April 2016 Stinger by The Stinger

TINGE R S THE

Irmo High School 6671 St. Andrews Rd. Columbia, SC 29212

Photo Credit: Abigail Hutchinson

volume 50, issue 3

the student voice of Irmo High School

April 15, 2016

THE

STINGER STAFF editor-in-chief business manager lifestyle editor features editor opinions editor news editor sports editor circulation manager photography editor staff cordinator adviser The goals of The Stinger are to inform the Irmo High School community about issues of interest through fair and accurate reporting, responsible editorials and enlightening features and to provide an advertising medium in the Irmo community. The Stinger is published six times a year (including a spring prom supplement and a yearend senior class supplement) by Journalism IIIV newspaper students at Irmo High School. Staff editorials reflect the views of a majority of The Stinger senior editorial board. Bylined editorials, cartoons and personal columns reflect the opinions of individual writers or artists. Letters to the editor: The Stinger welcomes letters to the editor from readers. Letters must be signed by their authors and include contact information; the authenticity of the writer will be verified before publication. Letters may be delivered to The Stinger

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Abigail Hutchinson Mariah Kennedy Corey Davis Ahanti Bookman Naomi White Mariah Kennedy Josalyn Helrigel Lanece Davidson Josalyn Helrigel Jessica McCrae Brennan Davis office (room 107) or emailed to abbiehutch@ gmail.com or adviser@ ihsstinger.com. Letters may be edited for offensiveness, libel, grammar, space or style. Requests for anonymity may be considered in cases of sensitive subjects. For advertising information or to request a subscription, please call (803) 476-3071. School District 5 of Lexington and Richland Counties does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, age, disability or handicap in admission to, or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs or activities. Inquires should be directed to the Chief Officer of Human Resource Services (Title IX Coordinator) and the Director of Special Services (504/ ADACoordinator) at P.O. Box 938, Ballentine, SC 29002, (803) 476-8110, www.lex5.k12.sc.us.

Photo Credit: Abigail Hutchinson

IN THIS ISSUE

Hello Irmo and welcome to The Stinger’s 2016 Prom edition! Prom is just a few short days away now. Read through this issue’s stories to be better prepared for prom and to learn about prom in the past years. I hope you all enjoy April 16, whether you end up deciding to prom or not to prom! -Abbie

news Zika Virus threatens health - 3 NHS students share passions- 4

lifestyle

Etiquette changes over time- 6 IHS students compete in promposal contest - 8

features 2015 queen walks memory lane- 10 District 5 takes a bite of the big apple-12

opinions

“T” is for temporary - 16 Different shades, same race- 17 Trying to stay real in a fake world -18 More than meets the eye- 19

sports

Carolina Cup jockey reminisces on 2015 win- 20 Fitness trackers train coaches- 21 THE STINGER

news

Zika Virus threatens health According to the Center of Disease Control, the Zika virus was first discovered in 1947 and is named after the Zika forest in Uganda. In 1952 the first human cases of the virus were detected, and since then outbreaks

becomes infected with the virus, it is passed along to the fetus and can lead to Microcephaly, a very serious birth defect of the brain. Microcephaly affects the growth of the brain and results in the baby having a small head.

tential new disease emergency phenomenon: pandemic expansion of multiple, heretofore relatively unimportant arboviruses previously restricted to remote ecologic niches,” Doctors Fauci and Morens wrote.

Microcephaly also leads to other problems later on in the baby’s life, such as seizures, intellectual disability, delay in development, trouble with balance, etc. The CDC recommends that pregnant woman, and people in general, delay traveling to areas with Zika. If you must travel to those places, talk to a physician about preventing mosquito bites. Isadora Franco, a junior at Irmo High School and a foreign exchange student from Brazil, is concerned about returning home due to the virus’s breakout. “ They’re using bug spray inside our home, which is really weird. My mom kind of warned me that if it gets really bad there, that I should stay here longer. She told me to be careful here also because it’s apparently coming here. But yeah it’s scary.” Franco said. According to The New England Journal of Medicine, doctors Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., and David M. Morens, M.D., the virus will require a specialized response. “ With its recent appearance in Puerto Rico, Zika virus forces us to confront a po-

Doctors Fauci and Morens also focused on the response to the spread of Zika. “ To respond, we urgently need research on these viruses and the ecologic niches. Also needed are better public health strategies to control arboviral spread, including vaccine platforms for flaviviruses, alphaviruses, and other arbovirus groups that can be quickly modified to express immunogenic antigens of newly emerging viruses. With respect to treatment, the arbovirus pandemics suggest that the one-bug-one-drug approach is inadequate; broad- spectrum antiviral drugs effective against whole classes of viruses are urgently needed,” Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., and David M. Morens, M.D, wrote. The CDC warned in late March that the Zika virus could hit the United States as early as this year.

Key Areas with Zika

of the virus have been reported in Tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. According to the CDC, most cases date back to 2007. The first confirmed case of Zika in brazil was on February 1, 2016. The virus has been reported in most areas of Brazil and South America. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes species of mosquitoes . The mosquitoes become infected when they feed on someone that is already infected with the virus. Zika can also be transmitted sexually and through blood transfusion. The illness you get from becoming infected is very mild. The symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. As of right now there is no vaccine available, but there are other simple forms of treatment that are similar to treating a common cold, like getting plenty of rest and drinking fluids. According to the CDC, the biggest threat of the virus is to pregnant women that live in regions where the virus is present or who have recently traveled to an area where the virus is present. If a pregnant woman April 15, 2016

Mariah Kennedey, news editor mariahkennedey@gmail.com NEWS

NHS Students share passions According to Irmo High School student Thomas Birdsong, the National Honor Society is “a national organization established to recognize outstanding high school students.” Birdsong is a member of the National Honor Society. The four core values of this society are academics, leadership, service, and character. To be a member of this society you must maintain at least a 4.0 GPA and you must show strength in all four areas of the core values, not just academics. Membership in the National Honor Society is reserved for juniors and seniors. The positive impact of NHS is connecting the top students and putting

NHS STUDENT: Tom Birdsong assisted in the NHS presentations.

them together. The club has helped others in the community by participating in several community service projects throughout the year. Earlier in the year, they collected nonperishable food items for the Irmo High School food pantry and collected assorted items for the “Hands That Help” program. Members of St. Paul Church of God In Christ established “Hands That Help” in 1999. Their mission is seeking those in need and helping them restore themselves spiritually, mentally, socially, and economically.

