The Renaissance Issue 2

the student newsmagazine of dutch fork high school 1400 old tamah road/ irmo, s.c. volume 21. issue 2/ winter 2013

the

Renaissance

Editor’s Letter

Dutch Fork’s news nexus

usion

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F

ox

On the cover: Junior quarterback Derek Olenchuck leads the offense up to the line of scrimmage to run a play against Gaffney at Williams Brice Stadium.

The varsity football team played in its first ever state championship game Dec. 8, 2012.

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photo by tapanga brigman

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02/dfr.toc.winter 2013

A

s the countdown towards the end of the school year and graduation approaches, The Renaissance offers its second issue of the school year.

With the positive feedback from the first issue, the staff has worked hard to put out another quality issue this quarter.

This issue is all about building and expanding.

The football and basketball teams are both building programs that can contend for state titles: we take a look at each.

The expansion to the district, the building of the new Spring Hill High School and the new technological advancements in the districts are described in detail in the issue as well.

Along with these features, we profile the expansion in popularity of the dance department and the expansion of player safety in the form of cardiac physicals.

There is also a Q&A with Dutch Fork grad Walker Redick (who is currently dancing in Hollywood and on television shows like “Glee.”)

This issue also features an interactive quiz with answers on Dutch Fork’s news nexus, foxfusion.org.

With the expansion of buildings, programs and potential careers, it is easy to forget how these developments benefit the students here.

These extentions set a tone.

It is a positive tone that emits success and hard work at Dutch Fork.

That tone is what The Renaissance strives for in each issue.

As a staff, we want to feature the hard work our athletic teams, our graduates, and our District put in to help build the legacy of Dutch Fork.

And as the year continues to tick on and the amount of work builds and expands, remember that maintaining a positive tone makes graduation seem not so far off.

collyn taylor, editor-in-chief

Follow us on Twitter @Dffoxfusion and like us on Facebook at Fox Fusion.

table of contents News 4 5 8 10

News Briefs New buildings in district Pep rally excites students Dance concert stirs emotion

12 13 14 15 16 17

Staff Editorial Kids in the Hall Obesity Point/Counter Point KONY/Giving spirit Trending Now Reviews

18 19 22 24

Ads Family regroups after fire Invisible Children visits DF Walker Redick

Opinion

Life

Sports

26 Boys’ basketball 28 Physicals, EKGs for athletes 30 Football reaches state final

tR

(Top left): Sophomore Mendy Harris poses, waiting for her dance to begin. (Top right): A box full of Kony supplies sits on a table in the commons after an Invisible Children presentation. (bottom): Wide receiver senior Jordan Berry catches a pass in the state championship game at Williams Brice stadium.

(Photos by Tapanga Brigman)

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dfr.toc.winter 2013/ 03

inbrief

news

Spring Hill set to open next fall

S

pring Hill High School will open its doors Aug. 20. It is located on Broad River just behind the Center for Advanced Technical Studies and will begin as a magnet school for rising freshmen and sophomores. Students must apply online if they wish to attend the high school. The school offers a variety of schools of study, including engineering and entertainment.

New construction

Make-up days begin T

T

he Student Attendance make-up program will be held Feb. 2 for students who have missed more than five days in a year-long class or three days in a semester class.

There is a $15 charge per class period. The program will be held in the auditorium from 7:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.

STEM department set to recruit There is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) interest meeting Jan. 29 at 6 p.m in the auditorium. Eighth graders and their parents are encouraged to attend. STEM is a program geared toward challenging students and offering opportunities outside the classroom. For any further questions call 803-476-3300. STEM is accepting ninth graders in all three area clusters (Chapin, Dutch Fork and Irmo).

An application must be filled out and turned in.

04/ dfr.news.winter 2013

he construction around the school will consist of moving the teacher parking lot, creating an athletic field house/ health science building, and extending Koon road between the high school and the middle school in an effort to decrease traffic complications on both Koon and Old Tamah Rds. In addition to these changes, the district is also building additions to Irmo and Chapin High Schools as well as numerous additions to the 14 elementary schools in the district.

Paving the way New additions to district high schools add parking, classroom space

Story begins >>> dfr.news.winter 2013/ 05

news

Bulldozers sit in front of and beside the school, paving a way for new buildings.

>>> Paving the way story and photos by tapanga brigman and alex cone

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uge craters and piles of dirt lie scattered across the premises as a new parking lot, road and building are constructed.

“Our building is about 20 years old, so they [the District] want to do some renovations to make our building a little bit nicer,” principal Dr. Greg Owings said. “So they’re going to renovate the locker [room] areas and move some health science classrooms [to the new field house], and kind of revamp those.”

As these renovations occur, they will trigger a domino effect on the rest of the campus. “[We’re] making a big computer lab,” Owings said. “Also we’re going to change the drama area, and move that closer to the auditorium.”

One change impacting the front of the school is the relocation of 40 teacher parking spaces.

According to Owings, the old “pit” will become a new road and drop-off area for students whose parents drive 06/ dfr.news.winter 2013

them to school. This change will help ease the congestion in the front of the school in the mornings and afternoons.

“I think they’re [the renovations] all needed and it’s going to help make us a fabulous school,” Owings said.

Several students said the timing of the construction projects is irrelevant when considering the goal at hand.

“I don’t believe right now was the opportune time, [but] at the same time it doesn’t look like they’re getting in anybody’s

Students have various opinions about the changes at hand.

Freshman Carrigan Mattison said the road between the high school and middle school is unnecessary while junior Paul Beasley said since the construction of the new parking lot isn’t in anyone’s way that it can’t be harmful for the school to try a new look.

“I think it may be confusing at first, but over time people will get over and it will become useful,” Paul said.

way; they’ve got [the construction zone] fenced in,” senior Chris Carroll said. “Get it done now so they don’t have to worry about it later.”

Carrigan disagrees.

“I think it’s good [timing],” Carrigan said. “I don’t know how helpful the road will be but I think it’s good that we’re trying to help with traffic with the school.”

Owings said the changes to the school will be beneficial for several reasons.

“I don’t know how helpful the road will be, but I think it’s good that we’re trying

to help with traffic with the school.” > freshman Carrigan Mattison

“We think it’s more efficient,” Owings said. “It’s safer and it should be a lot better for us.”

The car riders have their own reasons for thinking the new parking lot will have its own advantages.

“It’s really bad when I’m a car rider [and] the lines are really slow,” Carrigan said.

“There are other cars and buses trying to get out and there is only one stop sign so it’s really hard.”

Owings said the larger parking lot at the front of the school will help decrease traffic on Old Tamah Rd. And the field house will help health science students and athletes by enhancing the way they learn.

