RamPage 4th Edition

RamPage The Englewood High School

Volume 51, Issue 4 June 2010

Class officers elected for 2010-11

By: DaJonah Hall and A’Dreana Gaines

After months of hanging posters and telling people to vote for them, the 2010-2011 class officers were announced.

These students have all earned the honor of being put up on a pedestal in Englewood’s history, said Mr. Richard Willoughby.

The students who appointed them seem to think these elected leaders will make the 2010-11 school year unforgettable.

Below is a list of the winners, and quotes from the presidents talking about their hopes for next year.

Sophomore class President: Ronald Cyler (unavailable for comment) Vice President Brandon Thigpen Treasurer Brianna Hardy Secretary Jamie Chambers Student Rep.: No candidate

Junior class President Broderick Cyler “My hope for next year is to get my entire class to be known for not just hanging out with their normal people but to get to know their entire class.”

Vice President Christina Mattis Treasurer Chasmine Miller Secretary Alyssa Hill Student Rep.: Symone Williams, Ria Reynolds

Senior class President Dequila Lang “I hope to make a fun and better class by having different school functions like raising money, school dances and activities to get the class involved.”

Vice President Frank Craig Treasurer Devin Hagans Secretary Devon Hagans Historian Kenny Thompson Student Rep.: Kathleen Hollingsworth

Senior class president Dequila Lang

What does your head size say about your intellect/personality?

By: Britny Logan

Looking around the RamPage ‘office,’ I realized I couldn’t see that far.

At first, it didn’t really bother me, but then it was like sweat in my eyes. I just couldn’t avoid it. My eyes continued to scan the room when finally I realized … RamPage leaders have some big heads!

After this finding was discussed among the leaders of the RamPage, the editors decided to see if their head sizes were any indication of their egos.

Through research and interviews, I found head size is not an illustration of a person’s ego. It’s simply based on a person’s genetics and varies based on a person’s gender and age.

I mean, really. Ever noticed how many on the RamPage staff think they have the right to barge into classrooms to ask questions and deserve backstage access to everything?

Imagine if people’s appearance revealed what type of personality they had – those who are nosy had big noses, those who were violent had big knuckles and those who were overconfident had big heads?

What would you look like? Hopefully not like sophomore Dusty Rhoades.

He came in first place with a whopping measurement of 24.5 inches.

“I don’t feel like I have a big head,” said Rhoades, who is the lead designer and assignment editor of the RamPage. “Everyone just keeps telling me I do.”

Although Rhoades seems to still be bewildered by the results, Mrs. Rebecca Cray, the BEAM academy teacher, was even more puzzled when she overheard the results.

Please see HEAD STORY on Page 11

Taylor named National Read 180 Teacher of the Year!

By: Addie Crosby

Ms. Terri Taylor is soft-spoken, patient, and humble.

Maybe that’s her way of getting her point across, and what makes her a good reading teacher.

Some students say Taylor is strict only when needed, and only because she knows her Read 180 students need a push – and sometimes a shove – for which she is recognized nationally. Aside from being voted by her peers for Englewood’s Teacher of the year, Taylor was named the 2010 High School Read 180 Outstanding Educator, beating out hundreds of colleagues in the field from across the United States.

The award came with a $1,200 check, an honorary plaque, and a guest spot at the 2010 Summer Institute in Nashville, Tenn.

“She is a prime example of how hard Englewood is working to improve reading scores,” said Mrs. Kay Dudley. “It is an honor for her to be nationally recognized.”

The Scholastic website, which sponsored the competition, praised Taylor: “What really sets Taylor apart as an Outstanding Educator is the mentorship and guidance she shows students in her classroom.”

Please see TAYLOR on Page 12

Britny Logan measuring Dr. Alvin Brennan’s head.

The Willoughby way

By: DaJonah Hall

It’s the tense early morning of the first day of FCAT testing and Richard Willoughby is bouncy and carefree.

On this day, his role is to drive a golf cart around and make sure the testing goes well and to answer any last minute questions for teachers. Despite the tension surrounding the day, Willoughby smiles as he puts in his headphones to listen to “White and Nerdy” by parody singer Weird Al Yankovic.

“I want to roll with the gangstas,” Willougby repeats over and over as he turns the golf cart across campus. It becomes his battle cry of goofiness.

It’s obvious Willoughby is not going to let the state test ruin his morning. He likes Englewood loose and calm.

He turns a corner and is clearly amused when he nearly runs over Mr. Steve Barfield, the administrator of the FCAT. He giggles as Mr. Barfield turns crimson red.

Please see WILLOUGHBY on Page 12

Dear overly dedicated student

By: Brandon Johnson Brandon Johnson, a senior slacker, spoofed Shana Dorsey’s “Dear slackers” editorial in the last edition of the RamPage, when Dorsey bashed students on campus who don’t respect school or care to learn.

Dear Overly Dedicated Student,

Thanks for making hundreds of students look like imbeciles. Sorry about the computer lab time and after school help that Englewood’s “dim” students needed. Good job excelling without the resources your peers “hogged” up.

I tip my dunce cap to you.

I assume you’re too logical to get my sarcasm. So let me use your language: listening to you condescend everyone else is disgusting.

Please see DEDICATED on page 12

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Around School

Creative moments through expression

By: Britny Logan

Writing can help people introduce themselves: tell through illustration what they are about. Words help people reflect: think life out. Both help people get composure: let stress out.

Patrick Parker, a senior, has embraced his love of language to do all of this and hopes his insight will entertain. He has looked within himself, absorbed his feelings, and released them onto the page through words. Everyone has personal expression, but Parker’s seems to come from a deeper inspiration.

Writing poetry since he was a sophomore, he said he was inspired by Muhammad Ali’s famous quote, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”

The words spoke to him like a song, with a poetic melody and deeper meaning. Since then, Parker said that phrase and a few others have inspired him to capture, in his own way, the many different emotions life illuminates.

“It’s really what I’m feeling at the moment,” Parker said, explaining how he comes up with ideas for his poems. “My words correspond with my mood.”

Some of Patrick’s themes are love, the stress of school and even go as deep as analyzing the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001. He says he also gets inspiration from what people say and the images people create with their words.

“I find certain words that I want to write on, like ‘guidance,’” he said. “Or if you say a certain word like ‘depression,’ I’ll write something on depression.”

The RamPage caught up with Patrick after word got out he was reading his poetry aloud in Mr. James Belyea’s class. Looking for similar talent around campus, the RamPage staff hopes to create and design a poetry/fiction page in the newspaper to feature other students who share their thoughts and feelings through creative ways.

Anyone interested in having work featured in the newspaper, please see Mr. Bryan Noonan in room X109. Please bring a sample of work for RamPage editors to select for next year’s RamPage. See other works of fiction on page 9.

Here’s the poem Patrick chose to share with the newspaper: Disturbance beyond silence goes further than anyone plans it to.

The complications of it all make things seem like a secret rendezvous.

I know it sounds confusing and inept But to stop to think what life is like, All secrets that you’ve kept.

People always say, “Things are always what they seem to be.”

But that’s how the silence is.

It has always been, you see?

Thoughts flow through my head Like a storm trying to brew And when the silence of these thoughts let loose, There’s no telling what I’ll do.

Things between people are said through silence A look, a movement, or even a blink of an eyelid See, what you don’t realize is life would be even more chaos without silence Wars would be lost and the world would be off balance.

Now, a random joke to lighten the mood

A man goes to his local post office with a parcel for his mother in hand.

“This parcel is too heavy” the post office clerk tells him, “You’ll need to put some more stamps on it”.

And the man says in amazement, “So, if I put some more stamps on it, the parcel will get lighter?”

The Love Doctor

By: Terry Johnson

With a chuckle and a grin, Dr. Melody Campbell looks surprised when she’s told students around campus refer to her as “the love doctor.”

That’s because students constantly go to her about relationship advice.

“She gives really helpful advice and the outcome is always beneficial when I take her advice,” says James Jackson, a sophomore.

He’s one of countless love-struck students who run to Campbell saying they enjoy her company and trust her advice.

Campbell, who is a guidance counselor, said she doesn’t go out scoping out students’ love affairs. The romantic drama on campus just comes to her. “I just get out and talk to the students around the school and they just tell me what’s going on,” she said.

Campbell thinks most of the dilemmas kids face are cute and really not a big deal. With time comes experience in love, so she gives what guidance and advice she can. “I tell them that they are young and they are going to go through a lot,” Campbell said.

She said she doesn’t think most of the relationships will last beyond high school, but she nevertheless enjoys giving a slice of love advice when asked. “I’m glad that the students are comfortable coming to me about their needs,” Campbell said.

When she’s not playing love doctor, Campbell is a small learning community counselor around campus and she counsels anything that has to do with the ninth or tenth grade students. She will be moving up with the tenth graders next year so she can continue to counsel them. Outside of school she likes to spend her free time with family and her son.

“He’s into sports so I’m always at games,” Campbell said.

She describes herself as approachable, because she tries to be open minded about many situations and think outside the box, whether she’s thinking about love or any other issue teens face. “I’m not judgmental.”

Teen violence

Judge visits EHS to discuss crime trends in Jacksonville By: Brianna Hardy and Dana Johnson

As students walk through Englewood’s hallways, they sometimes hear friends and acquaintances talking about an arrest, a violent confrontation or some other sad news that led to someone going to jail or getting hurt the night before.

Everyone has seen a student walking around campus with “Free my cousin ‘soand-so’” on their shirt, and some say it’s a shame teens advertise their convicted or dead loved ones.

Maybe it’s all an indication that teen crime is too common in Jacksonville.

