the
Renaissance the student newsmagazine of dutch fork high school 1400 old tamah road/ irmo, s.c. volume 21. issue 1/ fall 2012
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Editor’s Letter
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irst off, as it is with every other year, I would like to welcome back all of the returning students to Dutch Fork and welcome in the new students just starting with the school this year. This year The Renaissance plans to be better than the last in giving you, the students, the best news we can. This year, there has been a new feel to this school year: a new year, a new principal, new students, a new dress code, and a new football field. In this issue, The Renaissance focuses on the new things going on this year. We as a staff have articles about the nominee for Spanish teacher of the year, Erin Gilreath, and the new students at Dutch Fork from overseas. We also have editorials concerning yearround schooling and the newly appointed dress code. Sports, too, offers new articles this issue. Senior girls’ basketball player Alaina Coates (who took the team to new heights winning its first state title) is profiled. Also, the football team, whose field is newly renovated, is talked to about new goals this season. See, new is in the air at Dutch Fork this year. With all of the new things this year, the staff of The Renaissance has new goals to achieve, too. As a newsmagazine, we hope to reach new heights as well. We hope to win numerous awards at state and regional conferences and we hope to bring new and innovative ways to bring news to the student body this year. The Renaissance hopes to win backto-back Palmetto Awards and win an AllSouthern rating at our regional conference. Our goals, however, should not shadow the need to give the students our best. Once again, welcome back and good luck reaching new limits this year as well.
collyn taylor, editor-in-chief
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table of contents News
04 Foreign exchange students come to Dutch Fork 06 Gilreath nominated for Spanish teacher of year 08 News briefs 09 Ads
Opinion
10 Staff Editorial 11 Kids in the Hall/ Dress Code 12 Point-Counterpoint
Multimedia
13 Trending Now/Now Playing 14 Reviews 15 Who we are
Life
16 Back to school for all students 18 Mall shopping spikes in August
Sports
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19 Senior Alaina Coates heavily recruited 22 Football team constantly strives for success
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news
Foreign exchange students diversify student body story by mckenzie mack, dalya beckett and eddie bates photos by eddie bates and tapanga brigman
Junior Paolo Capellette sits in English teacher James Gilliam’s class, focusing in on the lesson.
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tudents from Valdapno, Italy and Frankfurt, Germany say Ciao and Hallo to new friends, new experiences and a new way of living. Some parents are willing to send their eager children across the world to experience American culture by enrolling as foreign exchange students. “[I came to America] to grow, to have fun and to have the best experience of my life,” junior Italian foreign exchange student Paolo Capellette said. Not only do biological parents have high hopes for the exchange students but their host parents, who are experiencing the new change with the students, do as well. “[We participated in the 04/ dfr.news.fall
exchange program because I wanted] to do something different, to give someone the opportunity to come to the States. I wanted to give my children a
different,”Paolo said. “Here it’s more interesting, at the school in Italy we come back at 1 p.m. and in the afternoon, we have to study a lot.”
[I came to America] to grow, to have fun and have the best experience of my life.” junior Paolo Capellette said. good experience [by hosting junior German Exchange student Rahel Kauskopr],” host family member Lisa Davis said. As Rahel and Paolo settle into their new homes, they must attend their first few days of American public schooling. “The school is very
As the school year begins, various clubs and activities offer the students opportunities to interact with students and teachers not only at Dutch Fork but also in the community. “I told [Rahel] to join Pep Club and just to get involved in school sports and have school
spirit,” senior Brenton Davis said. Although certain organizations and clubs have been recommended to the new students, others have sparked their interest. “[I want to join] Pep Club, spring soccer and either crosscountry or volleyball,” Rahel said, “maybe even Beta club if it’s possible.” Paolo has said he is interested in joining either track or cross-country because he enjoys watching the sport and participating in it as well. Those also affected by having a foreign exchange student are the teachers. Social studies teacher Kathi Wagner has had the oppor-
Junior Rahel Kauskopr pays attention to history teacher Kathryn Padgett’s lesson during her thrid block class.
tunity to teach an exchange student before. She said this experience has benefited her greatly and made her more aware of their needs as new students. “If I know anything about their culture, I try to be sensitive to their beliefs,” Wagner said. “I [know] I can’t always use American examples.” Preparations for exchange students aren’t only made by schools and teachers: families in the community willingly offer up their time and homes to these new students. “There were lots of meetings with the organization that does the foreign exchange [program] and they gave advice [about] their culture and
with the information you receive you learn a lot about that person”, Lisa Davis said. Alrhough they’ve only been here a short period of time, the students have quickly been able to form an opinion about American culture. “I think it’s more fun than back in Germany and more individual,” Rahel said. She is not the only foreign exchange student who feels that way: Palo said he has mutual feelings about life in America but still has much to learn. “I think it’s too early to say [that I’ve adjusted to living in America],” Rahel said. “because I’ve only been here for two weeks.”
