The Renaissance (Winter 2015)

The Renaissance

The student newsmagazine of Dutch Fork High School 1400 Old Tamah Road/ Irmo, SC Volume 23. Issue 2/ Winter 2015

Pg. 5 Winter assembly showcases fine arts department

Editor’s letter

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new year brings an end to holiday cheer; the end of the holidays brings a new semester.

A new semester means summer is that much closer, but it also means this is my last semester at Dutch Fork High School.

The fall semester seems to be the longest one, often leaving students wishing we had more holidays in March.

Seriously why isn’t World Kidney day, on March 12, a holiday? Kidneys need appreciation, too and a school holiday would be an great way to show that appreciation.

But regardless of the

lack of school holidays between Christmas and Spring Break, a new year should be just that: new.

Underclassmen, set goals for yourself you would like to accomplish by the time you graduate.

Seniors, make sure to enjoy the last five months of high school.

Although it may not be the best time of your life it’s a vital time in your life. Don’t be in such a hurry to leave; enjoy the little time you have left here.

In this issue we highlight some of Dutch Fork’s accomplishments from 2014.

We acknowledge multiple individual awards from Assistant Principal of the Year to Mr. Football, examine the District’s and student section’s ratings, take a look at the talents of Dutch Fork’s fine arts department and profile some girls making sports history.

We had a lot of positive feedback from our Fall issue, and we hope this Winter issue won’t disappoint.

Michaela Baker

Editor-in-Chief

(cover): During the winter fine arts assembly, seniors Sara Alston and Albert Green dance to Stevie Wonder’s “Someday at Christmas.” The dance was a tribute to soldiers coming home for the holidays. In this scene, Sara’s character has been wounded in a war; Albert’s character reacts. photo by Michaela Baker

The Renaissance Editor-in-Chief: Michaela Baker Section Editors: News Robin Hendricks Opinion Carina Leaman Life Hayley Younginer Sports Josh Imholte Web Jamie Gilbert-Fitzpatrick Jacob Sprankle Staff: Eddie Bates Abby Beauregard Anna Maria Gardiner Raleigh Norris Becca Spilka Rebekah Street Lacee Getter Maddie Mason Adviser: Amy Medlock-Greene Principal: Dr. Gregory Owings The Renaissance is an open forum for student expression at Dutch Fork High School.

The purpose of The Renaissance is to inform the student body about events affecting them, to influence its readers through responsible editorials, to entertain through feature content, to reflect the overall personality of the school and to bring buyer and seller together. These goals will be achieved through fair, accurate and responsible reporting.

Unbylined editorials reflect the views of the majority of The Renaissance staff, but not necessarily the view of the school board, the administratiors, the faculty, the adviser, the entire staff, or student body.

All bylined editorials and cartoons reflect the opinion of the writer or artist. Advertisements do not reflect the opinion of The Renaissance or its adviser.

The Renaissance encourages letters to the editor as they constitute a constructive avenue for opinion. All letters must be signed by the writer to be considered for publication. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for poor taste, libel, grammar and space.

The Renaissance is published four times a year by students in the journalism classes. The online edition, updated regularly, is available at www.foxfusion.org.

Contents

Jan. 15, 2015

News

05

05 Fine Arts focus 08 Student section named best 10 District’s ratings released

Opinion

12 Staff editorial 13 Tech Tip recap 14 Valentine’s Day Point/ Counterpoint

Life

20

17 Journalism 1 feature 20 A Midsummer Night’s Dream recap 22 Graham Ellis profile

Sports

26

24 Coach Faye Norris profile 26 Girls’ basketball 30 Athletic trainers

news

inBrief

Fall dance concert

District five teacher recruitment fair

D

istrict Five is holding a teacher recruitment fair Feb. 7 at Irmo MIddle School (located at 6051 Wescott Road) from 8:3011 a.m. For details at to pre-register, visit http://www.lexrich5.org.

Assistant principal wins award

T

he Dutch Fork dance department held its annual fall dance concert December 4-5. Pictured above is Dance IV and V practicing Street Lights, choreographed by dance teacher Ginny Haynes. “The fall dance concert went very well,” dazzler Nesha Frierson said. “I think this is one of the first times we’ve had a really big turn out for the fall concert.”

Dutch Fork Be a Fan 5K

S

arah Longshore received the honor of being named the South Carolina Association of School Administrators’ High School Assistant Principal of the Year. The award came as a surprise when members of SCASA came to visit the school to present the award. “I felt very honored to be chosen to represent my school, my district, the state, and my profession,” Longshore said. Next, Longshore will be competing on the national level.

04 | Winter 2015 | NEWS

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he Be a Fan club is sponsoring a 5K on Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. Participants may register individually or as a team. Register online at www.active.com. For questions or sponsor inquiries, contact coordinator Kimberly Taylor at kimberlytaylor@sc.rr.com.

Arts add touch of flair to Dutch Fork life story by Maddie Mason, Lacee Getter and Robin Hendricks • photos by Michaela Baker and Maddie Mason

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opranos, altos, tenors and basses.

Soliloquies spoken in voices trembling with emotion. Guitar strums and the flourish of a bow on the strings of a violin. Beats measured in the taps of a dancer’s sole, and the methodic swish of a paint-covered brush on a blank canvas.

These are the arts at Dutch Fork.

“I believe that fine arts are essential to a healthy life, and I personally have benefitted tremendously from the Dutch Fork arts program,” senior Paisley Suttlemyre said. “I try to get people as involved as possible in the arts because I see friendships and connections made through art programs that may not have happened otherwise.”

Dutch Fork’s diverse art programs provide unique opportunities for handson experiences for participating students including dance, orchestra, band, chorus, drama and visual arts.

Different levels (including Advanced Placement) are offered within the programs for students who are exceptionally gifted and willing to go the extra mile to perfect their craft.

Senior Albert Green said he restarted

the process of adjusting to a new orchestra and new songs when he was accepted into the masterclass orchestra and said “it was a fun experience overall and laid the base for the other stuff I would do.”

Much like orchestra with its masterclass, the dance program also has a group of students with noteworthy skills: The Dazzlers, the school’s dance team.

According to members of the program, they have to work harder, longer and with more vigor than any other dance students at the school.

“I just love [being a Dazzler]. [Dance teacher Ginny] Haynes is an amazing teacher and she’s very versatile,” senior Nesha Frierson said. “Everyone gets to learn something they have probably never done before.”

Junior Hannah Howell said dancing is a creative outlet that brightens her mood.

“It helps me escape from my problems,” Hannah said. “When I feel sad or angry I just dance and it makes me feel better.”

