A LOOK INSIDE • Candice Buford is crowned Winterfest Queen – Page 2 • Inaugural poet Amanda Gorman strikes a chord – Page 3 • Mustang Profile: Lily Moore puts one foot forward – Page 6
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Center Hill High School, 13250 Kirk Road, Olive Branch MS 38654
January-February 2021 | Volume 4, Issue 4
District rolls out Digital Learning Initiative W
By Tony Macklin Staff Writer
ith its share of $200 million allocated by the state for technology, DeSoto County Schools has started distributing more than 25,000 laptops to students in the new 1:1 device program. “Right now the school was given close to 1,000 devices,” Assistant Principal Zack Sims said. “We hope that by the fall that all of them are given out to everyone, because that’s basically one for everyone, every student. One to one initiative is the goal.” The rollout officially began Jan. 25, Sims said, although select classes tested the process ahead of time. Jacob Money, a junior, was part of the soft release and said his new laptop will make navigating Schoology easier. “I think an advantage is you can use Word documents a little better, you can type quicker than texting and the interface for Schoology is better than on a phone,” Money said. Sims also noted several benefits of the laptops, which come with hard cases and chargers. “The school-issued laptops are
already in sync with our WiFi, our interface, our internet, our
safeguards, everything such as our firewalls, things of that nature,” Sims said. “It already has all the
technology, programs, software that it needs to have.” A feature he thinks students will
like about the Lenovo ThinkPads is that they are high-tech. “They’re touchscreen, they’re
brand new, they’re pretty fancy, and they basically make it the easiest way to be infused in school, where if you had a personal laptop you
might have to add software,” he said, or a personal device might have security issues. That’s why, starting next fall, Sims said students will not be able
to use their own devices. “Since (the School Board) changed the rules and the policy for next semester, you can’t even bring those on campus because it leads to an issue where it can upload viruses, it could contaminate other technology, and mess with the safety of everyone,” he said. “So it is in the best interest for every student to, if they want to have a device here at school, to get one of the new school laptops.” If students forget their school-issued laptop or it isn’t charged, that will be a matter of personal responsibility, he said, and teachers will offer grace periods. However, “If it becomes a pattern or an issue or something like that, then it can lead to consequences, or the possibility of them not being able to complete an assignment or engage in class if they don’t have their responsibility taken care of.” Sims said students may still be allowed to use their phones in the classroom, but that won’t be the case for long. “They’ll be allowed to use their phones in kind of a limited capacity,” he said. “You’ll be allowed to have phones on campus as we always have, but
See LAPTOPS, Page 5
Longtime educator Jacqueline Wooten honored as Teacher of the Year
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Photo by Makiya Lowman Jacqueline Wooten reminisces while looking at a 1997 yearbook from Bartlett High School. Wooten taught for 33 years at Bartlett High School before joining the CHHS staff 14 years ago.
From Staff Reports The Pony Express
he’s earned the right to retire, but Teacher of the Year Jacqueline Wooten is staying put. “If ever there was a year to retire, this was it,” said Wooten, a 49-year educator who adjusted to teaching in a pandemic and plans to be in the classroom one more year before actually retiring. “Fifty is a nice round number and I’ve made it this far. I just enjoy doing this so much.” A math teacher, Wooten was recognized Jan. 12 as Center Hill High School’s Teacher of the Year. Wooten’s co-workers and her family, including husband,
chhsponyexpress.com
Robert, and son, Andre, attended a reception in her honor after school that day in the cafeteria. “She’s very humble,” Principal Doug Payne said. “She never wants the spotlight to be on her. It’s always about the kids.” Wooten’s first teaching job was at West Side High School in Memphis in 1971. She also spent a year teaching in New Jersey while her husband was stationed at Fort Dix. Wooten then taught for 33 years at Bartlett High School before joining the CHHS staff 14 years ago.
Photo by Jose Esquivel Assistant Principal Brenda Case takes a selfie with Jacqueline Wooten at the Teacher of the Year reception Jan. 12.
