Wildcat
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Volume 49, Issue 7 April 2013 “Illuminating Youth Since 1951” Lexington High School 2463 Augusta Highway Lexington, SC 29072 803.821.3400
Wildcat
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A DV I SE R M s. Tr e s s ie H ay s
PR I NCI PA L M s. Mel i s s a R awl
LE X I NGT ON H IGH S CHO OL LE X I NGT ON, S C
VOLU M E 49 IS SUE 7
M E M BE R S.C. S c hol a s t ic P re s s A s s o c i at ion
What’s Inside p. 4
study t ips
p. 12
spri ng concerts
p. 5
end of sen ior superlat ives DECA nat iona l convent ion student fe atu re: Kelsey Foster Da nci ng wit h t he Sta rs Lexi ng ton independent movie reviews spring concerts
p. 13
prom relat ionsh ips com menta r y new restau ra nts i n Lexi ng ton g uest colu m n
p. 6 p. 7 p. 8 p. 10 p. 11
p. 14 p. 16
Reminders: Relay for Life will be held at White Knoll on May 10. The LHS Jazz Band will perform at Lexington United Methodist Church on Sat. May 4, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. The OCP will be selling popcorn during all lunches on Thursday for $1 each. Seniors: please send photos for the senior video to be shown during graduation practice to skellyemilyk@k12. lexington1.net.
Participants from LHS at this year’s DECA Internationals pose for a group photo. Photo provided by Jennifer Rogers
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a letter from Bria
Y
ou guys, I can not believe the day has actually come. I have been waiting to do this since I was born. Well, actually my first day of high school, but that is close enough. It’s destiny baby! Okay are you ready? If you aren’t, then you better hurry up and get ready because I’m not waiting. Alright then, here it goes. Wow, that was amazing. I feel totally at ease and chill as a cucumber. Jealous aren’t you? I know I would be. Wait! Stop! Don’t leave meeee! And there goes my cucumber, off to become a pickle. I bet at this point of my little story, my beloved fans, you are like “Wow, this girl really speaks to my inner self.” Ha. Ha. Ha.
Well guess what? This is called an analogy. I have just analogy-ized my, and probably every other senior’s, life. Seriously, think about it. So, this is the way I look at it. I, along with almost 700 others at this school, are about to graduate in less than 40 days. Signal the freak outs to begin. However, once we reach that grand stadium, take our final bow and kiss high school goodbye, we will experience feelings of intense relief. I mean come on. Who doesn’t yearn for that sensation? We are now adults. We have flown from the nest of childhood. Yet, we have this summer to experience official adulthood for
a letter from Caroline
Publication Policy
The Wildcat is published eight times per year for the students of Lexington High School. Student editors shall be responsible for assigning and editing the news, editorial, and feature content of their publication subject to the limitations of responsible journalism. Views expressed in bylined articles and columns are the opinions of the writers. Views expressed in the staff editorials represent the position of the majority of the newspaper staff. Prohibited is expression which is vulgar, obscene, or libelous. Also prohibited is the material which so incites students as to create a clear and present danger to, or the substantial disruption of, the orderly operation of the school. Student views expressed in newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of the faculty, administration or the school board. All trademark and other proprietary information should be taken as read and respected. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/ MCTCampus High School Newspaper Service Lexington County School District One does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or age in admission to, access to, treatment in or employment in its programs and activities. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries or complaints. The Chief Human Resources Officer handles inquiries/ complaints regarding Title IX. The Director of Middle Schools handles inquiries/ complaints regarding Section 504. The Mathematics Coordinator handles inquiries/complaints regarding Title II. Contact these people if you have questions regarding these issues at 100 Tarrar Springs Road, Lexington, SC 29072 and telepohone number (803) 821-1000. Publication Board: Dr. Robert Kinard, Art Department; Sandy Vining, AA; Ms. Carlee Myers, Art Department, Ms. Ashley Miller
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the first time, just minus that whole responsibility hoopblah. But as the summer winds down...BAM! Realization hits. Off to college which will land us jobs; jobs that will buy us houses; houses where we will make our families; and families that will bury us when we’re dead and gone. Sounds super duper doesn’t it? This scenario doesn’t exactly float my boat. That’s why I refuse to let my cucumber become a pickle. I will not travel along the boring conveyor belt of life. I will not be jarred and pickled in vinegar, left to await the day that someone needs a condiment for their sandwich.