This was the message from Circuit Judge Brian Davis, who came to Englewood to share and express his remorse on how he feels about teens and their troubles with the law. Englewood librarian Mrs. Michelle Brooks said she was excited about having him come speak.

“The reading department was studying teens and crimes and Davis does that for his job,” she said. “I asked him to come to enlighten the students.”

Davis shared many statistics, but one of the most startling was the rising number of young girls having brushes with the law. “There are more male cases than female,” Davis said, but added, “9 to 1 was the ratio 10 years ago. Today it is 7 to 3.”

Davis began to go into detail about what race seems to be getting arrested the most. “One thing that disturbs me is I see so many teens that come into my court are African-Americans,” he said.

Davis wants students to gain a little wisdom out of his presentation. All Davis can do is hope, but it is up to students to stop making brainless decisions and at least try to think the next time they are about to do something dreadful.

“Critical thinking about the future is what I hope the students will connect with what they do in school and what they are likely to do in life,” he said.

The double lives of Englewood teachers By: Michael Adams

By day they find themselves in a world of rules, ducking paper balls and battling with their main villain – the class clown.

By night, they transform into the adult realm, a more serene place where ideas are explored.

This is the difference between high school and college, and like our favorite superheroes, some teachers at EHS live double lives. Four teachers on campus all teach at Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) in their spare time.

In addition to these four teachers, Principal Dr. Alvin Brennan teaches a course at Jacksonville University.

The RamPage investigated what the major differences are between the high school and college levels by interviewing each.

When she is not in D-Wing, Mrs. Melanie Fierro is probably getting ready for her biology classes at FSCJ. She said each school has its advantages. "Teaching at the college is less stressful," Fierro said, adding that students are investing money and time into their learning. This brings a more serious attitude to the experience. “If they (students) have a poor attitude and get flip with the professor, the professor can have them removed from the class."

Mrs. Gail Hubbard teaches Reading and English at FSCJ. She said college

students are more responsible and have less behavioral issues. “The students at the college level are more willing to do the work because they have a goal to reach.”

Students agree Mr. Edwin Rock knows how to have fun on and off Englewood campus. In addition to his many roles at Englewood, Rock also teaches ESOL at FSCJ. “I prefer teaching at the college. Adults are more appreciative of the teachers than high school students … they say thank you everyday," Rock said.

Though he is a geometry teacher at EHS, Mr. Jonathan Burgess teaches Math and Reading at FSCJ. Asked if he prefers teaching at Englewood or at college, Burgess said, "I prefer teaching here

because students need to take advantage of learning opportunities as early as possible."

Finally, when he’s not running Englewood, Principal Dr. Alvin Brennan teaches master’s degree level courses in curriculum and instruction at JU. He said understanding both the teenage and adult student minds gives him the mastery needed to both manage one school, and to teach at another. "I like both because teaching at the college and running Englewood gives me a better insight of the students," Brennan said.

Tips and Tricks 10 ways to survive your college career

By: Kendra Mazeke

So you’re standing at the front step of your dorm, it’s your first day of school and all you hear is the wailing from your mother behind you while your father pats her back to console her. You take that slow turn around to assure her you’ll be fine but as you do it’s like your life flashes before you and you blank out clinching your jaws together and taking a deep breath realizing that you’re going to be on your own from here on out. How will you survive?

Here are 10 ways to survive your freshman year (according to www.quintcareers.com):

1)Participate in all college orientations. Is this really required? You may have taken one already, hey maybe even three but the faster you get familiarized with the campus the easier you’ll find your way around and therefore you will feel more at ease and better prepared when issues tend to arise.

2)Get to know your roommate. Getting to know the person you live with should be an important step to you because you should want to know their pet

peeves or bad habits especially if that’s your roomy. Most likely you’ll be spending all your years with this person even if you do get a new roommate the next year; you still have to put up with this one for a year. So what better not to do then to acquaintanced with them?

3)Get organized. It’s best to have a calendar and a planner in your room with you so you can always stay on track. Unlike high school, your professors don’t lead you through all the homework and due dates rather then they just post assignments and expect you to be prepared.

It’s good to be organized in your room too … keep a shelf that holds all your folders and books so when you need them you can put your hand right on them.

4)Get on your professors good side. Let your professor know who you are. Bug him/her, get up in their face, and ask questions. Who are you to your professor just another name on a piece of paper. Let your professor know you appreciate him/her, show them your actually interested, start a conversation about their lecture after class. Just the little things that will get you noticed.

5)Get to know your academic adviser. This is the person who will help you with course conflicts, adding or dropping courses, scheduling of classes for future semesters, deciding on majors and minors. This person is a key resource for you -- and should be the person you turn to with any academic issues or conflicts.

And don’t be afraid of requesting another adviser if you don’t click with the one first assigned to you.

6)Seek a balance. College life is a mixture of social and academic happenings. Don’t tip the balance too far in either direction. Just keep track of yourself and stay organized.

7)Get involved on campus.

Consider joining a select group -- and be careful not to go overboard -- of student organizations, clubs, sororities or fraternities, or sports teams. With this you’ll get a lot of benefits like new friends, learn new skills, and feel more connected to your school.

8)Make time for you. Be sure you set aside some time and activities that help you relax and take the stress out of your day or week. Whether it’s enlisting

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yoga techniques, watching your favorite television shows, writing in a journal, or going on a early morning stroll to get some coffee, be good to yourself, don’t get over stressed, clear your mind and let your emotions flow.

9)Keep track of your money. If you’ve never had to create a budget, now is the time to do so. Find ways to stretch your money. Yes you’ll probably be receiving money from mommy and daddy but you still need to budget your money as well. Open up a bank account and get your bank accountant to help you keep your money organized. Try not to over spend and get what you NEED before what you WANT. You can also try putting a certain portion of your money in a savings account.

10)Don’t procrastinate; prioritize your life. It may have been easy in high school to wait until the last minute to complete an assignment and still get a good grade, but that kind of stuff will not work for you in college. Give yourself deadlines prior to your professor’s deadline and stick to them. Make a study time for everyday.

If there is one movie you see this weekend …

By: Blake Kreitner

Iron Man 2 is the best new movie out right now.

Rock band AC/DC would be proud of the worthy sequel to Iron Man. It is an action-packed thrill ride full of metal-clanking violence and witty humor, Robert Downey Jr. gives an equally great performance as he did in the first Iron Man.

He simply makes the character of Tony Stark come alive with showboating and entertaining narcissism.

What really makes the Iron Man movies great is the story line, not so much the action and violence. The action is too brief to be unforgettable- but when you’re in the moment of an action scene, watching the super-powered metal man throw some poor sap around, you will really enjoy it.

Another supporting factor in the sequel’s greatness is the surprising use of intelligent science. Characters use big words to satisfy people who like detail, appealing to the science type.

I would recommend this movie to everyone who enjoys a good bad guy bonecrushing. As a second recommendation, stay after the credits to watch a sneak peak of the next Marvel movie, which will help shed light on the secrets of Marvel movies.

Must-see summer blockbusters By: Blake Kreitner

For obvious reasons I will not be able to pass judgment and tell you what movies to see over the summer. But with this list you can decide what the real blockbusters are and what is a cheap waste of time.

The amazing movies that we have witnessed over the 2009-10 year, such as Avatar, Sherlock Holmes, and Paranormal Activity have all come and gone. They are ready to be replaced by all new very promising summer blockbusters, including the following list Must-watch summer blockbusters: The Karate Kid Shrek Forever After Despicable Me Toy Story 3 The Last Air Bender

Helpful tips to living a long, happy life

It’s never too early to start paying attention to your health. Though many of us feel invincible, bad health choices slowly creep in. RamPage reporter Victoria Roman found a top five list of health tips to live by.

The average life expectancy at birth is about 79 for women and 72 for men. So listen up boys, if you hope to one day be a grandpa looking back on a good, long life.

• The “five- second rule” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, according to

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WebMD. It doesn’t matter whether the food is on the floor for 5 seconds or 20 minutes, the food is infested with germs and could make you sick.

The benefits of physical fitness combine to create a recipe for happiness.

Some experts even claim people who exercise feel a euphoria, or great joy, when they work out because exercising releases endorphins in the brain.

Staying fit actually helps you handle stress, think better and faster, and even live longer.

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On the other hand, excessive amounts of exercise can be harmful to the body. For instance, over time, people who exercise excessively experience bone weakening, injuries, and for women, abnormalities in the menstrual cycle.

You have to be an idiot to smoke.

Smoking increases the body’s temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate, leads to lung cancer (according to many studies) and makes you smell and unattractive over time. On top of

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this, nicotine is extremely addictive, so it’s not going to be easy to quit this nasty, stupid habit.

Binge drinking is dangerous you can suffer from acne, put on weight, damage your liver, and worse, end up making a fool of yourself in the process. Long-term binge drinking weakens the heart, and damages almost every organ in the body. Binge drinking has led to countless deaths on the road, fights, breakups and embarrassment. Sounds fun, right?

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Editorials

The RamPage

BRITNY LOGAN Editor In Chief Lead Reporter DUSTY RHOADES JESSICA KEATHLEY Senior Editor Lead Designer Assignment Editor BRYAN NOONAN Advisor

Starting over By: Andrew Mayorga

Does anyone else feel jipped by this new high school opening up next year?

What was the point of spending two glorious years at Englewood only for the rest of our time to be stripped away prematurely when we were just starting to get some momentum?

I have spent two out of my four high school years at Englewood and remember the days of being a lost soul in new territory during my first few weeks freshman year.

Now I have to be a lost soul on new grounds again when I step foot in the new school, known as Atlantic Coast High School, slated to open near Baymeadows for the 2010-11 school year.