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news
Spanish teacher becomes state finalist story by mckenzie mack, dalya beckett and eddie bates photos by eddie bates and tapanga brigman
Spanish teacher Erin Gilreath teaches her class from the Smartboard about conjugating verbs.
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rin Gilreath walks across the room and watches her pupils, who are extremely concentrated on finishing their first inclass Spanish essay of the year. Gilreath has been selected as one of three finalists for the South Carolina Spanish teacher of the year. The process for selection was fairly simple and required the nominator to submit an online application for the candidate of his/her choice. “[Sigma Delta Pi South Carolina Branch leader] Dr. Delenostro sent an email to all the schools. [Former Dutch Fork Spanish teacher Chad] Allan emailed me and said that he thought I would be perfect for this,” Gilreath said. “Then, [Assistant Principal Sarah] Longshore referenced me to the 06/ dfr.news.fall
NCHHS about me being a wellknown teacher in the school and community.” The Sigma Delta Pi National Collegiate Hispanic Honors Society (NCHHS) looked for numerous qualities that served as major factors in determining the winner. “The kind of person that they were looking for included someone who is innovative in teaching,” Gilreath said, and “someone who also works in the school [and outside of school] to promote the Spanish language.” Allan nominated Gilreath and told her she was the ideal candidate. “It was a huge honor, when I found out. I was very surprised and very excited,” Gilreath said. Gilreath expressed her ex-
treme elation and excitement about even being nominated. In addition, fellow Spanish teachers are equally proud of Gilreath’s accomplishments. “She is an excellent teacher,” Spanish teach William English said. “She puts in a lot of time to make [Spanish] lessons that help students do well on their exams.” Her colleagues say Gilreath’s unique ability to understand students and their needs has made her an exceptional finalist for this award. “She takes the time to break [ideas] down, so that each and every one of [the students] comprehends them,” junior CJ Odom said. Former students couldn’t agree more that Gilreath deserves the award and each has his own idea why she was se-
lected to be a finalist. “She was nominated because of her work ethic and teaching style,” sophomore Adam Miller said. “She’s very hands-on and doesn’t play, yet really cares about her students.” Although her main objective is to educate her students, Gilreath’s students say she still manages to have entertaining moments that make her relatable. Those moments prove to be effective teaching techniques, differentiating hers from ordinary, mundane classes. “After one of our journals she started playing ‘Me Voy’ and sang really loud” CJ said. “There were certain words that we didn’t know and then conjugated. It was fun.” Moreover, Gilreath’s students say she truly motivates
Gilreath lectures her students on the lesson of the day in class.
her students to continue expanding their knowledge about the Spanish language. “I hope Ms. Gilreath becomes the South Carolina Spanish Teacher of the Year because she teaches in a way that impacts her students,” Adam said. “I remember when I couldn’t [understand] irregulars and she made sure to offer extra worksheets to assist me.” Gilreath’s mixture of both innovative and traditional styles leaves a lasting impression on students. “She’s very technical and likes [the students] to do [the work] the right way. But, she also has activities that allow for some downtime,” Adam said. “For example she uses puzzles to connect conjugations.” Other students agree with Adam because they say Gil-
reath’s teaching caters to their needs and assists them in improving their Spanish (both oral and written) capabilities. “Ms. Gilreath is very thorough and all the lessons build off one another,” CJ said. “Even if you don’t get something, she willingly helps you however she can.” The NCHHS will announce the winner of the Spanish Teacher of the Year Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. at The Citadel. Until then, Gilreath is in the classroom teaching new, interesting concepts to her Spanish students. “She’s great and inspirational. I was in Spanish last year and I learned so many [concepts] that higher levels learned,” Adam said. “She inspired me to go further than the classroom and take the initiative to learn outside of [the classroom].”
South Carolina Spanish Teacher of the Year Eligibility Requirements: * At least four consecutive years of teaching Spanish grades K-12. * Nominees may be self-nominated. * Applicant must have two letters of nomination when applying. Source: scspanishteacheroftheyear.org
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news
inbrief New turf laid down on field
Student selected as keynote
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utch Fork, along with Chapin and Irmo, recently put down astro-turf on the football, soccer and lacrosse field. The project was started before students returned in August and continued until the week of the second home game against Goose Creek. The project forced the first home game of the season against Fort Mill to be held at Chapin High School. The turf was first used during the second home game: a 28-17 loss against Goose Creek Sept. 21.
enior Alex Brunson was selected to give a keynote address at the House of Representatives Chamber in the State House on Sept. 17 as a part of the Constitution Day Lecture Series. The Constitution Day Lecture Series, which is funded by the American Board of Trial Advocates, focused the writing prompt this year on “The First Amendment in Modern Times.” “It was surreal like the people, the atmosphere, the experience,” Alex said, talking about speaking at the event, “probably the highlight of my senior year.”
