Wolverine XVI Issue 1

October 2014

Volume XVI | Issue 1

The Wolverine

Athlete of the Month: George Litchfield - Page 7

INSIDE

snapshot | 2

lifestyle | 3-6, 9, 10-12

news | 11-12

sports | 6-8

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The Wolverine TWSWolverine.com

Welcome to The Wolverine.

Snapshot: October

Journalism Adviser Ms. Kaitlyn Ranney

2013-2014 Staff Editors-In-Chief: Alex Brack, ‘15 Layout Editor: Nicole Simon, ‘14 Assistant Editors: Ally Chebuhar, ‘17 Managing Editors: Connor Sudderth, ‘15 Stacey Agadoni, ‘15 Reporters: Alex Brack, ‘15 Allen Perez, ‘15 Brooke Warner, ‘15 Connor Sudderth, ‘15 Jonathan Hsu, ‘15 Stacey Agadoni, ‘15 Elizabeth Ouellette, ‘16 Ally Chebuhar, ‘17 Nicole Simon, ‘17

Here’s a look at what’s coming up in the future.

next week

this week (10/20) Tuesday: ◊◊ Town hall meeting at 7 p.m. in the auditorium ◊◊ Varsity VolleyballRound 2 State Playoffs

Friday: ◊◊ Homecoming pep rally from 1-3:15 in Cole’s Gym ◊◊ Homecoming game against Christian Heritage at 7:30

◊◊ October 27: Red Cross Blood Drive hosted by SSO from 2-7 p.m. in Muthiah ◊◊ October 28: Halloween Band Concert at 7 p.m. in the auditorium ◊◊ October 29: Varsity Volleyball- Semi-Finals State Playoffs ◊◊ October 30: Varsity Cross Country vs Area Meet at Dellinger Park ◊◊ October 31: Varsity Football at Trion, 7:30

next month

◊◊ November 4 and 6: Choral and Orchestra Concerts ◊◊ November 20: Peer Leadership Freshman/Parent Night ◊◊ November 25: Senior Recognition Assembly ◊◊ November 26-28: Thanksgiving Break!

Saturday: ◊◊ Varsity VolleyballQuarterfinals State Playoffs ◊◊ Homecoming dance at Gatti Hall from 8-10:30 p.m.

featured photo

All staff may be reached via email at firstname.lastname@thewalkerschool. org

Cover Photo

Walker football field waiting for another Friday Night football game win. Go Wolverines!

Photo: Elizabeth Ouelltte

Advertising

The Wolverine offers free advertising to Left: Is the first season contestant of The Voice, Reeligible businesses. For more informa- becca Loebe, whom came and share her talents with tion, visit TWSWolverine.com/Advertis- Walker. ing.

Right: Preschoolers enjoying their lunch after a

Community Submissions

The Wolverine welcomes submissions from the Walker community, including students, faculty, and staff. For more information, guidelines, and to submit your piece, visit TWSWolverine.com/ Community.

challenging first half of the day.

Photo Courtesy of shopdowntowncity.com (L) and Stacey Agadoni (R)

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he Wolverine, founded in 1999, is the newspaper of The Walker School. The Wolverine is published seven times during the school year by the members of the student body. Content contained within these pages does 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, led by adviser Kaitlyn Ranney (‘03).

The Wolverine serves as a voice for the Walker Community.

Contact | E: wolverineemail@twswolverine.com | P: (770) 427-2689 ext. 8507 | W: TWSWolverine.com/contact

Senior Advice on Homecoming

by Elizabeth Ouellette reporter

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omecoming week is one of the most exciting times of the year for the whole school. Dressing up in silly costumes with friends, getting out of class to join in on activities, the annual pep-rally with competitions throughout each grade, and of course the Homecoming football game and dance at the end of the week all combine for a great end to October. For seniors who have been through Homecoming almost four times, this is nothing too nerve-racking. However, for freshmen, it is a totally different situation. It only makes sense that the people who “lead the way” would offer advice to the newest members of the Upper School.

Several seniors have been asked to give advice to freshmen for their very first Homecoming dance. Most freshmen girls usually have questions about dates, dresses and Homecoming in general. Seniors Emma Graham and Maddie Mitchell both agreed that if a girl is not asked to Homecoming, she should still go with her friends and have fun. Also, she shouldn’t feel scared to ask a guy herself.

When it comes to looking for a dress, girls should keep an open mind.

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The dance is boring, but it’s worth going to for an hour or so. You should definitely stay when the Homecoing court is being represented” said Emma. The Maddie and Emma agreed that the best part of homecoming night is going to the after party and being with friends. They also said to make

sure to wear a dress that you are comfortable dancing in and that if you are put in an uncomfortable situation, don’t be afraid to call someone.

Seniors William Schubert, JT Wood, and Glenn Strother were asked to give advice to freshmen boys. When it comes to being nervous about asking a girl to Homecoming, “Just do it,” said Glenn Strother. The worst that could happen is that she will say no, but still, don’t be intimidated. If a boy gets turned down, Wood and Strother both agreed that he should go ahead and ask another one. Schubert said to go right up to the girl that turned you down and say “That sucks for you!” then walk away while doing “The Shmoney Dance.” The boys all agreed that there should be no more than 20 minutes of preparation when asking a girl to Homecoming.