NEWS

The National Honor Society held a series of student talks during advisories this past March in The Center for the Arts. The students talked about their passions and interests. The purpose of the talks is allowing students to learn from other students’ talents and interests. The school’s newest addition, The Center for the Arts, has had many amazing art works on display, but it hasn’t had many showcases where students are speaking about subjects so personal and dear to them. “The NHS student showcases provide a way for passionate, motivated students to talk about why the things they do matter and discuss difficulties they’ve faced so that everyone can benefit from the lessons they’ve learned along the way,” said Birdsong. Student speakers included Allison Davis and Victoria Leatherman on March 1, Dorrion Craven on March NHS STUDENTS: Alli Davis (left) and Torie 3, Summer Gandy on March 8, Sam Leatherman (right) created presentations on Padula on March 10, and Richard social media and the transfer of news. Thomas on March 17. The speakers’ to have a 4.0 GPA and I never really presentations included a wide assortment of topics relevant to other Irmo thought that much about my own grade High students. Topics consisted of mod- point average before being inducted into ern media, multilingualism, passion and this society. So it’s really helped me work harder in every single one of my classes emotion, and many more. Irmo High students Davis and to keep my grades up so that I can stay in Leatherman did their presentation on this organization until I graduate,” said social media and the transfer of news. In Leatherman. Another member of the society, Datheir presentation, they discussed how ichi Craven, did his presentation on social media helps them stay in touch. language. During his presentation he “Social media has helped me stay discussed the different categories that connected with news and events not only different languages go into. Irmo High School wide but worldwide “Japanese is my native language as well,” said Leatherman. and English as well because [I grew up “It definitely helps me become more around both] my mom speaks Japanese, aware of what’s going on around the but then my dad spoke English so like world and keeps me able to discuss relhalf and half. And Spanish I just learned evant issues in different classes,” said Dathrough school,” said Craven. vis. Being in National Honor Society has National Honor Society is a society helped Craven to see all of his accom that brings students together and also helps them work hard and be the best that they can be. “Well, I mean being in the NHS is a pretty great thing considering you have THE STINGER

plishments and enjoy working hard for his grades. “It just shows how much accomplishments I’ve gotten over the years meaning like having such good grades,” Craven said. “[It] actually pays off in the end not just to where it’s like ‘oh, I’m getting good grades because I’m told to. ‘It’s like you actually get something out of it and that’s the good part about it.” Craven chose to share his passion for languages in his showcase. “Like for example in Europe, there’s many different languages, but they also have categories that they fit. So like for example French and Spanish would be in a group called Romance languages and German and Dutch would be in the German group. It’s kind of based NHS STUDENT: Craven snaps a pic with a French on those characteristics,” said Craven. student that came to visit Irmo High School. Craven himself speaks three languages. Japanese and English are his English as well because my mom speaks native languages. “Japanese is my native language and Japanese, but then my dad spoke English

so like half and half. And Spanish I just learned through school,” said Craven. Being in National Honor Society has helped Craven to see all of his accomplishments and enjoy working hard for his grades. “It just shows how much accomplishments I’ve gotten over the years meaning like having such good grades,” said Craven. Within this society, there are intelligent, hard-working students who keep their grades up and help their school and community.This society has been a wonderful motivation for the students in the society. After a while, keeping your grades up becomes an accustomed thing.

Lanece Davidson, circulation manager lanecedavidson@gmail.com

Find the 10 differences Find and circle the 10 differences in the photos below.

April 15, 2016

NEWS

lifestyle

Etiquette changes over time

As prom season is right around the corner, students will be getting dressed up and using their best manners in order to have the night of their dreams. The behavior of what makes someone a lady or gentlemen has undergone several changes from past to present. Modern times have given a new definition to the terms “Ladies” and “gentlemen,” the roles have changed greatly in view not just from medieval times but even since the 1950’s. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a lady is defined as a woman who behaves in a polite way, is of a high social position, or is a man’s girlfriend. The same dictionary defines a gentleman as a man who treats other people in a proper, polite way or as a man of high social status. The dictionary definition, however, isn’t necessarily how men and women today view these types of people. In the past being a gentleman was based on physical acts of chivalry like putting jackets over puddles. Today, a gentlemanly act might be a smaller act of

kindness like going to the door to pick up a significant other for a date rather than beeping your car horn from the curb. Senior Phillip Barrett sees many changes between behaviors of gentlemen form the past to now. Barrett believes that the changes in behavior that have occurred over time are primarily negative. “Men are more disrespectful toward women in more ways than one, but I’d rather not elaborate,” Barrett said. Societal changes are common with time; social norms such as the difference between what takes someone from being a woman to a lady are constantly changing as well. Perhaps in the past being a “lady” might have included doing things such as sending out thank you notes after every event she hosts to every last guest who attended, or even something like never using prophanities in public as that would be considered “unladylike.” Irmo High School senior Sara Falso recognizes many changes between ladies of the past and present.