The visual arts program features versatile classes covering everything from

the basics of design to sculpting, photography to commercial design and so much more.

Some of these classes, such as 3D art, count as Advanced Placement credit. The AP exam at the end of the year requires students to showcase their portfolios of artwork to judges who will then decide if they have earned potential college credit.

In addition to fine arts classes, extracurricular opportunities are available as well. Design Foundations and 2D Design teacher Jaime Chason sponsors the school’s new music club which meets Wednesdays after school. Here, students are free to express themselves musically.

Paisley, also a member of the music club, said she is glad for the opportunities she has had while in chorus and to have participated in one of the many Dutch Fork art programs.

“Dutch Fork has the best arts program of any school that I’ve attended,” Paisley said. “I’ve formed relationships with teachers and peers that I am certain will last for years to come, and the experiences I’ve had are absolutely unforgettable.”

Previous page: At the Winter assembly, freshman Brian Doby plays the trumpet, junior Nina Valenti plays the chello, senior Sara Alston dances and senior Emmanuel Derick sings White Christmas with the Honors Chamber Choir. Above: Seniors JT Hydrick and Ashlin Parnell play the violin with the Master Orchestra. Right: Seniors Shelby Beasley and Sara Alston dance to “Someday at Christmas,” a tribute to soldiers coming home from war 06 | Winter 2015 | NEWS

I believe that fine arts are essential to a healthy life, and I personally have benefitted tremendously from the Dutch Fork arts program.

-senior Paisley Suttlemyre

NEWS | Winter 2015 | 02

Dutch Fork’s named best student section in 4A division Students beat Lexington High School in WLTX student section poll story by Robin Hendricks • photo by Michaela Baker

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he tapping of fingertips against smart phones, cries of frustration and a few choice words spoken in hushed voices reverberated through halls and classrooms as Dutch Fork engaged in a virtual battle with crosstown rival, Lexington.

In a tight race, Dutch Fork surpassed Lexington in a WLTX-hosted poll, winning the title “Best 4A Student Section.”

“Our student section and Pep Club go above and beyond,” junior Kaelyn Minick said. “We’re always dressed up for our themes and we’re always loud and have a lot of spirit at the games.”

08 | Winter 2015 | NEWS

The title of Best Student Section was a close call. The final day of the poll was hectic as the lead jockeyed back and forth between Dutch Fork and Lexington. But the final score of 54,058–53,861 (according to the Dutch Fork Pep Club Twitter account) put the Foxes in the lead.

“I do [think Lexington deserved to tie with Dutch Fork] because they weren’t that far behind us with votes,” Kaelyn said, “but I haven’t really heard anything about Lexington having a good student section until this vote.”

According to WLTX, the poll was

still up and running on the website for about five minutes after the final score was tallied at noon. During that time, 2,739 votes were cast and Lexington took the lead once again as they came back with a vengeance.

Though the poll technically ended past the deadline in Lexington’s favor, Dutch Fork’s punctuality won out.

“I love the fact that we won because [it] means that we truly earned it,” senior Kyra Ross-El said. “We had to pull together and get the school to vote constantly because, of course, Lexington was huge competition. But we all know who is the best and I’m

glad we won after all.”

Because of the constant back-and -forth pull of the votes and the number of Lexington votes after the poll was meant to close, WLTX ultimately recognized both schools on their website.

“I think that it’s really exciting to know that our school is number one with the best student section,” senior Emani Friday said. “It feels great to know that it’s our school coming out to support and going above and beyond to show school spirit.”

There were seven other schools competing for the 4A division title in-

cluding River Bluff, White Knoll and Irmo. When the poll ended, River Bluff was in third place, but with only seven percent of the votes. Dutch Fork and Lexington finished at about 44% each, according to WLTX. “I think we won because we show great school spirit, we always dress up and we always attend the games,” Emani said. “We have our chants, which are great, and there is never a dull moment at a football game. It stays live with lots of energy to keep you going.”

No matter the close call, Dutch Fork students demonstrated their tenacity

and belief in their school with constant voting that eventually won the title and more importantly proved that #DFNATION was not just a hashtag.

“We go to all the away games, have meetings about what the theme will be, carpool, and [decide] what to bring to tailgate,” Kaelyn said. “Dutch Fork is more than a school: we’re a family.” ___________________________

Local CBS affilliate WLTX’s Ron Aiken came to Dutch Fork to cover the student section’s victory. He said he wanted to capture the student section’s charisma seen here.

NEWS | Winter 2015| 09

news

Test scores, graduation rates earn District Five ‘A’ rating

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story by Maddie Mason, Lacee Getter and Robin Hendricks • graphics by Robin Hendricks

ood test scores and all the opportunities District Five offers have earned the District an “A” rating, making it the only district in the Midlands to receive such a score.

The rating is not only based on test scores, but is also based on population and graduation rates. “[The South Carolina Department of Education] uses a combination of test scores-all standardized test scores such as the HSAP and the EOC--but also [combines] test scores [with] our graduation rate and subgroups in our population,” Assistant Principal for Instruction Sarah Longshore said. “So not only is it a counting of our students overall, but also how our minority students do, how our special ed students do, [and] how our economically disadvantaged students do.”

Even though the rating was not completely based on test scores, the District’s scores helped to improve the overall rating.

“I think in particular our EOC scores last year for US History and Biology were definitely really good,” Longshore said. “We usually outperform everyone in the state

and most of the time we ex- and collaborates.” ceed nationally on state aver- In addition to the Disages.” trict’s overall ratings, sev Students agree that fund- eral individual schools in ing is one of the main reason- the District have been ratsthe District does so well. ed very well by a separate “To my knowledge, we group called Best Public have pretty good funding Schools. According to their [comranking pared system, to] othD u t c h er dis- We are fortunate to have Fork is tricts,” the best students, great t r a d i s e n i o r great Jacquie teachers, great parents t i o n a l Goodp u b m a n and a great community. lic high s a i d . school “ A n d in the -superintendent state. it’s not a secret Stephen Hefner “ I t h a t feel very b e t t e r fortufunding nate to equals better education, so be in a school district that I think that’s a big factor of does very well,” Superintenwhy we do so well.” dent Stephen Hefner said, Data teams throughout “and we are fortunate to have the District bring teachers great students, great teachfrom the same departments ers, great parents and a great together and make assess- community. ments to determine neces- “I am very much affirmed sary areas of improvement. and gratified when I see out “The data teams that we side organizations come in, do are District-amplified and take a look at us and evaluate that’s one of the reasons why us and rate us so highly,” Hefwe’re at the top in terms of ner said. our District rating,” Long- Through the District’s shore said. “Every school in specialized magnet programs on titeams 86.90% the DistrictGraduated uses data such as the Center for AdDid not graduat

vanced Technical Studies and Dutch Fork’s STEM program, students are able to understand their major and get an idea for what a future in certain careers may hold.