It makes me furious that all the great memories I have at Englewood are about to be stolen from me. I remember the first time I stepped foot on this familiar campus.

I hated it. I missed all the fun I had experienced during my three years at Twin Lakes Middle School.

It was surreal that I had to spend a total of four years in this beaten down school, and I thought my life as a high school student would never end.

I think back on this, and what a fool I was.

Two years later, Englewood has not only become my school, but also my home away from home. I spend more time here then anywhere else. I’ve met countless friends who give me new memories to remember everyday. I had great times all over campus, at pep rallies, and even in class. I was on the school swim team for one year, and the school wrestling team for two, and had the time of my life doing it with people that loved the sports as much I do.

Now I have to break all those bonds.

A big motivation for building the new school was to help overcrowding at Sandalwood, Mandarin, Wolfson, and here. But what the administrators and board members making the rules don’t realize is that many of us enjoy mingling in those busy crowds between classes.

But I’m not whining. I know this is going to affect every kid living in a threemile radius around the new school. What sucks is that we’re all being FORCED to go there.

Who knows, maybe I will be wrong again about first impressions for a second time. But I really highly doubt it.

One nice aspect is that the new school will not have a senior class in its first year, meaning that the year after I start there, I will be part of the first ever Atlantic Coast graduating class. Sounds a little cool.

The problem is, going to Atlantic Coast next year is probably going to suck.

So, I bid farewell to you Englewood. It’s been a memorable two years, filled with some of the best times in my teenage years. But like all good things, it must come to an end, and that end day will come this June, when I take one last step off the campus I have come to know and love and step foot onto the new land known as Atlantic Coast.

And who knows, maybe I will be wrong again about first impressions for a second time. But I really highly doubt it.

By: Tabby Keeves

The future is terrifying. Especially for high school kids who are just beginning to start their lives.

There are only a few days of high school left until graduation. And what are we going to do after we walk the plank? Half of us have no idea.

But what I do know is a small list of things that could help you get through this personal dilemma.

For the freshmen: I know it’s early, but we all had to start somewhere. And we’ve all been in your shoes. And from experience alone I can say that you need to set a goal. Start to figure out what you’re going to do with your life. School certainly doesn’t last forever, and nobody in the world is going to sit there and plan your future for you. At some point, you have to be responsible and do things yourself. That’s how you really learn.

For the sophomores: assuming you have set a goal for yourself, what comes next? Now you need to make sure your goal is really right for you. So, what can you do? Well seeing as you guys are 15 years old, what you can do is volunteer somewhere. You’re a little young to be working (at most places) just yet, so VOLUNTEER. But the key to this piece of advice is that you’ve got to volunteer at a place where you would like to work in the future. For example, my goal is to be a vet-

A Father’s Day wish from the heart Dear Dad,

I think about you and the pathetic story of our relationship.

Don’t think for a minute I’ve forgotten all the unforgiving words you’ve said to me, and how you left me, practically disregarding I was even your daughter. You’re a real man. You should be proud.

With Father’s Day coming up in a couple weeks, I wanted to write you and wish you the best. And for your reminders of the mistakes I made along the way, how you always like to remind me that I was an embarrassment to you, I wanted to tell you that I wish I could go back in time and fix my mistakes, just to make you happy.

As years go by I just learn to respect you less. I even daydream about your funeral. Not that I wish death upon you, but sometimes it seems if one of us were gone, we’d both get a break from all the fighting, arguing, vengeful acts, the drama.

I try to leave my bad memories of you in the past, try to forget, but it’s hard when everyone constantly reminds me how you screwed up. In every aspect of your life.

I mean really, who doesn’t make mistakes in life? Well, from where I stand, you screwed up by choosing your friends and choosing to go out drinking instead of spending time with your family. Ooooh, and wait! May I remind you cheated on your wife, which basically meant you cheated on us. And don’t forget that you almost killed your daughter by snatching her from her mother and driving while you were wasted.

Wait, it doesn’t stop there. Not only did you almost kill your daughter but you also beat up your wife! Congratulations champ.

You’re father of the year.

So as you celebrate alone this year, without your daughters, have fun dwelling on our shortcomings. Or, you can be a man and look at yourself first.

Love always, Your daughter

Work or study? Choose wisely By: Christina Mallari

Advice: Before you get sucked in, think carefully if a minimum wage job is worth selling out your youth.

Personally, I’m undecided. I’m not saying working is bad. Thanks to working, I have a full gas tank every week, and I am able to pay for personal expenses like senior activities, clothes and car maintenance. It’s really nice to not have to go to mommy or daddy for money too. So yes, working has been a good choice for me. But I also know that working while also keeping up with school and playing a spring sport has taken away from many opportunities to just be a kid.

And hours of precious sleep.

And time away from friends.

That’s why when I add up my hours of sleeping, sitting in class, working, playing a sport or doing homework, and it equals 105 hours, I have to question my motives.

Shouldn’t the top priorities for teenagers be to get educated, have fun when we’re not in the classroom and sleep a full eight hours every night? Of course, sleep is always important, because this determines our health and productivity. Anyone who’s taken a test on less than four hours sleep probably knows what I’m talking about.

Yes, I respect that some of us must work to help our families make ends meet.

But if money isn’t a problem, is working really worth it?

For those who think you can get by without work, take advantage of these precious years of being a kid. Although the money from working can be great, chances are that the money you make as a teenager won’t be around for long. The memories we have from hanging out at the beach or going to the movies with friends will last forever.

Is it really worth selling out memories for a new wardrobe or the latest iPhone?

These are perishable, memories aren’t. And besides, after high school (or college for those of us going), we’re going to spend about 40 years chasing dollars.

So why not seize the few years we have left to be a teenager?

Working became a good option for me and I do believe it has benefited me overall, but working may not be the best choice for everyone.

So think hard and choose wisely.

Brain savvy

erinarian when I grow up, so I volunteered at a vet clinic.

There, I got to experience all things veterinarian, and I found out that, despite the mess and stress of the job, I really did love it.

For the juniors: The next step is to find a college. It seems like college is still far away for you guys, I

know, but it’s really not. And in your senior year, you’re so busy that anything concerning college tends to get pushed further and further away, until you completely forget about it. And then due dates catch up and you’re not floundering around with nothing to do because you weren’t prepared. So find a college, and maybe start figuring out how you’re going to pay for it.

For the seniors: do not put off college. Assuming, once again, that you’ve figured out what you’re going to do with your life, have volunteered somewhere, and found a nice college and preferably how to pay for it, now you’re onto the last step. And that is, as previously stated, to not put off college. Don’t get lost in a bunch of senseless dreaming, like, “Oh, I’ll wait a couple years, start a family, blahblahblah go to Russia and buy a television and maybe get a job and just float through life.”

Nope. Not going to work. Not for me, anyway. I figure that we’ve got momentum, why not roll with it?

I am, however, going to take my 2010 summer off. I do not have a worked-to-death wish, thanks.

Recap time! Freshmen: Figure out what you’re going to do with your life. Sophomores: volunteer somewhere. Juniors: find a college (and figure out how to pay for it). Seniors: do not put off college.

Senior Ram

The Englewood High School

By: Tabby Keeves

We’re finally done. We’re finally out. And it’s time to start our lives!

Are you excited? I am. But the question is: what are you going to be when you grow up?

I went around and asked some reccommendedly interesting Sen10rs that very question, and here’s what they said.

Daniel Hamilton: “When I grow up, I’m gonna be a writer. But secretly, I’m going to be Optimus Prime. But realistically, I’m going to be a paramedic.”

Look for us

Gerald Gatlin: “A pharmaceutical astronaut slash (/) spy.”

Anita Norris: “A Criminal Investigations Special Agent … for the Army.”

Brandon Morges: “I want to be a nurse, helping the sick, and progress to being a doctor. But hopefully I can be America’s Next Big Star: Gentleman Gaga.”

Gerard Hickman: “I want to be an astronaut, man. I want to do back flips and cartwheels. I want to build a moon castle. Instead of walking on the moon, I’m gonna change the terminology, I’m

gonna run on the moon.”

Eden Shoeneck: “One of those crazy brilliant writer people that should be in the nut house … or an Illithid, whichever comes first.”

Christy Wilson: “I would like to be a teacher. I want to reshape the world and the minds of little ones. The future is important.

”Holly Daniel: “Um…a superhero.”

Senior Splash

By: Jessica Keathley The last major event before graduation, Senior Splash lived up to the hype.

Upon arriving, music blasted from the booth where Deejay Kameron was spinning the latest tunes. Burgers sizzled on the grill and were served while seniors enjoyed the hot sunshine. Animal floaties and water guns were the toys of the day.

Everywhere one turned there was an animal face staring back or a water gun being squirted. Students were pushing each other in the pool whether, ready or not.

1. I Believe – Yolanda Adams 2. Graduation (friends forever)- Vitamin C Seniors enjoyed jumping off the diving board showing off back flips and belly flops.

3. End of the road – Boys II men

The day’s main event was when a massive group of senior boys rallied 4. I believe I can fly – R.kelly against one specific goal: Get Activities Director Mr. Richard Willoughby into the 5. Break away – Kelly Clarkson 6. Wind beneath my wings – Bette Midler water. At first, a few kids failed at making Willoughby budge, but a crew of a dozen or 7. It’s so hard to say goodbye – Boy II men so kids eventually got the upper hand and Willoughby went airborne.

8. Miss You – Aaliyah Willoughby didn’t go down without a fight, however. He brought as many 9. Sweetest Goodbye – Maroon 5 senior boys in the pool with him as he could.