Highs:

“Dressed up and going to dinner after.” -Lisa Burgin “A lot of fun and dancing.” -Willie Frierson “Hanging out with good friends.” -Rob Giovanelli “Going out to dinner and the after party.” -Cindy Long 6 LIFESTYLE

“Throughout time starting in the 50’s the value of being a lady, of being proper reflected your worth greatly. Today women held in high regard are expected to be mannerly, but being proper is no longer the goal. Worth is determined by what’s within one’s hand and not what they look like anymore. It’s no longer as important to look the part of the conventional lady,” Falso said. Falso believes that the changes that have come about between women today and tomorrow are primarily positive. “I personally think the changes are better, but some negative aspects would be that one doesn’t know how to behave in fancy social situations when they do come about,” Falso said. Ultimately, what makes someone a proper lady or gentleman is a matter of perspective more than anything. As time continues to evolve, so will the behaviors of ladies and gentlemen. Naomi White, opinions editor naomiwhite@gmail.com

Lows:

Teachers’ past proms: highs and lows in their own words

“My Date didn’t like to dance.” -Lisa Burgin “It ended at 12 and no one was ready to go.” -Willie Frierson “Terrible venue.” -Rob Giovanelli “Pouring down raining outside.” -Cindy Long

THE STINGER

2016 Prom fashion preview

“

Victoria Jabber “My dress is a two piece with jewels on the top and a puffy bottom.

“

I I don’t think that chivalry is dead, but it is severely wounded. -Phillip Barrett

“I tried it on and really really liked it. It wasn’t the color I wanted, but once I tried it on I fell in love.” “I hope that no one has the same dress as me and I’m excited to wear it.”

Leah Powell

“My dress is blue. It has jewels on it, and it’s a two piece.” “I like my dress because I like the way it fits.” “I’m not nervous about wearing it; I’m ready to twerk in it.”

Kayman Coleman “I’m wearing a burgundy tux that has a floral pattern and a burgundy bow tie.” “I picked this tux because it was different. It’s not the same thing that people wear all the time and it’s creative” “I’m excited to wear it because I don’t dress up all that often its a new experience.”

April 15, 2016

LIFESTYLE

IHS students compete in When people hear the word “prom,” they usually think of beautiful dresses that sparkle in the lights, nice fitting, colorful tuxes, and people looking their best for their date. Let’s not forget about the promposals. You will see it all over social media and all around the school. Promposals occur when a guy (or girl) would like to ask a WINNING PROMPOSAL: David Mansfield’s promposal gift for his date Jacie Crandall. special person to go to prom with them so they without an official promposal. That is prom night even more special for a vado something special for them to let that person know that they what happened to freshman Keleigha riety of different reasons such as having more fun, your pictures will come out would like them to go. There are all kinds Martin who plans to go with a friend. “She just asked me if I wanted to much better, and parents will be happy of ways that people do these promposals. go and I said ‘yes’,” Martin said. that their daughters went with friends It could be something small like a simple Martin was one of the people who instead of a boy (or boyfriend). Martin card or something big like a new car. didn’t mind not getting a present or a big is one of those people who is going with The possibilities are pretty much endless promposal from the person who asked a friend. when it comes to this kind of thing. her to prom. It’s not always about having “I am going with my friend ElizaGifts for a promposal come in a real date for some people. Some people beth,” Martin said. many different forms: singing, dancing, prefer going to prom with a friend or a Prom has been around for a long or buying that person a lot of their fagroup of people. They may choose this time. When you see the promposals that vorite food. Not every promposal is that option because they are single or they can people do today and the ones that people complex and they don’t have to be. Some choose it just because they think it will did in the past, you see a difference. Topeople just want to go the simple way for be more fun. According to www.bustle. day, you see that people will go all out their date. Irmo High School junior Kescom, going with friends could make your for theirs. When you look back, you will ton Rice has planned his promposal. see that people just come up to “I plan on spelling out someone and asked them. Irmo ‘prom’ in balloons and using High School teacher Laura some roses,” Rice said. Carson went to her high school Kara Baine was asked prom. She is also one of the to prom with a poster. females that asked her date to “He told me that we prom. were going to eat lunch at Miki“I asked him. He was in no’s with my freind Logan, college. He was my boyfriend at and then he picked me up and the time so I said ‘I would really he just brought me to Nursery like for you to go.’ He capituRoad Elementary School and lated,” Carson said. he made me close my eyes and When people go to prom he went in the trunk and he got today, they usually plan on what a big sign and it had an inside they are going to do afterward joke on it,“ Baine said. and beforehand. You will see On the other hand, people going out to eat or to some people will just walk up PROMPOSAL: Kara Baine asked to prom by Brian Doyle. a hang-out spot where they go to someone and just ask them before the actual prom. Back

