those you love, regardless if you can win.

I remember once, when I was at University High School in Florida, I was taking human geography. It was a college-level class and very difficult. I wondered what I was doing in the class and thought about switching to something more manageable, like combination sports.

But I remembered how Goku always faced many obstacles and never sought the easy way in anything he did.

• PHOTO BY MAIR FAMET

That moment I felt confident and strong, like nothing could stop me.

I stuck with that class, and I nailed it.

Four years later, when I decided to enroll in Durham Tech while finishing high school, I didn’t feel capable of putting up with all the work it would imply doing two things at the same time. The first week going to Durham Tech in the morning and then attending Riverside in the afternoon was strenuous, but like Goku I didn’t surrender and gave it all of me.

Eventually, all my efforts paid off, and I am preparing for summer classes with the determination and the thought that I am capable of anything I put my mind to.

Fail, learn, grow, repeat

By Leonardo Galeas Iron Man and I are both superheroes that don’t possess any superpowers.

Tony Stark created a personalized armor to help himself fight against villains and criminals. I learned new skills in order to have enough an arsenal large enough to win any “battle.”

Like Iron Man, I don’t like to give up on things even if I fail the first time; I keep trying until I achieve my commitments. I try to put all my attention on anything I do and persevere because

• PHOTO BY MAIR FAMET

people can improve every day.

Iron Man is brilliant and capable of standing next to heroes with superpowers despite being a human like everyone else. He showed me that you can still help people even if you don’t have a gift or unique ability given by nature.

I remember facing many challenges throughout school as I struggled to learn English, which is not my native language. I never allowed this limitation stop me from progressing and pursuing a better future for myself; instead, just like Iron Man, I’ve surpassed many

challenges and will keep overcoming any obstacles.

I think every person has the option of creating their fate, despite who they are and where they are from. I learned to be self-confident and to never give up on anything just because I feel overwhelmed.

In the past four years, I learned that in order to grow as a person we need to be willing to fail and learn from our mistakes with or without a special suit since we are all constantly moving into a new cycle in our life.

Catwoman’s character fits me perfectly because she played the role of both a superhero and super villain.

During my freshman year I was one of those students that liked to fight and loved to be in and around drama. I’d skip class or leave campus to go fit in with everyone else who didn’t really care about school and their grades.

I had a lot of things going on my sophomore year. I lost a couple people that year due to death, friendships, relationships and more. I said goodbye to a lot of friends when I started to see people’s true colors.

Then my father died, and I saw a lot of things differently. The people I loved the most weren’t even there for me after he passed, so that made me see people a different way. I would have been there for them but I guess everybody's loyalty is different.

I hung by myself mostly that year and got my act together. I dated people my freshmen and sophomore year but I slowly became a loner and started to push away people whom I felt didn’t care, which at that time was everyone.

I started to see life for what it really was. For example, I hated wasting time because I always tell myself “Tomorrow is never promised and at any time of the day your light can be broken and taken away from you.”

This has been my motto since my father passed.

My junior year was a bit rocky, too.

I was still healing from my father’s death, so I tightened up and got my grades and my act together. I was still dealing with a lot of things at home, but I’m a street girl, so I would just come to school and pretend nothing was wrong. At school all I had was

one job: to do my work, get good grades, and pass my classes.

Unfortunately, my senior year has been the hardest. My cousin died last July, my oldest sister last September, and my baby brother in February. I’m still getting over my father’s death, too. I’m lucky to still have my great grandmother, but her dementia's getting worse. My family and I take everyday that god gives us with her.

I use to have the mindset that, because I went through so much by myself, I wouldn’t talk to anybody about anything. I knew that wasn’t a good idea, but losing my father was really big for me. I felt like I had nobody and I couldn’t move forward in life. But I kept pushing because I was never gonna be the type of person to give up when things go wrong.

So just think about it: a girl like me, this hood character, dealing with all this stuff. But I still found a way to make the A/B HONOR ROLL. I still come to school on the days I can make it and get whatever I need to get done.

Like Catwoman, I was a super villain that finally opened up my eyes and decided to become a superhero.

I actually want to be somebody. I plan to become a CNA & a mortician and take my mother out of the hood and to is going to get me somewhere very far in life.

As a Riverside senior who’s been here since my freshman year, I encourage readers to just come to school and do what you’re supposed to do. Whatever you’re dealing with in life, just know the pain and suffering will be over one day. God gives his hardest battles to the strongest people so when he throws a battle at you take it to war and win!

• PHOTO BY ZOE ASHE-JONES

6

North Carolina A&T University Carl Bell Staveyon Bell Imani Gentry Camron Gerald Alana Howell Anautica Hunter Safi Kinyongo Zeke Leavell Kobi Mirau Ryan Odow William Smallwood Hadiya Smart Air Force Academy August Peters University of Alabama Joey Robinette Alamance Community College Eliza Althisar Appalachian State University Dylan Harden Betsy Kelly Chris Mitchell Sheenah Nela Aria Oliver Lydia Solie Jude Wilson Arizona State University Rhys Richards Belmont Abbey College Catherine Fishback Catawba College Lauren Laughton Central Communty College Diavian Poole Clemson University Justin Mofield University of Charleston WV Nala Terry

The Pirates' Hook

May 2018

7

RIVERSIDE CLASS OF 2 0 1 8 ASSEMBLE !

