The Wolverine

— October 2012 —

The Walker School

Volume XIV Issue 1

Wolverine

The

Cover Photo: Sophmores Shannon Keegan, Haley Timbrook, Glenn Strother, Collier Middleton, and James Pittinger celebrate Spirit Week!

Courtesy of Nicolette Paglioni

Faculty

Students

Drama

Editorial

WALKER WALKERS: FACULTY POWERWALKING TEAM ON PAGE 2

JIMMY BUSCH: AN UNSUNG HERO ON PAGE 6

BACKSTAGE WITH LITTLE WOMEN ON PAGE 11

SEC STILL THE BEST? ON PAGE 8

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The

Wolverine

The Wolverine The Wolverine, founded in 1999, is the newspaper of The Walker School, 700 Cobb Parkway North, Marietta, Georgia 30062. Telephone: (770) 427 - 2689. E-mail: wolverine@thewalkerschool.org The Wolverine is published seven times during the school year by the members of the student body.

Guest articles and letters to the editor may be submitted. Submissions must include the writer’s name and be hand-delivered or emailed. The meaning of any submission will not be altered, but The Wolverine reserves the right to edit for coherence. Rights are also reserved to postpone or withold publication any letter, article, or advertisement submitted. Final decision on publication rests with the Editor-In-Chief in consultation with the entire Editorial Board and the Journalism Adviser.

Guest articles and letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Walker School, its administration, or employees.

Copyright authority to the material (articles, graphics, etc.) contained in this publication is strictly held under reserve by the Editorial Board. Any reproduction or alteration without written consent is strictly prohibited.

The staff of The Wolverine is comprised of members of the Upper School Journalism Class.

The Wolverine serves as a voice for the Walker Community. (wolverine@thewalkerschool.org)

Journalism Adviser: Kaitlyn Ranney 2012-2013 Staff Editor-In-Chief: Coleman Hedden. ‘14 Managing Editor: Travis King, ‘14 Assistant Editors: Victoria Hudson, ‘14 Mary Grace Walsh, ‘14 Photographer: Molly West, ‘13 Reporters: Alex Brack, ‘15 Courtney Cox, ‘14 Nicolette Paglioni, ‘15 Meredith Wright, ‘13

Meet the Faculty Powerwalking Team

BY Travis King As you depart Walker in the afternoon, you may see a group of faculty members, led by Director of Safety and Security Lynn Benfield, walking through the parking lots or around the athletic fields. The powerwalking group is not widely known throughout campus, but they are out hitting the pavement almost every day after school.

Benfield originally began walking around campus to lose weight after a shoulder surgery and also to patrol the campus in the afternoon.

A few faculty members became interested in tagging along, and at the beginning of last school year, School Nurse Dana Ferguson decided to start accompanying Benfield on his walks around campus. The duo soon became a trio when Lower School Teacher Charlene Papadopoulos also joined in. The group walks four days per week, only resting on Fridays.

They have several courses across Walker’s 34-acre property to choose from. The main course starts at Robertson Field, goes up Damar Road, passes by the new Upper Parking Lot and tennis courts, comes down through the student lot, goes all the way around the carpool circle, passing the Middle and Lower schools, and then finally loops back around to Robertson Field.

Additionally, instead of going up Damar Road, the group will often head through the Preschool parking lot and around the back of the baseball practice field, adding in another half mile to their course.

While powerwalking every day after school

for an hour does not sound like a fun activity to many, Benfield and his team really enjoy their sessions. Ferguson said, “You really get a good overview of the school. You see teams practicing; students talking and having fun; parents watching games – it’s really enjoyable.” Benfield, a self-described outdoorsman, said, “You can see when the hawks are migrating and what’s going on with the birds when they come in and leave. We have all sorts of different types of vegetation. By walking, we really get to see more details you wouldn’t normally see.”

The powerwalking team isn’t just open to faculty – students of

all ages are invited to walk as well.

Benfield said, “We’d welcome students to come out and walk with us!” During Upper School Health and Wellness Day, Benfield hosted several powerwalking sessions throughout the morning. Junior Nissa Johnson, who participated in one of the sessions, said, “It was really good exercise! I didn’t think it would be that cool but it was a lot of fun!” Though powerwalking doesn’t immediately come to mind when considering after-school activities, it’s a great way to get some fresh air while getting a good workout, too.

The orange path indicates the traditional route for the powerwalkers, while the red path indicates their more rigorous powerwalking route.

Photo Courtesy of thewalkerschool.org Diagram Courtesy of Travis King

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Dear Daisy...

It seems like we all run into the problem every year; we start out feeling like this will be the year. This year we’ll be successful, organized, and have straight A’s. Unfortunately, you can’t be everywhere at once.

We’d all like to be the president of every club, be on homecoming court, and play every sport known to man, but that’s not realistic. First, re-evaluate your schedule. Have you committed to too many things?

If so, mark a few that you’re not as passionate about off your list. Find the few things you love and stick to -- The Wolverine Staff them, whether it’s certain academic classes or extracurricular activities.

Dear Daisy, What is the best way to balance The next step is to start using your between schoolwork and after time wisely. Take advantage of school activities? (Sports, clubs, study hall, because a lot of students etc.) don’t. Make reasonable goals for yourself and work to meet them. It’s Sincerely, -- Overwhelmed easy to get lost with so much going Each issue of The Wolverine will now contain an advice column.

“Daisy” will choose a couple questions to answer each issue.

Those who ask these questions will remain anonymous as will the identity of “Daisy”. You can submit your question at dear.daisy@ thewalkerschool.org. The only people who can see the questions will be our Advisor Kaitlyn Ranney and of course, “Daisy”. We hope you enjoy this new addition!

on around you, but the best way to stay focused is to take everything one step at a time. Set aside time for certain things, and put yourself on the road for success. It can be hard to stay focused in high school, but buckling down and being productive is the key to getting school work done, so you can enjoy having a social life and taking part in after school activities.