When it comes to getting ready for the dance, Strother said to just make sure to shower and wear their right attire before you show up to the picture party. JT Wood said that if you got turned down; take extra time getting ready for the dance to ensure that you look really good. At the dance, the boys agreed that it would be wise to “avoid the freshman pit of sweat.” Schubert added, “After the dance, it’s fun to hang out with your friends and enjoy a nice cup of hot cocoa.”

Overall, Homecoming is meant to be a fun time and should not be taken too seriously. Don’t worry too much about having a date, because in the end, it’s about having a fun night with friends. The senior class’s main piece of advice is to “Have Fun!”

October 2014 3 “Senioritis” Less Severe at Walker

by Stacey Agadoni managing editor

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yearly plague hits high schools across the nation; not the flu, but a condition known as “senioritis.”

Students have a tendency to start slacking off during the spring semester of their senior year, and in some cases it hits even earlier.

While seniors might think they have no reason to keep up with schoolwork once they have been accepted to college, this mindset can have serious consequences.

According to the College Board, schools will sometimes “rescind offers of admission, put students on academic probation or alter financial aid packages as a result of senioritis. In other words, a high GPA in the fall might get a student accepted into her school of choice, but it does not automatically guarantee that spot for the rest of the year.

A college acceptance letter, however, is not the only catalyst for senioritis. Students who get too caught up in the college admission process may have a difficult time keeping up with their grades. Although college preparation is important during this time of year, seniors should keep in mind that being a good student will impress college admission officers more than anything else.

While senioritis might be a clear issue elsewhere, does it really have much of a prevalence at Walker? The answer is no, according to Director of Studies

and senior advisor Michael Arjona. “I think senioritis tends to be overblown,” Arjona says.

“Most of the students that I work with may be more open about wanting to relax more as seniors, but they still recognize the need to finish with solid grades and be prepared for college.” Some students, he says, may just use senioritis as an “image they put up in front of their friends.”

Upper School math teacher Malanda Murchison, also a senior advisor, says she has not witnessed any students with senioritis yet, but is “sure it will hit at some point.” Murchison once had her own experience with senioritis, warning students that she “almost lost an academic scholarship as a result.” Although the general consensus says that Walker students are generally studious during their senior year, it never hurts for students to be extra careful that they stay on track.

For students who want to combat senioritis,” the College Board recommends maintaining a challenging schedule, keeping a calendar of all important activities and deadlines, and participating in school events such as prom, football games, clubs, activities, and sports. All of these tips ensure that seniors stay involved and focused at school, making their last year of high school worthwhile in every way.

Photo Courtesy of collegeadmisitionsbible.com

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A Look into Stagecraft Class

by Jonathan Hsu reporter

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tagecraft is a class that teaches students the art of theatrical construction, which ranges from design to lighting and sound. Students learn the fundamental techniques of stagecraft under the instruction of Bill Schreiner, the Fine Arts Department Technical Director. Schreiner has a solid understanding of his job as a teacher, and his experience allows students to become knowledgeable in the field. He transfers his experience to students, but he also takes insight from the students. “The purpose of stagecraft is to bring a playwright’s vision to life. If we can think of it on paper, we are likely able to build it given our space and supplies,” said Schreiner. Right now, he designs all the stages in Sketchup, a 3-D modeling software, and the class uses the designs as the basis for construction.

The class has a rigorous but sufficient schedule to built each design to exact measurements, and the class works together to perfect it. Each stage has its degrees of complexity, and therefore, beginners will start the first couple days by learning the basics of how to operate each tool safely and properly.

There are some tools such as screwdrivers and hammers that students are similar with, but tools such as the table saw require greater caution.

Photo Courtesy of Jonathan Hsu

Academic Pressures Increase Cheating

by Elizabeth Ouelette reporter Safety is an important aspect to the woodshop because the class entails a possibility for major accidents. When the class works together to keep each other safe, the woodshop is a safe environment. “Although it may appear dangerous to operate power tools or climb ladders, we have a good knowledge of what we are dealing with, and this makes for a safe workplace,” said Ryan Lauterbach, who is currently enrolled in the class.

Schreiner gives students his trust, but he also expects that each student make correct decisions and take on their responsibility.

The class naturally brings out leadership and teamwork, and this makes stagecraft different from other arts.

Although each person assumes their own job, it is ultimately the whole stage and production that complete the art. Nick Castonguay said, “When we work together as a group, the job gets finished more efficiently and with higher quality.”

The production takes more than one person, and the stagecraft classes, the drama program, and other volunteers put in a great amount of time to make a production possible.

If one group is missing, the production does not run as smoothly. Stagecraft is the mastery of working as a team to develop a design, and this allows students to appreciate the class as an art.

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he expectations to do well in school and get into college put a huge amount of stress on students.

Even at elementary school age, students are expected to achieve good grades and as years pass, more pressure is added on the students to perform well. Every high school student knows the feeling right before a huge test or before the due date of a semester-long research paper.