Charleston Southern University Lucas Krieg Shameila Lee Shea Hatley Jose Leonardo Galeas Jose Ricardo Galeas Alex Levy University of Col- Michelle Mavin Bushido Mayfield orado at Boulder Samuel Mejia Mia Andresen Derick Melger Perez Kiyah Milligan Duke Univer- Travis Mitchell Destiny Nelson sity Gradise Nishimwe Emma Fischer Jessica Oyervides Darby Heflin Tashara Parker Tashara Parker Durham Technical Rozlyn Parrish Community College Quentin Philpot Axel Aguilar Sergio Ramirez Jasmine Alstow Elizeht Rodriguez Nency Amador Jonathan Rogers Fernando Andino Emily Rosales Kevin Avila Jonathan Dakota Booth Sanchez Mike Bravo Abraham Will Broadell SarmienErin Brown to Nakiran Brown Jose Silva Kaci Brunson HernanEdgar Castillo dez Joshua Castillo DeNikko Maria Castro Smith Galilea Chavez Olivia Manuel Chavez Safiatou Cisse Lucas Coner Cuautemoc Dominguez Daniel Flores Darlee Yoc Bautista Bryan Garcia Baneges Nate Glenn Sherlly Gonzalez Josh Guoden Nykhaila Hackney Jade Hargett Maria Heraza Genesis Holland Brandon Huffman Brandon Jenn Queriasia Jones Donald Kimbrough Eve Komayombi Jamie Krieg

Smith Trevor Stephens Yaquelin Tejada Joner Thornton Juan Vasquez Jose Villagran Josh Wallace XhariaWhitlow April Whitten Tajay Wilson

High Point University Rebecca Finch Osaze Osagie

East Carolina University Anthony Scarantino Axel Aguilar Dulce Campos Garrett Whisnant Linet Orozco Maddie Thomas Nolan Lawson Payten Ward Sean O’Keeffe Thomas Weaver Timia Goins William Martinez

Lenoir-Rhyne Unviversity Kaytlin Browning

Emory University Sergio Garcia Georgia Tech Prince Bull Elizabeth City State University Divaldo Santos Tajmahal Smith Elon University Heeba Chergui Joseph Perry Fayetteville State University Tanajah Richards Full Sail University Robert Bynum Haverford College Rebecca Koweek

Hudson Valley Community College Dylan Washington Johnson and Wales University Nysier Porter

Livingstone College Devonne Connor Shymale High Louisburg College Omar Cruz Zion Harris Ethan Crichlow Louisiana State University Makena Kanyua James Vollers North Carolina State University Benjamin Anstead Emily Allman Timothy Gachigi Isaac Gaskins Ashley Johnson Zach Krause Natalie Maude Emma Refvem Rebecca Silvoy Allen Stockburger Meosha Wallace Jake Zilles North Carolina Central University Dallas Clemons Paris Lee Chukwuemeka (Chuck) Manning, Jr.

• GRAPHICS BY BERLY PEREZ

New York University Elijah Conard

University of Pittsburgh Adam Caves

Randolph Community College Samantha Brearly Shaw University Azairla Garrett Jada Gratim

University of Richmond Junko Takahashi

The Ohio State University Lewis Reo

Vance Granville Community College Walter Goss Brandon Goss Jacob Pitts

UNC-Chapel Hill Janae Andrews Zoe Ashe-Jones Laney Dalton Cole Infinito Jeric Lalo Taveres Link Henry Torres Sena Zadeh UNC-Charlotte Skylar Bell Loren Daniel Jaylen Davis Joshua Merritt Andre Nguyen Dawn Peaks Hamilton Rice Carlos Rodriguez Daysean Scott Khaliah Tomlinson Matthew Weaver Ben Whight UNC-Greensboro Jackeline Bonilla Fabian Cruz Eric Garcia Neeaha Latham Emmalee Payne Jose Rivera Jala Spain Malik Whitaker UNC-Wilmington Averie Douglass Tristan Asuncion Maritza Mercado Ibanez Connor Van Deman

University of Tampa Tatiana Edmiston

Undecided Edgar Garcia Carlos Hernandez Christian Hyman Juan Perez Loviee Shuler

Virginia Commonwealth University Justin Tran

Work Force Emmanuel Alston Nency Amador Flores Osman Amaya Toledo Irania Ascencio Garcia Sean Baker Elijah Conard Jamont Cooks Robert Cordy Shechinah Davis Trey Dixon Ayanna Dukes Evan Felder Edgar Garcia Ramos Pablo Garcia Cruz

