September

Dealing with disability Does the school truly accommodate students who have trouble getting around?

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Sparkman High School | 2616 Jeff Road | Harvest, Ala. 35749 | Phone: (256)837-0331 | Fax: (256)837-7673 | www.crimsoncriernews.com |

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Thursday Sept. 26, 2013 Issue I

After Expulsion: Riley Wallace Editor-in-Chief

T

o disappear is the greatest discipline for a high school student; to remain disappeared is the greatest punishment. Expulsion, as a certain and unspoken rule, is a dreaded deterrent for stepping out of line, frequently beginning with a single act and ending in enrollment in an alternative placement school.

Unbeknownst to the average student, however, there are complexities and varieties in the expulsion process beyond what is discussed in the first weeks of class, usually beginning in the student body itself: a fact that senior Chris Naquin knows well.

Naquin, who was expelled in 2011 for possession and distribution of alcohol, thinks himself the catalyst for his punishment.

“On the AB honor roll field trip, I brought a water bottle filled with watermelon rum in it and shared it.

Then someone got very drunk, and the principals and the counselors found out. I was stupid — this will be hard to believe, I know — but I told everyone. Heaven forbid I keep a secret, right? It got around. Everyone knew,” Naquin said.

Hearsay is not the only method which administrators use to track down potential behavioral issues, though, and often the indicators extend beyond the student’s control, even into the student body or psychological signs that the student may be wholly unaware of.

“A lot of times people come anonymously. We also have an extensive camera system in this school. If, hypothetically, and I do want to say hypothetical, case in point, say that you asked to go to the bathroom at the same time every day. If the teacher reports that to me, then I can look for you on the camera. It’s word of mouth, funny behavior, sometimes people’s demeanor,” Assistant Principal Tandy Shumate said.

After investigation, the issue and all evidence is submitted to the Madison County Board of Education for review, with a request for action by the school’s

A provocative inside look at punishment, reward

principal.

“One misconception that a lot of people have is that we expel students. Only the Madison County Board of Education can make the decision to expel and that is based on the recommendation of the Superintendent.

The school only has the right to suspend,” Shumate said.

Procedure varies depending on the offender’s choice of action from there. For most, like Naquin, there is a period of suspension, followed by a schoolrecommended hearing. Based on the severity and nature of the violation, this meeting may be deemed a disciplinary hearing or an expulsion hearing by the Board of Education, which will consider the ultimate fate of the student.

“They said, ‘You’re going to be suspended for five days and at the end of the five days, on the fifth day, you’ll go down to central office and you’ll have a meeting with one of the board members. And that will determine what happens from there.’ The field trip was a Wednesday, Thursday was the day that I got called to the principal’s office, Monday was my birthday and the following Wednesday was the day of the hearing,” Naquin said.

Enduring this meeting is not the only option for those whose actions have warranted a possible expulsion.

Others, like senior Adam*, choose to forgo the hearing in favor of a quieter departure.

“I was arrested for possession and distribution of a controlled substance. I was arrested on Feb. 12 and I transferred out of Sparkman’s school system before I was expelled… I now go to a private school downtown called Pinnacle,” Adam said.

Those who favor the hearing, however, are assigned their disciplinary period, ranging from around 30 days to the rest of the school year. In Naquin’s case, the guilty verdict ended with 70 days in Pace alternative school — a relatively mild sentence, though an enlightening experience.

“In Pace, you sit in a big classroom and there are little cubicles all along the walls. One student is assigned

a cubicle and you skip a space between every cubicle.

No talking. You had three little dots that sat on your desk. If you have to go to the bathroom, it’s the red dot. If you have a question to ask, you hold up a yellow dot. If you needed more schoolwork — like you were done with whatever you were doing — you had a green dot,” Naquin said.

Beyond the silence, a strict dress code, restrictions on school supplies and habitual scans of student persons weighed heavily on Naquin. A 16-point score system keeps track of Pace student behavior with four points dedicated toward four categories; any student earning below a 12-point mark for any day has one day added onto their time in alternative placement.

Luckily, with cooperation and hard work, Naquin’s 70 days were cut short a month and a half early.

“No one knew I was coming back. They thought I was gone for the rest of the year. I came back on a Tuesday. And Tuesday, everyone was really shocked.

Everyone saw me in the hallways, and there were lots of hugs and lots of ‘You’re so stupid,’” Naquin said.

Adam, meanwhile, is allowed on school property for football games and will return to school after Christmas, heralding his experience as a revelation.

“It took a week for it to finally hit me that I really messed up, but a couple weeks later I was only thinking positive and about the good that could come from it.

I’m actually appreciative of what happened because it gave me the help I needed, and I no longer surround myself [with] that environment,” Adam said.

Naquin’s sentiments mirror that appreciation, and he is thankful that his experience came early in his high school career.

“I thought I was untouchable. Like, you know, like you see on TV. ‘Oh, such-and-such got in trouble.’

How was I going to get in trouble? All the teachers loved me. I just wasn’t the kind of person to get in trouble. I never even thought that was an option. I wasn’t going to get in trouble. Then I realized that it could happen, and it does happen,” Naquin said. *last name omitted to protect privacy

Photo Illustration by Riley Wallace

Changes in Homecoming cause students to adapt Victoria Lewis Reporter

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omecoming nominations and voting have gone through several changes due to the lack of TAP class.

H o m e c o m i n g nominations and voting are now up to the indivudual student. SGA president Eric Busby predicted the results will be more accurate because only the students that truly care about homecoming court will get up and go vote and nominate.

“They will have to take time out of their lunch to vote, instead of the teacher saying here is a

piece of paper, write down the name of someone in your grade,” SGA sponsor Kathrine Neis said.

After the first day of voting, each class had 1520 nominations per grade.

This was up from last year’s one nomination per TAP class, which resulted in 10 nominations overall.

“We went through all of the nominations and wrote down everyone who was nominated. If a name had more than one nomination then they were put on the ballot,” Neis said.

Monday, Sept.

30 will kick off spirit week.

Monday will be business on top, party on the

bottom. Tuesday, Oct. 1 will be Sadie Hawkins day.

Wednesday, Oct. 2 will be character day. Thursday, Oct. 3 will be salad dressing day — seniors will be Caesar dressing, juniors will be Thousand Island dressing and sophomores will be Ranch dressing.

Friday, Oct. 4 will be spirit and redneck day.

Thursday there will be an after school tailgate and a pep rally to follow. Friday will be the homecoming game versus Buckhorn, where homecoming king and queen will be announced at halftime.

Saturday, Oct. 5 will be the homecoming dance.

The dance will have a club theme.

“I think everybody is excited and the anticipation is exciting. Homecoming court is important to the students. They are excited to see who is nominated, and they can’t wait to find out who the king and queen are,” Neis said.

At the Student Congress meeting held Sept. 11, homecoming was the source of much controversy.

Students covered everything about the homecoming dance from what to wear to buying tickets.

“The dress will be the same as usual, but the

DROPPING NAMES. Students submitted their nominations for homecoming at lunch on Sept. 10. Each class had a separate container, and votes were cast a week later. Photo by Victoria Lewis.

theme is night club. The to buy a couple ticket, but price for a couple is $10 and the price for a single is $7.

CONT. pg. 02 You don’t have to be couple

A Look The Crimson Crier Inside crimsoncriernews.com @TheCrimsonCrier

Homecoming

News pg. 2-3 Opinion pg. 4-5 Features pg. 6-7 Entertainment pg. 8 Sports pg. 9, 12 Spread pg. 10-11

2 News

The Crimson Crier

Sept. 26, 2013

Finances cause anxiety within school system County superintendant, school principal address money shortage, lack of technology last year,” Copeland said.

Since 2008, Madison County’s overall revenue has decreased by approximately $3 million. The two ways to increase the system’s revenue in the future without the assistance of private individuals or the government is through two different types of taxes.

“The first option is a half sales tax that the County Commission can place without a vote of the people. This would help us tremendously, but this may not be on the table,” Copeland said.

Erin Rountree News Editor

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hursday, Aug. 22 a public hearing was held regarding Madison County School Board’s proposed fiscal budget for 2014. Among other statistics, officials revealed a need for $9.3 million to cover capital needs while maintaining instruction in classrooms.

Raised by $5.2 million from last year, the budget for the 2014 general fund has been proposed at $145.9 million. What seems like such a large number, when divided between all of the schools and needs in Madison County, does not amount to even $350,000$31- state enough to replace school buses that mandated textbook pay raises remain without air conditioning. funding per for workers student “Unless our financial situation changes in the near future we will have s e v e r a l difficult decisions to make,” Madison C o u n t y

Superintendent David Copeland said.

Madison County is considering sending the capable buses on double routes next year, as well as trying to compensate for a $1 million loss in textbook funding from the state. Madison County residents have questioned why surrounding school systems seem to be prospering, and the answer lies in the Madison County tax base.

“There have been three attempts to increase taxes over the past 26 years, but all have failed for lack of support. Huntsville and Madison City have seen many new taxes over the years, as recently as

$85average cost per new textbook

$4,362funding per student in Hsv City

27 years since county raised tax rate

$43.9 millionlocally generated school revenue

The second option, which has not yet been discussed, is a system tax. The system tax is a property tax placed on everyone in the county school system. Paul Huggins, reporter for al.com, investigated the issues regarding the revenue streams within the school system.

“State and locally generated revenue has not kept pace with growing capital and instructional needs, as well as state mandated programs,” Huggins said.

Some parents and students have expressed concern over how the school system plans to maintain the new high school that is in the works for the Monrovia area.

Although enrollment has dropped, the existing student

population within the system will remain the same when split between the schools. The building itself will affect the system’s operational budget but areas such as textbooks and technology will be minimally impacted.

Principal Mike Campbell is not overly concerned about the way the financial issues will affect the school.

Besides the fact that he tries to sustain the school with funds the school raises, Campbell hopes to see the economy improve in the near future, which will assist schools to get back on their feet.

“This area is getting ready to boom.

There’s a $2,179- local $31- state $3,2600n u m b e r funding per textbook funding per student in funding per student in of houses county student Mad. City t h e y ’ r e talking about building in this area so I think you’re going to see a lot of growth back in Madison County again,” Campbell said.

Campbell and Copeland agree that Madison County is behind in technology, which could be troubling to some considering the way surrounding systems have moved from traditional textbooks to the One-to-One Initiative by equipping students and teachers with laptops and online materials.