“In that building it’s basically a couple big classrooms, a meeting room, some new health training facilities, locker rooms, little concessions for outside,” Owings said. “So it’s not going to be just a athletic facility, but one [where] we can have some health science classrooms and sports training [as well].”

New additions to the district: 1. Spring Hill High School 2. Field House addition to Irmo and Dutch Fork High Schools 3. Expanded parking for all three district schools 4. Renovations to parking lots and buildings 5. Expansion of Koon Rd. between Dutch Fork High and Middle Schools

Construction signs hang around campus as the crews continue to work.

dfr.news.winter 2013/ 07

news

(Top): Dutch Fork student sections cheer on the players as they run into the stadium. (Lower left): Head Coach Tom Knotts talks to students at Pep Rally. (Lower right): Pep club members wear custom green neon football shirts to show school spirit.

08/ dfr.news.winter 2013

Pep rally pumps up students story by collyn taylor and eddie bates >>> photos by tapanga brigman

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he music pumps louder and louder as the football team gathers in the endzone. The band begins to play and the football team rushes out onto the field to the roar of the crowd.

The varsity football team made history by reaching the Division 4A State Championship this year for the first time since Dutch Fork opened its doors in 1992.

Before the game, the team was involved in a school-wide pep rally at the stadium.

The pep rally involved the band as well as the Dazzlers, cheerleaders and the football team.

Pep club also had a section of neon at the front of the stands.

“With other students cheering on football players, it gives them motivation to win and try their hardest to win the game,” senior class secretary Bradley Williams said.

To start off the pep rally, the pep club was welcomed onto the field by a tunnel formed by the pep club, student council and the band.

“It was a fun and exciting experience to cheer on the football players as they ran through the tunnel and encourage them to win state.”

Events at the pep rally included a battle of the classes where a member of each class had to try to kick a field goal to win a free ticket to the game.

The event was met with great enjoyment from the football team as players swarmed the participants as they were trying to kick the field goal.

“They [the students] were behind us the whole time and it was good to see the whole student body at once,” junior quarterback Derek Olenchuck said.

The team then proceeded to the sidelines where they were introduced and met with booming cheers from the student section.

“It’s [student support at pep rallies] something to think about when you’re in the game,” head football coach Tom Knotts said.

After playing 11 regular season games and three playoff games, it was a grind for football players to stay focused on the game.

Derek said he believes that seeing the students at the pep rally gave him new vigor. “[The atmosphere and student support

at the pep rally] made us feel supported,” Derek said.

The pep rally continued with the football team leading a wave and each section chanting “D-F-H-S,” and it ended with pep club leading the “I believe that we will win” chant that has become a staple of Dutch Fork football games.

“We had a great student turnout [at the pep rally],” Knotts said.

The pep rally spawned new memories for the football team and in the participating groups. “[My favorite moment was] coming out with the team and everybody cheering our name,” Derek said.

Knotts said he had new ideas that formed after the pep rally as well.

With the emergence of other school clubs competing around the state and nation like Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) and the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Knotts said pep rallies should be held not only for other sports, but for clubs as well.

“I think that we need to do more things like this,” Knotts said, “for academic and other programs and events.”

Dutch Fork football players run on the field to begin the pep rally in preperation for the state championship game.

dfr.news.winter 2013/ 09

news

Dancers hold a pose while waiting for their music to begin during the dance performance.

Dancers take center stage story by tapanga brigman and alex cone >>> photos by tapanga brigman

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hythmic body motions, an expression of art and a flame of passion: dance is more than a class for dancers.

“I dance to express my emotions and relieve stress,” junior Jamie Newell said.

During the semi-annual dance concert at the end of November, each dance class had its own song and its own time to shine.

“We work really well together. Alina Cuttino, she’s in our dance class and she’s really good and Bridget Hakes is also so we have a lot of actual dancers. All of us work together well,” freshman Abigal Nisbet said.

Dancers say dance is not only physically beneficial; it can enhance traits needed to be competitive and well-rounded.

“Of course I think it has physical benefits. I think it’s an 10/ dfr.news.winter 2013

active physical sport therefore I think it’s helpful for health reasons and keeping obesity down and your body active and engaged,” dance teacher Ginny Haynes said.

“But the other thing is that it helps out with learning how to work hard for something,” Haynes said. “So dedication and developing a passion for something and understanding for something [are benefits].

“I also think that it really does help you to concentrate because you’ve been able to move [and] get out of your comfort zone,” Haynes said.

Dance practice, for most dancers, goes beyond the dance room: their dedication and desire for dance extends beyond the school day.

“I [dance]...at a different studio,” Abigail said, “and it’s just easy.”

The Dazzlers are a highranked dance class and have auditioned to be a part of that team. “[But] the other dancers in Dance 1 are just beginning,” Jamie said.

Different people get into dance in various ways.

“I started dancing when I was two and a half,” Haynes said. “My dad was in the Air Force so we moved around a lot but wherever I was, dance was the only thing that stayed constant...It’s a part of who I am.”

Abigal has another reason for starting to dance.

“In first grade my friend Kim wanted to [take dance] so we just did it for fun,” Abigal said.

Participants say dance is a bonding experience.

“Dancing is a fun sport; a lot of girls do it,” freshman Hunter Holland said.

Freshman Dazzler Simone Necto said dancing isn’t an easy sport to pick up on.

“I think dancing is a sport because it’s just as physical as anything else and you really need to be able to do anything,” Simone said. “I think all [styles] are demanding--there is no easy style. I don’t think people know how difficult it is. They think that a bunch of girls do it that it’s easy and it’s not.”

Dancers with a true passion for the sport are recommended to study all types of dance in order to be well-rounded.

“I think if you have a passion for dance you really need to start as early as possible,” Haynes said.

“If you’re a late starter then I would really recommend taking as many levels, as many styles as you can just to get a feel for it and being open [to] everything you’re being given.”

dfr.news.winter 2013/ 11

Staff Editorial

opinion

Staff Vote: Agree: 11 Disagree:

2

District additions exemplify positive change

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he mounds of dirt and the infuriating sounds of beeps and air brakes of backhoes and bulldozers means construction is underway around the district.

Lexington/Richland District 5 has broken ground on four major new projects across the district over the past two years.

From the Center for Advanced Technical Studies (also known as the CATE center), the new football complex, the new connecting road between the middle and the high school and the coup de grace of the district: Spring Hill High School, the all magnet school, the district has been inundated with construction projects.

The CATE Center opened this school year and students have been flocking to the Center to take classes such as Environmental Science or Automotive Technology to Bioen-

the

R

gineering.

The Center exemplifies the District’s vision for the future.

The CATE Center is a new-wave building with fresh trimmings that stands as an attention-grabbing part of the flatlands that surround it.