Here are two ways to ask your girl.

Beware: they’re super corny.

1. Puppy Love: If you have a wellbehaved dog, bring him/her over to your girl’s house. Attach a note to their collar saying “homecoming with ____?” Leave the dog on her front porch and ring the doorbell.

Hide in a bush or off to the side until she opens the door, then watch her reaction and pop out with flowers.

Priceless.

Dear Daisy, How can I ask that special 2. Gorilla suit: Rent a gorilla suit someone to homecoming?

Sincerely, from a costume store and wear it to -- Not Creative school. Approach her with a note saying, “I’ll go bananas if you go to Not wanting to do the typical homecoming with me!” Of course ‘show up with flowers’ routine? she’ll have to know who’s asking Hoping that she’ll be too flattered her, so reveal yourself and instead to say no to your unique show of of giving her a dozen roses, give her affection? I’ve got you covered. a dozen bananas. Too good.

Fall Forum Comes to Walker

BY Coleman Hedden On September 29, roughly 900 Latin scholars visited the Walker School for a day filled with scavenger hunts, tests, races, and delicious food. This event was none other than the annual Fall Forum. The Georgia Junior Classical League is the legion of Latin lovers that spans the entire state and is just a portion of the National Junior Classical League (whose convention is held every summer).

This past April at the state convention at Rock Eagle, Senior Decker Onken was elected President of the GJCL, and thus it became his duty to host the annual Fall Forum. After the day, Onken said, “It was a labor of love. But I couldn’t have done it without the help of so many dedicated people.” Onken built a legion of dedicated Sodalitas members who led a group of nearly 70 volunteers. These volunteers worked hours into the night the Friday before Fall Forum, but their hard work and dedication paid off. State Chair

Natalie Faulkner said, “It was one of the most well-run Fall Forums I’ve been to in a while. Decker and Randy [Fields] did an amazing job.”

Latin students from across the state took part in workshops that spanned from a scavenger hunt, learning Latin insults, and playing Animal Bingo in Latin. These workshops were led by Latin teacher Amy Leonard and Sophomore Parker Smith. Leonard and Smith spent hours building a vicious scavenger hunt with tasks ranging from writing a one-page essay, counting the number of “gladiators” on our football team, and writing a love letter to Walker Latin teacher Randy Fields. The scavenger hunt was so difficult that only two pairs of students out of the 900 who attended entirely completed it. Regardless, all who took part thoroughly enjoyed the event.

Senior McClain McKinney led a group of students in organizing the Olympika events. These events

are the athletic competitions offered at Fall Forum.

While those at the national and state conventions are far more rigorous, these events were nonetheless competitive. In the early morning, students competed in the Softball and Frisbee Throws, in the afternoon, they played a basketball tournament in Coles Athletic Center, and finally they sprinted their hearts out in the 50 and 100Yard Dashes.

Senior Paige Warner had the daunting task of organizing the competitive tests offered at Fall Forum. In the morning, students took the Pentathlon, a rigorous hourlong test requiring a knowledge of Latin Literature, history, geography, grammar, culture, mythology, and more.

Continued on Page 12

Senior Decker Onken addressing the GJCL at the Fall Forum General Assembly as President.

Photo Courtesy of Ansleigh Fantaski

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Lower and Middle Neil Clark the Schools Welcome Economic Expert New Principals

BY Alex Brack

BY Coleman Hedden Over the summer, the Lower and thought it would be interesting to Middle Schools welcomed two new note that there was one basketball faces into their administration with game she played as a senior where as Megan Howard and Will Forteith she shot 10-11 on three pointers. A were hired as their respective prin- feat she has yet to duplicate.

Over in the Middle School, Fortecipals. Howard comes to Walker from the Trinity School and Forte- ith follows in the footsteps of Blair Fisher, who ith comes to led the Midus after nine dle School years at the since 2007.

St. Mark’s Forteith School in will lead Texas. a faculty Howard of. Middle welcomes School Adthe new ministrative challenge Assistant of leading Head of School Jack Hall with newly hired Terri Woods the LowLower School Principal Megan Howard. said, “He’s er School. a lovely man Howard said, Photo Courtesy of thewalkerschool.org and I am very “My first priority is building relationships.” Both excited to be working with him.”

Howard and Forteith hope to bridge Forteith already has experienced the the gaps between the divisions of unique environment at Walker as he the school and build a more unified has partaken in a dodgeball match Walker School. Lower School Ad- with some students and watched ministrative Assistant Luanne Bent- Dean of Students Kevin Tilley orley said, “She’s a great communica- chestrate a rugby match during an tor. I just love working with her. She assembly. While Forteith said, “I brings a smile to my face!” When don’t know if I’m ‘buff’ enough to Howard met some Lower School be considered a ‘true’ fan,” most in students when she visited this past the Middle School know Forteith Spring, she immediately knew this for his love for Star Wars. He even was the place for her. Howard said, has a cutout of a Storm Trooper and a lightsaber “This place in his office. is clearly a As for his child-cengoals, Fortered place. teith said, When I first “I am hopstepped foot ing to bring on camenthusiasm, pus, I saw fresh perthat they spectives, put the stuand a coldents first laborative always. And approach to that is just the Middle an amazHead of School Jack Hall with newly hired School.” ing thing.”

Middle School Principal Will Forteith.

On a lighter note, Howard Photo Courtesy of thewalkerschool.org

Despite your family’s financial status, getting into college has always been a difficult task.

However, with the current economic situation, the threat of not going to your desired college has grown widespread.

Nearly all students have to make compromises in order to simply attend college. These compromises are frightening, because they are not due to a student’s grades. Rather, it is the fact that colleges are in need of money. The economic situation has left an abundant amount of businesses with extreme financial difficulties. Consequently, they are looking to great heights in order to still maintain a positive income.

