MARCHING TO A NEW BEAT: POTENTIALDIRECTORS,NEWNEW pg.15
Photo by: Scott Lowe
The Sparkman High School | 2616 Jeff Road | Harvest, Ala. 35749 | Phone: (256)837-0331 | Fax: (256)837-7673 | www.crimsoncriernews.com CrimsonCrierMonday, Sept. 19, 2022, Issue 1
Crier2022-2023StaffEditor-InChiefTessWarrenOpinionEditorHarrisonHollingsworthIn-DepthEditorVeeLewisNewsEditorKylaDavidsonSportsEditorMeMeMaloneA&EEditorKendallCopeReportersColemanBauerJazmineBezotteAlexBrattonNealElliottKenzieFranksRileighGlassmanAutumnGollopBrianaGreenKahleelGreenWyattHarrisKimberlyMacDonaldAlyssaMillerBlaireWilliamsNealElliottAdviserErinCoggins,MJETheCrimsonCrierthecrimsoncriersparkmannewsthecrimsoncrierKeep up with daily news www.crimsoncriernews.comat Access a color version of our magazine as well. CONTENT | 3 08 Opinion - Senior climatechangingtalksthe05 News - New responsesystemsecuritycutsdowntime 12 Lifestyles - Seniors learn sign language to accommodate others 24 In-Depth - Students, teachers discuss lack of AP enrollment 19 Sports - Senior commits to forBlackburnvolleyball A&E - Touring local coffee shops to find the best 30 2 | CONTENT The Crimson Crier || Sept. 19, 2022 QUESTION OFISSUETHE Does the new security system make you feel safe?INSIDE ManagingWebDonellEditorWhiteEditorsKortneyAllenBriaHoward Social MediaChelseaEditorMoore 05 08 12 19 24 30 “Yes because it’s faster to get the word out and let people know what is going -senioron.” Sam Menikheim “Yes, I feel safer because its an easier way to contact other teachers if someone needs help.” - senior Akerah Artis “I feel safer because I know with just a click of a button help will be on the way.” -senior Hannah-Mae Burnett Thank you to our Editor Sponsor. Video LifestylesKatrinaEditorHuynhEditorMakaylaBarchettArtEditorOliviaLake
“WhetherTime.it be reteaching a lesson, time for one on one help or making up a test,” McMickin said. “We felt this schedule gave us the best chance to achieve our goals.”
is allowed two absences and a student with a C is allowed one. This system is similar to the policy in 2020 but the number of absences has been cut down to further encourage attendance.
students to get help with any work that they need,” assistant principal Scott McMickin said. “We also need to allow teachers to meet during the day so that they can work on making sure that students are getting what they need.”
“From the time it was pushed in less than one minute there were ten people at the door; it was all six administration, two SRO’s and the two nurses,” Shaw said. “It instantly got help there.”
“I love it,” senior Sam Jensen said. “It will save me from the stress of my final exams at the end of the year.”
allows the school to use all its available resources in order to keep everyone in the building safe as efficiently as possible. Administration and staff hope that this system will give peace of mind to teachers and students within the building.“Ithink this system is going to greatly improve our safety for students and staff because we wont be relying on a phone system anymore instead security issues can be seen and dealt with so much faster. ‘’ teacher Kyra Espinosa said.
Security Switch Up Great Wars and multimedia teacher Erin Coggins shows off her new Crisis Alert badge. Every teacher in the building is given an activated badge. Photo by Alyssa Miller
This year, Senator Time has noticeable changes. Instead of having a specified homeroom to return to on Tuesdays and Thursdays, students will go back to one of their four blocks depending on the week of the month. This change is different from the previous format and has raised questions from students who have experienced both versions of Senator Time.“We are constantly looking for ways to increase the opportunities for
to prepare and be aware of the safety concerns. This allows for more efficient communication between the schools, giving time to prevent crisis situations.
New school policies change daily routine
Coleman Bauer-Reporter
“The system was installed over the summer and tested,” Jones said. “All teachers went through training before the students returned.”
AT THE PRESS OF A BUTTON
“Our goal is to make sure that students are allowed the time to get help,” McMickin said. “The teacher knows the students’ needs and the students can ask for help.”
New
This new system is called the Crisis Alert system. All administration within the building are given a badge which gives the ability to alert and respond to a crisis situation within minutes, whereas the previous security system the school had in place was not as efficient for emergencies.“Itcutsthe response time, makes it faster,” principal Chris Shaw said.
“Where before we had another system where it was a little bit slower, but here it’s Ininstantly.”theevent of a crisis, this system alerts all admin within the building and shows them the location of the emergency allowing for quicker response time. The school has seen this system in action and has seen just how quickly it allows for administration to respond and access a situation.
Each faculty and staff member also has a badge to utilize in times of crisis. With this new system, faculty and staff will feel a vibration from the badge confirming the alert went through.
This new system also connects to the high school’s feeder schools. In the event of a crisis all feeder schools are alerted of the emergency giving them more time
“The past security system was a one-way page which could cause some ambiguity for some who questioned whether or not the alert went through,” Jones said. “With the new system, faculty and staff will feel a vibration from the badge confirming that the alert wentSafetythrough.”isthe number one priority for Madison County Schools. This system
Kenneth McMickin
McMickin believes that the changes this year are necessary for improvement, and is looking for new ways to enhance the school year. Currently, the administrative team is seeking to add club days for students on Fridays during Senator
year, new changes. The 2022-23 school year studentsintroducestoacouple of changes from previous years’ norms that may shift the outlook of this new school year.
In
Another change that has been made this year is the return of exam exemptions. This opportunity has returned after being removed in 2020 and gives students the ability to be exempt from their final exams if they meet certain ainhaveanclass.andstudent’sexamsexemptforattendance.”toandcomeforsaid.thing,”policy“Thecriteria.exemptionisagoodMcMickin“ItisarewardstudentsthattoschoolhaveshownhelpoutwithThecriteriastudentstobefromtheirrestsontheabsencesgradeintheirAstudentwithAisallowedtothreeabsencestheclass,whilestudentwithaB
“The aboutstudentsstudents.itpunishpolicyexemptiondoesnotanyone,onlyrewardsItmakesrethinkmissingdays if it is not necessary.”
School board introduces new security system
Kortney Allen-Reporter
order to better secure the schools, the Madison County Board of Education invested millions into a new security system.“With the unfortunate events that have taken place across the nation, the new security system offers a faster, easier way for staff to call for help in any kind of emergency.” assistant principal Nekeysha Jones said.
This change will give students an extra 35 minutes of class time in one of their blocks each day. That time can be used for students to cover any questions or concerns they may have with their teacher. This could prevent students from holding any questions before the school day ends.
4 | NEWS NEWS | 5The Crimson Crier || Sept. 19, 2022
“People have told jokes. People have read stories they’ve written or poems, things like that.”
Calling it Feature Friday, Acray’s students Perform their special talents in front of the class. It does not matter if the talent is something they learned the day before or something they’ve been working at since they were a kid, Acray encourages all types of talent.
“Performing in front of the whole class by myself was a little scary, but then she said you can do it with other people. That made me feel comfortable.” Nadia Moujdi
In Moujdi’s case, singing was her choice as it was something she has been doing for a long time.
Lights, Camera, Action Moving and grooving, junior Rose Jackman (Bottom Left) dances to Michael Jackson. Acting out, Kat Henderson and Hannah Mae Burnette (Below) display their acting skills by performing a scene for the class. Photos by Meh’Quira Malone
Photo Illustration by Katlyn Dickey
Teacher lets students showcase other talents
Acray has included Feature Friday in her curriculum since she worked as a music teacher in elementary school.
“I chose it because it’s just something I really enjoy doing. So I was like, why not try in front of a class to get experience in front of an audience,” MoujdiAcraysaid.constantly works with her students to raise their confidence to perform. She pushes comfort ability and confidence in her students while also teaching them how to be a good audience and respect the performers on the stage or as she calls it, “Human Decency”.“Ithink it’s really important to be able to become comfortable enough to get in front of other people. You’re
6 | NEWS NEWS | 7The Crimson Crier || Sept. 19, 2022
going to be doing that after you leave high school,” Acray said “I also want kids to just be confident. I also find the most important reason is to learn how to become a respectful audience member so that you are encouraging to people who are up there no matter if you like it or not.”According to Moujdi, Feature Friday has made her and her classmates become closer, and Acray feels that this activity has made her class become more confident and comfortable in the classroom and that is her goal. Acray is proud of all the talented students that take time to share with the class.