The future buildings coming from the district, if they mirror the CATE Center, will be the talking point of all future endeavors of the district.

While the CATE Center is a big achievement for the District, the crowning achievement will be the new magnet school, Spring Hill High School.

Spring Hill, focusing on environmental sciences, entrepreneurship, entertainment and engineering, is scheduled to open for the 2013-2014 school year.

For its first year, it will accept current eighth graders and freshmen and will expand to

include upperclassmen over the next two years.

This magnet school will be the pin-in-the-cap for theschool district and a model for all other buildings built by the District.

The school is set to have a massive auditorium (mirroring that of the CATE Center’s) as well as a one-to-one technology system, school wide wi-fi and a cafeteria with a lunchroom, snack bar and a lounge area for students.

This engineering feat is what makes Spring Hill the pinnacle of district engineering.

Dutch Fork is receive its own facelift, too.

While the road being built between the middle and high schools is not as flashy as the new high school, is a practical addition.

The traffic buildup outside of the high school both at 8:30

a.m and 3:30 p.m. is astonishing and causes delays for any student unlucky enough to get to their car later than usual: this new road should diffuse some of the bottleneck traffic outside of the school and make it easier for students (and parents) to enter and leave campus.

Also, the expansion of the health science building/ field house will add classroom space and will help disperse the traffic in the already overcrowded halls in the main building.

The District is in unchartered territory with all of the new additions.

With the new CATE Center already housing students, the district looks to train more at the magnet school, direct more with the new road and house more with the new health science building, which will add to the District’s already exceptional reputation.

enaissance

editor-in-chief, collyn taylor staff kirsten arnoult eddie bates robin hendricks mckenzie mack bailey phillips rachel urconis fusion staff michaela baker dalya beckett tapanga brigman alex cone laken radvansky brandy williams adviser,amy medlock-greene principal, greg owings

12/ dfr.opinion.winter 2013

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.

Kids in the Hall Should politics be discussed in the classroom?

Richie Zhao

Keyona Harden junior “Students should be informed about current issues so politics should be taught.”

freshman

“No, because differing opinions [about politics] might offend some people.”

Sara Alston sophomore “Politics should be taught in the classroom because it helps students share their personal opinions and have a better idea about it [politics].”

Colin Stader senior “Discussing politics causes issues between different bodies of students because not everyone is going to agree.”

Politics in the classroom necessary to discuss column by brandy williams

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t some point in a high schooler’s life they are required to take a government class to graduate. Just like any other history class, touchy subjects are often discussed. The touchiest of them all? Politics.

By taking a government class, students become educated on all the terms of government and learn how to become an educated voter. However, teachers are limited to what can be discussed and what can’t be discussed in the classroom when it comes to politics. This isn’t fair to them.

Four years ago, Barack Obama made history as the first black president of the

United States, making 2008 one of the biggest election years in history. 2012 was an even bigger election year because we had two candidates opposing views and who went against everything the other believed in (and who bickered with each other during each debate).

Americans during this election either supported one candidate or another; it was rare for anyone to be in between.

If a teacher wears a Barack Obama button on their shirt, it’s the same as them wearing a sports jersey of their favorite player. It’s their personal view to root for that team, just like it’s their personal view to support Obama. But it shouldn’t affect the classroom standards and what that teacher is required to teach.

Politics can also be humorous at times. One government teacher at Dutch Fork had a

sign hung up in her classroom that said “The road to hell is paved with democrats.” The teacher who hung it up in her classroom found it funny--so if it makes her laugh, why not allow her to hang it in her classroom?

I realize it’s offensive to some people, but my classmates and I are only 17-18 years old; we think we know what party we align with, but we’re still too young to really push to either side and stand there. So if anything, just laugh it off.

Also, holding political debates in class is a great idea.

Political debates get everyone involved. Students see why others think the way they do and understand where the other person is coming from.

Teachers also get to see their students thoughtfully tackling issues and reflecting on what they learned in class.

While government teach-

ers do sometimes interject into lessons and throw their own political views into their teachings, they’re willing to explain why they think the way they do and if you don’t agree, then drop it.

There’s a thin line between preaching and teaching.

Preaching means to publicly proclaim a belief. Teaching means to impart knowledge.

As long as everyone can be open without any judgement, I don’t see a problem. However, this seems to always be a problem among teens because of the fear of not being accepted.

Nonetheless, politics will always be controversial topic.

There’s no way around it. It’s just like the topics of abortion or gay marriage. People either feel strongly towards one way or another: that doesn’t mean it should never be brought up for students to be educated about. dfr.opinion.winter 2013/ 13

opinion

Individual choices to blame for obesity column by brandy williams

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hirty years ago, children led lives that kept them healthy. They walked to and from school every day, they actually participated in gym class, and home-cooked meals were more popular than fast food.

Times have certainly changed.

It’s 2013. Walking to school has been replaced by car rides and buses. Kids spend time after school watching TV. And parents are busier than ever (leaving them to depend on fast food and delivery services to feed their kids).

Portion sizes are two to five times bigger than they were in years past. In the 1970s, the average size of a drink was 13.6 ounces; today the average size is 20 ounces.

According to letsmove.gov,

the obesity rate has tripled since the 1970s and one in every three American children is obese.

Who’s to blame for this?

Schools? Restaurants? Parents?

Wrong, wrong and wrong.

Honestly, people have no one to blame but themselves.

Although parents do have a huge role in this issue, overall everyone can help play a role to make obesity less of a problem in future generations.

According to S.C. Discus, in 2003, a couple sued McDonald’s claiming they were “deceptive” and “caused their two teenage daughters’ health problems” (which included obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease).

The judge ruled in favor of McDonald’s stating the parents failed to show how McDonald’s was dangerous in any way that wasn’t obvious to the consumer.

When we were younger, our parents are the ones deciding what we ate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

But as children turn into young adults and start to take control of their decisions, their

health relies on their actions and how they choose to live.

As teens, we become aware of what’s healthy for us, what has nutritional value and that exercise is important.

If a person doesn’t want to be fat, they know what they have to do to meet that goal.

It can’t get any simpler than that.

Obese children are often the victims of depression, low selfesteem, high anxiety and victims of bullying.

It’s never been OK to judge a person by his weight, but that’s just how society is.

Mass media often perpetuates the mindset that if a person isn’t skinny, they aren’t pretty or handsome--and that’s not true at all. However, nobody should let herself get to an unacceptable size.

First Lady Michelle Obama started a project called Let’s Move on Feb. 9, 2010 with a goal that by 2030 the obesity rate in the U.S. would drop five percent. This drop would be a result of families and communities committing to living

healthier lives.