10. Time of your life – Green day

As the school day came to a close, seniors were rushing to their cars soaking wet trying to leave as fast as they could to continue the party at Jacksonville Beach. They didn’t want the day to end.

June 11 here we come. We’re DONE!

Graduation Mixtape

The people I can’t wait to meet in college By: RaeJeana Brooks

I largely owe the essence of my adolescent years to the gaiety that my high school experience has endowed me. In fact, I remember being briefed in middle school that I was about to stumble upon some of the best years of my life, and they have been. Now the uncomfortable rusty red of the double doors is completely comfortable, only now we’re seeing them from the outside. Now is the time in our lives when we either sink or float and quite a bit of us have made the decision to prepare our life vests for the near future by applying to college. I happen to be one of those people. I have thus established a set of principles for my college years that do not sell my post-secondary career anything short of amazing, particularly upon the introduction of these people into my life:

The Coffee Shop Kids: They’re constantly in the coffee shop. They generally stand in a group that grows progressively larger as time goes on, and their lives are pretty much awesome, as you can determine by their constant giggling and falling all over each other, but they rarely order anything. In fact, you question whether they even like coffee, but often contemplate trying to join their group anyway.

The Rastafarian Philosopher: You don’t expect much of this guy. He sits in the back of class where he may or may not sleep, and alternates only between his Slightly Stoopid and Pink Floyd t-shirts. One day, however, he will sit toward the front of the classroom, simply observe for an hour straight, and marinate before voicing an opinion so beautiful that it brings the entire class to tears. Then he will never speak again.

The Bleeding Heart Protester: The bleeding heart protester is often a female who is relatively unrecognizable unless she has a sign in her hands and a “Meat is Murder” logo on her recycled-fabric t-shirt. Every time you see her, she wants you to sign a petition, come out to the protests she and her fellow bleeding hearts put together on a bi-weekly basis, or assist her in freeing her padlocked wrists from a tree. She’s obviously a good person, but her need to let the rest of the world know makes her easy to avoid on campusunless she’s on a megaphone tangent.

The Dude Who Knows Everyone: You usually hear this guy before you see him. That’s because it’s gotten to the point that you recognize the sound of him saying “What’s up, bro?” accompanied by his high five and “Catch you later.” You’re really not sure how you even know him, but somehow, whenever you find yourself in his company trying to have a civil conversation, someone interjects. When you actually get to have a conversation, however, you understand the hype and often meet new people because of him.

The Friends Who Will Make It All Worthwhile:They could fall into any of these categories, or many others. They could be your dorm mate or someone who happens to share the same major.They may even be your high school comrades. However they fit into your college experience, they will be the ones who travel with you to the campus events that you’re too timid to go to by yourself. They will be the ones who make fun of you at your on-campus job, they will be the ones who help you study into the wee hours of the morning and pass out on the floor with you an hour before the test. They will be the ones who you likely keep in contact with as you transition into your career. They will be the ones who make you feel like the journey’s just begun.

Sen10rs go Jamacian?

By: Michelle Davis and Ciara Patrick

Azin Hamidi charged the fence with a brush in one hand and paint in the other. She had waited long enough for the senior fence to get its coat and she was determined to be the artist.

“I just wanted to see it get done,” Hamidi said.

While waiting, she made a list of 40 different designs for the fence, but when it was her time to shine she came up with a final design and ran with it. Instead of using Englewood colors she decided to be unique and have red, yellow and green in other words “Rasta” colors which is Rastafarian colors. In past years the fence had been covered with spirited Englewood colors. But being the unique class that they are, the seniors went with a more vibrant color. Colors that would accentuate the face of the senior class?

Mr. Richard Willoughby, activities director, said he wasn’t sure about the concept at first.

“I thought the colors were gonna be ‘ugh!’” he said. As Hamidi’s design became more detailed Willoughby said he started to appreciate it.

Willoughby said the senior fence is not just any fence. It’s about senior pride. “We try to make senior year as great as possible,” he said.

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Senior Ram

Seniors appreciate Mrs. Whitehouse

By: Jasmine Simmons

Mrs. Karen Whitehouse has meant something to each of us over these past four years, from helping us smile when we were upset to helping us earn scholarship money and enter into colleges. And of course, we all remember her pushing us to pass our FCATs. Through all the drama that has happened over the years, Whitehouse was there for us and no matter what happened she tried her hardest to help us.

The class of ‘10 really owes her a lot, so the RamPage sat down and got some final advice from someone on campuse we’ll never forget:

RamPage: Do you feel all the seniors will succeed graduation day by getting a diploma instead of a certification of completion?

Mrs. Whitehouse: I am nothing but hopeful that students will make it. Some won’t, but other students will be excited to prove others wrong ... I don’t give up on anybody.

What are your feelings toward the class of 2010, and with them preparing to graduate this year?

Generally speaking, they are a wonderful group. They generally are follow the rules and make good decisions.

Does the senior class seem more mature now as it gets ready to conclude the year?

We’re kind of to the end of things, so you’d hope it would be a ‘yes.’ Throughout the year, I have students who have taken the time to look at their academic grades. Many wish they could’ve changed their freshman year, especially now that they see they can achieve A/B Honor Roll.

What is your view on this class and how have they grown or changed over the years?

There’s a whole lot of growing up over four years. Four years is a long time. (Graduation) is a big accomplishment. If it weren’t, you wouldn’t need us.

What is the most important thing you will miss about this class?

Oh my goodness, that’s a loaded question. There isn’t going to be just one important thing. It started with the adjustment of learning names. I’m going to miss the relationships. We all need people we know who will be there for us. So, I’m going to miss that.

That long term connection is really something special.

Do you feel the Class of 2010 appreciates you?

I do feel appreciated, and I do feel loved.

Grad Nite

Englewood seniors go Hollywood

By: Jessica Keathley

It was a magical night of fun, dancing, rides and celebrity performances.

Arriving at 4:30 in the afternoon on April 24, Englewood’s seniors were filled with excitement and impatience waiting on buses to take them to Disney.

They knew what was to come: performances by All Time Low, Keri Hilson, and Paramore with a special guest appearance by MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew champions Quest Crew.

On the way to Disney, buses were hectic and packed with students having fun.

Students chatted about what they were planning on doing once they got there, what they were planning on buying and what characters they wanted to take pictures with.

Disney characters wore their own caps and gowns and were surrounded by crazy seniors. It wasn’t just the characters who were out of their own normalcy, staff members and volunteers were dancing down Main Street all the way around the park selling food, drinks, and souvenirs.

Once arriving in the park, lines were a breeze to get through. No lines, no fuss, just get on and off as much as you like. That is, except for Space Mountain, where the wait time was an hour or more.

Seniors arrived at the park around 8:30 p.m. and were ready to go. Going from Thunder Mountain to Splash Mountain and everything in between, students were excited to spend time with friends. The park provided a free meal, and chaperones got fast passes all throughout the night.

When schools were arriving to have their bags checked, it seemed as though Englewood was the only spirited senior group. The Ram seniors were wild, pumped, and ready to showcase their personalities to other seniors. One Englewood senior made a shout-out to the deejays at the entrance. One of the deejays in turn yelled out Englewood’s name and got the crowds cheering.

As 2 a.m. rolled around, seniors started dropping, lying on the sidewalk on Main Street and sitting on anything that resembled a chair.

Though students were supposed to exit the park at 4 a.m. a few students left early to get a head start and catch up on some sleep.

The way back was dark and quiet, filled with students putting their heads on each others’ shoulders and passing out. The only sounds were of students shifting in their seats to get comfortable.

Everyone agreed spending time with friends on Grad Nite meant more than trips in the past since the senior class was getting ready to leave for college or start their lives in many places. This was a night of fun memories to be shared for years to come.

By Michael Hall

My life has never been as fun as these four years of high school. I have been to crazy places, done crazy things, been dating, been dumped, have dumped someone, and I have done stuff that isn’t exactly school newspaper appropriate (If you really want to know, email me at Michael.Hall.rampage@gmail.com).

Without these experiences, I wouldn’t be who I am now. I hope I will be able to keep in touch with my friends and I know I will never forget high school…

There are defining moments in every person’s lives; moments of insecurities, moments of inspiration, and moments of greatness.

While most of my high school

By: Jessica Keathley

For Englewood’s seniors, “A Hollywood Affair” was a night to remember and to talk about for years to come.

Most students missed the first tune, “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum, as they walked in fashionably late. Instead, the song pumped in the distance as the seniors gathered downstairs to cast ballots for prom queen and king.

Everyone seemed to be checking each other out as they mingled downstairs.

The men were looking sharp as ever in cleanly pressed tuxedos and some of the ladies dresses would make even Beyonce jealous.

Though many complained there were too many limitations and rules at prom, this didn’t stop anyone from having a good time.

Throughout the night, students were pelvic thrusting to Usher and slow dancing to “Can I Have this Dance” by the cast from High School Musical.

Students danced until dresses started sticking to skin and tuxedo jackets and ties started coming off.

Little, empty plastic cups surrounded the dance floor and dining area from kids trying to cool off.

Seniors were talking about who they thought would win king and queen. It was narrowed down between Hana Ashchi and Natalya Green to win and whispers spread that Ashchi would take the crown.

A few votes landed and Green’s name was announced as winner. The other crown was awarded to David Thompson, who jumped with excitement with his “perfect smile” all the way to the front to claim his prize.

Many congratulations and high fives later, the night was coming to an end. People were yawning and getting ready to leave for a night out on the town. As the student population dwindled, the dancing styles were becoming more sloppy and lazy from being tired and worn out. The last song the deejay played was “All the way turned up,” By Travis Porter to end the night on a good beat.

