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The

Crier

Tuesday, May 18, 2020, Issue 4

DANCE WINS NATIONALS: FIRST TIME IN 16 pg..50 YEARS Photo by: Scott Lowe

The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

INSIDE INSIDE

2 | CONTENT

QUESTION

OF THE ISSUE

What would you like to say to the class of 2021?

CONTENT | 3

2020-2021

Crier Staff Editor-In Chief

Madison Duboise

News Editor

06 18

30

Myles Gollop

“The class of 2021 is not as bad as some people may think. They have made the best out of a really hard year.

This class is hardworking and dedicated.”

Opinion Editor

Emma Headrick

In-Depth Editor

Grace Moore

Sports Editor

-junior Adrean Reeves

Ethan King Brody Wallace

A&E Editor Sarah Chase

Reporters

35

43

“Good luck at college.

You all have worked so hard and I just know this class will succeed in life.”

60

-junior Tucker Moburg

Gabi Alexander Makayla Barchett Matthew Brown Kendall Cope Kyla Davidson Angela Ducote Rileigh Glassman Kameron Glenn Jacob Hiles Laylah Johnson Olivia Lake Anh Nguyen McKynna Stevens Tess Warren Donell White

Adviser

Erin Coggins, MJE

06 35

News - Teacher overcomes brain tumor challenges

In-Depth - Southern heritage, more than sweet tea and the word “y’all”

18 43

Lifestyles - Student spends months living in Barbados

Sports - Varsity cheer coach retires, leaving behind a legacy

30

60

Opinion - Student pays tribute to Mother’s hard work and care

A&E - The best barbecue in North Alabama

“Even though it was a difficult year it was fun getting to come back and share a few last memories with you guys. Good luck with college or wherever life takes you.

-junior Kiara McCuthoen

TheCrimsonCrier sparkmannews thecrimsoncrier thecrimsoncrier Keep up with daily news on TheCrimsonCrier.com

4 |NEWS

The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

Laylah Johnson- Reporter

T

Illustration by Olivia Lake

he state of Alabama has passed a bill presented

by Rep. Scott Stadthegan of Hartselle. House Bill 391 will prohibit public schools to allow transgender students from participating on a team opposite of the gender on their birth certificate.

Since this bill is so similar to those proposed in Mississippi and Florida, state Sen. (D) Bobby Singleton of Greensboro calls it a bandwagon bill.

“We need to take Alabama to another level, not take Alabama backwards,” Singleton said.

Despite Singleton’s comments and some against votes from the House and Senate, Gov. Kay Ivey signed the bill into law on April 23.

“Now, transgender females will not be able to dominate against physically inferior competition. It is unfortunate that they will not be able to compete against the gender they identify as. I understand why this upsets the transgender community, however, keeping sports equal is the chief issue here,” senior track athlete Myles Gollop said.

Athletes from around the country, including the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) are commenting on the Alabama bill, along with similar bills being passed in North Dakota and other states. For senior track athlete, Cherish Hollie, she believes the bill seems to hold down the transgender population from being who they want to be.

“I think that it will make less transgender people want to be involved in sports. It is embarrassing and exhausting to

NEWS | 5

Transgender students ability to compete in high school sports challenged

have to always prove yourself,” Hollie said.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama has also been vocal about the bill, stating that “the bills are consistent with the attacks that we’ve been seeing all across the country towards transgender youth and really their families as well.”

The ACLU believes bills like these tend to have a negative effect on transgender youths and is a form of discrimination.

“I do not think that this bill is a form of discrimination but I do believe that this is another way of delaying process in youth.

I think that it is a way to deter people,” Hollie said.

Stadthagen said the bill was about providing a “fair, level playing field

for female athletes’’. At the same time, some high school athletes are opposed to allowing transgender athletes to play on their teams.

“Biological men should not be allowed to ruin women’s sports. I feel the

bill, another bill introduced in Alabama would make it a felony to provide medical transition care to transgender people under the age of 19, which is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 10 years or a $15,000 fine. Rep. (D) Mary Moore from Birmingham, expressed concern that lawmakers insert themselves into these decisions that do not affect them.

“As a body, we are trying to practice medicine without a degree,” Moore said.

Alabama is known among other states as old fashion and regressive. Many feel that this bill is an example of an old fashioned mind set.

“I am sad that this is another obstacle that our generation is facing. Transgender people just want to be accepted and we should give them that option,” Hollie said.

“As a body, we are trying to practice medicine without a degree.” transgender community’s frustrations, but this is a matter of fair play. Transgender girls across the country are winning track races, wrestling championships and weight lifting competitions. They have a clear advantage,” Gollop said.

Besides the transgender athletic

“THEIR ARGUMENT IS THAT TRANS WOMEN HAVE THE SAME ABILITY AS CISGENDER MEN, WHICH IS NOT ACCURATE.” -Lindsay Hecox

“I WILL SIGN OUR BILL TO PROTECT YOUNG GIRLS FROM BEING FORCED TO COMPETE WITH BIOLOGICAL MALES FOR ATHLETIC OPPORTUNITIES.” -Gov. Tate Reeves

6 | NEWS

The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

Teacher overcomes brain tumor challenges Makayla Barchett-Reporter

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s May begins to approach, many are recognizing those who have had to unfortunately battle with brain tumors as the beginning of Brain Cancer Awareness Month starts.

Mathematics teacher Meighan

Lewis has had to personally experience this reality first hand and is continuing down the path of what she hopes will be a good recovery.

“I found out almost exactly a year ago after having a brain MRI because of lab work. They called me on a Saturday night at 8 p.m. to tell me I needed to see a neurosurgeon,”

Lewis said. “ It took a few days for it to hit me and really process the information.”

Even though Lewis has had to undergo a brain tumor, she still realizes how small the effects are and how truly grateful she is that it was not worse than what it was.

She feels that even though she has

Pushing Forward Teacher Meighan Lewis has continued teaching since the discovery of her brain tumor. Lewis was grateful that her tumor was not extremely severe, it did not effect her horribly but it has had its impact. Photo by Tess Warren

NEWS | 7

had to experience such a hard time in her life, she still knows that there are more people out there who are experiencing much worse.

“I have been really blessed because the type of tumor I have is like winning the lottery of brain tumors. It is a meningioma and they typically are very slow growing and can ‘die’. I have a few side effects from the tumor that are very manageable and don’t have a major impact on my life,” Lewis said. “ Most brain tumors aren’t as benign as mine and if I need surgery in the future, there is a great chance that my personality and memory could be affected because of the location and how meningiomas get their blood supply. I am hoping that it won’t ever come to that.”

As she starts her road of recovery, Lewis is appreciative for the surgery she has not had to face. She continues to remain strong and does not let the fears of the future change the way she lives her life.

“Fortunately, I have not had to have surgery to remove it. It has not grown in a year, so right now the plan is that I will have yearly scans to monitor it. Hopefully, it has “died” and it will just take up space in my head. There is a chance that it will grow, but I’m not going to worry about that unless that is what happens,” Lewis said.

Friends and family can have a significant impact on the way you approach life in the moment. Lewis had surrounded herself with people who loved her and who helped her fight through the hardships.

“My family and my friends have been really supportive. My family has nicknamed it “Earl” (because Earl has to die) and any time I’m acting off, they blame Earl. My mom came down last year when I had the first appointment with the neurosurgeon because we didn’t know what was going to happen and she ended up staying with us for two months because of the COVID-19 lock down,” Lewis said. “My children got lots of time with their grandma. I was a new teacher here when I found out, and the administration and the other teachers have been so kind and went out of their way to reach out to me.

Having so many people support me Photo Illustration by Katlyn Dickey

has made dealing with this so much easier.”

Day by day, many learn how to adjust to the situation and how to go about their everyday life despite the uncertainty. Throughout her experience, Lewis did learn several things and it had personally given her a better understanding as well as a chance to share her findings with others who need them.

“Don’t Google medical issues.

There are a ton of horror stories. I only read on medical sites and it was still awful. Also, be your own medical advocate. I was blown off by a doctor when I first went in for some issues and I had to beg to get the lab work done. I would not know about it if I hadn’t pushed and known that something wasn’t right with me,” Lewis said.

May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month which recognizes those who have had to undergo the struggles of brain tumors. Lewis appreciates the month of may and continues to be thankful for the state of the tumor and

how lucky she has been through this stage in her life.

“Given that the brain can not heal itself and the effects can be devastating, I absolutely believe there needs to be recognition and awareness of brain tumors. The initial symptoms I had could be signs of almost anything. I could have easily blown them off and not been aware of it. My tumor is very slow growing, fortunately, and usually they are found out about when it gets really bad,” Lewis said.

Having to handle a situation like this can cause an individual to not only be affected physically and emotionally but spiritually as well.

Lewis’s faith continues to grow as love is shown to her by so many, making her realize how amazing life truly is.

“My faith has been strengthened. I am blessed in so many ways and had so many people praying for me when we found out,” Lewis said. “It has been humbling and made me more appreciative of life.

8 | NEWS

NEWS | 9

The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

THE ANSWERS TO YOUR SUNSCREEN QUESTIONS

TO TAN OR NOT TO TAN UV Exposure poses serious threat to the diagnosis of skin cancer Gabi Alexander-Reporter

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ach year about 5.4 million skin cancers are diagnosed in the U.S. To build awareness for this, May has been deemed Skin Cancer Awareness Month, as a time to join together to educate people about skin cancer, to share the facts and to help save lives.

Growing up on a farm his entire life, being in the sun for long hours during his teen years could never be avoided, unless he did not want to eat that night.

Community resident Paul Miller was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma at age 73.

“I developed it from too much exposure to the sun in the summers. I went without a shirt most of the time and never used any type of sunscreen. I don’t remember our family ever buying any sunscreen,” Miller said.

Although there are various ways to get skin cancer, a main risk is tanning beds. According to the National Cancer Institute, exposure to UV radiation— whether from the sun or from artificial sources such as sunlamps used in tanning beds—greatly increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Monrovia Middle school teacher Kellye Cuzzort knows too well the dangers of tanning beds.

“I started tanning in tanning beds my junior year of high school and continued throughout my late twenties.

It affected my skin in a bad way. It is one of the main reasons I have to visit the dermatologist every six weeks, and I have to wear SPF protective clothing when I’m out in the sun for very long,” Cuzzort said.

Illustration by Kameron Glenn

Science tells us that there’s no such thing as a safe tanning bed, or tanning booth. Just one indoor tanning session can increase the risk of developing skin cancer, Melanoma by 20%, Squamous Cell Carcinoma by 67%, and Basal Cell Carcinoma by 29%.

Many don’t believe that tanning beds have any true risks. Some claims believe that “catching some rays may lengthen your life”. Exposure to sunlight has been linked to improved energy and elevated mood, but even with these ‘benefits’ it’s not worth the risk of skin cancer.

“Even though basal cell is not as serious as squamous or melanoma it made me regret all of the sun and tanning bed tanning I had done in my younger years,” Cuzzort said.

Being a fair-skinned red-head and having family members who have struggled with skin cancer, spray tanner Brittany Prater Olson switched to spray tanning 16 years ago. She has seen a rise in demand and is usually book solid.

“People love that they can save time by getting a tan in a 15-minute application and they love that they can pick the tone of their tan,” Prater-Olson said. “Most have spent time in a tanning bed and have experienced a cancer scare or have sunspots and wrinkles and do not want to further enhance those. They want a healthier choice.”

According to Prater-Olson, the first and most important of sunless tanning is no UV exposure, which is the root of skin cancer, premature aging, wrinkles,

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE BEST SUNSCREEN FOR MY FACE?

You can use the same SPF as you do on the body. If you are prone to acne, look for a mineral based formula.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REAPPLY SUNSCREEN?

leathery skin, discoloration and eye troubles.

“Our skin is our body’s biggest Photo Illustration

by Katlyn Dickeyagainst organ--our first line of defense infections and it is important to keep it healthy,” Prater-Olson said. “You can get the skin-kissed glow without damage.”

Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis, and it’s the most preventable cancer. One percent of all skin cancers develop the most dangerous type of skin cancer, Melanoma, and about 7,200 will die of the disease each

year.

“When I was older, I started having an annual physical and the dermatologist discovered a spot on my back that I could not see. He had to go deep to make sure he removed all of it, I still go to the dermatologist every year to make sure that I do not have a recurrence. l make sure to always wear sunscreen now,” Miller said.

In order to have treatable skin cancer, it needs to be caught early on, so you

should always get annual skin checks to prevent serious health issues.

“If I could give any advice to the younger generation, it would be to invest in a spray tan, use sunscreen and protective clothing if you are going to be in the sun for long periods of time. If you think you have to lay in a tanning bed, don’t overdo it. Just be smart,” Cuzzort said.

Signs of eating disorders

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying sunscreen 30 minutes before heading outdoors. Aim to apply a shot glass-sized amount to your whole body, reapplying the same amount every two hours. It’s also crucial to reapply immediately after you go for a swim, sweat heavily, or dry yourself off with a towel.

HOW CAN I TELL IF SUNSCREEN IS EXPIRED? If one is not listed on the product, write the date of purchase on the bottle—it should maintain its original strength for at least three years, per the FDA’s standards.

Sleeping Issues-Uncomfortable Eating Habits-Mood Swings Constant Weight Change-Skipping Meals-Fainting

10 | NEWS

The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

NEWS | 11

Students to star in LMP production of

LEGALLY BLONDE Kendall Cope-Reporter

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New Beginnings Teacher Erin Coggins logs into her new PowerSchool account to become familiar with the program. Teachers will recieve training before the school year begins in August. Photo by Madison Duboise

State makes switch to new program for grading, organization

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Rileigh Glassman-Reporter

he state Department of Education is making a switch from INow to Powerschool.

Powerschool is a program that was supposed to come out last year, but due to the pandemic it was delayed by a year and will now be up and running

by August.

This new program is used nationally and will extremely benefit teachers according to assistant principal Scott McMickin “Because of all of the different products that are associated with PowerSchool, teachers will no longer have to transfer grades from one system to the next,” McMickin said.

This program can also benefit parents and students by providing easier navigation and more features that both teachers and students will enjoy.

“I think this program will benefit everyone and

I’m really excited to see this new program unfold,” Monica Davis said. “There will be more features and better quality.”

There are plenty of advantages to this program.

McMickin says the biggest benefit is Schoology, a learning management system and grading system that is used around the country at colleges and universities.

“As soon as a student is put into a class, everything connects and grading becomes live.