As you read this, you may believe that because you go to Walker this is irrelevant. It is an unfortunate reality as the Walker community begins to feel the pressure brought on by colleges’ financial issues. Many students of the class of 2011 to 2012 saw firsthand how the economy has affected their choice in college.

In fact, last year marked Walker’s lowest private college enrolment in six years. Additionally, a vast majority of 2011 to 2012 seniors attended an out of state college.

“These statistics are unusual,” said Dean of College Counseling and Guidance Neil Clark. “College related financial issues are a problem that is growing as the economy remains stagnant,” Clark said.

So what does this mean for our students? Are families going to have to fork over more money? “Out-ofstate students bring in out-of-state tuitions fees…which are 50 percent to 80 percent higher,” Clark said.

This statistic contributes to the fact that most of our seniors attend out of state colleges. They are not being accepted, because they are not going to bring in the revenue that a student from another state would.Evidently, it is clear that the economy’s status is greatly impacting the Walker community. Not only are graduates and their families having to face

huge tuition expenses, they are also having to venture out-of-state and therefore away from their family.

While these consequences are offputting, there are ways one can find a more appropriate college choice.

Clark describes the process of finding a college as a very selective process. Because of the economic situation, families and students must invest a lot of time into finding a college that is best suited for their needs, financially and physically.

The best way to go forth doing this is through college visits as well as

Dean of College Counseling and Guidance Neil Clark prides himself on helping students find their “Best Fit” for college.

Photo Courtesy of Alex Brack

planning with the Walker College Counseling Office.

Although our seniors may have to make compromises in order to get into college, the hardships they encounter can be overcome.

By following the direction of the college office, the best college option can be determined, thereby relieving most of the stress brought on by the difficulty of finding a college in today’s world.

October 2012

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Athlete of the Month: Chris Graham

BY Victoria Hudson

Homecoming is hands down one of the most anticipated and most exciting events during the year. All week students dress up to show their spirit, participate in small competitions to earn points for their class, and of course present the famous class entrances Friday at the pep rally. This year, the Homecoming game is on October 5 with the dance following Saturday October 6. As the school fills with spirit, mostly in the form of high school students wearing ridiculous costumes, the football program prepares to maintain its undefeated record in the 2012 season.

Senior safety and receiver Christopher Graham has been a member of the Varsity Football team since his freshman year.

Graham has been an invaluable asset to the team all four of his high school years, playing a significant number of minutes his freshman,

sophomore, and junior years as well is different because the whole said, “I don’t change my routine or as contributing on both sides of school is way more into it, but that do anything different or special for the ball. He continues to assert his means it can be harder to focus.” Homecoming. I just keep doing dominance his senior year, helping Despite the possible distractions, what I’ve been doing.” to lead the Wolverines to their first Graham cited the increased spirit Outside of football, Graham 4-0 start in school history. In order level during Homecoming week his has been involved in basketball, to be prepared and feel mentally favorite thing about the experience. lacrosse, track and field and was and physically ready for a game, To ensure he stays on point, Graham recently inducted into the National Graham said, “I watch Honor Society. He also film to see what I’m loves classical music as doing right and what well as Aly Raisman, I’m doing wrong, but I and says he can do a like to spend time alone great South African to get focused and accent – which makes amped up on my own.” sense since he lived Any regular season there until he was five! game is stressful Graham’s dedication enough, but everyone to his sports and his knows Homecoming academics has made is its own beast. It him a leader on the comes with a whole field and in the Walker host expectations, community. distractions, and Senior Christopher Graham after a Varsity football game. pressures.

Graham added, “Homecoming Photo Courtesy of thewalkerschool.smugmug.com

Artist of the Month: Izzy Haslam

BY Mary Grace Walsh

always had art classes, and I enjoy art outside of school.” Haslam remembers doodling through her younger years. “I started out through my childhood drawing whatever came to me with markers and pencils.” But when she came to high school, painting became a passion for her. She works mostly with oil paint, but also uses acrylic and pastels.

You would be surprised to learn that Haslam has never taken an art class outside of school.

Needless to say, she is focused on her work and development as an artist, whether she’s in or out of school. She and Han Song, a fellow senior in AP art, are a part of the Emerging Teen Artist Program. This program includes having the opportunity to visit galleries all over Atlanta and see other’s work. “We get to One of Senior Izzy Haslam’s pieces of artwork. see the art as well as the professional side of being Picture Courtesy of Izzy Haslam an artist, and the different

If you take a trip to the AP art room this year, you’re likely to find Senior Izzy Haslam working intently on her art. Haslam’s outstanding creations have caught the eye of students and faculty alike since she started taking art her Freshman year.

Haslam’s love of art was sparked by her art classes through school.

“I started making art before I came to high school,” Haslam said. “I’ve been to Walker all my life so we

jobs you can have related to art,” Haslam said. Song and Haslam are also involved in We Care Academy, where they donate money they make from art auctions.

Haslam works on her art outside of school, and tends to find her inspiration from outside sources too.

Haslam said, “I take all my source material for paintings, so I usually have to carry a camera around and get my source material.” If you’ve seen some of her art, you may have noticed Haslam’s talent for painting horses. “I have been riding horses since I was three, and I’m really passionate about horses, so I’ve come to have a passion for painting and drawing them.” Haslam wants people to know that painting horses is not the only kind of art she can do. “People have been asking me, ‘Oh what are you doing for AP art concentration, is it just horses?’ but I do everything else as well,” Haslam said.

She plans to work on her art through college too. “I want to go to art school and continue making

art. I’m looking at a lot of colleges.

Rhode Island School of Design is up there, as well as colleges that have really strong art programs, because I would like to double major. So Boston University and NYU are other places I’m interested in.”

But without art teacher Laura Stewart, Haslam may have never found her passion for art. Haslam said, “Before coming to high school and having Mrs. Stewart as a teacher, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do in college, but art helped me discovery who I was.”