Students began taking their gift bags and saying goodbye, saying “It was fun while it lasted.”

The following Monday, prom was all the students could talk about. For seniors, it was their last high school dance and took them one step closer to graduation and starting their new lives.

Reflections

moments will probably be forgotten or will blur with time, there are some moments I probably will never forget. These are the moments where I learned something about myself with the help of others.

Insecurity: I came here my sophomore year. That year I was probably the smallest kid in the school. But seriously, I was 13 my freshman year, and I was 14 when I got here as a sophomore. I felt small, tiny, and insignificant. Looking back, being small wasn’t that bad after all. It was more of a distraction I put upon myself.

Inspiration: My favorite teacher here was Mr. Chuck Duran. He taught us what WE wanted to learn. This man made me WANT to learn. I remember his book of music and if we wanted to learn

a specific song, he’d print it out for us.

He truly understood how to make learning an individual experience rather than a scripted, test-driven class.

Greatness: I went on a field trip with some students who were recognized as the best of the best at Englewood. We were invited to compete at JU in a trivia showdown testing our academic knowledge on science, math and engineering.

In a close finish, Englewood came in 2nd place (some argue we would have come in first if JU scorekeepers checked their facts correctly). Nevertheless, I was proud to be part of a team that beat Bolles, Paxon, Episcopal, Orange Park, Clay County, and Ridgeview.

… And even though I hope I will always remember the many experiences

I’ve had at Englewood, I know for sure that some of the people I know now, I may later forget.

Recently, I bumped into somebody I knew from my days at Spring Park Elementary.

She noticed me and asked if I remembered her, but I didn’t. That night thinking about my life, I finally realized that no matter how hard I tried not to; eventually, I would end up forgetting people, even some who helped me and made my experiences better along the way.

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Senior Ram Sen10r Siblings!

By: Jasmine Simmons

There’s nothing worse than having friends see how your brother or sister acts in the hallway, tripping over stuff, pestering you after every class about meaningless drama.

Being an older sister or brother should be a source of happiness, at least until the siblings end up going to the same high school.

Englewood’s seniors have siblings who they will leave behind when they cross the stage at graduation. Some seniors have spent two or three years babysitting their siblings on campus, while others only had a “joyful” senior year to share the halls and pains of being a freshman.

There is that feeling of little brothers or sisters trailing behind hanging out at the worst time, especially during lunch, which is usually the only time one can hang out with friends. Yes, sharing school time with siblings can be pretty weird.

And annoying, after spending years working hard to get rid of the “not being lame” status that comes with being an underclassman.

So here’s to them finally making their own friends, getting around school without help from older siblings. So seniors, remember your sibling looks up to you and even though they are younger, and annoying, they are still family. Love them as you love them.

Here are a few seniors here who own up to that title now: Yaneysis Maure (Harriet Maure), Tabetha Keeves (Thomas Keeves), Chardonnay Miller (Chasmine Miller), Michael Williams (James Williams), Jasmine Simmons (Whitney Bryant), Angel Rosado (Angelique Rosado), Janaee Neal (Nicholas Neal) , Chris Lamp (Javaris Lamp), Ermina Jasarevic (Edin Jasarevic), Brittany Mays (Ashley Mays), Tamara Black (Kendra Black), Celia Gunter (William O’Steen), Brittany Hunter (Brandi Hunter), Kayla Hoerntlein (Paige Hoerntlein), Alex Ranaldi (Amanda Ranaldi)

Meet the Clowns Tiffany Michele Edwards

Q: The RamPage is always looking for a funny story and was interested in hearing what you thought your silliest/funniest moment has been at Englewood as the “class clown.”

A: Every moment with my friends was a silly moment. But some of the funniest moments I’ve ever had would be lunchtime where I can walk across the courtyard with my sweatpants over my belly button and make people laugh by doing things not a normal Jane would do.

Q: Do you agree that you deserve the title of class clown?

Why or why not?

A: I believe that I deserved it more in my first two years of my high school career than I deserve it now. As time passed and had lessons learned, I became more mature and realized my limits of acting so loud and proud. But yes, I still have my insane moments that define who I am and what I choose to do to make people laugh, smile or even chuckle.

Q: In these horrible economic times, is there room for a clown in the work force?

A: There’s a time to be professional and there’s a time to be your crazy self. But if you ain’t laughin’, then you ain’t livin’. I think a lot of stress is caused in the workforce, so why not be the one to spice things up a bit when no one seems to be happy with the situation they’re in? You’re never going to be a positive person when everyone around you is negative.

Q: Do you plan on continuing your reign as class clown after high school? Why or why not?

A: I’ve always been a happy person. That’s how I was born and raised. I believe my purpose is to cheer people up when they’re down. So of course, I’ll continue to put smiles on people’s faces even if it makes me seem different. Smiles are free, so give them away.

Lessons learned from Grad Night

By RaeJeana Brooks • Do you ever find yourself looking at people from other schools and saying things like, “Wow, what an odd couple” and “That’s a strange-looking kid?”

Yeah? Well, you’re weird-looking too.

• Be grateful for your classmates. As much as you can’t stand them, I’m willing to bet that you were, at some point, standing in line with people who you were pretty happy to not deal with on a regular basis.

• There’s nothing that good companionship can’t cure.

• It’s both possible and worthwhile to make friends with new people at this point in your high school career.

• Hayley. Williams. Is. A. Goddess. (And Keri Hilson doesn’t fall far from that category.)

• Your teachers are an excellent resource; for both knowledge and free cookies.

• Don’t be afraid to be a little bit childish. You will feel all of the thrill childhood had to bring if you dare to brave (and dance on) the carousel.

• You may find yourself being afraid of things that you really didn’t think much of before. Like adulthood, Splash Mountain may not seem too frightening as a child. When you’ve reached puberty, however, it’s just freaky.

• A smile goes a long way. So does saying, “Excuse me.”

• Saying goodbye is never easy. Unless, of course, it’s 4’o’clock in the morning, you’ve been walking, screaming, and giggling all night, and your existence is being fueled by the smell of night air and burnt popcorn.

Charles R. Schaefer

Q: The RamPage is always looking for a funny story and was interested in hearing what you thought your silliest/funniest moment has been at Englewood as the “class clown.”

A: Englewood hasn’t done anything to amuse me in quite some time and I don’t particularly laugh that much when I’m just constantly thinking about leaving someplace.

Q: Do you agree that you deserve the title of class clown?

Why or why not?

A: Yes, because the physical number of votes I received was apparently higher than what the other kid got.

Q: In these horrible economic times, is there room for a clown in the work force?

A: I’m not sure if there’ room for a clown in the workforce, perhaps we should ask the DCPS Superintendant.

Q: Do you plan on continuing your reign as class clown after high school? Why or why not?

A: I plan on being as positive and as happy as I can be in my life, and if that makes people laugh even when they aren’t stuffed into some hot dilapidated classroom, that’s cool I guess. I wouldn’t really call what I have going a “reign” though.

Inspirational quotes from teachers and staff by: Janee Neal and Kurt Hamilton

Since we (as in class of 2010) will look back on our senior year with some of the best memories, someone has to want to get some sort of advice. The seniors will go out and look at the world for the first time as an adult, especially when we graduate. So we put together some quotes from some of the teachers and even found others elsewhere. This will at least keep a positive outlook on life and keep you moving forward. Here are some quotes from some teachers, staff, and sources: http://www. inspirational-quotes.info/

“Always remain focused and continue to do the right things”- F.A. Brooks, officer.

“No written words or spoken plea can teach our youth, what they should be or all the books on all the shelves. It’s what the teachers are themselves”-Belyea, Math

“Life is what you make of it.” “You have one life to live, make it count.”Anonymous

“Be the change you wish to see in the world…” - Gandhi

“There is no set path, just follow your heart.” -Anonymous

It is said, “The flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil can set off a storm in Texas.”

“Everything you do leads to another bigger event. Think before you act. – Caudle, English.

“It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, ‘Always do what you are afraid to’” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

“If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes.”- St. Clement of Alexandria.

“I have spread my dreams beneath your feet. Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.” –W.B.Yeats

“The end of wisdom is to dream high enough not to lose the dream in the seeking of it.”- William Faulkner.

“Hold fast to your dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.” –Langston Hughes

“Commitment leads to action. Action brings your dreams closer.” –Marcia Wieder

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Senior Ram

9

Literary Page “Teaching from bell to bell” By: Ms. Caudle’s 3rd block English class Life is knowledge As she soars on her own wings Always faithful In God she trusts Where there is love, there is hope Never, never quit In life, there are no make-ups Fate will find the way The right attitude means success Time flies…

I came…saw…conquered

Mask By: Sarah Diaz Your face is just a mask No one knows who to ask Because no one knows who you really are Till the day that comes When you tell it all You may be fake Or you may be real But no one will ever know until you reveal The true you No lies, No mistakes, You can be real or fake all your life Because no matter what you try to hide Only God will only know what’s behind your eyes

Her goodnight in ashes

By: Anita Norris The soft caress of the wind against her flushed cheeks lulled her to a state of bliss. Her ears picked up the faint sound of babbling brook not too far away from where she lay. She disregarded the fact that grass blades were staining her formerly pure white dress and were getting caught in her strawberry-blonde hair. The only thing she focused on was the heat of the sun on her skin and the sound of birds flirting playfully with other birds.

The forest…it was her absolute haven.

The only escape on earth that segregated her from the harsh realities of everyday life. Why couldn’t everything be as peaceful as the blue summer sky and as pure as the fluffy white clouds floating overhead? At times like these, she enjoyed imagining being reincarnated as a squirrel…or maybe a butterfly? They didn’t have to worry about the evils of society. Were there rapists, murderers, and lunatics in their world? She preferred to think not.

