INSIDE
HICKORY GROVE CHRISTIAN
STUDENT MEDIA MISSION: To project the voice of the student body through 21st century Christian journalism in order to inform and serve the HGC community.
The Pride Editorial Board & Staff 4 Fine Arts spotlight and the drama surrounding upcoming drama production, A Night of One Acts 6 Why does voting matter? Students and staff weigh in 8 Nineteen seniors are eligible to vote next week - find out what they have to say 10 Make your voice heard! Vote for Teacher Superlatives, a first in yearbook history 12 Is America Great? Does it need “fixing�? Editorial Board considers these questions and more 14 Get caught up with the alumni that makes us proud: those serving in the military 16 International Students give us their take on what makes their country and government unique 18 Spotlights on standout athletes from Fall sports
Visit our online photography site H G C P R I D E . S M U G M U G . CO M
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Brooke Hoffman Journalist
Morgan Davis The Pride Online, Editor-in-Chief
Lauren Morissette Journalist Caleb Johnson Journalist
Emily Strum Managing Editor
Nakayla Lawhorn Designer
Kirsten Herberg Design Editor Christopher Riesenberg Senior Photo Editor Sophia Joseph Copy Editor Sydney Pressley Photo Editor
Logan Fisher Photojournalist Tina Lu Photojournalist
Rachel Toadvine Journalist The student body is encouraged to use the opinion pages as a forum between the editorial board and the HGC community. Views expressed do not represent the opinions of the faculty or administration. Editorials represent the views of the board and staff while bylined columns are the opinion of the authors. Readers are encouraged to email signed letters to the editor in response to the topics covered
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Ellie Stevens Photojournalist
Bailey Baucom Photojournalist
Brandy Caton Student Media Adviser
Visit our online news site THE PRIDE ONLINE hgcpride.org.
Madeline Backes Designer
Ally Minerva Photojournalist
Hailey Everage Photo Editor
Follow us on TWITTER @ HGCPride
he Pride Newsmagazine hopes to publish three issues this year through the student media class at Hickory Grove Christian High School. The publication is distributed free to the approximately 850 HGCS student body, faculty and staff in grades TK-12. Approximately 1,000 copies will be distributed to Hickory Grove Baptist Church members and to the Hickory Grove community.
Leighann Vinesett Editor-in-Chief
in each issue and with matters of concern to hgcpride@hgchristian. org. The Pride Newsmagazine is a member of the North Carolina Scholastic Media Association and the National Scholastic Press Association. Target Printing and Distribution of the Fayetteville Observer prints our publication.
about us
the pride fall 2016
MAKING THIS ISSUE Leighann Vinesett Editor-in-Chief
I
watched the cursor blinking on the blank document. I had writer’s block. Four days before deadline, with copy to still complete, I had writer’s block. I clicked into the inDesign document that contained the layout for the paper. I’m not sure if designer’s block is a thing, but if it is, I had that, too. Four days until final deadline, I heard a clock ticking in my head. As Editor-in-Chief, I knew it was my responsibility to put the finishing details on this paper, to ensure it lived up to expectations the editorial board had set for it. I looked at the piles of newspapers sitting beside me, and I wondered how other high school journalists completed issues like this one, but I knew since they did it, our student media staff could do it, too. I could finish this article, this design spread, and then this paper would be able to come out by the end of the month. If you’re reading this article now, that means that it did get finished, and that the editorial board accomplished our goal; a redesigned newsmagazine that will serve all three schools of Hickory Grove Christian School, the about us
Photo by Morgan Davis members of Hickory Grove Baptist Church, and the people of the Hickory Grove community. For the first issue, we have decided to focus on the 2016 election, America, and the topics of voting and democracy. After much debate and discussion, the editorial board has also decided to not cover or name candidates running in the election in this issue. We have done this in the name of unbiased, non-partisan journalism, which we constantly wish to create. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the creation of this issue. We had our work cut out for us, but we did it! I would also like to thank those at Nighthawk News from First Flight High School in Kill Devil Hills, NC who we have drawn inspiration from during the redesign process. Over the years, our Student Media Department has admired the publications First Flight produces, and we desire to produce work that meets the same standards for our student body. We hope that the redesigned newsmagazine can meet these
standards, and it is as enjoyable and informative for our student body, church, and community. So without further introduction, the 2016-2017 Student Media Editorial Board would like to introduce our readers to the America issue. We hope that you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed working on it.