Stewart said, “She didn’t start off with the same level of confidence that she has now, but it was clear to me that if she stuck with it, she would grow tremendously, and she has.” Haslam said, “Having Mrs. Stewart there helped so much, because she’s very supportive.

She helped me develop my art and realize that I do want to pursue it in college. She helped me find all the schools I should apply to and go visit.”

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Jimmy Busch: An Unsung Hero

BY Courtney Cox We often see the quarterback as the hero of the game, but to the players, the real heroes are the trainers. Every day after school, the trainers, as well as the student trainers, work on their skills as a sports player might if they were getting ready for a big game.

Junior Jimmy Busch has been an Athletic Trainer for three years now. Becoming an excellent student trainer was not his first choice of what he wanted to do in high school. Busch explained that one day in eighth grade he took a blow to the head and he was taken to see Salina Diop, the Head Trainer at Walker. Although he had yet to learn a trainer’s role in the Walker community, Diop showed him the ropes. Diop recalls her first impression of Jimmy.

Diop said, “He was just a kid who seemed really intrigued when he walked into the trainer’s office. He

was always enthusiastic about the medical field.” His interest in sports medicine became prominent when he was told that he could no longer play contact sports because of a serious medical condition. Although he could no longer do what he loved to do, he still found a way to still be involved. When asked about his favorite part of being a trainer, he said, “I get to be around the football team, even though I can’t play.”

Few people actually know what a trainer is or whether that opportunity exists for Walker students to gain experience in the medical field. Busch explains, “We are sports medicine. We handle sports injuries, so we rehabilitate, treat and prevent sports injuries in addition to all other basic first aid such as CPR.” A Varsity Letter can be earned if the requirements of attending all of the practices, all of the games, and learning how to

do two different tape jobs are met.

The Student Trainer Program is slowly but surely expanding. This year, two newcomers, Junior Bren Bowerman and Freshman Jake DePeiro accompany Jimmy in the program. Busch adds that he helps the newer trainers by showing them different ways to do tape an injury. When asked about Jimmy’s personality, Diop said, “He is inquisitive, talkative, and smart.”

Because Jimmy believes that the program is important, he “hopes to see the program expand in size and in terms of what students can do.”

Jimmy hopes to ultimately continue his studies in the medical field at Auburn University. Although he says that he does not necessarily want to become a certified trainer, he does want to get Emergency Medical Technician-Base (EMT-B) training, as well as Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate

(EMT-I) training. He explains that if he has enough time, he would like to get a degree to be a certified trainer in his free time.

Junior Jimmy Busch wraps the foot of an injured athlete.

Photo Courtesy of Courtney Cox

Getting to Know Marvin Prather

BY Molly West How much do you really know about the people that work on Walker’s campus? We get so caught up in our busy days that it is hard to take the time to get to know the people around us. We know the majority of the faculty and the

gist of what they do, but we rarely know anything beyond that. Marvin James Prather is the maintenance technician at our school. As most of you could guess, his duties include repairing just about anything that needs to be fixed.

Maintenance Technician Marvin James Prather hard at work.

Photo Courtesy of Molly West

Prather began working at Walker after he worked as an electrician.

His manager liked his work so much that he had him send in an application to Walker. From then on he has worked at Walker for a total of four years.

He grew up in Atlanta but not many people are aware that he has two kids. Both of his children are grown and have graduated from college. Prather said, “The best thing that has ever happened to me is the birth of my son.” When Prather has free time he enjoys horseback riding, traveling, and hunting. While discovering more about him, he mentioned that he is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States.

Prather has so many stories, hobbies, and advice to offer that not many students have been aware of until now. The advice that he would like to pass on to all the Walker students is to fulfill all of the dreams

you have and go on to do all the big things you planned like becoming doctors and lawyers, but make sure you also enjoy the finer things life has to offer. Prather’s biggest life lesson has been learning that one second can become a tragedy, so always be perceptive.

As you go through the day, take time to thank him when you pass him on campus for all the things he does for us, and for fighting for our lives while he was in the army.

He is the one that drives around the Walker School campus with two American flags on both sides of his golf cart to express the dedication he has for the United States. All it takes is ten minutes to truly find out things you would have never known about someone. It is easy to overlook some of the jobs that certain faculty members perform when there is always so much going on as a Walker student.

October 2012

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Student Jobs on the Rise

BY Meredith Wright

Everyone gets hungry after school “you now know limits with working sometimes, so we often decide to and getting the homework done,” feed that hunger and make a stop at said Schoettler. our favorite fast food restaurant. As Junior Caroline Kunetz, an we pull up to the window, the boy employee at Zaxby’s and a helper at who sits next to the Lower School’s us in math class EDP, has learned hands you your the art of time food. management with It is often balancing two jobs. not a typical Working at Zaxby’s characteristic for on the weekend, a high school and EDP during the student to have week, “I have to plan a job, and at ahead and get my Walker many work done in school students do, with or early, because I their workplaces might have to work varying all over. the next day,” said Junior Carpoline Kunetz working Having a job can Kunetz.

Typical at the cashier at a local Zaxby’s. teach students high schoolers get many different Photo Courtesy of Meredith Wright home in the early qualities that they won’t learn in a school setting. Jobs can teach new responsibilities and how to deal with other people, but also how to after school activities.

When balancing school and an after school job, students must learn how to plan accordingly and prioritize. Senior Jordan Schoettler, an employee at Chick-fil-A, has seemed to adjust in learning to balance his job. “It was difficult at first, but it got easier,” Schoettler said. The adaption to a new schedule can affect anyone for a while, but

afternoon and have time throughout the day to work on their homework.

Kunetz typically gets “home at 11:30, allowing no homework time,” she said.