Virginia Tech University James Drosdick Wake Forest University Grey Lehman Wake Tech Community College Alejandro Rabadan Cameron Hayes Chris Mitchell Eduardo Gomez Justin Tyre Kayla Hughes Washington University in St. Louis Charles Berghausen Western Carolina University Austin Duncan Austin Brossart Wingate University Maryuri Antunez William Peace College Anthony Argueta Winston-Salem State University Paradise Bellamy Jerome Brunson Lashay Taylor Katura Washington Iris Zacarias Lopez

Gap Year Jack O'Connor Military Bobby Cordy Evan Felder Michael Fernandez Daniel Garcia Yorcaef Lopez Evelin Lopez-Garcia Fernando Morales Echeverria Ashley Morales Edward Pena Zurita Nysier Porter Michael Ruria Da'Kayleen Seigle William Smallwood Miatta Vafee Gabriel Williams Sadaria Price

Maynor Gomes Toledo Vantrell Holman Quatasia Jones Ariana Lemus Mendoza Benito Lujano Amillion Miles Caleb Moody Nicasio Mosqueda Destiny Nelson Juan Perez Olea Diavian Poole Phyin Putih Luis Rivas Ayala Elizeht Rodriguez Juarez Metzly Rodriguez Torrijos

8

Pirates' Hookok

Becoming Bruce Wayne

By Zach Krause

• PHOTO BY JAVIER MORALES

I am Martian Man Hunter

By Tristan Asucion Martian Manhunter has the power to change his usual alien appearance to any human. He's not a popular or typical superhero pick, but I guess that suits me.

During my high school days I felt like I had the power of Mr. Manhunter as I, in a way, would change myself to different forms. It was a constant struggle for me trying to find out what I valued most in my future. Would it be the money, or are my dreams worth pursuing?

Freshman year I wanted to be an engineer. Being in the engineering program became a big part of my identity at the time, and I heard that engineering careers made a lot of money. Spending endless time after school working on portfolios and the countless nights staying up late to do homework engulfed me. The workload and constant stress of my engineering classes caused me to shy away from the career.

I changed my plan - and appearance sophomore year to be an architect. It's a career that also makes good money but

could also be my creative outlet. I felt pressured by teachers to continuously research the career I wanted and slowly lost interest.I had this unrealistic dream of living in New York City, right in the middle of everything. But once I learned about a typical architect’s salary and the cost of living in NYC, the dream died.

Junior year I took multiple different forms. Taking AP psychology with Mr. Norman peaked my interest and made me consider being a psychiatrist. My parents started to persuade me to be a nurse just like my mom, and I considered it for a while, but that form faded away too.

My final form started to morph during the summer after my junior year. I took part in a summer program called School of Doc that allowed me to learn documentary filmmaking. Through this program my new form is born; my form to be a filmmaker. I used my skills in editing and filmmaking and incorporated that into making my own short film, ‘Rio’ on Youtube and I am now continuing down my path, in my form, to become a filmmaker.

My RHS Adventure

Many who go to Riverside hate everything about it. It’s drab gray exterior and dark inside inspire thoughts of Gotham City. Although I don’t think that a school should resemble a prison, or Arkham Asylum, I’m still grateful for everything Riverside has done for me.

I came from a small charter middle school where the class size was 100.

Even there I was so afraid of what other people would think of me that I often wore the same thing every day: black shorts, a black hoodie, and a pair of skating shoes.

I also hid behind a haircut similar to Justin Bieber’s original look (mine was a little longer). It looked a little like a shell, which was perfect because I wanted to go unnoticed and hiding in a shell seemed like a good way to do that.

That was what had worked for me in the past. I got by without getting made fun of or bullied, so I saw no need to change it.

With that in mind, you can imagine what is was like for me to come to Riverside, where the freshman class alone was bigger than my entire middle school.

I only knew a handful of people and felt like I was constantly being judged. I felt like an outsider in many ways, similar to Batman.

Freshman year was interesting. I made a few friends, but I still was still scared about what other people thought of me, so I continued to wear the same thing

A photographer's journey

By Ashley Cruz When I started at Riverside I would never have thought I would like being a photographer and a editor with The Pirates' Hook..

As a sophomore and junior I was a video editor and photographer. This year, I was in charge of editing each picture that gets published.

Newspaper made me what I am today.

If my brother never took this class or told me to take it, I wouldn't know anything about Photoshop and the amazing people that take this class.

• PHOTO BY MAIR FAMET

every day and remained anonymous to most. Just like Batman.

Sophomore year was when I started to break out of my shell. I believe writing for the school newspaper is a big part of what inspired this change in me. I had to introduce myself to people to interview them for stories, and I had to work with the rest of the staff to deliver the best possible content.

For the first time in my life I was putting myself out there and, to my amazement, people didn’t care as much about what I wore or did as I thought, which was a big relief. As a result I started wearing clothes with color, talking to new people and gaining confidence.