That feeling can be narrowed down to one word: stress. For some students, to avoid the time and stress of actually studying or writing the paper, cheating seems to be the most reasonable solution. Studies show that cheating percentages have increased in high schools across the US the past few decades due to the rising pressure to perform well in school and attend college. Ultimately, students feel more inclined to cheat in school in order to attain the desired grades.

Even with the Honor Code that is strictly enforced here at Walker, it is still not enough to prevent cheating.

Pressures from parents and the school have created high stress levels among students, starting as early as elementary school.

Several anonymous sources from Walker, state that they have plagiarized, in some way, an assignment for school at least once in their high school career.

Others said they have cheated on a test or quiz. Cheating can occur in various ways, even as minor as writing the definition of vocab word on your arm before a vocab quiz an act like that still provides an unfair advantage towards other students.

According to 2012 US News Surveys, 75% of college students admitted to cheating during high school and 95% say they were never caught. In this day and age, the college a student attends can have a monumental effect on their future. Members of school boards linked cheating to the social pressure put on

students to prize high grades over education and other values, including creativity and imagination. For example, in 2011 there was a huge SAT cheating scandal where high school graduate, Samuel Eshaghoff, took the SAT for almost 20 students in Long Island, NY using a fake ID. He scored in 97% or higher each time.

The pressure from school and parents led students to have someone else take their SAT for them. Does Turnitin. com, a site used by teachers, really prevent plagiarism? Or does it just teach students how to avoid plagiarism detection?

Some plagiarism can also be unintentional. Students might just not know the boundary between common knowledge and information that should be cited. Some systems might actually be leading students to focus on ways to plagiarize without being caught, than to actually just do their own honest work.

The pressure from high school and getting accepted into an honorable college tends to be the root causes for cheating in any school. Several anonymous sources at Walker said that one of biggest lies they have been told in high school was that “Numbers don’t define you.”

Another student said, “Grades don’t represent what you get out of a class. Someone who understands the class could get a B while someone just focuses on what they need to do can to keep an A, even if they aren’t really getting anything out of the class.”

Students should spend their time talking to their teachers and asking for help instead of using that time to cheat themselves and everyone in their classes. Even if cheating seems like the only way out, it’s never the right choice. In the end, the only person who truly gets hurt is the person who is doing the cheating.

October 2014

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Walker Welcomes “Voice” Star Rebecca Loebe

by Alex Brack editor-in-chief

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he Walker community welcomed award winning singersongwriter and guitar player Rebecca Loebe to the campus on Tuesday, September 29.

Loebe visited as part of a lesson for Upper School fine arts students and to perform in assembly.

Loebe grew up in Atlanta, where she began performing in school chorus and in musicals. By the time she was eleven, Loebe had taken up guitar. During her sophomore year of high school Loebe began to regularly perform at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur at the Monday night open mic. Loebe graduated high school when she was only 16 years old, and was accepted into Berklee

College of Music. She finished college with a major in Music Production and Engineering.

After finishing college, she began her career as a musician.

Many fellow members of the Walker community know Loebe from Season 1 of NBC’s “The Voice.” After her time on the show, Loebe’s successful music career began to blossom due to her performance of Nirvana’s “Come as You Are.” However, Loebe’s musical journey is more than just The Voice. Since beginning her career as a musician, she has adhered to traditional singer-songwriter means, relying on only her voice, guitar, and ability to write music. Loebe sought inspiration from many aspects of her life.

“I have some older songwriters

who I hold to a very high standard, like Joni Mitchell,” said Loebe. However, Loebe also finds inspiration from her friends who she has met along her journey as a musician.

Loebe’s career launched in 2004 with the release of her first album, “Hey, It’s a Lonely World.” Since then, Loebe has released four other albums.

Loebe has come a long way, but is still nowhere near the end of her journey. “My goal is to make a living performing music that I write for audiences that connect with what I do. Whether those audiences are a hundred people per night or ten-thousand people per night, I don’t care,” said Loebe. Loebe demonstrated her passion for what she does and encourages other to pursue

what they love. For young, aspiring musicians, Loebe recommends focusing on being who you are. “You should also feed your brain,” said Loebe, “Listen to all aspects of music.”

Loebe performance in assembly was concluded with cheers and applause. “I really enjoyed Rebecca Loebe’s performance in the assembly.

Her talent really showed and made the assembly very enjoyable,” said senior Parker Smith. Senior Steven Liang said, “As someone who loves many aspects of music, I found Rebecca Loebe to be very inspirational.”

Loebe’s content is available for download on iTunes. For more information about Loebe, visit her website http://www. rebeccaloebe.com/.

Fall Sports Spark Excitement Around Walker

by Allen Perez reporter

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or all of the Walker Football fanatics, there is a new sheriff in town.

That new sheriff’s name is Matt Casper. The John East era lasted two years, with one year being full of success and another ending in a losing record. Head Coach Matt Casper is coming to Walker after a successful tenure at Lovett High School as an assistant coach. Lovett won state last year, and all of the players there said that they loved Coach Casper and really wanted him to stay.

Coach Casper came to Walker for many different reasons, and to summarize his own words, the kids played a big part in his decision. Coach Casper met with all of the football players last March, and when he first met them he

just got a great feeling from the whole attitude and personality of the football team. He also felt that the school athletic program and Athletic Director Coach Blohm really supported the football program here at Walker, and he just felt that Walker was the best fit for him to accomplish everything he wants to accomplish in his life.