Senior William Wynn works at Chipotle and generally doesn’t find it hard to balance the schoolwork with his job. “During school I just work one day a week, so it isn’t hard at all,” Wynn said. Not only is having a job in high school a balancing act, but it is a very grown up process. The application for a job can be long and tedious.

Sophomore Abigail Boyd, who is also an employee at Chick-Fil-A, experienced a long four interviews to finally get her job. Once a 15 year-old goes through a rigorous process like this, the real reward comes when you finally get the job.

Senior Britt McCurdy, who recently worked at Menchie’s, also had a longer process for getting the job.

“It was a written application then a group interview and then callbacks for an individual interview,” McCurdy said.

There are other people in the high school that are employed, and this is just a sample of the schedule and process that some of the students have gone through. So the next time you swing into Smoothie King, say hi to McClain McKinney! Or if you decide to drop by Yogli Mogli for some yummy yogurt, give a smile to Cole Warner! Even the next time you go and order at your favorite restaurant, be kind to the voice behind the microphone as you may be sitting behind them tomorrow in English class.

Man on the Street Who is your dream Homecoming date?

“Scarlett Johansson.”

“Vincent Gregoire.”

“Susan Boyle.”

“My wife.”

“M if ”

- Zach Hamilton, ‘16

- Holly Harkins, ‘14

- Kyle Rehl, ‘13

- David Yarborough, Faculty

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BY Alex Brack

Wolverine

Stranger Danger

The safety of all students at Walker is always regarded with utmost importance. Whether it is something as simple as a fire drill or as serious as a concern about a trespasser, the staff make it their personal duty to ensure our safety. However, the staff have busy schedules.

Therefore, it is not possible for faculty to constantly monitor all

of the activity that occurs through the day. It is important we educate ourselves so the campus remains as safe as possible.

We live in a very unpredictable world, meaning theoretically anything could happen on campus.

Consequently, it is impossible to cover all potential situations. So where would we begin? The most prominent way one can stay safe is by traveling the campus with a friend.

By staying with someone, strangers will be less inclined to approach you thereby eliminating that threat. There are instances where a friend may be unavailable to walk with you. Such instances include after school activities where less people are around.

If you are ever caught in this instance it is best to abide by the advice given by the Walker Security Department. Lynn Benfield, Middle Schoolers Anna Watkins, Veda Balaji, and a retired firefighter and Cameryn Cowan demonstrate stranger safety. police officer, is currently the Head of Security at Photo Courtesy of Alex Brack

Walker. Benfield said, “In the surrounding area there are a few homeless camps that folks will try to cut through.” Many of these people that are cutting through would likely be tempted to approach you for money, especially if there are few people on campus. In this event, Benfield said, “Keep your head up and look like you are in charge of your environment…Your phone can wait for a couple of minutes.”

Quite simply, do not acknowledge the stranger. Find the nearest staff member so that they may report the situation to security. In the event of a true emergency, Benfield says to dial 911 and inform them of the situation.

In the end, the Walker campus is an incredibly safe place. However, there are rare instances where someone trespasses onto the property. In this event, it is best to take into consideration the advice given by the Walker security. Walk in pairs, stay alert, and contact a staff member if a suspicion person is seen. By doing this, you will remain safe from any strangers that may come onto the property.

Upcoming Events Football - 10/5 vs. Mt. Pisgah - 10/26 vs. Whitefield - 11/2 @ Mt. Paran Little Women - 11/1 @ 7:00 pm - 11/2 @ 5:00 pm - 11/7 @ 7:00 pm - 11/8 @ 7:00 pm - 11/9 @ 5:00 pm - 11/10 TBD

Academic Team - 11/18: Will be Competing on “High Q” (wsbtv)

To Write Love on Her Arms - 10/18: “Open Mic” night at Mellow Mushroom on Chastain Road

SEC Still the Best?

Editorial

BY Coleman Hedden It’s only been five weeks, but with the season nearly halfway over, I think it’s time we discuss who really has the best chance of hoisting that crystal football in January. I will warn you, as a diehard Dawg fan, there will be some bias in my view of the almighty Georgia Bulldogs (see what I mean?).

Now I’m not totally crazy, because I do recognize that Alabama is far and above the most talented and well-oiled machine I’ve seen on the football field in a long time.

But Georgia is pretty close. Georgia’s offense scores at will (they have scored 40+ points in each of their games this season), and 75% of their defense will be starting in the NFL in five years. Aside from Georgia and Alabama, though, who I think are both on a collision course for Atlanta, the SEC is nowhere near as dominant as it used to be. LSU, while wildly talented, is vastly overrated. They struggled against a pretty average Auburn team and even trailed against FCS foe Towson midway through the second quarter. While they are 5-0, these “feats” do not exactly group you into college football’s elite, much less garner you a top five ranking. Florida always scares me.

Thankfully, Urban Meyer has run off to the Big Ten and we won’t have to worry about him anymore.

South Carolina is unbelievably talented on defense and their offense is coached by ne of the greatest in history, the dastardly (but nonetheless talented) Steve Spurrier. I don’t think anyone would be surprised if South Carolina wins double digit games once again and challenges Georgia for the SEC East title. Tennessee has one of the most talented offensive lines in the country, but their defense is subpar and their coaching is pretty sucky, to be frank.

And let’s face it, Missouri, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Auburn, Arkansas, and Vandy have zero chance of challenging for the SEC Championship. The way I see it, Alabama will probably win the BCS Championship once again, but this time, they’ll also win the SEC.

October 2012

BY Courtney Cox

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Walker’s Going Green

You many have heard about Walker’s ongoing effort to reduce its carbon footprint, thanks to seniors Mohini Chakravorty, Izzy Haslam, Samah Hisamuddin, and Han Song.