8 LIFESTYLE

THE STINGER

promposal contest then, some people just went to the prom without doing anything extra. Laura Scotti, Irmo High School history teacher, notes some differences between today and back then. “This was back in 1975, so everything was very casual. Back then, and I came from a small community, we had the prom in the gym. The junior class decorated…and we had simple refreshments. There was no going out to dinner beforehand. It was just basically a dance,” Scotti said. There is also a difference in cost for tickets. According to Scotti, back then the cost for tickets was much cheaper than it is today. The dresses that the girls wore to prom were also different styles. Scotti described what she wore for her prom. “I wore a long sundress and I made it and just wore flat sandles,” Scotti said. Since there are all kinds of ways

that people can ask their dates to prom, it’s basically like a friendly competition for some people. Here at Irmo High School, the friendly competition can get you good things. The junior board sponsored a competition that gave students a chance to show off their best promposals. Once that person promposed to their date, they had to take a picture or a video of it and put it on Twitter or Instagram. People voted for their favorite one and there can only one winner so the couple that had the best promposal got two free tickets to prom and the guy got a free tux rental from Tux-On-Trux. Ms. Deese, Irmo High School’s child development teacher, is responsible for making these things happen. “I am the junior board class sponsor, so I am over making all proms happen,” Deese said. Once all of the votes were in, the winner for the promposal competi-

tion was finally decided by Ms. Deese and the junior board. They announced that the winner was David Mansfield’s promposal. “I got her an Alex and Annie bracelet and I put a key on it and then I said ‘prom with you is a major key’ and that’s about it,” Mansfield said. Mansfield’s idea came from a trip to the mall. “I was in the mall and I saw that and I just made the connection and thought it would be funny,” Mansfield said. Prom and promposals are very meaningful for a lot of people. People want to go all out for this event so they can remember it for a long time. They show off their beautiful dresses and tuxes and they make the best out of the night. Ashanti Bookman, Features editor Bookmanashanti@gmail.com

again 17 What’s something people Describe yourself at 17 in would be surprised to know three about you?words? Optimistic, This is something interesting.hard working, de-

Elizabeth Ben Yahia

termined What was your favorite thing to do after school? something I What’s used to people love to read and would be surprised to know anything with speak Spanish, about you? languages. This is something interesting.will you tell What advice your then 17-year-old self? Take more time to relax. April 15, 2016

LIFESTYLE

features

2015 Queen Walks Memory Lane

2015 was the first year in decades that Irmo High School has had a prom queen. 2015 graduate Camille Doloughty, won the title of Irmo High School’s 2015 Prom Queen. Doloughty never knew she was being nominated for prom queen. “ Are you serious? I didn’t

prom queens. prom should be a memorable night, “In my opinion, voting for a so Deese tries her best to make prom prom queen sends a damaging message unforgettable. that ranks girls depending on wealth or “We will have seven special attractiveness,” Pierce said. awards that will happen. One of them Apparently to the students that has to do with eyebrows, we will have a voted for Doloughty thinks she carries red carpet; we will have a guest intertraits that PierceA feels a queen should viewer, paparazzi; we’ll have the best carry. “ I think a good prom queen should set a good example with good grades and personality as well as popularity,” Pierce said. On television a lot of times, prom queens are normally the more popular and more attractive looking females in the school and Pierce also thinks so. USC 2016: Doloughty snaps a quick pick with a friend in PROM 2015: Doloughty and close friend Wells Deschamps “ Prom 2016 at her new home, USC . at 2015 prom. queens along even know people nominated me,” said with most music, and I’m really excited about my Doloughty. elections are just based on dad building this 9 foot thing going She walked around prom that popularity, I think most people vote for behind the DJ. It’s like the Hollywood night urging her peers to vote for her who they know personally. Other than sign; he’s building this thing that says best friend since he was in the running that, it’s mainly based on popularity or HOLLYWOOD and lights are going to and surprisingly she won also. attractiveness,” Pierce said. be on it,” Deese said. Doloughty feels there are Unlike Pierce, Hope Deese After winning Irmo High certain qualities a prom queen needs in who advises the prom committee at School’s prom queen and graduating order to own her title. Irmo High has different thoughts and from Irmo in 2015, Doloughty went on “I guess friendly, caring, and very feelings on why high schools should to become a student at USC. She’s maoutgoing.” have prom queens and kings. joring in journalism and creative writing Prom queen hasn’t been the “When I think of prom queen and one day hopes to pursue a successonly title Doloughty won. and king, I think of the nicest people in ful career as a journalist. The 2016 Irmo “My freshman year during the school. The nicest senior boy and the High prom queen will be announced on homecoming I won Miss Freshman, my nicest senior girl,” Deese said. April 16, 2016 during prom. senior year during homecoming I won Deese’s perception of traits for Miss Senior and I was a senior represen- prom queens are also similar to Peirce’s tative but never anything big like prom ideas. jessica McCrea, staff coordinator queen,” stated Doloughty. “I think they over all need to jessicamcCrea@gmail.com Some students such as Logan be a good person. For me it’s all about Pierce, a junior at Irmo High School, personality,” Deese said. feels as if high school shouldn’t have For most high school students

10 FEATUREs

THE STINGER

Prom: Do’s & Don’ts

With April 16 finally being only one day away, it’s only hours before the day we finally get to show off our prom attire. The occassion is one to go down in the books, but a lot of things can happen to take it from special to stressful. Check out your fellow yellow jackets’ do’s and don’ts of prom below to make Prom 2016 the best one yet...

Do’s:

Don’ts:

“Do take pictures.” -Olivia Dodgins “Do get your nails, eyebrows, and hair done.” -Tiana Riley “Do have fun no matter who you are with.” -Aaryanna Dandridge “Do wear a red bow tie.” -Jake Faber “Do dance appropriately.” -Joseph Crisp “Do make the effort.” -Spencer Jordan “Do slay.” -Andrew Stevenson “Do stay trending.” -Se’Quan Hemmingway

“Don’t over do it.” -Olivia Dodgins “Don’t get a spray tan that day or you will look like a Fanta.” -Tiana Riley “Don’t give into peer pressure.” -Aaryanna Dandridge “Don’t go to prom with more then one person.” -Joseph Crisp “Don’t over do it with clothing.” -Spencer Jordan “Don’t come late.” -Andrew Stevenson “Don’t fall; wear shoes you can walk in.” -Se’Quan Hemmingway