Photo by Sydney Pressley 3
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Haley Price
VISUAL ARTS
GALLERY PHOTOS BY HAILEY EVERAGE
Jordyn Phillips
Van Gogh Starry Starry Night with a twist by Cheyenne Hunter
Q: What got you into dance? A: My mother; she was a dancer for 13 years and I’m following in her footsteps. Q: How has your teacher influenced you? A: My dance teacher has influenced and taught me to work hard in everything I do. She influences me to be the best I can be. Q: Why do you like to dance? A: Dance sets you free. You can be creative, tell a story with it, and be yourself. Dance has also helped me with my anxiety. Q: What do you hope people see when they look at your dancing? A: When people watch me dance, I want them to be able to see the story I’m trying to tell and all the hard work put into the dance.
Q: What got you interested in playing the flute and taking band? A: What got me interested in playing the flute was, because it was the first year we could play in band and everyone wanted to do band and I thought it would be cool if I joined. Later in the year I really liked playing. Q: What do you hope people experience when they hear the band or hear you playing? Why is that important? A: I hope that the people that hear me play and experience what I am experiencing. It’s important to me because I want to inspire the younger generation if they want to play an instrument to never give up. Q: How does playing music make you feel? A: It makes me feel happy after I’m done playing a long song, I feel accomplished.
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Roary the Lion by 6th grader Dylan Harrell Moving line art by Mark Agafonov
Pug by 9th grader Gabby Love
Color wheel turtle by Jazzlyn Black
Free-hand drawing of Donald Trump by Senior Hannah Davis
arts
the pride fall 2016
ONE NIGHT Sophia Joseph Copy Editor
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OR MANY?
ight of One Acts takes more than one night. A production is often much harder than it may look. It takes planning, money, rehearsing, creativity, and talent, especially when you are the director of a production. In the case of the fall drama production, students are the directors and the production relies on them. They are in charge of everything for their act: auditions, casting, and rehearsals. Night of One Acts is made up of three productions, each directed by student directors. Junior Marshall Townsend is directing Typecast with assistant director sophomore Angelina Mejias. Chaired is being directed by Junior Maggie Phipps with assistant director sophomore Sarah Beverage. The third production, Going to School, is directed by senior Sydney Snyder and assistant director freshman Gracie Pyke. “The Night of One Acts is completely dependent upon students stepping up to lead by acting, directing and serving on tech teams,” advisor Abigail Robertson said. “I coach the directors on what to do and speak with the tech. team leaders on how to lead, but from there the students really take the lead in carrying out the show with support from me.” Auditions took place September 1st through September 2nd. Those who auditioned needed to have a monologue ready and be prepared to read from scripts. “I was nervous and excited about auditioning because I wanted to impress the audience, and I didn’t want to stutter or pass out or anything,” sophomore Sophie Nelson said.
Snyder shares Beverage’s view about how difficult casting for Night of One Acts was this year. “Casting was difficult since there were not a lot of people auditioning. It was like a puzzle as we were trying not to triple or double cast anyone,” Snyder said. “We also had to rearrange some times, as well as deciding if we want a character and their ‘alter’ to be two different actors.” Sometimes, things change. Whether it is the casting, set, or costumes. However, this time it was the directors. Directors were moved around and had to start working with different partners. It started out with Snyder and Townsend working together on Going to School while Mejias was working with Anna Rudnitsky, with Pyke as the assistant director, on Typecast. Then early into the auditions, Rudnitsky stopped being a director and Mejias worked only with Pyke as her assistant director. Then the directors changed again. Townsend and Pyke switched acts, making Snyder and Pyke work together while Mejias and Townsend worked together. “Thankfully, (the director change) was not very hard to adjust to. I just had to communicate with my partner what I had in mind for the vision of the show, ” Mejias said. After everyone is cast, it is time to start getting ready for a performance; rehearsals. In the beginning all three acts have different short rehearsal times. When October hits, the acts are combined into one production. This is when rehearsals start to get longer.