As of September 26, The Varsity Walker Football team has a record of 1-4.

Senior starting running back JT Wood said, “The team has more potential than their record shows, and it is just taking them a while for them to utilize their talent.” When asked about his expectations for the rest of the season, Wood says that “I want to win a few more games and become the best team that we

can become.” Senior starting contributors. The seniors include safety Michael Knautz said, Sasha Fazylov, Emma Graham, Erin Leavell, Sofia Narvaez, These losses have Haley Timbrook, and Brooke been very disapWarner. pointing, but I am

As of September 30, confident that we the Varsity Softball team has will be able to turn a record of 4-15. It has been a it around as we get very long and tough season, but into the toughes a lot of games have come down

stretch of games to the very end. This season

during the next has been filled with some very

couple of weeks.” heartbreaking losses, especially

As of September 29, the the 12-11 loss to Darlington on Varsity Volleyball team boasts a September 22. This team, much stellar record of 23-6. The team like the Volleyball Team, is led is coming off a dominant win by some very important seniors. against Christian Heritage, and These seniors include Marika looks to keep the momentum Papadopolous, Katlin Seger, Cat going as it is starting to get Stebbins, and Rae Syrop. Junior closer to the end of the season Lauren Brock has also played a and closer to that all-important vital part to the team’s success Area Tournament. The team is throughout the season. led by six strong and important

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New Selection of Snacks Reaches the Vending Machine

by Jonathan Hsu reporter

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he vending machine now stocks a new selection of healthier snacks for the student body. This change has occurred in schools across the nation to help fight obesity, and the Walker community has varied responses. The idea is to promote a lifestyle without junk food. The new convenience foods provide similar taste at a lower calorie intake. Parents teach their children to eat healthy at home, and now, the school is extending this behavior. In order to keep a positive environment, the school’s goal is to balance the students’ wants with an overall focus on wellbeing. This harmony considers a beneficial mix of snacks that students will buy and will eat. Students visit

the vending machine when they are hungry, and studies show that eating junk food in replacement of a meal can lead to greater obesity. With a healthier option available, schools assume that students will buy a healthy snack as an alternative to junk food.

Snacks such as candies and regular chips have been replaced by granola bars and reduced fat chips. U.S. schools have since seen a decrease in sales from vending machines, and this shows that students still want junk food.“This change is awful for the students and the school.

Very few people will change to eating healthier because of this,” said Luke Hathaway. In fact, students are buying junk food

in larger amounts from stores outside of school. Students have created “food lockers,” and these are designated lockers for students to store junk food.

During breaks, students will go to these lockers instead of the vending machine. Tristan Barton said, “These lockers provide us the foods we want, and plus, it’s more convenient to go to the lockers.” Access to junk food in the vending machine has decreased, but junk food is available elsewhere.

Students have noticed the impact of this change. James Snavely finds that the line at the vending machine has gone down drastically.

“During break, many people used to wait in a long line, and now, we just

walk up to the machine, put in the money, and walk away,” said Snavely. The demand for healthier snacks is low, but maybe, in the future, students will forget about junk food and resort to healthy food.

Schools and parents want a healthy community, and these new standards provide an opportunity for this to happen.

One machine on campus has caused a transformation, and time will decide if this change is right for schools.

b e

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a d e t u i T t s e U a m p p s j

Photo Courtesy of Jonathan Hsu

Preschool Now Lets Early Learners Explore their Creativity

by Stacey Agadoni managing-editor

The Walker School has focused on educating little minds ever since Father Joseph T. Walker founded St. James Kindergarten in 1957. With the recent addition of the Walker Preschool’s Early Learners program, those new minds have the potential to be even smaller.

The program allows 3 and 4-year-olds to join specialized classes, expanding the horizon to more than just Pre-K and Kindergarten students.

Preschool Director Katherine Harrison says the program started after parents requested a learning environment that was “academic and full of energy and enrichment, but also was nurturing.” This philosophy is likely what caused interest for the program to be even higher

than anticipated; Harrison says she had to start a wait list.

The Walker Preschool currently has a total of 75 students ranging from Early Learners to Kindergarten. Each classroom has two teachers in order to execute the highly specialized learning methods that make Walker’s program stand out. The most important of these elements, according to Harrison, is the “power of play,” which uses hands-on activities that help the students develop skills while they are also

“

Components that we know are important at this age: asking good questions, fine motor strength, using all our to discover and explore.”

entertained and engaged. She says the goal is to implement,

The Preschool has programs in science, art, physical education, Spanish, and music that keep students engaged, and they frequently feature special guests and performances. They have their own library which features a puppet theater, a technology area, and a “creation station” where kids explore their early creativity. Harrison says the school aims to “balance things we know are important with cutting edge things as well.”

Upper School English teacher Katie Hartsock, whose children have attended the Walker Preschool, says she appreciates that the program “makes critical thinking fun, whether that’s through the silly Halloween parade, a trip through the library, or a nature walk.” This year also marks the introduction

of the Lego robotics program for Kindergarteners.