April 15, 2016

FEATURES

District 5 takes a bite of the

During the week of spring break, twelve honors theater students flew with students from Spring Hill and Dutch Fork to New York City. While on their trip, the group had many activities planned out, such as going to see the musicals “The Lion King,” “Les Miserables,” and “Matilda.” Also while in New York, the students visited many general tourist

attractions, notably The Stardust Diner, a famous diner that a lot of celebrities in New York eat at. The cost of the trip came down to $1,500 per person. To help with paying, the students did two fundraisers over the course of the school year. Their first fundraiser was to sell tumblers (plastic cups) and their second fundraiser was selling gift cards from various businesses. Lyle Browne, theater teacher at Irmo High School and designated chaperone for the trip, was the driving force behind the fundraisers. “We did two this school year; we wanted to do more. They were somewhat successful; it was up to the student going to do as much as they could. It was the student’s decision to fundraise the money they needed to go on the trip,” Browne said. This is the first time the Irmo Theater Program has done this trip. The deci-

RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL: The students took a

tour at Radio City Music Hall and got the opportunity to be part of the small crowd that is allowed to step onto the stage due to it’s busy schedule. sion to go was decided between Browne and Mrs. Victor, the theater teach at Dutch Fork High School. “It was actually a decision that Mrs. Victor from Dutch Fork and I talked about. We wanted to originally take them to the Tony Awards, but it was too expensive and too difficult to go during that time period. So we just decided to give our kids an opportunity to see shows on Broadway and give them opportunities they wouldn’t have here in South Carolina,” Browne said. The trip is offered exclusively to honors students. The students also got to go backstage and see things many people that live in New York don’t get to see. “They [got] to do stuff that I haven’t done and I’ve been doing theater for 35 years. They actually [got] to get the chance to go backstage and see the costumes and the props of that show. They [got] to have talkback where they get to interact and talk with the actors of “Les Miserables” on Broadway, something most people don’t ever get to do even if they get to Broadway and see a show,” Browne explained. All expenses were covered by the trip

FEATURES

THE STINGER

big apple cost besides one meal a day and anything students care to buy themselves. The room arrangements were split up by gender, four to a room with some rooms having less and some rooms having a mixture of students from the three schools. Olivia Doggins, junior at Irmo High School, was pleased with her room arrangements. “I’m excited because I [got] to room

with my friends,” Doggins said. The musical that a lot of the students were most excited for, including Doggins, is “The Lion King.” “It’s a childhood favorite of mine and I know every word to every song,” Doggins said. Many students planned to spend plenty of money while on the trip. CENTRAL PARK: Students sharing a lunch in Central Park beT h e y fore exploring several different parks of the city. planned to buy things over $500 because it’s New York. You can’t such as clothes, typical tour- help but spend money on fabulous looking ist souvenirs, and things things and not care exactly how much you from the gift shop at the spend,” Perkins said. musicals. Zhane Perkins, a junior at Irmo High NEW YORK CITY: View from outside the bus as the students came School, planned to spend Corey Davis, lifestyle editor money unconditionally. coreydavis@gmail.com from the JFK airport and entered into the city. “I [planned] to spend

ON THE EASEL with Javon Holmes

At what age did you begin creative writing? I was in the first grade. Who are some authors that inspire you? Vince Gilligan, Quinton Tarintino, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. How will writing influence your career path? I plan on writing screenplays or novels. In what genre do you primarily write? Anything but non-fiction.

April 15, 2016

FEATURES

Z B BUZZ Z U B

THE

Ride along to see this movie

The Stinger reviews the latest books, movies, television shows and CDs for you! New drama turns tables

“Ride Along 2”

“Ride Along 2” is an American action and comedy

film starring some of Hollywood’s most famous faces such as Kevin Hart, Ice Cube, Sherri Shepard, Benjamin Bratt, and Ken Jeong. The film was released January 15, 2016. This sequel digs further into the storyline of “Ride Along,” which was released January 17, 2014. The film has an action filled plotline, but revolves around the fine art of comedy. Ben Barber (Kevin Hart) is about to marry his partner, James Payton’s (Ice Cube) sister. They are sent to Miami to solve a case but they must work fast to be back in time for Ben’s wedding. There were a few times here and there where it was as if the actors were trying too

hard to be funny, which made it not funny at all, but apart from that I think this was the most hilarious movie I’ve seen since the first one. My favorite part of this movie was the casting. Without the cast that was chosen, I don’t think I would have laughed as hard as I did. The movie is rated PG13 due to its few suggestive conversations and language throughout the movie along with some mild violence, but for the most part this movie can be classified as a family film. I would describe “Ride Along 2” as a comedic film with a bit of action and a dash of romance. After this film I hope to see more projects in the future starring Kevin Hart and Ice Cube.

-Josalyn

MOVIE

Taco ‘bout it Del Taco

Harbison’s newest addition Del Taco is a very unique restaurant. When you hear “taco” in the title you automatically think tacos. Contrary to what you might think, Del Taco serves fast food items such as burgers and fries. The cheddar chicken quesadillas meal came with fries. The fries tasted good with just the right amount of salt. Behind the counter you can see the fridge where they refrigerate their ingredients so you know they’re fresh and cold. The restaurant had three sauces that you can apply to your food: Mild, Scorcho, and Inferno. In addition to the food, they serve sodas such as Sprite, Coke, and Mountain Dew

14 OPINIONS

“Vinyl”

“Vinyl,” a new show on HBO created by Mick Jagger, Terrance Winter, and the critically acclaimed director Martin Scorsese is more than just another show about a record label. “Vinyl” takes place in the 1970s right in the moment of the emergence of hiphop and disco. This show is a love letter to the music and culture of that era. The drama stars Bobby Canaveral as Richie Finestra, the owner of the fictitious record label American City Records. The show’s story arc revolves around American City Records’ desperation to become a wealthy business following the up and downs , along with undertones of what music means to the record label’s owner. What’s most interesting about “Vinyl”

T.V.

is its depiction of the music industry in the 70s. It’s truly a blast to the past. The performances from the cast is truly captivating, making “Vinyl” one of the most intriguing shows not only of this year but of this decade. No show is without its faults and “Vinyl” is no exception. This show is no breath of fresh air in terms of the characters. The whole Italian cocaine addict from New York character has been repeated and beaten to death ,especially by Scorsese himself. Overall, despite its glaring flaws in character creativity, “Vinyl” is a great show that will have your hands fatigued from holding on the edge of your seat.