If you take a test in Schoology, that grade will be immediately put into the gradebook part of PowerSchool,” McMickin said.

The transition will take place this coming school year and registration for PowerSchool has already begun. Parents were required to sign students up for the upcoming school year on the program.

“We are excited to see the more user friendly program and how easy it is to navigate,” history teacher Ashley Boddie said.

yrique Music Productions (LMP) is bringing “Legally Blonde” to Huntsville. Show dates begin June 24 and will go through July 3 at the James Clemens Theatre. Tickets and more information can be found on LyriqueMusicProductions.org.

Alumni Sarah Schomburg is starring as main character Elle Woods in the musical.

This is her 3rd production with LMP. Her first show with them was “Bring It On” and then later that fall she was assistant choreographer for “Matilda”.

“I love being a featured dancer in big productions more than anything, but I think it’s a good opportunity to audition for big roles so that you can gain experience, put yourself out there and maybe end up getting cast in a role you auditioned for,” Schomburg said.

The musical battles stereotypes as Elle is believed to be “too blonde”. The production includes several female principal roles to help carry the story line and portray the message of supporting women in leadership roles.

“Elle is a perfect physical example of why some girls feel undermined in work environments because of their expression of appearance, but instead of feeling defeated and letting the misogyny win, she takes the power into her control and proves her worth to herself and her peers,” Schomburg said.

Senior Michael Nelson is also a part of the production.

Both students desired to be a part of a theatre community outside of school.

“This is my first production with Lyrique Music Productions,” Nelson said. “Being in a production outside

of school is different because you don’t know anyone and you have to try a lot harder in auditions because it’s not a guaranteed spot in the musical.”

Auditions are a nervewracking process for anyone, especially when wanting a lead role, the pressure can be overwhelming.

“I made sure I was familiar with the script when going into callbacks and I assured myself that I can not show the judges how nervous and unsure of myself I actually was,” Schomburg said.

Incredible hard work goes into making the production happen. Hours of rehearsal and studying is needed to fully understand the role and accurately portray it for the audience.

“Of course I watched the MTV pro-shot recording of the Broadway show and the movie, but I have also watched other girls play the role and I think it is very important to not limit yourself to study off of one person’s portrayal of such a complex role,” Schomburg said.

Experience is vital to being in such an exceptionally talented theatre community.

Actors and actresses have to especially prepare for not only auditions, but the musical as well.

“I prepared myself for this musical by all the musicals before with all the dancing experience and singing experience,” Nelson said. “I also watched the musical and studied the songs I was in.”

It is important to audition for roles, even if you are unsure of whether or not you are good enough.

Through auditioning, you gain experience as well as learn from your mistakes.

“Only good things can come out of auditioning, even if you don’t get the part, you still get to put your name out there and grow as a performer,” Schomburg said.

Photo courtesy of Lyrique Music Productions

12 | NEWS

The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

NEWS | 13

WHY THESE ITEMS?

Preserving history

Time capsule will serve as a learning tool for future generations McKynna Stevens-Reporter

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he year 2020 is one that will never be forgotten.

With a global pandemic, people were changed and memories, good and bad, were made.

Spending months in quarantine made many items will become something to remember in the future about this time. In 10 years when talking about toilet paper people will remember the time where you could not find it on the shelves.

Rachel Ballard, the Director of Equity and Innovation for Madison County Schools, decided to make a time capsule to document the year 2020. This time capsule will show future students what it was like during these times and help tell the stories of the pandemic.

“I came up with the time capsule idea

moment in Room 127 to have someone from the central office tell us that we were doing a good job.”

All departments from the central office will get the opportunity to add something that they think will help tell the story.

“Several items may be included in our time capsule, including an MCSS mask, an empty bottle of hand sanitizer, a list of over 80 community partners who helped our students and families during the pandemic, etc. Each central office department will contribute an item to our time capsule,” Ballard said.

In the future looking back on this time capsule, Ballard believes a lot of kids will ask questions and wonder what everything represents. She believes people who lived during this time were to look back at the time capsule, it would fill them with multiple emotions.

“In 10 years, I hope the district will reopen the capsule to remember those we lost and those who suffered during COVID-19. Most importantly I hope it provides a time to celebrate how our district was able to pivot quickly and with sincere care during a very difficult time in world history,” Ballard said.

From remembering those who were lost to remembering the strength it took to stay strong during this time, the district specifically looking back will be emotional.

“If I were to look back on the time capsule I think I would remember how insane this time was. A lot of emotions would come through but for me mostly the pandemic just gave me a break from school and a different view on life,” junior Amelia Walker said.

Although Walker did not have any very meaningful memories from the pandemic, she still knows this is a time she will not forget.

The time capsule is a way to capture this time in history. Ballard hopes in the future this will be a story that is shared often.

“May those who lead, teach and learn in the future recognize the power and integrity of our wonderful school system even through a very difficult time.” Ballard said.

“It will provide an opportunity for future leaders, teachers and students to learn and reflect upon this historic time.”

-Dr. Rachel Ballard to capture how our school system had to adjust its operations and instruction during the pandemic. It will provide an opportunity for future leaders, teachers, students, and community members to learn and reflect upon this historic time,” Ballard said.

Along with items like masks, Ballard is including the Crimson Crier magazine featuring women. After reading it Ballard thought the magazine would be the perfect addition to the time capsule.

“Dr. Ballard visited our newsroom to tell us the good news,” adviser Erin Coggins said.”She asked us for permission to print a copy to put in the time capsule and spent time telling the staff what good of a job they did on the magazine. It was a great

Masks were an everyday part of life from the start of the school day until the last day of school.

Q&A Talking COVID with senior Megan Harrison CC: What has been your biggest struggle with COVID and school this year?

Megan Harrison: I learned that though I am an introverted person, I am not as introverted as I thought because when you are forced to be, you realize how much you actually are missing.

CC: What have you learned about yourself during this pandemic?

MH: The pandemic was something I never thought I would have to experience in my lifetime, nor did I think it was something I would ever be prepared for.

CC: In the future, what would you tell people who weren’t living during this time about the pandemic?

MH: I have many masks that I can choose from and though I have not made any personalizations, it’s fun to wear some that match my outfits.

CC: With masks being required, how have you personalized your masks?

MH: It has been rewarding to know what we collectively had to go through and seeing everyone’s mental health start to get better and everyone start to feel some normalcy again.

CC: What has been the light at the end of the rainbow for you during this pandemic?

MH: I start college next year and college is exciting because I haven’t had a college experience and it will be almost normal compared to the pandemic so it’s nice to know I won’t be restricted by much anymore.

Yellow Hammer Brewery donated cleaning supplies after the converted their brewery to adapt to COVID.

CC: What do you look forward to in returning to a normal school setting next year (even if it is college)?

MH: We need to not take anything for granted because we lost much and continue to lose more. It’s hard to manage and when things are back to somewhat normal, we can adapt to it and appreciate what we still have.

CC: What can society learn from this pandemic?

MH: Being able to smile at someone to make their day and both parties be able to see the faces that they make in full.

CC: What do you miss most about pre-pandemic?

MH: Having my senior year be shredded into something I never expected to be as well as losing great amounts of motivation where I struggle more with my grades now than I ever have.

CC: Describe a unique experience you’ve had during this pandemic.

MH: Being able to stand far apart from people and not have them think I was avoiding them for a bad reason when I can social distance and no one knows I am actually just wanting my introverted personal space.

Dr. Ballard thought the Special Edition of the CC was perfect because it chronicled history.

CC: What accommodations have you made for COVID? MH: Having to adapt to the new ways of learning through virtual school and not having much communication with people was the hardest adaptation.

14 | NEWS

The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

Tik Tok famous junior shares his journey

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hether it is walking down the hall wearing his infamous TikTok mask or seeing his smile from a mile away to watching his Tik-Tok videos, everyone knows junior Kendall Anderson.

The Crimson Crier decided to sit down with Anderson to discuss his passion for creating TikToks.

Crimson Crier: When did you start your Tik-Tok Account?

Kendall Anderson: I started it on Sept.

18, 2020. I saw everyone doing Tik-Tok so you I wanted to be a part of it all.

CC: What do you do on Tik-Tok? KA: I do random stuff. I film myself doing all types of dances. I also do challenges. For example, copy some of the other Tik-Tok challenges.

CC: How many followers do you have?

KA: 43,000 and it’s about to get higher.

CC: Why do you think you have so many followers?

KA: I think people like the videos then they share them with others and it just keeps going.

CC: Why do you like making them?

KA: Making the videos are fun. When you get famous it is more fun. I’m looking to get more famous.

CC: How do you film your Tik-Tok? KA: When I start to do a Tik-Tok, I start the countdown which gives me time to get ready. Run in front of the camera and start doing my thing. Sometimes I use a tripod.

CC: What has gotten the most views?

KA: The Sneaky Link dance one has the most views. I did a funny dance so I think people liked it. 2.1 million views. Because it blew up, I made another one.

CC: What is the plan for your next one?

KA: I heard that you can paid on Tik-Tok so that is my goal.

CC: Who is your favorite Tik-Tok? KA: My friends and celebrities. Justin Beiber because I have listened to his songs for years.

CC: What’s your advice to old people?

KA: Because they are hilarious and pretty cool.

CC: What do your parents say about your hobby?

KA: They ask me all the time if I am TikTok famous. It feels good to be famous.

CC: What is your Tik-Tok name?

KA: It’s kendallanderson9. Nine is my lucky number

NEWS | 15

16| LIFESTYLES

The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

LIFESTYLES| 17

Teacher shares faith through books Grace Moore-Editor

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hen AP government teacher Benjamin Stevenson sat down in 2013 to begin his first book, he did not know what was to come. He definitely did not know that he would end up writing five books, four of the five being self-published.

“I always enjoyed writing. When I was a kid part of me wanted to be a writer. I wrote little books here and there and gave them to

it to various friends that I trust to edit, and then send it to the layout company to do the other work- such as layout and cover art. I had to purchase an ISBN number and to send to them to get the book registered, and all sales- Amazon, personal, and local bookstore- are all done through me directly,” Stevenson said. “My last book I went through a publisher. This is a more expensive process, but it did allow me for some more opportunities. If you don’t count the writing portion, which could really vary in time, it usually took mine anywhere from six months to a year to be in print.”

Stevenson’s first two books cover baseball, football and faith. He played both of these sports- and coached them- ever since he was young, and says they both had a dramatic impact on his life.

“My faith is in everything I do, so both of those topics seemed fitting to discuss some particular life lessons. My next two books weekly devotional books with places for the reader to journal as they read,” Stevenson said. “My final book is about politics and faith. I felt compelled to share the Christian perspective in regards to politics and where that perspective rooted.”

Stevenson says that writing is a good

“I always enjoyed writing. When I was a kid a part of me wanted to be a writer.”

-Ben Stevenson

my parents,” Stevenson said. “In college I started writing a blog after being encouraged to do so by a friend. I had always wanted to write a book, so I looked into the process of how to get it done.”

The process Stevenson has gone through to write his books varies each time he sits down to write one, depending on the way he chooses to publish.

“I would write out a manuscript, send

form.

“I had a player on an opposing team come up to me after we played them one evening and explain to me he was the relative of a former player of mine, and that he had been given my first book and really appreciated what I had to say,” Stevenson said.

“That was a really cool experience to hear from a total stranger.”

Stevenson has received support from all kinds of people, but his main support comes from his family. „I have always appreciated and cherished his books,“ Stevenson‘s wife and fellow teacher Linzee Stevenson said. „They offer a written look inside his mind and his heart. I have always said that I can‘t imagine how much our son will cherish these one day.“

outlet for him. It allows him to share my thoughts on a particular topic and help generate discussion and dialogue.

“I am fully aware that not everyone who reads my books will agree with what they find, but I hope that if nothing else they will see that I am genuine in what I write and what I believe,” Stevenson said. ”I do think some about my son- and future generationsin regards to me writing. It is my hope that through some of my writings he, and any others will always know where I stand and where that stance comes from.”

Stevenson does not know whether he will write another book again, due to how expensive the process can be. While he does not have intentions to write another one soon, he has not written off the idea of writing another one.

“My favorite book I have written is probably The Political Conscience of the Christian. I did more research for that book than any other I’ve written, and it is the only one I have written since my son was born,” Stevenson said. “When my wife and I would put him to bed I would sit up and read, highlight, and earmark material, writing here and there. Over time I started to formulate how I wanted to lay things out. It was a book that I had wanted to write for quite some time. All my books took some work, but that one definitely took the most work, so it is rewarding to see it in print.”

While Stevenson is not writing his books for money, he does receive reward in another

Writing His Faith AP Government teacher Ben Stevenson poses with the five books he has written so far. Stevenson’s favorite of all the books is his most recent, The Political Conscience of a Christian. Photo by Kate Irving.

A Guide to Stevenson’s Books: All synopses from amazon.com, where you can also purchase Stevenson’s books Should a Christian care about politics?

Plato once said, "The punishment which the wise suffer who refuse to take part in the government, is to live under the government of worse men."

The reality is that Christians MUST play a role in politics. As citizens of this great nation, Christians have a responsibility to point to the principles gleaned from God's Word. The Political Conscience of the Christian is a guide for anyone seeking answers to the most pressing political questions. It uses God's Word, America's founding documents, Supreme Court cases, and other scholarly writings to guide the reader as they prepare for the voting booth or any other part of civic life.

A weekly devotional book that examines the greatness of God. This book is set up to be read weekly and has a place at the end of each week to chronicle your journey as you make it through the year. It is a great addition to any family library and would be wonderful to add to your reading list.

"Transforming the World in 4 Quarters" is a guide to standing out as a Christian. It gives insight into how to combat different temptations and struggles that we all face on a daily basis.

The sports analogies that are made through this book not only make it easy to read and understand, but give real life examples of how to Transform the World!

God is greater than ____________. You could really place anything you like in that blank and it wouldn't make the statement any less true. It was our goal to make sure that every week you found yourself challenged by the greatness of God's word. The content of this book is filled with God's truth and each week we ask that you dig into that truth and let it be applied to your life. The devotionals are written weekly instead of daily so that you can go back throughout the week, reread, and really put your Christianity into practice. We hope that this book is beneficial to you and helps you grow in the faith.

This book is a guide for young people to help them set their life's goals while choosing God first. Readers will be led through several steps such as practice and study, surrounding one's self with winners, knowing your purpose while pressing yourself to achieve. The author also teaches the importance of humility while striving to achieve these shortterm and long-term goals and to always trust in God's 'game plan.'