Five percent may not seem like much, but it’s a small goal that can be reasonably reached.

At school, soda machines were replaced with machines containing water, orange juice and apple juice.

Powerade was taken out of the snack lines and replaced with Vitamin Water. At lunch, french fries were replaced with sweet potato fries and students are required to have a vegetable or fruit on their tray.

Students have mixed emotions about all these healthy changes. If it bothers them that much, though, then they could always bring whatever food they wanted from home.

But if a student really wanted to start developing healthy habits, at least they have the school cafeteria supporting them.

However, some people can get all the support in the world and still choose not to do what’s best for them. Encouragement from the community, parents, and peers is always welcomed, but remember the ultimate decision is the individual’s.

Business’ wallets, consumers’ waists get fat

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s While people do have a choice of healthy three course meal that takes 45 s u - whether or not to buy the food, the corpo- minutes to an hour to cook? Or the meal p e r rations make it an easy, accessible choice. that they can pick up in a drive thru and sizing gets According to grist.com, the fast food in- pay a pittance of what they would for the bigger, so dustry spent about $4.2 billion in market- ingredients of that healthy meal? For most, do waist ing in 2010. it’s a pretty easy choice. column by collyn taylor sizes across With the repetition of Ronald Mc- It’s ridiculous to say it is all on the masses America. Donald commercials and the over hyped to make the right choices. Yes, almost all of From Burger King to Taco Bell to McDon- “Fourthmeal” at Taco Bell, people are pro- the responsibility falls on them, but there is ald’s, people are buying more and more fat- grammed to go to those restaurants. a small portion that falls on the businesses. tening fast food.

If businesses provided According to gallup.com, the With the repetition of Ronald McDonald commer- healthier options for health-conaverage male currently weighs cials and the over hyped “Fourthmeal” at Taco Bell, scious people, then America would 196 pounds (although the ideal people are programmed to go to those restaurants. begin to shed pounds left and right. weight is 181 pounds).

If businesses would stop Women weigh an average over producing commercials that of 160 pounds, while their ideal weight is Oftentimes people do not have a choice paint their double McHeartAttack as somearound 138. when it comes to whether or not to eat out. thing that kings and queens would eat, then Both of these averages are up roughly 20 At 6 p.m., what will working parents maybe people would start to see their wallets pounds from 20 years ago. of a family of four choose for dinner? The get fatter while their waists get slimmer.

14/ dfr.opinion.winter 2013

Invisible Children make gradual difference

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t all

started with a short 0 column by tapanga brigman 3 minute video and a desire for change and ended with the most viral video campaign in modern history.

The Invisible Children organization was formed in 2004 by Jason Russell, Bobby Bailey and Laren Poole.

The organization was formed in order to raise awareness about Uganda’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and its leader, Joseph Kony, and to put a stop to his crimes.

According to Forbes.com, Kony is the eighth most wanted criminal in the world.

He is wanted for the abduction of 60,000 people, including 30,000 children. He forces them to participate in fighting in his armies while also having deal with rape, murder,

mutilation and sex slavery.

The Invisible Children organization set out on a 2012 U.S. tour with a plan. Their plan is not only to raise awareness of their organization, but to put a stop to the LRA as well.

In order to do this they use social media such as Twitter and Facebook to get their message out.

Their website (invisiblechildren.com) explains everything from their organization’s ultimate goal to how to donate to the cause, how to purchase items, and how to contact them.

A Nov. 12 Invisible Children-sponsored walk in Washington, D.C set out to prove to the American government that the U.S. youth is serious and wants to take action.

Various artists such as Mumford and Sons, The Main, and Paramore have supported and donated to the organization.

Kony is not a force that can be taken down quickly. However, with the correct use of social media and the power of the masses, the fight could take less time than predicted.

Negative comments and rumors have been made towards the organization calling them a scam, stating that most of their money does not go towards actually helping the Ugandan people.

According to skeptics, most of the organization’s money goes toward travel and media expenses. But if you go on their website you can see how their expenses add up.

The way the Invisible children are trying to get Kony captured is by getting world leaders to come together to track Kony and take him down.

Kony is not a force that can be taken down quickly. However, with the correct use of social media and the power of the masses, the fight could take less time than predicted.

Giving back to community important column by dalya beckett

A

little boy and his mother stand in line at their local Goodwill.

In need of some holiday cheer, the boy anxiously waits to get a new toy truck for Christmas.

If one has the capability to give back to their community they should because they, too, would want help if their family did not have the means to feed them or buy what they wanted for Christmas.

While giving back yearround is important, during the holiday season, the importance of giving becomes essential.

There are countless ways one

can give back during the holiday season including donating money or clothing or just spending some of the day helping a person in need.

We as students can easily give back to our community by donating canned food items at school.

Every year Dutch Fork partners with Harvest Hope Food Bank, which has continued to serve as a staple of the community since 1981.

Organizations and clubs throughout our school such as Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) and Student Council allow students to give back during the holiday season, too.

DECA’s annual Christmas party encourages students to give to children who have suffered from abuse as well as the opportunity to actually meet those whom they have helped.

Likewise, Student Council’s Angel Tree supports Dutch Fork’s feeder schools by annually setting up a Christmas tree in the Media Center with ornaments describing children in need of holiday cheer.

Recently, a student at Dutch Fork experienced a great loss when his house was destroyed by an electrical fire.

He escaped, but not before putting the safety of his three younger sisters first.

As a community, Dutch Fork came together to help that student and his familty.

These donated items will make the transition easier for his family as they get back on their feet.

Thus, by giving back the giver is able to have an overwhelming sense of selflessness and pride, knowing they have changed a person’s life.

The local “Families Helping Families” program also allows citizens to call in and volunteer to sponsor families in need.

The volunteer can choose the size of family they want to sponsor.

This past October, my fellow Junior Civitans and I gathered canned goods in Ashford.

Although it was cold and windy, we managed to walk house to house and collect cans as well as nonperishable food items.

Helping out our fellow man in his time of need is the true reward of giving.

However, one should not be forced into giving but rather see himself in a less fortunate individual’s shoes.

One must ask themselves how would you feel without having a warm coat during the winter? dfr.opinion.winter 2013/ 15

opinion

#Trending Now

Poshmark

review by laken radvansky, bailey phillips and mckenzie mack

A

n online extravaganza of clothing awaits as Poshmark acends to the top of the app market.

The newest way to buy and sell clothing is specifically for iPhones and is located under the Lifestyle category in the App store.

Users create their own virtual closet, consisting of the personal items they are selling for whatever price they desire.

Getting started is simple: the recommended way is to create an account. The account accesses users’ email or Facebook accounts and allows them to connect with their friends and create a first listing.