I even cut my hair, which had become part of who I was, because I no longer wanted to hide in my shell. I was turning into more of a Bruce Wayne than a Batman, without all the money and fame, of course.

During my junior year I kept trying new things and doing more of what I wanted. I tried running hurdles for the Riverside track team. At first I had signed up to run distance just to stay in shape for soccer season, but the team needed hurdlers and the coach chose me. I ended

• PHOTO BY MAIR FAMET

up being okay at hurdling, but the main takeaway from the experience was that I had fun and made new friends.

Previously, I wouldn’t have even had the courage to run track, let alone go outside my comfort zone and run hurdles.

I also tried to keep meeting new people that year, and I decided I definitely wanted to go to NC State for college.

I’ve been happier as a senior than any other year because of my friends and activities both in and out of school. I work a job that requires me to constantly introduce myself to new people, got into NC State for engineering, and wrote for the newspaper again, albeit only for one semester.

I would still say I’m a quieter person than most, at least when I’m not around people I know. But compared to myself as a freshman I’m completely different.

My black clothing, shell-hair and desire to go unnoticed, like Batman, is still a part of me, but if you met me today you wouldn’t know it.

Managing a secret identity is never easy, but my transition from Batman to Bruce Wayne ended up being the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I have Riverside to thank for it.

May 2018

Senior Shout Outs

Axel Aguilar: Ms. Boliek, Mr. Privette, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Groff, Mr. Bodo Eliza Althisar: Shoutout to my mom for never being in her office when I need her.

Janae Andrews: Mr. Stallings for being the best person ever! And my counselor Ms. Mary Williams for being the sweetest and most real person.

Zoe Ashe-Jones: Shoutout to Coach Hana, Mrs. Tweitmeyer, Mr. Norman, Mrs. Foster, and Mr. Davidson!!!

Tristan Asuncion: Shoutout to Mr. Davidson, one of my favorite teachers.

Shoutout to Marla and all of my friends, and to Mrs. Williams, my counselor who helped me through college apps.

Alexander Berghausen: Mr. Jones Dulce Campos: Jill Boliek 10/10 a star Adam Caves: Mrs. Simpson Heeba Chergui: Mrs. Boliek Safiatou Cisse: Coach Owens Loren Daniel: Ms. Rahili, Mr. Stallings, Ms. Refvem, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Arnold!

Jaylen Davis: Shoutout to Cael, my favorite freshmen James Drosdick: Andrew Markham, for helping me build a better work ethic and set of habits for myself.

Tatiana Edmiston: Shoutout to Mr. Glickenhaus for being the coolest teacher at RHS and for constantly helping me throughout my time at RHS Rebecca Finch: JBo & Mrs. Moreno Emma Fischer: Mrs. Simpson Isaac Gaskins: Shoutout to Ms. Williams for not cutting down all the trees Camron Gerald: GO Sergeant and Major Timia Goins: Shout out to Mr. Brown for dealing with me at lunch time. “I’m not coming back Brown” Brown- “okay see ya in ISS”

Jose Gonzalez: Monica Polanco (custodian lady) Dylan Harden: Jill Boliek Cameron Hayes: Mr. Twietmeyer for always pushing me forward Vantrell Holman: Shout out to my girlfriend Joie Winston for being a wonderful girlfriend Makena Kanyua: Shout out to my lovely sis, Jill Boliek!

Betsy Kelly: Mr. Davidson for keeping me sane throughout senior year and being my #1 supporter Safi Kinyongo: Bff April Whitten Rebecca Koweek: Mr. Davidson, Mr. Velegol, and Mrs. Simpson are three of the most phenomenal teachers and mentors that Riverside is fortunate to have.

Lucas Krieg: Mr. Christopher and Mr. Harris Lauren Laughton: Mrs. Boliek Grey Lehman: Mrs. Simpson: for being so flexible, genuinely kind, and allowing us to come in any time for help.

Mr. Stallings: for life experience tips and being so easy-going. Mrs. Boliek: for countless time spent outside of class working and spring trips. The entire engineering team and Mrs. Brooks: for all your dedication and career prep.

Yorcaef Lopez: Sargeant Mitchell and Major Bailey Chuck Manning Jr: Shoutout to Ms. Gilliam, she’s been there for me when I needed it making me feel like I’m one of her own Natalie Maude: Shouts to Mr. Brown (the administrator.) Enough Said.

Talitha Maxwell: Alana Mack/ Ms.Watson/Ms. Chambers Maritza Mercado Ibanez: Ms. Monique Taylor Gradise Nishimwe: Ms. Swaim Sean O’Keeffe: Shout out to Coach Spell. He’s still with us in spirit.

Aria Oliver: Shoutout to Dr. Huber Tashara Parker: Shoutout to MS. TWEITMEYER SHE’S MY FAV & MS. CARR Emmalee Payne: Shoutout to Mr. Mann for having to deal with all of us annoying band kids.