18 | LIFESTYLES

The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

LIFESTYLES | 19

Up Close and Personal Senior Ami Merchant, utilizing his photography skills, began exploring creatively with photography. Merchant would do his school work and use the of the day to be with his family and to grow spiritually and creatively.

Photo by Ami Merchant

Whole New World Senior Ami Merchant traveling to Barbados began using his time there for exploration. While there, Merchant took many photographs, capturing the beauty of the land. Photos by Ami Merchant

Senior spends months across the country, exploring spiritually, creatively Madison Duboise-Editor

B

arbados is an island country located in the Caribbean, home to thousands of Barbadians (Bajans). Visiting Barbados has been a pleasant experience to some when discovering new places and seeing new people.

Senior Ami Onesius Merchant took the time to live in Barbados for four months to visit his relatives which he said was his favorite part.

“My mom and I traveled to Barbados to see our family. I enjoyed seeing my family the most. It has been 26 years since my mom has visited her family, and I’ve never met them,”

Merchant said.

While in Barbados, Merchant had to adjust to different rules and regulations, showing a difference in how they live on the island compared to the United States.

“Barbadians live close to each other in the hills. Barbadians do not have open personal grasslands. They use all of their land for planting food and flowers,” Merchant said.

“They can not drive and the driving rules are not as strict as they are in the United States.

Barbadians speed like crazy and the roads are very slim. Stay out of the road.”

Merchant and his mother had an easier time communicating with their relatives due to his mother’s origins.

“Communication was easy because my mom is a Barbadian. I am used to the way they speak. Their first language is English,

but it is more of an English dialect,” Merchant said.

As a photography student, Merchant used his time in Barbados to take pictures of cows, beaches, landscapes, trees, plants, insects, and people. Besides utilizing his photography skills, he also explored on the Island.

“Each day I wake up, stretch, and go for a run. Then my mom and I walk to the beach or choose to stay in. I’d bring a book and she’d be in the water,” Merchant said. “Next, we take a bus to Bridgetown, Barbados to get some food for the week. Lastly, when we get home I would do online school and some hobbies like make Tik Toks, investing in crypto, create graphic designs, and edit some photographs from earlier that day.”

Barbados is home to many and Merchant and his family used the natural beauty to

make memories.

“We went to tons of beaches. Hastings, St. Peters, Bathsheba, and Brown’s beach to name a few. They’re beautiful and the sunsets are breath-taking. My favorite beach was Brown’s beach because of the crystal clear water and wide view,” Merchant said.

Even though he was living outside of

the United States, Merchant felt at ease in Barbados and plans on returning in an effort to show his relatives the United States.

“We plan on visiting again in the upcoming summer to bring my grandma to the US. Barbados allowed me to grow closer to my family and myself,” Merchant said.

“Waking up in the morning to cool-breeze

and fresh air, meditating, then start my day is priceless. Not to mention I was a walk distance from the beach. I read books, flipped off rocks, studied for classes, and made podcast episodes on TikTok for all my friends and family to see. I was overall much happier and relaxed in Barbados.”

20 | LIFESTYLES

LIFESTYLES | 21

The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

STOP ASIAN HATE, INSTEAD CELEBRATE

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Students start hard rock band

DoubleHaze

Grace Moore-Editor

F

or many, being a musician is a dream, but for these students, it is becoming a reality.

Ricky Hall along with Nick Patterson, DJ Dyess, and Alice have formed a band named Double Haze. They play hard rock and metal songs. They do covers from the likes of Stone Temple Pilots, Alice in Chains, Pantera and Nirvana.

“I played in a different band in 2018 with a couple of friends but ended it because some of them were getting ready to go into the Army,” Hall said. “I took my friend Nick Patterson who played in my old band and found some new people in October of 2020 we hit it off with the new people and became fast friends.”

Hall is the vocalist for their band and can also play guitar if needed. He was enrolled in a Music School at the age of 10. He has been playing guitar for three years and singing for five years. Hall also enjoys singing in front of crowds.

“The biggest crowd I have ever sung in front of was around 300 people at a bar in Pensacola Beach Florida,” Hall said. “I did it by myself and played for 30 minutes.”

Hall wants to continue with music in the future. He practices by himself every day and with the band once a week on Sundays.

“It is a job and is one that I love and not a lot of people can say that and like I said I have been doing this for a long time,” Hall said. “Plus when people that you have never met in your life come up to you and say ‘hey you are really talented you should keep doing what you’re doing,’ that’s what keeps me going and I do not plan on stopping.”

Dyess plays lead guitar for the band.

He has been playing guitar for four years.

He generally practices between an hour and three hours per day and the longest session was 18 hours.

“I enjoy the passion between everyone to be the best they can and eventually go around the world doing this,” said Dyess. “We all love to play and writing is some fun stuff as much as it seems to be painstakingly hard.

It’s all worth it in the end.”

Dyess also has goals of playing guitar as his career in his future. He enjoys playing guitar for many reasons.

“The pride of writing a new solo, the happiness of learning a new riff, the smiles of people when I play their favorite riff, those are probably my favorite 3 things.”

Patterson plays the drums for the band and Alice plays bass guitar. Neither could be reached for their contribution.

“I’ll tell you what I have told other people we have a sound that is very different. I have always loved 90’s alternative rock/hard rock,” said Hall. “I love it for a lot of reasons like for example the soul of the singer’s voice or the iconic guitar riff in a song and because of me listening to 90’s rock at a very young age I try to emulate some of the vocal styles of that time.”

The band has created two original songs which can be found on their youtube channel named DoubleHaze. You can also find them on Instagram under the name DoubleHazeOfficial. The band’s last gig was in Muscle Shoals and are planning to play in the Huntsville area sometime soon.

F

Tess Warren-Reporter

or decades, through World War ll and the current pandemic, Asian Americans have suffered consequences regarding their distant countries’ actions. In World War ll, Japanese immigrants of all generations were removed from their homes and placed in internment camps to console American fear. It affected 120,000 people, most of which were American citizens who had no control over what took place overseas. Throughout today’s pandemic, Asian Americans are being discriminated against in references to the origin of the virus and anti-Asian hate attacks. These present-day struggles are only the cherry on top of the mountain of numerous, ignorant stereotypes that have existed for as long as I can remember. So, let’s take this month dedicated to Asians and Pacific Islanders to celebrate our beautiful differences.

22 | LIFESTYLES

The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

SO-YOUNG LEE

S

pecial education teacher So-Young Lee is a first-generation immigrant from South Korea. Lee immigrated to America 27 years ago when she married her husband. He was an officer in the U.S. Army. She has two sons, a college junior and a high school junior, Joseph Lee. Lee finished her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from South Korea and earned her master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

“I am proud to be an Asian-American. In South Korea, we were taught to respect our elders, strive for excellence in school and hard work ethics. I believe that practicing these values is important, and it could be beneficial to society regardless of our race and background,” Lee said.

Her husband’s family immigrated from South Korea when he was 10-years-old, whereas Lee's parents are still living in South Korea and speak Korean. At home, her family's primary language is English, but they can read and write in Korean. Thanks to modern technology, she is able to communicate with her parents through phone, email and FaceTime.

“Asian Culture has influenced my interests in entertainment. I like to watch Korean dramas and love to listen to BTS,” Lee said. “Because

LIFESTYLES | 23

TAM NGUYEN

South Korea is a modern country, I had no problem adjusting to western culture. Our family loves to eat out and try different foods, not just Korean food. My biggest challenge was becoming fluent in English which required hard work and patience.”

Every New Year, her family eats rice cake dumpling soup and practices sebaedon, where they give money to their sons after they perform a traditional bow. In Korean culture, bowing is a symbol of respect, so, when a bow is exchanged, it is an exchange of appreciation.

They also pass on their wisdom to their sons for the new year and wish them happiness, good health and success.

“I believe that diversity within schools is so important because kids should learn what it is like being around people who are different from themselves, as kids will eventually enter into the real world,” Lee said. “Diversity can introduce others to different ideas and cultures, which can help everyone to grow. I believe this is what makes our country the best in the world.”

When Lee first started working in Alabama, she felt many teachers, parents and students looked at her as a foreigner even though she had been living in America for several years and was an American citizen. Lee does her best to recognize and respect other cultures while hoping others will take the time to respect hers.

“It’s a blessing that I can appreciate and experience different cultures, especially different cuisines. I am thankful that my sons appreciate their Korean heritage and hope they can use their experiences to become productive members of our society,” Lee said. “My experiences as a minority have taught me to never judge someone by their appearance, but by their character.”

S

ophomore Tam Nguyen is a second-generation immigrant. Her grandparents immigrated from Vietnam while both of her parents were born in the U.S., making her the second generation to be born in the U.S. “I think Asian culture can be very unique as compared to American culture but in the best way possible. Asian culture mainly revolves around respect and discipline. Since I’ve always grown up living in America, there wasn’t much adapting for me to do.”

The majority of her family, on both sides, can speak and read Vietnamese. Sadly, to Nguyen’s disappointment, she never got to fluently learn Vietnamese, but she can understand some words. Regardless, she still celebrates her heritage through Asian holidays and traditions.

“One holiday my family celebrates every year that Americans usually don’t is Chinese New Year,” Nguyen said. “In my family, small red envelopes filled with money get passed around. The red represents good luck for the new year. We say, ‘Chuc Mung Nam Moi’, which means Happy New Year in Vietnamese.”

Since she is the second generation, her family has had more time to adjust to western culture.

“Asian culture hasn’t affected me much.

There are some customs that my family and I do that other families usually don’t; for example, always taking your shoes off before entering your or someone else’s home,” Nguyen said.

“There are also little things like sometimes I forget that not everyone grew up knowing how to use chopsticks. There are also some of the foods like pho.”

When Nguyen was younger, she was embarrassed by stereotypes and didn’t want to embrace her ethnicity. Now that she is older, she is proud to embrace it and happy with who she is. Nguyen feels like, at Sparkman, there is much diversity, so the likelihood of racial comments is low.

“There are many stereotypes about Asians, some of which aren’t very nice,” Nguyen said.

“I have gotten some racial comments that would have to do with my eyes, how the ‘A’ in ‘Asian’ means I automatically get all A’s on my report

card, someone asked me if Asians actually eat dogs or cats and I’ve even had someone ‘joke’ around saying I’m the one that started COVID. Not all stereotypes are bad. Asians are known to be very smart and good at most things.

Although, it does set some high expectations for me.”

People need to be careful with their words and their jokes because stereotypes, good or bad, can have negative effects. They may seem like harmless little comments, but they can have a big impact. Nguyen believes it is important to not let the careless comments get to you.

“To diffuse all the mean comments, I simply don’t let them get to my head. I’m proud to be an Asian-American and it will always be that way,” Nguyen said. “I know that some people can be very ignorant and don’t think about how their words can affect others. I’ve heard stories from my other family members, around the same age as me, of even worse encounters they’ve had at their school, so it makes me feel lucky to go to a school like Sparkman.”

Nguyen is thankful she has not experienced worse racism; however, she would rather face it than be exactly like everyone else because everyone is different in their own way.

“To be a minority, just means you're a little different,” Nguyen said. “I don’t think it should necessarily set you apart from others, but also you don’t want to get lost in the crowd. I’d rather be different than be ordinary.”

24 | LIFESTYLES

The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

S

FRANCIS CLARK

JOSEPH LEE

ophomore Francis Clark is also a first-generation immigrant who was born and raised in America.

Her mother was born in the Philippines and lived there till she moved to the Middle East for a better opportunity.

There, she met Clark’s father who was stationed in the army.

“Not much is known in my family’s heritage, but in the culture, there is that family means a lot. No matter what happens, family is family,” Clark said. “My mother would always tell me--and seem so heartbroken--that ‘parents here in America would kick out their children when they can and that family meant so much to her’.”

Clark’s mother, while embodying her Filipino history, suppresses her time in the Philippines and refuses to disclose information. Clark would like to learn her mother’s first language, but she will not teach her.

“My knowledge is small when it comes to traditions since my mom refuses to open up about it, but I do remember some vaguely when I was younger,” Clark said. “With Filipino traditions, in New Year’s some may wear a polka dot dress, and no fish or chicken at that time. With celebrations, my mom would always make pancit.”

Despite the lack of Filipino traditions, Clark enjoys traditional foods made by her mother.

“I eat more rice compared to American households from what I know. In most dishes, I’ve always remembered eating rice and tomatoes with some soy sauce, or with a soup that has vegetables and tilapia,” Clark said. “When it comes to style, my mother would usually like to keep us modestlooking, but based on how I dress that is not the case. My mom’s version of modest

unior Joseph Lee’s family originates from South Korea.

His parents moved to the U.S. around 30 years ago. His brother was born on a military base in Korea, whereas Lee was the first person in his direct family to be born in the U.S. “Growing up, I was taught to be proud of who I was and what my culture was. I was taught to respect others, be patient and pursue excellence,” Lee said. “Now, as I am older, I have come to hold these values close and to pride myself on my culture.”

Both of his parents are South Korean immigrants and are fluent in Korean, but Lee is neither of those. Regardless, he enjoys and is influenced by Asian culture through the food and simple mannerisms.

“Asian culture has primarily affected the food that I eat. Seeing as Asian food is the best food in the world, I could be content with only eating that for the rest of my life,” Lee said. “But as for the other things, Asian culture definitely influences my mannerisms and lifestyle. For example, rarely ever would someone see me wearing my shoes around my house or a friend’s house.”

Though Asian culture has many defining qualities of respect and discipline, stereotypes label kids and pressure them to meet those expectations.

“As a kid, there was always the stereotype of me being ‘smart’ or being the quiet, nerdy Asian guy. I used to just roll with it and accept that those were my labels,” Lee said. “However, I’ve learned that, if you let others define who you are, you’re never going to become great.”

Lee understands the possibility of facing racism but has hope in the practice of simply respecting others.

“Being a minority, I know that there is always a chance that I will face racism or prejudice,” Lee said. “However, that does not change the fact that I am proud of who I am.

I believe that respect for others would go a long way in today’s world.”

S

JASMINE BEZOTTE

ophomore Jasmine Bezotte was the first of her family born in the U.S., classifying her as a first-generation immigrant. They used to live in a little village in Vietnam and moved to the U.S. when Bezotte’s great aunt fell in love with a U.S. soldier. Then, little by little, her great aunt used her privilege to bring over the entire family.

“I am full Vietnamese and proud. We are most famous for the dish, Pho,” Bezotte said.

“It doesn’t matter if other Vietnamese people aren’t directly involved in my family tree because we all somehow get along. It’s like we are all connected.”