Auditions may not sound complicated, but they can be for directors if enough people don’t audition to fill the roles. This year, few people auditioned. Few auditioners meant the productions were harder to cast for directors.
“It is hard (to balance everything) during rehearsals, I miss some of my friends sports games and activities because I have practice. I don’t get a lot of sleep due to homework overload. But I feel that in the end it is totally worth it,” freshman Juliana Herberg said.
“Auditions were of course stressful but overall I thought they went well. It was a little hard to see who would come because we had to have some people outside of the class audition in order to fill the spots,” Beverage said. “But when everything was casted for we felt confident and happy with our decisions.”
Rehearsals are more than just time consuming, but they also require hard work. Once all the performers have their lines memorized, staging the show begins. Staging the show can be harder than some might think. The performers have to follow guidelines, while still acting natural. Rules they must follow include not
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turning their back to the audience, not blocking anyone, and more! “We thought we had the first couple scenes blocked [finished] until Mrs. Robertson told us we needed to completely redo them,” Pyke said. “(When redoing the scenes) we found out that writing out the sequence of events and characters helps tremendously.” Before the performers can have dress rehearsals, the costumes need to be picked out. Next to the drama room is a closet filled to the brim with outfits. Out of these costumes, the costume team and directors must find the perfect costume. “(The costume team) will find two options for the directors, and (sometimes) they each like different ones! When that happens, we have to scrap them both and start over,” Pyke said. The costume team is only part of a bigger team called the tech. team. This team controls costumes, makeup, props, lights, and sound.They have to work along with the director’s vision while making these decisions about each of these things. “I enjoy my technical role, because I like to be more behind the scenes of what’s happening, and help make the whole production come together,” said senior Abby Edwards. The directors, performers, and tech. team have had two months to prepare. Possibly even less than that, by the time everyone was cast. You have heard how actors, directors, and the technical team got ready, now it is time to go and see the results. Night of One Acts will be performed on October 28th and 29th in the KidTown Theatre. As you are watching remember, although performances are only one night, there is more that goes into them.
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WHY DOES
VOTING MATTER
Upholding the right to vote by hitting the polls on November 8th will be one of the most important actions an American citizen can make in his or her lifetime
Rachel Toadvine Journalist
V
oting for our country’s next leaders can be stressful, scary, and all-around difficult. However, as students have learned since their first days of schooling in social studies and American History, it is the duty of every American citizen to know the stances of the various parties on the ballot and vote intelligently according to his or her personal values. “It is a chance for your voice to be heard and to strongly impact the direction that our country will be headed,” senior Bryce Royal, who will be voting in this election, said. Isabelle Sanz, ninth grade Student Council Vice President, agrees. “We need to take advantage of our right to vote. Voting is our way of having a say in government. Our vote matters; it is our voice in politics.” Many Christians take voting seriously because it’s important to honor Christ while choosing who will become the country’s leaders. “Voting should be done prayerfully, recognizing the Creator in this process. Voters should assess candidates on their record and their positions and vote according to how their beliefs are best reflected by those candidates,” high school teacher and political club C3 sponsor Todd Staples said. For many, like Guidance Counselor Greg Lineberger, voting is personal. “Voting has always felt like a weighty responsibility to me. I am not content to go into the voting booth and just vote for someone whose positions I do not know.” Therefore, he studies the candidates before placing his ballot. “I will not vote for someone unless I have researched their positions, beliefs, and philosophies and have made myself
why voting matters
comfortable with where they stand. Don’t vote blind!” Lineberger said. Even though many will do this, that doesn’t make the stress any less. In a recent study published by the American Psychological Association on their website, apa.org, the headline reads, “APA Survey Reveals 2016 Presidential Election Source of Significant Stress for More Than Half of Americans.” Popular Christian author and pastor Max Lucado recently encouraged stressedout Christian voters in an article posted on foxnews.com. “When we wake up to November 9, post-election, when the confetti is swept away and the election is finally over, what will we see? I have a prediction. I know exactly what November 9 will bring. Another day of God’s perfect sovereignty.” God is in complete control of our nation and our world. Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” Christians are greatly leaning on these truths this week, that God will protect our nation no matter which leaders are voted into office. By voting in this election, American Christians have a chance to not only act on one of the most important rights as a citizen, but they can also exert an act of faith and have peace knowing that the Lord and Savior of the world will keep this country in His hands.