Preschool teachers also have the task of “fueling the ‘why’ questions” that students of this age so often feel compelled to ask, which Harrison says is why they have “the most exciting, exhausting, and important job on campus.” Unlike the energy level most Upper School members are accustomed to, she says “if you come in tired, you can’t stay tired.” Students should keep an eye out for the upcoming Halloween parade in Cole’s gym, where the Preschoolers will march around in their best costumes and pass on their excitement to the rest of the Walker family.

I d 5 o w G fi i s s t e o

October 2014 Seniors Finalize the College Selection Process

by Alex Brack editor-in-chief

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or all of the Walker seniors, the coming months will be drastically important as they make their final college decisions and prepare for an entirely new lifestyle. With this transition from Walker to university, all of the seniors will inherit new responsibilities.

To many, this is a very exciting time in their life - and rightfully so. However, due to the current economic condition in the United States, many families are taking steps back and making compromises for their prospective student’s college plans. With a trend being set, should Walker families consider joining?

“Yes,” said an anonymous Walker student, “My family has discussed this countless times, and unless I get into an Ivy League school, my family doesn’t see the point in dropping 50 grand on a private school or out-of-state education that we can get for virtually free in Georgia.” Walker family or not, fifty-thousand dollars per year is a big hit for anyone. So many students are choosing to simply stay in state. In fact, according to NBC News, out-of-state enrollments has dropped well over 40 percent and counting. As

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Athlete of the Month: George Litchfield

by Allen Perez reporter

a result, universities throughout the United States are being battered by declining revenue.

What does this mean for prospective college students?

For one, there is no issue with staying in state simply because of the significantly less tuition.

Scholarships like the HOPE exist for a reason. However, it is an unfortunate reality that many of the in-state colleges - such as Kennesaw State University - have negative connotations among Walker students. “I don’t really like the looks that I get when I say that KSU is on my radar screen,” said another anonymous senior. “Walker students seem to not understand that there is more to merit than simply getting a really high SAT score,” they said. A majority of students are applying to instate schools to get the HOPE Scholarship.

With the deadline to finalize college decisions approaching quickly, seniors and their families must put some serious thought into the future.

There is a reason that a majority of prospective college students are choosing to stay in state and choosing public universities over private.

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or those who don’t know George Litchfield very well, he is truly a Walker athletic star. George Litchfield is a senior, and he has been running for the cross country team all four years in high school. George has set three records at Walker: the one-mile record, the two-mile record, and the five-mile record. George’s motivation is simple: “I want to win, I always want to win. I am a competitor.” Fellow senior runner Easton Howard said, “I respect George as a runner so much. You can see how dedicated he really is. I mean, he is the only one who truly enjoys the hard workouts.” In fact, George has set a very rigorous cross country practice schedule for himself. George said, “I have two speed workouts a week and two long distance workouts a week.” George has set the standards very high for himself, and anything short of perfection is difficult for him to cope with.

Fellow senior runner Zack Mudge said, “George’s work ethic is unreal. He practices so hard, I mean he makes me look pretty bad half

of the time. Just kidding.” This year, the bar has been set very high for the cross country team and George. They have had varied amounts of success as a team currently, but George has carried on his success just like in previous years. He holds many of the records for Cross Country at Walker, and since this is his last year, George hopes to put up some really good numbers and break some more records.

Cross Country was a sport here at Walker that never really got a lot of publicity in previous years, but George has truly electrified the school with all of his stellar performances, and he has brought a lot of buzz and excitement to the the Cross Country team as a whole.

The number of participants and athletes who compete on the Cross Country team have been rising year by year, and George has played a big part in that. Everyone who runs want to achieve the same amount of success George has had, and George is paving the way for the Walker Cross Country team for the future.

Photo Courtesy of Google Photo Courtesy of Allen Perez

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Fantasy Football is More Than Just a Game for Fans

by Nicole Simon layout editor

by Connor Sudderth managing editor

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ports fans look forward to the Sports fans look forward to the NFL season for two things: the actual games, and fantasy football. Fantasy football has become a worldwide game, being played by fans internationally.

Whether it’s a league with best friends, co-workers, or even with random people, the competition becomes as intense as the actual sport itself. While some people think of fantasy football as a just a game, many think of it as more than just a game, they think of it as their life.

The concept behind fantasy football is to draft players from across the NFL, and to create the best possible lineup each week.

Typically, each team starts one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end, one flex, one defense, and one kicker. While this seems easy, it is actually harder than it looks. With a game every week, teams must constantly change their lineup in order to score more points than the other team. The fantasy team gets points based on how well their players play. But the game means a lot more than just numbers to some players.

Senior Stephen Goldstein has been playing in a league with his friends from school for the last three years. Goldstein, a big football fanatic, enjoys playing the game because of its unique qualities. He said, “Unlike Madden, once the games start, it’s out of your hands.

All you can do it just sit there and hope that your players do good.”

Senior Matt Wheeler plays in the same league as Goldstein. He said, “The best part about playing in a league with your friends is getting to talk about the games afterwards on Monday. If your team won, then you get to have bragging rights for the rest of the week. However if you lost, well, then you have to endure it until next week.” Matt Berry, a senior ESPN fantasy analyst, studies and provides fantasy football statistics for his job. In an interview with Next Impulse Sports, Berry said, “If you’re a sports fan it gives you more of a reason to watch, if you

Football Fans Enjoy Friday Night Lights

are not a sports fan it gives you a reason to watch.”