New choices in snack machines
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his year, to try to curb childhood and teenage obesity and to comply with state law, all of the food options in the snack machines have been replaced with healthier options for students. This change comes two years after the installation of the Snack Naturally machine in the Commons. with replacing The new healthy snack maching in Along the commons the snacks in the machine, school lunches now require the purchase of an entree along with a vegetable. School rules also forbid the sale of unhealthy food items as fundraisers for this school year.
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Elections held Nov. 6
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ositions for Lexington Richland School District 5 as well as local and national seats were chosen on Nov. 6. The race for District 5 School Board was between Robert Gantt and Melissa Cole. In the election, Gantt was victorious over Cole, winning 7,362 votes to Cole’s 4,853 votes. Also, United States House of Representatives seats were voted upon with Republicans Mick Mulvaney, Jeff Duncan, Tim Scott, Joe Wilson, Trey Gowdy and Tim Rice filling seats along with Democrat Jim Clyburn. South Carolina’s nine electoral votes went to Republican candidate Mitt Romney in his loss to incumbent President Barack Obama. Source: thestate.com
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opinion
StaffEditorial
Staff Vote: Agree: 15 Disagree: 0
World wide education; exchange students to DF
editor-in-chief: collyn taylor staff: kirsten arnoult eddie bates robin hendricks mckenzie mack alexis steele rachel urconis fusion staff: michaela baker dalya beckett tapanga brigman alex cone kristen mcgilton laken radvansky brandy williams adviser: amy medlock-greene principal: dr. greg owings
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es for these students, as they attend American school. They get to meet people outside of their country and are introduced to a new realm of society. It is true that exchange students have to adjust to their new surroundings when they arrive in America; however, the education taught within participant schools is not only in academics, but in things such as American culture. When students arrive in America from other countries around the world to enroll in the foreign exchange program, it is not only for their personal benefit but for other students around them as well. They eat American food, they watch American television, they see American sports and they interact with Americans. American students also benefit from the program in that
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he hallways are filled with unfamiliar English. Student desks are surrounded by new faces. The cafeteria overflows with a crowd of strangers and there are only 25 minutes to eat. These are just some of the experiences of foreign exchange students from around the world who have gathered at Dutch Fork High School to learn the English language and about American culture. The goal of the foreign exchange program is to provide a chance for students of various countries to live temporarily in America and experience opportunities outside their homecountries. In turn, foreign exchange programs also allow American students to travel aboard and learn about new cultures. The foreign exchange program provides good experienc-
they learn about other cultures from the points of view of the exchange students. One sponsor of the exchange program is CSIET (the Council on Standards for International Education Travel), a non-profit organization providing leadership and support for all exchange students. According to the Council’s most recent study, in 2010 the total number of international students who came to the United States was 28,142 (most of whom went to Minnesota and Michigan). The survey says one major benefit for the students involved in the exchange program was the increase in maturity, selfresponsibility and the ability to solve problems. By having the opportunity to learn in another country, students are able to develop a better understanding of other
cultures and a different language, whereas had they stayed in their native land they would have had a more provincial view of the world. Students are able to learn new customs that may be different from those in their home country. By coming to a new country students are also able to make global relationships that can benefit them later in life. The foreign exchange program may seem risky, since it requires one to go to a completely new location and place their life and security in the hands of a temporary caregiver. These experiences and the relationships that one makes while in a new country, however, can come in handy, especially when students finally graduates from school and actually have to pursue the world before them.
enaissance
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 administrators, 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 editors 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.
Kids in the Hall
What would you change about the dress code? Carson Markland freshman
Bailey Payne junior
“We should be able to wear tank tops because a lot of people wear them and they’re cute.”
“I think we should wear whatever we want because this is America and we should be able to wear what we want.”
Kayla Braun sophomore
JB Dawkins senior
“Girls should be able to wear Nike shorts because they’re comfortable and not revealing.”
“I’d like to be able to wear [tank tops] after weighlifting so I can cool down.”