“It’s going to be really interesting to see how we upgrade with technology… [state superintendent] Dr. Bice said that by 2016 all textbooks will be online,” Campbell said.

Statistics courtesy of al.com.

Photo illustration by Noah Lombard.

New principal brings new ideas Caroline Barlow Reporter

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ew rules, new pep rallies and a new principal. We are off to a new start.

This is Mike Campbell’s first year at the helm, but this is not his first go around in administration.

Previously Campbell was an administrator for 16 years in Virginia. In the year of 2012 Mike moved to Alabama to become the principal at Johnson High School. After one year at Johnson, Campbell decided on coming here to experience something different.

“I thought it was too

good of an opportunity to pass up because it was very similar to a situation where I was very successful in Virginia,” Campbell said.

Although there has been changes made, the students are responding positively.

“Mr. Campbell shows amazing support to the whole school, and I believe that he’s going to do his absolute best to impact the school positively. I also like the fact that he’s not afraid to let people know he loves Sparkman and all the sports teams, band, clubs, students

and faculty,” Junior Ben Bundren said.

In Campbell’s opinion, the first thing to do is build a relationship with students.

The students here have experienced this first hand.

Campbell delivers news by going to each class and relaying the information.

He also eats lunch with the students every opportunity he gets.

“I want my students to know I care about more than just the classroom.

When they are on the field I still care,” Campbell says.

Many students do not know about his hidden personality. For example, Campbell loves to cook and

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE PRINCIPAL. Principal Mike Campbell frequently eats lunch with students in the cafeteria. He could be found mingling with different tables, usually during third lunch. Photo by Savannah Bullard.

bake cakes. He also loves going to sporting events and musicals.

Although Campbell has had to enforce new rules,

he encourages the students to tailgate, and he is helping the school have the safest student section possible.

“High school is about fun

experiences, but it’s a two way street. Meaning, if things get out of hand privileges will be taken away,” Campbell said.

Tragedies heighten school safety Will Bartel

Sports Editor

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n the wake of national tragedies such as the Sandy Hook shooting and the Boston Marathon bombing, Alabama has created new safety regulations across schools.

House Bill 91 is the name of the bill that has changed the regulations. Along with uploading their entire safety plan to State Virtual Alabama VAS, the school has new codes for different emergencies. Code yellow is the new standard for schools. It requires doors to be locked. Code red is a complete lockdown in the event of an emergency.

Code green is a weather emergency.

“These codes stay consistent across the entire county. This is great because if you were at another high school nearby that was forced to go into lockdown it would still be the same code, making communication easier,” Assistant Principal Tandy

Shumate said.

The bill also requires drills to be done at certain intervals. At least two fire drills are required annually. Lockdown is required to be done four times per year. Weather drills are also required four times annually.

Many of the staff members had to participate in safety training over the summer.

They participated in active shooter training on July 30 with the Madison County Sheriff department.

They watched videos and were instructed on how to use weapons. They went through a drill in which someone was playing the part of an actual shooter using pellet guns.

Administrator Maurice Jones played the villian.

“I found the training to be really fun and interactive. I held people hostage and acted like I was asleep so they would think I had been shot. When the good

guys came in I was able to shoot some of them. I was shot in the arm a few times and it ripped through my long sleeve shirt,” Jones said.

Students are affected by this increase on weather and lockdown drills. The drills can interrupt classes in the middle of instruction, and more drills lead to more interruptions.

“I don’t understand why we have all of these drills. We know where to go in case of an emergency.

These new drills waste valuable time in which we could be learning,” senior Ben Fowler said.

While national tragedies are appalling, they can help create new rules or reform old ones to help schools as well as other places, become as safe as possible.

“The training required us to look at the past. They showed a reenactment of the Columbine massacre.

It was sad, but we were learning valuable information from the deaths of others,” Shumate said.

MADISON COMMONS 1593 Hughes Road, Suite E Madison, AL 35758 256-335-2213 suellen1103@aol.com www.twiggiesboutique.com

The Crimson Crier

Sept. 26, 2013

News

3

Everyday navigation not easy for some

School meets state accommodations for disabled Erin Rountree News Editor

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he old saying goes, “You never know how a person feels until you are in their shoes.” For junior Gabriella Matteo, the adage should be amended to say, “until you are in their wheelchair.”

During her recovery from leg surgery, Matteo has been confined to a wheelchair. Fortunately her best friends have stepped up to assist her throughout the day, but that has not lessened the impact of being the odd one out in high school.

“Well, you get a lot of funny looks and people get in your way a lot because they don’t really care that you’re injured,” Matteo said.

As if students do not complain enough about crowded hallways, imagine navigating the masses in a wheelchair.

If a student is fortunate enough to make it to the elevator intact, he or she cannot expect to make it through the herd of students congregating in front of the doors without a little pushing and shoving, and perhaps rolling over a toe or two.

“It’s high school. You can’t really expect that much out of people, which is sad,” Matteo said.

While the everyday activities of school can be made more difficult by a lack of support and assistance, unusual circumstances such as safety drills can pose a more threatening problem to people with disabilities.

Matteo experienced two types of drills while in her wheelchair. Fortunately she was downstairs during both the tornado and fire drills.

“We had a fire drill the other day, and some random person came up behind me and pushed me, which was pretty weird,” Matteo said.

Principal Mike Campbell knows areas around the

THE IMPOSSIBLE CLIMB. A student stops at a stairwell, unable to make it upstairs. The school was built with one elevator to accomodate the whole student body. Photo by Victoria Lewis.

Recently the school’s sole elevator was out of service, which could clearly be a problem to wheelchairbound students depending on the elevator for mobility.

school need to be examined and tested to determine ease of accessibility for students with disabilities. Being able to reach every classroom and convenient seating in

the cafeteria are just two of the crucial areas.

“Not being physically handicapped, you really don’t notice these things until you are in a wheelchair or you are on crutches or you do have a disability and I think that’s something we should look at,” Campbell said.

Although everything about the school might not exactly be “convenient” or “desirable” for students requiring aides such as wheelchairs and crutches, the school is required to meet federal guidelines for things such as access to the building.

For example, the ramp in the back of the school helps meet this guideline even though other wheelchair-accessible entrance points would be helpful. Even recreational areas are subject to guidelines and rules.

“We just put in new bleachers and they don’t have wheelchair access, but we’re covered because the main stadium bleachers have wheelchair access. They have to meet ADA standards,” Campbell said.

Homecoming CONT. pg. 01

A NEW WAY TO VOTE. Juniors Eugenia No, Erica Blodgett, Chelsey Bigoney and Emma Raby cast their votes for homecoming court. In the past, homecoming nominations were performed in TAP classes. Photo by Victoria Lewis.

on the same ticket,” senior Eric Busby said.

The homecoming game can cause just as much controversy as the dance or the spirit days. Seniors seem to be getting angrier every game due to the fact of restless sophomores.

There is a certain order that the upper class wants to maintain.

“I know a lot of the seniors are getting angry that in the student section a lot of the sophomores are going to the front, and we think that it is unfair because we waited our school years to be up in the front. Last year most people understood seniors get the front, juniors get the middle and sophomores get the back,” senior Allison Wrape.

Student Congress creates new voices, opportunities Nick Arnold Reporter

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tudents’ voices will be heard because of the newly established Student Congress.

Principal Mike Campbell set up this system as a way for students to make changes in the school. Rather than having people join a club, they get nominated to a large group where they all have a say.

“Student Congress can take it to the class and say this is what we are going to do and the class can give feedback and other ideas,” Campbell said.

Unlike SGA, Student Congress will consist of one representative from every fourth block class.

“I want the student body to feel like they

have a say where they can have some impact and have a way to voice that they want to see change, and it is good for all students who do not get a chance to voice their ideas. Students before have been able to change the honor roll, the snacks in vending machines and the way homecoming works,” Campbell said.

Student Congress will be able to help SGA come up with ideas for events in the school. They can suggest dances and fundraisers to make sure the school stays interactive in the community.

“They will be able to talk to SGA, but SGA will still organize an event if it is suggested by the Student Congress. Student Congress can also suggest that a certain class should have a dance at some

point,” Campbell said.

Campbell will work first hand at the meetings and record the minutes to make sure no one will argue about anything decided at the meeting. Student Congress can even have an influence on rules that students have to follow to stay in school.

“They can request a rule change to me, and if I can do it then yes. They can also add bans and rules if they make sense and are logistic,” Campbell said.

The Congress also addressed student section issues where students requested the band and cheerleaders be moved to the new location. The students feel since they have more enthusiasm than the parent the people that rep them up more should be by them.

“Students seem to like it down near the end zone,

but they also like being by the band and the cheerleaders like being by the students. What I originally wanted to do was have the students at the 50 yard line, but some of the parents wanted to sit next to the band. I am thinking of installing a permanent bleacher down there just for the student section,” Campbell said.

After the first meeting on Sept. 11, the student body is adjusting and liking the new format. ““Some really good issues were discussed, decals were brought up about having a badge instead of a sticker.

There was also talk of a hoopcoming, which like homecoming except for a basketball game,” senior Victoria Jones said.

Questions answered:Morning rules remain same Zachary Lequieu Reporter

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uring the first week of school, two sophomores left the gym to get breakfast in the cafeteria. They were turned away by administrators and

came to the Crimson Crier for clarification on the rules.

Crimson Crier: Why do people have to go to separate locations in the morning?

Assistant Principal Chris Sims: For the safety and proper supervision of students, we ask that car riders and bus riders

go to separate locations.

Students go to the nearest location from drop-off and that is the cafeteria for bus riders and the gym for car riders. Students need to be supervised at all times in the buildings. This policy allows us to do so with adequate staff.

CC: Why the 7:30 release?

CS: We want to make sure that teachers get to school and get their lessons ready for the day before students bombard them in the classroom. Car riders can go to the cafeteria for breakfast when they are released at 7:30.

A DREAMY PERFORMACE. The marching band perform at the Hazel Green game. This year’s halftime show was called “Once Upon A Dream.” Photo by L. Ferrans.

Band growth produces competition, conflict Sarah Jarnagin Photo Editor

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arching band has always required hours of practice, hard work, dedication and endurance.

It takes talent, passion and effort from students, directors and parents.

This year, the marching band has stepped up their performance to a whole new level. In the past, the competition marching band has consisted of all band students, from freshmen to seniors, from percussion to tuba players. Now, students must audition to earn a place in the marching competition band.

“The band has been consistently getting better over the years and we are moving to a higher level of marching band competition. It is part of a natural progression to a level where we can challenge ourselves a little more,” band director David Raney said.