Fantasy football has become the football fan’s favorite game to play. Getting to watch to the games and cheer on their fantasy team’s players is why fantasy football has become so popular. The competition between best friends has created memories that people will remember for years to come.

Fantasy Football Links: http://www.nfl. com/fantasyfootball

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ootball season is a great way to kick off the year, meet new people and bond over Walker’s football team. The food, friends, themes, music and cheers fill the stadiums on Friday nights wherever the Walker fans go. Both students and teachers come and support their Wolverine’s. Even though all of the games are fun to go to and everything about the game is fun (besides injuries), there is always a favorite part or a favorite game for each person.

Many students have been to four or more games. When asked what her advice was to next year’s freshmen, freshman Ashley Cranfill said, “to be social and make the best of it.”

Senior Cat Stebbins said, “[I] mostly [come to] home [games]!

I wanted to go to all of them because it’s my senior year, but my ankle kind of prevented that.” The seniors have their spot on the fence by the field, while the grades follow behind them

The majority of students said that they love coming to the games just to watch the game, not even to socialize. Several said that their favorite year of Walker football was when they went to games as a freshman and won against Mt. Paran or the Blackout night every year. There is a lot of talk that the Wolverines don’t win every game, but if more fans and students came to home and away games, they may win more. Football nights are for coming out of your shell and talking to people, watching the game, and cheering at the top of your lungs like you don’t care. Bring friend, family and students from another school or from Walker.

by grade level (and mixing) from seniors to freshmen. The band plays great songs with modern ideas of performance formations.

Dressing out for games are fun when everyone dresses out, and the seniors are known for their head-to-toe dress in the theme given for the night.

Seniors also go all out with face paint and body paint. Freshmen this year have decided to dress all out, not as much as the seniors, and to show up to more games. A small amount of fans who travel to the away games, besides some seniors and juniors and some freshmen. The advice from freshmen to senior class students is to come and support the football team and to enjoy the football games while they last.

Photo Courtesy of Mike Mackey

October 2014 The Fashionable Girls of Fall

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by Ally Chebuhar assistant-editor pend a little time walking around the Upper School campus this fall and you are sure to see some fashionable students. As the weather gets colder, many girls are resisting the urge to just throw on a cozy sweatshirt and blue jeans in the morning. Despite being stressed out by tests and quizzes and sometimes struggling to stay in dress code, many Walker ladies still manage to look cute and put together.

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Sophomore Allyson Nesmith is wearing Rue 21 burgundy jeans and a grey leopard print top from Charlotte Russe. She likes wearing this outfit because it is “cute and casual but is more comfortable than being in a skirt or dress.” Nesmith accented this outfit with trendy black nail polish and black strappy sandals, perfect for the summer-to-fall style transition!

Sophomore Mackenzie Golden wears white ConversehightopswithanadorableAbercrombiedress.She complemented the navy blueandwhitestripeddress with a navy cardigan and longcrystalchainnecklace.

MackenziesaysthatAbercrombieiswhereshegets mostofherfavoriteclothes.

SeniorTaylorMichaelidesis stylishinJCrewcreamcorduroysandaJCrewburgundy sweater.

Michaelidessaidthatsheaccented this outfit with her “BourbonBowTiebracelets, abraceletfromashopinFlorida,andherwatch,”whichis MichaelKors.Shealsoadded tanSperry’s,agoldnecklace withasmallpendant, gold earrings,andburgundynail polishtocompleteherlook!

Freshman Winnie Litchfield wearsawhitefloralpatterned shirt with a mesh top. On this earlywarmfallday,sheaccessorizedtheForever21topwith anAltar’dstatenecklace.Winniesaidsheenjoyswearingthis outfitbecauseitis“unique.”One willseeWinnyintheclassroom, asasuperstaronthebasketball court, and also as a lady who knows how to dress well!

Senior Briana Bilodeau wearsadressfromPacSun withtansandalsandagrey cardigan.Shesaysshelikes itbecause,“It’sdifferent!”

Bilodeau accented her outfit with gold rings to complete her boho-chic look.

JuniorsErinGreenand Anne Gregoire look trendy and hip in jeans and white flowy tops.

Erin wears an Urban Outfitterstop,jeans,and a lacy kimono, while AnnewearsFrancesca’s earrings,anAlteredState top, and Zara dark teal jeanswithzippersalong the sides.

Photos Courtesy of Ally Chebuhar

The Wolverine TWSWolverine.com Walker Prepares for Homecoming Festivities

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by Brooke Warner reporter

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his year’s Homecoming theme is Action and Adventure. The four grades were encouraged to pick themes exploring anything from games to television shows, so long as they chose one involving conflict and excitement.

The spirit days this year, as decided on by the Student Activities Union, will be Blast from the Past, Futuristic, Character Day, and Royal vs.

Rural. Monday, students dress up as any person from the past, from a hippie to Abraham Lincoln. Going in the opposite direction, Tuesday looks to the future, complete with robots and spaceships. Wednesday’s

Presley Nation, 9

Character Day is designed to dress up as any character from video games, television, and movies. On Thursday, come to school decked out in a crown or overalls for the ultimate battle between royal and farm life.