Photo by Makiya Lowman From left, ALC teacher Zach Kimble, Assistant Principal Brenda Case and head football coach Alan Peacock wore their favorite jerseys on Team Wars Day. Photo by Makiya Lowman From left, sisters Ellie Gevers, a senior, and Emmie Gevers, a freshman, dressed alike on Twins vs. Opposites Day.
Photo by Brandon Mayse
Neal Terry, a junior, wore his New York Giants gear on Team Wars Day. Photo by Makiya Lowman Photo by Makiya Lowman From left, junior Madison Shaw, junior Kaleah Jones and sophomore Tatianna Moss wore pajamas to school on Dress Up vs. Dress Down Day. In top photo, math teachers, from left, Jacqueline Wooten and Gayla Arvin brought their A game on Twins vs. Opposites Day.
Mustang Television adviser Roben Nobles donned a dress on Twins vs. Opposites Day.
Winterfest graphic by Brandon Mayse SEE MORE WINTERFEST PHOTOS ONLINE AT CHHSPONYEXPRESS.COM
Photo by Makiya Lowman
Photos by Jose Esquivel Not long after scoring 10 points in the Lady Mustangs’ Feb. 5 game against the Southaven Lady Chargers (inset), Candice Buford was crowned Winterfest Queen during halftime of the boys basketball game. She was escorted by her father, Chris Buford Sr.
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Photo by Jose Esquivel Several members of the Winterfest Court gathered for a group photo in the PAC before the ceremony. From left are senior Ada Vu, sophomore Shainah Walker, senior Jillian Wiggins, senior Dallis Bryant, sophomore Madison Maxwell, junior Cailyn Williams, sophomore Emma Kate Taylor, senior Shea Johnson and senior Katie Huey. The Court was introduced at halftime of the boys basketball game against Southaven Feb. 5.
Opinion
The Pony Express
Amanda Gorman proves young Black women can do anything
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naugural poet Amanda message. Gorman wrote a Gorman didn’t beautifully worded poem necessarily say anything called “The Hill We about the attacks against Climb” and presented the U.S. Capitol, but it to the world for the there was no doubt the first time Jan. 20 for new Jan. 6 violence was on President Joe Biden. her mind when she wrote When I heard Gorman “The Hill We Climb.” By Makiya Lowman recite this poem, it was I believe this because Staff Writer like my eyes were being she wrote, “We close opened to what talented the divide because we young people we have in know to put our future this new generation, my first, we must put our When I heard generation. differences aside.” Gorman recite In the poem, Gorman this poem, it She wants to unite wrote about how we’ve was like my America’s citizens, come so far, been eyes were being white and Black, poor opened to what and rich, so we can fight through so much, and talented young for a better, tranquil how there’s still a lot people we have we can do to improve future. in this new and grow, not only as The poem is generation, my individuals but also as a generation. passionate. A line that nation. also drew my attention She spoke in a way was, “We will not march that people of all ages, back to what was, but young and old, could move to what shall be.” I have an understanding of her liked that, because it spoke to me
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about what our country should be. Gorman’s presentation was also assertive, and her facial gestures, body language and pauses helped make her words come to life. Just 22 years old, she clearly knew her audience and how to make them listen to the way she wanted to be listened to. In interviews, the National Youth Poet Laureate has said that one day she would like to be the president of the United States. It’s amazing how Gorman can see herself in that role, and I hope that one day I can see her in that position too. Maybe even be there with her. There’s no better feeling than seeing Black women being represented in a bright light. Black women can accomplish anything we put our minds to, and Amanda Gorman has proved that.