Newly-opened Spring Hill high school differs from other high schools in the District because of its multiple magner programs.

“The way that Spring Hill teaches, they kind of built off the way we teach...they teach through the major,” junior Jenny McClure said. “They teach majors through the classes that allow a student to really understand what they’re getting into.”

Senior Cherise Daniel said the District as a whole does a good job of pushing its students to succeed.

“We push our students and tell them about the benefits if they do their work,” Cherise said.

Although the District earned the highest rating in the Midlands, Longshore said there is still room for improvment.

“We’re always wanting to do better and we want more students to pass and succeed,” Longshore said. “Nothing is ever good enough, and we [are] never settled.”

13.10%

Source: District Five report card 10 | Winter 2015 | NEWS

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opinion

Staff Editorial

‘Best student section’ fails football team

You know what’s cool?

School spirit.

You know what’s not cool?

Abandoning your team in its time of need.

The Dutch Fork student section was voted number one in the state, a badge of honor worn by players and fans alike.

So why is it that at the state championship game--the peak of the football season and culmination of all of the hard work the football team has put in throughout the year--only a handful of students were left by the end of the game?

There were plenty of fans at the start of the game, posting the typical “we love our Foxes” picture on Instagram and talking smack.

And by game’s end? Absolute silence.

Maybe it was disappointment that drove the student section to abandon the stands, or maybe even embarrassment that after such a great season, we fell flat.

You know who else probably felt bad? The players who actually had to stay and bear witness to the pathetic retreat of the so called “best student section in the state.”

The football team gave its all at Williams-Brice Stadium, and brought home a 12-3 season; seeing the crowd thin throughout the last half was the final blow to the disappointment they surely already felt.

And while our students were continuously leaving, spectators from Hillcrest were there until the end of

the game, cheering for their football players.

We’re supposed to be number one. We’re supposed to have the greatest student section in the state. But we left the team when they needed us the most.

That doesn’t say “we’re number one.” That says “we’re ashamed.”

For a school that prides ourself on winning, we sure do have a losing attitude.

You’re not toddlers. If you don’t get your way, stand there and take it. It’s better to be a loser than a coward.

If you want to be a fairweather fan that’s fine.

Just don’t expect the badge of honor that comes with sticking with a team through it all.

The story: At the end of the state championship football game, only a few spectators remained.

Our view: Our student section should not have left the game early.

School schedules affect student performance

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t’s a student’s worst nightmare: on your rush out of the door, you grabbed all of your A-day binders.

And it’s a B-day.

School schedules are different throughout the state.

Each is designed to help students focus and learn, and each claims to be the best option. Dutch Fork is ranked second in the state–but does that mean we have the best bell schedule?

The A/B schedule used in District 5 was born at Dutch Fork when it was founded in 1992. Suddenly, there were only four, 90-minute classes every day. Its success spread through the district, from Dutch Fork Middle to Irmo High, and now all secondary

12 | Winter 2015 | OPINION

column by Carina Leaman

level schools are run this way.

Hour and a half long classes drag on and on while you wish high school was set up like anything but this.

And not to far away, one high school is.

River Bluff High School in Lexington District 1 has a “flex mod” schedule for classes. Courses have set days of the week, not blocks, and they can be anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes.

Students’ schedules look like brightly colored, incredibly confusing quilts.

Instead of an entire block of work every day, students get schedules with time in between for studying or homework. And instead of having a 1A or 5B class, students have

a class on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays every week in a more lecture-style setup.

This schedule makes much more sense for students’ needs: more time for difficult classes, less time wasted in simpler electives, and free periods to catch up on school work during school hours.

So why is District 5 still locked into the A-day/B-day schedule? Keeping track of what day it is can cause students to be horribly unprepared if they grab the wrong binder, or leave the homework due today sitting on their kitchen table at home.

Dutch Fork Middle School has taken notice, and now runs on a schedule of eight, 45-minute-long blocks every

day. No more missing binders or left assignments–simply haul everything you have to school every day of the week.

It makes more sense to run on a schedule that repeats every week instead of every day. And with the college-like timing, students will be more prepared when they graduate high school.

After all, don’t teachers say that preparing us for the real world is what high school is all about?

It would take some transitional stages and a lot of adjustment from students and staff, but Dutch Fork’s rigorous curriculum would benefit greatly from a flex mod schedule.

Kids In The Hall

What do you think about students leaving before the end of the state championship game?

Tech Tip Recap Every Thursday, Technology Integration Specialist Susan Aplin posts a new tip in the “Tech Tips for Students 14-15” Edmodo group. Here are some of the highlights from the second nine weeks:

#1 Notability tutorial Notabliity is a useful app for taking notes (handwritten or typed), and organizing them by subjects or classes.

Justice Nawman freshman “[Even though the team] lost, they still needed a little bit of cheering on.”

Autumn Bennett sophomore “I mean, at least we’re representing our school at all.”

Using school email

#2

Students should have their District 5 Gmail set up, and can use their account to communicate with teachers.

#3 Digital etiquette

Think before you post anything on social media that could harm or offend someone else. Be responsible.

Quizlet as a study tool Zachary Abbott junior

“Everybody should have stayed, even though we lost.”

Eneida Rivera senior

“That shows that we just wanted the title [of best student section], not acutally living up [it].”

#4

Quizlet is an app that allows you to create flashcards and study flashcards made by other students worldwide.

#5 Follet and Destiny These apps allow you to download and read eBooks from the Dutch Fork media center collection.

New iOS 8 features

#6

Predictive typing, microphone, and spotlight search are a few of the features iOS 8 introduces.

OPINION | Winter 2015 | 13

opinion

Point/ Counterpoint

Valentine’s Day:

a holiday for love/a holiday for saps

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column by Rebekah Street

or some, it’s a day to show Some, admittedly, can your significant other just take the festivities a bit too how much you adore them. far. Examples include buying

For others, it’s a stuffed animals that match dreadful reminder that you the size of their partner, bouare, at this point in time, quets of enough flowers to fill alone. the entirety of the Gardens of It is, if not already blatant- Versailles, and boxes of chocly obvious, Valentine’s Day. olates almost sure to induce Nowadays, this holiday sugar comas. takes the form of guys light- These gestures can only e n i n g increase t h e i r jealousy wallets, in those so their who will g i r l be stayfriends ing at can run h o m e around in their w i t h f o o chocotie pajalates and mas and various watchi t e m s ing an r e f l e c - entire TV tive of series on how much they are loved.