Dress code alters students’ fashion column by alexandria cone
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s the new school year rolls in, students are granted new privileges. Yoga pants are no longer prohibited and jeans with holes are not discouraged; however pants still must be no higher than three inches above one’s knee. In years past, jeans with holes and yoga pants were seen as a distraction in the school, taking students’ attention away from what they needed to focus on in class. The location of a hole in someone’s jeans determines the level of attention to be drawn towards them, just as form fitting yoga pants can. Such atten-
tion could trigger unnecessary events to occur within the classroom where the only purpose is to receive an education. The new dress code has affected the student body greatly before. In 2011 cheerleaders were told that they were no longer allowed to wear their uniforms to school on Fridays, since their skirts failed to abide by the school rule of being three inches above the knee. Tradition broken, cheerleaders began to wear jeans and jerseys instead. Yoga pants are a comfortable option for students, however the fact that yoga pants cling to one’s form resulted in the outlaw of the garmet for years. Should a student wear something that goes against dress code, they are allowed to call
their parent or guardian in order to get a change of clothing, however if they are not be able to acquire a change of clothes they must wear scrubs issued through the adminstration. As usual, males are not allowed to wear shirts without sleeves, or have their pants or shorts low enough to reveal their undergarments. A new school year means a fresh start to most students. Being able to dress more comfortably is a great way to help students focus in class; it might even enhance the way some students receive information. Students will just dress the way they please and nothing in the classroom will be affected. Whatever happens this year foreshadows rules which may be brought to the table next
year. By keeping the administration happy and following the new dress code, who knows what good can come to the 2013 school year? The only way to find out is to do just that: keep the administration happy, and don’t flaunt new ripped jeans in front of them. Remember: wearing what you want to wear to school is a privilege, not a right. The altered dress code is a nice addition to the rules. Hopefully its boundaries won’t be tested, considering that students do not have to wear uniforms and are given a chance to dress as they please. The new dress code should be respected. The privelege of being able to dress in less strictly abided clothing is one that not many other schools have therefore it’ll definitely be interesting to see if this new code gets worn or not. dfr.opinion.fall/ 11
opinion
Frequent breaks relieve stress for students, staff column by rachel urconis
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ith the advantage of a one-month summer rather than two, students of year-round schools are sitting inside the classroom, not only being taught the basic foundations of education, but also discipline and maturity. The policy of year-round schooling provides 10 consecutive months of learning within schools and two administered months off for breaks to relieve long-held stress of the students and staff on a general schedule of 45-15: 45 days in, 15 days out. The arrangement of yearround schooling is a good idea
because the frequent, yet brief breaks provide free time for students, yet students could still retain the education from the previous school year. That way, they may return once again ready to learn new material rather than reviewing old. It is true that traditional schools have longer summers than year-round schools with traditional summer break lasting more than two months. However, during the students’ two month summer vacation, the students are losing their previous education and have a tendency to forget what they were taught before. Meanwhile, students of year-round schooling can enjoy their summer break (despite the fact that it may be a little shorter than the traditional break) while also retaining their education from before. They know they will be provided more breaks throughout
the year as well. “One major new study shows that 54 of 64 school variables-attendance, grades, discipline, test scores and so on--are better with a year-round calendar than with traditional calendars,” executive director of the National Association for YearRound Education in San Diego, California Charles Ballinger said. Within year-round schools, while not only being taught discipline, students also exhibit greater intelligence levels than those of their traditional school counterparts, increasing a sense of maturity within the students as well. They are taught the value of perfect attendance and are shown the achievement granted when they put forth an honest effort of everything in which they participate. Year-round calendars are a good idea because the breaks
provide the students time away from school but are short enough that education is remembered and retained from before the break. Students become accustom ed to a schedule of 45 days in, 15 days out so that they have something to look forward to during their year to keep a sense of optimism inside each and every student, while being supplied the same education of traditional schooling and the sensation of discipline because of the time allotted during a single school day. Finally, year-round schools teach confidence and maturity so students are prepared to take on any and all challenges and obstacles in their futures. Students can expect the unexpected and are taught how properly to handle situations when the time comes so they will cherish a wealthy career and ultimate life.