Illustration by Lacey Buckley
The Pony Express is a student-run newspaper produced by and for the students of Center Hill High School in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Operated as a club, The Pony Express is supplemented by members of the Foundations of Journalism class and the staffs of Mustang Tv and the CHHS Yearbook. The online news site is chhsponyexpress.com. Editor Shelby Parsons Contributing Staff for Issue 4 Lacey Buckley, Jose Esquivel, Morgan Ewing, Makiya Lowman, Tony Macklin, Brandon Mayse, Ella McAlister, Dylon Melton Advisers Ginny Shikle and Michelle Jones The mission of The Pony Express is to provide quality, thought-provoking student work focused on the events and issues that affect the CHHS community. As student writers, we try to reflect the thoughts of our most important readers – the students of CHHS. Because of this, we attempt to approach many issues, some more controversial than others. The newspaper staff hopes to inform, to educate, to entertain and to question for the betterment of CHHS, its students and faculty. Editorial Policy The editorial section of The Pony Express, including editorial cartoons, serves as a forum for well-written, thoughtful, longer forms of expression. Signed editorials represent the opinions of the author. Unsigned editorials reflect the consensus of The Pony Express staff. Views printed herein are meant to be opinionated and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the CHHS student body, faculty, administration or DeSoto County Schools. Letters to the Editor Policy Readers are encouraged to voice their opinions in the Opinion section for the expression of varying viewpoints on relevant topics. The Pony Express will print as many letters as space allows. Letters must include the author’s name, signature, and class or position relative to the letter. Typed or legible, hand-written letters are acceptable, but should not exceed 200 words. The Pony Express will edit all letters for accuracy, spelling and grammar. We reserve the right to refuse to print any letter. Submit questions, comments or letters to the editor to ponyexpresschhs@gmail.com or 13250 Kirk Road, Olive Branch, MS 38654. Advertising Policy The Pony Express will not accept any advertising that deems to be: factually inaccurate; designed to mislead, deceive or defraud; containing malicious, vindictive or unsubstantiated attacks; offering goods and/or services illegal for teenagers to possess, buy or use; libelous; obscene; creating imminent danger or disruption to school. The Pony Express reserves the right to refuse any advertising, solicited or unsolicited. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views or endorsements of The Pony Express staff, student body, faculty, administration or school board. To advertise, contact Ginny Shikle at ginny.shikle@dcsms. org. Member Organizations The Pony Express is a member of the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association and the Southern Interscholastic Press Association. Our publication was named Most Improved High School Newspaper by MSPA for 2017-2018, and in 2018-2019 The Pony Express was a finalist for Mississippi’s High School Newspaper of the Year.
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Opinion
Illustration by Ella McAlister
Donald Trump to blame The double standard for violence at Capitol against Capitol Police
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n Jan. 6, violence broke out at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. when a swarm of Donald Trump’s supporters decided to boycott the “stolen” election. This protest commenced after a tweet from our By Ella McAlister own president saying, Staff Writer “Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, be wild,” talking about his “Save America Rally” It is remarkably held on the Ellipse. hypocritical Five reporters from for this group USA Today stated in the to break out article, “What happened in this much violence over in D.C. yesterday? rumors, while How a Trump mob they insulted stormed the Capitol forcing Washington into supporters of the Black lockdown,” that during Lives Matter the Trump rally, “Trump movement. spoke to them for more than an hour, insisting, without evidence, that the election had been stolen.” This was an outrage for his supporters, which caused them to raid the Capitol later that afternoon. Over the span of three hours, thousands of Trump’s supporters confronted the police on the steps of the Capitol, headed for the House and the Senate, caused a lockdown from 6 p.m. Wednesday evening to 6 a.m. Thursday morning, and terrorized other citizens. Five people died that day, about 15 officers were injured, and more than 70 people were arrested. One of the dead was a woman fatally shot by Capitol Police. Personally, I am embarrassed for this country, but I am honestly not shocked that this happened. I feel that Trump shows no intention of feeling wrong for provoking the actions of the citizens who support him. After all, he is the one who tweeted to “Be wild” in the first place. As the president of the United