“I’ve seen kids that will dance and play instruments. Someone brought in something that they had welded and I’ve seen people draw,” Acray said
“It’s really important to be able to become comfortable enough to get in front of other people. You’re going to be doing that after you leave high school. I want kids to just be confident.” Shana Acray
Up Next Signing up, senior Nadia Moujdi adds her name to the queue. solopreparesMoujditosingfortheclass.
elementary school. Now, choir teacher Shana Acray has brought the talent back.
individuality within this event.
Do Re Mi Show choir teacher, Shana Acray leads her students in a vocal exercise to start the day. Acray encouraged students to show off their talents by demonstrating her talents as an example. Photo by Meh’Quira Malone
Acray’s class, her students have shown a variety of skills and talents thus far. Some of the talents have been songs students wrote or something as interesting as a choreographed fight scene. Acray allows students to express their creativity and
“I truly love anyone getting up and having the guts to do that and seeing someone flourish and become less self conscious or less shy because of it,” Acray said. “I love it all.”
Bria Howard-Reporter
Photo Meh’Quiraby Malone
Whether it was doing a cartwheel, drawing or even a werethumb,hyperextendedtalentshowsastaplein
When Acray introduced Feature
Friday, her students were excited but took a bit to warm up to it. Senior Nadia Moujdi was nervous at first but once Acray told her students more about it she loosened up to the idea.
“I started it because I want kids to get to know each other to be comfortable getting in front of each other to gain confidence,” Acray said. “And I also want to get to know their skills and what they like to do outside of choir.”
“Performing in front of the whole class by myself was a little scary, but then she said you can do it with other people. That made me feel comfortable,” Moujdi said.In
CREATING CONFIDENCE
looks at an entire application and takes everything into consideration, they look at more than ACT score. They want to see if the applicant is a good fit for Georgetown as a whole, so that means the extracurricular activities of the applicant, community service and anything else that the applicant has provided on the application.
Constantly
I think it is important to realize, as cheesy as it sounds, that this is our only home and we should take care of it as best we can.
to not limit the chance for students around the globe who want to get into the school of their choice and dreams.
Art by Jasmine Bezotte
LET’S TALK ABOUT IT
Waiving ACT scores proves to be the right move
According to the organization Fairtest, over, 1,700 college will not require ACT, SAT for fall 2023, including the University of Alabama.
hearing that the world is slowly dying and there is nothing that we can do to stop it is a bit overwhelming, no? Is climate change even real and what does this mean for our future? Let’s talk about it.
On the other hand, Vanderbilt has their own reason for not requiring test scores. Vanderbilt’s main reason for making the ACT score optional is that many future students did not have the same chance due to COVID, so for incoming undergraduate students through the year of fall 2024, Vanderbilt will not require the ACT according to their admissions website. This is a way
The environment has constantly been changing throughout history so why would it even be a problem now? Well over the past couple centuries
Fast Fact
Now that we have an immense amount of information about climate change, what can be done? As my mom always says you can only change yourself and not others.
Vanderbilt looks at the entire individual to see if they are a fit for their school. Colleges around the world still find the ACT an important being used to depict whether or not a child can be successful at their university. The sad part is that students are simply studying to ace a single test and not gain new knowledge. It is not just a great ACT grade, but it is also not just a great transcript from high school. It is everything combined into one, a student’s entire application and everything that comes with it. That is what is important for a student’s overall willingness to learn and improve.
It is up to the people to make changes for the climate
President Joe Biden recently signed a climate change and health care bill. In it includes the most federal investment in history towards climate change.
Art by Autumn Gollop
After surfing the internet for a couple days I think I have come up to the conclusion that I do think humans are at fault for most of the damage to the environment. Although there is extensive scientific evidence, climate change and global warming are heavily debated. One side argues that greenhouse gas emissions are too small to change the earth's climate. The fluctuation in ocean levels and the sun's heat is natural. The other side argues that climate change is a result of human activities such as pollution, overfishing, deforestation and overpopulation.
I think it is important to realize, as cheesy as it sounds, that this is our only home and we should take care of it as best we can.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Not to say that you can not influence others by starting your own club at school or talking about it with others.
Getting a good score on this exam can open amazing opportunities from getting room and board paid for to acquiring all four years of college getting paid for. However, many colleges, like Vanderbilt University, do not require the ACT during the application process making the scores completely optional to be included in the Collegesapplication.around the country still require the ACT and make it a part of the application process. Making a good score in the ACT can give many students around the world the chance to go for their dreams and make a life for themselves by obtaining a college degree. Colleges like Georgetown and Rice University still require the ACT for the application process; however, according to the Georgetown website, they do not participate in score choice. This basically means when the admissions office at Georgetown
Rileigh Glassman
I challenge you to do your own research and see what you believe.
Earth's climate has been warming at an alarming rate. Ice caps melting, severe storms and hotter temperatures are all effects of this and it will continue to get worse.
he ACT is a nextneedstostandardizednationaltestmeantmeasuretheskillsonetosucceedonthelevelofeducation.
Sleeping Issues-Uncomfortable Eating Habits-Mood Swings Constant Weight Change-Skipping Meals-Fainting OPINION | 98 | OPINION The Crimson Crier || Sept. 19, 2022
Donell White-Editor
Starting small you can save energy at home, public transportation, throw away less food and the three R’s.
It might feel hopeless and that it is impossible to make a difference but there are things big companies or even the government are doing to help. According to AP News
Rileigh Glassman-Reporter
T
Children find it harder to comprehend the how and why of the death of their mother, father or sibling. Teens are able to better understand, but that does not stop them from feeling the impact, sadness, depression and survivors guilt that follows.
Security system does not address all flaws despite promise
Art by Olivia Lake
Survivors guilt.. I felt it..I felt as if that ‘if she died why didn’t I? would feel guilty because I sat there and watched her life support be pulled. That guilt is common, but it is also important to have support that lets the person know it was never their fault.
Policy
The Crimson Crier will print all letters to the editor as long as space will allow, and may edit letters for grammatical mistakes. All letters to the editor must be signed and include contact information of the writer. Letters can be dropped off at the Sparkman High School newsroom (127) one week after publication.
ArtbyAutumnGollop
In recent years, America has seen an unprecedented amount of gun violence, particularly in schools. While this has been an issue within the country for years, it has recently become noticeable to the average American. Schools systems have taken notice particularly due to recent shootings, such as the one in a Uvalde, Texas elementary school in May of this year. This has caused various school systems to finally respond to this utter outbreak of violence within schools
While this system is immensely helpful to everyone involved, it is not a solution to the systematic problem of gun violence within the United States. In order to truly end this epidemic of horrid violence sprouting all throughout schools
Things go from sunshine and rainbows to ‘Why did this happen to me?’ or ‘Was it my fault that they died?’ As a 10-year-old, I thought those things, I dealt with the pain of loss and it ruined my early childhood. It made me grow up too quickly. I went from being afraid of the dark to being afraid of losing my father next, or one of my sisters or my grandparents. No child, teen or young adult should have to go through that type of loss at such a young age.
The Crimson Crier is a student-run publication produced in the state of Alabama. All final design, reporting and content decisions are the responsibility of the student journalists of Sparkman High School under the guidance of their adviser and principal. The views articulated in The Crimson Crier do not necessarily represent the views of the entire staff, Sparkman High School or the Madison County school district. Copies are distributed to the faculty, staff and student body free of charge. School Paper Express prints 500 copies for distribution.
The Crimson Crier will report objectively on issues directly and indirectly affecting the student body and the school community. As student journalists, we understand our role in a global society to abide by the ethics of professional journalism in order to ensure a more informed student body.
Letters to the Editor
student or faculty member. There are multiple parts to the system, including badges for the faculty to wear and an alert system to all feeder schools.Theamount of help this gives both faculty and administration in the event of emergencies cannot be understated. It alerts the entire building to an alert, saves faculty the stresses of contacting authorities themselves and also allows said authorities to arrive at the school faster, potentially saving lives. The system also contacts authorities in the event of a medical emergency, which may be able to save an additional unnamed amount of lives.
decline in schoolwork and are noticed by others because of that. Within the first two years of a parent’s death, children are susceptible to long-lasting depression.
Junior laments on the loss of mother
I lost my mother at the age of 10 and I have missed her more and more with each passing day. The grief never left me and the pain never fully subsided. Her death derailed my childhood and it was an event I would not wish upon anyone.
https://www.mcssk12.org/Domain/30
Staff Editorial (7-0)
So that is what I am going to do. I am going to remember the pain that came with her loss, for it is something I will never forget or let go; but, I also understand that if I hold onto that grief too much it will consume me. My mother’s death completely ruined my childhood, but as I have grown up more, I have found things that bring back the happiness I lost. Dealing with grief and loss takes time--a different amount of time for every person and that is okay.