Dawn Peaks: Shoutout to Ms. Friendlander for having my back every step of the way these past 4 years.

Joseph Perry: Mr. Crowl Emma Refvem: Shoutout to all the people I've been privileged to work with along the way at Riverside. You have built me, you have allowed me to grow, and you have loved me. I am forever thankful!!!

Tanajah Richards: Ms. Baskin Rhys Richards: Mrs. Foster Carlos Rodriguez: Shoutout to Mr. G. Hadiya Smart: Coach Dickerson because he is a real one!

DeNikko Smith: Mrs. Webly, Mrs. Horton Tajmahal Smith: Mr. Twietmeyer for trying to run me over on his moped and Mr. Brown (administrator) for being the realist Allen Stockburger: Adam Davidson, - You know what you did.

Junko Takahashi: Shoutout to Mr. Carter & Mr. Markham RIP Justin Tran: Seriously, shout out to Mr. G tho.

Matthew Weaver: Mr. Stallings for being the best and most chill teacher at RHS Thomas Weaver: Shoutout to Ms. Simpson for reminding me math is fun, to Mr. Lang for always being a great conversation, to Coach Palmer for being a truly great man for a mentor.

Jude Wilson: Shoutout to Mr. Meglin for being a legend.

Sena Zadeh: Mr. Carter, you were the realist.

• PHOTO BY FABIAN HERNANDEZ

Congratulations Mika Twietmeyer DPS Teacher of The Year

Sports Briefs

Cameron Grant races in state championship

9

Baseball falls in round 2

After an exciting victory over Jack Britt High School in the state playoffs, the baseball team lost to New Bern in the second round of the state playoffs.

Sophomore Cameron Grant finished Despite the loss, junior Joe Laird is fourteenth in the 110-meter hurdles proud of the team. at the NCHSAA state championship “I think [the games] went well,” Laird said. “I think winning a game was a track meet.

“I did alright,” Grant said. “Not too really big thing for us, especially since good, but alright. I could’ve improved we were the 22-seed”.

Riverside beat Jack Britt High School the way I was doing my hurdles.”

Grant ran in both heats in the prelims 6-2. Jack Britt was the 11-seed.

“We played really well,” Laird but did not qualify for the finals.

Assistant track and field coach Gerald said.”We had a lot of clutch hits and we Mitchell said the weather conditions on played really good defense.”

The Pirates had a 2-0 lead against New Saturday, May 17 made it difficult.

“It was raining and it was hot so Cam- Bern, the 7-seed, but ended up losing eron wasn’t feeling it,” Mitchell said. 5-3.

Despite finishing outside the top ten, “In the second game we made a few Mitchell and Grant both think his future errors and we weren’t hitting as well,” Laird said, “but we went up against is bright.

“I hope I get a scholarship for track,” good teams so there is not a lot more you can ask.”

Grant said.

Flowers by Gary Distinctive Designs for Discriminating Tastes

Congratulations Class of 2018 Mon-Fri 9:00 to 5:00, Sat 10:00 to 1:00 4914 N. Roxboro Road, Durham, NC Gary Corsi-OConnor

Michael Corsi-OConnor

10

Pirates' Hookok

Senior Wills

"Loki" not the same

By Zoe Ashe-Jones I don’t know a lot about Marvel movies, but what I do know is that I really freaking hate superheroes. Have you ever tried to write a column basing your life around a superhero? I’m gonna say no, because if you had you wouldn’t be reading this, because you’d be on staff and would have already read this story three times while we were proofreading the paper.

That’s why I chose Loki as the “superhero” that best sums up my high school experience. Loki’s actually a supervillain, and his disdain for everything is the same as mine. I hate rain, snow, the sun, running, walking, my friends, my parents, my teachers, people who don’t use their turn signals, people who turn on their turn signals three blocks too early, and people who come into Jamba at 8:55 pm and order three smoothies and a bowl. I can feel my blood pressure rising as I type this.

Loki can also shapeshift into different animals. Throughout my high school career, I’ve been a lot of different animals.

When I started high school, like Loki, I was in the shadows. I didn’t have a lot of friends, and the ones that I had were content to do all of the talking for me. I was like a fly on the wall, watching the world around me but not really engaging with anyone because I was afraid of getting smushed.

Sophomore year I started to come out of my shell, like a baby duck coming out of its' egg. I made friends and I made the life changing decision to join newspaper. When I started, I was so afraid to engage with anyone in the class that instead of writing my story on the Macs in class, I would go to the library with my one friend and work

there for the class period. The first time I ever interviewed someone, I though my head might explode because I was blushing so much. Sophomore year was embarrassing and scary, but I survived, thanks to newspaper. It forced me to come out of my shell and talk to people.

Junior year, I was like a puppy, so eager to make friends with anyone and everyone that I bounced along happily and looked cute most of the time. My old group of friends was splintering apart, but once again, newspaper saved me. I started second semester as the opinion section editor, which felt like a made up position to give people a taste of power.