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ull: (n) a pacified or stupefied condition. It happens every year, right before final exams and AP exams and IB exams, right after prom when summer seems to be right around the corner but it’s still a month away. I’m sure your teachers are encouraging you to push through to the end of the year, which is important for underclassmen, whose high school careers are still ongoing. It is also true that the end of the year is a busy time with important events for all students, even those of you with unfortunate cases of senioritis. But the period of anticipation just before the Mad May Rush doesn’t garner much excitement. It’s the calm before the storm. So stock up your test-taking artillery and take this time to relax-but stay focused. Be sure to check out our exam study tips on page four. You may have already checked out of school, but we’re not quite to college (or summer) yet.
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Br i a B a r ton C O-E DI T OR I N CH I E F
S e a n Forc e DE SIGN A DV I S OR
studious studies
t ip s a n d t r ic k s for I B a n d A P e x a m s #1 Take study breaks.
During a study session, the brain’s memory retains the most information at the beginning and end rather than in the middle. Therefore, when people take frequent, short study breaks, they can boost their productivity and improve their ability to focus on the task at hand.
#2 Study before bed. While people sleep, their brains are constantly strengthening new memories. As a result, it is a good idea to study before bed since there is a strong likelihood of remembering in the morning what was studied the previous night .
#3 Space out. When people study a few minutes each day, the information tends to be stored in the longterm memory. However, studying at the last minute will cause information to be stored only as short-term memory which will easily be forgotten.
#4 Alternate study places. When people switch up their study locations, they become less likely to forget information learned there. This movement and change causes the brain to create new associations with information being studied so that it becomes a stronger memory.
#5 Test oneself. Quizzing oneself may be the best preparation for the actual exam. When people have difficulty answering a question during a self-test, they become more likely to remember it when it arises on the real test.
#6 Write it out. People tend to store information better when writing it out by hand rather than typing it.
#7 Read aloud. When reading information out loud, the brain stores the memory in terms of both visual and auditory.
#8 Work out. Exercise has the ability to improve brain-processing speed and other cognitive abilities.
#9 Listen to music. Listening to music has been known to help alleviate stress. More specifically, classical music has been shown to reduce anxiety and tension.
#10 Meditate. Before an exam, stare at a wall for a few minutes and try to relax. Meditation can reduce anxiety and boost attention span.
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SUPER WHAT ? sen ior superlat ives no longer a school t rad it ion Me l i s s a B y a r s OPI N ION R E P ORT E R
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enior superlatives have always been a major component of yearbooks. Many high schoolers look forward to superlatives and seeing who won the different categories, including best dressed, most athletic, most attractive, and most likely to succeed to name four. Over the years, there has been controversy over whether or not the titles are fair and justified. Sometimes superlatives can make others feel belittled and not important. In the 2013 issue of the school yearbook, Cat’s Paw, there will be no senior superlatives. “Since there is not a way to have elections fit into our schedule, the elections of superlatives could not happen. In the future, if the schedule is altered, there is a possibility of the return of senior superlatives,” yearbook adviser Ms. Tressie Hays said. The system of electing seniors for superlatives has become very difficult because LHS has a vast amount of students in each class.
Since there are so many seniors at LHS, more times than not the winner would have only about 15 votes. Superlatives first became popular years ago when homeroom was held daily. The election of superlatives would be completed over a series of days and each homeroom would nominate three people for each category. The objective of superlatives was to engage people to support
Some people would nominate fellow students, celebrities or teachers to be funny, especially the category of best dancer. “Many seniors looked forward to seeing what positive thoughts their fellow classmates thought about the class,” senior Deven Champaneri said. Others may argue that the whole system is unfair because not everybody is given a superlative. “I could see how some people could be offended about not being given one, but life’s not fair and people should start to Least Likely to get a superlative realize that, especially if they are about to be sent out into the real world,” Champaneri said. Many seniors believed superlatives were no longer a part of the yearbook because the elections would cause people to feel left out. In actuality, superlatives were taken The graduating class of 2013 will not elect on the out because there was simply no nomination of superlatives for their class. . Photo illlustration by Melissa Byars and Caroline Haggard. time in the schedule to have the elections. Superlatives were a fun way and form unity with their fellow classmates. The graduating to send the new high school classes within the past few years graduates out into the real world have not taken superlatives and leave them with a positive seriously and have rather made note about their high school the process a joke. experience.