Bezotte was raised by her grandparents and could speak fluent Vietnamese when she was little. As she grew older in the American school environment, she began to unintentionally forget her language. Her family’s primary language is Vietnamese, though she can not speak it, she can fluently understand it.

“I participate in Asian traditions and holidays as much as I can,” Bezotte said.

“We celebrate Chinese New Year and the Vietnamese New Year also known as Tet. To celebrate, we usually play traditional festive music and receive cards that have money in them. We always say ‘Chuc Mung Nam Moi’, which means Happy New Year.”

As well as celebrating holidays, Bezotte practices Asian customs brought over by her parents. They are mostly based on respect and cleanliness; for example, they do not wear shoes inside the house. Even though Bezotte was born in Alabama, she still had to become accustomed to Western culture, along with her family, who has kept strong Vietnamese roots at home.

“I have adapted to Western culture somewhat? People around here tend to act way bolder than what I’m used to,” Bezotte said. “My family is often quiet and reserved. I do love the people around me

LIFESTYLES | 25

because people here aren’t afraid to brighten someone’s day.”

When Bezotte receives compliments appreciating her unique style, it comforts her because it shows how people are becoming more accepting. Bezotte has the confidence to be bold and ignore any loathing misconceptions.

“Asian stereotypes used to affect me negatively because I had a lot of unrealistic expectations put onto me from those who aren’t even educated in my culture,” Bezotte said. “But now I just let them bathe in their ignorance if they aren’t willing to understand my feelings on that subject.”

Regardless of anyone’s opinion, Bezotte does not mind being a minority because she is proud of her nationality and ethnicity.

She loves to express herself through creative and unique fashion.

“Asian culture is honestly the best thing to experience for me,” Bezotte said. “The food is great, I crave it all the time, and there are so many ways to express yourself via style.

The most famous styles are from Japan and Korea, which is where I tend to get my inspiration from. The key is to never be afraid of expressing yourself. Also, go out and buy boba tea from Kung Fu Tea. Your life will be changed forever.”

is more of dressing up and covering up your skin--no makeup, small things like that.”

Clark believes her mother’s standards for modesty have been greatly influenced by her Filipino upbringing. Growing up, it was hard for Clark to become accustomed to Western culture since her mother held such a strong Filipino influence at home.

“Adapting to western culture--despite being born here--was rough. I’m still getting there,” Clark said. “I guess growing up in the house with [my mom] and with my dad always out for work, there was a weird disconnect between me and the western world.”

Along with common comments regarding Asian eyes, Clark has faced hurtful comments regarding her skin.

“Apart from the usual dog eater or casual straight-A student that’s super good at math, it hurts a lot when people say ‘you’re not a real Asian because you’re tan’,” Clark said. “Not all Asians are porcelain white. In fact, it’s one of the more harmful beauty standards out there in Asian countries.”

Clark is struggling to feel safe with the increase of Asian hate crimes.

“Being a minority here is somewhat of an indescribable feeling, but one feeling that is for sure is uncertainty,” Clark said.

“No matter what I do or say, I don’t feel safe especially with the increase of Asian hate crimes in the country.”

Photos by Tess Warren

J

26 | OPINION

The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

2616 Jeff Road, Harvest, Alabama 35749 (256) 837-0331 https://www.mcssk12.org/Domain/30

Staff Editorial

Distribution The Crimson Crier is a student-run publication produced in the state of Alabama.

All final design, reporting and content decisions are the responsibility of the student journalists of Sparkman High School under the guidance of their adviser and principal.

The views articulated in The Crimson Crier do not necessarily represent the views of the entire staff, Sparkman High School or the Madison County school district. Copies are distributed to the faculty, staff and student body free of charge. School Paper Express prints 500 copies for distribution.

Membership The Crimson Crier is a member of Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Alabama Scholastic Press Association and Southeastern Interscholastic Press Association and Quill and Scroll. The Crimson Crier is a two-time CSPA Silver Crown winner, a consistent CSPA Gold medalist, NSPA First Class medalist and ASPA All-Alabama rating.

Policy The Crimson Crier will report objectively on issues directly and indirectly affecting the student body and the school community. As student journalists, we understand our role in a global society to abide by the ethics of professional journalism in order to ensure a more informed student body.

Letters to the Editor The Crimson Crier will print all letters to the editor as long as space will allow, and may edit letters for grammatical mistakes.

All letters to the editor must be signed and include contact information of the writer.

Letters can be dropped off at the Sparkman High School newsroom (127) one week after publication.

I

t is not tea without at least a cup of sugar in it.

A mason jar, a plastic Solo cup, a Yeti tumbler, we do not care what it comes in as long as it is sweet.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and about two times in between, a cup of sweet tea is what drives Southerners every day. It has been deeply rooted in our lives and our history.

There are two things we think of when we think of the South, y’all and a big ol’ cup of Southern iced sweet tea.

A large clear mason jar, ice to the brim, a lemon sticking out, goes perfectly with everything. Nothing hits the spot after mowing the grass, a long day out shopping or just nothing like a sweet cup of ice cold tea.

It does not matter the season or time of day, almost all Southerners are reaching in the

fridge to pour a glass.

McDonalds, Chick-fil-A, Sonic, who cares where you get it. If it is sweet it is most likely to be good. The debate between two Southerners of where the best sweet tea is can go on for years, but one thing those both can agree on is the fact that sweet tea is the best drink out there.

Sweet tea is more than just a drink to us, it is the blood in our veins, the water in our rivers and the rain that pours. If you have never seen a Southern restaurant run out of sweet tea, you have never felt fear.

Whether you want to talk about gun rights or healthcare, there is only one argument you will not win against a Southerner and that is why sweet tea is the best drink there is.

What you think...

“Chick-Fil-A has my favorite sweet tea, it is one of the sweetest tea.

I live for a good sweet tea and it is some of the best.”

-Junior Jordan Eves

“Milo’s is some of the best sweet tea here is, they practically created sweet tea, it is so good.”

“I think BoJangles has some of the best sweet tea out here, it is super sweet and refreshing.”

-Junior Seth Robinson

-Junior Nick Haynes

Class of I

2 0 2 1

have attended Sparkman High School for all four years of my high school career. Since freshman year, I have been imagining graduating and what it would feel like to walk across the stage with my family watching from the crowd. In February of 2020, news of a mysterious respiratory virus was spreading like wildfire. I felt change in the air First it was the lockdown. Many students started to fail their classes because of the mandatory online classes during the end of junior year and then again into the beginning of senior year. This was a disheartening time for most of us, not being able to keep up over a computer screen. I still remember how overwhelmed I was trying to continue school online and barely being able to pass. I was not in a good place mentally as it was and online school did not help. A lot of us need in-person guidance when it comes to certain subjects. My subject was earth and space science.

On top of living through a pandemic, our class has been living through a lot of “once in a lifetime” events. Political division is at its peak. Donald Trump became the first president in America history to be impeached twice. Supreme court justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg passed away. Wildfires burned millions of acres in the American west. During the summer of 2020, many of us participated in global protests against racial discriminaiton sparked by the murder of George Floyd. These are stressful situations for teenagers to grasp. I grew a lot during summer of 2020 and throughout the initial lockdown. A lot of us started senior year as completely different people.

When Madison County schools went back to person learning, it was great to see how hopeful seniors were about the possibility of a prom. I know a lot of people bought prom dresses just in case COVID magically disappeared. That obviously did not happen.

We did not get to have pep rallies, field trips, school dances or a prom. Everything that was supposed to make someone’s senior year did not happen. Our graduation was even cut in half. I have done drama, cheerleading, SSO, Medical Academy, and journalism. I have regretted doing some of these programs all together and I have regretted not continuing others My high school experience has not been the best but overall it has not been terrible.

The worst it has been is right now. I had such high hopes for senior year and when none of those hopes were fulfilled, I was disappointed. This was no one’s fault so I have no one to blame.

Instead of sulking and reminiscing about what I should have done differently, I have decided to devote my time to things that I like to do and let them make me happy. I

OPINION | 27

Dear Class of 2021 Senior pens letter to Class of ‘21

Laylah Johnson-Reporter

have realized that my life will continue after high school. The things we do here do not characterize what we are or will be in the future. I am advising my classmates to do the same.

28 | OPINION

The Crimson Crier ||May 18 , 2021

Car modification restriction poses problems with senior

T

Brody Wallace-Editor

he Environmental Protection Agency instituted the Clean Air Act in 1963, it was used to define the responsibilities of the EPA. It introduced cleaner emission standards for vehicles, airplanes and other combustion engines. The Clean Air Act introduced catalytic converters and lead-free gasoline, which were made mandatory after 1996 and 1975. Yet, the EPA slowly stopped updating the CAA with the last revision being in 1990.

The EPA has expressed interest in restricting modified cars and motorsports in the past years. They are mainly using the excuse that street cars should not be able to be converted to race cars. And under the CAA, they have the governing ability in the car production industry and aftermarket modifications. Products like exhaust systems, forced induction, fuel injection, etc. are used to pull more power out of cars.

Enthusiasts, like me, love the experience of making the car you own really feel like yours. Obviously, there are more modifications than just performance-oriented ones. Body kits, stickers, spoilers, wheels, suspension and countless other products.

These are also used to customize cars to the enthusiasts liking, however; these are used in

tandem to fully personalize the vehicle.

Most enthusiasts use their modified cars to - legally - race in autocross, drag racing, circuit, rally, endurance or hill climb events.

This may seem unnecessary at first, yet this is how all types of racing started. A group of people trying to see which car could go around the plotted course the quickest.

Dating back to 1897, auto racing is older than television, which roots go back to backroad racers of that time period.

Most famously NASCAR is the best example of this. During the prohibition era, moonshine runners would modify their cars to outrun the cops. After prohibition ended, these outlaws were left with fast cars and nothing to do. So naturally, they decided to start racing each other and many different agencies formed with different rules, until NASCAR united them all. Decades later, it’s the most popular motorsports program in the United States.

Being able to put on a couple of modifications and take your track car to the local autocross/drift/drag/show event makes the average person feel actively involved with their passion. Taking away the performance modifications from a 2 billion dollar industry will affect jobs and destroy life-long passions.

OPINION | 29

Senior shares importance of investing

Cryptocurrency sky-rockets in terms of popularity

T

Ethan King-Editor

Common Aftermarket Modifications Forced Induction:

Uses superchargers or turbos (pictured below) to force more air into the engine, creating more

Performance Exhaust:

Allows exhaust gases to escape, letting the engine “breathe” correctly.

hey say there are things you should start doing when you are young to get a head start in life. Going to school, studying and playing sports among other things but one thing we are rarely taught about is investing.

Investing is one of the few things that we need to have a thriving economy. We give money to the businesses we like and in return we have the possibility to get money back if they are doing well.

It is that easy right?

Well, no. Investing is one of the trickiest things someone can get into, no matter what age they are and everybody will lose money at some point. So why is it so important to get started while you are young?

That’s simple actually. Building your investment portfolio will take time and will take a good amount of time to learn your own little quirks. So, let’s start with why you should invest as early as possible. When you are young you do not typically have any bills to pay or worry about living your life paycheck to paycheck, so if you have an income at a young age, you can put that money into your portfolio without having to worry too much about the fundamentality of losing money.

Once you figure out how much you are going to invest, now you need to figure out where you are going to put your money.

There are plenty of options but there are two

main categories: regular stocks and penny stocks. For younger people without a large amount of money behind them should look towards penny stocks with growth potential.

A penny stock is as simple as it sounds, a smaller stock worth literally pennies.

Now lets do some math, a $100 investment at a penny stock worth .02 cents has a lot of growth potential. Since you will not be looking to day trade these you are going to hold for a longer period of time, and this is the benefit of investing young. Assuming that the stock rises to just .50 cents and you own 5,000 shares, you now have a return of $2,500 minus the invested amount of $100.

For a young adult, $2,500 can go a long way and learning how to manipulate a market can be financially beneficial but it is not always that easy and will take time. You will sometimes be waiting weeks, months or even years to see a good return but lets say a $100 investment at 18 years old blossoms over the next five years and gives you a return of tens of thousands of dollars, just like that a silly investment when you were still a kid pays for your future debt.

So yes, investing is one of the most important economic regions of the nation’s wealth and more young people are building their portfolios day by day. It only takes a few dollars to get started and with the right teaching, you, just like millions of Americans, can start growing in wealth and make the business market in America better than ever.

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Ethereum $4,140.67

Binance Coin $4,140.67

Cardano $4,140.67

30 | OPINION

The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

OPINION | 31

Moms deserve their special day Sophomore shares C story of Mom’s love

Kyla Davidson-Reporter

reated by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and becoming an official U.S. holiday in 1914, Mother’s Day has been honored all around the globe. It is a day of love and joy and giving gifts, cards and flowers. The celebration of mothers can be dated all the way back to ancient Greece and Rome, where they had festivals for mothers and celebrations. The modern day mothers celebration is the early Christian festival called “Mothering Sunday.”

This holiday has definitely changed our society today and changed the way we appreciate our family. I have learned that to appreciate someone means taking the time to say thank you and to love them, we should stop to show our appreciation and show that we honor them. Appreciation and love is more than just a gift, it is a decision to show gratitude and honest truth about your compassion towards someone who loves you enough to be a part of your life. Through this, I have learned that love is not just feeling, it is a decision.

My birth delivery had to be quick because I was losing oxygen. I know it had to be God protecting me in that moment even when the enemy did not want me to come into this world because of the plan He had for my life. Growing up I was always close to my mom. My Mom taught where I went to preschool. She loved all the children just the same, treating them like her own. She didn't just do my hair, she would do one of my best friend's hair as well. She treated every child like her own. My Mom really had a heart for us kids even though she was not going to tolerate any tantrums.

My mom told me that when my two older brothers were growing up, my grandparents would sit and talk with them for hours and my oldest brother would sit on the couch at a few months old and watch the Cosby Show.

Growing up I always had a lot of hair and my mom would always have to pin me down to

get the job done. As she would say “ that was a job and a half.” I remember her showing me how to do my own hair and that’s when I realized what she was talking about.

Going through elementary school was a great experience. Every morning my Mom would rush us out the door. She would always be fussing at me because I didn’t want to go to school so she would have to fight with me every morning before school and eventually I would calm down. The only reason I would be able to calm down was because my Dad would always find a way to give me a reason to laugh before I would go to school. He would always try to tell me how my friends would be wondering where I was if I did not go to school and he always did it in a humorous way.