Distribution
Losing
Membership
10 | OPINION The Crimson Crier || Sept. 19, 2022 EDITORIAL | 11
I know now, six years later, that the pain will never go away. I understand now that losing my mother as a child had a drastic and negative impact on my growing up, but I know the only way to cope is to remember that she loved me up until the very end and that she would want me to be happy and make a life for myself.
in the country, more meaningful legislation must be passed on a state or federal level, such as gun control laws. That is not to mention the cost of implementing the new security system as well, with millions of taxpayer dollars being allocated to only give a temporary fix to a problem that is incredibly bigger than individual school systems.
They are not guilty. As a child, I did not understand why I was feeling guilty, and by the time I realized it, I was 13 and it was exactly three years since her death. I realized, I have nothing to feel guilty about, it was not my fault. The guilt then slowly faded and that feeling of dreadful guilt that had been with me for three years was gone. I felt free from the guilt but still felt the sadness that came with my mother’s death.
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It is estimated that 5.6 million children in the U.S. will have lost a sibling or parent by the age of 18. That is unbelievable to me. As a child who lived it, losing a mother or father harms that child for the rest of their lives.
One such response has been from the Madison County School System, who has decided to spend millions of tax dollars on a new security system. This decision may just be the elegant fix American school systems were looking for to this monstrous problem. It is not obtrusive enough for it to be noticed by the average student, and it is also simple enough to be understood and used by any
The loss of a parent causes a persistent, negative decline that is noticeable by others. Children who lose parents
my mother as a child caused me so much pain. Thinking back on it now, it makes me wonder how much her death changed my life.
I think it is important to learn and to know the impact that losing a parent has on people from ages 20 and under.
2616 Jeff Road, Harvest, Alabama (256)35749837-0331
The happiness of being a kid and having no worries turns into thinking about who will take me in, and wondering whether or not the rest of my family is going to follow my mother’s path to a death they were not ready for.
Neal Elliott-Reporter
Classes at AIDB are divided by skill levels such as beginner, intermediate and advanced. McDonald said that it is like learning a whole other language and it doesn’t require your voice.
usually during the fall and spring and last 10 to 12 weeks.
help with your vocabulary, speed and fluency.”
senior Hannah Stovall’s mother taught her sign language as a child, Stovall recognized the need to continue to learn this way of communication.
When
“I believe that if I continue to learn sign language my skills may one day serve as an asset for a job or help me communicate with someone who may be deaf,” Stovall said.Research shows that of the 48 million Americans in the United States with hearing loss, less than 500,000 or about 1% use sign language. Case Manager for the Deaf with the Alabama Institute of the Deaf and Blind, Ryan McDonald, says her organization services over 36,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults and seniors with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year.
SIGNING NOT SILENT
McDonald understands Warren’s creative way of learning. She says, though, that the most difficult part of sign language is to learn the receptive skills, or how to read another person’s sign language.“Most of the time, people start out learning the alphabet and numbers, ‘’ McDonald said.”Again, it is when they get to the receptive skills that it gets a little more difficult. The best way to learn both ways is to immerse yourself with another deaf person. Go to their silent lunch, deaf events or even a coffee and McDonaldchat.”believes sign language should be considered a foreign language class in today’s high schools to itandimpaired.withcommunicatetomoreencourageteenagerslearntothehearingWarrenStovallagreethatthelanguagewillbeusefulforanyteenagerenteringtheworkforce.“It’sanimportantskilltohaveifadaycomeswhereyoumayencountersomeonewhorequiresit,”Warrensaid.“Ihopepeoplewhoarelearningsignlanguagegoaboutitrespectivelyanddoinaniceway.”
Warren has used her sign language skills in an encounter with a deaf person while visiting a local restaurant.“Ihave had at least one deaf encounter, but it wasn’t the most glamorous situation. When I was with my friends at a Chick-Fil-La, we saw a lady signing to her phone. We decided to go say hi but we wanted to do it in a respectful way. We started practicing our signing to prepare ourselves,” Warren said. “We made sure to use gentle hand gestures to get her attention and use our voices in case she wasn’t deaf. When we got her attention, we signed that we saw her and loved sign language and that we were still learning it. It kinda ended awkwardly but it was still fun and I’m glad I had the experience. I hope I have more.”
LIFESTYLES | 13
“You can talk across the room without making any noise,” McDonald said. “People who do things such as scuba diving often use ASL to communicate under water.
Stovall has currently spent the last four months watching videos to teach herself American Sign Language (ASL). Although she has not had any experience in communicating with a deaf person, she is committed to learning the fundamentals.
Briana Green-Reporter
12 | LIFESTYLES The Crimson Crier || Sept. 19, 2022
The AIDB which was founded in 1858 is the world’s most comprehensive education,rehabilitation and services program. “The AIDB employs more than 200 blind and deaf adults’’ McDonald said.
“Classes are divided by their skill level, such as beginner, intermediate and advanced,” McDonald said. “The cost of the class depends on each of the regional centers. The immediate family who just discovered a family member with hearing loss are a high priority for the Likeclasses.”Stovall, senior Tess Warren has been teaching herself sign language through numerous Youtube videos ever since the day she was scrolling on the social media site and a video popped up called “Deaf Man vs Drive Through.”“When I was watching the video I was appalled by how they were treating the man,” Warren said. “It inspired me to learn sign language so that if I ever encounter anyone who requires it for communication I can talk to them in a way they can understand.”
Besides offering services to people enrolled, the AIDB regional centers offer sign language classes as well. These classes are mostly taught by a deaf individual. Classes are
Photos by Meh’Quira Malone
How Are You I A m Good
Seniors learn sign language to communicate
Those interested in taking classes must be 14 years or older; however anyone of any age can start to learn sign language, even babies.
“Babies actually absorb everything they see when you sign,” McDonald said. “Most parents will show their baby the bottle and sign ‘milk’ or ‘hungry.’ Parents will point to themselves and sign ‘mom’ or ‘dad.’No matter how young or how old you are you can always learn sign language you can teach yourself by watching videos, reading books, and taking online classes. Besides videos, Warren has found a fun way to learn said.word,”lyricstranslatingmeaningtheinterpretingcouldsongs,tohavetogreatlanguage.the“Awaylearnandfunissigntothismeansongs’orthewordperWarren“Thiscan
“Our services literally span a lifetime including five campuses in Talladega , Ten regional centers located in Birmingham, Decatur, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Opelika, Talladega, Tuscaloosa and Shoals with programs that range from early and senior intervention, traditional and non- traditional education services in residential and outreach settings and a manufacturing facility that is the state’s largest employer of adults who are blind and deaf,” McDonald said.
“My friends loved them and that’s what gave me the idea to start selling them.” Maya Johnson
sellers are blueberry, chocolate chip and banana nut. With the business booming, Johnson continued to sell her loaves during the school year, attracting more customers than she did during the summer.
In college, Nash marched in The University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band. After graduating in 2018, he taught at Oak Mountain Middle School for a year, then became lead band director at Winfield High School for three years.
Johnson does not plan on continuing her business after high school, but she still loves the attention and reviews she has received from her customers.
my career, then I will consider my career to be a pretty big success.”
“Most of the people that buy from me go to our school, so it’s manageable,” Johnson said. “I deliver most of the loaves after school if not on the throughoutinthefromhaveJohnson’sweekend.”loavesravingreviewsstudentsaroundschool,notonlythejuniorclassbutallgrades.“Oneofmyfriends
14 | LIFESTYLES LIFESTYLES | 15The Crimson Crier || Sept. 19, 2022
“I’ve had different inspirations at different points in my life. In high school, naturally, it was my band director who pushed me to go study music in college. While I was in college, I was inspired by my private lessons instructor and my marching and symphony band director,” Manker said. “I can also say that I have had friends who inspired and continue to inspire me to this day. All of these people have pushed me to become the best band director and person that I can be, and I am truly grateful for them.”
Johnson started the business during the summer, having her mom help her with making the loaves and delivering them.“We buy ingredients together, we bake them together, we sell together and we deliver together. My mom is my biggest helper and I’m so grateful,” JohnsonJohnsonsaid.has approximately three to four customers per day and sometimes more throughout the week. She takes her orders and organizes them into the specific days her customers want them delivered.“People will text me or inbox me and they tell me what day they want their loaf. I spread each order out throughout the week, so I’ll do three on Monday, two on Tuesday, etc. It really depends on who wants what when,” Johnson said.Johnson has a variety of flavors such as orange cranberry, chocolate, lemon poppy seed and almond poppy seed. Her best
Going into her seventh year of band, senior Emily Centamore details her first impressions. After getting to know Nash’s sense of humor and both directors’ enthusiasm, she is proud to call them her band directors.