Chakravorty, along with the help of these other girls, established the Walker Composting Group here on campus. Their impact on Walker is slowly transforming the school into a green community. “Going green is raising awareness on environmental issues that affect all of our lives, and then taking action to combat them--no matter how big or small,” says Chakravorty, the Executive Director of WCG. Composting is the process where organic material, such as vegetables, are taken and turned into useable soil that is ideal for regrowing. Samah Hisamuddin, the Operations Director, helps to ensure that the whole group meets the daily requirements. At Walker, the WCG takes all of the left-over vegetables from lunch periods and puts them

into the composting bins that were recently built in the student parking lot. Song, Public Relations Director for the WCG, says, “When we first started composting, we were all shocked by how much food was thrown away every day.”

The group benefits Walker and the community at the same time. On a smaller scale, “The fertilizers will be used in middle school garden to grow food for our own lunch,” said Song. WCG is one of the only school groups in Cobb County that composts. They are setting an example that other schools can see.

The main goals of WCG are to reduce waste, reuse resources, and raise awareness of “green thinking” throughout the community.

“The WCG is here to stay,” says Chakravorty. Student participation is key in that. The group hopes to see Lower School science classes taking visits to the bins with the help of Junior Yanik Desai, who has committed to refurbishing the bins

for an Eagle Scout Project.

When asked about student participation, Song replied in saying, “We want to make WCG more accessible to the entire school, not just Upper School because the younger Seniors (left to right) Izzy Haslam, Han Song, ones are going Samah Hisamuddin, and Mohini Chakravorty make up the Walker Composting Group. to be the ones who continue Photo Courtesy of thewalkerschool.org what we do.”

Izzy Haslam, the Creative word about the program is the first Director of the WCG, ensures that step for awareness, in my opinion. students and faculty have a way of Moreover, we are trying to recruit communicating and being involved. future directors of this program,” Haslam runs the group’s blog that said Song, when explaining how can be found on the school website. the group wants to gain student She posts frequent updates so the consciousness. community can be more involved in what the group is doing. “Spreading

Which Book Series is Best?

BY Nicolette Paglioni

The Harry Potter series is a senior and proud Hufflepuff, is a fall in love with the characters. It’s the third most read book in the hardcore Potterhead. “I like Harry impossible to not fall in love with world, according to Bookstove. Potter because I grew up with the them.” On the opposite end of the Bookstove is an online publishing characters,” said Iachino. “You just spectrum, THG fan and junior site for eBooks, as well as Kayla Hall said, “I like the a discussion site and bookaction; it’s not too gross. related blog. According to And I like the dynamic the site, J.K. Rowling has between the characters. sold over 400 million copies There’s not too much or too of her brain child worldwide. little romance,” when asked Lord of the Rings comes in why she prefers The Hunger fourth behind it, followed Games to Harry Potter and

by Twilight. But we all Twilight. TwiHards were (unless you have been harder to find on campus, living under a large rock) but Catherine Stebbins, know of the three most sophomore and semi-loyal famous “fandoms” in our fan of Twilight said, “I like generation: the Potterheads, The Hunger Games, but I the TwiHards and The don’t like Harry Potter. And Hunger Games fans. There Kirsten Stewart can act!” is, of course, a neverAnd the results of the ending debate over which school poll are in! And of the three the best is, and ladies and gentlemen, we do whether the books are better indeed have a tie. Seventythan the movies. From each one students said they Sophomore Tiffany Davis reads her favorite Harry “fandom,” we have one preferred Harry Potter and Potter novel decked out in her traditional wizard gear. representative to help get a 71 students said they liked Photo Courtesy of Nicolette Paglioni perspective. Alyssa Iachino, The Hunger Games. In the

online survey, 24 people voted for Harry Potter, 12 voted for The Hunger Games and two voted for Twilight. In the regular survey, 15 students said they liked Twilight better, and 43 students claimed they did not like any of the beloved books. Two Twilight fans said they preferred the books over the movies in the series, and one fan liked both.

Twenty-nine Potterheads said they preferred the books. Twenty-seven THG fans said they liked the books as well. Forty-two Potterheads and 44 THG fans preferred the movies, and three from each fandom liked both. Two THG fans, a Potterhead and a Twihard did not care for the books nor the movies. For those who don’t know, Harry Potter is about how love can defeat evil no matter what. The Hunger Games is about a courageous revolution against the controlling Capitol.

Twilight is about one girl’s decision between her soul and her true love.

So now that you know, it is time to choose.

10

The

Wolverine

Is Cheerleading New Changes for SAGE a Sport?

BY Molly West

which forced Quinnipiac University to bring back the volleyball program.

Is cheer a sport? That is a question that does not yet have a definitive answer. Although the Federal Court believes it is not, many Americans feel otherwise.

There are many rumors floating around that cheerleading is going to be in the 2016 Olympics, but there is no evidence that these rumors are true. There are many definitions of a sport but Webster’s Dictionary defines “sport” as “an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature.” Ingram said, “A sport is any activity that requires competition and athletic involvement.” At any cheerleading competition, the team’s routine must include a prolonged cheering section performed to music along with technical elements consisting of stunts, jumps, tumbling and motions. This means that the team must get a trained professional to help them learn these elements and teach them how to put it all together in a safe yet entertaining way.

The stunts that are done are very dangerous so the team must have complete focus. The two bases are on either side of the fly, the person who is being lifted in the air, while the backspot is supporting the fly and helping the bases lift her.

Although cheerleading is not declared a sport, the answer to if it is or not, is based on opinion. Maybe we will see competitive cheerleading in the Olympics one day but for now, there are no plans of it being included.

Cheerleaders are a big part of the Walker School as they host the pep rallies, support our athletes, and encourage the students to attend the athletic events. Regardless Cheerleaders Jenny and Anna Ingram, Lucy of whether or not it is a sport, Walker cheerleaders Mitchell, Jamie Green, and Erin Green. contribute to Walker’s Photo Courtesy of Molly West community greatly.