ote Welcome to the America Issue of The Pride where you, the student, get a chance to vote and make your voice heard! Anywhere you see this Vote logo and sidebar throughout the paper, please 1. Cast your votes, 2. Cut along the dashed line to the left, and 3. Place your votes into the ballot box in your classroom by Monday, November 7th. the day before Election Day. Your votes will be used to cover the student body in the 2017 yearbook! Make sure to vote so your voice will be heard!
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ELIGIBLE TO
: VOTE
Leighann Vinesett Editor-in-Chief
T
he day is November 8th, National Election Day. In North Carolina, lines of American voters are beginning to form outside of churches, schools, libraries, and other polling places. In one of these lines stands a high school senior, ready to cast his first vote. Like this senior, and 130,000 other first-time voters across the country, 19 seniors at Hickory Grove will be eligible to cast their votes in the 2016 election. These seniors are faced with what some may see as a difficult decision; who to vote for in what some are calling “the most controversial election in American history.” Factors that influence who someone casts their vote for usually include the candidate’s characteristics, values, morals, and views on important issues. “My faith will have the utmost impact on who I vote for in this election. As a believer in Christ and a citizen of this country, my vote will go to the candidate who supports biblical views the closest. In the current election that is hard to do, but it’s the only way I know that I can do it. At the end of it all, the election changes nothing about my faith, I will pray for the president
elected and continue in my mission to make Christ known,” senior Lucas Larson said. Like Larson says, the 2016 election cycle is a difficult time for many first time voters. Despite being able to vote, some seniors are disappointed with their choices in candidates. “I think it is a great privilege (to be able to vote) but this election isn’t the best one for a first time voter. It seems to be a lose-lose situation, but whoever you vote for, changes will be made, so vote for the person that changes the areas you want to be changed,” senior Sam Cox said. Other seniors are not just disappointed with their choices, but because of them are choosing not to vote in this election cycle. “No (I am not choosing to vote in this election), because I’m disappointed with our options and I think everyone’s just going to vote
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Seniors face difficult decisions as Election Day rapidly approaches partisan anyways. You can see how many conservative Christians are trying to rationalize voting for (the republican candidate) just because they’re diehard Republicans,” senior Nate Pressley said. Pressley isn’t the only one who sees the negativity in this election, and the candidates are not the only ones under fire. Also taking hits are those covering the candidates; media outlets. “The media tries to portray the candidate they want to win as the better candidate and make the other look as bad as possible. (The media) has big effect (on influencing voters) especially with the way social media operates; throwing rumors around and acting as if they are facts,” says senior Alec Parsons. Despite the negativity that often arises during election season, and the sometimes difficult choices that voters have to make, seniors who are eligible to vote stand in unison on one thing; that voting is something that 18 years olds should be able to vote. In addition to this, many seniors are excited to vote, even when choices are not favorable. “Voting is a right and a responsibility, but beyond this voting is a blessing. We have the opportunity as American citizens to choose who leads our country, and that is a gift,” Larson said.
senior voting
the pride fall 2016
STACK THE
FACTS
A non-partisan comparison of where each candidate stands on the important issues.