Tess Warren-Editor
Stepping Up Establishing expectations, Brenton Nash sets his eyes on excellence for his students on and off the field. Nash is a huge Star Wars fan and enjoys watching college football and professional baseball. Photo by Scott Lowe
“I have definitely always wanted to pursue a career in music, but also to teach,” Nash said. “I truly feel called to be a music teacher. I absolutely love coming to work every day. Music has always been a big part of my life. I have a deep love for music and I enjoy sharing my passion for music with students.”
“Directors”
ate half of one of her loaves in one day. Then she ordered another one the next day,” sophomore Lauren Stallworth said.
Junior finds unique way to fill money need
New directors hope to only make improvements
over 10 years spent developing his legacy, band director David Raney at last retired, and soon after, assistant director Robbie Stout resigned, leaving quite big shoes to fill. Over the summer, Brenton Nash and Katie Manker accepted the challenge to pick up the well-established band and continue directing it beyond its pastNashexcellence.“grewup in a band room” because his father, who became his biggest inspiration, was also a band director. Getting an early start, Nash took private lessons in piano, guitar and trombone before middle school. Following in his father’s footsteps, he hopes to model his father’s strive for individual and all-encompassing excellence.“Myfather was an extremely good director. He truly created an environment that made everyone want to be the absolute best they could possibly be,” Nash said. “One of my biggest goals as a teacher is to instill a lifelong love for music in all of my students. However, my primary goal as a teacher is to teach life through music in ways that set up each student for success for the rest of their lives. If I am half of the teacher he was by the end of
Manker was hired two weeks before band camp started. Even in the hustle of moving from Tampa, Florida, she made an effort to listen to the show music and talk with her mentors to get herself back into a high school directing mindset.
continued on pg.16
RISING TO THE OCCASION
In 2016, Nash competed with the Bluecoats in their program “Down Side Up.” It placed first at the Drum Corps International World Championships. He then went on to be the visual director for Music City Mystique, another nationally renowned drum corps.
Junior Maya Johnson has reached a newfound popularity in the community by selling flavored loaves.Johnson started the business as another way to pay for her dance classes at the Heidi Knight School of Dance. Her mom, Trudy, had already made the loaves in her free time and Maya would bring them to her dance classes.“Whenever she made some, I would bring them to dance for people to try. My friends loved them and that’s what gave me the idea to start selling them,” Johnson said. “Coming from a single parent home, it’s financially rough, so you have to think of something on the top of your head to make money, so I thought why not sell the loaves.”
With
Out the Oven Junior Maya Johnson spends part of her day creating soft warm loaves of chocolate chip, blueberry and banana bread. Photos courtesy of Maya Johnson
transition of procedures has been the toughest part, I think. There are a lot of things we did that our new directors do differently, but I think both sides have worked hard to make things as seamless as possible. However, I think the quality and work ethic of our band is as good as ever and I’m excited for what the rest of the year will bring.”
“Mr. Nash is friendly and willing to bond with us on a personal level, and from the beginning, it felt like he had a vision for the band. Mrs. Manker first came across as a pure band nerd, in the best way, and it was clear how much she cared,” Centamore said. “The
Vee Lewis-Editor
“I love providing quality food and products,” Johnson said. “I love getting the texts from customers saying they love them and how half the loaf is already gone. I love seeing people happy and hearing how much they’re enjoying my food.”
“Things were definitely a little
“Directors” continued from pg.15
While earning her master’s degree at Troy, Manker performed with their top ensembles and served as an assistant director for the School of Music as part of her graduate assistantship.
awkward for the first day of band camp for the returning members. I shared the story of how I got a new band director right before my senior year with the band. I told them that I knew how scary it was and what it felt like,” Nash said. “I promised them that I was going to do everything I could to take care of them— that I was going to give them everything that I had every single day. Things felt a lot different and a lot better after that conversation. The students have really stepped up to the challenges that arise during a transition. They have been willing to try new things and they have been willing to give me everything they have in Sincereturn.”Raney built the band on a strong foundation, both directors are eager to continue exploring its potential. Manker plans on maintaining the preestablished “culture of excellence and achievement.” In order to do so, they got everyone on the same page by uniting everyone under the same goals.
Manker intends to drive the band above and beyond its previous achievement levels. She is excited to see how the show develops throughout the
season,” Loo said. “He greatly believes in the hype level of the band; if we are hype and energetic, that energy can be transferred into our marching and playing. His energy reminds me of how important it is to have fun and have energy. Of course, I could always remain serious and on the grind, but having fun and being energetic improves the mood, which in turn improves performance.”
Loo believes Nash is an insanely good musician whose youthful energy changed the entire energy of the band. In all of Loo’s seven years of playing, the band has never felt so alive and energetic. Since middle school, he has only had experience with older band“Mr.directors.Nashreally demonstrated his knowledge of how to teach and how to command the attention and respect of the students right off the bat. It was incredible to see the immediate respect the band gave him. The quality has only improved over the beginning of the
Reaching New Heights Working together, Brenton Nash and Katie Manker direct this year’s Ed Sheeran marching show and “Crossing Over” competition show. Twenty-seven year old Nash and Manker rejuvenate the band with their new energy. Photos by Scott Lowe
Nash is honored to take the reins of such a successful band program and feels the weight of responsibility to uphold the band’s merit and add to everything already in motion.
Working towards her undergraduate degree at Troy University, Manker served as the saxophone section leader and performed with the top ensembles and saxophone studio recitals. She also interned at Brantley School and taught 6th-twelfth grade for a semester.
season as props and costumes augment the music and marching on the field. Manker hopes to inspire students on and off the field, to become better players as well as “Bandpeople.truly is my passion because it always gave me a sense of belonging to something bigger than myself. All of my best friends in life have been band kids, and in my adult life, it makes it easier to get to know someone if they had some kind of involvement in band,” Manker said. “I hope that band can become somewhat of a second family for the students involved. I want their experiences in this program to inspire them to become better people for the rest of theirNashlives.”hopes students grasp the value of working together as a team and as a family. He aspires to make the band environment “a place where everyone feels wanted, appreciated and needed.” Nash wants to establish the band program to be a supportive rock the students can lean on when other parts of their life may not be.
16 | LIFESTYLES LIFESTYLES | 17The Crimson Crier || Sept. 19, 2022
to make sure that band is there for everyone even if the rest of the world may not be at times,” Nash said. “I want my students to learn how to be the best versions of themselves during band and also during the rest of their lives. Greatness is not something that everyone can achieve; it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. I want my students to learn how to truly be great in the things that they do. Above all else, I hope to set up students for as much success in life as possible.”
“I feel honored and blessed to be here at Sparkman High School. I have always wanted to teach at a school like this,” Nash said. “I am very thankful for all of the people who have helped me along the way to get me to this point. I am looking forward to putting everything I have into the band program. I could not be more excited.”
“I hope to add to and not undo any of the great things that have been happening here.”
“I hope to add to and not undo any of the great things that have been happening here,” Nash said. “One thing we are adding is a jazz band. I am very excited to bring back the jazz band to our program. I am extremely passionate about jazz music and jazz education.”
Sharing his excitement, senior Lauren Bruce is excited for the jazz band that Nash has been “raving about since he got to Sparkman.” She also appreciates his approach to marching
Nash understands the difficulty of coming after such popular directors, especially for rising seniors, because he experienced the same thing as a senior at James Clemens High School. To give everyone the opportunity to get to know him and his goals for the band, he wrote down specific talking points in advance.
As a graduate assistant at Troy, Manker had the opportunity to direct one of the Sound of the South’s shows from start to finish, as well as conduct all of their other performances on the sidelines. She conducted the concert band for two years, and guest conducted the symphony band on several occasions.“When I was younger, I didn’t think I wanted to be a band director, but rather, a performer of one kind or another.