Netflix.

But is this necessarily a But don’t be hurt. Going bad thing? out to a nice restaurant and While the ones without being showered in gifts is not a soulmate complain about everyone’s cup of tea. how they hate Valentine’s Besides, all that bottled up Day, the people in relation- love can be transferred to one ships will be busy showering of those characters on that TV their partner with affection. show you’re going to watch.

The singles of the world They need love, too. may feel left out that there is Even so, it is best to let the not a “Singles Day”--at least, lovers show their love how not in the United States. they wish. And instead of That doesn't mean they trying to make everyone pity should feel obligated to ruin a those who are not so lucky as day of love with complaints of to be in a loving relationship, not being in said “love.” let’s appreciate the holiday There comes a point when and those who celebrate it. the lucky should be able to Because, who knows? celebrate without the not-so- Maybe next year, you’ll be lucky bringing them down. able to celebrate it, too.

There comes a point when the lucky should be able to celebrate without the not-so-lucky bringing them down.

14| Winter 2015 | OPINION

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column by Abby Beauregard

t’s so hard to be single on cordance with “the rules,” soValentine’s Day. Seriously? ciety dictates you must do the There are children dying in following: Africa and here you are, com- Step One: You’ll need a gift. plaining because you aren’t go- Some girls like cheesy gifts; ing to receive bad chocolate and some girls laugh in the faces of a cheap teddy bear from some girls who like cheesy. It’s up to guy you’ll probably be embar- you to decide which girl your rassed you dated in 10 years. Valentine is. Nice flowers and (Okay, more realistically, a few good chocolate are always a good months.) idea. No, Hershey’s is not “good “But it’s Valentine’s Day!” chocolate.” You know those little Valentine’s Day is not a Lindt truffles? Get those. “But major holiday. It’s a Hallmark those cost more.” Pro tip: she holiday: a holiday created out doesn’t care. Buy them. of pure capitalistic greed.

Step Two: Say something "But I might find true love in that shows you care. Possible high school!" examples include: Do you really want the man a) “Your eyebrows are alof your dreams to be someone ways on point.” b) “Have I you met in high school? Have ever told you that you reyou ever seen a high school mind me of (insert Beyonce, boy? Do you really take plea- Serena van der Woodsen, or sure in sock and slides combos, Hermione Granger’s name pitiful fahere)?”c) cial hair, “Why are and texts Instead of waiting for you not consisting a Victosome loser to take merely of ria’s Secret “K” and Angel?”d) you to a mediocre “ W h a t dump dinner, take yourself. “I’ll would you your tray for be doing if you.”

I was there haha ;)?”

Step Three: Make reserva Have some confidence in tions for dinner at a nice resyourselves, ladies. Instead of taurant. waiting for some loser to take “But her favorite restaurant you to a mediocre dinner, take is Chick-Fil-A.” Her favorite youself. Put on some mascara, food could come from a dumpwear a cute outfit, and refuse ster and that would still not be to lower your standards. You’re an appropriate place for Valennot defined by your lack of a tine’s Day dinner.

Valentine.

Now you're probably think Guys, you’re also not defined ing: “how am I going to afford by your lack of a Valentine. all of this?”

There’s absolutely nothing Sell your kidney. You only special about Feb. 14, but in ac- need one anyway.

BOOK

MOVIE

vs

Dutch Fork’s rating: (3.7 out of 5 stars)*

Dutch Fork’s rating: (4.2 out of 5 stars)*

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Mockingjay falls flat

Mockingjay Part 1 sets new tone for series

You’ve been captivated for the past two books. You pre-ordered the last installment, ran to the mailbox every day, snatched the book from its box and read it in four hours straight.

You shouldn’t have bothered.

Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins, is the third installment in the Hunger Games trilogy. And while the first two books are captivating and beautifully written, the last book just falls flat.

The third installment of the wildly popular trilogy picks up directly after the second installment, revolving around the revolution against the Capitol. And as Katniss becomes the face of the uprising, Peeta and Johanna become the faces of the Capitol with the districts caught in the middle.

But the plot (carefully constructed and developed in the first and second books) simply falls apart in Mockingjay.

It’s just battles and death and war and disappointment. Apparently, The Hunger Games just isn’t interesting without the Hunger Games.

The character growth in Peeta Mellark is a fascinating downward spiral. His transformation is extremely unexpected, and very well-written.

But while there are a few interesting additions to the character list, their fascinating new arcs and backgrounds are snuffed out when half of them die in the blink of an eye. And while death is something that is necessary in a book involving a gruesome war, these deaths are not handled well. One moment the characters are there, the next they aren’t, and that’s it.

No grief. No reflection. Just gone.

But perhaps the most frustrating piece of the novel–even the series as a whole–is the ending. The idea of it is a wonderful way to tie up an otherwise lackluster novel, but it isn’t enough. The unfortunate way Collins writes the end doesn’t give the events enough of a focus. They just happen, and she moves on.

Anyone who’s read the first two installments of the Hunger Games trilogy needs to read Mockingjay to wrap up the series. Just know that you’ll probably be disappointed.

Explosions and nightmares, ruins and...cats.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson, was released in theaters on Nov. 21 to packed audiences (with some theaters holding 24 showings on the Saturday of opening weekend).

The theaters were packed for each showing with teenage girls wearing their Team Peeta or Team Gale shirts and, as always, completely missing the point of the story.

The Hunger Games series, particularly this installment of Mockingjay, is not a romance. The love aspect takes a backseat to the real backbone of the story: revolution and all that goes along with it.

The movie opens in District 13, in an underground (literally underground) rebel base bent on liberating the districts of Panem from the harmful grasp of the Capitol. No longer in her home of District 12, Katniss is forced to deal with the aftermath of the 75th Hunger Games and her final actions of the game: shooting an arrow through the ceiling of the arena, leaving it to collapse in on itself.

As Katniss decides if she wants to participate in this revolution she accidentally sparked, the tone of the movie shifts to a darker one than either of its predecessors. Whatever sugarcoating was present in the other two movies is not present in Mockingjay.

It is stark, cold, unforgiving.

It truthfully portrays the harsh realities of a fictional world. It shows battles: battles of people fighting to be free of the only life they have ever known.

Mockingjay is more slowly paced than the other movies, but not to no avail. It takes the time to fully cover the rebellion in the other districts, driving home the fact that it does not merely consist of one girl but rather of the country this one girl inspired to diverge from the set path of control.