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States, he should have known that spreading fake news of the election being “stolen” from him would cause mass chaos. In fact, shouldn’t he have thought about this after his own experiences with “fake news?” Greg Myre from npr.org stated in his article “Where Was the Security When A Mob Stormed The Capitol?” that “This was the third major rally in recent weeks to support President Trump’s fictional claim that the presidential election was rigged. The most recent one in December included fights in the streets, with several people stabbed.” This proves that Trump’s actions have caused much violence before, yet he hasn’t made any effort to appease his supporters’ reactions. It is remarkably hypocritical for this group to break out in this much violence over rumors, while they insulted supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement for protesting injustices that have actually happened and are continuing to happen. According to Suzanne Barlyn on insurancejournal.com, “Taxpayers will pay for damages because federal agencies rarely carry insurance,” meaning that taxpayers are having to pay for the damages done by our own president, which is absolutely absurd. Additionally, D.C. is having to take drastic measures to protect our Capitol from more violence. Paul D. Shinkman, part of usnews. com, stated that “The 20,000 National Guard troops preparing for pro-Trump demonstrations this weekend in the nation’s capital will be armed and permitted to use lethal force, the headquarters overseeing them says, marking a striking escalation in the way authorities there are preparing for repeat violence after last week’s deadly mob.” This swarm of people caused so much unnecessary turmoil for this nation that the Capitol has to have constant security 24 hours each day. Overall, these dreadful events caused not only an immeasurable amount of fear and chaos, but also a 15-day public emergency, which went through the inauguration of then President-elect Joe Biden.
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n case you’ve been under a rock for the last week, a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an originally peaceful demonstration that turned violent. There are accusations of Antifa starting the By Dylon Melton violence, but that’s not Staff Writer what I am writing about. Instead, I am writing on the accusations of the Capitol Police Now the right double standard when has had their fair share of it came to which side was rioting, and how all violence and radical behavior, those accusations are but nowhere false. near the amount So to start this, the left has we have to go back caused in the four years to November 2016 of Trump’s on Trump’s first day presidency. as president-elect. Widespread riots ravaged the country, tens of thousands of dollars of merchandise was stolen, people were beaten in the street, and buildings were burned to the ground all in one day, and all this with little to no police presence. Why? Because back in 2016 riots like this were almost unheard of, and no police in those areas were equipped to stand in opposition to this mob of bloodthirsty rioters. Now, fast forward to this past summer with another surge of widespread riots. Keep in mind police in the cities with the most violence have dealt with this same behavior since 2016, almost four years of unrest. The riots this summer caused over two BILLION dollars in damages. That’s $2 billion taken from taxpayers, because taxes pay for the damages. Now the right has had their fair share of violence and radical behavior, but nowhere
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near the amount the left has caused in the four years of Trump’s presidency. So what that leads us to believe is that police were not prepared for the Trump supporters to get violent at all, simply because of a history of not being aggressive. Other things also go into why the police weren’t as tough on these rioters as opposed to others. “The Capitol police weren’t geared for a riot,” donutoperator said on YouTube. I don’t know if you knew this, but police don’t just have riot gear all the time. In riots beforehand, there is usually either more evidence of an imminent riot or just a general understanding that this will not be peaceful based on previous riots. In addition, Capitol security requested a National Guard presence but was “Denied by the House,” according to thehill.com. Some bring up the video of some police letting people in the Capitol, but what they don’t show is that the part they let the people have was an unpopulated hall and some offices. The important people were in the chambers and down in the underbelly of the Capitol, where police fought for their lives and the lives of everyone inside. That includes officer Eugene Goodman, a newfound hero who led the mob through the halls to the other end of the Capitol, saving lives. The part police let them have was a diversion from the complete other end of the building. More proof that police were trying their hardest to defend the lives of senators, (ironically some who wanted to defund them), is Officer Daniel Hodges, who was crushed in a door and thankfully not killed. “I would have done that for free,” Hodges said, according to nbcwashington.com. Some of y’all easily triggered people reading may say I support the violence by defending the police’s strategic measures to keep your senators alive, but to that I say I support no violence. I support law and order.