Some of the best days of my life were second through fourth grade. My mom would always come to field day and she would watch us play and run. She would meet our teachers and we would take pictures. On Awards Day, no matter if I got an award or not, both of my parents would be there to support me. A lot of times in middle school, I would feel bad for not receiving a special award and she would always congratulate me.

I was lonely in middle school. My Mom would always be concerned because I stayed in my room and I was always feeling sad or hurt by something. Many of my friends were not the best people for me to be around and I often stayed around them to fit in. But me trying to fit in was not the answer and it always produced more loneliness and sadness inside of me. It was not until high school that I finally started to learn and understand to be comfortable and content with who I am. Going through middle school was also hard for me because I felt like some of the other kids did not like me and made me feel insecure and nervous. I remember always being overwhelmed with

“Appreciation and love is more than just a gift it is a decision to show gratitude and honest truth about your compassion towards someone who loves you enough to be a part of your life.”

-Kyla Davidson

fear, anxiety and complete nervousness all because I was so concerned about what other people thought about me. But it was not until I figured out how to open up to others that I began to feel more secure because of the truth Mom would always share with me.

And the influence of the wrong people made it worse because they were influenced by depression and toxic thoughts and those things began to attach to me. Many of my friends were having suicidal thoughts and I would try my best to help them, but their mindset was only affecting me. She helped assure me that God would surround me with people who truly care and people who really are my friends.

When I was going through a lot of emotional changes the Lord used my Mom to help me open up and come out of my shell and I did not have to hide how I felt. But one thing I know for myself is that I am grateful

that God blessed me and our family with a loving Mother who cares for everyone. She reminded me that whatever trial I face always know that I have a God and family who would be there to help me overcome it.

My mom and I always love watching movies and binge watching our favorite TV shows like The Chosen and Family Matters.

We also love to go shopping and finding new and fun activities like feeding animals, trying new foods, painting our nails, talking and going to my recitals as a family. She always takes me to dance practice and waits for me and she always loves listening to my guitar and looking at my drawings. Sometimes we go for walks around the apartment complex.

God has used her to help me to come out of my shell and He helped me to come out of the toxic mindset that was binding me. Now I can truly say that I will try to live my life to the fullest and in freedom. And to give God my

best every day.

Mom always tells me to remember to always find joy in the things that I love to do. But also never forget where my strength comes from, which is Him. I am grateful that I know Him for myself now and through it all God showed me how much He loved me by surrounding me with people who loved me just like my Mom. The Lord has used her in a mighty way to help minister to her family, me, my brothers and my dad. Even after all the things we have been through as a family, God still used her to pray for us and to speak life and truth into each and every one of us. I cannot do anything else but thank God for her and her love and who He created me to be. It is amazing how God will use others to minister to us and open our eyes in a very special way.

So I just want to say that Mom, I appreciate you.

32 | OPINION

The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

OPINION | 33

Guns laws protect more than kids in schools

H

Sarah Chase-Editor

onestly, I do not think that I have the energy to write another story screaming and yelling about Black people because yes this will be a gun law story, but if you thought that gun control was only a fight about suburban white kids getting killed in school shootings then you have got another thing coming.

I am not saying that only white kids get killed in school shootings or that school shootings are not horrific and completely avoidable. I am simply stating that people only pay attention when about 10 to 20 kids are killed inside of a school building in a nice neighborhood because how could that happen in Parkland, in Newtown, in Columbine. It is never how could this happen in Chicago, in section 8, in low income communities, in neighborhoods with gun violence. No one seems to want to protect the low income and Black neighborhoods from gun violence. Now if you ask the Black extremist in me, of course they will not pass gun legislation because they like when Black people kill each other. They like that they can say their stereotypes about us are true. They like to mention the Black on Black crime rate.

They like to say that we were armed when we get gunned down by police. If they did not they would mention every shooting in the neighborhoods that suffer from it the most.

They would give it attention and not just the kids in schools who are killed by the mentally ill white kid.

I have little hope that America will manage to get any effective

gun legislation passed. I say this because even after 20 6-year-old and 7-year-olds were killed, there was nothing significant to come from it to protect future generations of elementary kids. Yet, there is no telling how many 6-year-old and 7-year-olds were killed by gun violence years before in Compton nor does anyone seem to care. But now that I have made my point obvious, let us get into the conversation to prevent the attacks that seem to only be an issue in this country.

To bust the myth, no one wants to take anyone’s precious guns. No one is going inside anyone’s house and taking their AR’s or their hand guns. But something we must all agree on is that mass shootings happen,

gun violence happens and unless you want the left to run campaigns on mind control (for mental health of course) gun control is what can fix these issues. Yes, mental health has a lot to do with mass shootings, but what about the shootings that happen in the Black and low income neighborhoods everyday. Can America blame those shootings on mental health too? And even if they do, no one would not have been able to stop Ted Bundy from killing with therapy as much as they could not have stopped Eric Harris (who actually received mental health assistance prior to

Columbine). The one common denominator in any shooting is the fact that they were able to get their hands on a gun.

As much as I support gun legislation, as many Black leftists will tell you, much of the things proposed could end up disproportionately being biased against Black citizens. I am not going to go over every topic and explain how because frankly even an unlimited amount of pages on Google would not be enough for me to cover it. If you were thinking that because of what I stated earlier, it is okay for it to be harder for Black people to get guns, remember

“Remember that the next one could be your school, your community, your friend, your family member. Remember that there will always be a next one and most importantly remember that human life matters more than an AR.”

to not disregard all the white shooters mass or not that would have no problem getting guns. In essence everyone has a right to own a gun and gun laws are needed, but we need laws that are effective. Background checks do not predict the future and closing the loopholes will not do enough.

My question is when will the American people and Congress start caring about their children. As much as Majorie Taylor Greene wanted to verbally attack David Hogg, he is not fighting to take guns, he is fighting to protect Representative Greene’s children as much as he is his own future children. So before you mention how rare mass shootings are and especially mass shootings in schools, remember the lives that you do not see on the news that are taken everyday. Remember that the next one could be your school, your community, your friend, your family member. Remember that there will always be a next one and most importantly remember that human life matters more than an AR.

34 | OPINION

The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

IN-DEPTH | 35

Getting vaccine is the only way to get things back to normal

A

Emma Headrick-Editor

44.4%

The number of Maine residents vaccinated. The most of any state.

34.4%

Number of residents in the U.S. fully vaccinated

25.9%

Number of Alabama residents vaccinated. The 50th ranked state.

75%

The number of residents needed to be vaccinated

by July 1. www.hospitalreview.com

s humans living amongst one another, we have a moral responsibility to protect one another. This has rang true since the beginning of time, long before civilization was even a concept.

Nomads travelled in groups because it was dangerous to exist without someone there to watch your back. Today, we no longer have to worry about danger lurking around every corner but it is still important for us to protect each other. Not in the form of throwing spears or fighting wild animals but by getting the vaccine in hopes of slowing the spread of Covid-19.

Months ago, we were polarized by the issue of whether or not we should be wearing masks in public. One side argued it was a violation of human rights. The other side responded by saying it was only common sense to protect yourself. Now as we battle it out to make others see the importance of getting the vaccine, those same arguments are being thrown around.

A popular argument from the anti-vaccine crowd is that the vaccine will somehow put a microchip or a tracker in your arm and steal your information for the government. Which could not be farther from the truth. For starters, the government really doesn’t have a reason to know anything about our personal lives. Quite frankly, there are more pressing issues for them to discuss than how many miles you ran this morning before your commute to work. And if you did have a microchip in your arm, you would definitely know. The needle would be huge and you would be left with a clump of metal or plastic in your skin. It would be hard to miss and there hasn’t been a single report yet.

Another argument, a true classic at this point, is that the vaccine is a violation of constitutional rights. We have the right to bodily autonomy and nobody can really be forced to get the vaccine under the fourth amendment, which reads, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons.” Bodily autonomy is an unalienable right protected by the constitution and the right to deny the vaccine is a form of bodily autonomy. This will never be changed.

However, whether or not denying the vaccine is a smart choice is still up for debate.

The point of getting the vaccine is not to control the masses or anything like that. The vaccine is being given to us as a tool to protect ourselves and our immune systems from a virus that has already killed millions around the world. Best case scenario, you become completely immune to the virus and live the rest of your life in peace. Worst case scenario, you are sick for a couple of days until your immune system fights it off.

It is important to remember that the ability to even receive a vaccine is a privilege within itself. The vaccine is barely available to most of the underdeveloped world. Millions of people in less fortunate situations would give anything to be in your shoes, to even have the option to receive or deny the vaccine. That fact is not up for debate. It is an undeniable truth. Not only that but there are people living in your neighborhoods who can not get the vaccine because of health conditions.

It is our responsibility to look out for the collective. To protect one another when danger arises. It is only common sense to get the vaccine because you are protecting not only yourself but those around you as well. This past year has been one for the history books. When future generations ask what you did to help slow the spread, what do you want to say? That you refused to get a vaccine that was readily available to you because you were scared? Or do you want to say you rose to the occasion and did the right thing?

History has its eye on all of us right now. When it looks at you, what do you want it to see?

THE SOUTH: A REGION ALL ITS The South. The home of Southern hospitality is still a mysterious region to many in our country. Why? The South seems to have its own language, its own food and of course its tragic past of oppression, backwardness and lack of progress.

Yet, the South thrives in so many ways. It’s changing daily. Cities like Nashville, Atlanta and even Huntsville are leading the South in a progressive movement, while keeping the Southern culture intact. After all, the South wouldn’t be the unique region it is without a little Y’all, buttered biscuits and sweet tea.

36 | IN-DEPTH

The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

IN-DEPTH | 37

MASTERS OF STORYTELLING Local storytellers share passion of Southern tradition Madison Duboise-Editor

F

rom William Faulkner to Tennessee Williams, Southern storytelling has pushed the history of the South forward, impacting more than just those involved in these stories.

Author, historian and storyteller, Jacque Reeves, is someone that knows the importance of storytelling in the South and storytelling in general; however that was never her first path in life.

Graduating from college in New Mexico, Reeves trained to become a teacher and by the time she graduated she changed her mind and did not want to return to school. She worked as a technical illustrator in defense, in museums and even in a company that designed computers.

But it is a woman named Virginia Cook that led her into the world of storytelling.

“Cook asked me to give a program from the American Revolution years ago and I really didn’t want to because I thought public speaking was too scary,” Reeves said. “She wouldn’t let me say no.”

Cook also pushed Reeves to write a story for a Daughter of the American Revolution contest where she came in fourth place in the state.

“It was not well-written, but over time, I became more confident,” Reeves said. “Like everything else, it gets easier with time, and we get better with practice.”

While Reeves grew up in New Mexico where her father was born, her mother and ancestors have been in Alabama since the early 1800s.

“The history here was so different from New Mexico that I couldn’t help but be interested. With more research,

I found that my own ancestors were a big part of North Alabama’s history and of course that made it more interesting to me,” Reeves said. “I also found that my ancestors were human, imperfect, and knowing that allowed me to be free to be myself.

They lived according to what was acceptable for their time, as we do now and we cannot change the past, so we should not rewrite it. When I write history and true-crime, it is important to me that I write it straight down the middle, without injecting my opinion, so that the reader can make his/her own judgment.”

Reeves created the Huntsville Ghost Walk in 2009 when the economy was struggling. She had previously been teaching history through distance learning but it just was not enough for her to live on.

She was asked by someone to put together a one-time ghost walk and to “make stuff up, no one will know the difference”.

“It is important to me to be reverent to the people and events of the past, so I refused to make stories up. I had already amassed a collection of local ghost stories, but wasn’t sure if Huntsville would embrace it. With very little money invested, I decided to try it and if it didn’t work out, at least I knew I had tried,” Reeves said. “I was shocked that everything happened so fast.

The first week, I had over 40 people show up and the third week, there were over 300. There are three of us partners who now run the tours plus many outstanding tour guides who make it all work. We all have different styles and we all learn from each other. They push themselves and give it 100%. We are family. As for ghost walk attendees, we all like ghost stories, whether we believe in ghosts or not. As children, we learned

that being afraid makes us feel most alive. I tell people that whether or not they believe in ghosts is beside the point. They will learn Huntsville’s interesting history in an unusual, and hopefully, fun way.”

This is where Reeves found her love of telling a story. Through the Huntsville Ghost Walk and writing a total of 12 books, many on the history of North Alabama, are not the only things Reeves has done to contribute to the world of storytelling in the area.

Reeves has extensively researched the history of the area, some calling her a Huntsville historian, she is also the owner of Avalon tours and is a long-time participant in the Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll.

“I am still not really comfortable being called a historian. How does one measure the ability to become a historian? Do you have to get paid to write, research and give lectures?

I do not know, but I’m honored,” Reeves said. “I have been asked to be a contributing writer for many books, many articles for magazines, and I have written a number of my own books. “ Through guiding these walks and sharing the history of North Alabama, Reeves has shaped the world of modern storytelling in the South and has even revamped the history of storytelling from the past. Storytelling in the South has its own style, rooted in charm and character.

“Storytelling in the South is more colorful, more emotional, more dramatic. We live at a slower pace and we make the time to listen to others. We know that details make a difference. We are friendlier and more polite than those in other parts of the country and many of us are of Scots-Irish heritage, which means we like to have fun,” Reeves said.

Mellisa Ford Thornton is another local that understands the emotions, history and importance behind Southern storytelling.

Thornton’s mother was a teacher that taught her how to read at an early age. She contributes this to her initial spark for her love of language.

“The summer before I entered high school, I was injured in a boating accident. I was in a wheelchair most of the following school year, and I began to journal. This was cathartic and helped me work through my physical and emotional pain. Not long after that, I published my first story, and I was bitten by the writing bug,” Thornton said.

Thornton got her B.A. in English Literature with a minor in Computer Science from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

“That might sound like a weird combination, but at the time there were very few career opportunities in the Huntsville area for a writer.

UAH had a Co-operative Education position for a computer science major who had writing skills. I asked if an English major with a few computer science courses under her belt could apply. I was hired by Intergraph

first as a Co-Op then as a full-time marketing writer upon graduation,” Thornton said. “I completed my M.A. in English while working as the Editor of UAH’s alumni magazine. I freelanced with lifestyle and business magazines, the Huntsville Times, and began writing “slice of life” essays for WLRH Public Radio’s Sundial Writers Corner. I continue to contribute to Sundial and am active in the Huntsville Literary Association, co-leading a Creative Nonfiction Group and Out Loud HSV spoken word community. I’ve recently published articles in Silver Birch Press and Good Grit Magazine.”