In newspaper, I made friends who were always down to sneak me out to lunch and make fun of the way I talk. I forced myself to do new things and I enjoyed most of them.

This year has been the best one of high school. I finally learned how to drive, got a job, and made really great friends.

Senior year Zoe is like a unicorn, super dope and pretty and maybe not real a little bit. I became co-editor of the newspaper, got into my dream school, and looked really good at prom. It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows though. I wrote a whole column (which you can check out in the December issue of the paper!) on all the embarrassing things that have happened to me. However, the good outweighs the bad, and that’s what I want you to take away from this.

No matter how much your life sucks right now, it cannot be as bad as my freshman year, when I emailed my middle school teachers (I went to a loving hippy dippy Montessori middle school) every day telling them how much I hated high school. It can’t be as bad as sophomore year, when my grandpa died, my senior boyfriend dumped me

I, Axel Aguilar, Hereby leave my teachings to the chorus gang I, Janae Andrews, hereby leave the tennis team to Izzy Young and Mira Tobin, the lax team to Molly Woods, my #1 spot in the senior class to Ray Palma, and destroying the AP bio curve to Kaia Spero.

I, Zoe Ashe-Jones, hereby leave my mom to Kaia, all my love and a million car rides to my girl gang, my parking spot to Sigrid (please drive Luka to school!), the cross country team to all my chickadees, and the newspaper to Tai, Joe, and Mair.

I, Tristan Asuncion, hereby leave photography and newspaper duties to Eli, Javier, Tai, and Mair and my concession stand money to no one; it’s my money.

I, Alexander Berghausen, hereby leave my body slamming skills to Ben Gordon I, Dulce Campos, hereby leave the chorus room and all the notebook checks to Varyssa have fun boo, I leave you will the spring show and Portia:) I, Heeba Chergui, hereby leave all of my Vine references to Ben Shamblin.

I, Jaylen Davis, hereby leave my top baseball locker to Cael Laird.

I, Rebecca Finch, hereby leave my parking space to Cole Hinson, every pre calc test I failed to Chris Allen and the copy machine to whoever is brave enough to be the overtones TA. I, Catherine Fishback, hereby leave the women’s soccer team all my hate for Northern and all my classwork to my sister.

I, Timia Goins, hereby leave Kendah Kanyua my parking spot in the senior lot and the job of the announcements to her as well.

I, Brandon Goss, hereby leave my Top baseball locker to Cael Laird.

I, Cameron Hayes, hereby leave my parking spot to Massimo Finazzo I, Darby Heflin, hereby leave my bunnies to Sydney Pierce, Camryn Atkinson, and Alexia Crutchfield I, Vantrell Holman, hereby leave my seat on the bus to Shaniah Graves.

I, Cole Infinito, hereby leave the starting QB job to Tyree.

I, Makena Kanyua, hereby leave

my cheating skills to my sister Kenda, and I leave my fake ness to my good sis Tenisce! May my qualities bless you to have a happy, successful, senior year.

I, Betsy Kelly, hereby leave all the glue sticks in the world to Chi, and the responsibility of always arguing with an Infinito brother to Katie.

I, Rebecca Koweek, hereby leave the back of Mrs. Simpson’s classroom, parking space 151, and Mr. Norman’s cat skin to Jason Koweek.

I, Grey Lehman, hereby leave a Bahn’s veggie plate to Ayla Smart, and the Tenor II section and its success to Liam Fellman I, Yorcaef Lopez, hereby is a Fortnite God I, Chuck Manning Jr, hereby thank everyone (all administrators and teachers) for being here for me and on this journey through high school up until now as I’m about to graduate and start a new chapter in my life.

I, Andrew Markham, hereby leave the Wall of Fame to Stone, my patience to Friedlander, and absolutely nothing to Refvem. APUSH > APES I, Natalie Maude, hereby leave all of my answers & FRQs to Cole Hinson because he needs the help.

I, Justin Mofield, hereby am out.

I, Sheenah Nela, hereby leave my beautiful music skills to my sister Sherri, even though she might not live up to my expectations. It was a good run.

I, Sean O’Keeffe, hereby leave my starting spot to either Chodus, Cameron, or Daffron (y’all can fight for it). I leave my Reagan Bush ‘84 shirt to Cole Hinson. And I leave my title of best white basketball player in the school to Joe Laird.

I, Tashara Parker , hereby hope that all my friends that are in a lower grade than me will graduate on time and be great in life I, Emmalee Payne, hereby leave the object I have hidden in the band room.

Good luck looking for it.

I, Dawn Peaks, hereby leave my beautiful friends in room 135 to the most amazing human beings I’ve ever met, Mr. Flippen, Mr. Wilburn, Mrs.V. I, Lewis Reo, hereby leave the number

5 lax jersey to DJ. The number 4 soccer jersey to Kwishawn. And all three lunches to Leo. I, Tanajah Richards, hereby leave my breakfast table to all my friends I’m leaving behind and some knowledge that have gained being here at Riverside.