News/Entertainment How Reddit beat Wall Street at its own game with GameStop R
Meme created by Dylon Melton
RIP Dustin Diamond, AKA Screech O
n Feb. 1, “Saved partner she had for the by the Bell” star competition at the Max, Dustin Diamond passed and Screech decided away after a brief battle he would be her new with lung cancer. partner and even created Diamond played the a new dance for her. Or character Screech, the like when Screech beat goofy counterpart of out Slater (Mario Lopez) Zack Morris. It hurts and Jessie (Elizabeth me, because although By Makiya Lowman Berkley) during the Miss he wasn’t my favorite Bayside pageant. Staff Writer character, he was one of He would’ve done them. But I think it was anything for his friends for the better because he and family. Screech is not suffering anymore. I know Diamond went out of his way One of Diamond’s for Zack (Mark-Paul had other television and last appearances was Gosselaar). A lot. Zack movie roles, in the “Saved by the would put him through but it’s hard to Bell” reboot that is on the weirdest situations, separate the the streaming service, like when he needed actor from the Peacock. I do not like character he was someone to dress up as the reboot, but I do best known for. an alien for money, even like Screech. He will be let him get investigated missed and missed dearly. by the government, or I know Diamond had when he put his dog up other television and for a bet. Screech did movie roles, but it’s hard it and did it well. But to separate the actor from the they got caught by good ole, Mr. character he was best known for. Belding (Dennis Haskins). Samuel “Screech” Powers was a Either way, Screech was a good very good-natured and heartfelt classmate and did his schoolwork person. Like when Lisa Turtle well. He was a very bright young (Lark Voorhies) sprained her man, always helping his friends ankle and couldn’t dance with the when they needed help and always
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being by their side. His love for Lisa Turtle was intense since the day he saw her. Even though he briefly dated Kelly Kapowski (Tiffani Thiessen), for like a day, he knew that Lisa was the one for him but she knew that he wasn’t the one for her. Lisa rejected him time and time again, but that didn’t stop Screech from chasing her for so many years. They even had a falling out with his best friend about it.Screech was goofy and so funny. He spent one summer with his closest friends working at a country club and called it the best summer of his life. And I bet it was. I’m so hurt that he passed away, because I liked Screech. I honestly did. I know that although everyone is mourning his loss, he will still be an important part of the Bayside Class of ’92. Screech will forever have a place in my heart and I hope he will in yours. So, let’s just all have Bayside in your heart during these times and move on from this grief, but always keep Samuel “Screech” Powers in a high light. RIP Dustin Diamond.
eddit is a popular social media site and app that contains a large number of people who play video games. By Dylon Melton Reddit Staff Writer has done incredible things before, including bashing Amber Heard after she lied about abuse by Johnny Depp. Now how did this group of gamers, members, and seemingly losers crash the stock market and cost Wall Street billions? In simple terms, investors of Wall Street “bet” on GameStop to fail, and appeared to be right, until Reddit caught wind of this attack on the gaming community. The memes were abundant, and millions
bought stocks like they never had before. Even Elon Musk bought stocks for GameStop. The shares for the company rose 700%! This soar in stock for GameStop made the Wall Street stocks for the company become obsolete, and if you have no knowledge of the stock market like most people, Wall Street is a large part of the stock market, so when they lost billions the stock market was killed, leaving GameStop sitting pretty. Other companies are making a comeback too, such as AMC theaters and, are you ready for this? BLOCKBUSTER, the movie rental store that Netflix assassinated back in 2010. Reddit is fighting this stock fight and seems to be winning, but will this power go to the heads of many Redditors and make them do more to the economy? We will just have to see.