-Corey

KanYAY does it again “The life of Pablo”

and juices such as Hi-C for small children. Their sweet tea wasn’t all that great. The tea itself was very strong and tasted almost sugarless. The staff was very diligent, kind and welcoming to the incoming customers. While customers were eating, they were handing out hand necklaces just for fun. The people really looked like they were enjoying themselves and the food. There’s even a drive thru if you wish to eat at home. This restaurant is recommended to anyone who likes Mexican food and fast

food.

- Lanece

FOOD

Singer, songwriter, and prducer Kanye West released his new album “The Life of Pablo” on February 14,2016… Valentine’s Day. West made the choice to release “The life of Pablo” on a free app called “TIDAL,” which is owned by his good friend Jay-Z Carter. This is the first album so far that West has released on one platform alone and is the first time he has released music on this app. The album is 18 songs long, each song lasting anywhere from 56 seconds to over 6 minutes. The album features many different artists of a variety of styles including Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar. Unlike his 2013 album “Yeezus,” the artist has gone from treating himself like a god in his music to using new influences of traditional gospel to sing about

MUSIC

the Christian lifestyle. Every song in “The life of Pablo” is cohesive in sound yet each one has its own personality if you will. Overall I think it’s worth it to get the app even if it’s just for Kanye then deleting it when you’ve gotten enough of “The life of Pablo”; however if you’re a big Kanye West fan, you might consider keeping the app based on the rumor that all of his future music will be released through the ”TIDAL” app.

-Naomi

THE STINGER

What’s #trending @ Irmo?

#REDHAIR “Red hair is a trending color right now.” Autumn Scott

#BOXCUTS “They’re really edgy, especially with the right color.” Michael Etheridge

#FLAREPANTS “They’re cute for the spring with a cute tank and accessories.” Celicia Bibbs

#DRESSES “They’re always trending- Winter through summer.” Ra’doria Smiley

April 15, 2016

OPINIONS

opinions

“T” is for temporary

Sure it’s normal for high school students to date, but why should our relationships with one another be so serious? Chances are pretty high that you’re not going to make it all the way through

high school dating the same person, so why shed so many tears over them? It seems as if now adays kids go to school more for relationships than to learn. I can’t even memorize the quadratic formula without hearing a group of girls fuss and complain about how their boyfriends cheated on them. I mean c’mon. We’re teenagers. How are you going to expect your boyfriend or girlfriend to give you all of the attention in the world when they can barely pay attention in class? Teenagers can’t settle on one thing. We’re like toddlers in a candy shop. We want everything we see. I’m not saying this justifies treating your boyfriend or girlfriend wrong, but it shouldn’t be too shocking to hear that he/she likes someone else. It’s simple. You meet someone, grow an attraction to them, and you date them. At this age it’s normal to have feelings for another person and want to be in a relationship with them, but it doesn’t necessarily mean dating is the only option. There’s nothing wrong with having a close guy friend that you hang out with outside of school and

act flirtatiously with; someone you can count on for a shoulder to cry on. I don’t necessarily believe that relationships are only meant for adults or people who are more experienced at life. I have a friend with parents who have been together since 11th grade. My parents even met in high school. The problem with so many young people getting in relationships is that when it comes to an end, it seems like the end of the world. It’s important for teenagers to come to the the realization that there’s a huge chance that they won’t marry the person they’re dating in high school. There’s an even larger chance that they might not be in a relationship with that person outside of high school. While I don’t think there’s anything wrong with teenagers dating and experimenting with new responsibilities, I do encourage them to not put their relationship before the things that will really matter ten years from now. Josalyn Helrigel, sports editor josaylnhelrigel@gmail.com

KIDS HALL IN THE

What are you looking forward to with Prom?

Freshman

“ Looking forward to going” - Marcus Danley

OPINIONS

SOPHOMORE “To get asked to prom.” - Tralaya Moore

JUNIOR

“Everyone gets to do whatever they think is fun. You can go , and then you don’t.” - Andrew Crutchfield

SENIOR

“I’m asking one of my special ed friends, so he can have a prom experience.” -Breanna Norton THE STINGER