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A C E D
S L A N O I T A N INTER Je n n i fe r Roge r s M A NAGI NG E DI T OR
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exington Technology Center’s DECA Chapter has several students who are going to compete in the 2013 International Conference in Anaheim, Calif. The competing students were first place winners at the state competition. “Our competitors representing LTC are Brian Carlson and Drake Taylor in the Sport and Entertainment Team Decision Making Event and Hunter Sweat and Sean Force in the Marketing Communications Team Decision Making Event,” said Ms. Sandy Dunovant, LTC DECA Advisor. The students are exposed to a variety of different cultures and learn skills they can use in their future careers. “Competing at the international level is an awesome experience for our students. Not only do they get to meet other DECA students from all 50 states, but also we have competitors from China, Japan, Canada, Guam, and Germany. “Just participating in the competition helps to prepare students for interviews and presentations. Students in some categories are also eligible for scholarship money,” Ms. Dunovant said.
S T U DE N T S H E A D T O C A L I F OR N I A
The students will spend the week in Anaheim, Calif. not just competing. They will have the opportunity to to do some sight seeing as well. “We will spend our first full day at Universal Studios. We will visit Los Angeles and Hollywood to do some sight-seeing during the afternoons and evenings after we have finished with our competitions. I am sure that we will go to at least one of the beaches and take a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway!” Ms. Dunovant said. LTC students that participate in Marketing classes should consider joining the DECA chapter next year. “I would encourage all Marketing Education students to be actively involved in DECA through the regional and state competitions because of the awesome experience through the competitions and networking!” Ms. Dunovant said. Any student that has taken a marketing class, or is taking one, can became a member of DECA. Students that are interested can contact Ms. Dunovant, Ms. O’Brien, or Mr. Zirkle for more information.
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Hunter Sweat and Sean Force show off their first place trophy. Photo provided by Ms. Sandy Dunovant
Brian Carlson and Drake Taylor embrace after winning first place. Photo by Ms. Sandy Dunovant
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Kelsey
LHS student helps out special needs
Foster Karan Sah N EWS R E P ORT E R
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ccording to socialsecuritydisability.ws, 15 percent of people have disabilities in the state of South Carolina. These disabilities range from autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and other developmental disabilities. Special care is needed for the children who suffer from these disabilities, and many of their caretakers have a great responsibility at hand. Senior Kelsey Foster is one of these caretakers who has great dedication to special needs care. Kelsey has been helping to take care of special needs students for three years at Lexington High School. She also has taken part in being a member of the Special Olympics and project UNFIY, which is a sector of the Special Olympics that focuses on the inclusion of special needs people into the community. Kelsey started volunteering when she signed up for service learning. With the class no longer available, she was placed by guidance to help out the special needs students. She believes that this is a great
experience for any one interested in the field. “Honestly, just the kids themselves inspired me to get involved”, Kelsey said. She plans to stay with special needs and the Special Olympics forever, and she has a job interest involving special needs. She plans to major in Communication at the College of Charleston. She is president of Be a Fan Club, which promotes the inclusion of special needs students in the high school. She is also one of the top youth volunteers in the Special Olympics. Kelsey is one of 20 members of the National Youth Activation, which helps p r o m o t e the Special Olympics. She
meets with them twice a year in Phoenix, Ariz. and Wash., D.C. She is currently focusing in area nine of the South Carolina Special Olympics, which include Richland, Lexington, and Kershaw counties. There are currently 14 other students volunteering for the school’s special needs class and thousands volunteering in Special Olympics.
Kelsey Foster with her partner, Brady Platt, in project UNIFY. Photo Provided by Kelsey Foster.
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g n i c n a D
s r a t S e h t h t i w L ex in g t o n O
loc a l commu n ity le aders, LHS te acher da nce to ra ise money for students
n April 22, the Lexington School District One Educational Foundation held Dancing with the Stars Lexington, a ballroom dancing showcase and competition featuring well-known Lexington community leaders. Over the course of ten weeks, participants received dancing lessons from Columbia’s Ballroom Company. Trophies were awarded based on dancing ability and the amount of votes each dancer received from the public. The entire proceeds from the votes, tickets, and the live and silent auctions that took place that evening, directly benefit students in Lexington District One. Recently the Educational Foundation has used its funds to improve the Learning Commons in schools and to support several different programs, including the STEM program.