The only exclusions for competition band auditions are freshmen who are not percussion players. While the freshmen are active members of the marching band, having them sit out of competitions allows the band to perform more difficult numbers.

“Since the freshmen are separated from the rest, it gets a little chaotic, but it helps them learn before being thrown into a really hard band program,” junior drum major Mary Beth Gordon said.

To audition for competition band, the students must go through evaluations. They were each given a set of standards to perform, which contained basic skills they would need to march. They played five scales from memory and marched in a square. Auditions were held during the last week of the 2012-2013 school year. The students were brought into the audition by sections, and then performed individually for a panel of hired judges.

“I get extremely nervous auditioning. I just kept thinking about tripping and falling and trying to remember all of my scales, but I’ve always gone to competitions. It’s just something I’ve always done. I didn’t want to march my senior year not marching in competitions,” senior trumpet player Rebecca Hosey said.

Out of the 250 marching band members, 160 of them are also in competition band. Everyone who is in competition band must also be in marching band.

This has caused some conflict in student schedules, however. With marching band being second block and competition third, the band has had to divide in their classes during the school day. The 90 band members who are only marching meet second, while the 160 competition members meet third.

“The way we set up the marching only class is we have them all in one section of the field, so they all march together,” Raney said.

Three band students have been more directly affected by the scheduling conflicts. Gordon, head drum major, along with her assistant drum majors junior Julianna Darby and sophomore Jordan Ceasar ideally would be able to attend both band classes to work with all of the students, but taking two blocks every day for band would hinder the rest of their credits. The stress on the drum majors has also increased with the new dynamics of marching band.

“There’s a lot more responsibility, lots more music to be memorized. There’s more for us to do because it’s basically two shows. We keep everyone in line and on task and deal with logistics. We are the band director’s right hand men. We have to be examples and set a standard,” Gordon said.

The rest of the band students are also feeling the stress. Being in both bands means that the students not only have more music and more formations to memorize than in previous years, but the difficulty level of these numbers has doubled. The increased stress level has not discouraged the dedicated students, however.

“I enjoy it [the new, two band policy] because we know what we are doing. It is faster-paced learning and we are able to get more done during rehearsals,” Hosey said.

The students, despite the novelty and the stress level that the changes to the band program have delivered, support the new system. They believe that this will push them and future marchers to the next level of competition.

“We hope that these changes will be permanent, if they work out. Within the next three years, we are looking to be competing on the national stage. If we do well at regionals this year, we will compete in superregionals next year and then nationals the year after that,” Raney said.

The band will be competing in Hartselle on Oct. 5, the day of the Homecoming Dance.

4 Opinion

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The Crimson Crier

Sept. 26, 2013

TAFF EDITORIAL

They See Me Rollin’, They Hatin’

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ticks and stones may break our bones, but Sparkman will not assist us.

As safety procedures get inevitably stricter and school-wide improvements are made, eyes turn now to another issue: accessibility and the simple act of getting from point A to point B safely and effectively.

The good news: there are some efforts made to make up for physical disadvantage. The bad news: most of the time, those things that we do have make little difference.

Though Sparkman does comply with the federal guidelines- which require a set number of access ramps, elevators and sketchy safety rafts- it is not, by any means, convenient or fast for disability.

Students with wheelchairs and crutches still require a two or three minute headstart on leaving classes, which in the event of an emergency could be a timespan between danger and safety. In the event of a fire, an elevator would be closed, after all, and the stairs are a precarious alternative.

It is not the fault of the faculty, the staff or any powers that currently be, but more so, a flaw of conception. Who knew that this school would so soon accommodate so many people or become so large or need to cater to so many needs? No one. And no one could predict that an extra elevator could be so crucial, or one more ramp more convenient.

No one could predict that a little extra might

save a life or make one easier.

We pride ourselves on change, though, and move towards righting an inadvertent wrong. Making such stark additions to the school as an extra ramp or a more dependable way down from the top floor will take hard work, effort and money. A change of policy might dictate the designation of peer “helpers” to assist wheelchair or crutchbound students. More than likely, it will take student involvement: our knowing that our peers are facing a struggle and our requesting that a change be made. We may have to pitch in our money, our time. Some might wonder if it is worth it, but what is effort when it helps a friend?

What it will take, in the end, is an effort toward modernization. Our school is changing, ever-evolving, constant, and the way we conquer disability should be as well. It will take active effort, which we hope

our new administration will face with vigor and determination for themselves, for us and for the students that will come after.

And we hope they hit the ground running.

Editorial staff approved this editorial unanimously

Alabama earns undesirable rank in national poll, student strongly disagrees McKenzie Ashmore Reporter

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he children of Alabama are not only ugly and dumb, but also have weird accents.

At least that is what our fellow Americans think.

The magazine “Business Insider Australia” polled 1,800 Americans in August on various categories. Our “Alabama the Beautiful” was named the ugliest state in the U.S. On the poll website it was quoted, “America had trouble deciding which state was the ugliest. We know it’s in the South somewhere,” while in the Miss U.S.A. Pageant, Miss Alabama, Anna Laura Bryan, was runner up for the title Miss America in 2012. Also Alabama quarterback, AJ McCarron’s girlfriend, Katherine Webb, was Miss

Alabama and was also pointed out to be America’s newest ‘it’ girl. In my book, that is a big deal for a state that apparently has the most unattractive people in the whole country.

As icing on the cake, Alabama came in second in the dumbest poll right behind Mississippi, and y’all, we came in second for weirdest accents behind Massachusetts.

We should not judge anyone by how they speak. Where ever we may travel people will speak differently. What the public does not realize is how unfair it is to be rude or judge a person by how they speak, when they may think that that person has the weirdest accent they have ever heard. Though what we may think as a weird accent may not be

the accent we are used to.

Considering the fact that the Americans polled have probably never set foot on Alabama soil, I do not believe it is fair for them to say where we are ranked as a state. What they do not know is how many grand achievements have come from the great state of Alabama. In 1969, our NASA team put the first man on the moon with Apollo 11, which is where one of the most famous quotes in history was made by Neil Armstrong.

“This is one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” Also, Helen Keller, the young girl who people thought was never going to learn because she was blind and deaf, impressed the world when she learned to not only sign but speak.

In Kessio Missed It...

Gluten-free food fad misleads consumers Beryl Kessio Opinion Editor

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luten-free” is a “ term frequently tossed around, but its meaning is ambiguous.

Gluten is a protein found in rye, wheat, barley and other grains. It gives dough its elasticity.

Bread? Cake? Spaghetti?

Fuhgettabouit.

People affected by Celiac disease are forced to abide by a glutenfree diet in order to prevent an autoimmune reaction. Celiac disease affects one percent of the population, one out of 133 people. Those with gluten sensitivity also avoid protein. The diet, though only prescribed for people with Celiac disease, has pervaded the mainstream market.

According to a poll

by NPD, 30 percent of adults want to cut down or avoid gluten in their diets. Celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and Gwyneth Paltrow have all endorsed glutenfree eating, all adding to the ubiquitous presence of the trend. RnR Market Research published a report projecting that the

global gluten-free products market will gross over $6.2 billion by 2018. The report also adds that the public perceives gluten-free foods to be healthier than other foods. That is the main factor driving sales, says RnR. Although a “glutenfree” label is becoming as familiar as a “zero calories” label, such a label does not directly correlate with its health benefits because there is a lack of research concerning glutenfree dieting’s supposed benefits. Swapping your daily blueberry muffin for the gluten-free variety does not make the latter healthier – the gluten-free muffin would be stripped of most of its nutritional value. That is why a sideeffect of a gluten-free diet is vitamin deficiency.

That is not to mention the heavy processing that occurs to create glutenfree renditions of products with the same texture and flavor as conventional foods.

Proponents of glutenfree dieting claim that such a diet leads to weight loss. Such statements are harmful because

they incorrectly attribute weight loss to the glutenfree diet rather than proper eating habits. In fact, ceasing consumption of gluten can have the opposite effect on your waistline.

Nonetheless, hypochondriacs shudder when they hear the word gluten, as if the word generates a bad taste in their mouths.

It might be hard to stomach that food manufacturers are profiting from half-truths, but it happens all the time. Remember the Slim Fast craze? What about the Atkins diet? Food fads demonstrate the perpetual American appetite to get things done quickly with the least amount of effort possible. If weight loss is the main motivation, how about doing things the old fashioned way by eating healthily and exercising regularly?

Going gluten-free is not the best thing since sliced bread. On the contrary, such a lifestyle change should not be an impulsive undertaking. I will not grumble too loudly, though, if it means there is more bread for me.

People automatically assume that if you are from the South you are a redneck- however this is false. Contrasting the stereotypes that rednecks are stupid, the educated cast members of the Rocket City Rednecks hold multiple PhD’s and have become a national sensation.

It is offensive and frankly rude for anyone of any sort to judge a citizen they have never met in their life.

The way southern characters are portrayed does not accurately reflect the residents of the South; this may play a part in the ranking of our state. For people who have never spoken to someone from the South, the southern accent may be surprising.

But southerners wonder

why visitors always ask us to speak so they can hear our accent.

This poll was unfair to all Alabamians and pretty

Make Your Voice

much everybody but California, so next time Australia wants to do a poll they should do it on their own country.

by writing a letter to the editor The Crimson Crier The Crimson Crier

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News Editor.........................Erin Rountree Opinion Editor.....................Beryl Kessio Lifestyles Editor..................Heather Webster Sports Editor........................Will Bartel Entertainment Editor............April Oberman Spread Editor........................Kasey Stender Copy Editor...........................Steven Byrd Photo Editor..........................Sarah Jarnagan Ad Editor...............................Daniel Judge Reporters..........................McKenzie Ashmore, Katlin Gillespie, Taylor Holder, Zach LeQuieu, Shelby Balentine, Caroline Barlow, Laurel Rogers, Lauren Noble, Lucas Ward, Logan Grant, Brittany Robertson, Savannah Bullard, Carla Mack, Dakota Shamblin, Tanner Burns, Nick Arnold, Erin Stender, Victoria Lewis, Noah Lombard Adviser.........................Erin Coggins, MJE

The Crimson Crier

Sept. 26, 2013

Opinion

5

Private entities control Common Core Beryl Kessio he words “Common Core” are quite misleading; there is little common ground when it comes to this issue. The story of the Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSS) is a winding one that crosses the most unlikely of paths.