That’s why she allowed herself to drift into dreamland while lying on the soft patch of green. The clean oxygen cleaned her lungs and the cool breeze tickled her senses. It didn’t take long till she fell

asleep, blissfully unaware of the darkly clad parolee. He had a gallon of gasoline in his filthy hands.

The slick sloshing sound of the gasoline as he poured it at different areas of the clearing awakened the young girl. But it was too late…her fate had been set. The unforgiving man had already lit a match and tossed it to her soaked body and she immediately caught fire. It didn’t take long for that fire to spread.

She jumped to her feet and tried her best to put out the flames. She was so desperate for help that she called out to the man who’d just put her into such despair. The pain of flame licking away the color of her skin and burning holes into her drew cries of agony from her lips. She fell back onto the floor, her will to fight quickly extinguished.

If only the flames had died away that quickly.

Two weeks later, a news station reported the body of a young, strawberry-blonde girl was found charred. The only feature on her face that was recognizable on her face was a chillingly content smile.

In her last breaths, she was happy that she would die with the trees, the grass, and the birds that had once been singing.

By: Kirsten Somers My heart is a lock To which you hold the key You’ve opened the door And seen the real me I try to withdraw To cover my shame But you just smiled It’s my claim to fame But hellos have good byes And all things end And I hope one day You’ll come back again Because my heart is a lock And you hold the key Try as you might You can’t give it back to me.

Crayon Canyon

By Shana Dorsey Only fish get to swim in this Realm No people are allowed.

It’s simply too Deep for human presence----no oxygen on guard But if the thinking kind were granted access in, What a world they would find buried deep in canyon, a secret crevice, where every color stands side by side---no quarrels at all.

Some colors are brittle, like the pink But others, the blue, have hardened centuries Their varied little forms, their haphazard skin all stuck together In reefs; there is but a single barrier To be crossed yet no color is cross, This crevice houses only happy creatures; See them in the vents----sway.

Seniors By: Daniel Hamilton Surprised to see the time has come The time to say you’re almost done It’s really been a great four years It gave us memories we should hold dear

Grey Sky

I honestly can say that it’s been fun We all really had a great run But now begins a brand new chapter Let’s be honest, it needs to arrive faster

The Isle of Destin - AP

By: Janai Smothers

My husband and I take off at full speed to the Isle of Destin “AP” in order to save our children from the evil Madame. We were willing to be trapped in her dungeon in order for them to be set free. When we got there, the evil Madame set all 12 of them free and captured us.

Thirteen hours later, we were still in the dungeon, hungry and aggravated because we couldn’t come to an agreement on how to escape. We argued nonstop pretty much because Captain Gat is a big whiny baby who can’t follow instructions. I can’t stand my husband and his unbelievable will to do good.

Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore, so we stood up to duel. He ran at me full speed, but I turned invisible and dodged him. I round house kicked him in the back of the head, distorting him. He tripped me and slammed me into the ground, but I was able enough to shove my six inch heal into his foot. While he screamed, I took

Lock and Key

advantage and whipped my bionic weare around, trapping him. I squeezed just enough to knock him out. Finally I got some silence. With enough quiet to hear my own thoughts, I figured out how to escape.

Later that day…

As I was walking around the island, I saw Captain Gat with this extremely gorgeous man looking like they were ready for a fight. I walked up to hear the quarrel and realized that my hero husband had a twin brother! Because of this, Captain Gat didn’t want to fight anymore as did his brother Twin of Fire, at least till he saw me…

Twin of Fire immediately came over to me and tried to win my heart and trust me I was willing. One look in his eyes and he would be mine. But no, Captain Gat was infuriated and decided to battle him. In the end he lost. Afraid for his death I attempted to revive him but was unsuccessful. My husband died in my arms.

If you would like to submit any personal literary work, such as short stories, poems, essays, or journals to the RamPage, please stop by room X109 or submit work into Mr. Noonan’s mailbox.

by: Brandon Johnson The grey sky silently waits Depressing and seemingly dead Before the calming rain Begins to fall there is a Peaceful yet death filled lull But once the rain comes and goes The scent of new life flows

By: Brandon Morges

Today was any ordinary day, I was singing and dancing, “Alejandro, Alejandro…don’t call my name.” Sidekickman came to me with urgent news about an island, but I wasn’t interested, because I was preparing for my concert and so I said, “No, I’m not going to this stupid island, so you can have a chance to see your love. She doesn’t even love sidekickman, she loves Batman.” What I never expected to happen, was sidekickman planned to get the Bodacious Babes to kidnap me so he can be free.

So there I was, blind folded with three hot chicks. They planned to use

my powers with a machine to hypnotize all guys and make them slaves, but the wonderful Wonder Wood saved me. Then I was finally FREE. As I seduced Wonder Wood I came up with an evil plan to mind control Wonder Wood’s group and have them battle sidekickman so I can get him back.

My greatest plans take place on Friday. I’m having a dance off battle, which I will win, because I’m the world’s greatest dancer. Once all the heroes and villains lose, I will hypnotize everyone with the ultimate dance and they will become my slaves and I will rule the world.

MuhahahaHAHA!!!

By: Stephanie Wood

Today on the isle of Destin “AP” the Sorority of frilly Pink Goodness has had some triumphs and unfortunate losses.

A few nights ago at the super hero bar Wonder Wood fell in love with Gentleman Gaga and his tantalizing dance moves. To her surprise he was captured by the Bodacious Babes, the sorority’s arch-nemesis, Wonder Wood gathered her team together to “free man kind” from the Bodacious babes evil plan of using gentleman Gaga to enslave all men. However, in actuality she only wanted to save her new found love. She battled their leader Celia the Seducer and was victorious! But the other members of the team also had to fight and Maniac McGough beat Pink Princess

and won Gentlemen Gaga back. But! Thanks to the dance off with the help of Gaga mind control, Wonder Wood got to keep her lover. Sadly, Gentleman Gaga only pretended to be good to be freed and turned on the sorority. We were completely caught off guard and fell under mind control. But! Since Sidekickman was in love with Butterfly Babe he swore vengeance on Gentleman Gaga and vowed to save the sorority. Meanwhile, Madame needed a cook and battled Barbarian Babe. She was victorious and Barbarian Babe became her slave. We mourned the loss of our well endowed teammate and hoped she would fight to free herself from the clutches of Madame’s evil claws.

10

Features World of Nations - a day of food and fun downtown

By: Blake Kreitner

For people living in Jacksonville, there is one weekend a year where the city can experience treats like tasty South American sugar cane while watching beautiful cultural dances and performances from around the world.

In a school as diverse as Englewood, there is literally something for everyone at the annual World of Nations Celebration at Metropolitan Park.

During the long-awaited weekend, Jacksonville residents open their minds and taste buds to cultures thriving around the city and the United States.

From America to Vietnam, and dozens of countries in between, the world was well represented at the event. Individual countries decorated tents and archways

to highlight their colors and cultural symbols. For example, China has its own tent complete with a gift shop, a place to buy food, and traditional clothing entertainment like dragon dances and singing.

The climax of the celebration was the parade of flags. This is the moment when every country invites three or four volunteers to carry their nation’s flag in traditional clothing. All the countries line up in alphabetical order and walk around the event area, eventually getting to the stage. Then, again in alphabetical order every country takes turns at the mic to say something about their country or to simply say hello to the crowd in their own language.

Each festival is different. For example, this year crowds cheered for jaw dropping break dancers.

Another crowd pleaser was the diverse types of dancing.

Some of the different types of dancing were pop (moving quickly and creatively), c-walking and tuting (moving your hands and arms to make shapes such as squares). This drew a large crowd of young people attending the event.

The festival went smoothly until what looked like some high school students started fighting. The police, unfortunately, had to break up the festival at 8 p.m., about an hour early. In the melee, a few cops riding Clydesdale-looking horses nearly trampled some festivalgoers while pursuing the kids who started the fight.

Hopefully it wasn’t a clash of cultures, because everything seemed so peaceful and fun until then.

Viva Technology brings students together for battle in technology By: Veronica Grimaldo Smiling faces of every color overflowed on the auditorium stage as students took part in the annual Viva Technology event.

About a dozen languages were spoken and an aroma of freshly baked pizza filled the air. Kids mingled and worked on projects while pop music played in the background.

Viva Technology, translated “live for technology” is intended to take on students from kindergarten through high school who are interested in learning how to work with new technologies.

The hope is that the program will motivate achievement in math, science and engineering, according to Helen Barriere, the Viva Technology coordinator. She said Viva helps students to succeed in college and degree programs.

Students at Englewood High School immersed themselves in an engineering project during the visit in April, organized by Ms. Marisa Gonzalez. There were exactly 100 students cramped on the auditorium stage, all working diligently to trying to build the best model skyscrapers. A few of the towers collapsed and the smiles turned to frowns and looks of frustrations.

But they picked up the pieces and moved on.

With 15 minutes left, the music was playing and the commotion increased.

Time was called on the construction of the towers then an earthquake simulator was turned on to see which could withstand the most damage.

Only one tower made it through the simulation, and the team cheered while other competing showed poor sportsmanship and booed the victory.

But overall, the event seemed cheerful and positive.

Many of the chosen students were talking about how exciting it would be to

be an architect or an engineer.

“I think being an architect would be a good career for me,” said Luis Garcia, a senior.

The Viva Technology visit lasted throughout the entire day and at the end of the session a raffle was held. Winners were given portable DVD players, laptops, iPhones, iPods, digital cameras, X Box 360s and gift certificates were all given away to the lucky winners.