The shocking level of reality depicted in Mockingjay Part 1 leaves the audience with one question, and it’s not “Team Peeta or Team Gale?”

But, “Are you coming to the tree?”

review by Carina Leaman

~Katniss is coerced into joining the rebellion ~Effie is rarely mentioned ~Katniss demands to be the one to kill President Snow ~Members of District 13 have daily schedules tattooed on their wrists ~Katniss has partial hearing loss and Peeta has a prosthetic leg after the first Hunger Games

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~Katniss is relucant to join the rebellion ~Effie is a major character ~Katniss doesn’t mention President Snow in her conditions ~Members of District 13 do not have daily schedules to perform in the compound ~Mockingjay Part 1 loses an important symbolic scene because of this omission

Dutch Fork’s Choice:

MOVIE

*

*

Based on 72 responses to a school-wide poll

review by Robin Hendricks OPINION | Winter 2015 | 15

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I

nteresting written and oral communication, intense research, rapid note taking, and a burning desire to let people know the truth are just a few things that will get a journalist’s heart racing with excitement.

Journalism 1, a class taught by Amy Medlock-Greene, serves as a basic journalism course in which studying the function of newspapers, yearbooks, and news photographs is the main focus; however, media law, ethics and responsibility are also central topics of the course. “[I decided to take Journalism 1 because] I like writing,” freshman Laura Shuler said. “I think I have grown in my public speaking and writing skills because of the presentations and writing projects we’ve had.”

Not only does Journalism 1 introduce countless journalistic lessons, but it also serves as a pre-requisite for the advanced journalism (school publications) courses at the school, including yearbook and newspaper.

Junior Maddie Mason, who took Journalism 1 her freshman year, has now made her way to the newspaper staff: a student-driven publication that writes about topics that affect the school.

“Being on the staff really opened me up because in my freshman year I was kind of shy, but after being in newspaper, I broke out of my shell,” Maddie said. “My people skills have improved and I have more confidence. Being on a

18 | Winter 2015 | LIFE

Sophomore yearbook staffer Kayla Webb takes a picture for The Legacy. Yearbook photographers cover a variety of events during and after school. staff like this makes you open up to people.”

Medlock-Greene said she witnesses this change in students as she sees their progression from Journalism 1 to a school publication staff firsthand.

“Being on the newspaper staff really can change your life. You have an opportunity to interact with a wide variety of students and adults,” Medlock-Greene said. “It breaks you out of your comfort zone, and the skills that you learn on staff transcend to all of your other classes and your life in general.”

Emery Smith, a Dutch Fork alumn who was part of the yearbook staff, agrees with Medlock-Greene and said her experience on the publication is helping her in college.

“Yearbook taught me the importance of time management and organization,” Emery said. “Every detail of my entire college life is written in my planner and I make sure to check it daily.”

Life lessons are not the only advantages to being on a publication staff.

Members bonding over their work leads to many fun events and memories.

“We do a lot of fun things in yearbook like celebrating each other’s birthdays, getting food on Fridays, and getting gifts for each other on holidays,” sophomore Sam Calais said. “Even though we work really hard, we always have a good time.”

After completing Journalism 1 and becoming a member of a publications

staff, some students make their way to serving as an editor: a notable and profound leadership role for the staff.

Jen Quindlen, current yearbook Editorin-Chief, said her job is very rewarding.

“Being an Editor is a meticulous job of creating spread designs and editing copy, while also acting as a leader to the staff,” Jen said. “It’s become a role I’ve learned to love and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Students like Jen who have experienced what it is like being on a publications staff encourage their fellow peers to take the Journalism 1 course, and from there, consider whether or not they have a passion for journalism and the qualities of a publications member.

“I suggest people join a staff because we get to do a lot of fun stuff,” Maddie said. “We go on field trips and you become friends with people you never thought you would be close with. It truly feels like a family.”

Medlock-Greene agrees.

“Being a part of a publications staff is unlike any other class you’ll ever take.

The knowledge you acquire and the skills you learn through Journalism 1, 2, 3 and 4 will stay with you for the rest of your life,” she said. “All you need is a spark of interest; take the class and we’ll help fan the flames.”

See Medlock-Greene in room 252 for more information about Journalism 1 or to learn how to join a publications staff.

Senior newspaper staffer Eddie Bates interviews senior Ames Humphrey for a story about football. Publications staff members have the entire lunch block to conduct interviews and work on their stories.

How do you join a publications staff?

Newspaper Journalism 1

Yearbook Literary Magazine

Intro to Mass Media

Silver Screen

If you’ve taken Desktop Publishing, Photography, Commerical Design, or Google Apps, you may also be eligible to join a staff.

ACT Scores by Journalism Staffers and Non-Staffers

Students who are on publications staffs: • earn better grades in high school • have better grades as college freshmen • earn higher ACT scores • consistently score better than their non-journalism counterparts in the areas of general writing, objective skills, essay writing, reading, and science reasoning • can earn honors’ credit for Journalism 2-4 For these and more statistics, see the Newspaper Association of America’s “High School Journalism Matters” at http://tinyurl.com/journalismmatters.

22.12

21.92 21.58

21.4

21.54 21.3

21.26

20.88

21.37

20.49

J-Staff Non-Staff

Source: ACT/NAA Foundation (2008) J-Staff n=6,137 Non Staff n=25,038 **from the NAA foundation

ACT Composite

ACT English

ACT Math

ACT Reading

ACT Science

LIFE | Winter 2015 | 19

Drama brings Shakespearean story to life story by Raleigh Norris, Anna Maria Gardiner and Hayley Younginer

20 | Winter 2015 | LIFE

A

Midsummer Night’s Dream--the story of the marriage of Theseus, the Duke of Athens, and Hippolyta, intertwined with the adventures of four Athenian lovers, six amateur actors and magical fairies-was brought to life on Dutch Fork’s very own stage.

The drama department decided roughly two months ago that A Midsummer Night’s Dream would be the first performance of the year.

With a script full of rich Shakespearean language, several students were wary for the challenge.

“Since the play is Shakespearean, I was initially hesitant, but theatre is a challenge in itself, and I figured if I want to grow, I would have to challenge myself,” sophomore Amar Bains said. “There really wasn’t an option; I just had to do it.”

As the drama students dove into studying their scripts and started to get a feel for the popular Shakespearean story, they learned to love the unique style and hoped their

performance would have the same effect on the audience.

“I feel like they [the audience] might miss a lot of the funny stuff, like the smaller details, but as a big picture they’ll understand it,” senior Albert Green said. “I think they’ll really enjoy it.”