Questions arise as to what Common Core really is. According to corestandards.org, the answer is this: “[It is a] state-led effort that established a single set of clear educational standards for kindergarten through 12th grade in English language arts and mathematics. The standards are designed to ensure that students graduating from high school are prepared to enter credit bearing entry courses in two or four year college programs or enter the workforce.” Teachers are given autonomy to modify the application of these standards to their individual classroom context.

The site also goes on to add that the standards are developed in collaboration with educators, researchers, and experts to adequately prepare America’s future for the workforce. Common Core standards are not a radical

curriculum upheaval.

They promote uniformity between the states in their standards. For students that relocate frequently, CCSS is accommodating.

This is where it gets tricky. The definition gets muddied when the truth about who is behind the standards is revealed.

The public believes that the CCSS are “state-led”.

However, information sharply contrasts this myth.

The National Governors Association (NGA), the Council for Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), Student Achievement Partners and Achieve are companies associated with the development of the Common Core standards.

A man by the name of David Coleman created Student Achievement Partners, a company whose sole purpose is to promote the Common Core. Student Achievement was hired by the NGA to create standards for—to put it simply—“readin’, writin’ and ‘rithmetic.” These are the standards that are set in 45 states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and US military bases worldwide.

Along with being the so called “architect” of Common Core, did I mention that Coleman is the president of the College

“It has completely changed everything I teach. I’m teaching [tenth graders] eleventh grade material. The stuff to read is more fun.”

Evan Carter

“We were already implementing the bulk of these standards, so few changes are noticeable to students in the classroom.”

Paula Munts

Opinion Editor

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Board? If you are not familiar with the College Board, it is the company that designs the AP exams and the SAT. Not surprising is the news that starting in 2014, standardized testing will be paired with the Common Core standards.

I wonder who those tests will be made by.

The plot thickens.

Microsoft co-founder and notorious philanthropist Bill Gates has dumped millions into the pocketbooks of the four aforementioned companies. Gates, an outspoken devotee to education reform is in fact the hidden puppet-master behind Common Core.

Why is it that the issue over common core is seen as a political one?

Right leaners see it as a socialistic, too hands-on federal attempt to control education. Left leaners see it as an appropriate measure, but view standardized testing as a harmful approach.

Even at a local level the political tension is present.

Recently, the Madison County Republican Party voted to condemn its own member, State Board of Education member Mary Scott Hunter, for supporting the standards.

Hunter’s views that the Common Core was a useful tool to prepare students

for twenty-first century jobs did not sit well with the GOP. Republication Senator Bill Holtzclaw of Madison called for the banning of the Common Core recommended “The Bluest Eye”. The book

by Toni Morrison delves into sensitive topics such as race, self-identity, loneliness, incest, rape and pedophilia. Despite being a highly lauded work of American fiction, Holtzclaw describes it as “objectionable” in its content and language.

Politics is not the real issue, but a distraction.

ENGLISH Teachers

Weigh In

MATH

The real goal is to provide quality education to the future leaders of this country. Maybe if teachers and community leaders played a more active role in the development of education reforms, things would not be like they are. With nations like Finland acting as the “city upon a hill” for education, America can only dream of achieving such feats if the education system remains on its current path.

The Common Core issue is divisive and mistakenly pegged as a move by the Obama administration to nationalize education.

The face is, we are moving closer to a monopolistic education system controlled by corporations.

The corporate takeover signals more standardized tests to gauge student and teacher performance.

It is a system that targets teachers instead of focusing on educating students properly -- not just for tests, but for participation in a global society.

The corporate sleightof-hand is at the expense of the young minds making their way through the education system, unaware of who really is in control.

“It hasn’t really changed what I’m teaching. It helps students that move [for military reasons].”

“Transfer students’ [from non-Common Core adoptive states] credits do not line up, they are ineligible for sports and cannot graduate on time” Rachael Simons

Jessica O’Neil

Code of Many Colors: deciphering procedure Noah Lombard Reporter

W

e will no longer be hearing “Get into lockdown” or “Get into weather positions.”

Last year during rough weather, assistant principal Tandy Shumate would come over the intercom and tell us to get into weather positions. Whenever there was a dangerous situation inside or near the school, she would come over the intercom and tell us that we were in lockdown.

We now function on a code-based system. There are three codes in total, and they were put in place to make safety an easier thing to achieve. It is a great system, and I am glad we adapted it… for the most part.

Where it once signified impending emergency, a constant state of code yellow indicates that the building is secure. I find it reassuring that if a gunman were to

Familiar & Challenged 1. Huckleberry Finn 2. Bridge to Terabithia 3. Captain Underpants 4. The Color Purple 5. A Farewell to Arms 6. The Giver 7. The Great Gatsby 8. How to Eat Fried Worms 9. In Cold Blood 10. Harry Potter 11. Lord of the Flies 12. Of Mice and Men 13. The Perks of Being A Wallflower

try to come into our school, their entrances are limited.

With only one or two reliable ways in, security should be able to locate the intruder easier.

Not only are the outside doors locked, but the classroom doors as well. This gives our witty peers the chance to shine. If you leave the classroom and want back in, you could be left standing there for several minutes as your classmates taunt you through the little window.

Code red seems simple enough. You hear it, you hide.

Teachers try to get as many students in their classrooms as possible, but if you somehow get left out, you are stuck in the hallways. It is troubling, but understandable that the safety of one student be risked rather than a whole room full of them.

Code green is tricky. Normally green means “go”, but in this case green means “go in the hallways and

cover your head.” I cannot stand that green is not the representation of safety. The roles for code green and code yellow should really be swapped. If someone is called a “Yella’ belly,” it means that they are fearful.

What does bad weather cause in some people? Fear.

It has also been decided that we must have an unannounced lockdown drill in August, September, January, and February, a good move towards lockdowns being taken more seriously. There have been a couple of instances where we were in lockdown, and some people in my class would not stop talking. I would rather not be taken out simply because a girl bought a new pair of shoes and just could not wait any longer to tell her friend.

If I were to weigh the new codes, the pros would outweigh the cons. I am happy our county adopted this system, and at the risk of sounding somewhat sadistic, I look forward to them being put into use.

Banned book tackles key issues, should stay Brittany Robertson Reporter

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’ve read hundreds of books over the years, but none has made me more passionate about reading than “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison. The story of little Pecola Breedlove told by her friends, Claudia and Frieda, is tragic and beautiful, but it’s not just about her, it is a fearless look at racism, poverty, damaged self-esteem and hatred. It is a hard look at people in tough situations and how our society views those who are thrust into situations they cannot control.

Recently, Senator Bill Holtzclaw was going to pull the book out of high school libraries and take it off reading lists, claiming that the book was “inappropriate for high school students, as the book includes depictions of rape and incest.” In this day and age, high schoolers, freshman and sophomores especially, need to understand that the world outside the classroom is not all about puppies and unicorns and rainbows, the reality of the world is that people are racist, there is crime and rape going on, and generally it is Charles Darwin’s “survival of the fittest.”

“The Bluest Eye” does have sexual parts in it, it does talk about rape, incest and racism and in some ways can be considered inappropriate for young minds who would be mentally scarred for life, however, in this generation

when the news is talking about middle school and high school students getting drunk, getting high and having sex at a younger age, “The Bluest Eye” starts to sound more like your run-of-the-mill Dr. Seuss book.

The school board’s decision to want to take this hard hitting book off of high school curriculum is equivalent to sheltering us from the evil of our society and cutting it out will leave us unprepared for the cold hard slap that reality and society will dish out to us when we get there.

When I read this book, I knew it was wrong to rape a ten year old child, I knew it was wrong to treat people like trash just because they are different, I knew that this story’s ending was not going to be filled with happiness and love because that is the reality.

At the end of the book Claudia, one of Pecola’s friends, narrated that she saw Pecola but never went near her because Claudia felt that she had failed Pecola and that it was too late to help her. The truth behind that is that it is never too late to show someone compassion, friendship and kindness and that blaming yourself for something that you could not control, like death, will drive you mad. To accept what you cannot change and show love to someone, that is a challenge I will gladly accept.

This book is about more than just rape, poverty, tragedy and racism, this book is our reality and it is high time we embraced it, not cut it out.

Sept. 26 2013

The Crimson Crier

6 Lifestyles

THAI HARD. Willingham assists foreign exchange student Jipada Kaewpradit with her English work , a feat complicated by a language barrier between them. Cultural differences initially impeded their relationship, but patience and hard work lent some ease to social interactions. Now, Kaewpradit is making sense of the shock of American culture and excelling in her school work in the process. Photo by Katlin Gillespie.

English teacher exchanges culture with foreign student Katlin Gillespie Reporter

H

ired just two weeks before school began, English teacher Jana Willingham has a lot on her plate, including sophomore Jipada Kaewpradit, a foreign exchange student from Thailand.

“I worked as an ESL teacher for a year so I’ve had some background working with second language learners.

From what I can tell, she’s very diligent about her work, making sure that she gets all of her assignments down, and that she completes it,” Willingham said.

Since this is not her first time teaching a second language learner, Willingham knows the pros and cons.

Just a few years ago Willingham had a young Hispanic man that arrived to America just before school started and could not speak English whatsoever.

“He was trying to watch a great deal of TV and movies just to try to catch onto the conversational English. He came to us a non-speaker whatsoever. Bow does speak some English which is very helpful and the fact that she comprehends a great deal is also very helpful so she’s fairly advanced for a lot of students who are this new to the country,” Willingham said.

According to Willingham, Kaewpradit is quiet in class, which is normal for a non-native speaker that has not had enough exposure to our culture.

“I can’t adapt to speak English now, and sometimes I can’t understand some questions. It’s a huge problem for me because I’m Asian. But my host family, they encourage me and help teach me if I’m not understanding some vocabulary,” Kaewpradit said.

On the first day of school, Kaewpradit got to witness just how different school is in the U.S. Students were being friendly to her by introducing themselves, asking questions and showing her around. Willingham thought it was a little overwhelming for her and decided to discuss with the class about personal space and what is considered appropriate.

“Asian cultures tend to be very different, and they want you to stand back even further than what we in America consider normal or appropriate, so I asked her ‘What is the appropriate way to approach someone and how much of a distance?’ She demonstrated for the class. It would be to put her hands in front of her in a prayer position and to bow her head very quietly before she begins to speak to someone. That is what is normal

in Thailand, and I told the students they might want to give her just a little bit more space than normal or else it may seem a little overwhelming,” Willingham said.