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teachers should accommodate students who need to charge their devices. “I feel like if it’s not charged then the teacher should let them in class so they can get their school work done since we’re not going to be allowed to use our phones anymore,” she said. Freshman Catherine Bolhuis said students should be allowed to use their personal laptops and to charge them in the classroom if an outlet is available. Like Money, Bolhuis said that the school-issued laptops offer “a better platform to do school work on.” But Money did point out one slight disadvantage: “I don’t have enough room in my backpack for it.”
they will not be the main use for education purposes.” From a teacher’s perspective, Angel Pilcher said that phones are not the best devices to use in the classroom. “Phones are causing problems because they’re a distraction, and students may be doing things on their phone that they’re not supposed to be doing,” Pilcher said. Grace Smith, a sophomore, agreed that phones are a problem for some students “because they use them for the wrong reasons like social media.” On the other hand, Smith said students with personal laptops should be able to use them since they bought them, and she thinks
Photo by Morgan Ewing Distance Learning Team member Madeline Dormois helps set up a student laptop during one of the school’s distribution days. DeSoto County Schools purchased devices for every K-12 student with money allocated by the Mississippi Legislature.
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Lily Moore is motivated by what seems impossible to others
Photo by Jose Esquivel Now 18, Lily Moore was 2 years old when a broken leg led to the diagnosis of a rare genetic disorder and the eventual amputation of her left foot. Moore said she’s no different from anyone else. “It’s more of an obstacle rather than a disability.”
By Jose Esquivel Staff Writer
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ome people might consider wearing a prosthetic a setback, but to Lily Moore it’s just a part of who she is. “I’ve had it for so long now that when people ask if I could have my foot back, I say no,” Moore said. “The thought of having another foot is weird to me. I mean, I can’t remember what that would feel like.” Now 18, Moore was 2 years old when a broken leg led to the diagnosis of a rare genetic disorder and the eventual amputation of her left foot. “I was born with a condition called neurofibromatosis,” the 12th-grader said. “We didn’t know I had it until I actually broke my leg. My parents originally
thought it was just a regular break, but when the doctors removed the cast my leg broke again. I ended up having my left foot amputated 6 The Pony Express
that same year.” Moore has some memory of what happened, but not much. Her grandmother filled in the details later. “She said she told my mom not to cry because I would react to that,” Moore said. “She didn’t want me to be scared.” Before the surgery, doctors assured Moore’s mother that if her little girl’s foot had to be amputated, then she would be doing everything other kids would by the time she was 5. Moore said that’s been true her whole life. “My personal belief is that this has not limited me at all,” she said. “I’ve been able to participate in anything I’ve ever wanted. I was in cheer and dance in elementary school. I also played volleyball in middle school.” In high school, Moore has traded sports for music. The first soprano’s favorite class is choir, and she also enjoys history. In her spare time, the future cosmetologist enjoys fixing her friends’ and family members’ hair. None of her
Photo by Jose Esquivel Lily Moore, who was born with a condition called neurofibromatosis, had her left foot amputated when she was 2 years old. She has never let that bother her, and over the years has participated in cheer, dance and soccer. “My situation has always motivated me to do what most people would say is impossible,” she said. “As soon as someone would say ‘she can’t do that because of her leg’ or ‘don’t ask her to do that, she can’t,’ it just motivated me to want to accomplish it more.”
opportunities are limited by her circumstances. “My situation has always motivated me to do what most people would say is impossible,” she said. “As soon as someone would say ‘she can’t do that because of her leg’ or ‘don’t ask her to do that, she can’t,’ it just motivated me to want to accomplish it more.” Moore, whose prosthetic attaches to her left knee with straps and fits her size 7 shoes, walks with a slight limp. She said she’s not bothered by what might be obvious to others. “If most people
Childhood photos courtesy of Lily Moore These are some of Lily Moore’s old prosthetics, which she wore, from left, at ages 2, 5, 6 and 8. The prosthetic she wears now, at 18, attaches to Moore’s left knee with straps and fits her size 7 shoes, including her favorite white Converse Chuck Taylors.
are gonna notice it’s there anyway, then why would I stop myself from doing something that an ordinary person would? I don’t really find myself different from other people,” she said. “It’s more of an obstacle rather than a disability.” Destiny Shown, a close friend since they were in the first grade,
knows how strong-willed and determined Moore is. “I just see her as a normal girl, just trying to live life to the fullest,” Shown said. “I’m proud of her because most people would have given up in her situation, and she still remained positive.”