The listings will be items the user wants to sell.

The first listing is an easy system. Users click on the “sell” icon on the bottom of the screen. It takes users through an easy stepby-step listing process for the user to put her product on the market.

After creating the account, it’s important to browse the App and see what’s offered.

Listings of items are shown under differ-

ent categories. Just like Facebook, users can “Like” others’ items, showing their interest in buying the items.

“Posh Parties” are another interesting and fun feature of the app.

Posh Parties are selling parties, with themes such as animal print, designer handbags and vintage wear.

They give users the opportunity to promote a listing and shop for specific products.

To join a posh party, search it on the app and click the “attend” icon.

Selling on Poshmark is free, although, it does deduct a 20 percent commission fee from users’ earnings, essentially giving 80 percent of the sale to the owner.

Once shipped and received, the earnings from your sale are given to the seller.

Individuals can withdraw money whenever they like, by clicking the “My Balance” tab. The seller can have her money sent through direct deposit or sent in the mail.

For example, if an individual lists a $25 handbag on Poshmark, when it sells, they

Interactive Quiz 1. When was Dutch Fork built? a) 1990 b) 1991 c) 1992 d) 1993 2. How many students are enrolled at Dutch Fork? a) 1,546 b) 2,289 c) 2,059 d) 1,982 16/ dfr.opinion.winter 2013

3. What is Dutch Fork’s motto? a) “Shaping young minds” b) “Enter to learn...Go forth

to serve” c) “Education is power” d) ”United we stand; divided we fall” 4. Of 37 Advanced Placement classes approved by the College Board, how many does Dutch Fork offer?

will receive $20 of that sale.

Shipping on Poshmark is simple, and Poshmark handles financial transactions (including credit cards).

It also provides sellers with a pre-paid pre-addressed shipping label.

Poshmark keeps the payment until an individual confirms she has received what she purchased.

Poshmark works well with direct transactions. These transactions are easy to manage and sellers don’t have the stress of dealing with paying shipping fees.

Although this App has pros, it has its cons, too.

Poshmark is only available on computers and iPhones, it’s not available internationally, and the shipping fee when purchasing an item is $7.

Although limited to iPhones and computers, Poshmark is continuing to grow and expand through users of the Apple community, becoming the fastest growing fashion shopping app on the market.

Scan the QR code below to check your answers

a) 27 b) 30 c) 15 d) 18 5. Where does Dutch Fork rank overall on a list of South Carolina’s top high schools? a) 2 b) 7 c) 4 d) 10

Twilight franchise ends with epic finale review by robin hendricks and rachel urconis

T

he legendary rivalry between werewolves and vampires of the past four years in the Twilight franchise, has ended with a big cinematic finale.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part Two was released to theaters Nov. 16, almost exactly four years after the first movie, Twilight, was released.

With different directors, the movie series has failed to create a definite tone that gives it a certain personality. Thankfully, Bill Condon directed the final two movies of the saga based on one book, Breaking Dawn, by Stephenie Meyer.

The other movies did feature action scenes as well, such as Eclipse and New Moon, but Breaking Dawn’s action scenes last longer and don’t immediately cut over to show Bella’s face when something happens.

Such as the others in the series, the movie is still centered around Bella, but not in the same annoyingly obvious way.

Her narration continues through much of the plot, but with all the new characters being introduced, it is not totally focused on her.

In earlier movies, there was very little variation of types of vampires. There were the good ones (the Cullens and the Denali clan), and the bad (the overly-controlling Volturi who believed themselves to be rulers of the vampire world).

In Breaking Dawn, without

the danger of her human scent, Bella meets more vampires which shows the viewer there are more than merely the good and bad kinds.

There is Garrett, a nomad who is first introduced to the audience drinking the blood of an innocent man, but turns out to be a witty and loyal character throughout the story. And Benjamin, who is also an extremely kind-hearted and has the power to control the elements such as water and soil.

Over the years, the Twilight saga has been widely debated and has split people into two categories: those who absolutely love Twilight and those who hate it.

Those who do not like the series would most likely refuse to go to the movie as well.

What Stephenie Meyer in-

tended to do by making the vampires sparkle in direct sunlight was to make them seem mystical and alienable, but instead has been used in jokes by the vast majority of people who mock the story.

This seems to be the case with a lot of her other attempts in the books as well, which were then translated to the big screen.

The use of sparkles distracts viewers from seeing the meaning behind the actions in the movie because it is so bizarre to see a sparkling person.

But even those with preconceived notions and objections to the series should see this movie because it takes what people already know about the Twilight universe and adds depth and explanation to it while staying true to the book.

Taylor Swift changes style with Red review by robin hendricks and rachel urconis

T

aylor Swift’s recently released fourth album, Red, varies greatly from her selftitled debut.

On Taylor Swift, the featured genre was country, although a pop undertone was prevalent.

The use of a slight pop sound opened her music to a wider audience than country alone would have.

Because the genre was country, though, her music had a unique sound. She was not just another teenage girl singing about her crush with a song that somehow made it to the Top 40.

She was original.

Although her songs were

mostly about her past relationships or the ones that could have been (such as “Teardrops on My Guitar”), they were relatable and not overused in her first album.

Even in the second album, Fearless, some new ideas were introduced along with several catchy tunes. A few songs didn’t even mention romantic relationships like “The Best Day” which Swift wrote about her mother and how she had always been supportive of her.

But by the third album, Speak Now, it had gotten old.

The songs were well-written, like they usually are, but are still mainly about relationships.

The subjects were on repeat, with few new ideas.

The top singles on her latest album Red, like “I Knew You Were Trouble” (written by

Swift, Max Martin and Shellback) are pop songs instead of in the country. It seems most of her audience (which includes for the most part young girls and teenagers) listens to pop more than any other genre.

Most of the songs on Red are not without some country, though. Although some of Swift’s music is pop now, songs such as “I Almost Do” and others on Red make excellent use of the acoustic guitar and banjo, much like her earlier country songs.

The song “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” (co-written by Swift, Martin and Shellback) is badly written.

Most of what Taylor Swift writes flows brilliantly with the instruments and music chosen, and not at all tedious to listen to. But this one is surprisingly awful.

That track aside, others on

the album are held up to her high standard of writing.

“All Too Well” (co-written by Swift and Liz Rose) was remarkably well-written and is reminiscent of “I’m Only Me When I’m With You” from her first album in its story of a relationship in little pieces throughout the song.

With her enormous fanbase, Swift has the opportunity to make a difference and leave a lasting mark in the lives of so many, but just won’t use it in more than a few songs such as “Change” and “A Place in This World.”