I, Rhys Richards, hereby have nothing left to give I, Divaldo Santos, hereby leave behind my will to live to Luis I, Hadiya Smart, hereby leave my wrestling legacy to Ashley Gonzalez and my chorus test grades to Anna.

I, Tajmahal Smith, hereby leave $12 to Ashley Gonzalez I, Allen Stockburger, hereby leave the Cross Country/Track team to Taylor Healy. I leave all of the broken tents to Kaia Spero. I leave all of my horrible puns and The List to Toni Arellano.

To Mr. Weiss, I leave the faint odor of vinegar, compliments of Parker Klinck.

I, Junko Takahashi, hereby leave finding rides to school to Kiyo I, Maddie Thomas, hereby leave Gonza Tacos Y Tequila to Meghan Knight I, Justin Tran, hereby leave my Ferrari parking spot to someone with a Ferrari.

I, Matthew Weaver, hereby leave the duty of cheering loudly for Dr.Huber to all underclassmen engineers at the seminar next year.

I, Thomas Weaver, hereby leave every RHS engineering student with the crippling number of emails from Mr.V as I pass on to the alum mailing list. I also leave Mr. Lang all of the unfinished ideas for essays that my procrastination has stolen from him and many more English teachers in my four years.

I, Garrett Whisnant, hereby officially leave my lineman gloves to Chi Infinito (blocking ability not included) I, Jude R. Wilson, hereby leave my subcontractor shirt to Ella Thomas, and to Alayna Rainey I leave my Eagles and Lynyrd Skynyrd tapes.

I, Sena Zadeh, hereby leave my AP English 4 books to anyone... literally anyone. Perfect condition, never opened.

I, Jake Zilles, hereby leave my 100 back time to Hiatt, my frisbee golf equipment to Michael and Liam, and the equinox to Zach.

(PSA: sophomores: don’t date seniors!), and both of my cats died in a five month period. And it definitely cannot be as bad as junior year, when I almost failed precal, AP Chem, and AP Stat, had two

kidney stones, and shattered my phone screen.

Okay, maybe things could be worse.

Most of these are small problems compared to what some people go through,

but I got through it, and so can you.

Regardless of your struggle, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel . For me, that light is graduation. See you never, Riverside.

11

May 2018

SENIOR QUOTES

Axel Aguilar: Stay Humble and Tranquil. Don't let these negative energies get to you. Learn from them.

Eliza Althisar: "I have no idea what's going on, but I'm excited." - Chandler Bing Janae Andrews: Second is the first to lose.

Zoe Ashe-Jones: I just think you're hot, it's not like I want to freaking marry you.

Tristan Asuncion: “The inner machinations of my mind are an enigma” - Patrick Star.

Alexander Berghausen: “Nothing lasts forever.”

Dulce Campos: Screaming all the way until I graduate college.

Heeba Chergui: I really will not miss Riverside.

Loren Daniel: Roll Pirates Roll!

Jaylen Davis: Behind every great man, is a woman rolling her eyes.

James Drosdick: Don’t be afraid to do things on your own, and don’t make your choices based on other’s actions.

Tatiana Edmiston: Roll Pirates Roll!!

Timia Goins: I AM OUT OF HERE!!

Brandon Goss: "I thought it was a deer."

Rebecca Finch: “Alright Mr. Crowl.”

Isaac Gaskins: “The horse just floats” Camron Gerald: Do Better Dylan Harden: I'll be swinging through the town like your neighborhood Spider-Man. Cameron Hayes: BYE BYE Vantrell Holman: I wish them good luck next year.

Cole Infinito: “Now I’m gonna be dead honest with y’all” - Coach Spell Makena Kanyua: Cheating is necessary.

Betsy Kelly: "Road work ahead? Uh yeah, I sure hope it does."

Safi Kinyongo: Don’t cry because it’s over.

Smile because it happened.

Rebecca Koweek: "To teach is to learn twice."

-Maya Angelou Lucas Krieg: Seize the day Yorcaef Lopez: Call me Fortnite Papi Chuck Manning Jr: Work hard today because tomorrow isn’t promised.

Andrew Markham: Bye. Natalie Maude: Worry less !!!!

Talitha Maxwell: Stay in your own lane and focus on what you need to do in order to be successful

Maritza Mercado Ibanez: "I can and I will."

Sheenah Nela: That's disrespectful.

Emmalee Payne: Freshman year I was asked to write a quote in a letter to my senior self. This is what I put: “We’re all stories in the end, might as well make it a good one.”

Dawn Peaks: They said cheating gets you nowhere in life .... but I’m about to graduate.

Joseph Perry: “The Office” season 7 Episode 19 minute 14:45 August Peters: "Sometimes I think I lost something really important to me, and it turns out I already ate it." - Troy Barnes Sadaria Price: “I’m Jack the dragonfly."