The play, performed four different times for a live audience, made a huge impression on spectators.

With scenes that took place in the crowd, bright and colorful costumes, and a vibrant set display, members of the audience were not only entertained, but were able to follow the complex plot line.

“It wasn’t too difficult to follow along because the way they [the actors] acted it out clarified the basic plot,” senior Sydney Amodio said.

“I loved the play and I was laughing non-stop. You could tell they put a lot of effort into it, and that definitely paid off.”

A Midsummer Night’s Dream was directed by drama teacher Jessica Fichter, who transferred from the middle school drama department

this year.

Fichter’s experience of leading drama at the middle school came in handy.

“Directing high schoolers is very similar [to directing middle schoolers]. I think that the students are more advanced here, so I don’t have to do quite as much character development because they’re able to do it on their own,” Fichter said.

“But again, the process is a very similar process whether you work with adults or little kids.”

The drama students say they have thoroughly enjoyed Fichter’s direction and that her experience and style was a key factor to the play’s success.

“I believe that Mrs. Fichter has a gift for bringing the shows alive and making the audience laugh,” freshman Erin O’Connor said. “I really enjoy working with such a talented teacher and that really drove me to want to participate in the play.”

The roughly two-hour long play with an intermission had action-filled scenes as well

as several monologues.

Fichter said she was pleased with the outcome of the performances and enjoyed seeing her students fall in love with the Shakespearean style of the play.

“It’s been really awesome to see them [the actors] handle the language and get a sense of the physical comedy,” Fichter said. “It’s been really cool to see them kinda say ‘Wow, Shakespeare is hilarious!’”

With A Midsummer Night’s Dream now behind them, the students in the drama department say they are pleased with how the first play of the year turned out.

“We have been here for over two months working really hard, so it payed off and we had a lot of energy,” junior Sarah Emily Rish said.

“It was very rewarding to see all of the play come together as a whole.” _____________________ Left: The cast of A Midsummer Night’s Dream practices at its first dress rehearsal. Photo by Anna Maria Gardiner.

Who said it?

Can you identify which famous character said each line from Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream?

1. “To live a barren sister all your life, chanting faint hymns to the cold fruitless moon.”

2. “But earthlier happy is the rose distilled than that which withering on the virgin thorn grows, lives, and dies in single blessedness.”

3. “The course of true love never did run smooth.”

4. “Swift as a shadow, short as any dream; brief as the lightning in the collied night.”

5. “...a sweet-face man; a proper man, as one shall see in a summer’s day.”

6. “Over hill, over dale, through bush, through brier, over park, over pale, through flood, through fire, I do wander everywhere.”

Scan the QR code for answers and a link to the photogallery on our website.

LIFE | Winter 2015 | 21

life

STUDENT PROFILE

I AM NUMBER FOUR

Senior Graham Ellis excels in, out of school

I

story by Raleigh Norris, Hayley Younginer and Anna Maria Gardiner • photos by Anna Maria Gardiner and Lifetouch

n a senior class of 456 students, it’s not a surprise that making it into the top 10 of the class is a challenge.

But senior Graham Ellis, number four in the class, accepted this challenge his freshman year and has maintained his spot in the top 10 ever since.

“I found out during my freshman year around May, when I received a letter from the school inviting me to the top 10 breakfast,” Graham said.

“I remember feeling like Harry Potter getting his Hogwarts letter; it was great.”

Graham said maintaining his spot in the top 10 has definitely caused some stress, but he has gained experience with work management and a positive outlook on his progress.

“I remember once I started doubling up in subjects and taking a majority of AP [classes], I struggled with anxiety because my grades were slowly slipping due to the increased workload and difficulty of the subject material,” he said. “However, it helped to keep in mind that my grades didn't have to be perfect to still be of considerable rank, so I tried being easy on myself.”

As if this diligent effort to make the best grades possible isn’t enough, Graham is also involved in a number of clubs and extracurricular activities including Student Council, where he serves as student body president.

22 | Winter 2015 | LIFE

“Graham always knows what he is doing and what he wants to happen,” freshman student council member Edythe Humphrey said.

Graham can also frequently be found on the stage in the auditorium, where he has participated in drama since his freshman year. His involvement in the arts program has also affected his fellow peers.

“School plays just wouldn’t be the same without Graham because he is extremely expressive and can make anyone laugh,” junior Jesse Tompkins said. “Graham is actually the one who convinced me to audition for my first school play, so I will always be thankful for his encouragement and friendship.”

Graham’s involvement in the different aspects of school has stood out to countless teachers, including English teacher Jim Peyton, who also is Graham’s tennis coach. Yes, playing tennis is yet another of Graham’s talents.

“The thing that is so impressive about Graham is that he is involved in so many different activities, and still does so well in all of them,” Peyton said. “Through everything he does, you know he is not only a profound person, but a good person also.”

These qualities that impress countless students and staff members at Dutch Fork also carry over to activities Graham does outside of school. Playing bass for

the praise band at Riverland Hills Baptist Church is another way Graham stays involved in the community. Sophomore Lindsay Shealy said being in a youth group with Graham is both a blessing and a privilege.

“Graham is just a really good leader in general. His heart is always 100 percent into whatever he does, including his faith,” Lindsay said.

Top 10, student council, drama club, tennis, and youth group--many wonder how Graham can stay sane through the midst of everything he is involved in. Graham said sometimes, even he questions how he does it.

“I feel overwhelmed practically every day of my life,” Graham said. “There's always a moment where I just think, ‘why the heck am I bringing all of this onto myself?’ But mostly, I actually enjoy the work I’m doing in the different areas I'm involved with and the friends I make, so the question often answers itself.”

As Graham continues putting forth his best effort in every aspect of his busy and versatile schedule, his hard work does not go unnoticed.

His family constantly supports him and say they remain amazed at his ability to do so much.

“No parents have ever been more proud of a child than we are of Graham,” mother Cissy Ellis said. “He is and

has always has been the sweetest, most thoughtful, kindhearted, and intelligent child anyone could ever ask for.

We are so very proud of his accomplishments inside the classroom as well as out.�

Left: Preparing for exams, Graham studies his notes. Top left: Putting away his volley, Graham dominates the court. Top right: Graham performs his monologue in the school play. Bottom left: Graham plays bass for the Riverland Hills Baptist Church praise band. Bottom right: Graham represents Student Council in homecoming court with senior Kayla Braun.

LIFE | Winter 2015 | 23

sports

Coach Faye Norris is

going

for

This page: Girls’ basketball coach Faye Norris holds up a number four, with hopes for a fourth straight state title.

Opposite page top left: Senior Morgan Williams calls for a pass during practice.