Ms. Beth Moore
2nd Place Judge’s Choice Award Dance: Foxtrot Song: “The Business of Love” from the movie Mask Partner: Paul Lagatore Ms. Moore on how she became involved in Dancing with the Stars Lexington: “Two years ago, I had the opportunity to work with the Educational Foundation as an honorary member of the Foundation’s Board. During the time I worked with them, I made many new friends, among them the Board’s Director, Mrs. Connie McFarland. When I ran into Ms. McFarland at a cookout last September, she was updating me on the Foundation’s fundraiser this year and stated they were considering a Dancing With the Stars Lexington. I told her I thought it was a wonderful idea and emphasized it with a casual ‘I would do something like that.’ Then in late January when I was invited to a Dancing With the Stars ‘Meet and Greet,’ I thought I had been chosen to work with the Foundation behind the scenes – that is, until I read an email later that night. I remember telling my husband, ‘Hon,’ I think they want me to dance.’ Sure enough, they did.”
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C a rol i ne H ag g a r d E DI T OR-I N-CH I E F
In ten weeks, English teacher Ms. Beth Moore progressed from never having had dance lessons to being awarded a second-place trophy for dancing ability after she performed the foxtrot for Dancing with the Stars Lexington. “Being a teacher helped me appreciate what my partner Paul and his fellow professionals had to go through to get us to performing status in such a short amount of time. Our instructors had a total of ten hours to get us stage ready. That’s what makes a good teacher!” Ms. Moore said. Ms. Moore performed in a bright pink, crystal-encrusted ballgown that was actually worn in Hollywood’s Dancing with the Stars. However, this was not the dress she originally intended to wear. “Much of my time was spent looking for the right dress. Anyone close enough to hear me has probably heard the saga of my dress,” Ms. Moore said. Ballroom dancing performances require special gowns. After considering several options, Ms. Moore ordered a gown from overseas to save costs. Although the gown was ordered in advance, obstacles arose during alterations and the gown wasn’t ready in time. “One obstacle led to another, so I
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ended up borrowing a dress from a dancer at Columbia’s Ballroom Company the day before the dress rehearsal. The other dress will definitely be up for sale on eBay this Christmas,” Ms. Moore said. Overall, the event was an overwhelmingly positive experience for everyone involved. Ms. Moore states that the most enjoyable part for her was the actual dancing. “I could have been having the most trying or the longest day at school, but every Monday night when I entered the studio for my lesson, I left with a feeling of rejuvenation,” Ms. Moore said. She plans to continue taking dance lessons in the future. “The other dancers as well as instructors and members of Columbia’s Ballroom Company all made the experience one I will not forget. In fact, I plan to continue lessons just so I can one day rumba, cha cha, or even waltz my way through each day,” Ms. Moore said.
Beth Moore
Jennifer Trinkner
Otis Rawl
Kim Williams
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Mary King
From left to right: Particpant Kim Williams, Director of Human Resources for Lexington School District One, practices her ballroom dance routine at Columbia’s Ballroom Company. Mayor Randy Halfacre also practices with Joyce Lagatore of Columbia’s Ballroom Company. Both participants performed in the Educational Foundation’s Dancing with the Stars Lexington at the Koger Center on April 22, 2013. Photos Lexington Life Magazine/Brad Horton Photography
Rutu Bhonsle
Donna Shevchik
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Randy Halfacre
Lisa Herndon
Cleve Johnson
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Beth Dinndorf
Dr. Amy Rawl Epps
t i s i v s t a c d l i W e t a t S e n i h Suns
t rack members go down to Florida for Pepsi Florida Relays
Jor d a n S olomon SP ORT S R E P ORT E R
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ix members of the Lexington High School track team traveled to Gainsville, Fla. to compete in the three day Pepsi Florida Relays. The Florida Relays were created by former head track and field coach of the University of Florida Percy Beard in 1939. Over the past 74 years, the Florida Relays have grown in size from the original 209 competitiors, that competed in a small regional compitition, to an international competition drawing around 3,000 athletes from all over the country. Competitors compete in a large array of different track and field events such as long jump, high jump, 100 meter, 1600 meter, and 3200 meter. This year Eliza Harris, Katelin Killman, Thomas Harris, Zach Langston, Curtis Walker, and Blake White competed. Eliza Harris competed in the girls100 meter hurdle coming in at 28 of 60 competitors. Zach Langston captured 2ndout of 18 runners in the boys 1600 meter invitational with a time of 4:16:96. Curtis Walker claimed 22ndout of a field of 81with a time of 11.22 in the 100 meter dash. Out of 99, runners Blake White grabbed 14th in the Boys 1600 meter with a time of 4:29:89. With a time of 2:04:72 in the 800 meter race, Thomas Harris took the 56th place out of 116 participants. Curtis Walker, Zach Langston, Black White, and Thomas Harris made up the team for the boys high school 4000 meter distance relay that took 1st lace of 31 teams crossing the finish line at 10:29:82, which set a new South Carolina high school record.