Different shades, same race

It’s very common to find the following statements plastered all over social media today: “Every black is beautiful.” “You’re too pretty to be a dark skin.” “Light skins have pretty skin.” Well, guess what! Newsflash: AfriApril 15, 2016

can Americans are just different shades of brown. I’m not trying to be mean, but you don’t see white people arguing about who is paler than the other or who is tanner. They’re not worried about skin complexions or what complexion is better than the other.It’s 2016 and people are still arguing about a problem that was instilled in the African American community by a slave owner named William (Willie) Lynch to turn blacks against each other. According to africanamericanimages.com, Lynch gave a speech called The Making of a Slave on the bank of the James River in Virginia in August 1712. During that speech Lynch told slave owners how to control their slaves. “You must use the dark skin slaves vs the light skin slaves and the light skin slaves vs the dark skin slaves,” Lynch said (archive.org). So while you’re arguing with someone about whose skin complexion is better, just know you’re letting Lynch get what

he wants. So who has a better skin complexion? Neither. Lynch is going to win until this entire thing stops. Light skins aren’t any better because they have skin tones closer to whites, and dark skins aren’t to be treated any less because they’re darker. Just love you for you, and embrace who you are and what you represent. Dark skin vs light skin, in my opinion, is just another type of conflict between the African communities. People say they want respect and to be treated equally by other races, but they’re constantly tearing each other down instead of building each other up. How can you expect another race to respect you if you can’t respect each other? So get your life together and think about how you treat each other. Jessica Mccrae, staff cordinator Christiana07@icloud.com

OPINIONS

Trying to stay real in a fake world

These days it’s hard to tell the difference between what’s real and what’s fake. It’s sad to say, but we live in a fake world. Anything can be deceiving now, such as what we see and read in the tabloids and the gossip our “ friend “ just told us about another friend that they probably shouldn’t have. It’s difficult to stay real and true to yourself when you don’t know who or what you can trust. It’s sad when we can’t even trust our so-called best friends sometimes. If you tell them a secret that you don’t want to get out, but they just couldn’t keep it in, soon enough people will know. It’s a giant stab in the back. The celebrities we all look up to are a great example of a “ fake person.” I mean how real could they be? We have people like the Kardashians for example that we see on every news, or gossip sight, even social media. Their life is like a giant circus, so we should start looking for better

OPINIONS

role models to look up to spend our time looking up and reading about on the internet. Reading about which celebrity might be dating the other is not relevant in our lives. Also how people portray themselves on social media can be deceiving .It’s usually one big exaggeration. Anyone can get a thousand followers just by posting the right picture that took a million tries, or saying the things that the people would want to hear. Do you think you would have half of those followers if you posted a bad picture of yourself, or said what you really wanted? Also would any of them be your actual friends? I know it’s very hard to not gossip about people, even your friends, especially when you hear that one bit of gossip that’s just so good not to tell. But we should really try and stop talking about one another; it doesn’t make any of us feel better about ourselves and usually we feel guilty . It also doesn’t make any of us better people. People probably don’t want to be around someone that will go behind your back and talk about you. No, be real. If we surrounded ourselves with people that keep it real and tell it like it is, we could be a lot happier and cut out a lot of the excess stress in our lives. Most importantly, we have to keep it real with ourselves.

Savannah Rubiez

Why did you start playing softball? My dad started playing and I got interested.

What was the first team you played on? The Cubs at Seven Oaks.

What’s your favorite memory? I hit a homerun in rec. league.

Inside the

HUDDLE Eric Garcia How long have you been playing soccer?

I’ve been playing for about 13 years.

What made you start playing?

Ever since I touched a soccerball, I knew it was the sport for me.

What is your favorite thing

Once you step out, all your problems go away.

Mariah Kennedey, news editor kennedeymariah5@gmail.com THE STINGER

More than meets the eye

We are quickly approaching a season of events that seem to almost scream at you to try to look your best. But how low of a level have we reached as a society to put such an emphasis on our exterior appearances? If all we are striving for is the perfect prom dress, the dream body, or amazing makeup, how deeply will we ever be able to experience our lives? We are all so fortunate to be born into a time period where people are consumed with the idea of beauty, but unfortunately without a 100% accurate definition of the word. We see a model who has the right body, the right hair, and the right clothes, and say that they are beautiful. So often we use our eyes to define someone’s beauty rather than our hearts. Beauty is not what lies above the skin but what is found beneath it, out of touch of the eyeliners and hair accessories that can cover the exterior flaws. You can walk down the aisle of any grocery store, Walmart, or Target and you will find row after row of products that promise you the look of your dreams. April 15, 2016

Lotions and creams and sprays that tell you you will be all you have wanted to be if you use them. It seems as if the idea of looking good has become so consuming in our society and, in the process, it has begun creating an era of people who will be left feeling very lost after our good looks fade away. To be skinny, or fashionable, or toned, or tanned, or polished, or primed, or perfection are all very temporary adjectives. Very few people will keep their teenage or young adult looks and body that they have as they grow older. Our society puts so much time and energy trying to rid themselves of external flaws and make themselves look as good as possible, yet these looks are so far from being permanent. One day I know that I will look in a mirror and stare into the face of a much older version of myself, and I don’t want to have to search that face to try to find something beautiful about myself but rather know that my beauty is found in the way I have lived, acted, and treated people over the years. We all have so much more potential than to just look the way that society wishes for us to look. We have the potential to be beautiful in every aspect of our lives. Rather than focusing on obtaining something that will not last, why not focus on doing and being someone that can affect others on a deeper level? Beauty is so much more beautiful than we have let it become. Beauty is not seen at eye level, but rather felt through our actions and words. In the words of Buddha: don’t be eye candy, be soul food.