Top middle: Senior Zhane Green makes a run down the court. Right: Coach Norris stands on the sidelines observing the team.

Bottom: Coach Norris talks to the team about preparing for the next game.

COACH PROFILE

Y

ou see it all over social media first. All the hype, all the excitement. Another title under the belt of the girls’ basketball team. However, there may be one person you forgot to mention in your congratulatory tweet: the coach behind it all, Faye Norris.

Norris has lead the girls’ basketball team on a series of wins, totaling a record of 7610, boasting an undefeated season to boot.

However, it did not start off with rings on rings for Norris. It started back in her high school days in Aiken with her own basketball coach, Johanna Gibbs. “[Gibbs] coached me in volleyball and basketball,” Norris said. “She was also a coach at USC Aiken, and she recruited me [to play there].”

Gibbs was, as Norris put it, “a legend at Aiken High; no one there has topped what

story by Eddie Bates and Becca Spilka • photos by Michaela Baker she did.”

Norris said she and her coach continue to stay in touch years after Norris’ graduation from USC Aiken and remain an encouragement to each other.

“I graduated in 1975, and my coach still calls me. She pays a visit every state playoff game,” Norris said with emotion in her voice. “She said ‘I’m so glad that you came back to South Carolina because South Carolina kids need coaches like you.’”

Norris’ coaching style has made an impact in the lives of her players. One of the ways she’s done this is by always giving her team inspirational quotes before every practice, driving them to go the extra mile to win.

“For me [the quotes help] set my mind, and it gets me ready for practice,” senior Morgan Williams said. “It

pushes me to become better.”

In order to calm the everpresent nerves and pressure of going to state or upholding the outstanding reputation of the girls’ basketball team, Norris said she takes each day one step at a time. “[I was coached] to take it one game at a time--one season at a time. I always tell them whatever happened the season before has ended,” she said. “Now we have to start a new season fresh and new and move forward. One practice at a time. One game at a time.”

While the pressure of upholding a dominant reputation may seem a heavy burden to bear, Norris’ positive attitude is constantly reflected through the dedicated members of her team.

“I know that there is an expected pressure [to go to state], but as far as I am con-

cerned, I don’t look at it as a pressure; I look at it as a goal,” Morgan said. “That is what I want to accomplish, and that is what I want my team to accomplish.”

Despite the external pressures, Norris’ main goal remains to unite the girls as a team. As one of her motivational quotes says, ‘When there are no enemies within, the enemies on the outside cannot hurt you.’

“I try to be very supportive,” Norris said “We are going to have enemies on the outside, so we have to keep united on the inside.”

Norris always has her eyes set on the horizon, hunting for the team’s fourth consecutive state title.

“This coming year I plan on just moving forward,” Norris said. “That is the main theme for the team every year: just keep moving forward.”

SPORTS | Winter 2015 | 25

sports

Lady Foxes take court

story by Becca Spilka and Eddie Bates • photo by Michaela Baker

T

he squeaking of sneakers against the polished floor, the bang of the burnt orange ball bouncing across the room from player to player, and the jarring noise of the unforgiving buzzer.

These are the sights and sounds of a new basketball season gearing up at Dutch Fork, and this year the Lady Foxes are going for their fourth state championship.

With the significant success of the previous seasons, players draw inspiration from their fellow teammates once again to strive for the title of state champs.

“For the most part [the team has been very successful] in the past, of course,” senior Morgan Williams said, “working hard and having older girls to look up to and to see how they play and take after their style.”

Being a member of the varsity team presents a new league of competition in comparison to junior varsity as well as bestows a great deal of responsibility on the players to maintain the impressive winning streak.

“At first it was a new experience coming from JV to varsity, but you learn a lot,” junior Olivia Anderson said. “People that I play with, I have been playing with since middle school, so it is a good experience.”

An obvious goal for the

26 | Winter 2015 | SPORTS

team this year is to win its fourth state championship, but beyond that the players express a desire to play with more tenacity and dedication than ever before.

“A personal goal of mine is that I want our team to play hard at all times, to play with more heart and understand the game more,” Morgan said.

Several of the players have made it their personal goals to attain the team’s fourth consecutive state title.

To get the drive they need to thrive off that ambition, the team draws a generous amount of its inspiration from coach Faye Norris.

“She really wants us to work hard, and she wants what’s best for us,” junior Jayla Eskew said. “She wants us to look nice on the court.

“It’s a blessing to play under her, considering the strengths that she has,” Jayla said. “She is a very nice person.”

The six senior players must say goodbye to their fellow teammates this year and say they hope to leave behind a legacy and inspiration for other students who will have to fill their shoes.

“Of course [I want to] make more history by winning another state championship,” Morgan said. “I would like other girls to be inspired to come out and try out for the basketball team and get involved in basketball.”

SPORTS | Winter 2015 | 27

For the first time ever, girls’ varsity tennis won the 4A state championship. “Dutch Fork has never won a state championship in tennis, so we were so excited to break history for our school. It’s something no one can ever take away from us,” senior captain Haley Owens said.

History was made and so was an unforgettable moment for not only the girls but coach Gina Hilts as well.“It was an unbelievable feelings of happiness and I’m just proud of the girls’ hard work,” Hilts said.

Nov. 8

Nov. 8

Senior Matthew Colburn won South Carolina’s Mr. Football award. He is the first person from Dutch Fork to win this award. “I couldnt believe it-it felt like a dream. [It was] such a surreal moment,” Matthew said. Varsity football head coach Tom Knotts praised Matthew’s accomplishments as well. “He’s a great student, athlete, and a tremendous leader,” Knotts said. “He’s just an overall good football player who does things the right way.” . photo by Jacob Sprankle

Dec. 13 Dec. 16 Senior Johanna Davis (middle) won the South Carolina Coaches Association for Women’s Sports 4A Cheerleader of the Year award.

“It’s definitely a blessing and an honor all in one,” Johanna said. “Honestly I was speechless when my coach told me. I was so overwhelmed with the honor. It was really indescribable.” photo by Jacob Sprankle.

Girls’ Cross Country placed second overall at their state meet.

In the past 10 years, the best the girls’ team had done was fifth in 2008. “It was all because of the team effort and how much everyone encouraged one another,” senior runner Anna Johnson said. “They inspired me to try my hardest at practice. Also, the awesome workouts and encouragements to try our hardest outside of regular practice [contributed to the win].” photo by Barry Lindler

Foxes make history

sports

Varsity cheerleading flies to state finals, wins state championship story by Becca Spilka, Eddie Bates and Josh Imholte photos by Jacob Sprankle

28 | Winter 2015 | SPORTS

I

t all begins in August. The lifting, the girls that we always support each other, and basketball game and practicing alexhaustion, the hours upon hours of and it feels even better to know that we most year round. training to attain perfection, all leading beat teams that were really, really good, “When the team first started, we were pretty rough; most of the team was new,” up to Friday night’s performance on the respectable teams.”