Thomas Harris:
Q: How long have you been on the track team? A: I have been on the track team at Lexington since 7th grade. I was allowed to come train and practice at the high school and run both middle school and high school meets.
Q: What did you and the team do while you werein Florida? A: We spent the majority of our time watching the other races going on: high school, college, and professional athletes. We also toured the campus and athletic facilities at the University of Florida. Other than that we tried to stay relaxed, rested, and focused on racing.
Q: Were the relays like any other meet? A: The relays were completely different than any other meet I have ever been to. Not only did we have the opportunity, both as a team and as individuals, to race against some of the best high school competition in the country, but also we got to enjoy the experience of running on the nicest track in the Southeast minutes before high profile college and even Olympic athletes took to the track for their respective races. The entire experience of the meet was unforgettable.
http://www.lexingtonwildcats.com/News.aspx?newsId=16015& http://www.gatorzone.com/trackfield/floridarelays/ Curtis Walker (left), Eliza Harris (top right), and Thomas Harris (bottom right) run during the Silver Bluff meet. Photo by Lauren Lacomba
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Br i a B a r ton C O-E DI T OR I N CH I E F
Unfamiliar Flix
S e a n Forc e DE SIGN A DV I S OR
mu s t s e e ob s c u re mov ie s `
Ku ma re
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ne half social experiment one half emotional journey, the documentary Kumaré presents a morally questionable spiritual hoax. In an attempt to find the spiritual part of himself, Vikram Gandhi transforms himself into the guru Sri Kumaré to help others find their own spiritual selves. He and two friends head to the American Southwest to share their pseudo-philosophical ideas of inner guru-ship and happiness. Kumaré gains a small yet
very strong following in the city of Phoenix. He gains the trust of his followers and he fills their unaddressed possibly paid sessions with a plethora of personal lies, mock yoga, and Frankenstein-esq combination of Eastern religions. The documentary has good intentions of trying to show that everyone has their own guru, or spiritual leader, inside themselves. But, the morality of gaining people’s trusts in a deceitful pretense only to reveal to them later that they
were only gullible pawns used to show a point is not the way to go about to show a point. Kumaré is an emotional experience with awkward cultist conversations, emotionally unstable followers, and a reoccurring creepy smile in every scene with a few specific followers. Overall Kumaré helps present that the only location we must look for happiness is inwards, not to earthly objects, pleasures, or others.