Kaewpradit sits in the front of Willingham’s class to focus more on the teaching and to not have distractions.

Kaewpradit says the work is hard and sometimes she has to repeat a lesson at home or read it before class to understand it.

“I like English class because Mrs. Willingham is a kind teacher and she understands I’m an exchange student and have some trouble learning. She tries to speak slowly and describe details when I don’t understand,” Kaewpradit said.

With the active group of students in Willingham’s third block, Kaewpradit is the complete opposite and for now they will be a duo with Willingham in observing and learning their new educational environment together.

“I think wise teachers take the time to learn the personalities of their students and figure out what is the best way for them to learn, so we’re still in that learning process right now. It’s a rough start but I think she’s going to do fine and hopefully I will do fine,” Willingham said.

Senior girls open hearts, closets for local girls’ back to school needs really good cause. I try to that, I automatically want The girls were provided volunteer for everything to help,” senior Keana with shopping bags that that I possibly can. I Swanner said. had nice designs on them. irls love going volunteer a lot at my The clothes that were Jones wanted the drive to through each other’s closets, especially when they do not have many clothes of their own.

Over the summer, senior Victoria Jones imagined the idea of holding a clothes drive for girls in grades sixth-12th.

She wanted to give away clothes to girls who rarely have the chance to wear a new outfit on the first day of school. Jones and her family started off by just putting away clothes church and other places. donated to be given away resemble a sister’s closet they no longer wanted nor Whenever I see someone were cleared out by the or a boutique. needed. trying to do a cause like girls by the end of the drive.

“One girl was so excited “We had a box inside our garage that we would put our clothes in once we couldn’t wear them anymore. However, I didn’t want to give it to the Salvation Army because they have raised their prices. So I thought it would be even greater than that if we could just create a clothing drive and give it away free to girls in our community,” Jones said.

The clothing and accessories drive was held at Girls Inc., where Jones and 13 other girls donated their clothes. Five of the girls that volunteered attend school with Jones. DRIVE TO DRESS. Junior Desalyn Johnson, senior Angela Nguyen, Trinity Poplar, Victoria Jones and “Victoria asked me to freshman Olivia Jones carry boxes of clothes into the Girls Inc building an hour before the drive starts. The clothes were able to cater to 35 girls’ needs for their back-to-school wardrobes. Jones named her help her out, and it is a girls’ boutique “Girl Naturale.” Photo courtesy of Victoria Jones.

Taylor Holder Reporter

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”

grew relationships with not only the girls they were helping but also with each other throughout the time they were setting up the clothes drive together.

“My favorite part was just getting together with the girls. We would go to Victoria’s house a lot and watch movies. It was so much fun. I grew a lot of relationships,” Swanner said.

This event was such a success that Jones intends to make it an annual tradition.

“The outcome was so good and so exciting that a huge turnout,” Jones we’re going to do it again next year,” Jones said. said.

Swanner and Jones that she was dancing in the middle of the floor, so excited about the new clothes she just got. It was

Whenever I see someone trying to do a cause like that, I automatically want to help.

-Senior Keana Swanner-

”

The Crimson Crier

Sept. 26 2013

Lifestyles 7

THE

COMPANY KEEP

YOU

JROTC company commanders teach leadership, life lessons Steven Byrd

“Once you get to the level where people respect you, you feel the stress of being over people. Certain ll students enter Junior Reserve Officer Training positions have a lot of responsibilities. I really have to Corps (JROTC) equally; everyone starts out at be careful because if I make one bad step [as company the bottom of the totem pole. Where each individual commander] they’ll replace me,” senior Austin Adams, ends when his or her four years reach a close, though, Company Commander of Alpha Company, said. varies vastly based on respect, responsibility, leadership JROTC presents numerous opportunities for its and determination. members beyond just leadership—with a raider team, JROTC is a program designed around building drill team and rifle team, all of which participate in leaders. Students of all different backgrounds enter into regional and national competitions—as well as teaching the program and are taught the qualities of leadership, life lessons. service, respect and “[JROTC] taught responsibility.

Senior me how to be in Jonathan Pompey, now uncomfortable the Command Sergeant situations and better Major, knows firsthand interact with people,” about climbing the ranks Pompey said. of the program.

Members of “I signed up because JROTC can easily my sister was actually be recognized by in [JROTC]. She told their military-style me it was a really great uniforms, which they experience. Before I saw are required to wear her in JROTC, I never once a week and at would have joined,” formal events, and Pompey said. which, down to the JROTC does not shiny black shoes, rely solely on factors of are grueling to keep integrity to determine clean and ready to who will come out on wear. top, though. Designed “I like the to train leaders for the recognition that I get military, JROTC also in my uniform. I get focuses on the physical to stand out and look -Senior, Austin Adamsdiscipline of the cadets. different, but the “You learn to love dress uniforms can [physical training], but be uncomfortable,” it is more about what we’re required to do than what Pompey said. we want to do, so we have to find the motivation within The ultimate goal of the student leadership in JROTC, ourselves to want to do what is required,” Pompey though, is not just to be in charge, but to train those said. under them to become leaders as well.

Despite the perks that leadership brings, it also “As far as building leaders, JROTC is one of the best requires extreme dedication from everyone chosen for programs to get in to, but you have to go through the such a high position. They must be present at all JROTC mud before you get to the brass. I try to teach those functions, often meaning late nights at parking detail under me to be competent and overall good leaders,” Friday nights followed by early mornings on Saturdays. Adams said.

Copy Editor

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Once you get to the level where people respect you, you feel the stress of being over people.

Certain positions have a lot of responsibilities. I really have to be careful because if I make one bad step [as company commander] they’ll replace me.

”

INTEGRITY FIRST. Senior Johnathan Pompey calls attention to his squad. Photo by Heather Webster.

Religious students take to church in lieu of weekend social events Carla Mack Reporter

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oing out on a Friday night is practically a ritual for the average teen, but those practicing Seventh-day Adventism are prohibited from going out

because of their religion.

Seniors BJ Johnson and Khari Riles and sophomores Sierra Bernard and Ciera Jordan are a part of the estimated 25 million Seventh-day Adventist members worldwide. In

this denomination there is an observance of Saturday as the weekly Sabbath; therefore, its members rest and worship from Friday’s sunset to Saturday’s.

In this time they might attend choir practice or

AND ON THE SEVENTH DAY. Seniors BJ Johnson, sophomores Ciera Jordan and Sierra Bernard applaud after the performance by the youth congress. Photo by Carla Mack.

spend time with family.

They are also encouraged to avoid any “worldly entertainments,’’ such as card playing, dancing, smoking, drinking, listening to music, watching any TV, or reading books that are non-religious.

“I miss out on parties, football and basketball games and just hanging out with my friends in general,” Bernard said.

But this is all in the sake of their religion, a day of communion with God and one another. They never feel as if they are missing out on anything because these actions are for a greater purpose.

“Whatever anyone is doing on a Friday night, I can usually do Saturday. I may miss out on football games, but I still show my school support during basketball season, considering most games are during the week,” Jordan said.

With this truth, these Adventists face the possibility of missing various events with family and friends that cannot be rescheduled.

“They don’t even ask.

They know I can’t go, so they don’t even bring it up,” Bernard said.

The strictness of the Seventh-day Adventist’s parents determines if the teen can participate in extracurricular activities.

Johnson and Bernard’s parents allow them to play sports, though never on the Sabbath.

“I know you should be able to use your God given talents whenever, but in this time you’re not focused on God or your Sabbath. You’re more focused on winning the game,” Bernard said.

Johnson, like Bernard, cannot perform sports on Saturdays but, unlike Bernard, he is allowed to partially participate

in sports on Fridays. He typically stays until halftime, after which he has to leave. But his coach, Jamie Coggins, has no oppositions to Johnson’s religious necessities.

“BJ is an important part of our team and program because of the intangibles he brings to the table, such as leadership and work ethic. Therefore, I have no problem with it. I respect BJ’s decision because faith is important to people and to me. I admire someone who stands by their convictions,” Coggins said.

Seventh-day Adventists are also discouraged to do school work on the Sabbath, as this is a day of rest— a time to spend with family and participate in spiritual events.

So take a step back and reflect on the typical Friday night versus that of a Seventh-day Adventist, and take into appreciation an overlooked freedom.

The Crimson Crier

Sept. 26, 2013

Art Highlight: Morgan Lewis

Entertainment

Craft Corner Laurel Rogers Reporter

S

alon manicures can cost up to $30, but do not bite your nails – you can cut this cost by doing your own. You do not have to be a cosmetologist to get a French manicure. With minimal materials, time and effort you can have your French manicure and still save money.

Young artist relieves stress with pencil Erin Stender Reporter

Materials needed: Nail polish (clear bottom coat, clear top coat and a color of your choice) and self-adhesive hole reinforcers.

O

f the many talents that reside in the halls of this school, art is one that stands out to teachers and students alike. One student who stands out for her artistic talents is senior Morgan Lewis, who sees the world in an artist’s many perspectives and views.

While the rest of the student body sees the world in color, Lewis sees it in black and white, covered with graphite dust.

She elaborates on her love for h e r favorite art utensil, the humble pencil.

As an aspiring artist, Lewis sees art as her escape in a world full of pressures and expectations.

“There’s no real requirement to draw certain things, you’re free with it. You’re not Photo by Victoria Lewis really held down by certain boundaries. You can do whatever perspective you want. You can bend things the way you want. You’re not constricted,” Lewis said.

Lewis feels as if she has no restrictions, nothing to limit her creativity or oppress her opinion while she draws. She uses art as a way to block out everything and draw on the inspiration around her to create beautiful pieces that tell the stories of the people and events around her.

“Music is a really big influence because it gives you

all sorts of ideas and the words just form images in your head,” Lewis said.

Lewis happily describes her favorite piece, based on a popular Adele song, ‘Set Fire to the Rain’ depicting a young girl holding a match in the rain. Her face lights up as she recalled her reaction to completing the work.

“I got really excited that it was finished. I thought, wow I can’t believe I did that,” Lewis said.

Although we live in a world majorly dominated by math and sciences, art has its own special place in our modern culture. Lewis smiles as she explained her plans to continue that culture and follow an art driven career in the future. When talking with Lewis, it is nearly impossible not to pick up on her enthusiasm and passion for her art. It seems clear that she will never cease creating the art that makes her feel free from the boundaries and restrictions of reality.

“Art helps me get out emotions that I sometimes can’t express verbally to other people. Or sometimes I fear to express to other people. Feelings that just don’t have words,” Lewis said.