Thornton currently works as the Director of Communications for Decatur’s Princess Theatre & Performing Arts Centre; she actually fell into the position by accident.

“I was not looking for a full-time job, but the executive director of the historic, non profit theatre and I were

Telling tales While leading a ghost tour in downtown Huntsville, storyteller and author Jacque Reeves gets into character. Photo by Madison Duboise

“It is important to me to be reverent to the people and events of the past, so I refused to make stories up.”

-Jacque Reeves

Continued on page 37

38 | IN-DEPTH

IN-DEPTH | 39

The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

To Tell A Story Melissa Thornton is responsible for uniting storytellers in Decatur. She began her storytelling career at the Athens Storytelling Festival and has continued the hobby since. Photo courtesy of Melissa Thornton

putting together a concert marketing plan for an indie artist I helped promote. I’m not sure what caught the ex director’s attention, but she called and asked if I would consider applying for the communications director position,” Thornton said. “I began in 2019, and absolutely love my job. No two days are the same, I work with the media – TV, print and radio – to promote events at the Decatur’s Princess Theatre one day, the next I’m giving school children a backstage tour and the next I’m wearing reindeer antlers and serving popcorn for our holiday movies.”

While she is the communications director and works with many storytellers and artists, she herself has endeavored into the world of

storytelling herself.

“I never planned to tell stories on stage live with no notes. The thought absolutely terrified me, though I loved attending storytelling events such as Athens Storytelling Festival and The Moth. I guess you could say, I was literally pushed in front of a microphone by a musician I was working with as a publicist.

Ricky J Taylor’s musical notes and lyrics tell stories,” Thornton said.

“He heard one of my radio essays and then came to Story Under the Stars, sponsored by Outloud HSV and WLRH public radio – and heard me share a true tale. The next time his band performed, he asked me to share a story. I cannot express how uncomfortable, vulnerable and insecure I felt. But, the audience was warm, welcoming and from there on, I gained confidence in putting my name in the hat for Storyslams and submitting to curated storytelling shows.”

Two women on opposite ends of the storytelling spectrum, one telling forgotten ghost stories and extensively researching the area and one that shares the stories from tragic personal experiences both know the importance of storytelling and how it is impacted by Southern culture.

“I don’t know another region in the U.S. that has such a love-hate relationship with its own history – perhaps storytelling is the way we work through that to find what is lasting, true and meaningful – family, faith, working the land, raising crops, and finding friendship and purpose – rising above poverty and stereotypes,” Thornton said.

“Those hot, sticky-humid summer nights on big porches, allow Southerners to spin a yarn. Southern storytelling tends to fall into true stories, often of family, and tall tales filled with the improbable and hyperbole. Storytellers in the South often accompany their narratives with a musical instrument – banjo, guitar, harmonica – there’s something unique and charming about that.”

Want to know how Huntsville has changed?

Read “Huntsville from the Perspective of Long Time Locals” at www.crimsoncriernews.com

Southern Storytelling PODCASTS

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One’s man’s loss is another man’s treasure at this North Alabama store. Unclaimed baggage sells goods from lost luggage, including clothes, books and other items. Since people travel with the best, some expensive items are often available.

This podcast explores historical mysteries and legendary figures of the American South.

Hosted by Shannon Ballard

Listen to the stories of Emory Austin podcast, a master storyteller for 28 years.

This podcast covers murder, mystery, and mayhem with a southern twist.

Columnist and novelist Sean Dietrich delivers homespun stories that might make you smile or cry.

The women of Gee’s Bend, a small remote black community in Alabama, have created hundreds of quilt masterpieces dating from the early 20th century to the present. Gee’s Bend quilts carry forward an old and proud tradition of textiles made for home and family. Gee’s Bend quilts transform recycled work clothes and dresses, feed sacks and fabric remnants to sophisticated design vessels of cultural survival and continuing portraits of the women ‘s identities.

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Women still cry as they enter the Memphis, Tennessee home place of legend Elvis Presley. When it comes to famous Southerners, Elvis is at the top of the list. Graceland is preserved just the way Elvis left it when he died in 1977.

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The swamps of Louisiana are a unique geographical treasure.

A tour can reveal wild pigs and marshmallow eating alligators, all living in the by waters of a unique Southern state.

40 | IN-DEPTH

The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

IN-DEPTH | 41

MADE IN THE SOUTH

SLOW AS MOLASSES

The South is responsible for various products that people use on a daily basis. In fact, one can just take a look at one of the end caps in Publix stores to see products made in Southern states. Most of these brands are iconic, dating back to the late 1800’s or early 1900’s.

TABASCO SAUCE Bottles of this Louisiana hot sauce can be found on tables as far as Sweden and Japan, but no matter where you find them they can all be traced back to Avery Island, a patch of land out in the wetlands of the Gulf Coast. The peppers used to make Tabasco are grown in Honduras, Zimbabwe, and other hot locals, but they all come back to their production facility to be mashed up with vinegar and age in white oak barrels for 3 years.

GOLDEN FLAKE POTATO CHIPS

IGLOO COOLERS Born from a modest metalworking shop back in 1947, Igloo has been instrumental in redefining how we live, work and play. What began with bringing clean water to a work site has developed into a brand made in Katy, Texas. Today, the company sells more than 500 products at retail locations around the globe.

The Moon Pie is a sweet Southern snack made with graham cracker, marshmallow cream and chocolate. They also come in vanilla flavored coating as well. Moon Pies are produced by Chattanooga Bakery in Chattanooga, TN. The Moon Pie supposedly got its name from a Kentucky coal miner. A traveling salesman by the name of Earl Mitchell asked some coal miners if they’d like a snack while taking a break. One of the miners asked for a snack with graham cracker and marshmallow, requesting one “as big as the moon,” which is what inspired the name Moon Pie.

BLUE BELL ICE CREAM Blue Bell Creameries originated in 1907 as Brenham Creamery Company, founded in Brenham, Texas, 70 miles northwest of Houston. The company produced only butter until 1911 when the creamery began to hand-crank two gallons of ice cream each day in an ice cream maker set in a wooden tub filled with ice.

One cannot have a BBQ sandwich from Lawler’s without getting a bag of Sweet Heat Golden Flake Potato chips. The Golden Flake brand (originally known as Magic City Foods) was established in the ‘20s by Mose Lischkoff and Frank Mosher in a Birmingham, Alabama grocery store basement. He changed the name to “Golden Flake” a year later and, in 1958 moved the production facility to its current 5-acre site.

The Goo Goo Cluster was the first ever combination candy bar in the world. ... At the time it was created, other candy bars were made exclusively with chocolate, caramel or taffy. The origins of the Goo Goo Cluster began at the Standard Candy Company in Nashville, back in 1912. Visitors to Nashville, can visit the official Goo Goo Cluster retail shop on 3rd Avenue.

Sam Walton opened the first Walmart in 1962 at the age of 44 in Rogers, Arkansas. It was an experiment at the time because Walton chose an original path not in the big urban centers, but in emerging suburbs and rural areas that were not being served by major retailers, like Sears and K-Mart. Today, Walmart operates approximately 11,443 stores and clubs under 48 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites and employ over 2.3 million associates around the world.

GIBSON GUITARS GRAPICO Grapico is a grape soda famous for its deep purple color and super sweet taste. First made and sold in New Orleans in 1914 by J. Grossman’s Sons, the drink expanded to Alabama in 1917 when Raymond Rochell started buying the grape syrup by the barrel and bottling the soft drink in the Birmingham-located Grapico Bottling Works.

to move or function in a slow sloth-like way

FIXIN’ TO

one is about to do something or it is in the process of being done

HOLD YOUR HORSES Hold on; be patient

WALMART

GOO GOO CLUSTERS THE MOON PIE

IT’S A SLANG THING

The Gibson Guitar Company is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee at Cummins Station.

Elvis, Bob Marley and Slash all played Gibson guitars, making them the an iconic brand in the music business. The Nashville factory is responsible for the solid body builds, including smoothing and carving the wood. Visitors to Nashville can tour the factory to see luthiers at work.

BLESS YOUR HEART phrase used by Southern women to excuse themselves for speaking ill of someone else. i.e. “She’s as ugly as a mud-fence, bless her heart.”; 2. an expression of sympathy or pity.

GETTIN’ ON MY LAST NERVE A hyperbole to convey irritation and to emphasize that someone or something has pushed you to your limit.

SICK AS A DAWG Term used to describe being incredibly under the weather, which generally includes nausea and vomiting.

42 | IN-DEPTH

IN-DEPTH | 43

The Crimson Crier ||May 18, 2021

We ARe Not Perfect But Progress being Made

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE SOUTH People in the South only listen to country music.

Although country music is popular in the region, according to WideOpenCountry.com, the genre performs stronger in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

People in the South all drive pickup trucks.

According to Flex Fleet Rental, the state of California has a higher population of pickup trucks than any other state.

People in the South are uneducated.

Sarah Chase-A&E Editor

Artwork by Tyler Duboise

T

he one thing I see the most often about the South is how racist and discriminatory it is, which of course is our own fault. The Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, everything in between and afterwards contains a disgusting and embarrassing history that has forever labeled the South.

When I first got this story I was hesitant to write it. I do not want to excuse the terrors that are occurring around the nation by saying “look how much progress has been made,” but that is just the thing. What is happening in the south is occurring everywhere and yes the south has an ugly history and we still have such a long way to

go, but we have come so far. The south is not as mean and ugly of a place it has made itself out to be because the horror of what everyone thinks is Alabama, Mississippi or Georgia is just America.

I think one of the most disheartening things that happen for me as a Black girl living in the south is that almost every time a new civil rights movie comes out or a documentary is released, Alabama is the heart of it all, but for all the wrong reasons.

I think it is important that I state that all of the south’s history is crucial. For real true progress, Americans must realize that and realize the generational trauma that has caused. It is important that what people label the south, ignores the pioneers that paved

the way for not only Black southerners, but Black people around the nation. Other states are so quick to say how horrid these southern states are as if Martin Luther King did not breed change here, Malcolm X did not inspire a Black youth, or Angela Davis did not grow up in the south to become something great in the North.

Those are a few names that are a part of southern progress. They and so many others created a change the south needed and deserve all the credit for the progress Southerners have made. I think that it is time the nation realizes that southern colleges have taken the liberty to back the fight for Black lives and even rename buildings giving credit to Black pioneers. Mississippi finally listened

to Black voices and changed their hateful flag. Charleston, South Carolina gained sense and removed the Confederate flag from their Statehouse. It is symbolic change that change that acknowledges that things have changed and the labels should do so as well.

Instead of labeling the south for its actions in the past, we need to work on creating better southern states for Black voices and acknowledge that the progress that has been made is just the beginning. Do not ignore the south’s history, but realize that the South has been a place of change since slavery. Instead of knowing it as a symbol of hate, look at it as a place that is an example of progress as well as the place where progress can continue to be made.

According to Education Attainment, the national average for bachelor’s degrees is 38 % while total bachelor’s degrees in the South is 35.9%. On another note, Huntsville is the most educated city in Alabama with 34% of the population having a bachelor’s or higher degree.

All people in the South live in rural areas.

Atlanta, Nashville, Dallas, New Orleans--the list goes on. According to hindawi.com, 45.5% of the South live in metropolitan areas. But of course, we do love our rural areas as well.

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The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

Varsity coach leaves behind legacy

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Madison Duboise-Editor

rom each sign representing a championship win to the blood, sweat and tears that can be found on the practice mats, one thing is for sure, varsity cheerleading coach Lisa Aderholt has left her mark even though her time is coming to an end.

Aderholt has been a member of the Madison County cheerleading programs for a total of 29 years. She coached for six years at Monrovia Middle School and has coached at Sparkman since 1998.

Growing up she attended Monrovia Elementary and Middle School, eventually graduating from Sparkman. Aderholt cheered at Monrovia Middle and Sparkman where her mother, Madonna Holladay, was the coach.

“I grew up being on the sidelines. I cheered at almost all the Sparkman games, since my mom was the cheer coach here.

When I got older, I was on the Monrovia Middle, Sparkman High School and Athens State College teams as well as being a Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA) staff member,” Aderholt said.

Aderholt’s mother was a huge part of

both her cheering and coaching career. Her mother started and coached many of the girl’s sports teams at Sparkman, leaving behind a legacy and big shoes to fill for Aderholt. In fact, Holladay won 14 state championships and three national championships and is credited for changing the sport of cheerleading in North Alabama.

“My mother was a true competitor that wanted other girls to have something to compete in,” Aderholt said.

While Aderholt was coaching at Monrovia Middle, her mother was coaching at the high school. The two consistently lifted each other up and the athletes as they worked together as a team.

“The two of us would have our Sparkman and Monrovia teams practice together, to develop a camaraderie between them. With the teams practicing together, this also helped the athletes see what the expectations would be if they choose to advance to the next level of cheer,” Aderholt said. “After she retired and I was moved to fill her spot.”

The championships did not stop.

Aderholt, with cheer success in her veins, simply continued the tradition, coaching a total of 13 teams to a national championship and three world titles.

“I hope the legacy that I have left to this school and the athletes that I have coached is

the belief that nothing in life that is good is easy. You want something good, you have to work for it,” Aderholt said. “This applies to your job, your home, your marriage and life in general. You are not going to be handed anything. Work for it and accomplish it.”

Aderholt is known for being tough on her athletes, pushing them to work their hardest.

Championships do not come easy.

“Mrs. Aderholt sets higher standards for all the cheerleaders, higher than what we set for ourselves because she sees more than just skills in us. Mrs. Aderholt is a leader because she knows we can do more and go even further to be successful. She isn’t easy but that’s what makes us as good as we are,” senior Mya Weber said.

Aderholt will retire at the end of this year and since the team’s recent wins at nationals she has been reminiscing on her coaching career and the time she has spent at Sparkman.

“Some of my most favorite memories are the ones when my teams have hit their routines with zero deductions or when the kids have had such challenging years, with many different obstacles to overcome, and they have kept working and motivating each other and finally came out on top,” Aderholt said.

Junior varsity coach Kaitlin Longino will take over the varsity program. Aderholt and Longino have worked together for years as a pair coaching the teams and going to competitions together.

“I am so very excited that Mrs. Longino is taking over the program. She loves our kids as much as I do and she is willing to put the hours, upon hours, in that is necessary to keep this team rolling and winning,” Aderholt said. “She will also still have the help of Ben Park. He has been my assistant for the past few years. I am so proud the two of them will still be here for these kids and this program.”