S a fety Not Gua ra nteed
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h a t d o yo u g e t w h e n yo u a d d a s o c i a l l y a w k wa rd f a i l u re in a magazine internship with an equally a w k wa rd i nve s t i g a t i ve assignment with a dash of science fiction and ro m a n t i c c o m e d y ? S a f e t y Not G u a ra n t e e d . When a s s i g n e d t o h e l p c ove r a n i nve s t i g a t i ve a r t i c l e o n a m a n n a m e d Ke n n e t h ( M a r k Duplass), who has put out an ad claiming he needs someone to go back in time
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w i t h h i m , t wo i n t e r n s a n d a writer head off to find out h ow c ra z y t h e i r a s s i g n m e n t can get. When intern Darius Britt ( A u b re y P l a za ) m e e t s t h e m a n w h o w ro t e t h e a d , s h e i s i n d u c t e d i n t o h i s t i m e t ra ve l t ra i n i n g p ro g ra m t o s e e i f s h e c a n m e e t h i s ex p e c t a t i o n s . L i t t l e d o e s M a r k k n ow t h a t Darius is only using him to get her story. As the story p ro g re s s e s s o d o e s Ke n n e t h a n d D a r i u s ’ re l a t i o n s h i p . D a r i u s m u s t m a ke a d e c i s i o n
to either stay with the p o s s i b l y i n s a n e Ke n n e t h o r t o w ra p u p h e r a r t i c l e a n d g e t o u t b e f o re h e m i g h t h a ve a m e n t a l b re a kd ow n . S a f e t y N o t G u a ra n t e e d i s a h e a r t - wa r m i n g s t o r y t h a t ke e p s t h e a u d i e n c e wo n d e r i n g i f Ke n n e t h i s insane or if he can actually build a time machine. It is wo r t h t h e wa t c h a n d i s f u l l of many t wists and lots of laughs.
Bre a k fast on Pluto
eil Jordan’s film Breakfast on Pluto tells the tale of Patrick “Kitten” Braden, a transvestite man in search of love and belonging in a harsh, judgemental world. The film is based upon a novel of the same name by author Patrick McCabe. Set in the 1970s amidst the chaos of British-Irish conflicts, the film traces Patrick’s journey from infancy to adulthood as he seeks to find the woman
who abandoned him, his beloved “mammy.” The movie is an eclectic mix of laughs and tears, taking the viewer on an emotional rollercoaster through the depths of the underground world of transexualism. Breakfast on Pluto is a captivating film which entrances the viewer with its vast spectrum of color, humor, and acting. Some of the many superb performances include Liam
Neeson (Taken), Brendan Gleeson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), and Cillian Murphy (Inception). Breakfast on Pluto is an incredible tale of ambition, individualit y and the meaning self-sacrifice, which will leave viewers with a new perspective on life and love.
All movie pictures were received from their appropriate press selections on their websites
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Songs of the South upcom i ng concerts t h is spri ng
L i l l i a n L aw r e nc e E N T E RTA I N M E N T R E P ORT E R
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s the weather is starting to warm up and spring is here, more concerts are appearing. Many country music stars are bringing their tours to South Carolina in the hopes of entertaining fans all over the state. These concerts are sure to be a great way to kick off the start of summer.
Jason Aldean Jason Aldean will perform his 2013 Night Train Tour at the North Charleston Coliseum on Friday, May 17. Aldean has successfully released five albums, including hit songs “Big Green Tractor,” “She’s Country,” and “Take a Little Ride.” Special guests at his concert include singers Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are on sale starting at just $28.75.
Little Big Town
Little Big Town, the vocalist group featuring Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook is coming to Charleston. Little Big Town is known for their hit songs “Themselves,” “Tornado,” and “Pontoon,” and they are going to be on The Tornado Tour. The concert will take place at the North Charleston Coliseum Performing Arts Center on Thursday, May 9, at 8 in the evening. The tour will feature singer David Niall, and tickets are on sale for as low as $27.50.
Kenny Chesney
Kenny Chesney performs at Williams Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina, on Saturday, April 26, 2008. Photo by Lindsay Semple/The State/MCT.
Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Nation tour will come to Williams Brice Stadium in Columbia on Saturday, May 4. Zac Brown Band, known for hit songs such as “Chicken Fried,” “Colder Weather,” and “Knee Deep” will also be joining Kenny Chesney on stage as a guest appearance. Eli Young Band, known for their hit song “Even if it Breaks Your Heart,” and Kacey Musgraves, singer of “Merry Go Round” will be opening acts. Kenny Chesney has recorded 15 albums, and has been honored with numerous country music awards. A few of Chesney’s hit songs include “When the Sun Goes Down,” “Pirate Flag,” and “I Go Back.” The concert will start at 5 p.m. and tickets start at just $29.50. This much-anticipated outdoor event is already named to be the country music concert of the year in South Carolina.