“It’s really thrilling to be able to come into something that is running so smoothly from the get-go. As a director, it leaves me free to focus on the musical and visual aspects of teaching band, rather than having to build a culture of excellence on top of everything else,” Manker said. “I think the transition went pretty smoothly. After some pep talks from us, the students seemed to realize that we want the same things they do—great sound, great visuals and a fantastic overall band program— so everyone seemed to relax a Seniorbit.”Elias
band rehearsals, especially the increase in water breaks. Bruce hopes the directors’ hard work and patience will push the band to the top at the annual Bands of America marching competition.“WhileIcould already tell that he was dedicated to us and making us our very best, he gave off a more relaxed impression than the ever-so-formal Mr. Raney always would. I can definitely say that I really enjoy Mr. Nash and his presence. Ms. Manker has definitely grown on me as a person and a band director. It is visible to everyone who meets her how much she cares about our program and every individual within it.” Bruce said. “I’ll admit that there are some things that I wish Mr. Nash would do differently, but he has definitely done a lot for our confidence and overall morale as a band program, and I can really see him being the director we need to push us to our highest potential in the years to come.”
“I hope that the band is a safe place for everyone to call home. I want
As I grew up, I realized that I wanted to teach but couldn’t put my finger on what,” Manker said. “My senior year of high school, I went to a symphony band concert—Troy University’s top ensemble—that celebrated the career of the band program’s founder. There, I realized that I wanted to have a similar impact on my students. I decided the best way to do that would be through becoming a band director, and the rest is history.”Inaddition to their extensive experience, they understand the importance of forming relationships with their students. They recognize it as the key to create a strong, united band, especially after a jarring transition.
Nash is partnering with Manker to raise the band’s potential and foster a community that will support each other through life. Both directors want their expectations for excellence to overflow into all other aspects of students’ lives and lead them to success.
Brenton Nash
In only her third season coaching, Phillips was able to lead her team to victory..
The Crimson Crier || Sept. 19, 2022
“It felt good to reach this milestone so quickly at the start of my 3rd season here at Sparkman,” Phillips said. “We always make a point to celebrate all milestones for the girls, so it felt great to be celebrated for this milestone of
Nguyen’s desire was to find a college that suited her academically and athletically, that could help support her future in the medical
has traditionally produced athletes that go on to play in college and this year is no exception. Volleyball college commit Tam Nguyen is ready to start the season strong
“I’ve wanted to play college volleyball since I started playing in middle school. I grew a huge love for the sport. Playing volleyball in high school made my hopes become a little smaller, but I knew I could do whatever I wanted to as long as I put my mind to it,” Nguyen said.
Phillips first started coaching volleyball in 2013, her first year as a teacher at Hartselle High School. She played volleyball at the school and was asked to come back by her coach to help assist the team after she graduated from college. From there, Phillips took the job at to Sparkman and has been coaching since 2020.
When Nguyen found out that Blackburn College wanted her to play for them she decided that she wanted to commit to Blackburn.
mine.”Senior Tam Nguyen, one of her players, says that Phillips has made a name for Sparkman volleyball and has a great coaching style.
Vee Lewis-Editor
Nguyen sees volleyball as therapy. She plans to continue to grow as a player during this senior season and to train hard at Rocket City Volleyball Club. Her intention throughout the year is to take things day by day and control what she can, as she prepares herself for the life of a college athlete.
“She has a way with her players and realizes that the game is not all physical and athleticism but the sport is about our mental capabilities,” Nguyen said. “Coach has taught me to strengthen my mental capacities as of resilience, how I view myself, and not to stress over the little things.”
Nguyen says that Phillips has the saying “control the controllable”, meaning not to stress over things you cannot control. She says that Phillips is adamant about her team not stressing over uncontrollable things, and to focus on growth and
The recruitment process for Nguyen was both nerve wracking and exciting as she tried to put herself out there, but now she is relieved as she has committed to Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois where she plans to major in biology.“Before, I lacked motivation, I believed I was too short to play volleyball in college. I was worried that these last few years of high school volleyball would be my last years of playing. I used to just post my film out there anyway, not even thinking I would gain any attention,” Nguyen said.
“The big picture is always more important,” Phillips said. “It’s all about growing kids and teaching them life lessons along the way.”
“We always make a point to celebrate all milestones for the girls, so it felt great to be celebrated for this milestone of mine.” Chandler Phillps
ChandlercoachPhillips won her 100th game as a Sparkman coach on Aug. 25, the team’s tenth match of the season.
Hip, Hip Hooray! Volleyball coach Chandler Phillips cheers as the team scores another point. After the win, the team gathered around Phillips to take photos and celebrate. Photo by Scott Lowe
Volleyball coach wins 100th game
self-worth.Phillips focuses on making goals for her athletes as well as allowing them to make goals for themselves. She says that seeing her team working together to reach their goals and her number one priority.
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field. Having security in the future is a universal goal, and Nguyen is paving the way to achieve her goals.
Volleyball
Senior commits to Blackburn to further volleyball career Sparkman
This confirmed, she had another four years of volleyball in her life and she found comfort in that fact. When she told her family the news they were proud of her, although she is going far from home, they supported her academic and athletic dreams.“Iwould tell my younger self, no matter how hard volleyball gets, keep pushing through because although your hard work doesn’t seem like it’s paying off right now, but it will in the future,” Nguyen said.The team has had a couple of their players commit to a college, which is something that is encouraging and an achievement not just for the players but also for the“Itcoaches.feelsgood to have multiple college commits. A goal of mine as a coach is to provide each kid with the option to play in college,” coach Chandler Phillips said. “Tam will do well in college, she is such an intelligent student-athlete and I expect her to thrive in college.”
Chelsea Moore-Reporter
“I envision my time at Blackburn as a fun experience, a chance to meet new people, and to learn more in depth about my future career in the medical field,” Nguyen said.
Setting Up Waiting on the ball to be returned, senior Tam Nguyen prepares to make her move. Nguyen’s play helped the team secure a victory over Lee High School in the first game of the season. Photo by Scott Lowe
“They are always practicing and they are always trying to get better and usually when that happens, they wind up being good,” Smith said. “They are the best three for the job and they have earned it.”
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“Being able to deal with pressure, which can be rough when you get like 14 different people in your face and at the same time trying to kick,” Echols said. “Punting is a lot more finesse than people think, doing your drops, your dry runs and everything. Just kicking the ball itself is practice.”
Thomas Menold
Being new to the game, Echols is currently working on the little things. He is also dealing with an injury to his chit bone in his kicking foot.
Currently Menold is serving as the kick-off player; a position Menold credits to his strength and power of his kicks.
“I’ve got a chit bone in my kicking foot, So it’s just trying to find ways to warm it up to where it doesn’t hurt as
Consistently is key. Being able to put the ball where you want it consistently, as well as being coachable. If coach asks, I want this direction or that direction, I’ll be able to do that.”
much as it can sometimes, and just learning to properly warm up. If you just go straight into kicking the ball, That can be painful and you want to be as consistent as you longtimewant,” soccer player, decided to try football for the first time this season as well. Switching to football as a senior, Menold hopes to broaden his chance at an athletic scholarship. He admits that kicking a football is different from kicking a soccer ball, but credits the coaches with helping him develop skills and the confidence needed to contribute to the
P
“I’ve always been able to kick a
Football uses three person kicking strategy
For the first time in six years, head coach Laron White decided to implement a three-person kicking strategy with former soccer players seniors Walt Echols, Thomas Menold and junior Christian“ChristianBurrus.isvery technically sound. He does well. He practiced hard. Walt is strong with his kicks. He’s very excited, ready to play and in tune to what’s going on. Thomas is very quiet, but he’s patient. He’s watching and observing and seeing how he can become a better player,” Assistant coach David Wheeler said.Echols, who began playing soccer in the eighth grade, joined the football team in April to use his kicking skills on the gridiron. To him, joining the football team was just something new to do..
And It Is Off Junior Christen Burrus kicks an extra point in the Huffman game. Burrus was rated in the nation after the first two kicks. Photo by Matt Hiles
“Hard work and a hard head. People will say “oh you’re just a kicker” but you have to focus on yourself and not what others think.”
Walt Echols
He scores Junior varsity quarterback Jaiden Scott and starting tight guard Cayden HazeltouchdownfortheBurruscongratulateSloanChristianafterhemadeextrapointthethirdagainstGreen.
Photos by Scott Lowe
too, has spent years on the soccer field. He is the current field-goal and extra point“Inkicker.soccer foot to ball contact is important for soccer and especially football. I have developed good kicking habits which benefit me in a good way,” Burrus said. “You have to have confidence, good mental strength, and the rest will follow.”
Meh’Quira Malone-Editor
offense on Friday nights. He says he is now making field goals consistently from 40-45 yards and has kicked one as far as “Kickers55-yards.need to put in hard work and have a hard head. People will say ‘oh you’re just a kicker’ but you have to focus on yourself and not what others think because that will get into your head and it will affect you,” Menold said. “I’m improving my range in case I need to kick field goals.”