Theme days are always met with a large majority of student body participation. “Dressing up is a great way to promote spirit within our community,” said SAU President Joseph Zuckerman.

Of course, Friday is class t-shirt day, complete with a pep rally to inspire excitement for the big game. Decked out with as much of their class color as possible, high schoolers will

perform their walk-out skits and dances. The freshman class is focusing on iPod adventure games, with a neon green t-shirt.

The sophomores have chosen James Bond as their inspiration, using the slogan 0017 and a white shirt. The juniors’ theme is 16 Jump Street, accompanied by a navy blue t-shirt. The senior class is tying together several themes with Legos. They will be donning the traditional black shirt.

For the Homecoming football game, the Walker will play against Christian Heritage on October 24 at 7:30 p.m. “We’re going to win for sure. Our team is looking really strong,” said

senior football player Michael Knautz. The whole school, along with Walker alumni, is encouraged to come cheer on the Wolverines on Friday night.

On October 25, the Upper School’s Homecoming Dance will take place in Gatti Hall from 8:00 to 10:30 p.m. Trey Timbrook will be the DJ this year. Junior Barrett Kulik said, “There’s lots of creative people with good ideas planning it, so the decorations are going to be cool.” All Upper Schoolers are invited to attend the dance, free of cost for Walker students, to help close out the festivities of Homecoming week.

Man on the Street

“Asking me in front of my parents” What is the worst way to be asked to Homecoming?

Photos Courtesy of Alex Brack and Elizabeth Ouelette Ron Swatek, Faculty

“Making a Facebook status that says,”I really want to go to homecoming, but I don’t have a date. Will someone go with me?”

Harrison Pritchett, 10

“Just going straight up to a girl and flat out asking her without any preparation “

Hannah Manning, 10

“Over text”

Catherine Stebbins, 12

“Have a friend ask someone for you”

Justin Koh, 11

“Sliding into her DMs”

October 2014

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NFL Criticized for Handling Facebook Experiencing of Rice Controversy Its Own Transformation

by Connor Sudderth managing-editor

For more info about the controversy:

that the league tried to hide fact that they had any knowledge of the video or situation. In response to these claims, Goodell has repeatedly denied these reports.

The public has taken sides and is voicing their opinion.

ESPN analyst Bill Simmons was suspended after commenting on the situation in his podcast. He said, “I just think not enough is being made out of the fact that they knew about the tape, and they knew what was on it. Goodell, if he didn’t know what was on that tape, he’s a liar.” Simmons continued on, not afraid of the repercussions that would face him.

He said, “I really hope somebody calls me or emails me and says I’m in trouble for anything I say about Roger Goodell. Because if one person says that to me, I’m going public. You leave me alone. The commissioner’s a liar and I get to talk about that on my podcast. Thank you. … Please call me and say I’m in trouble. I dare you.” Senior Alex Tidwell said, “It’s obvious that Goodell knew so he needs to be fired.”

Senior Alex Reichenbach said, “Goodell handled it terribly from the beginning. He should not be in charge any more.”

ÊÊ http://www.nbcnews.com/ storyline/nfl-controversy Photo Courtesy of NY Daily News

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acebook was for many the best thing in middle school; it was what Instagram is now, full of silly selfies and miscellaneous thoughts. The difference is now there are filters. Everyone had their embarrassing photos they deleted, and the weird posts that

post, senior Nicolette Paglioni said, “lalalalalalalalalalala i iz very bored.” She said, “Mostly, ‘how can I make people laugh.’” Facebook has slowly died out among the student population and has been replaced by Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. For the

Photo Courtesy of Savannah Ware

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he NFL is being criticized on how the league is handling the Ray Rice controversy.

Information has surfaced that backs claims against the league and its commissioner, Roger Goodell. Outraged and distraught, players and fans are demanding Goodell’s resignation.

While most believe the player certainly deserves to be punished for his controversial actions, the majority of the controversy is centered on how the league is handling the situation.

Rice was suspended indefinitely by the league after domestic violence charges were dealt to him. The running back had been suspended for only a couple games until video evidence surfaced showing Rice striking his then fiancee. In reaction to this, the Baltimore Ravens released Rice, and the league suspended him for the rest of the year. After this happened, rumors emerged that the league had seen the video months before it had been released publicly, but took no action to deal with the situation. It is suspected

by Nicole Simon layout-editor

Tuesday

don’t even make sense as the years go by. Most people admit that they have deleted old and embarrassing photos, and regret posting them in the first place.

Many who have a Facebook no longer use it.

Facebook is a different way to talk to friends over messenger, to share photos of the fun activities of the day or just random selfies because one is bored. Sophomore Savannah Ware, who still has a Facebook page, said she only deleted old embarrassing selfies, but needed Facebook as, “a place to keep her pictures and to see what her friends were up to.”

In their first post, one particular person said, “Have you ever left school without your lunchbox?

Or your jacket? How about your best friend’s sister? No joke.