When she has the attention of the majority of the youth of the United States, it’s puzzling why almost all her songs are about boys instead of addressing other issues and facing real problems. dfr.opinion.winter 2013/ 17

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life

Family’s dreams go up in smoke Family, community struggle to regroup after devastating house fire story and photos by collyn taylor and eddie bates

dfr.life.winter 2013/ 19

life

The Imholtes’ charred possesions sit on the front porch of their former home.

F

lames reach towards the sky as sophomore Josh Imholte watches his home and its memories go up in smoke.

The fire started at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18 when the family’s computer suffered an electrical short.

Josh said he heard a popping sound and when he went into his living room he saw the fire. “[My first thought] was to get everybody out,” Josh said. “I felt like it was my responsibility as the oldest child to make sure everybody was safe.”

Josh acted quickly to get his

three younger sisters (14, 7, and 4-years-old) and his mom out of the house and safely away from the fire as they waited for the fire department to arrive.

“The first thing I heard was Josh scream that the computer was on fire,” Josh’s mom, Annie Hansen, said. “It was a nightmare.”

Josh acted swiftly, saving several personal items in the home.

“He actually went back in to get his band instruments and his mom’s purse,” Josh’s friend sophomore Kelsey Busch said.

The Imholte family lost most of its possessions in the fire,

leaving them with almost nothing to their name.

“I'm blessed to have so much and it breaks my heart that they lost everything,” English teacher Carol Jackson said. “I want to model to my students that giving back is more than a one time thing; it’s a way of life.”

Jackson turned her words into action and organized a clothing drive that was a great success.

The Dutch Fork community has also been very helpful to the family during this hard time, and each of the children’s schools has found ways to help.

Varsity football coach Tom Knotts and Student Council advisor Laurie Humphrey organized a donation drive during the lower state championship game.

“We are a family [at Dutch Fork],” Jackson said. “I told my students that if the same thing were to happen to me that I would receive the same assistance.”

Along with the school's donations, some of the Imholtes’ neighbors have also helped out the family. “[The community] has donated clothes for my family and

Tips for creating a fire plan

1. Draw a floor plan 2. Choose a meeting place 20/ dfr.life.winter 2013

(Left) Josh’s sisters’ burnt doll house; (Above) The backyard filled with debris from the fire

stuffed animals for my little sisters,” Josh said, “along with a whole apartment of furniture.”

Students are doing what they can to help Josh out through this difficult time.

“I have been there for him as much as I can,” Kelsey said. “[When I heard] about the fire my heart dropped.”

Teachers also shared in the family’s grief. In addition to Jackson’s clothing drive and Humphrey’s work with Student Council, the faculty contributed almost $1,000 in cash to help

the Imholtes get back on their feet. “[Student Council] put out two buckets at the playoff games, one [for] Carolina [fans] and the other [for] Clemson,” student body Vice President Rachel McAfee said. “All of the proceeds went to the family.”

The incident registers on an emotional plane with the faculty because Josh’s mom is a District Five substitute teacher and the Parent/Teacher/Student Organization (PTSO) president at H.E Corley Elementary School.

“I’ve gotten so many hugs

this week, it’s been unreal,” Hansen said. “The donations have been pouring in. I can’t find any words to describe it.”

Josh said the experience has not only given him and his three younger siblings hope, but also strength. “[The experience has] given me confidence in knowing that I saved [my family],” Josh said.

Josh and Hansen said the fire has changed their outlook on life.

“I’ve realized that everything is so vulnerable, and that things really don’t last,” Josh said with

emotion in his voice. “[I guess] the only thing that we can do is try and get back to normal.”

All of the family’s belongings remained on their front porch after the fire, charred and black with smoke.

Among the possessions are his little sisters’ doll houses.

“Love your kids and love your family,” Hansen said with tears in her eyes.

“This has brought my family closer together,” she said. “[If it weren’t for Josh] we might not be here. He is my hero and I will tell him that until the day I die.”

(according to the U.S. government)

3. Call the fire department 4. Practice escape dfr.life.winter 2013/ 21

life

KONY Moves to high school story and photos by collyn taylor and eddie bates

T

he lights dim and the slow boom from the video echoes through the auditorium as the newest Invisible Children movie flickers on the screen for the hundreds of students sitting in the seats below.

The movie, Move, is being shown to high schoolers all around the country, urging them to participate in a march to the White House in Washington D.C. The video is part of the Kony 2012 campaign, which seeks to mobilize large groups of people to support government leaders to capture Joseph Kony, a military leader in central Africa, 22/ dfr.life.winter

through viral videos.

“A lot of it is through awareness campaigns,” Invisible Children team leader Valerie Mirelez said. “It’s hard for things to happen without the proper resources so getting people involved who do have access to more resources, like the U.S., helps.

“People wouldn’t have been involved with [the Move campaign] if nobody had known about it,” Mirelez said. “Through tours like this, through awareness [and] sharing videos online, millions of people around the world have gotten excited about bringing peace to this

region and they have told their government leaders that they want to see this happen.”

According to the group’s website, Invisible Children looks to “create films to document atrocities, introduce new audiences to the conflict, and inspire global action.”

And the organization has done just that: Move and Kony 2012 have 93,714,215 combined views on YouTube.

“We work hard to get people to start thinking in a global context, not just a local or personal context,” Mirelez said.

“My hope is that it translates

into the rest of the lives of these people who are getting involved and trying to help.

“Instead of having the traditional hierarchy of power and information, we are turning it on its head and rising up as the people we are going to lead the world,” she said, “because we are all part of the world.”

Move talks to children of the Millennium generation: people born after 1980. Move talks specifically to this generation, telling them that this will be their mark on society.

“I think that if [Kony 2012] pans out, if they do catch Jo-

Invisible Children • 80 percent of LRA incidents were not reported before the existence of Invisible Children’s LRA Crisis Tracker.

• $7,306,980 invested in 216 school infrastructure projects at 11 partner schools currently benefiting 9,300 students.

• 3,729,815 people pledged their support for Kony seph Kony, then I think this will be like our generation’s way [to show] we’ve proven ourselves,” senior Ruel Williams said. “Our generation isn’t just a bunch of self-indulged people, that we do care about others and that we will group together to help out a large cause.”

The tour culminates in a daylong march in Washington, D.C. and surrounds the White House.

The march’s goal is to show the president that people in America want Joseph Kony stopped.

Invisible Children work mainly through Twitter and social media: creating videos,

tweeting and posting, as well as adding things to Tumblr. “[Social media has] been a huge impact,” Mirelez said.

“Most of the traction we’ve gained from this campaign has come from online sharing, from posts, people generating their own posts. Good and bad technology has been what is fueling this movement.

“We’re here in person to make people feel like they’re apart of the movement, because they are,” she said. “It’s not just something happening on the Internet, it’s something happening in real life.”