Photo by Scott Lowe
“This is my first year of football so it has been weird getting used to the pads and helmet but I have adjusted. Some steps I have taken to better myself is just working harder than everyone else,” MenoldBurrus,said.athree year football team veteran, understands what Echols and Menold are experiencing as soccer players transitioning to football. He,
The Senators faced off against Hazel Green, Aug.19, defeating the Trojans, 779. In this offensive route, Burrus made all PATs and Menold set up difficult field positions for the opponent. This success pleased Wheeler and offensive coordinator, Spencer Smith.
soccer ball. So I was like, Hey why don’t I just learn how to kick a football,” Echols said. “I just like kicking because when you kick it and make it spiral it’s prettyEcholscool.”earned the punting spot. Wheeler credits Echols securing the punting spot to his strong kicks and positive attitude. Echols uses these two characteristics to overcome the pressure of being a punter.
The Crimson Crier || Sept. 19, 2022
unting, field goals and kickoffs.
“I want a motivating coach who will help the players grow and work on what they need in order to make the team better. My goal is to get around a 20 minute 5k. She will help push me to be better and help me make my goal possible,” Barchett said.
children.”Asastudent, McDonald did not have the chance to participate in a true “running program” so she committed herself to cheer throughout middle school and college. She developed her love for running as she watched her father. It became to relieve stress after a long day.
NEW SEASON, NEW CHANGES
“Change can be difficult sometimes. However, when change is good, it can make it easier to adjust to,” Barchett said. “Coach McDonald has proven her commitment to the team and it has only been
Warming Up Stepping onto the track, Amber McDonald prepares for practice with her athletes. She began coaching and training this past summer and has continued to push the runners to run at a high level during both practice and meets. Photo by Neela Cole
“When my foot was hurting she helped me learn different stretches to help with it. I expect her to be motivating and to push us to meet the goals we want and need.”
As
While working in a family clinic as a nurse practitioner, McDonald received an email regarding a job at the Medical Academy which she ultimately accepted. In 2021 and 2022, she became connected with the school. As a Medical Academy teacher she soon realized just exactly how much interaction takes place among students regardless of where she worked.“Icould have stayed at the clinic working as an NP. I do intend to work with patients again in another avenue. I am contemplating my doctorate degree in nursing to further my knowledge base.” McDonald said. “Working with students is the same in the class and on the field. You want to build a relationship, lead by example and hopefully inspire others to want to take ownership of themselves both in the classroom and outside.”
With goals and expectations set for this year, Barchett wants to strive to succeed in any way possible with his coach by his side encouraging him along the way even when it gets difficult.
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“Personally, I want to get to know the students and inspire an internal drive for the individuals. I hope to assist especially new runners' evidence of their potential and drive experienced runners to value themselves and perform their best,” McDonald said. “ Of course, it is great to win or to place, but you learn more from the journey. Commitment and dedication as well as creating that mental fortitude will only benefit the outcome of their performance. Not just as a coach, but in all areas my core values include: kindness, service, respect, integrity, and honesty-even if being honest is difficult.. We only learn from trying and failing.”
“I watched my Dad run most of my life. I have always ran informally with sports,” McDonald said. “I just love the feeling of running, cool breezes, light rain drizzling and the feeling of accomplishing something hard after a long race. For me, it is like meditation.”Despiteher committed life to cheer growing up, she eventually pushed it aside and started
As a runner over the years, McDonald has developed a mindset that she hopes to pass on to her athletes this new season. Aiming to control the negative mentality about oneself is a goal she wants the team to strive to achieve, so it does not prevent them from doing anything but their best.
In order to feel successful, McDonald says changing your mindset will help encourage oneself to feel accomplished even on the day when discouragement is at its best.
Makayla Barchett-Editor Cross country receives additional coach
committing more of her time to running. It was not long before she began to prepare for a variety of races.“I began running races as a young adult. I've run too many 5ks to count, a few 10ks, half marathons, three marathons and two 50ks. I like to pick a big race a year to train for to keep me accountable,” McDonald said. “I have won many 5k's and a 15k trail run as a Master (meaning 40 or over). Many 5k's I have placed first in my age group. As far as longer races go, I just want to keep my marathon under four Initially,hours.”McDonald had attended college to major in education. However, after her first son was born during her senior year she quickly changed her mind.“Iquickly realized I didn't want to teach young children and raise a family at that time,” McDonald said. “ I chose to complete my BA, and I returned to nursing school. I have always loved science, preventative medicine and helping others learn how to care for themselves.”
the runners begin to prepare for the new season, Amber McDonald is introduced as their new assistant coach. With her position comes expectations and goals for both her and her athletes to move toward a successful season.Asboth a coach and a mother, McDonald understands the importance of encouraging and being supportive to help others gain their confidence to find their potential. She also brings three years of coaching both cross country and track in Vermont where she coached her oldest son. Since “Girls on the Run” had always been a running group for the girls, she decided to start a boys running group with another teacher for fourth through sixth grade the year before she moved to
Alabama.“Wewanted to spark interest for boys as well,” McDonald said. “I have a passion for running, an invested interest in my students at Sparkman developing a love and I like to support my own
“I would say watching someone learn to enjoy running or get faster is a success,” McDonald said.
Amber McDonald
“For me, realizing I don't always have to win, but to do my best and improve my time while changing my mindset is a win.”
the second week. She’s encouraged us to keep going even when we didn’t want to simply because she knew we could.”
“Not just as a coach, but in all areas of my core values include: kindness, service, respect, integrity and honesty. We only learn from trying and failing.”
Sophomore Garrison Barchett is starting off his second year in cross country, he is beginning to appreciate McDonald the more days pass as she demonstrates her commitment to the team.
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Not only are there a decline in AP classes alone but also a decline of African American students enrolled in AP classes. Last year statistics showed that 1,004 students made up all the AP courses and only 194 of those students were African American. This year 998 students make up all AP courses and only 214 of those students are African
AP CLASSES TAKING TOLL
Administration and faculty alike are concerned with the decrease in AP enrollment across all subjects and are actively seeking a solution to encourage more students to take on the challenge. AP biology teacher Amber Kimbrell said that the school saw a decrease in AP enrollment after school closed in March of 2020. Kimbrell also said that research is showing that students who are taking AP courses are more likely to be more prepared for college, despite exam“Myscores.guess is that students are so busy with extracurricular activities like
American.Eventhough the number of African American students taking AP classes has increased this year the number of students in total has decreased with last year being 19% of African Americans and this year being 21% of African AfricanHughes,Americans.JuniorTeniyahwhoisanAmericanAP student, said she believes that she as a student learns differently and that students like her feel overwhelmed with the term AP classes because they know it means advanced placement. Students feel they will not do well in AP classes because they feel it will be more challenging.“Iknowschools say that AP classes are good for getting into colleges, which I believe. But I do not believe that you have to take AP classes to be good enough,” Hughes said.
“Sometimes I feel students just need to be told that they can do it. That we believe in them to take on the academic challenge of an AP course,” journalism teacher Erin Coggins said. “I also like to encourage students to try something new, period. Journalism can teach so many valuable skills that help prepare one for college and I actively recruit students with that hook.”
“The biggest encouragement could be a proper representation of teachers who are teaching these courses. They probably would have an easier time influencing attendance in the courses they teach.” Twyla Maxtion
requesting AP classes this year compared to past years. Kalathas also said she believes that the issue could be COVID related and that students may be apprehensive about AP courses due to two years of non-traditional schooling.
“In both classes I have those that are engaged and those that are not. It doesn’t really matter what class it is, you will have both,” Glass said.
Art by Olivia Lake
AP environmental teacher Twyla Maxtion said African American students may not be taking AP classes due to lack of seeing similarities in their own cultures represented in other students as well as in instructors. Maxtion also said that other African American students may feel overwhelmed by the prospect and need reassurance that there is a soft landing if students chose to take a leap.“Perhaps they do not feel a supportive structure is present in the advanced courses -in other words, they may feel if they are not totally ready, they would sink, and it would be all their responsibility given that they requested a course “above their head, Maxtion said” “We should see what we can do to reassure these
Hughes said that teachers should display their teaching abilities and that she believes teachers should help students more who feel like they do not have certain capabilities. Hughes said that teachers should get an understanding of students’ perspective through creating programs and more opportunities.“Alotofstudents feel like they can’t do hard things, especially academically. I just started taking one AP class and I would say it does feel a bit stressful,” Hughes said. “But aside from that I think the people in it and the teachers are okay. And it’s like taking any other class except a little more challenging but I don’t think
Only 30% of students enrolled into AP classes this year and last year, AP U.S. history had the highest percentage of requests. Kalathas said the pace of AP classes and the in-depth analysis of the concepts are beneficial examples of what will be expected from a college class. Students have the potential to earn college credit by taking the AP exam at the end of the school year.
jobs and sports and don’t have much time to devote to AP classes,” Kimbrell said. “However, I encourage students to take AP classes.”