Haha sorry Zeina!! But we came back for you!!!:).” Some of the new freshman admit that they never got a Facebook account because they never needed one, where as a current sophomore admits the only reason why she got a Facebook was due to peer pressure. In her first

rising generations, Facebook is no longer a “social need,” but rather an account in which you keep up with your aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Sophomore Ashwin Kaanaru said he got a Facebook as “a way to socialize with people in school and out of school.”

Students are migrating to Instagram for it is quicker access to all of the photos of themselves and other people and for an easier way to see them all with less words. Twitter is a way to avoid constant pictures of everyone on their awesome vacation trip or how silly their cat is. Twitter helps people to keep their words short and concise and to be relatable or to make someone laugh. Snapchat has come into the picture, for only 10 seconds though. It lets people send weird photos and silly faces for a short period of time, or so people think.

Facebook may be on the decline, but it’s also integrating different forms of media.

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The Wolverine TWSWolverine.com America Deals with the ISIS Crisis

by Ally Chebuhar assistant editor

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SIS is a jihadist radical terrorist group in Syria and Iraq that is too extreme for alQaida and branched off of them as an individual group. ISIS stands for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Their goal is to create a radical Islamic state governed by their fundamentalist law.

Ruthless fighters are motivated and trained to fight in the Syrian War and against anyone who resists their power, but ISIS also rules schools, courts, and civil services in the territories they have conquered. The most extreme acts of brutality that has been shown by ISIS to the United States are the two beheadings of US journalists Steven Sotloff, 31, and James Foley, 40.

“They were not civilians, not representatives of any government. Their murders

are war crimes and those who committed them must be brought to justice swiftly,” said Executive Director of the Committee to Protect Journalists Joel Simo in the September issue of Long Island Press. British Prime Minister David Cameron regarded the video of Sotloff’s execution as “disgusting and despicable.” What should the Unites States of America and other nations do to stop ISIS? Should we seek justice and revenge through bombing? One opinion is that we should not bomb ISIS because there are not forces inside Syria to act as allies, repel ISIS, and provide backup after the fact.

The Obama Administration is also not able to predict the negative effects on other Middle Eastern societies

and civilians that will be damaged while targeting ISIS. In a September Times Magazine article, Democratic Senator of Florida Bill Nelson said, “We must go after ISIS right away because the U.S. is the only one that can put together a coalition to stop this group that’s intent on barbaric cruelty.” Depending on Iraq’s new Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, a diverse alliance of Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Israel, and Saudi Arabia could possibly be formed with the common goal take on ISIS. Obama was debating the United States’ “core interests” in the battle with ISIS and how “success” and “failure” in the Middle East will affect the people of the United States of

America. Republican Mark Kirk Senator of Illinois said frankly, “We should bomb the hell out of them.”

The game has recently been changed as plots against the United States by ISIS have been discovered. “Once again, it must be clear to anyone who would plot against America and try to do Americans harm that we will not tolerate safe havens for terrorists who threaten our people,” Obama said in televised remarks from the White House.

Air strikes began on Tuesday morning, September 23. CNN stated that the air strikes have killed al Qaeda leader, Abu Yousef al-Turk, also known as “The Turk.”

New Clubs Explore Cultures of Asia

by Brooke Warner reporter

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wo clubs have sprung up at Walker this school year, both inspired by Asian culture: Chinese and Japanese Club. Students of all ethnicities are invited to join the clubs to experience traditional food, language, and art. Now it is possible to travel across an ocean without ever leaving Walker’s campus.

Chinese Club, currently with 33 members, was started by junior Jackson Allen in order to foster interaction between American and Chinese cultures. “It’s important for understanding the culture of lots of kids who are in our student body,” said faculty sponsor Katie Arjona, who lived in Taiwan herself. Allen completed level one Chinese in three weeks last summer and was searching for students to practice the language with. Jenny Liang and Alice Jiang are vice presidents, Sukey Guo holds the position

of secretary, and Angel Chen works as the treasurer.

Students from all backgrounds attended the first meeting, during which the American students chose Chinese names and learned the correct pronunciations. They started by counting to ten in order to make the process friendly for beginners. In the next meeting, members discussed culture, like the Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival. Allen hopes to get more Americans interested in Chinese culture and studying the language in future years.

“I think student-taught interaction may be the best way to teach Chinese for now,” Allen said. The club meets on Thursdays, with information posted on the bulletin board outside of co-faculty sponsor Dr. Schafer’s room.

Senior Alexandria Nause and sophomore Autumn DeOliviera started Japanese club to

meet with others interested in Japanese language, food, and anime. DeOliviera started taking Japanese lessons a year and a half ago after art and anime sparked the interest. She would love a Japanese class at Walker in order to introduce some variety to the Roman-alphabetbased languages. While traveling to Japan, she found that she could get directions and communicate with those around her with little difficulty.

The club has about 19 members. In the typical

Thursday meeting, members gather after school in the Middle School for a 15 minutes language lesson, followed

by Japanese food tasting and anime watching. Nause and DeOliviera are the club’s copresidents, and Alex Carlson is the treasurer. “Whether you’re interested in language, anime, video games, or culture, we cover it all,” DeOliviera said.

It is never too late to get involved in these clubs, so talk to their presidents or faculty sponsors for more information.

Photo Courtesy of Brooke Warner