Barriere said the event was a great success.

She said the main reason for coming to Englewood is to encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, English, and math. “Englewood has a very diverse population,” Helen said. “We are trying to reach out to that.”

Englewood teachers face off, heroes vs. villains

Superhero teachers rule by personality, treating students and staff members with respect. They make learning fun, playing games and giving treats when students perform.

Villainous teachers rule by giving homework that sometimes takes all night to finish. They don’t let students talk at all in their class and are tyrannical when it comes to talking out of turn, bathroom passes, being one second late to class, chewing gum, or any other funny business. Below is a list of some possible evil/good twins based on their personality in the classroom.

By: Ciara Patrick and Michelle Davis Mr. Dan Zedaker is a character, but a superhero? He said if he could be any superhero in history, he would be The Beast, made famous in the X-Men movies by his superhuman strength, agility, endurance, speed and dexterity. “Short, Muscular, and thinks he knows everything,” Zedaker said, describing The Beast. The RamPage agrees with the match. Zedaker is a cute, round, knowit-all who has the look and attitude of The Beast.

Calling herself mean and green, Ms. Sharon Jones said she could best be described as the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz. She chose this evil villain because as she put it best, her powers are rather diminutive and she relies on her “big ugly monkeys” to do her dirty work. Even though she is described as a witch she has a charming side to her. “I’m as mean as you make me and as nice as you allow me to be.”

Ms. Tiffany Cauthen is an energetic goofball, but is best known for her dark side. Say the word “Pink” and watch her cringe. Her choice of supervillian would be the depraved witch from Sleeping Beauty. “She’s cool because she wanted to kill Sleeping Beauty just because she wasn’t invited to Aurora’s Christening,” Cauthen said. Cauthen’s reaction when she found out was priceless. “I’m a villain?! YESSSS!!!” Cauthen is a cool teacher but when you fool around in her class she might switch to Maleficent, her dark side.

Like many expected, Ms. Nadine Hartling chose a path that was more villainess. Like Poison Ivy, Hartling is intelligent. “She’s smart and she uses science,” Hartling said. Poison Ivy’s professor seduced her and injected her with poisons and toxins. This caused poison ivy to transform into a plant-like menace to society. Hartling is strict when it comes to abiding by the rules. She has little tolerance for misbehavior, especially talking when she is addressing the class and ABSOLUTELY loathes chewing gum.

Set in his ways, and a mad genius of sorts, Mr. Sean Foy fittingly described himself as the Joker, made famous in the movie Batman: The Dark Knight. A trickster, the joker is always one step ahead, creates havoc, and inflicts pain. Foy has the same tactics but doesn’t use physical pain. He manipulates students to get the job done at any cost, and get out of his class as soon as possible.

“It’s not about the money, it’s about making a point,” says Foy.

Mrs. Melanie Fierro would choose bats over any other character, however, she had another superhero in mind. “Who wants to be goody - goody all the time? It would be cliché to choose something about bats.” Siryn, originated from spider-woman, has powers that consist of force fields, sonic scream and super-hearing ability. Those are some of the qualities Fierro likes about Siryn. “I picked Siryn because of her super hearing abilities.

Ask the kids ... I'm a bit freakish in that respect.”

Fischer is a teacher with character, much like his choice for the superhero Chauncey Throttlebottom III. “I like the fact that he dresses as a clown that is then dressed like a hobo. His only purpose is going to bars and getting in fights with evil bar people,” Fischer said. These two strangely odd individuals have a lot in common, such as the battle cry that Chauncey Throttlebottom uses “Yoicks and Tally-Ho!” Fischer has made it a habit to frequently use those terms in his teaching method.

Ms. Katina Higgins was described as She-Ra, He-Man’s twin sister, by Ms. Tiffany Cauthen. Cauthen said, “She wishes to have a magical flying unicorn to ride around on and an all-powerful sword in which to make the world a place full of rainbows and bunnies.”

Features/Sports

RamPage wins journalism awards

HEAD STORY: Continued from Front Page

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“Dusty’s got the biggest head?!” Cray said with disbelief. She turned from her workstation and walked over to see for herself. “Your head is big! Did you tell your mom, ‘Guess what mom, you produced the kid with the biggest head?!’”

On a serious note though, Rhoades is headstrong. When something catches his curiosity, he’s diligent in learning all he can about it and being able to use it for his desired purpose.

Besides, he had to be headstrong to take the jokes Cray was dishing, right?

By: Bryan Lambert

Second in head size with a measurement of 24 inches is Mr. Bryan Noonan, the advisor of the RamPage.

The RamPage won first place in three out of six Maybe his head size illustrates his feelings about himself being “awesome,” as he writes on Mrs. Jessica Durbin’s writing categories for the Florida Times-Union’s Annual board every morning.

High School Journalism contest.

Students say it’s all in his head.

“Considering we were up against hundreds of en- “He doesn’t do anything to be awesome,” Neda Barooni teased of Noonan. “He just eats, chews gum and tries from the best schools in three counties, our reporting picks on people.” staff should be proud of its hard work,” said RamPage edi- Jessica Keathley, assistant designer of the RamPage, came in third place with a head measurement of 21 tor Mr. Bryan Noonan. “They deserved the recognition.” inches.

The RamPage staff beat out writers from schools “I guess I’m smart,” said Keathley, who wasn’t too sure about what the story was about. She was too busy like Fletcher, Stanton, Nease, and Douglas Anderson. The designing the RamPage on deadline to say any more. winners are:

Students were mostly interested in Dr. Alvin Brennan’s head size. When they heard there was going to be a

Michelle Davis won first place in Columns for measurement, many said, “You have to measure Dr. Brennan’s head.” her piece entitled, “Learning to Say Goodbye”

Brennan, who is the publisher of the RamPage, was surprised when he found out a story was going to be

Britny Logan won first place in Features for her written about head size, but after a hint of disbelief, he let the RamPage measure. package of stories entitled, “Diversity at Englewood High With a measurement of 22 inches, Brennan came in last place. “Really?! That’s not what my cap size says,” School.”

Dr. Brennan said when he was told. “What you see is what you get. I’m confident in my skin.”

Shana Dorsey won first place in News Writing for Later, I experienced that awkward feeling when the measuring tape was wrapped around my head. I’ve worn her piece, “Raising the Grade.” a lot of hats on the RamPage staff, so I thought I would definitely come in first.

Jessica Keathley won second place in Features

Nevertheless, I’m optimistic about the future. Maybe the fact that Brennan’s head and my head are the same for her package of stories entitled, “Through the years at size is a direct correlation of the fact I’ll be leading a range of people in the future.

That’s right. I said it …

EHS.”

By: Britny Logan and Samaria Howard

Flag football kicks off

Flag football has evolved at Englewood over the years.

Some people used to ridicule flag football athletes, saying the sport they played was boring and shouldn’t be taken seriously.

Now, attendance has increased by at least a dozen and those who miss a game are anxious to know the results.

Head varsity coach, Sean Foy said, “I have enjoyed seeing the program grow in the right direction these past years.”

Like dominos, the Lady Rams’ flag football team’s obstacles have fallen one by one.

It didn’t start over night though.

It’s been a process and Coaches Sean Foy and George McCleod say there’s still more work to do.

Conditioning began with the coaches repeating key phrases they would use throughout the season to motivate players like “Make everyday a masterpiece” and “Give your all at practice because it determines how you play in the

Baseball team’s GPA on the rise By: Daevon Cardona

Coach James Belyea is thrilled at the progress his players are making juggling school work with the hours of practice and campus on the baseball diamond.

The head coach of the baseball team said 20 out of 24 of his players maintained a 3.0 GPA or improved their GPA as of January, but added, “I expect 24 out of 24.”

Nevertheless, he is pleased at the players who have shown dedication to both the team and academics. “The process goes hand in hand,” he said. “On the field and in the classroom, I am always looking for improvement.”

Brandon Radusti, who plays JV baseball, raised his GPA from a 1.9 in the first quarter to a 3.2 in the second. He was humble about the increase, saying that learning is a student’s job. “It’s really all you’ve got to do here, go to class and do your work,” he said.

Besides the successes in the classroom, Belyea was also proud of his team’s maturity on the field this year.

The varsity team’s record of 10-16 was highlighted with its first playoff win since 2006. Belyea said it was also the first time the team had double digit wins since 2007. (The junior varsity team went 4-8 in its first season since 2006).

Belyea said he hopes to build on the team’s success this year. Besides the camaraderie and fun on the field, playing ball may have helped the futures of a few of his seniors. He believes that Travis Cassella, Adam Hahn, and Bradley Cassidy all have a great chance to play junior college ball at schools such as FSCJ, and is proud to have helped coach them along the way.

“I want people to realize that if they are persistent and pursue (goals) with passion, a way will be made,” Belyea said.

games.”

The coaches instilled the idea of “competitive excellence.”

“By giving 100 percent effort, we could make practice more difficult than the games,” Foy said, “but this greatly prepared us for the challenges that we would face every game.”

Coach McCleod said coaches have to focus on the mentality of each player. He teaches players not to let emotions get the best of them. He said the most memorable moment of the season was when the team lost to Ed White in the Final Four of the Gateway Conference.

“Although we had more talent, we didn’t have the mental edge to outscore Ed White” McCleod said, “Thus, we didn’t reach success in that game like we were accustomed to in previous games.”

Coaches say there is still a way to go with the mentality of players when they approach certain obstacles but they see the improvement.

“I am proud of this group,” Foy said, “and I am excited to see the growth and development from this year’s team to next year’s.”

By Staff

Row, Row, Row

An Englewood junior is ranked first in the Southeast in rowing for high school students.