Kyla Davidson-Editor
Glass says she believes AP courses better prepare students for college. Glass said she prepares her students by encouraging them to study 20 to 30 minutes every night instead of completing an assignment.
Senior Rose Van Wyk said she is taking AP courses for college credit and preparation. Van Wyk said she believes that AP classes are a good opportunity to practice challenging concepts and work.“For me it requires a lot more focus and effort into studying. AP classes challenge you to focus and push yourself more, and do a lot of things on your own time,” Van Wyk said. “I feel more comfortable in regular classes, because I get my work done easier and feel more laid back as opposed to AP.”
Students, teachers talk about pros, cons of AP
Teachers feel Van Wyk is not alone in thinking that students feel more comfortable in regular classes. One of the goals set by administration this year is to personally address students before registration to encourage them to at least consider taking an AP class.
Kalathas believes having current AP students share their experiences, answer questions and help prospective students learn what is required for AP classes. Teachers visiting classrooms and sharing information about AP courses will help relieve students’ fears.
IN-DEPTH | 25The Crimson Crier || Sept. 19, 2022
“In my opinion, most students are not doing work a little at a time,” Glass said. “If you do this, you will have quality work. You are not rushed, you do not feel like you have to copy friends’ work. Students are more focused on what their grade is instead of mastering the Schoolskill.” counselor Jessica Kalathas said they did have a decline in students
“I think that if a student truly applies themselves they will get everything they need to be prepared for college from a regular class,” Kalathas said. “However, regular classes do not offer the option of potential college credit.”
“I think that students respond well to a teacher if they know what to expect. We would like to see students take on a challenge and apply themselves and we just want them to grow,” Kalathas said.
“AP” continued on
AP U.S. History teacher Gina Glass said that sophomores only have one option which is AP biology and that by the time they are a junior fitting AP courses into schedules becomes difficult and that seniors usually want to graduate early or either Co-Op which leads to fewer AP classes being taken.
that means you’ll do bad.”
After I got seated, I opened up the menu to find breakfast, brunch and lunch selections, creating a wide array of options for those who may not enjoy breakfast foods. The menu offers more than 18 drinks including hot cocoa, hot teas, gluten-free options and a section of customer favorites so newcomers can have a delectable newCustomerexperience.favorites include
English teacher Jeffery McNealey is focused on encouraging more AfricanAmerican students to take on AP. McNealey said AP classes prepare students for the rigor of college classes and prepares them to think and write
The prices of the menu were also a plus. They have standard diner prices and offer a family bundle to save money for larger families looking for breakfast as well as a kids’ menu to cut down on the Overall,costs. Eggs Up was a fantastic place for brunch and I cannot wait to go back.
“It’s just like any other class. But, I wish they would add more content to what they’re teaching and not just strategies andtaking.”test
“Thecourses.biggest encouragement could be a proper representation of teachers who are teaching these courses. They probably would have an easier time influencing attendance in the courses they teach,” Maxtion said.
Kendall Cope-Editor
Maxtion said teachers could explain what the specific explanations are for each advanced level course and discuss with students what their weaknesses are. And, too, the narrative could be explored to determine if students do feel they are challenging themselves in their current
The only way we can knowledge.”andexperiencethroughourselvesimproveisbygaining
Lauren Scott:
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way into Huntsville. The restaurant is located at 300 Hughes Road in Madison and specializes in a variety of brunch foods.
“It challenges me academically. I don’t know what I would want them to offer but I would like to change how much workgivetheyus.”
MJ Turner:
As soon as you walk into the restaurant, you are welcomed with an aroma of maple syrup and fried eggs as well as a crowded hostess table. After waiting 15 minutes before even getting to the hostess, I had to wait 30 more minutes to be seated; however, that is where my complaints end.
Morning Rush The restaurant opens its doors to hungry customers. Eggs Up welcomes its new community after opening this summer. Photo by Kendall Cope
New restaurant serves breakfast platesstudents.”Maxtion said teachers should discuss a student’s standardized test scores with them and provide information on where the student falls nationally. If the student has not scored well on the PSAT, for example, teachers should be mindful of asking them to take advanced courses.
A South Carolina chain, Eggs Up has over 57 locations nationwide. This particular location opened in late July and has been packed ever since. The restaurant is sadly only open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., but they are open daily; so those who work or have school can stop by and try the new restaurant for themselves.
Maxtion said it is widely known based on statistics that all students can become better prepared in college when they practice those types of courses prior to going to college, not just Black students.“APcourses can pave the way for a shorter route to desired degrees when students score high enough on their AP exams. I sincerely believe more Black students should take advantage of the opportunities offered at Sparkman High School,” Maxtion said.
Cracking the key to an hasdiner,egg-cellentEggsUpmadeits
EGGS UP, SMILES UP
Sunny Side Up Eggs Up serves a Philly Cheesesteak Omelette from the breakfast section of their menu. Photo by Kendall Cope
critically.“From what I have gathered from conversations from students, many do not take AP classes because they do not understand the benefits. As an AP instructor and a parent of a child who took AP classes, that is not the case,” McNealeyMcNealeysaid.believes allowing current students to share their experiences with AP courses will help students consider AP courses. And have recent graduates who are currently enrolled could give more specific examples of how those classes benefit them.
Eggs Up is decorated as a typical diner with a farmhouse twist, including hints of yellow and teal. It offers tables for all sizes of families and a counter for those that may prefer it. If you sit at the counter, you can even watch the cooks make all of the food while you enjoy your own. It also features
an egg counter that was in the nine thousands and a sign across the top of the counter reading, “LET ME MAKE YOU SMILE,” which certainly improved my mood.
lettuce, tomato, avocado and mayo on grilled Tuscan bread. Some interesting items I saw on the menu are “Baked Peaches and Cream Pancakes” and the “Biscuit-wich,” which I will certainly go back to try.
After careful consideration, I finally settled on the “Philly Cheese Steak” signature omelet with a side of “Home Fries.” The omelet includes thinly sliced steak with American cheese, onions and peppers. I am not a huge fan of eggs, however I decided to get them since they are a specialty of the restaurant, and boy am I glad I did. The omelet was the perfect ratio of meat to eggs. It paired perfectly with a dash of hot sauce for those who like a kick.
“Students in general should work to challenge themselves in the classroom,” McNealey said. “Race simply has nothing to do with it. If you want to be successful you have to develop successful habits. Setting aside time to study, not just for tests but to study your notes from all that you have done and learned each day. That is the only way knowledge can be retained.”
“Founder’s Hash Benedict” which is a classic eggs Benedict, topped with corned beef hash, and the “Turkey Avocado BLT” which is turkey, bacon, Swiss cheese,
Nikki MacLong:
“I feel like I’m learning a lot. It's a lot more challenging but it is college credit. I wish it was a lot more fun and I wish they would teach us more like high schoolers and not college
“Any class that challenges a student will better prepare them for college. College is just different. If students aren’t self-motivated, they simply will not be able to perform,” McNealey said. “The goal of any education, on the high school level or in higher education, is not to pass.
Maxtion believes that African American students challenging themselves in the classrooms will certainly depend on the atmosphere as set forth by the governing body in that classroom.“Teachers should appear approachable and inviting,” Maxtion said. “With the proper atmosphere, the gifts of students can surely shine.”
McNealey said AP courses could lead to new career objectives and different paths of discovery. AP classes will allow students to gain critical thinking skills that will also allow them to perform better on standardized tests like the ACT. McNealey said students do not have to have fears of enrolling into something new.
To me, something to remember while making videos is to not give up. Even if something does not go right with recording a scene, or something will not work out, do not let your discouragement get the best of you. Maybe you need to take a break, or explain the scene better to the actor. I experience this a lot and be sure to keep going to finish the production.Videomaking is a fun hobby, and I would suggest doing so to anyone. Getting to make up
CAUGHT ON CAMERA
Gearing Up After collecting all of his props, Harris utilizes them in every video for a new twist to each one. Harris started filming his sophomore year and has continued ever since.