2012 from 185 countries around the world.

• 8,750 people benefit annually from IC’s programs.

• stats from invisiblechildren.org dfr.life.winter/ 23

life

Alumn Walker Redick dances his way onto stage, screen Q&A by mckenzie mack >>> photos used with permission of trandrew photography

24/ dfr.life.winter 2013

Q: Where do you currently live?

fused because I hadn’t auditions for it--the choreographer just wanted me.

A: I currently live in Burbank, Ca., right out side of Los Angeles.

Q: What was your best recent experience?

Q: What jobs have you booked?

A: [I’ve been a] dancer on “Glee,” a dancer for Lifetime’s TV show “The Client List,” and on a promo for “The Client List.”

I will be on giant billboards in New York and Los Angeles and in two music videos.

Q: Did you ever think that you’d make it this far?

A: I never knew how far I would make it, but that wasn’t a part of my thought process. I just gave 100 percent and tried my best every day and saw where that took me.

Q: What is your biggest motivating factor?

A: My biggest motivation is to succeed with my personal goals.

A: Dancing with Jennifer Love Hewitt because our set and our wardrobe were really elaborate and high-end.

Q: How does it feel to be so supported by everyone back home?

A: It feels great to be supported by everyone back home. It’s a great feeling to have people rooting for me.

Q: Who are your inspirations for dance?

A: [One is] Lauryan Gibson because of her story and background. A lot of my inspirations come from my close friends who I take class with who are amazing.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Q: What are you planning to do in the future?

A: I see myself in 10 years having accomplished most of my goals and moving into the choreography side of dance.

A: Something that I’m looking forward to is trying out for the upcoming season of “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Q: What do you have to say to all of the people who doubted you?

Q: What is your greatest accomplishment?

A: Dancing on “Glee” because I didn’t even audition for it.

A: There were a lot of people who doubted me and my abilities but if had to say one thing to them I’d say, “Thank you” because it pushed me even harder to succeed.

Q: What was going Q: What is the best adthrough your mind when vice you can give someyou knew you made one?

“Glee”?

A: When I found out I was going to be dancing for “Glee,” I was extremely happy but con-

A: Work hard, never give up, and follow your dreams. Don’t let anything or anyone get you down. dfr.life.winter 2013/ 25

sports

Boys’ basketball team strives for success

story by kirsten arnoult and michaela baker >>> photos by collyn taylor

26/ dfr.sports.winter 2013

(Left) Senior forward Thad Wilson goes for a layup against rival Irmo; (Above) Junior guard Sterling Thomas shoots a freethrow.

D

own by five, junior guard Austin Williams lined up to shoot his free throws. The first went in with ease and the crowd went wild; the second shot fell in with nothing but net.

The team now found its confidence to win.

For the varsity basketball team, though, there is more to the game than time spent on the clock.

“They [also] do drills [and] warm ups,” junior Java Scott said. “They stretch to warm up and exercise.”

Drills and warms ups are all a part of practice, but along with the basics other necessary items are on the agenda.

“We watch film on the opposing team and [coaches] do an in-depth report,” varsity head basketball coach Matt Brown said.

“Two days prior to the game, during practice, we do drills to complicate what our opposing team is likely to do. [We] play offense and defense [based on] what our opponent is going to do, [and] play the game like a last walk-through.”

Tryouts were held to determine who the varsity players would be.

“You had to shoot and dribble [and] work on offense and defense drills in a scrimmage,” Austin said. “You had to show you were in shape and condition. You

couldn’t give up for nothin’ and [had to] show a lot of leadership.”

Each player added to the team brings something different to the table.

“They play well together; [they] really [are] a team,” Brown said. “Not one person stands out--they share the ball well, and they work hard,” Brown said.

“The biggest defense is man-on-man defense,” he said. “I think we’ll shut people down with that.”

Although a basketball game consists of plays, shots, defense, offense and dribbling, there is more to planning than just working on the fundamentals.

“A game is made up of hard work, teamwork, and never giving up,” Austin said.

“Offensive and defensive strategies, different game plans, and a lot of communication [are important, too]. Between offense and defense you [have] to scream to communicate and let the players know what to do or what your going to do.”

Junior Alex Rowe said the moments before a game are exciting as the boys get ready to play.

“I would say they are ready to go and would have a lot of energy,” Alex said. “I wouldn’t talk [to anyone] and would have my headphones in to get my energy up. [right before the game]”

Every player has a different method to get focused before each game.

“Most [plalyers] listen to music, try to relax, get their minds right and read binders,” Brown said. “An hour before the game we do a shoot around (to shoot shots we’ll most likely shoot during the game), then we’ll stretch so we’re loose.”

Brown said his expectations are high for this year’s team.

“I think we are going to surprise a lot of people,” he said. “We are very athletic and a very good team [and are] nearly one of the biggest in the state. I think with every game we play we’ll get better and better, [and] by [the] region [playoffs] we’ll be really good.”

Each game is a new challenge for the team: a new team to play, new players to go against, and different strategies required.

“We come out slow at every beginning of the game but then we pick it up in the second half,” Austin said. “Our defense is great and athletic and we are very unselfish.”

Even though in the past the team hasn’t won as many games as they would’ve liked, this year may be a game-changer for all.

“I think this year will be a good one. Like I said, they work every day, all summer, since last March,” Brown said. “This team wants to get better; I feel very confident this team will be very good.” dfr.sports.winter 2013/ 27

sports

Mandatory physicals designed to detect potential problems story by kirsten arnoult and michaela baker

T

he crowd sits on the edge of its seats, breathless, awaiting word on an injured player. As he is taken away in an ambulance, the fans wonder what happened and if it could have been prevented.

One method of prevention is the District’s requirement of mandatory physicals for all student athletes.

“Physicals help us find any abnormalities in our student athletes’ health,” head athletic trainer Mack Harvey said.

Physicals not only find out about athletes’ health but also past and potential injuries.

“There are many injuries people don’t notice or don’t realize how bad they really are,” senior Jeremy Fiedler said.

Although physicals may be awkward, a life-changing decision may be made if an athlete doesn’t know about a current or potential medical problem.

“Some of it [the physical process] is stupid,” sophomore Jennifer Shearouse said, “but some of it you need to make sure you are well enough to play.”

In 2003, Vic Sims, a basketball player at Dutch Fork High School, died of an enlarged heart and cardiac arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat) while practicing one night with his AAU team.

Unfortunately Sims’ death has not been an isolated incident.

On Oct. 5, 2012 Ronald Rouse, a football player from Hartsville, collapsed on the field from the same irregular heartbeat brought on by an enlarged heart.