Addie Crosby, 17, is humble when asked how she feels about being ranked number one. Though she loves to remind everyone of her Miss Englewood crown, Crosby doesn’t give herself full credit when talking about successes on her crew team.

Rather, she praises the hard work of her teammates.

“We’ve been working since the beginning of the year for it,” Crosby said, recalling the months leading to the finals that ranked her number one. “In the last 100 meters, when we finally pulled away from the other boat, I was yelling, ‘We’re winning’ and trying not to cry.”

She says she might be small, but she loves to command others with her loud voice. “I’m the little one that yells. Contrary to popular belief, I do not yell ‘ROW, ROW’ or ‘STROKE, STROKE.’ I motivate and steer.”

Crew is the term for rowing, in a boat with one to eight people. Crosby’s Fall season included practices Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

“We race two times, and if you’re really good and get picked and lucky, you get an extra race in Boston Massachusetts – where competitors come from all over the world. This year I got to go to Boston, and we beat people from Canada and England.”

In addition to the accolades of being ranked first, Crosby said crew is helping her in other ways, including scholarships. “Colleges are looking me from as far away as Connecticut and as close as Orlando.”

The lessons she’s learned on the water go even deeper. “Crew has also made me extremely outgoing and personable- life skills.”

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Back Page DEDICATED (from front page)

As one of the many slothful students at Englewood, I have to say that I’m doing all I need to graduate. I’m leaving the same day you are.

Sure, there are students who don’t have a care in the world about school. And they make excuses, saying their only option is to drop out and sell drugs until they’re arrested and on a first-name basis with every judge, juror and jailer in the state.

They are the ones ruining the school and the educational experience. NOT lazy students. We are going to get a diploma same as you. We may not have an amazing GPA or extracurricular activities or college credits waiting for us, but we aren’t wasting any of YOUR resources.

How has a so-called lazy student hindered your education in any way? It’s like griping at nothing. If they aren’t doing anything, they aren’t in your way. Deal with it.

That’s the way it is. Not everyone will be as dedicated to success as you.

While you’re excelling in school, having much less fun than teenagers should, the rest of us will live our lives to the fullest. But we’re still graduating, and still making a future for ourselves.

There is a powerful difference between an idle student and an insolent one. Perhaps you have the two mixed up. Come to think of it, only a fool can’t graduate with all the extra help offered after school and on the weekends. Some could argue the only way to flunk high school is if you’re TRYING to fail. That’s what separates children from adults – those who do and those who make excuses on why they don’t.

But stop your elitist, derogatory assault on students who have something else going on in life outside of advanced placement classes.

As you’ve said quite well, however, those students who lash out against education are a blatant distraction to the classroom. These jerks love to be bad. It makes them cooler and tougher. These failed rappers, small-time drug dealers, and arrested losers, saying things like “I’m grown, I’ll do what I want,” are in the lowest pits of the world.

But they’re not the normal “slacker” on campus. The general slacker at EHS is just a typical high school kid raging against the machine, trying to figure out who we really are.

Aren’t we supposed to fight the system as we try to figure out our place inside it? Slackers should unite against you and your kind, since you’re killing the spirit of our carefree rebellion. It’s called “youth.”

After all, most of us still rely on our families, so why are you forcing us to become responsible adults? Some of us still aren’t done growing yet, so back off.

Think about the average student, like myself. As lazy as we may be, we know how to have fun, we’re taking care of school and we’re not disrupting the learning of others.

We’re only in high school for four years, so why be adults now when we have six more decades to develop our maturity?

TAYLOR: Continued from Front Page Antoinette Weah appreciates Taylor’s class as the end all. “Without Read 180, I would’ve been way behind my class and on a second grade reading level,” the sophomore said.

Taylor leads the class with tough love. She said her hardened teaching style is driven by the fact that all her kids still need to pass the FCAT.

The loving “shoves” she sometimes gives is only effective to those who are willing to receive it. Rakeem Hinton is one. He actually likes reading, but needs structure.

“I like reading because when I grew up, that was all I had, no videogames or anything,” Hinton said.

He added that his parents and Taylor have encouraged his 100-point improvement (which indicates reading levels) and steps toward passing the FCAT.

Taylor sets monthly goals for her students, requiring them to sign a contract and offering rewards to increase “points.” The students then vow to achieve goals and when they do, get awards for their accomplishments.

The reward system includes prizes such as Mp3 players, make-up kits, flash drives, digital picture key chains, and snacks.

The intangible prizes include the little gifts such as “adventures in some of the books,” said DaJuan Williams, describing the benefits of being in Taylor’s class.

In the end, students who once hated or dreaded reading are finding some pleasure in books.

“Read 180 is a wonderful program that challenges kids to do their best and encourages them to try hard and never give up,” Weah said.

Juice Boxes dance crew By: Terry Johnson

The first beats sound from the deejay booth and the applause and cheers rise. Five boys emerge out of the commotion, walking to the center of the cafeteria to dance.

From jerking to pop locking, the free-spirited group of boys has been entertaining students in the cafeteria every week with their seizure-like, bone-breaking dance moves. It’s a Tuesday tradition.

Known as the Juice Boxes, a group of freshman dancers are Thomas Banks, Jordan Iacovelli, a boy who only goes by LJ, Anthony Branch, and Bryan Lambert.

The boys each have a style they learned on their own. They study the moves of the New Boyz and artists and try to turn the dances into their own.

The boys also wear clothes that make them stand out. They dress in skinny jeans and worded t-shirts and love their clean colored Nikes and Air Jordan’s to go along with their cargo shorts. “The style, it’s comfortable,” said Iacovelli, 14.

Banks, 14, and Iacovelli has known each other since eighth grade and LJ, Branch, and Lambert all met this year. Watching them move in time together, one might think they’ve all known each other much longer.

LJ, who wouldn’t give the RamPage his real name, saying “I don’t like my name,” learned how to dance six years ago. The others all learned this year.

“We were just bored so we started the Jerk Boyz,” Banks and Iacovelli simultaneously.

“We just dance,” added LJ, 15.

The boys started the Juice Boxes this year and hope to branch out and start getting noticed off campus. The boys said they like the attention they get during lunch, so they started getting together outside of school to dance at the Avenues and Orange Park malls.

They even started making videos of their performances.

As the school year comes to an end, students hope the boys will return with their memorable moves.

WILLOUGHBY: Continued from Front Page

Students say an Englewood without Willoughby would be a wasteland filled with zombefied teenagers being led by a sea of bald teachers drooling out fractions in coffee-stained ties.

To many, Willoughby is a savior, a knight in shining armor.

“Willoughby has the answer to every question in life, no matter how big or small or dumb or stupid,” said senior Rochelle Difloe. “It may not be the right answer, but it is an answer nonetheless.”

On any given day, Willoughby emerges from his lair at the entrance of X-Wing; a grin spreading across his face as he sees a student approaching, then with a turn of his head and a wrinkle of his nose, Willoughby blurts out one of his famous phil-os-o-fee’s, as he calls them.

“Get work done … have a good time doing it,” is Willoughby’s philosophy on life. “Try to have everyone you can work hard and play hard with you.”

His eyes dance and there always seems to be a slight ticklish snicker in his throat whenever he speaks.

When he’s not entertaining students, Willoughby’s real role on campus is activities director. This means he mandates pep rallies, senior functions, and all things fun with the help of his leadership class, which he teaches during 7th block. These students do everything from stuffing envelopes, to being apart of student surveys.

Students in his class say he turns jokes into lessons for their futures in the academic or real world. Improvisation is Willoughby’s specialty. And that’s what makes Willoughby so lovable, students say. He finds ridiculous ways to entertain. Even when he gets annoyed, he uses comedy to punish bad behavior. Earlier this year, Willoughby played a prank to get a student back for dozing.

“Willoughby hid my shoes around the room when I fell asleep and made me play the ‘hot and cold’ game to find them,” remembered Suzana Sislajic, a junior.

Richard Willoughby is probably the only 45 year old man who actually wants to “roll with gangstas” despite the negative connotation it has. This is most likely because that is the only song recorded in 2000 anything on his MP3 player. Several students are aware of how bizarre Willoughby can be but there is really no true purpose for his actions, it is what it is when it comes to Willoughby and he said so perfectly himself.

“You assume there IS a point. I think the only POINT I have is at the top of my skull.”

Talent show a wild success

By Natasha Johnson

The Englewood Talent Show marked a lively, unforgettable night of school spirit and great entertainment.

Looking at the facial expressions of the Englewood superstars was priceless.

They were pumped for a show to highlight how talented Englewood students really are.

The auditorium exploded with screams when the Juice Boxes dance crew hit the stage. “My ears were ringing and I could barely hear the music it was so loud,” said R.J. Cyler, one of the performers in Juice Box.

In the end, the Juice Box dance crew stole first place.

In terms of turnout, the talent show was the most successful show in recent years. Mr. C.J. Wellington, who sponsored the event, said he had a secret recipe for its success: “Being extremely excited about the event and that seemed to carry over to the students.” He also had a lot of support, including help from: Ms. Melton, Ms. Wallace, Mr. McCleod, Mr. Cauthen, Mr. Cozier, Ms. Latta and Dr. Campbell. “The show couldn’t have happened without them.”

In the end, the event was a moneymaker for the sophomore class. Mr. Ray Fowler, a co-sponsor, said more than 250 tickets were sold, and helped raise more than $1,000 for the class of 2012.

The night was so memorable to some, students arrived the next morning mimicking the dance moves of the Juice Box dance crew and talking about the other acts.

“(Everybody) was awesome and I can’t wait until next year,” Wellington said.