Ending on a high note, the cheer teams just recently got back from nationals where the varsity team won two national championships, something no other Sparkman cheer team has done.

“This was a very weird and unique year.

Besides facing COVID-19 challenges the team typically competes with 20 members but this year only had 18. Through it all they still managed to hang in there to compete,” Aderholt said. “In the finals they hit their routine with zero deductions, we knew we had won. In the semi-finals of the Game Day division we came out as 2nd by 0.2.

After finals and another spectacular routine performance we passed the team ahead of us taking another win.”

The varsity athletes hate to see Aderholt leave but are thankful for the years of experience and commitment she has given to the team.

“Mrs. Aderholt uplifts the team by pushing us and still encouraging us even when practice gets tough. Her retirement is a bittersweet feeling. It is very sad to see her go and feels weird to not hear her name as the varsity coach but I am happy for her and excited to see how her next chapter in life goes,” Weber said. “We will miss her very much but she built a legacy and it won’t be forgotten.”

Aderholt is leaving the position but that will not erase the many white jackets and rings that will retire with her.

“I will miss the kids, I will miss talking and getting to know them. I will miss seeing them happy when they mastered a new skill, whether it is in cheerleading or my PE classes,” Aderholt said. “For almost 50 years, I have in some way been a part of this school.

From the time my mother birthed me till now, the Sparkman life and family is all that I have known. I will miss it terribly but I am not saying good-bye. I am saying until I see you again.”

Ring Bling Varsity cheerleading coach Lisa Aderholt won a total of 13 teams to a national championship and three world titles during her time at Sparkman. Aderholt followed in the steps of her mother Madonna Holladay who used to coach the varsity team and she changed the world of cheerleading in North Alabama. Photo courtesy of Lisa Aderholt

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The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

SPORTS | 47

SPORTS COLUMN

Jump shot is the beauty of basketball

Alumna follows career path in sports industry

I

Myles Gollop-Editor

n a partnership with the Atlanta Falcons, the Alabama High School Athletic Association announced on April 6 that girls flag football will become a sanctioned sport beginning this fall. The school subsequently adopted the sport, and tryouts will be this fall. Over 70 girls expressed interest through a Google Form, and there is school wide anticipation for the season to start.

“Once we got word that the AHSAA would approve flag football for the 2021-2022 season, we immediately got involved and declared for the sport,” Athletic Director Matt Rogers said. “We felt like Sparkman could field a very competitive team, so it was something we wanted to do.”

The new sport will open up several coaching positions. The administration is already putting together a new staff.

“Right now we have Mr. (James) Arnette as our head coach, but he will be building a coaching staff closer to the season, which starts in October,” Rogers said. “Mr. Arnette has experience with flag football from his teaching and coaching in Florida, so it seemed like a good fit.”

The season will begin in the fall and the schedule could include a variety of opponents from different classifications. Who those opponents will be, however, is unknown.

“The pilot season will begin in October 2021.

We will play a minimum of eight games and a maximum of 14 games,” Rogers said. “We’re still waiting to see what local teams declare for the sport before creating a schedule. There are no classifications or regions in this pilot season, so

we can play anyone we choose regardless of the school’s classification (1A-7A).”

Rising senior Azlyn Miller is excited to play flag football, never having the opportunity to play football growing up. In the past, she has participated in softball, cross country, soccer, and dance.

“I have always wanted to play football, but my mom would never let me due to my size and me being a girl,” Miller said. “I also saw a lot of my friends signing up, and if me and my friends were on the same team that would be a lot of fun.”

The agreement with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons will not only provide monetary funds, Nike will provide girls flag apparel to assist the AHSAA with launching the program throughout the state.

The Falcons, along with the Black Family Foundation, were successful in implementing a flag football program in Gwinnett County Public Schools in Georgia so they set out to spread it to other states, “We are thrilled to see girls’ flag football continue to expand outside of Georgia. The goal has always been to grow the game,” says Atlanta Falcons President and CEO Rich McKay Before the season begins, a final roster must be implemented. Tryouts will occur in the fall, and cuts will likely be made.

“We’re looking at keeping a team of about 25,” Rogers said. “Coach Arnette will have a tryout next fall in time to begin practice for the 2021 season in October.”

“We felt like Sparkman could field a very competitive team, so it was something we wanted to do.”

T

he jump shot in basketball is one of the most important skills a basketball player needs in their arsenal.

The necessary things that a player needs to be a good shooter is, comfortability, consistency, focus and most of all practice.

The greatest shooters of all time, like Stephen Curry, Ray Allen and Reggie Miller, all exhibit these traits day in and day out.

Shooting has a lot to do with how a shooter feels and how comfortable they are. When a player is shooting the ball the last thing they would want to do is feel like they are forcing it. That is why it is best not to copy other people’s jump shots because not everyone is the same.

Not everyone is built like Lebron, or can jump as high on their shot as Kobe. To find your jump shot you have to find what is comfortable for you because it will make that motion of shooting so much more repeatable. That’s why when looking at the best shooters they all have different forms from each other. Stephen Curry barely jumps on his jump shot and shoots in one motion, but Ray Allen gets up and

shoots more in a two motion. They are comfortable, they are relaxed and they just let the ball fly.

Consistency and focus go hand and hand when it comes to shooting. The shooter must know their target and be able to locate the target quickly while doing the same motion they have practiced over and over again to hit the shot. Consistency and focus does not just stand for the consistency of the shot and the focus a player has towards making it, it also goes with the consistency of work and the focus to continue to work on their shot

“Shooting has a lot to do with how a shooter feels and how comfortable they are.”

to perfection. That is what makes people like Curry and Allen so amazing to watch.

Becoming a great shooter doesn’t happen overnight, it takes years and years of practice and tweaking to get that jumper that works perfectly for them.

At the end of the day perfecting shooting the basketball is something that takes time. It takes time to find what feels comfortable for you and it takes time for a player to constantly hit shots. With time comes hard work and training, and that hard work and training becomes performance and results.

Shooting is a process that can’t be rushed, but once mastered is deadly from anywhere on the floor.

Donell White-Reporter

5 TIPS TO SHOOT LIKE CURRY The Turn The Dip One-Motion Little Knee Flexion Break the Rules

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The Crimson Crier || May 18, 2021

Dance team brings home black jackets Madison Duboise-Editor

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ll year the girls on the varsity dance team have been training for nationals in Orlando, Florida. A down-size in the team and months of practice is what took coach Katherine Neis and her eight-person team to bring home a national championship.

It has been 16 years since the team brought home the national trophy. Now, after a long and busy weekend, everything from this year finally paid off.

“We finished our final performance and we all looked at each other almost with tears in our eyes because of how proud we were of how all of us have come this whole year with everything that has been against us,” junior Emily Peddycoart said.

With this being the first year on the team, sophomore Payton Gray realized how important setting a goal was for the team.

“We set an amazing goal to keep going and to never quit, even when it gets tough,”

Gray said.

The competition scene is not new to either of these girls. Both of them have danced at Heidi Knight School of dance for years.

Peddycoart has danced for 14 years at the studio and competed for 10 years, and Gray has danced for 11 years and competed for six years. Their years competing have helped them get comfortable dancing on a stage and help build the proper mind-set needed to focus at a dance competition. “Competing at nationals felt just like competing on stage like I would do at the studio,” Gray said.

“Dancing on a stage for all of these years has definitely helped build the confidence needed to perform on the national stage to represent Sparkman High School.”

Peddycoart and her teammates were hard at work throughout the entire school year to prepare for this moment, but it was then in the moment that they realized how important this was to them. Neis, explained that the team had their “share of injuries” through the season.

“We had two girls with stretched tendons

in their knees, but physical therapy was able to keep them dancing through the end of the season,” Neis said. “We did have a few issues with COVID and quarantining. Early in the fall, the whole team had to quarantine when one team member tested positive, and then through the course of the season, two other girls had to quarantine due to exposure outside of school.”

“Going into the competition was very nerve racking because there was a new team that had never been to nationals before that we were competing against, so we really had no idea what to expect. As we got into Orlando, almost immediately we went into practice the next morning and had practice all day the next two days,” Peddycoart said.

This was not the first time that the team had competed this year either, they had been to other completions prior. The only difference with nationals was that they were able to participate in person, the last two competitions had been online.

“When I found out that we were able to participate in nationals I was very thankful, because with COVID going on I knew there was a possibility that we wouldn’t have been able to go,” junior Darby Keefauver said. “When we arrived at competition I was hoping, or expecting, for the team to at least make it to the finals.”

They not only brought home the national title along with their black jackets, scoring a 90.900 for their hip hop number and a 88.666 for their pom number, they came in fifth place in pom with their score, the highest that the team has ever placed in pom.

This score was also accomplished with the help of Neis’s daughter and past Sparkman dance team member Sarah.

“On long weekends, when she would be home from college, she would always stop by during practice and see what the girls were working on and provide them with a different perspective,“ Neis said. ”I think some of the girls would also communicate with her while she was at college to get her opinion on things as well.”

After the long and very rewarding year, the team is going to finally relax and try to soak in everything that has happened

SPORTS | 49 this year, the good and the bad, so they can improve even more next year. Tryouts are soon so be on the lookout for audition dates for the SHS Varsity Dance Team.

“To be on the varsity team, it takes hard

work and dedication. You don’t have to be the best dancer on the team but you have to be willing to work for the things you want to accomplish,” Gray said. “If you are willing to put the time and effort into holding the

new reputation for varsity dance team, it is definitely something many would suggest to do. Not only is it a great way to stay fit, but you also become one with your team and get to represent the school.”

Pop and Lock Varsity dance team members preform during the halftime show at the basketball games this season. The team went to nationals last month, scoring a 90.900 for their hip hop number, winning a national championship and bringing home a title and their new black jackets. Photo by Scott Lowe

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The Crimson Crier ||May 18, 2021

SPORTS | 51

LET’S GET REEL

Students hope to start fishing club, not an AHSSA sanctioned sport Madison Duboise-Editor

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pole, a boat and a body of water. The art of fishing is one of patience and skill. The AHSAA does not sanction fishing as a sport so when two students came up with the idea to start a fishing team for the school, introducing this idea would take a lengthy process.

Junior Zac Thompson was on the baseball team when he was let go, he was devastated when he lost the team and community that came with the sport. He and a few teammates started thinking and came up with the idea to look into starting a fishing team.

“I think a fishing team would have a big future at our school. Being in Alabama it actually surprises me we do not already have a team,” Thompson said. “ Some of the surrounding schools have fishing teams and I know of a lot of people that have received fishing scholarships and even seen people fish professionally after fishing on a high school team.”

Thompson had the idea and just needed a plan to introduce it to administration, meanwhile junior Luke Jarrell was talking with a student from Buckhorn when he learned they had their own fishing team.

Jarrell has always been interested in fishing, using it as a way to unwind and focus on, so when he heard about Buckhorn’s team he knew he had something to do.

“I thought it would be great to have a fishing team at our school. Since we have such a large population I knew a good number of students would be interested,” Jarrell said.

Starting a team could mean opportunities for those interested in the activity including competing at high school tournaments and competing against other schools.

“This could mean a lot for students interested in fishing. It is something to keep students patient and focused on the future.

There are many things you get out of fishing, the ability to win scholarships and have

experience to go pro would be amazing to have at our school,” Thompson said.

Fishing is not a traditional sport, it is not recognized by the AHSAA, but that does not take away from the talent and practice it takes to be on a team. ”A ‘sanctioned’ sport is one in which a championship program is sponsored by the AHSAA. Ten percent of the AHSAA member high schools are required in order to sanction a new championship sport,” assistant director of the AHSAA Brandon Dean said.

This does not stop the boys from recognizing the impact starting this team could have on the school and students.

“I hope that if we are able to bring a team to our school that it would shine a light on the activity of fishing and show the uniqueness of the sport. I hope it would give students a chance to try something new especially if they are not interested in traditional sports,” Jarrell said. “I hope it would be an outlet for students that could spend time outdoors and get away from worldly problems.”

Both boys know personally the sense of stability and calmness that comes with fishing, growing up both would always love to be out on the water. Fishing has been something more than a once-a-month activity for them, it is something they hope

to share with other students to find a sense of community.

Thompson and Jarrell have since got together to discuss and organize the idea of bringing a fishing team to the school. It is still unknown if this idea to start a team will possibly blossom throughout the next few years but upcoming athletic director, assistant principal Matt Rogers is behind the idea to bring this team to the school.

Rogers personally enjoys fishing and believes the ‘sport’ would bring a whole list of lessons to students interested.

“I believe fishing can teach you a lot about patience. You are going to have good days and bad days on the water, just like in life, so you have to learn to shake off the bad and savor the good,” Rogers said. “I personally enjoy fishing because it allows me to spend time in nature. Whether I am on a local neighborhood pond or a picturesque stream in the Smoky Mountains, going out and fishing allows me to relax and reset from the stresses of life.”

Reel It In Sophomore Luke Jarrell fishes in his local pond, found right across the street from his house. Jarrell grew up fishing often, loving the sport Jarrell constantly finds peace and excitement when near the water.

Photo by Madison Duboise Starting a team at the school would take both a school employee to sponsor the club.

Outside sponsors and organizations would be necessary to keep the program up and running. This would include local fishing enthusiasts or even professional fisherman that would be willing to share their time, resources and expertise to assist the students involved.

“If the interest is there I would be in favor of a fishing club. In my opinion, the more students we can get involved in school sanctioned sports or clubs the better,” Rogers said.

“Being in Alabama, it actually surprises me that we do not already have a team.”

-Zac Thompson

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The Crimson Crier ||May 18, 2021

New esports team pushing to playoffs Brody Wallace-Editor

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over 21,000 schools against each other for a chance of the North American title.

“All matches are set up through PlayVS riday nights in the fall are and are conducted virtually through the spent under shining lights various game systems and on the site. watching football, rooting Depending on the game played it can fall on for the team of one’s choice different days most matches start scheduled to win. The concept of an American football game is the anywhere between 4 o’clock or 5 o’clock p.m.,” Heller said. “We have had a very perfect image of a traditional sport, but what successful year, especially since it’s our first happens when you flip that on its head? season of play ever.”

Esports is the result of the culmination After instituting the team, Heller had his of old, traditional ideals mixing with 21st first athletes start playing together online.