Review:

Review:

Review:

Student praises new Arctic Monkeys album

Burritos To Go gives new meaning to fast food

Horror movie provides laughs not gasps

Logan Grant

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PUTTING TALENT TO WORK. Senior Morgan Lewis creates pieces inspired by music. Lewis’s favorite Madonna song was depicted in the artwork on the left. Photos by: Victoria Lewis

Reporter

rctic Monkeys has come a long way since their first album, “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not,” released in 2006. The band has been successful with their darker, slower albums such as “Humbug” (2009), as well as albums with fast paced lyrics like “Favorite Worst Nightmare,” (2007). Although AM is the band’s initials, the album name also refers to an AM wave, which you can see depicted on the cover.

The album grabs your attention from song one: “Do I Wanna Know?”, which was released with its music video before the album came to stores. The video features visually stunning—slightly disturbing—yet simple animations synced perfectly with the song.

After song two, “R U Mine?” the album turns to the band’s lesser known but brilliant slower side. The band experimented with this in their album “Humbug” in 2009, but it felt like something was missing. Now in 2013 we see the band’s growth. Everywhere that “Humbug” fell short, “AM” excelled. An example of this is song eight “Fireside” with a fast beat with slow paced lyrics, a beautiful combination when it comes to Arctic Monkeys.

The tempo picks up again with it’s peak at “Snap Out Of It.” After the slow pace in the previous few songs, this song catches you by surprise in a good way, and, for those who enjoy Arctic Monkeys usual fast pace, is sure to become a favorite.

Not to be outdone, the next song “Knee Socks” will knock your knee socks right off. Although you may not ever know what the song says without a little help from Google, you cannot resist mumble-singing along coupled with some light dancing. However, for your car listeners, please drive safely.

A perfect ending to a next to perfect album, “I Wanna Be Yours” delivers a comical touch without being comically bad. Although during the first listen it sounds like it belongs in a Saturday Night Live skit with lyrics such as, “I want to be your vacuum cleaner, breathing in your dust” and “If you like your coffee hot, let me be your coffee pot”, stick with it and continue to unwrap the ear candy.

Overall, “AM” meets all expectations. This album is definitely worth the money. Think of it as a small investment in support of outstanding music. Months of anticipation were worth it. Well done Arctic Monkeys.

1.

Step 1

Tanner Burns

Reporter

T

he three year wait is finally over.

Burritos to Go on highway 72 is completely accessible. Instead of waiting in a long line at Taco Bell or waiting to find a seat at Rosie’s, Burritos to Go is a nice little hangout that’s quick and can’t compare to these Mexican food chains.

I have experienced this restaurant first hand and they do not offer a very large variety. The quality of the burrito was worth of praise, unlike Taco Bell, the burrito was appealing and appetizing. The mixture of the beans, tomatoes, rice and chicken come together for something that Taco Bell and Rosie’s cannot touch.

Through the price is a little more than taco bell with my meal running $4.45, it was freshly cooked. The next time I go I might get something else, I might not, but I do know one thing next time I have a craving for Mexican food, Burritos to Go will get my business.

Review: Nearby business brings in students with sweet tooth Caroline Barlow

Reporter

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lay dough, Pirates Booty, Superman and More Cowbell. All of these are the appealing flavors of the newly opened Kaleidoscoops.

The friendly environment of Kaleidoscoops on Jeff Road provides a great place to go after a grueling day at school or after a long football game. Taking a trip to Kaleidoscoops will liven up your taste buds.

The prices are cheaper than other ice cream parlors such as Maggie Moo’s and Bruster’s, with one scoop in either a cone or a cup costing $2.25.

Kaleidoscoops’s menu has many options including: ice cream cones, sundaes, smoothies, milkshakes, cakes and frozen drinks that include coffee. My personal favorite is the milkshakes because they do not limit the flavors to just chocolate and vanilla, so you are able to choose from any flavor they provide.

Kaleidoscoops overall is a terrific choice for the next time you have a craving for a delightful treat.

Upcoming Local Events: http://www.huntsville.org/visitors/calendar/

Madison Ghost Walk

3.

8

Invisible Fest Lucky Duck Scavenger Hunt Scarecrow Trail & Enchanted Forest at Botanical Gardens

Place the hole reinforces on your nail, leaving enough room at the top of your nail (the free edge) for the color of your choice, and then paint it.

Let nails dry, then carefully peel off the reinforcers.

Apply clear bottom coat to clean, dry nails, but make sure not to put too much on Allow to dry. Tip: use a hair dryer to speed up drying process.

Step 2

Step 3 Apply the clear top coat and let nails thoroughly dry.

Daniel Judge

Business Manager

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he awaited sequel to the box office hit “Insidious” was released this weekend. Unfortunately, there are not many positive things to say about “Insidious: Chapter 2”.

It starts right where it left after the first movie; Josh Lambert, the father, played by Patrick Wilson, has rescued his son from The Further or the unworldly realm that houses all sorts of evil. To everyone’s surprise, Josh does not come back alone. The cliché events take place: doors open by themselves, noises coming from everywhere, scary faces pop up. After seeing the same thing repeatedly in other horror films, they tend not to be as scary here.

The tandem of James Wan and Leigh Whannell, director and co-writer respectively, has run its course.

This sequel has devalued the predecessor by trying to continue the story of the first and, with the cliffhanger at the end, it looks like there will be a third trying to do the same. The movie lacks originality; the generic stumbling around in the dark while creepy music plays is making me sleepy. The jump scares do not leave a lasting impression, being startled for five or six seconds does not equate a proper scary movie experience. They need to add something that leaves the audience on edge for more than a split second.

It is still going to make a killing at the box office, though, making $20.1 million on its Friday the 13th release date and a possible $42 million for the weekend.

I do not understand how it could make that much to begin with, it is no “Blair Witch Project.” Trying to reach the staggering sum made by Insidious, $97 million worldwide is probably out of reach but who knows, due to the PG-13 rating, middle school students everywhere could be flocking to the theater to catch their very first horror film.

I would put it under the genre of comedy because instead of being tense and on edge the whole time, I was laughing. If that is supposed to be horror, I will not be seeing any “horror” films anytime soon.

The Crimson Crier

Sept. 26, 2013

Sports

9

How do you feel about having a sophomore QB?

ESCAPING A TACKLE. Sophomore quarterback Mason Edwards eludes a Huntsville defender during the Aug. 30 game. Although the team lost 28-8, Edwards proved with efficient passing and ball handling that he can be the team’s leader. Photo by Alicea Morris

Sophomore leads team on field Mason Edwards secures top position over upperclassmen Savannah Bullard Reporter

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t goes without saying; Alabama is a supreme football state. Growing up hearing “Roll Tide” and “War Eagle” is the norm in the Deep South, but sophomore Mason Edwards takes this love to a new level.

Fifteen year old Edwards was introduced to football six years ago when he began playing for his elementary school team. Since then, he has expanded his horizons to include basketball and baseball, but his passion for the ultimate contact sport always ignited the highest of all.

“I’ve always loved football. Not everyone can be a quarterback, and I am still growing as a player every day,” Edwards said.

Being thrown into one of the main positions on the field is not that simple, especially in the first

year of high school. The amount of responsibility and stamina is vital, and Coach Tim Gillespie takes careful consideration into this when working to mold his team. One cannot just be an ordinary athlete, and Gillespie makes important points regarding Edwards’s team role on and off the field.

“In the spring, there was pretty much an open competition for the quarterback position.

During off season training, [Edwards] not only showed that he had the most experience in his middle school career, but he also has an above average capability to comprehend all the roles of the offensive line. He holds all the tools to be an all-star quarterback,” Gillespie said.

There is no question about football being difficult. Considering the vitality of teamwork, there are opportunities to wear many hats in order to fulfill

the duty as a team player.

Finding players who will fit the grand scheme of the game and be displayed as a model person is no easy task. However, Edwards makes a good impression no matter where he is.

“Mason is not just a quarterback on the field.

He is a quarterback in the locker room, in school, at home, everywhere. There is a great deal of responsibility that goes towards being a good quarterback, and it requires a very significant amount of leadership. It’s one of the biggest jobs, and [Edwards] holds that leadership very well. There are many ways to lead, and Mason is not the vocal type of leader. Instead he shows leadership by doing everything right. He can handle the hassles at full speed, and he is extremely coachable,” Gillespie said.

Along with Gillespie, Edwards has a massive support system. However, above all the coaches and

trainers who continue to push him to the top, one person stands out to Edwards the most in his life.

“My number one supporter is definitely my mom. She has never missed a game, and she is the only person who can pick me up if I have a bad game. She also taught me all about building up my character, and has made me into the person I am today,” Edwards said.

A major part of the game is performing with high-quality character.

Wide receiver Chazz Garrett shares his feelings regarding the importance of continually keeping the mind in check. “[Football] has a lot to do with your character. You have to have respect; respect for your coaches, the referees, your teammates, and most importantly, yourself. You never know when a big opportunity will arise, so you constantly need to

strive to make the best impression everywhere you go,” Garrett said.

Most people have the same thoughts regarding the “respect hierarchy” of football. With quarterbacks reigning at the top, getting the most attention, Edwards surely does have his work cut out for him.

Aspiring young athletes constantly keep their eyes on Edwards for inspiration.

“I know I’m looked at as As long as we get the W’s a role model. Being a role on Friday then I don’t care who plays Quarterback. model is very important -Senior Joseph Sheehy to me. If I could teach younger football players one lesson through my actions, it would be to go after what you want.

Nothing gets handed to you in life, and if it is that important to you, then it is your responsibility to go out and take it. I never got anything handed to me; I had to work vigorously to If he is able to get the get to where I am now. student section on their That’s the most important feet every game, I don’t care what grade he’s in. part of football: the drive -Tyler Hemphill to be better than you were the day before,” Edwards said.

With his heart in the right place, Edwards can additionally confirm that there are not any shortcuts for being an exceptional player.

“There are no pros about being a quarterback,” Edwards As long as he throws it well, said, “It is definitely the gets good yardage, and does most stressful job on and his job as the Quarterback, I off the field. It’s great have no problem with him.

-Nick James that I’m recognized and I know everyone, but being a leader isn’t a piece of cake; height doesn’t cancel out age, and leading seniors can be intimidating sometimes. If we lose a game, everyone usually blames the quarterback, so it’s always nervewracking for the hope of the win. If we lose, we PRUITT! PRUITT! PRUITT! -Kenneth Embrey lose together; I’m glad this team recognizes that.