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Prom Problems
bre a k ups bring complic at ion s wit h students H a n n a h D av i s S T U DE N T LI F E R E P ORT E R
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rom season can bring a variety of emotions: Nervousness, excitement, and anxiousness. So how does prom affect people and their relationships? Many people decide to break up before prom, which can bring conflict and problems to both parties. Girls will typically stress out more than usual when prom season comes around. The clothes, the hair, the make up and dinner plans are always on the mind. When this happens, guys may get fed up and just end the relationship all together. Some have even referred to their prom dates as “promzillas” or “drama queens.” While some may break up before prom, many decide to break up after prom. For example, the couple may have some problems that night or just realize they do not match up as well as they thought they did. One couple experienced this at their junior year prom. The girl, according to her date, was dancing just a little
On April 20, students dance the night away at prom. Photo by Erika Sineath
too close to her ex- boyfriend. When he commented on the situation and insisted that she dance with her current boyfriend; she, in return, referred to him as a jealous control freak and left prom. Pressure and drama can also have an effect on the students. Drama can create tension and make the entire prom experience stressful. Break ups can always be hurtful and disappointing, but during prom
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season, it can be twice as bad. However, prom does not always have to have a negative impact on students and result in break ups. Spending one of the most fun nights of the year together can create a very positive atmosphere, which can strengthen a relationship. Relationships can grow and last longer if they can withstand the stress and pressure of prom season.
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NEW PLACES & NEW FACES LEXINGTON’S LO CA L RE STAU R A NTS
GENERAL INFORMATION Location: 5580 Sunset Blvd, Lexington Hours: Sun-Thrus. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Fri. - Sat.: 11 a.m - midnight TOP FOUR TOPPINGS Rainbow Sprinkles Caramel Topping Strawberries Nerds
Jae ly n Ja me s F E AT U R E R E P ORT E R
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enchie’s is a local frozen yogurt store filled with all your favorite frozen yogurt flavors & toppings. The first store opened in Valley Village, Los Angeles, on May 15, 2007. It was created by husband and wife, Adam and Danna Caldwell. In 2010, Menchie’s was named the #1 fastest growing food franchise
in the United States and today holds the prestigious status of the largest self-serve frozen yogurt franchises in the world. Although Menchie’s is new in town, it is becoming a fast growing TOP THREE FLAVORS place for teens in the Lexington area. Birthday Cake Menchie’s is a great place for teens to hang out and chill after a Strawberry Cheesecake French Vanilla long day at school.
Inside of local Menchie’s store Photo by Jaelyn James
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hocolate Monkey is a local fudge store created by the Branham family. The first store was opened in the Smokey Mountains in February 2009. Chocolate monkey offers all types of sweets and goodies from chocolate covered strawberries to homemade fudge. Chocolate Monkey caters to all sorts of parties and events.
Chocolate Monkey Logo Photo by Jaelyn James
Chocolate Monkey is famous for their candied apples. The apples vary from caramel dipped with rainbow sprinkles to chocolate dippled drizzled in caramel. Chocolate Monkey attracts all type of crowds from elders to teens. Chocolate Monkey caters to all needs and leaves every customer happy.
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GENERAL INFORMATION Location: 5341 Sunset Blvd, Lexington Tuesdays: 1-8 p.m. TOP THREE FAVORITES Mint Chocolate Fudge Giant Caramel White Chocolate Drizzle
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GENERAL INFORMATION Location: 5343 Sunset Blvd, Lexington Hours: 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Phone: 803. 791. 0755
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Local Compton’s Kichen Photo by Jaelyn James
ompton’s Kitchen is a southern style themed restaurant new to Lexington located on 1118 B Ave, West Columbia. Compton’s Kitchen originated with Perry Compton. He opened the very first doors on Nov. 1, 1977, located on D Avenue , in West Columbia. He was known for his famous homemade biscuits. While Compton’s Kitchen once only served breakfast, new owner
Martha Cooke decided to branch out and start serving a lunch menu in 2000. She wanted to keep Compton’s tradition while also starting something new. The lunch menus change on a daily basis from southern style fried chicken with macaroni and cheese, to beef stew with potato salad. Compton’s Kitchen caters to customers every day needs. Catering is offered for holiday gatherings,
parties, or even tailgating for big games. Breakfast and lunch buffets are also available for pot lucks or big meetings. The atmosphere is very warm and family friendly.