Emma Refvem: "Instructions for living a life.

Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it."

Alejandro Rabadan: The people that have what it takes to make it can also get lazy like me.

Lewis Reo: You miss 100% of the shots Anthony doesn't take.

Tanajah Richards: High school was tough but never give up.

Carlos Rodriguez: Lord Academy Divaldo Santos: "I'm not superstitious, but I'm a little stitious." -Michael Scott Hadiya Smart: At the end of every dark tunnel there is light!

DeNikko Smith: I regret nothing.

Allen Stockburger: Ad astra per aspera.

Junko Takahashi: They lied, this was nothing like High School Musical.

Maddie Thomas: “I get half a million just to show up at parties. My life is, like, really, really fun.”- Paris Hilton Justin Tran: I pull up my sleeve and yo tears start freezing’. Better hide your girl it’s flex season. - Yung Gravy James Vollers: You got it set to M for mini when it should be set to W for wumbo.

Matthew Weaver: "The only thing worse than failure is failure to try."

Thomas Weaver: It always comes back to bunny, so I might as well hop along.

Garrett Whisnant: "Not especially." -Garrett Whisnant.

Jude Wilson: "Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man." - The Dude Sena Zadeh: “Bruh, we graduated just to go back to school again.”

Visit thepirateshook.com for up-to-the-minute news

Finding your Wonder

By Sheenah Nela If I had Wonder Woman’s ability to read minds, my life would have been much easier.

Growing up I was always the quiet one in my family. In sixth grade my science teacher forgot I was in his class because I never said a word. Unlike Wonder Woman, my hands would shake, and I would stutter if I had to speak in front of class.

It was one of my biggest fears. My mom would have to drag me to school events because I hated being around people. Everyone was too social for my me. I would tell my dad that I wanted to be a nurse and help people, and maybe go even further in my medical career. He would give me a high five but would tell me that “you need to learn to talk to people and socialize before you become a nurse Sheenah, you will talk to a new person every day.” That sounded so easy that I brushed it off.

But then high school came and before I knew it I was fourteen years old and applying to work at Chick-fil-a, my very first job. I was incredibly nervous and I told my mom before my first interview that I thought I was going to pass out and die. I was that scared. My mom laughed at me the whole ride home.

The interview went well and I got the job, but that wasn’t the hard part. The hard part was talking to strangers every day. Being the introverted person that I am, I tried to put off working my first shift for so long, but eventually I put on the uncomfortable red uniform, took my spot behind the counter and received a five minute rundown of the register from my manager. The leader that I was training with walked away and I looked like a deer in front of headlights.

Then the strangers came. My very first guest was incredibly rude, but she was a warm up to the real deal. Being thrown in forced me to learn on my own and accept the fact that I have to get over my fear of people and socializing.

Second semester of my sophomore year was

rolling around and and I had a free class period I needed to fill up. I looked at the the sheet that we get before every semester and triple checked it because I had no idea what I was going to fill up my last optional elective with. I decided to pick newspaper and try something new, knowing that my counselor would for sure overrule over that decision. I was wrong.

I had an odd feeling walking into that class and not knowing anybody. I instantly hated myself for signing up for it and almost went to my counselor to see if I could take another elective, or even get a head start with another core class. But I stayed, and tried not to cause any trouble. I just kept quiet and sat in the corner for most of the class. My very first assignments was writing short briefs on all the winter sports. This included trying to put my scrambled thoughts into words and try my luck talking to strangers, this time at school.

I decided I was not going to do it, but my head editor, whose name I still don’t remember to this day because I was so antisocial, was not cool with that. He told me how I was going to have to interview someone or be interviewed someday and either way it was going to be scary. He literally told me I had to get over my fear and just jump in without thinking about. I was so nervous during my first interview that I thought the interviewee was making fun of me the whole time.

I stuttered, my stomach did about eight backflips, and I even asked the same question three times.

I’m pretty sure she thought I was gonna pass out or something.

I realized that getting over my social anxiety was easy, but I just didn’t want to try to expand my circle. I didn’t want to choose the easy way because it would burst my bubble and I was too comfortable at where I was. I learned that jumping in and taking risks lets you discover who you are and there are more opportunities waiting if you jump in.

• PHOTO BY MAIR FAMET

12

Most likely to feature with Cardi B

Cuauhtemoc Dominguez

Most likely to run for president

Pirates' Hookok

Junko Takahashi

Darby Heflin Most likely to be Instagram verified

Most likely to host High School reunion

Dylan Harden

Most likely to be a soundcloud rapper

Chris Mitchell Most likely to bring back vine

Sean O'keeffe Most likely to spend the most money on fast food

Cameron Hayes & Austin Duncan

Betsy Kelly

Senior couple most likely to get married

•GRAPHICS BY BERLY PEREZ, BRIANA BLACKWELL, FABIAN HERNANDEZ, YANNDEL CRUZ