The Tweet Beat

New coach gives boost to runners for season Long-time runners appreciate ideas, renewed unity Heather Webster Reporter

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hey may not be the USA Olympic track team, but the cross country team is the closest thing to that in Alabama, with team members breaking records left and right.

Last year, senior Anthony Parameswaran broke the school record for the 5k, finishing in just 16 minutes, 49 seconds.

New coach Nekeysha Jones explains how this team will exceed the standards set in the 2012-2013 season through togetherness and teamwork.

“That’s something we’ve never had in the past, [and] I think it’s very, very important-- just as important [as training]— to make sure they have the team camaraderie, that bond with each other. We not only have high kids

How has the football season progressed thus far?

Sparkman pulled out a win with a score of 22-21!

Congrats Senators! Thanks to the #SenatorNation for an awesome night! #SHS @TheCrimsonCrier

GETTING MUDDY. Freshman Jake Russell participates in the annual “Run in the Mud” event on Sept. 17 at UAH. Contestants ran a 5k while also slogging through pits of mud during the event. Photo by Claire Yates

school kids here, we have the middle schools, as well, starting with seventh grade all the way up to 12th grade. So that’s why that team bonding is huge because they don’t know each other we can be disconnected here within Sparkman high itself. So it’s just a different dynamic, really. It’s good that they have those people to look up to and to set those goals for the others to follow,” Jones said.

After spending a year as a volleyball coach, Jones decided to vault over to the track and cross country teams due to her own athletic past.

“I ran through high school. It was always a preference before volleyball and basketball,” Jones said.

When drafted to help out the team during its previous season, Jones

remembered her previous passion for track. Upon Coach Charlie Gover’s request of her becoming a cross country coach, she immediately agreed.

“Just to have the opportunity to get back into it again is just awesome. You don’t miss it until you get back in it,” Jones said.

As far as what to expect from this season, Jones’s younger “babies,” as she refers to them” are expected to steal the show. Though exceptional greatness is expected from Parameswaran, who has been with the program since seventh grade, others have already beat records of their own like eighth grader Renita Vander Schaft, who beat the JV record for the Girls 2.1 mile.

“Some of the other babies, Harrison Miller, he’s

another one up and rising.

He’s in ninth grade. Kyle Russac and Jake Russel.

Expecting good things out of them. They have worked really, really hard—real hard—all summer, since June. We’ve been rolling, and they’ve been putting it in,” Jones said.

Jones is hoping for a better turn-out crowdwise this year, and admits to pushing publicity for the team to receive more funding. She also hopes to reach other students, especially in the lower grades, in order to introduce more students to the team and keep them on the team with her newly introduced team dynamic.

“She’s done a lot with us to help us get to know each other. We don’t just come to practice, run and leave.

There’s a lot more hanging out with each other now,” Parameswaran said.

Good Luck to the football team tonight! #BeatJC #SenatorNation @ArieelSmith

#Senatornation vote on for Lorenzo! Carried 15 times for 220 yards & a 73yard touchdown vs HSV @SparkmanPTO

Make yourself heard! Follow us on Twitter at @TheCrimsonCrier!

Upcoming Events: The football team takes on the Grissom Tigers at home on Sept. 27

10 In-depth

The Crimson Crier

Sept. 26, 2013

Seeing World Seeing the World Bria Calhoun

Web Editor

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hat do Leah, John, Chris and Mary Jane have in common? They are all students with some form of diagnostic learning disabilities.

Learning disabilities usually show in the second grade.

Although most students will not admit that they have a problem, they surely do.

Madison County schools have over 20,000 students, with over 30 percent having learning disabilities.

Sophomore Mike Lawrence has had an Individual Education Plan (IEP) since he was in the third grade. An IEP is designed for one student and creates an opportunity for teachers, parents, school administrators and personnel to work together to improve educational results for children with disabilities. Lawrence

was diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder, which is a comprehension problem.

“IEP has been in my life since I was in third grade. That’s when I noticed I had a problem but my family and some teachers noticed when I was in Kindergarten, when I didn’t fully understand simple tasks that other students had caught on to quickly,” Lawrence said.

Parents of these students have had problems with teachers, administration and even Madison County School Board. Lawrence’s mother, Jean King, has been to multiple meetings to discuss her son’s disability. She has been turned away countless times by the school district and she has had to go outside of the district for help.

“When Mike was not diagnosed properly by his IEP therapist back in elementary school, I went to his pediatrician and he recommended me to the

speech therapist that was in the doctor’s office,” King said.

Parents and teachers do not always communicate very well when it comes to IEP students.

Parents feel that teachers don’t help enough or try to make the student feel comfortable.

“I feel that teachers give up on IEP students too quickly. It seems that teachers feel like ‘why should I take time up with one student when I have 30 others to worry about as well’ so they don’t try to make special accommodations for that student which is the biggest headache for a concerned parent,” King said.

Teachers and Administration don’t feel as though it’s always the teachers. Assistant principal Cindy Davis believes it’s the student’s job as well as the teacher, which she expressed when hearing a parents thoughts.

“I have not experienced this problem at Sparkman, to me

teachers do a great job trying to accommodate these students. I also think that sometimes kids go home and use their parents as a sounding board when they are confused or unhappy and they maybe jump to conclusions,” Davis said.

Lawrence has come a long way with his speech and his disorder. He now plays sports and is on the football team. He is now able to communicate with his teachers, friends and family in an understandable manner.

“Playing sports, more so football, I believe has helped me with my comprehension problem because I have to think quickly on my feet. Even though sometimes I don’t understand, coaches don’t want to take time with me, and my friends and students sometimes tease me. It all makes me push to get better with my speech and to try to be as normal as possible.”

Lawrence said. *Names changed to protect identity

D YS L EXIC DA A T

Ten to 17 o t t n he U fifteen p re f d S po l ely 5 i t d h a y o c s pulatei rcent of m l i e x x i f a m o o r on h r App cent me fo as perve so ha lexia dys of % 0 6 y l Only five o ate Approxim dyslexics ut of every one h ed with s o n g u a a i n r d d e re s receive a individual ssistancreecognized andd . dyslexic o s l a e r a ADHD Statistics courtesy of www.childrenshospital.org and www.dyslexia-add.org

Accident results in life-change for teacher Brittany Robertson Reporter

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t was a warm June day in 2002, perfect for riding a horse. But no one could have predicted how fast the perfect riding day could take a wrong turn.

Melanie Dalton was excited to receive her horse, Skittles, back from the trainer and was taking him out for a ride at her farm when suddenly her hat blew off her head and hit him on his hip — he was spooked.

Letting his instincts take over, he shot off back toward the barn lightning fast with Dalton hanging on tightly to him.

When he turned to go for the barn door, Dalton was flung off and struck her head on a metal gate, opening the back of her head and blacking out.

“When I woke up, I was in Huntsville Hospital. I did not know where I was and that there were strangers by my bed which I later realized were the paramedics. I suffered a serious concussion, a severe head wound, some broken bones and had to have 17 stitches,” Dalton said.

Dalton saw a neurologist after her accident and when she was tested, she

discovered her head injury caused dyslexia.

After the initial injury, Dalton was carefully watched for a year during which she endured dizzy spells every day. When she returned to school, Dalton realized that something good had happened because of her accident. She became aware of the athletes and how they get concussions, causing them to space out, have trouble focusing for a while after the injury and have trouble being organized.

“Bottom line was I didn’t know there was anything wrong with me until I came back to school and when I came back in August, I was up there, doing what I do with numbers, and I would flip the numbers, I would be teaching a problem and I would reverse the numbers. I had no idea that I did it,” Dalton said.

In the classroom, Dalton would tell her students that she meant to put a number here instead of there. Every year within the first week, Dalton tells her classes about her dyslexia and her students always help and support her by stopping her when she

flips numbers. Dalton’s dyslexia is only with numbers and she asks her students to tell her

horrified and embarrassed because the school is paying her to know what she is doing

COMMINGLED CONFUSION. Chemistry teacher Melanie Dalton struggles with dyslexia after an accident. Photo illustration Savannah Bullard

because she is not aware when she switches things.

Senior Robby Jones, who was in Dalton’s class last year, was one of many that helped her when she flipped her numbers.

“Her class wasn’t confusing if you were paying attention.

She would joke with us saying she meant to do that,” Jones said.

For the most part, people treat her very kindly and she’s very grateful for that.

Dalton likes to talk about how teenagers are very generous and how they help her. When she first found out, she was

in the classroom. Dalton later realized that she knows what she is doing, she just simply cannot write it down. She gets help for that from her classes, and with 30 people watching her, someone will be awake to help her.

“I have to hand it all to the people I teach, it shows up in my teaching and they help me out with that and if someone didn’t speak up and tell me that I reversed the numbers again, I would make a hash of every lesson. It’s a relationship that works both ways,” Dalton said.

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The Crimson Crier

Sept. 26, 2013

Color blindness does not bother student to distinguish between those two colors, then you’re able to see the iscovering that all number,” Maddox said. your peers do not Colorblindness see the world through can be inherited or the same eyes developed from as yourself could a spectrum of throw off the diseases in the mindset of any eyes. Boothe young child. and his brothers In second inherited the grade as part of a disorder form standard schooltheir father and wide exam, the grandfather, nurse examined who were both senior Jordan colorblind. The Boothe’s vision and vision defect is found an anomaly. around 16 times “They sent my more common parents a letter in males than saying I should go females. to the eye doctor’s “I think my place just to get me brothers are, checked out and but I’m the while they were worst. They can WHAT A COLORFUL WORLD. Senior Jordan Boothe’s checking my eyes world looks shades different than ours. Photo by sometimes see they came out and Savannah Bullard. the numbers,” said ‘You’re colorblind’ the test through his wife, a Boothe said. because I took the test and special education teacher.

Advances are being I failed,” Boothe said.

Maddox showed it to made to diagnose The exam used to his classes at a previous colorblindness at earlier test for colorblindness is school to teach them ages. Maddox gave an the Ishihara Color Exam. that colorblindness is due alternate version of This inexpensive exam to an individual’s eyes the Ishihara Exam to determines if someone has being unable to interpret his young niece that a color vision defect, the frequencies of light. used animals instead of type of color vision defect, “The colorblindness numbers and discovered and the severity of it. test takes shapes, or, for that she could not see The exam consists of older students, numbers, in any of the animals. a series of plates with an entire page of bubbles.