Century technology. Confusing - at best - at He used this to build chemistry among his a first glance, most may discount the validity athletes since they couldn’t meet in person of Esports as an actual sport due to the lack at first, due to COVID-19 protocols. Junior of physical activity. Instead, athletes use Freddie Jones-Martinez plays Madden 21 their brains to create, chalk out and carry out with Keizer and has played football with complicated tactics that are used to win. him all through high school.

“It’s every kid’s 1ST YEAR ACCOMPLISHMENTS dream to play video SMITE-Championship Match games for a sport,” MADDEN- Top 4 of 3rd round playoffs Jones-Martinez said. “I get to have fun and do ROCKET LEAGUE- Top 8 of 2nd round playoffs something I truly enjoy doing while hanging out with my friends in the process.”

Once the season started, the Esports team “We have a ton of key athletes and with went on a hot streak, staying highly ranked in everyone working together and playing the state throughout the season. Now, since their role, we have a special team dynamic. the regular season has ended, all four teams It’s fascinating learning how to use differing training styles to enhance each player’s ability made it into the playoffs with high rankings.

“There are so many impressive team to the max,” coach Andrew Heller said. moments that we have had. The week where Heller takes the helm of the brand new all three teams won their matches back to program. Offering four different games, he back to back and we were all ranked one in advises the actions of all athletes on each the state and region are just a few of the great team. He organizes practices and creates things we accomplished this year.” activities for his athletes to expand their Esports is new to the scene and with critical thinking abilities. Rocket League, many schools not offering varsity Esports, the Madden 21, FIFA 21 and Smite are all full potential has not shown just yet. Over 16 offered as valid games to play per AHSAA million dollars in scholarships are available guidelines. for Esports programs, many colleges are “I found about Esports at Sparkman from starting teams and playing against each other. one of my friends and since I play Madden With that amount seemingly expanding every already, I figured I would play competitively. year, it adds a new way to pay for college and It was nice being able to play with a couple of do something over 73% of teenagers love to football buddies, as we kept winning, it got do. more and more fun,” Madden captain Jadyn “To be simplistic as possible, Esports Keizer said. combine casual and competitive situations, The season starts on Feb. 15, when team building and strategizing as a unit in preseason play starts. After a month of vast virtual environments. Then ask, do you practicing and honing team play, regular have what it takes to work with others, to season play opened up in March 1. After two overcome an obstacle, goal, and or challenge, months of competitive play, the postseason as you strive for victory. Are you willing to playoffs started on May 3; and for teams adapt and learn different skills? If so? Then that made the bracket, May 10, marks the you have what it takes to be an E-Gamer.” beginning of championship play. The main Heller said.

PlayVS cup begins on May 30, which pits

Zoned In Two Esports team members begin practicing on campus. Coach Heller organized practices and created activities for his athletes to expand their critical thinking abilities for Rocket League, Madden 21, FIFA 21 and Smite, valid games to play per AHSAA guidelines. Photo by Andrew Heller

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SPORTS | 55

He’s a runner. He’s a track star.

Track student does not let asthma affect his determination

H

Madison Duboise-Editor

e will not run away when it gets hard.

Athlete Johnny Holloway has been running since he was 9-years-old. Initially Holloway was not interested in running track, but it turned out to be one of his favorite sports and one that he has excelled in.

Holloway first started running for the Huntsville metro track club when he first started the sport. He credits running with the club as one of the main reasons why he still runs track today.

Holloway competed at the AAU Junior Olympics at a young age which is what inspired him to want to become a world class track athlete today.

“The Junior Olympics really showed me that I have what it takes to compete at the next level. I also plan on competing at the Junior Olympics again this summer,” Holloway said.

Holloway’s track career is not only tied to his school track experience, Holloway has his own personal track coach.

“I have now moved to Coach Frazier who is the best coach I have ever had,” Holloway said. “He is one of the only coaches I have had that has believed in me as much as I believe in myself.”

Holloway has a unique challenge track athletes do not usually face, he has asthma. People with asthma typically do not participate in sports let alone one like track that consists of constant running.

“I have been learning how to cope with my asthma better every year, I make sure to take my asthma pump before every single practice and track meet,” Holloway said.

While Holloway may have to watch his

health and his breathing makes sure not to limit himself in other ways.

“I personally have not set any personal records for myself this year, I believe setting personal records for yourself is like setting limits on your potential, so I just go on the track and perform the best I can,” Holloway said.

Holloway believes his parents are the main reason for his success, crediting his friends and family for motivating and encouraging him in every aspect of life.

“No matter how great or how poor I may perform, my parents are always there for me and want me to succeed as much as I want to myself. They have never missed a meet since I started running track over a decade ago and they are my greatest supporters,” Holloway said. “My family and friends motivate me to be a better version of myself on and off the track. I also always try and motivate myself to be better than I was yesterday and continue to work hard.”

Holloway knows the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, working hard and keeping in shape even in the off season.

“My workouts vary from running hills, running my neighborhood, or just doing core exercises in my room to stay in shape,” Holloway said. “In my pre-run rituals, I first pray, and then I always listen to music and do my daily warm up which is just a lot of fast drills and stretches.”

Holloway hopes to pursue track at a collegiate level, going through the recruitment process he has been thankful for all the recruiters that are willing to take a chance on his potential.

“I have grown a lot as a high school runner in this past year alone, I have been more open to advice that could help me down the road,” Holloway said. “I have also improved my work ethic now that I am coming closer to being a college track athlete.”

Holloway has fallen in love with track and has decided to put his all into it, focusing on bettering himself every day.

“I enjoy everything about the sport, I love the environment of track and field and just running. Running has been my hobby for as long as I can remember,” Holloway said.

“Not much crosses my mind when I cross the finish line, I just hope that I always run my fastest time.”

Finish Line Senior athlete Johnny Holloway runs towards the finish line, heart racing, watching his breathing patterns with every step forwards. Holloway has been running since he was nine and has been dealing with asthma his whole life. Photo by Scott Lowe

56 | A&E

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The Crimson Crier ||May 18, 2021

Reviews for an entertaining summer

Kendall Cope-Reporter I was excited to get a deeper look into the life of the Falcon, since previous movies have not talked much about his past. The audience also gets a chance to look into Bucky’s life and his process of healing from being the Winter Soldier.

A favorite aspect of the episodes for the audience was that the writers made sure that female roles were abundant throughout the episodes. Fans were excited as the main antagonist and leader of the “Flag Smashers” is a young female. Sharon Carter, niece of Peggy Carter, is also featured throughout the episodes as she helps Sam and Bucky.

Every episode leaves the audience on the edge of their seats as new problems arise. The writers include incredible twists and turns that left the audience shocked about Captain America and Sharon Carter.

Past villains were included in the show, which helped connect the Marvel movies and episodes as well as tie everything together.

The first episode begins with the Falcon completing a mission for the military where he rescues a U.S. soldier from Georges Batroc, who may look familiar as he is seen fighting Captain America in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”. Baron Zemo from “Captain America: Civil War”, also had a primary role in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”.

Marvel has much more planned for phase four with “Loki” being the next series airing on June 11, 2021. I know that I am ecstatic about what is in store for the next phase.

These episodes will have you begging for more as well as questioning what will happen next. Make sure to find out for yourself who will be the next Captain America and how one handles that much power.

Grace Moore- Editor

In the made-up town of Mallard, Louisiana, there is a certain hatred for people who have darker skin. The town was coincidentally founded by the twins greatgreat-grandfather, who was a freed slave who was the son of the man who owned him.

In Mallard, those who are black, but could pass as white due to their more fair skin tone, tend to look down on those who were born with dark skin. The twins father was also lynched by white men.

The twins mother spent her entire life cleaning the homes of white people in a neighboring town. Stella, an academically motivated girl, wants to work hard in school and even go to college. Her sister, being essentially her character foil, wants nothing more than to run away from Mallard. She feels confined by the town and its colorism, despite the fact that she and her sister can pass as white more than almost anyone else in the town.

When their mother wants to pull the twins out of high school entirely to make them work cleaning houses as well, Stella’s ideals become more aligned with Desiree’s.

At the end of the summer, at age 16, the pair run away to New Orleans, and do not return for many years.

The journey that brings the twins back together is incredibly interesting. The distinct difference between the two girls and their families and children helps explore the overarching themes of the book, and establishes very complex relationships in the family. The book is a wonderful read that isn’t too long.

Sarah Chase- Editor

Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, whatever streaming platform there is, COVID has made them at-home movie theaters and Apple TV released “Cherry” starring Tom Holland. Holland gave an amazing performance and the movie shined a brighter light on the PTSD, drug abuse, and mental health issues that war veterans face.

The one thing that I praise about this movie is that they did a great job at not romanticizing drug abuse. Many movies and TV shows (especially ones involving teens) make the mistake of romanticizing drugs and drug abuse. The movie shows every side effect, mental and physical, that happens when people abuse drugs and what problems can lead to drug abuse. I even learned about things that can happen when a person is abusing heroin that I did not learn from in the shows made for teens.

The movie did that by not only showing how they were mentally deteriorating, but physically too. When watching the movie the viewer starts to see the lesions on their body, their skin become ill looking, their eyes become tired and the actors did an amazing job portraying how much they felt they needed this drug to stay in school, pay bills, to simply function and to stay alive The one negative was towards the end of the movie, they made it seem as though prison can be a place for rehab. I think that when a person goes to jail for so long they learn to be without the drug of course, but a prison is not a place where people learn the skills needed to stay clean. They made it seem like when Holland’s character went to jail, it became his sanctuary to get better.

I think that was the most unrealistic part of the movie and he was able to get away with multiple bank robberies.

Gabriella Alexander- Reporter With only being open for a few months, the Taco Mama at Clift Farms, draws large crowds.

Opening at 11 a.m. daily, it’s food, atmosphere and drinks leave people with a happy experience.

Upon arrival, an employee greets you with a menu, but if you choose not to have a handheld menu, you can see all the options in bright writing on the chalkboard above the registers.

Taco Mama’s menu is full of fresh-made tacos for around $8, burritos for $9, nachos for $8, quesadillas for $9 and delicious chips and salsa that come with your meal. There are also vegetarian options and you can mix and match taco orders.

Once you order, you have the option to pick your own table, either inside or outside.

On a sunny day all the windows, doors and outside area is open. Food is delivered to your table.

The food came in a good amount of time, and when it came it was delicious. I got the cheese quesadilla and it was super warm, and I could do a cheese pull on it. You get plenty of chips with your meal.

I really enjoyed my experience at Taco Mama. I loved the food, bright, fun atmosphere and the music. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves good Mexican food, a good time and a meal that does not break the bank.

Laylah Johnson- Reporter Singer and songwriter Billie Eilish’s highly anticipated second studio album is set to release July 30. With the release of her first single of the album. Excitement and anticipation is building for Eilishe’s second full length album.

Eilish is known for writing “sad” music, but songs on the album such as “My Future” or “Therefore I Am” put her music in a different light. The album title is even estranged to what the teen artist normally titles her work.

The third song released for the album is titled “Your Power” and discusses grooming and manipulation from people in power who take advantage of young girls. The song matches more to who she is as an artist, but I am excited to see more hopeful songs from the artist.

“Happier Than Ever” only has a total of three songs released, but those songs show a different era of Eilish not only as an artist, but as a girl growing up.

Her style on her album covers are beginning to grow and so is her style as a 19-year-old now. The change can only be good for Eilish based on her amazing work that has already been produced.

Sarah Chase-Editor

The Menendez Murders was the case that rocked the nation in the early 90’s. Erik and Lyle Menendez were put on trial for the murder of the parents, but the real question was whether their claims of sexual and emotional abuse by their parents were true or were they just greedy teens who killed their parents for their money. Robert Rand is a journalist and author of the book “The Menendez Murders:The Shocking Inside Story of the Menendez Family and the Killing that Shocked The Nation.”

Rand had followed the story of the Menendez brothers ever since the killings happened. His book does not only give background to Erik and Lyle’s lives in the Menendez household, but also into the lives of Jose and Kitty Menedez. When a person first looks at this case they see what is most obvious, the family is rich and successful, but they do not see what is behind the money and success. Rand wrote an amazing book all about what is not seen on the surface and it was a story that you can not put down.

What I was reading was so unbelievable that I forgot I was reading a novel based on a real case.

Journalists are the best writers when it comes to producing a novel. They have a way of bringing you into the book page by page and Rand did just that. He did that by not even mentioning the horrors the brothers endured throughout the book. He did an amazing job telling the brothers stories before and after the murders and his knowledge on the case and on the brothers assisted him in his great novel.

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The Crimson Crier ||May 18, 2021

FRESH OFF THE GRILL BARBECUE PLACES TO TRY IN HUNTSVILLE

Sarah Chase- Editor

FULL MOON BBQ

LOCATED ON MEMORIAL PKWY 4 STARS Known for their award-winning BBQ Sauce

RD’SLOCATED BBQON NICK DAVIS

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DICKEY’S BBQ PIT

LOCATED IN BRIDGESTREET 3.7 STARS

Known for their hickory smoked pork

DREAMLAND BBQ

LOCATED ON UNIVERSITY DR. 4.1 STARS

Known for their award-winning ribs and white bread

4.8 STARS

Known for their smoked wings

ChuckWagon BBQ

LOCATED ON HWY 72 4.1 STARS

JIM ‘N NICK’S BBQ

LOCATED ON UNIVERSITY DR. 4.1 STARS

Known for their signature cheese biscuits

Known for their brisket and chicken Known for their smoked brisket

All photos by Brody Wallace and Myles Gollop

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The Crimson Crier ||May 18, 2021

Fun Huntsville stops for this summer McKynna Stevens- Reporter

Botanical Garden If you are looking to gain more volunteer hours head to the Botanical Garden. There are a few options including being a garden assistant, working in the gift shop, helping with a special event and more.

Dog Spot Dog Park If you have a dog this is a great place to just get outside. There is a lot of space for you and your dog to walk around and even meet some friends. There is a fenced in area to let your dog run around free. They also provide water for your dog and benches for you to rest.

Von Braun Center From concerts to sporting events there is always something going on at the VBC. They just added an outdoor stage to have some outdoor concerts this summer. The outdoor stage will allow for more safety with the pandemic.

Stovehouse

Stovehouse has a lot of good food options and there is usually live music where you can sit outside and enjoy the summer weather. This is a great place for families to go and enjoy lunch together. Kids can run around and have fun while the adults talk and enjoy the music.

Monte Sano Park

While exploring the park you can see cottages, picnic areas, Japanese Gardens, hiking trails, planetariums and more.

You can also go camping at any of their 89 sites.

Artwork by Olivia Lake