Summer breaks give students much needed relaxation column by kristen mcgilton
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raditionally for most schools, there is a summer break, holiday breaks and spring break to give students and teachers a chance to take a breather and spend time with family and friends. Having these designated breaks gives an adequate amount of time for students to relieve themselves from studying and stress but also have a steady 180 days of school a year. If the school decided to have 12/ dfr.opinion.fall
year-long schooling it would throw everyone out of whack and cause more stress as students go for longer periods of time dealing with balancing their studies. Also, having in-service days gives teachers and staff a chance to grade paperwork and tests, make lesson plans, and meet with fellow teachers of the same subjects. Some students use their summer breaks to go on vacation, acquire a summer job and prepare for the upcoming school year. For year-long schooling, students don’t have a chance to mature and get ready for their next grade. During the summer break if a student did poorly
in a class they can do summer school and catch up but still give them enough time to relax and get their minds right. Even though people believe during the summer break students lose a lot of the knowledge they’d acquired over the year, it actually gives students a chance to get into other hobbies and relax their brains giving a fresh, new start to a new school year. Summer vacation also gives students the perfect chance to prepare for college by studying for the SAT and or ACT. Students are also given a lot of time to pursue trips to visit universities and explore the path they want to take in their major. If students did year-round schooling, it would strain their
brains and cause them to lose interest or increase stress. Having school for a whole year makes it so students are always busy and constantly facing collateral from the work expected of them. Some may say year-round schooling is beneficial to students because it allows them to have 45 days in school and 15 days out of school, basically making the argument that just about two weeks out of school is more than enough time for students to catch up and relax after being in school for nine weeks. However, students in traditional schools already have breaks set into their schedule that give students more than enough time to recover.
#Trending now GoogleDrive
story by brandy williams and michaela baker
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oogle continues to stay on top as a billion dollar industry with its transformation into an app market and cloud document storage. South Carolina students are required to have one computer credit to graduate high school. One computer class that is offered at Dutch Fork High School is Google Apps. “Google Apps is a webbased software that allows you to create documents, spreadsheets, etcetera and that allows you to communicate and collaborate with others,” Career and Technology Education [CATE] teacher Bill Robinson said.
junior Kirsten Arnoult
Google Apps has unique customization tools as well that allow you to change your online and desktop settings. “Google Apps can be customized; apps will be different for different businesses,” CATE teacher Amanda Bonavilla said.. “The list is long: you can create blogs, group chats, presentations [and] websites.” The use of GoogleDrive can impact productivity for users, privately and commercially. “Google Drive is beneficial because you can work on a document at home and access it at school, everyone can work on the same assignment at once
junior Alexis Steele
but be in different locations, and everything automatically saves,” Bonavilla said. Google Drive has now updated to be a five gigabyte storage space. “It’s plenty of space for storage,” Bonvilla said. “You never have to worry about it disappearing like a flash drive.” In its transition, Google has also made communication between others easier with their new chat feature. “You don’t have to send out multiple emails to share your work with others, communication is easier and everything is just in a central place and overall this is a positive change for Google,” Bonavilla said. While there are plenty of benefits, there are some drawbacks as well. There is limited file format (only 15 formats are
supported) and privacy isn’t always guaranteed, even if documents are set to private. Also, multiple folders can’t be synced, and media cannot be streamed to users’ smartphones. “There aren’t many fonts offered in the documents and presentations,” Robinson said. “Also with the presentations there aren’t many designs for the slides to pick from. The spreadsheet could use some improving, especially when it comes to the graphs and charts. While I like being able to communicate with others easier, I still prefer Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.” Two professional viewpoints. One says Google Drive and another says stay with Microsoft. If the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for one’s company, go for it.
junior Kristen McGilton
Now “Put it on me”
by Brandy ft. Chris Brown
“The Match” by Asking Alexandria
sophomore Eddie Bates
sophomore Michaela Baker
sophomore Robin Hendricks
“As She’s Walking Away” by Zac Brown Band
“Even If It Breaks Your Heart”
by Eli Young Band
“Rise From The Dead” by Danishay
Playing
“Forever and Always” by Parachute
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opinion
New Spiderman amazes audiences review by tapanga brigman
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pider bites, web slinging and red suit wearing action pack adventure called Spiderman has been remade from its original production in 2002. In the original movie Tobey Maguire plays Peter Parker, an overachieving senior being raised by his Uncle Ben (Cliff Robertson) and Aunt May (Rosemary Harris) after his parents die in a horrible accident. After a radioactive bites Parker, he then immediately gains powers. Then he is forced to battle the Green Goblin (Willem DeFoe) in order to maintain peace within the New York area, while also trying to
protect the love of his life Mary Jane (Kristen Dunst). Peter Parker gets into an argument with his Uncle Ben one night after being dropped off at the library, they argue about how much Peter has changed. In a furious rage, Peter leaves the house unknowing his Uncle Ben following after, to whom which is later shot in the street within moments. Unlike the first movie, The Amazing Spiderman is based on the comic book series called The Amazing Spiderman. In the new movie Andrew Garfield plays Peter Parker, a high school outcast who is trying to find his way through life with his love of journalism. Peter Parker is being raised by his Aunt May (Sally Field) and his Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) after his parents mys-
teriously disappear. He falls in love with Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) while trying to protect New York from The Lizard. The Lizard was a mutation of a science experiment gone wrong preformed by Dr. Conners. During his fight, Peter Parker runs into Oscorp, where his father once worked. He tries to finish an equation for an experiment that had been previously worked on before his father died with a scientist at the laboratory. Dr. Conners tries to find a way to recreate limbs that have been lost, while in the process the experiment went wrong and mutated his body into a half man half lizard creature. The effects cause Dr. Conners to become unstable, angry and powerful. He decides to “share” his creation with all of New York. Peter Parker in his alter ego
(Spiderman) must save the city from danger. Both movies satisfy the original comic book readers and the new school Spider-man fans. Animation was use quite frequently to make the fighting scenes in The Amzing Spiderman. The 3D animation was used in order to to make the movie seem more entertaining for the audience. The first movie focuses on more computer generated images for the impossible stunts, like Spiderman swinging from building to building more than the remake. With the web slinging action there are major differences, in the first movie his web comes from the mutation from the spider bite. In The Amazing Spiderman he invents a device that shoots out a web like string that is virtually indestructible.