Check us out online at.... http:// issuu.com/

Abigail Hutchinson, editor-in-chief abbiehutch@gmail.com

OPINIONS

Carolina Cup jockey reminces

Photo Credit: Tod Marks

In America, the sport Photo Credit: Tod Marks of steeplechase is not as widely participated in and enjoyed as in other parts of the world. It’s a sport that celebrates the relationship between man and horse. Steeplechase is a form of horse racing which includes objects such as hedges or ditches on the course which are used as jumps. The Carolina Cup is a local steeplechase race that was held on April 2, 2016 in Camden, South Carolina. Steeplechase, and horseback riding in general, is a sport unlike all others. Bernie Dalton, winning jockey of last JUMPING HURDLES: Dalton rode Diplomat, a horse who had just arrived and was competeing in the Carolina year’s Carolina Cup, Cup as his first race in America. has been racing and it makes the horse make a mistake. It can went from there,” Dalton said. riding horses for about cost you any chance in a race if you make 25 years. “It’s not like a car racing where you a bad mistake somewhere along the line can just in there and steer it around and on the fence or something,” Dalton said. Dalton first got involved in horseback press the pedals; the horse is very responsive to the rider so if you make a mistake riding at age 18 and since then has won first in the Grand National, first in the CarPhoto Credit: Tod Marks olina Cup, and second place in the Colonial Cup, among others. “When I lived in Ireland, my mother used to work at a farm which was just down the road from a racing stable and I used to see the horses going back and forth. When I was a child, I was always amazed by the horses, so when I was old enough I got a job at BERNIE DALTON: Through his many experithe stables over there ences with steeplechase racing in the local DIPLOMAT: The Carolina Cup was Diplomat’s first race in the and they taught me area, Dalton has become familiar with most to ride, and it kind of United States. of the other horses competing. SPORTS

THE STINGER

on 2015 win Dalton rode Diplomat, a horse from Daybreak Stables competing in his first race in the United States, and won the Carolina Cup by a half-length in 2015. Dalton works at a barn that is stationed in Camden, South Carolina, making the win extra special. “It was like 2015 CAROLINA CUP: Katherine Allen and Jennifer Wilkins in their winning in your race day attire. back yard and that was a real treat,”

Dalton said. This year’s cup was the 81st Carolina Cup Steeplechase. Balance the Budget, ridden by Mark Watts, won first place at the 2016 Carolina Cup. Watts dominated the race as he finished with almost a complete four-length victory. This win at the Carolina Cup was the first victory that Balance the Budget has seen since March of 2015 at the Imperial Cup in Aiken. Although Dalton did not race in the Carolina Cup this year, he gained another win at the Camden Plate that afternoon winning a total of $30,000 with Shadowfax Stables Express Line. Abigail Hutchinson, editor-in-chief abbiehutch@gmail.com

Looking for a good read? Open up a new book, and open up a new adventure! Check out the Library Media Center at Irmo High School: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 7:50-4:00 Wednesday 9-4

L April 15, 2016

I B

A RY

SPORTS

Fitness trackers train coaches Technology has advanced to new levels within the past decade. With the help of some pretty popular companies like Samsung, Microsoft, Adidas, and Nike, activity trackers have been created to help one live the healthiest lifestyle possible. These devices measure various types of data such as number of steps walked, heart rate, quality of sleep, steps climbed, and more. Companies have designed the gadgets to help people take charge of their health. A survey by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project shows 69% of U.S. adults tracks a health indicator for themselves or a loved one. Using these devices may cause one to pay attention to certain aspects of their health that they never noticed before. Irmo High School basketball coach Tim Whipple says the FitBit tracker has made him more alert with his physical activity. “I find myself checking it every day just to kind of see what I did for that day. I think it makes me a little more conscious of the physical activity I do each day,” Whipple said. Due to the many functions that

these high end devices perform, one can only assume they ’re not too cheap. Fitbit trackers generally range a ny w h e re f r o m $80-$200 and Nike Bands cost a ny w h e re from $50$200. Even less popular trackers sell YARA ROSE: Rose is displaying her Nike Fuel Band. anywhere from $40these devices might actually be quite $200. The prices are based on the types motivating when helping people reach of data being recorded. Devices that their health goals. Yarah Rose, Physical collect more data might cost more than Science and Chemistry teacher at Irmo those that only track heart rate or steps High School, uses the Nike Fuel Band walked. SL. While “It has an app online where it does many peo- little cheers for you while you’re runple might ning. It connects to Facebook and when find these people click ‘like’ it will send cheers to d e v i c e s me while I’m running. It’s very encouruseful to aging,” Rose said. keep them Fitness trackers have become very physically popular within the past decade. Ach e a l t h y , cording to www.statista.com, shipment other peo- amounts of these devices increased drasple find it tically by the end of 2015 with Garmin beneficial at 1 million, Samsung at 1.3 million, on a men- Apple at 4.1 million, and FitBit at 8.1 tal level. million. That number is expected to rise The unique significantly within the next decade. features that have been incorpoJosalyn Helrigel, sports editor rated in TIM WHIPLLE: Whipple is looking forward to incoorporating his FitBit tracker josalynhelrigel@gmail.com some of during basketball season.

22 SPORTS

THE STINGER

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mad lib Prom is coming up and I couldn’t be more __________. I already have my __________ and __________. My __________ is __________. I’m getting my __________ specially done. I want to make everyone __________ when I walk in. I’m going over to my __________ house to get ready. Last year, my date was __________. This year

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__________ asked me to the prom. I’m really __________ they asked. One of my friends is taking us in a __________. Afterwards, she’s taking us to __________ for dinner. I heard there is going to be a really __________ DJ this year. I hope he plays __________ by __________. I also heard there’s going to be a __________ there this year. This year’s prom is going to be __________!

April 15, 2016

GAMES

sun

mon

tues

April wed

Boys Varsity Lacrosse @ A.C. Flora

thurs

April Foolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day 9

Alive @ 25 4-8pm

National Pretzel Day

Boys Varsity Tennis @ Dutch Fork

Income taxes Boys Varsity due! Baseball @ River Bluff

sat

fri

Coed Varsity Girls VarsiRegionals ty Soccer @ Dutch Fork

Prom Night @8pm

Earth Day

Arbor Day

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