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Location: 116 W Main St., Lexington SC Hours: Mon-Sat.11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Phone: 803.520.4689
Libby’s logo Photo by Jaelyn James
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ibby’s of Lexington is a new establishment to Lexington. Libby’s offers a wide variety of food choices in a family friendly atmosphere. Libby’s offers a variety of food from pizza and calzones, to chicken wings, fried shrimp, sliders, and salads. Libby’s was founded by Libby LaCoe in 2012. There is only one location, located in Lexington. Libby’s is a family business with the
owner himself in the kitchen and his own personal workers. Libby’s logo came from the LaCoe’s family deceased black lab mix dog who was a very important figure in the family’s life. Libby’s is an indoor and outdoor seating restaurant that is pleasurable for the entire family. The workers are always friendly and always have a smile on their face. Prices are amazing for the amount you receive. The over-all atmosphere is
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Monday : Pasta Night Tuesday : 50 cents wings *dine in only* Wednesday : Specialty pizza Thrusday : Shrimp & Grits Friday : Seafood Saturday : Chef’s Choice amazing and family friendly. It’s a great place for any occasion, whether it be a dinner date, celebration meal, or just meeting up with friends.
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NOT YOUR MAINSTREAM
COLUMBIA C at he r i ne Ga r ne r Gue s t C olu m n i s t
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any have heard of them, in half-believed rumors, but select few have seen them. I am here to tell you today that they are real, snaking about under the pavement of the USC campus, hidden by bramble and full of wonder. Yes, my friends, my dear readers, the tunnels under Columbia exist. I know because I have stood in the gaping mouth of one, peering into the darkness, searching with the weak beam of my flashlight for an end. Simply standing there, amid the rush of water that filled the entrance, set my body and soul alive with possibilities and prospects of adventure. These tunnels are real, and they are waiting, wondrous and full of treasure; just waiting for some young adventurer to discover them. Interested in becoming said adventurer? Read on. For starters, there are four types of tunnels under Columbia. The first type—sewer tunnels—is just better left unexplored. The second type is the steam tunnels; these are the ultra-illegal tunnels of legend that run under the USC campus. I would not recommend
you explore these either; not only are they entirely off limits, but they are cramped and hot and they smell funny. Third are the storm drains—interesting and safe enough for the careful adventurer. But it is the fourth type of tunnel—the catacombs—which makes for a truly exciting local adventure. The catacombs are old tunnels, dating back to the Civil War, with wooden floors untouched by age. No one knows who made them. No one knows why. What we do know is that they rather resemble real-world Dungeons & Dragons tunnels, complete with monsters and loot, which make them awesome sites for adventuring. When preparing for your adventure, I cannot stress enough the importance of boots and old clothes. Many of the tunnels are filled with water, sometimes to the knees. Like those signs on the water rides say, “You will get wet! You may get soaked!” The last thing you need is for your fancy new chinos to get wrecked in storm drain runoff. I might also recommend that you bring a map with you as you trek; those tunnels can go on forever,
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and if you take one of the attaching escape tunnels, you may find yourself popping out of the earth somewhere entirely new and unexpected. Like an abandoned asylum. Or a prison yard. In these times, it is handy to have a map to guide you back to civilization. Of course, the safest bet is just to mark your trail through the tunnel so that you can find your way out again later. Also, for safety’s sake, please travel with a buddy. Tunnel exploring is serious business; if you are not very careful, you could wind up very, very hurt, possibly dead. And we do not want that, do we? No, we do not. So pack a buddy to watch your back and call 911, and make sure you tell someone where you are going before you head out. Please, do not try to explore if there is even a whiff of rain in the sky. Seriously, those tunnels fill up faster than Target on Black Friday. When you explore, be prepared for very tiny spaces. Be prepared to face hoards of insects the likes of which you have never seen. Be prepared to get lost, to wade through water, to climb tall ladders and smell foul smells. And oh, yes, please, pack a flashlight. You are in tunnels, after all. They do get dark. The final step on your quest to becoming a real-world dungeon crawler is, quite simply, to pack your bags, grab your gear, find a friend, and get thee to a tunnel system. Now, where are the entrances to these magical portals of wonder, you may ask? Not telling. Finding the adventure is, after all, half of the adventure in itself. Do some research. Talk to some folks. Discover the underground world of Columbia for yourself, and see with your own eyes the wonders and treasures it has to offer.
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