Flow tops App Market review by michalea baker
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new app has recently hit the surface in the Apple App Store. Flow Free is described as a “simple yet addictive puzzle game” released by Big Duck Games LLC into the Game Center. Flow Free is a puzzle game where players have to connect the matching color dots by drawing out a “pipe” from each dot. Also, there are many other colors players have to connect so they have to choose the right path to complete each path correctly and cover the entire board with the pipes. 14/ dfr.opinion.fall
The game has six hundred free levels available in the free play mode, 10 different board sizes and 30 levels of each board size. Flow Free has many different levels that range from multiple dots to larger boards. Players also can test their skills by playing on a time trial to see how many boards they can complete in a limited amount of time. The design is sleek with simple directions and its clean font and bright pipes allows players to concentrate on the game. The app does not have many options to play but the ones it does feature are more than effective to keep the player busy. The cost of Flow is free. The App Store even has other apps for “Flow cheats” just in case a player gets stuck on a puzzle.
The complexity of each level increases as a player pass each puzzle. Players can skip levels and come back or just keep playing until it is solved. In the time trials, players test their speed as they try to complete a number of puzzles in a set amount of time. Players can complete a level in many different ways. One way is to complete it in the level in the set number of “flows” earning a star. Another way is to complete the level in any number of flows resulting in a check mark. There’s a counter that shows how much “pipe” a player has used because he/she has to use 100% of the pipe each board resulting in a board fully covered. Flow includes four different packs. A Regular Pack with
a hundred and fifty boards, a newly released Bonus Pack with a hundred and fifty boards, an 8x8 Mania Pack which includes all 8x8 boards also with a hundred and fifty boards, and a Jumbo Pack made for iPads which includes 10x10 and 14x14 boards which also has a hundred and fifty boards. The time trial section includes four times, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, and 4 minutes. Each time trial is played on a 5x5 board. At number 16 for Top 25 Free Apps and with more than thirty two hundred reviews, Flow Free is climbing the app market ladder quickly. The app is free and worth a shot to anyone looking for a puzzle that is simple yet addictive.
The Renaissance: Who we are (2012-13)
Editor-in-Chief senior Collyn Taylor Future plans: Become sports writer for ESPN
senior Tapanga Brigman Future plans: High Point University and majoring in photography
senior Brandy Williams Future plans: Going to a four -year college to study psychology
senior McKenzie Mack Future Plans: Continue dance career and attend UGA.
senior Laken Radvansky Future plans: Attend USC to study broadcast journalism
senior Bailey Phillips Future plans: Attend Florida State University and study journalism
The underclassmen from left to right: Michaela Baker, Kirsten Arnoult, Rachel Urconis, Dalya Beckett, Alexis Steele, Eddie Bates, Robin Hendricks, Kristen McGilton
Senior Alex Cone Future plans: Going to a good journalism school and making a new news station
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life
Ready or not; it’s time for school story by kirsten arnoult and robin hendricks photos by kirsten arnoult
Students walk from the student parking lot into the school as the school day begins.
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Freshman Rembert White gets out of his car in the parking lot to go into school.