“I heard about [Rouse] and it took me back because Vic was one of my students; he sat right in front of me when I talked,” math teacher LoriBeth McGinty said, “and I had to look at an empty desk [after he died].

“The halls around here were quiet; these halls have never been as quiet as they were [after Vic died],” McGinty said. “I never imagined that someone so young would have a condition like that.”

After Sims’ death, heart screenings became a suggested part of the athletic physical, but Transthoracic -Echocardiograms (Heart EKGs) can be cost-prohibitive for most families: according to newhealthchoice.com, the average cost of an EKG is $1,050 in the Irmo area.

“It’s really shocking because if you’ve got a problem with your heart or something then you shouldn’t be able to play because of those reasons,” junior Parker Pittman said.

While an EKG is the optimal method for determining potential heart problems, the District’s physical guidelines do require students to answer questions about their heart history.

The questionaire includes items about instances such as passing out during exercise or having a family member die of heart problems.

Students are required to answer truthfully to let coaches and trainers know about any heart problems a student may have in an effort to prevent deaths or other serious problems.

“Every student athlete needs to have a physical once a year and it should be taken seriously by the athlete, parent, and coaches,” Harvey said. “It’s my job to look at each student athlete and obviously it makes society more aware of these issues.”

Deaths while playing sports are not uncommon.

WIS-TV reported about Sims’ death along with several other student deaths that occurred while participating in sports or other physical activities.

“Sims’ death was one in a string of young Midlands men who died of heart problems while exercising,” WIS’ Jennifer Miskewicz wrote in a story on its website. “AC Flora senior 17-year-old Lee Cannon died in September [2003] while playing pick-up basketball. In May [2003], 15-year-old Columbia High School freshman Brandon Butler collapsed during a one-mile Junior ROTC run on the school track.”

Since 1999, an organization called A Heart for Sports has encouraged student athletes to undergo heart screenings.

The non-profit organization’s goal is to partner with hospitals to facilitate EKGs for students. Hospitals must be members of the organization, though, and a $500 annual tax-deductible membership fee is required.

Students or parents interested in obtaining an EKG as a part of the athletic physical should speak with their health care provider or contact a local hospital.

“The halls around here were quiet; these halls have never been as quiet as they were [after Vic died].” > math teacher LoriBeth McGinty

28/ dfr.sports.winter 2013

(Top): Dutch Fork’s Vic Sims collapsed and died from cardiac arrest while playing basketball in 2003. (file photo) (Above): Hartsville High School senior Ronald Rouse collapsed and died during a football game Oct. 5, 2012. (Photo provided by Darlington County School District). (Background): Sims’ jersey and stats are framed and displayed on the wall outside Dutch Fork’s Den of Destruction arena.

(Photo by Michaela Baker)

Approximately 5.7 million people in the United States have heart failure. http://www.cdc.gov/

dfr.sports.winter 2013/ 29

sports

BEFORE THE GAME Players, coaches share their predictions, philosophies

Tackled into state story by kirsten arnoult and michaela baker >>> photos by tapanga brigman

“[Our biggest setback is] ourselves--not our competition. It’s the mistakes we make--not the other team that makes mistakes--that will set us back.” > sophomore offensive lineman Spencer Smith “I’m going to say [the competition is] tough, but [with] the team we have we should be able to dominate the competition.” > junior wide receiver Julian Heyward

“[Competition is] as always tough. Win or go home. We have to have our best game from here on out.” > wide receiver coach Johnakin Montgomery

“We’ve got to take it week by week, game by game, practice by practice.” > senior kicker Graham Jermstad

30/ dfr.sports.winter 2013

Foxy and the cheerleaders get ready before the game.

S

econds disappear on the clock as fans run on the field overcome with an unreal emotion: the Foxes have made it to the state championship for the first time Dutch Fork football history.

“It feels amazing to finally be going to the state championship game,” sophomore wide receiver Andrew Brehmer said. “All the long hours over the summer are paying off.”

Long hours of practice and work were just the beginning of the road to the state championship.

“I think it justifies the work that you put in through

the summer,” offensive coach Douglas Rivers said. “To say that you’ve now made it to the state championship and just to get there is satisfying, but we still have a lot of work ahead of us. We don’t just want to make the State Championship.”

Work was not the only key ingredient in the Foxes’ making it through the playoffs to state: it was how much the team wanted to work together during practice and each game they played.

“At the beginning of the season, it was like we were two different teams: offense and defense. We weren’t there for each

other. Now we have all come together and are a stronger team for the championship,” Andrew said.

Playing together as a team was a big thing that brought the players to state, but it was not the only thing that brought them that far.

“We have just believed and trusted each other to do our jobs,” sophomore kicker Tyler Bass said. “That trust and determination has gotten us to the championship.”

On Saturday, Dec. 1 the Foxes played against the Gaffney Indians for the 4A state championship at Williams Brice

Sophomore offensive lineman Spencer Smith greets the energized student section before the state title game.

stadium. Unfortunately, the outcome was not as the Foxes expected when Gaffney won 34-22.

“There were multiple [things we could have changed]: execution was the main thing,” junior defensive lineman Omar Staley said. “I guess some people might say it was Coach Knotts fault, but it’s not. They say it was his play calls, but I guess it was us executing the calls.”

Although they can never know the outcome of any game before they actually play the game, the boys knew what they needed to do to come out with a win.

“Everyone had to just do their job on the field like we’ve been

told all season,” Andrew said.

Despite the loss, players say they are happy to have made it farther than any other team in Dutch Fork history.

“We have no regrets,” sophomore offensive lineman Spencer Smith said. “We put our hearts out there and that is all we can do.”

Gaffney brought its fair share of challenges, and with Dutch Fork’s mental mistakes and turnovers, Gaffney came out on top.

“They are a very strong team with a lot of experience and have a rigorous program,” Spencer said.

The experience of going

to Williams Brice stadium to watch the Foxes play was something unforgettable for the fans, too.

“It was an amazing experience to see all the different people from different districts pulling so hard for their teams,” Irmo sophomore Catie Melia said. “It brought the community and Dutch Fork closer together.”

Playing at Williams Brice, win or lose, and being broadcast on TV and the Internet is something players say they will always remember.

Omar said it was a dream come true; sophomore running back Kyle Boulware agrees.

“It’s very satisfying because we worked too hard and dedicated our whole summer to football to get to this game,” Kyle said.

Even though the Foxes did not win, the players did make history by being the first team make it as far as it did. They also held their own during the game.

“We were tougher than Gaffney expected us to be,” assistant coach Noah Dixon said. “We’re expecting to get back there. The boys have already started preparing for next year. They really didn’t like the feeling that came after the game; they want to go back next year.” dfr.sports.winter 2013/ 31