“She sees contrast, pictures hidden inside of What you’ll have inside of and colors appear them — some that only the bubbles is the shape of different, but she’s people with normal color the number 2, which are a unable to distinguish red vision can distinguish, slightly different color than from green. It doesn’t others that only people the bubbles that cover the necessarily appear grey, with defects can distinguish, rest of the page. If you can’t but colors seem to be and plates where people distinguish between those different shades to her,” with color vision defects two colors, then you don’t Maddox said. see something different see the 2. If you are able Dakota Shamblin Reporter

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than those without the defects.

Physics teacher Mark Maddox has experienced this exam himself. He was able to obtain a copy of

In-depth

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: y d n a ye C

Eest your orbitals T

Photo courtesy of www.colorvisiontesting.com

try the test online on : www.colour-blindness.com

Celebrities help raise ADHD Awareness and acceptance Kasey Stender Spread Editor

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n this world, everything has to be perfect.

Anything deemed as an “imperfection” is seen as a weakness and worthy of judgment.

Selfish and moral-lacking pea brains have always made people miserable for these “imperfections” that are out of their control.

Children are, disgustingly, the most common victims of these sad situations ranging from not growing into a pair of big ears yet to common but serious disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention website reports that “3-7 percent of schoolaged children have ADHD.” So this is proof that it is not an extremely rare

occurrence in children.

Typically people do not see or realize that ADHD is a serious disability. Bestselling author and previous middle school teacher Rick Riordan, whose eldest son, Haley, was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia around the age of seven has been dealing with this for years now. The only stories that interested him were the Greek myths about gods and heroes his father told him. From this Riordan concocted the “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series. As they got bigger and better, so did Riordan’s drive to increase awareness for ADHD and dyslexia.

“Making Percy ADHD and dyslexic was my way of honoring the potential of all the kids I’ve known who have those conditions.

It’s not a bad thing to be different. Sometimes, it’s the mark of being very,

very talented,” Riordan says in his author bio on his website.

Since then, he visits classrooms and signings for his books and to help educate people on the seriousness of ADHD and dyslexia. The first two books of his series have recently been adapted into movies, drawing more what I think is desperately needed and appreciated knowledge towards ADHD. With all the other social issues taking precedence among today’s society, ADHD is forgotten, overshadowed by more “serious” matters.

However, more and more people — even celebrities — are finally stepping up to the plate to take on ADHD. Famous “Maroon 5” singer Adam Levine has struggled with ADHD most of his life and was

diagnosed in his early teens. In 2011, he launched a national education campaign, “Own It,” to raise awareness. This, again, clearly illustrates that one can overcome disabilities and hardships to achieve greatness and to help others as well — something the world needs in its current situation.

Well-deserved organizations have been created to help with this mission and those with this disorder. ADHD Aware is a nonprofit organization that provides clubs and workshops “where girls, boys and adults with ADHD play, learn and grow together.” They have speakers with ADHD, workshops facilitated with experts in the field of the disorder and different types of public events to raise awareness.

This year’s ADHD

Awareness month begins Oct. 1. Use this time to educate yourself and learn that ADHD is a real disability and is far too common among the youth of today; read up on ADHD and how to help those who have this and other such disorders. While, yes, it is serious, it should not be used to ostracize kids. It is evident, with the increased amount of organizations and clubs popping up, that people are beginning to comprehend that and are making the leap forward into ADHD acceptance and assistance, like you should be doing right now. Take a tip, follow a role model like Levine or Riordan, do some research — whatever it is you do to learn more — and always follow the Golden Rule: Treat others like you would want to be treated.

Sources: www. rickriordan.com ; www. adhdaware.org

Celebrities with ADHD and

Dyslexia

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12 Sports

The Crimson Crier

Sept. 26 2013

Volleyball program improves with new coach, attitudes Lauren Noble Reporter

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ssistant softball coach Whitney Elder has taken over the game of volleyball as head coach. By her side is assistant volleyball coach Amber Staggs.

Together they plan to win the regional tournament and ultimately a state championship.

“Elder has taken more time to focus on the small things. She does little things that it takes to win like picking the team up when they are down and making a list of team goals.

Being younger and more relatable, she remembers what it was

like to be where they are,” Staggs said.

Elder is setting the team up for the kill with her new coaching technique.

She does most coaching at practice and uses the game to work out the kinks. Elder’s main goal is discipline. She holds the team accountable and believes that they should be good people before good players.

“We actually practice more than we run. She is focused on getting us to state and us staying in shape to perform better,” senior Camille Harris said.

Having played high school volleyball at Grissom and softball at the collegiate level, Elder is accustomed

to a competitive atmosphere. Elder has been a part of two state softball championships at Sparkman. However, volleyball provides her a different look at competition in the state.

“I like the intensity and quickness of the game.

It’s been more exciting and I’m excited about doing something new and different,” Elder said.

The new coach is already making a difference.

Staggs says the marketing of the team has increased and scores are getting out there. Elder knows improvement has to also happen on the court.

“Our first scrimmage wasn’t what I wanted it to

be but the remainder of the season will tell,” Elder said.

The team has already made progress with a first week win over Brewer and one loss to Madison Academy. According to the team, they appreciate how the coaches push them to the limit. She pushes them to fight and never give and work together and communicate more. Elder teaches them to control the controllable.

“We’re going to be the underdogs this year and build up the volleyball program,” junior Maia Sterns said.

NEW COACH TAKES OVER. The volleyball team makes strides this season under new coach, Whitney Elder. The team has beaten top teams, including Huntsville, Pelham and Buckhorn.

Elder played volleyball in high school and also coaches softball.

Her philosophy is “it’s not about the individual, it’s about the team.” Photo by Tanner Burns

“I try not to focus too much on Physical mistakes, but instead on how [the players] respond. How will they fight back when something doesn’t go their way? That is what defines their character,” What has been your favorite moment of the season?

My favorite moment of the season was when we beat Huntsville, who we haven’t beaten in years.

- Junior Cierra Davis

My favorite moment of the season was when we made it to the top 10 in a big tournament. We were number seven out of forty teams.

- Junior Maia Sterns

My favorite moment of the season is when we played St. Paul. I don’t think we have ever played as hard as we did in that game.

-senior Sara Denton

Shoulder injury delays season, makes daily activities difficult for junior volleyball player Shelby Balentine Reporter

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he past month and a half has been like waiting for Christmas. Junior Allie Thornton has made her way to the starting position on the varsity volleyball team, but her love for volleyball will have to wait due to an injury.

“Allie is an intrical part of our team and I wanted her back playing as soon as possible, but didn’t want to push her and herself more,” Whitney Elder said.

On July 19, Thornton had surgery on the labrum cartilage in her right shoulder. Surgeries such as the one Thornton had are common in volleyball players (as well as softball players because of the amount of throwing and spiking involved). The rehabilitation process is typically three months. She should be back on the court the first week of September following the first tournament and will not be missing the entire season as projected at the time of her surgery.

“There wasn’t just a moment I felt it tear, or that ‘ouch’ moment, the cartilage just tore over time,” Thornton said.

Some daily activities became a chore, such as styling her hair, lifting heavy items and opening doors because of the sling she had to wear. After a few weeks in rehab, she is now able to go about these activities without a sling.

“I was afraid that with school starting back I wouldn’t be able to straighten my hair because it was hard at first to lift my arm,” Thornton said.

While injured, she helped the team with emotional support, making sure the team stays enthusiastic and confident while approaching the first tournament in Birmingham Aug. 30-31. Freshmen have been pulled onto varsity to cover for the injury in the first few games.

“I hope to be back playing near the beginning of the season because this is my junior year and colleges start recruiting the junior year of high school. I am hoping to get a scholarship to a small D1 school,” Thornton said.

Thornton goes for rehabilitation sessions twice a week. To regain total mobility, she does activities with weights and pulleys. During conditioning, she focuses on legs and abs while the team does overhand arm workouts. She also does stem and ice treatments which shock the muscles, relieving any pain or discomfort.

Thornton was cleared to return on Aug 30, but is still taking it easy to prevent it from happening again.

“I’m very excited to be back and looking forward to getting back to feeling 100 percent soon, but starting off slow and steady is key to making sure I don’t get hurt again,” Thornton said.

ROW YOUR BOAT. Rowing with her team, junior Alex Miller takes to the Tennessee River. Miller has garnered praise from her coach for her rowing abilities even though she is considered a novice. Photo courtesy of Alex Miller

Rowing gives student chance to enjoy local rivers April Oberman Entertainment Editor

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ypically, teenagers of Alabama spend their free time playing football. For junior Alex Miller, glory is found on the Tennessee River.

Rowing is a highly uncommon sport in the Harvest area. So, in search of something new, Miller decided to test out the waters.

“I went to visit the boathouse and I was introduced to the Rocket City Rowing Club during their practice. They invited me to their summer camp, and that is how it all began,” Miller said.

Miller is a part of the bow pair. The bow pair steadies the boat

while on the water. She wants to be a part of the middle four, which is the “powerhouse” of the boat. Her coach, Jeffery Coy believes she rows best in the bow and stern positions.

“Bow and stern are positions where we typically place our lighter, quicker athletes with good timing and hand control.

Alex exhibits the qualities in her rowing and physical stature,” Coy said.

In rowing, everyone works the same amount and gives the same effort.

There are eight different seating positions in one boat; each has an important role.

“Starting from the back, there is bow seat, 2 seat, 3 seat, 4 seat, 5 seat,

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6 seat, 7 seat and stern seat. The bow pair is for stability, the four strongest rowers sit in the middle and the stern pair helps keep rhythm. The bow includes the bow seat and 2 seat.

The middle four include 3 seat to 6 seat,” Miller said.

As a rower, Miller is considered to be a novice.

Once she has completed her first year, she will become a varsity rower.

In the fall and the spring, Miller and her rowing team will compete in rowing competitions called regattas. They will have their first regatta on Oct. 11. Until that time, Miller will train.

“We go out on the river, warm-up, and we start rowing as we would in a normal practice. We gain

speed quickly and go all eight,” Miller said.

Miller enjoys herself while on the water. Her teammates have light, upbeat attitudes that help each other cope with the hard work that comes with rowing. Coy is always looking for new rowers.

Miller promotes joining a rowing team to anyone interested.

“It is a lot of fun; We are always making jokes and singing when we are out there. The coxswains (people in the front of the boat) are always saying funny jokes. But when it is time to work, we stop playing around and we get serious. They are all super nice people, and it is an overall enjoyable atmosphere,” Miller said.