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alking into a big, new school with more mature students can create butterflies in someone’s stomach: excitement or nervousness, they are there. The term “ready for school” means different things to different people. From kindergarten to Crossroads, to becoming a freshman, the viewpoint changes with age. “I wasn’t really excited to start [school],” freshman Austin Cathcart said. “[But] I wasn’t really dreading to start school.” The older someone gets, the more they dread the first day of school--especially a new school. “I was excited and nervous at the same time because I didn’t really know where to go,” sixth grader Patsy Hall said. Going to elementary school is a transition between preschool or little-to-no school at all, making it an exciting new experience for almost every student. “[I was excited] because it’s kindergarten,” kindergartener Jonah Hawkinson said, “I couldn’t wait until I went.” Middle schoolers have the chance to go out on their own and gain freedom. “It is a little different because of the fact that we change classes and we get lockers,” Patsy said. The point of view of how the schools are different isn’t that different after all: from
high school to middle school, students get more responsibilities. “There’s a lot more people here,” Austin said. “The teachers seem like they treat you different here, but they expect a lot more out of you.” During the transition to elementary, middle and high school, teachers start to give more responsibilities to the students, with everyone constantly changing classes it makes it seem like there are more people in the hallways. “I like school sometimes but only when we don’t have too many tests,” Patsy said. Although the difference between high school and elementary school might be large, the biggest difference is how big the campus is. “So far [there] haven’t been many low points. [I] have a lot of friends in my classes,“ Austin said. “It lived up to what I heard about it: it’s a lot bigger.” The age difference can also determine what a student dislikes about school, whether it’s naps, a subject, or just going to school in general. Students usually change their mind about school or school activities as they grow and become mature. “One part [of school] is boring, you have to rest, that is really boring, oh my gosh,” Jonah said. “My teacher copies people whenever someone does something, she copies them, it’s annoying. [It’s] fun [but] sometimes on the playground it gets kinda boring and I get sweaty.”
Middle schoolers Conner Sally and Austin McDaniel eat lunch together as the new school year begins.
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Back to school shopping escalates at mall story by robin hendricks and kirsten arnoult >>> photos by robin hendricks
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wamped stores and lines curved around corners in the mall serve as a reminder that school is around the corner. Mall workers become busy with customers right before the new school year begins. Back-to-school shopping is not only hectic for students and their families, but also for businesses in the mall that become stressed as they try to keep up with an abundance of shoppers. “[Business] was really slowing back, [but] still steady,” Delia’s cashier Elizabeth Graham said. “[We were] hit hard the week before school started.” Delia’s was not the only store to be hit by the sudden business; other workers from differ-
ent stores agreed with Graham regarding the increase in business before school started up again after the summer. “It is always slow during summer vacation,” Belk sales associate Marilyn Smith said. “[Belk tries to sell to] everyone and people who want to be hip and trendy.” The havoc that back-toschool shopping brought to Columbiana Centre was not limited to one type of store, but rather affected a variety with different products and targeted customers. This trend was because not only one kind of person shops for back-to-school, and shoppers can buy multiple types of items such as clothes, shoes and
accessories when preparing for school to begin. “[Delia’s tries to sell to] middle school girls and just getting into high school girls pretty much,” Graham said. With an increase in the number of shoppers, there was more work that had to be done in order to maintain a neat store and work environment to attract more customers and remain organized. “[It was] very, very busy,” Smith said. “[There were] lots of merchandize in the fitting rooms to put away and clean up.” The increase in the number of shoppers not only affected stores, but other businesses in the mall as well, such as restaurants, because people would eat
while taking a break from getting new clothes and supplies for school at kiosks. Jennifer Miller, a server at Subway located in the food court, said they were busy during the back-to-school shopping, too. Store workers in the mall agreed that when it was nearing the end of summer vacation, the mall became crazy with all of the shoppers coming in and out of the stores to get various items for the upcoming school year. “[Working during back-toschool shopping was] really stressful because everyone was here and [the workers] were throwing stuff around trying to keep it organized,” Graham said. “Keeping customers happy, it was stressful.”
By the numbers Back-to-school shopping $258.91 >Average spending on $36.48 $30.3B $688.62
55% Delia’s sales associate Noemi Pacheco folds t-shirts while handling the back-to-school rush.
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clothing and accessories >Average spending on pens, paper and lunchboxes >Spending nationwide for grades K-12 >Average spending on children grades K-12 >Percentage of clothes for back-toschool shopping *statistics from suntimes.com
Slam dunk After adding a state title to her reputation, senior Alaina Coates turns to the next chapter: college
story by collyn taylor photos by tracy glantz, the state
Senior forward Alaina Coates shoots a jumpshot in the Lady Foxes 61-29 victory over Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School.