Afterschool and Saturday practices are Kyra said. “We only had 10 returners this field. And no, this is not about football. dedicated to running their routine again year, but we’ve come a long way.”

This is about cheerleading.

Many of the members of the team, Cheerleading is often overlooked as and again to make it clean and efficient. a sport by many people who argue that “Execution is a big part of making however, admit the challenges that a routine clean,” sophomore Lindsey cheerleading presents have shaped cheerleaders are not athletes. them into who they are today.

“Cheerleading is a sport be “As a captain you have to step cause we practice just as hard, and it takes just as much effort as oth- It’s surreal. I’m just proud of these up and be a role model to the younger ones that are still grower sports,” senior varsity captain kids. They’re amazing kids, and they’ve ing,” Stephanie said. “CheerleadStephanie Chau said. ing allowed me to take initiative The Oxford dictionary defi- worked really, really hard. and do things on my own and be nition of a sport is, “an activity in charge.” involving physical exertion and -varsity cheerleading coach The sport has also helped the skill.” One of the hardest-looking and most impressive aspects of Katie Nunnery teammates come together and develop a stronger connection. cheerleading is the routines they “My favorite thing about bedo. With the countless numbers of flips and corkscrews, it takes around Martin said. “How tight you are when ing on the team is that we have a very you come out of things, your transitions- strong bond, and I can go to them for three months to perfect each routine. anything,” Kyra said. “We’re not only “In August, we get choreography, and -everything has to be really sharp.” from then on we practice the same rou- The team has improved significantly there for each other at practice but also tine until we have it perfect for compe- over the course of just a few years, and outside of practice.” tition season in October,” senior cheer- has been highly successful in its endeavors this year, winning both Debbie leader Kyra Ross-El said.

Left: Varsity coach Katie Nunnery and the Coach Katie Nunnery said the team’s Rogers and the state championship. mentality is an essential component of “It’s surreal. I’m just proud of these varsity cheerleading squad celebrate their making a routine strong and the team kids,” Nunnery said. “They’re amazing win at the South Carolina Division 4A State kids, and they’ve worked really, really Cheerleading competiton. This is their first successful. win since 2003. Above: Varsity cheerleaders “The way that I look at things is I hard.” want to beat you because I’m better than Members of the team continue to perform a stunt. The judges said the squad’s you, not because you made a mistake,” work hard throughout the year as well, seemless stunts contributed to its first place Nunnery said. “I really try to teach the attending and cheering at every football finish.

SPORTS | Winter 2015 | 29

sports

Senior student athletic trainers Emily Barrett and Hayley Krabbe help senior running back Matt Colburn in the ice bath after practice.

Senior student athletic trainers Karis Casterline and Mary-Pat Suarez fold the players’ towels for practice.

Senior student athletic trainer Hayley Krabbe prepares an ice bath for an athlete.

Dutch Fork’s I healers: student athletic trainers story by Becca Spilka, Eddie Bates and Josh Imholte photos by Josh Imholte 30 | Winter 2015 | SPORTS

magine a Dutch Fork home game. You’re sitting with your best friends, cheering on Matt Colburn as he runs a 60-yard punt return for a touchdown that ends with a pile of goliaths toppled over him in the endzone. The whistle blows and everyone gets up. But Colburn does not.

We don’t know it yet, but he’s pulled his hamstring. He’s helped up and off the field by Dutch Fork’s real heroes: the student athletic trainers.

“The main goal of this program is to work with the teams, to learn about all of things we do in sports medicine,” head athletic trainer Mack Harvey said. “It is a natural fit to just have students come and help us with our program.”

Every practice, every game, they’re there. Rain or shine.

And when they’re not on the field, they’re in the training room, taping up knees or shoulders or running to get an ice bath ready.

Without Harvey and his dream team of student athletic trainers, Dutch Fork’s athletes wouldn’t be as strong and healthy as they are. “[As a trainer] the first thing that is a really good thing to know is how is to tape athletes because that’s what we’re doing a lot of,” senior student trainer Kelsey Busch said. “We don’t really help with rehabilitation but more with injury prevention.

We help with the taping and some icing afterward.”

Despite the concentration in sports, Harvey often tries to recruit students with a range of interests because of the experience this program provides.

“We always try to get a number of students that are interested in sports medicine, and this is a great opportunity for them,” Harvey said. “Whether it be nursing, physical therapy or

Senior Student Athletic trainer Emily Barrett helps senior Rhett Stevens in the ice bath. becoming a doctor, it gives them hands-on experience in the fields.”

As important as it is, the job of an athletic trainer, most of the time, goes unappreciated and gets little thought from the rest of the student body. “[I feel that] athletic trainers are underappreciated,” Kelsey said. “Most people think we’re just the water-boys and watergirls. We actually prevent injuries, and it’s a serious job.”

Regardless of their lack of recognition, the unwavering team behind the scenes does its job with poise and elegance.

As a result of the program, many student trainers consider pursuing athletic training as a career.

“Training gives me the experience of seeing what Coach Harvey does when students get injured and seeing what I have to do,” junior Teri Becerra said. “This is the path I want to pursue in life, so I really appreciate the practice.”

Many of Harvey’s former students have already pursued this field and have become very successful.

“Every year I will have a student that left to pursue a medical field in college. We have a number of students that are now nurses,” he said. “We have a couple of students that are now athletic trainers. One specifically is at A&M now; he is the assistant athletic director in charge of football.”

For many students, this program serves as a personal inspiration for themselves as well as the students they help everyday.

“One of the best parts of this program is watching people’s dreams stay alive,” senior Karis Casterline said. “When people get injured, you know they are down, and when they get better, you get to see the light back in their eyes.”

Why is it beneficial to be an athletic trainer?

• Today high schools are hiring athletic trainers to handle health issues not only for athletes, but also for the entire student body.

• Athletic trainers can assess an injury to determine proper referral and eliminate unnecessary emergency room and physician visits which can be costly to the parents.

• Athletic trainers can manage emergency situations when school nurses and other medical personnel are not present or unavailable.

• Through a combination of formal classroom and clinical instruction complemented by clinical experience, athletic trainers are prepared to provide health care to school athletes and other students.

Source: www.nata.org

SPORTS | Winter 2015 | 31