According to Federal Court rulings, cheerleading is not a sport. Senior Jenny Ingram thinks otherwise. As a cheerleader, Ingram said, “We put forth as much work as any other athlete when it comes to dedication, participation, and the hard work that we do.” Ingram believes that the reason people do not consider cheerleading a sport is because people onlysee what they do on the sidelines and do not attend their practices and competitions.

People fail to see what these cheerleaders are capable of. A group of anonymous girls said, “Sideline cheerleading is stupid and it isn’t a sport but competitive cheerleading is.” They felt as if the cheerleaders bring a social impact into it and it ruins how people portray the activity.

When it comes to the players, the athletes could not imagine what it would be like without cheerleaders.

Senior Evan Kasian likes the cheerleaders because he said, “They bring us food and support us throughout the season.” There has always been conflict onwhether or not cheerleading should be classified as a sport. The U.S Circuit Court of Appeals got involved after Quinnipiac University took away the volleyball team to support cheerleading as their varsity team sport. The U.S Circuit Court of Appeals said this decision was not valid because cheerleading did not meet the criteria for a varsity sport,

BY Nicolette Paglioni and Alex Brack

enjoys the baskets and the food has improved, but that he wants “more chocolate chip cookies. Always.”

The general consensus seems to be that the changes with the baskets are positive, but the desserts and the long lines could use some improving. According to Freshman Kenneth Laster, “everything makes more sense.” Like most students, Kenneth likes the baskets, but the desserts need some improvement.

Also, the placement of fruit is confusing.

“It’s impossible to find the fruit now,” said Laster.

A source who asked to remain anonymous disagreed with them. “We need things we can actually eat that will give us a smile and get us Christopher Lee begins his inaugural year as head of the through the rest of the day,” said Walker lunch program. the anonymous Photo Courtesy of Nicolette Paglioni source.

“The many students have noticed the lunch people are very nice, though.” changes brought on by SAGE’s There are several Walker students new management. One of most who feel the same way. As for the prominent and appreciated changes teachers, the feedback was a little is the addition of the food baskets. more positive. “I like the water,” Sophomore, Catherine Stebbins said new Chemistry teacher Joshay said, “I like the baskets; this gives Lang. New Math teacher Malanda some people another choice of Murchison said, “Try the public food.” However, Stebbins adds school food. Trust me, this is a big that “SAGE should do a survey of step up.” At the end of the day, the school to see what the students teachers and students agree. There want.” Senior (and sweet-tooth) are several aspects that appeal to Karli Melder agrees, at least where the faculty and student body, but desserts are concerned. “I’d prefer there is always room for more if we went back to the way it was improvement. Be sure to give a big dessert-wise,” Melder said. “But the thank you to the staff and chefs of food has improved.” Kyle Kimrey, the cafeteria. also a senior, agrees. He said he The Walker community awakened to a new lunch regime this year.

The new SAGE committee has officially taken charge of the Walker lunch program. Christopher Lee, the new head chef, is the brain behind it all. Lee had no comment.

Throughout the Walker community,

October 2012

BY Meredith Wright

11

Life in the Preschool

You go to open your iPad, pressing the home button to advance to the next level of your alphabet app.

Your little fingers move quickly, matching the sounds to the letter and increasingly getting faster as you learn. To you it seems like play to be on this kind of fancy equipment, but for a Walker Preschoolers, it is just a part of their daily reading lesson plan.

Walking into the Preschool, the bright colors and fun artwork enhance the exciting environment for the 4 and 5 year olds to come and learn every day. As the preschoolers come in from 8 a.m. until noon, their days are filled with classes built to enhance their motor skills but also make the experience

fun and enjoyable to keep focus.

The main goal here is “what’s best for little kids,” said Dr. Gail Doss, Preschool Principal.

A typical day starts with basic warm ups, reviewing things like the calendar and identifying common patterns.

They move on to PE or music for a break or exercise Back to the classroom, they enjoy a snack and move into their academic rotations. Covering things like math, science, social studies, and reading, there doesn’t seem to be much a preschooler can’t do.

Outside of the preschool, they take their free time outside, swinging on the swing set or going down the slides on the playground. To replenish their hunger, they move back inside for lunchtime and then go back to their rooms for rest time.

Finishing up the day with another academic rotation, the preschoolers go home ready to prepare for another exciting day.

The building was built in early 2001, adding many qualities Preschooler Austin Smith uses his iPad to learn the to make sure it was the ideal preschool. Things alphabet using educational apps. like smaller bathrooms, Photo Courtesy of Meredith Wright computers built for

Backstage with Little Women

By Nicolette Paglioni This year’s musical, Little Women, will open at 7 pm on November 1st in the auditorium. Little Women is about four girls who travel through four different lives full of blessings and curses, and one young boy.

Throughout the musical, each girl undergoes various trials as well as blessings. Senior McClain McKinney, who will play Laurie in the musical, said, “Theatre is a different world.” McKinney plays football, and the transition is different in a good way. McKinney will play Theodore Lawrence III, or “Laurie,” the March girls’ neighbor..

Senior Alex Catlin will be playing Jo March. Catlin said she read the book years ago, but that the musical and the book both really follow Jo’s life. Catlin said, “the drama program is a great way to make new friends, and to become another person for a day. I tell myself…I’m out there to have fun,” said Catlin when asked what she does to prepare to take the stage.

Director Katie Arjona said, “By the time the musical is completely over, the kids will have put about 312 hours into the entire production.” Arjona directs every

smaller hands, and a playground outside of the school have made the preschool a special place. More recently, there have been other changes to the curriculum. Some academic changes include adding Spanish three times a week Preschool Teacher Kim Nasca guides her students and “individualizing through a matching exercise. the math for kids Photo Courtesy of Meredith Wright with differentiated learning,” said Doss. get way too excited to know these A newer upgrade, that many are the same players on the field! high schoolers envy, is the iPads Doss specifically referred to the now used for the curriculum in Upper School art classes who give the classrooms. The newer form the preschoolers lessons on Andy of technology adds a different Warhol and Vincent van Gogh, element to the preschoolers’ as something the kids love and routine. “It’s an appropriate tool for remember. With all the changes the preschoolers,” said Doss, “And that the new preschool has brought quite frankly, they are pretty good to Walker, the curriculum and the at it!” The iPads are used to help preschool students, we know it with reading skills and keep the was all for the better and that these preschoolers focused and engaged future Walker lifers are getting their while having fun.