Wyatt Harris-Reporter
For movies and TV, there is always a script made to depict what will happen in each scene, which I have tried this while producing a bigger video. Honestly, I find this hard to do for a good reason. Making a script sets a line to what happens in a video, as
everything is already planned out for the actors to follow. What I do is ditch the script creation and make everything up as I go. To me, this allows a more flexible plan, with nothing really being planned until a certain scene takes place to map it out for me. It could even be the beginning with just an idea of the plot, and future scenes already pop up in my head. It opens up for more creativity, which is better than planning out beforehand.Another big part of making videos is creating characters, which is one of the best parts in my opinion. In all of my videos that I have made so far, I do not use myself as a character, as I make fictional characters for me and the others to play as. For instance, one of my first characters I made was a guy named Tom, who always wore jeans and flip flops, along with a certain shirt, hat and sunglasses. It is basic, but still fun to be someone else.
were to go on Youtube, what do you see? Nothing but recordings of people or things doing multiple activities of a large variety. Some are serious, like the news for example. Others may not be as serious, but still depict the subject with seriousness. This is where I am, creating goofy videos with the overall goal of enjoyment.
Our imagination is a big variable to video making, as limits do not exist in our mind, but do in real life. You can think of a good idea for a video or scene and imagine it being an amazing production, but something in your life defeats or numbs the possibility. This has to be one of the biggest challenges and hardships in making videos, as many ideas have had to be scrapped
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your own characters and stories always releases creativity, especially when it is expressed through recording. Plus, it never has to be expensive to do it. So maybe if you want to create your own videos, go for it.
process to make a video, sometimes it really is not.
Junior makingpassionfindsinfilm
Videos have been around for decades, and even a little over a decade now. It is said that the first video to ever be recorded was back in 1888 by a French inventor by the name of Louis Lee Prince. The footage was black and white with a quality that was good enough to make out what was happening. Now in 2022, look of how far this concept has come.
Photo courtesy of Wyatt Harris
The next part after mapping out a plot and characters, is to start recording. Lots of people use equipment like fancy video recorders and advanced video editors. For me, all I use is my Ipod
due to that reason. An important thing to remember is to not give up because of this. Even if something cannot be done, that does not mean that a related alternative can be done.
Nowadays, there are high-tech video cameras, capable of capturing high quality videos of the world to see. Even phones have cameras like this, with recordings able to be taken with a mere press of a button. It seems that recordings have evolved greatly throughout the years, all the way here in 2022.Ifyou
One of my biggest hobbies is to make short but well made videos, referred to by me as skits. It is below or around 10 minutes, and produced by only two people, usually my brother or friends. These videos may be small, but to watch them is always the most enjoyable experience. Watching the video by yourself or with others is always nice, seeing how the final result turned out. Even though it seems like an easy
Touch 7 and Splice, a free video editor on IOS. This allows me to produce my videos with no cost, since they are just for fun at the moment. With the good camera on the Ipod, it allows me to save money by using something I already have, instead of purchasing expensive equipment.Whilerecording, a basic still recording may not be the best for some videos. A good example of this is The Commercial, where a salesman named Fancypants DrippyRice (acted by me) proposes a product, as the entire thing is an obvious scam. Instead of having the camera stay at a normal distance of me as I act, the camera zooms in and out, along with other movements to add on to “commercial”thefeel. In the end, I-movie was used to add in a few other effects, and then it was a complete masterpiece.
“Getting to make up your own characters and stories always releases creativity, especially when it is expressed through recording.
Wyatt Harris
Black Dog Grounds and Sounds
Finally, we went to Charlie Fosters which is located in Stovehouse off Governors Drive SW. We tried the orange mocha latte and the butterscotch latte. They both were very subtle, but were nice to enjoy as we wandered around the scenic Stovehouse. This shop sticks to a theme with all of it is decorations, from the red tinted windows to their red heart shaped seats.
Price: Overall:5/107/10
Taste: Overall:Price:Variety:Ambiance:7.5/108/104/106.5/107.5/10
After trying all six of these cafe’s coffee our favorite based on taste would have to be Cafe 153. Although some were better than others, all of them are worth the trip to try. Each place had their own unique touch to it and all had us leaving constantly. Overall we believe these six places show that the majority, if not all, of Huntsville’s coffee shops will not leave you disappointed.
Just Love Coffee, which has two locations. One is off Hughes Road, the other is off Memorial Parkway. We had the Caramel Macchiato and “Cha Cha” (dark chocolate, hazelnut and amaretto). Both were creamy and flavorful. After those two, a barista made an off the menu surprise drink for us to try. This one was delicious. It was fun having her go out of her way to make us this
experimental drink. The cafe had a nice atmosphere, from the cozy mugs to the board game corner. This place has a comfortable and friendly environment.
Gold Sprint
Honest Coffee
Customer Service: 8/10
is famously known for its math and science culture, filled with engineering and rockets. However, unknown to most is how robust the coffee community is. Huntsville is lined with local coffee options, each packing their own unique flair. It has a coffee trail and festival. Here is our take on six of the options in town.Cafe 153 is located at Bridge Street. The coffee shop had a wide variety of unique flavor options, and signature drinks. We tried the caramel macchiato, “Jane Austen” latte (honey and lavender) and blackberry cobbler latte (cinnamon, white mocha and blackberry). Each coffee was full of strong flavor, was very sweet and was appealing to the eye. There are plenty of flavors to choose from. Interesting choices to choose from. The shop has a comfortable feeling and a unique loft. It would be a nice atmosphere to get a drink with a friend, study or relax.
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Variety: 5/10
Variety: 6.5/10
Reporters: Katrina Huynh, Kimberly MacDonald, Alyssa Miller
Variety 9/10
Price: Overall-4/106.75/10
Customer Service: 5.5/10
Variety: 7.5/10
Customer Service: 9.5/10
Scouring local coffee shops to discover the best
We ventured to Honest Coffee Roasters, located on Clinton Ave. We tried the vanilla latte and the “Bees Knees”salted honey and cinnamon). The vanilla latte was a great consistency and perfect if you are going for something simple. The “Bees Knees” had a lot of honey in it but it was not overpowering. It had a very light and summery taste and just the right amount of sweetness to it. The cafe has a very aesthetically pleasing appearance. It does not have that much space inside but it makes up for it with a few seating places outside of the cafe. The baristas were very kind and made sure you got the right things. Next, we went to Gold Sprint located near Memorial Parkway off 9th Ave SW. The interior is spacious and has a very unique and boho feel to it. The eclectic and unique decorations added a fun
Taste: Ambiance:8/10 9.5/10
Price: Overall:7/108/10
Cafe 153
Taste: Ambiance:8/10 9.5/10
Customer Service: 9/10
Caffinated and Opinionated Posing in front of Black Dog Grounds and Sounds’ mural, seniors Kimberly MacDonald and Katrina Huynh discuss the aesthetic of the shop and their drinks. After a few sips, they rate the quality and taste of the drinks. Photo by Alyssa Miller
Taste: Overall:Price:Variety:Ambiance:8.5/107/108/108/108.5/10
Huntsville
Customer Service: 8.5/10
Taste: Ambiance:6/10 8/10
Customer Service: 6.5/10
relaxed environment to enjoy our coffee. The drinks we tried were the honey lavender latte and the vanilla latte. The flavors melted together, forming a bold and delicious coffee.
Charlie Fosters
Black Dog Grounds and Soundsis located off Old Madison Pike. This shop doubles as both a coffee and record shop. When you first walk in it appears to be an average record store, but once you wander further you will see the coffee counter. There is also a nook off to the side with a record player and seats to enjoy your coffee. At the coffee shop we tried “The Black Dog’’ (blackberry, lavender and vanilla) and a caramel latte. The caramel latte had a very smooth texture and the Black Dog had a flavor unlike anything we had tried before.
Taste: Ambiance:6/10 9/10
Price: Overall:9/109/10
A GUIDE TO HSV COFFEE
Just Love Coffee
It varies in a lot of situations because sometimes I’m given deadlines, and other times I’m just doodling and it comes to me.
Sometimes, depending on what I have to do, its like surgery where I have to do it in complete silence. Sometimes I’ll put something on in the background like a video.
Do you take any art classes? If so, do they help you improve?
I take Art 3, but it really just goes over things I’ve already learned. I recommended that [artists] teach [themselves].
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Tell me about your favorite artist and your favorite piece done by them.
GRAHAM WOO: Artist of The Month
Mason Lindroth, he makes indie games and screensavers. He made a game called Hylics 2, I highly recommend it. Its an RPG and you can just stare at the graphics.
Tell me why you decided to start making art. When I was small I had severe allergies that prevented me from going outside. One day inside, my mom was scribbling on the ground and that inspired me to do the same, which eventually got me into drawing.
Do you listen to music when you make art?
How often do you make art?