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6’4” frame with a smile a mile wide and a state title are only a few characteristics that apply to senior Alaina Coates. Alaina, a forward for the girls’ basketball team, averaged 18.3 points per game (PPG) and 10.4 rebounds per game (RPG) as a junior. She helped lead the Foxes to a 27-3-0 record, culminating in the winning of a state title, the first girls’ basketball title in Dutch Fork history. “For one, we got to win [the state championship] again, [but] we have a big target on our backs. It was an honor winning last year because we were the first group in Dutch Fork history to win state,” Alaina said. “We are just trying to do the school proud and get another ring. Go out with a bang.” Alaina was a key factor in the winning of the title, being a dominant player in the post and leading her team on and off the court. “Alaina is what you call an impact player. With her size, she’s just blessed with all of the skills. Some people have size but no skills; but she’s got speed, she’s got agility, she’s naturally strong,” girls’ head basketball coach Marilyn Norris said. “With all of that, plus she has learned to be a leader off the floor; doing the right things not only in front of me but when I’m not around. I think we got some young girls that play post that she took under her wings this summer.” Alaina’s impact is not only seen by her coach, but to Alaina as well. She says her team looks to her to be a leader and that she has “good communication with the girls and they know that my best interest at the end of the day is to get the win, which we all want.” According to ESPN.com, Alaina is ranked 28 on the high school basketball’s recruiting board, with an overall rating of 95 and four stars. Because of this, she is being recruited heavily by a number of schools. 20/ dfr.sports.fall
Senior Alaina Coates celebrates after the Lady Foxes’ State Championship win.
“It’s been crazy. It happened really early, since I was in the eighth grade. I’m glad it’s happening to me, I’ve just been blessed to have coaches actually want to come see me play,” Alaina said. “Not to downplay anybody else’s talent, but I didn’t have to worry about making sure certain people were at a game. I didn’t have to stress hard during a game.” Alaina has narrowed her choices to the University of Tennessee, the University of Georgia and the University of South Carolina. As of right now, she said, she would commit to the University of South Carolina because there she “can
accomplish a lot on the court and in life.” While the recruiting process can be challenging for any high school senior, the relationship between the players’ parents and the coach can have a calming effect. “We have had a great relationship, almost like a motherdaughter relationship. I think [the recruiting process] can get very overwhelming,” Norris said. “I think Alaina’s parents have done a good job keeping things under perspective. I would say that they had their guidelines and stuck to their guns. They took pressure off Alaina, [they] took pressure off
me.” Many opportunities are now opening up for female basketball players such as playing in college, playing professionally in the United States and even playing in the Olympics. For Alaina, reaching her goals is not out of reach and to her coach, college is the place where she will improve to reach them. “Going into her freshman year, you are going to see a lot of improvement out of her. I think that is going to bring it all out,” Norris said. “She’s got a lot of stuff in there that hasn’t come out yet but the more she matures, the more it comes out.”
Alaina Coates’ statistics 2011-2012 18.3 Points per Game 10.4 Rebounds per Game 3.5 Blocks per Game
513 total points 1.9 Steals per Game 1.4 Assists per Game
*all statisctics from maxpreps.com
Senior Alaina Coates is introduced at the championship game, greeting teammate Shelby Curtis on the court.
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Football players strive for success Even after off-season and summer work outs, the football team works toward achieving its goal: a state title story by laken radvansky and bailey phillips photos by tapanga brigman Running back Richardson rushes the ball for a first down against Fort Mill
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ith the smell of sweat lingering in the air and cleats clanking across the concrete to the field, the football team prepares itself for the tenacious practice to come. With long practices and great work ethic comes a confidence that overwhelms the players. Junior quarterback Derek Olenchuk said he is very enthusiastic about the upcoming games. “I think we’ll do good; we’ve prepared for this year ever since [Coach] Knotts has been here. This is the year to do it. This is our year to shine and that’s what 22/ dfr.sports.fall dfr.sports.fall/ 22
we are trying to do,” Derek said. Though he is enthusiastic about the games to come, a lot
Junior running back Walter Roberson rushes the ball past Fort Mill defenders for a first down.
the field: players also watch the films from previous games and stay fit by lifting weights in the
“I think we’ll do good; we’ve prepared for this year every since [Coach] Knotts has been here. This is the year to do it. This is our year to shine. and that’s what we are trying to do,” quarterback Derek Olenchuck said. of hard work and intense effort has been poured onto the field throughout the summer. Without this hard work, the team’s goals for the season might not be met. It takes much more than just work on
weight room. “We had a hard summer, we [lifted weights] every day of the summer,” Derek said. “We’ve been out on the fields for three hours every day of the summer. We’ve put in lots of film work
and we’ve been going at it.” Because football practice is so time consuming, it leaves the players little time for themselves. This dedication is all a part of the hard work incorporated into practice each and every day in order to get winning results during the season: if the players expect to win they must put in the strenuous hours to ensure their success. “We’ve practiced all summer, non stop, long hours, just hard work,” senior defensive end Jamar Winston said. “We wake up, eat, go to football practice 8 till 12, go home, sleep again and do it again the next morning,” Jamar said.