Although learning careers off to a great start. many high schoolers don’t spend much time over in the preschool, they always love seeing one of the “older and big kids,” as they call them. When the senior football players come over on Friday game days to get the kids pumped, they drama production except for the 10-Minute Play Festival. She is excited about the musical this year because it is the first musical in a couple of years that is very familyfriendly. “I think this musical is about family and about love and about following your passion, no matter what other people tell you,” said Arjona. Bill Schreiner, the mastermind behind every stage design, said jokingly, “I don’t have time to sleep.” On weekends, Schreiner works on the stage 1215 hours a day, with help from his students. On weekdays, Schreiner averages about 3-4 hours per day.

Schreiner is in charge of building each stage with the help of students in his stagecraft classes. Head of Light Crew Matt Eisenman also works long and hard on the light design. “When I think about light design, I think about lighting as another character in the play,” said

Stage Technician Bill Schreiner and his Stagecraft classes spend hundreds of hours building the set for the show.

Photo Courtesy of Nicolette Paglioni

Eisenman. “That character has to play its role, too.” His job consists of planning, hanging, focusing and programming the lights to affect the mood of each scene. With the dedication of so many students and faculty members, Walker should find itself nominated for numerous Shuler Awards in the coming spring.

McKinney said, “The Shulers are waiting for us. All we have to do is reach out and take them.”

October 2012

12

Admissions Sees New Faces

BY Travis King The new school year has begun: classrooms are filled with eager students; the Dining Hall is abuzz with the latest gossip; and Director of Admissions Brad Brown and his colleagues in the Admissions Office are hard at work preparing Walker for admissions season. This is Brown’s first year as Director of Admissions (after long-time director Patty Mozley retired at the end of last year), and he described the office’s number one goal this year: to provide “red carpet customer service.” In order to carry out this goal, Brown assembled a crack team of admissions professionals, including Assistant Director of Admission Katherine Harrison, Director of Diversity Ira Dawson, and Administration Assistant Patti Logan. Even though they’ve only been together a few short weeks, they have formed a tight bond and are ready to take on any challenge thrown at them.

Katherine Harrison comes to

Alumnus Brad Brown begins his first year as Director of Admissions.

Photo Courtesy of thewalkerschool.org

Walker from Faith Lutheran, where she taught Spanish for five years. A Walker parent, Harrison has always been a huge fan of the

school and is excited to join the Admissions Office. Her children attended Walker for preschool, moving to a public school for the past several years and returning back to Walker this year. Harrison brings a unique viewpoint to the Admissions Office, saying, “I’m able to show parents what I saw in Walker, the differences between public and private, and why I chose to come back.” As the Assistant Director of Admission, Harrison will lead tours of campus, host and assist with functions for prospective parents (like open houses), read applications, support the Director of Admission, and much more. When she’s not working in the Admissions Office, Harrison teaches Lower School students in grades 3-5 and coaches the Upper School Junior Varsity volleyball team.

Many students already know Director of Diversity Ira Dawson.

Before leaving last year, he taught math in the Upper School and

coached both the Varsity and JV football teams. After a year at the Atlanta Sports Academy, Dawson has returned to Walker in his new role of Director of Diversity in the office of Multicultural Affairs, a division of the Admissions Office.

As Director of Diversity, he is responsible for promoting diversity among both prospective and current Walker students. In addition to his role in the Admissions Office, Dawson also teaches Upper School math and coaches Varsity and JV football.

Brown has big plans for the office. After moving much of the admissions process online and collaborating with several other area private schools to offer one admissions test, he is building off of Mozley’s success and attempting to bring as many students to Walker as possible. Working together, the new Admissions Office team will bring that dream to reality.

Fall Forum Comes to Walker

BY Coleman Hedden Continued from Page 3 Then, in the afternoon, students took the Reading Comprehension test offered in both Latin and Greek (for the roughly 10 students brave enough to attempt it). Yet, with the hardwork of her assistants, Warner was able to scan hundreds of ScanTrons in a matter of minutes so the winners could be announced at the final General Assembly. Those who scored in the top three percent received Summa Cum Laude honors, those who scored in the top five percent received Magna Cum Laude honors, and those in the top seven percent received Cum Laude honors.

Junior Erin Leagan successfully led the Creative and Graphic Art competitions offered at Fall Forum.

Middle School Literature teacher Kitty Drew judged the Impromptu Art competition, as well as the Ban-

ner contest where schools displayed their pride with a banner hung high in Coles for all of the GJCL to see.

Students also took part in the Sight Latin contests where they competed to see who was the most skilled speaker of Latin (MUCH harder than it appears).

Finally, Junior Travis King undertook the huge task of organizing Competitive Certament. Competitive Certamen is the most intense and fierce contest offered at any Latin convention. Schools study for weeks in preparation for the competition and King did not let the school down. Working with Fields, the two pulled off the amazing task of helping hundreds of students play Certament in nearly an hour.

The day, no doubt, was a rousing success. Friends were made, and even some friendships were broken

The Georgia Junior Classical League gathers in Coles Athletic Center for the first General Assembly of Fall Forum 2012.

Photo Courtesy of Ansleigh Fatnaski

due to the fierce competition present at Fall Forum. The most impressive feat, however, was the number of non-Latin students who volun-

teered their Saturday to help out. To everyone who assisted in pulling this off, President Onken, Randy Fields, and the GJCL applaud you.