Donald Trump
Hillary Clinton
Abortion: Supports pro-life legislation
Abortion: Supports pro-choice legislation
Marriage: Against same-sex marriage
Marriage: Supports same-sex marriage
Guns: Against gun-control legislation
Guns: Supports gun-control legislation
Immigration: Supports immigration reform
Immigration: Against immigration reform
National Security: Supports increased American intervention in Iraq and Syria
National Security: Supports increased American intervention in Iraq and Syria
Energy: Supports building the Keystone XL pipeline
Energy: Against building the Keystone XL pipeline
Budget: Against an income tax increase on any tax brackets
Budget: Supports an income tax increase on any tax brackets
GET MORE INFO senior voting
:
ote FAVORITES OF THE YEAR In an effort to preserve all of the trends and pop culture of the year, please fill in the blanks to vote for the top five of each category. They will be printed in the yearbook with your class. Your Name ________________________ Your Grade ________________ Toy ________________________ Video Game ________________________ Video Game Console ________________________ App ________________________ Movie ________________________ TV Show ________________________ Type of Music ________________________ Song ________________________ Music Group/Artist ________________________ Store ________________________ Weekend Hangout ________________________ Best Fashion Trend ________________________
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VOTE FOR:
THE BEST OF OUR BEST
For the first time in HGCS yearbook history, we ask the student body to vote for teacher superlatives to run with the faculty pages of the book
S
tudents, here’s your chance! A chance to recognize the teachers that you spend your days with, the teachers who spend more time with you than your family, the teachers who make you laugh, cry (hopefully in a good way), work hard, never give up, and live up to your potential. Use the ballot to the right to vote for any teacher that you have had both this year and any other year you have attended this school. The teachers that you vote for must currently be teaching at the school, so use the teacher list on the left half of the page to help you. We have left room at the bottom of the ballot for write-ins. If enough people vote for the same superlative and teacher, it will be added to the yearbook!
Photo by Mark Cunningham, Detroit Tigers
Hickory Grove Baptist Church - Family Life Center Auction Preview: 5 p.m. Dinner/Program: 6 p.m.
D etroit Ti ge rs Catch er
P U R C H A S E
T I C K E T S
O N L I N E :
https://hgchristian.brushfireapp.com/events/434202 For information on becoming a sponsor, making a donation to the auction, reserving a table, or purchasing individual tickets, contact the AAA Booster Club:
BEST STORYTELLER _____________________________ MOST SCHOOL SPIRIT _____________________________ BEST SMILE _____________________________
MOST ATHLETIC _____________________________
Saturday, November 5
JAMES McCANN
BEST SARCASTIC COMEBACKS _____________________________
FINEST CHRISTIAN CHARACTER _____________________________
2016 DINNER & SILENT AUCTION
SP ECI AL GU EST:
FUNNIEST TEACHER _____________________________
MOST TALENTED OUTSIDE OF SPORTS _____________________________ WRITE IN _____________________________ _____________________________
hgcsdinnerandauction@gmail.com
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teacher superlative voting
the pride fall 2016
MOST LIKELY TO GET OFF TRACK ________________________________________ MOST LIKELY TO BE MISTAKEN FOR A STUDENT_______________________________ MOST LIKELY TO BE A COMEDIAN ________________________________________ MOST LIKELY TO SET SOMETHING ON FIRE IN CLASS_________________________ MOST LIKELY TO BE REMEMBERED ________________________________________ MOST LIKELY TO HAVE SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS______________________________ MOST LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN THE LIFE OF THE PARTY_________________________ MOST LIKELY TO HAVE GOTTEN A DETENTION_____________________________ MOST LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN THE VALEDICTORIAN/STRAIGHT A STUDENT ________________________________________ MOST LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN HOMECOMING KING ________________________________________ MOST LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN HOMECOMING QUEEN ________________________________________ WRITE IN ________________________________________ ________________________________________ teacher superlative voting
ote If you have been the student of a teacher listed below and he or she fits one of the superlatives listed to the left, cast your vote by filling in the blanks and placing the page in the ballot box in your classroom by 11/7! Smith Adams Amie Angle Erin Askins Scott Askins Ric Atwell Jennifer Beni Tracey Bennett Ashlee Booksh Tammy Bright Timisha Brynildsen Josh Callaway Zahil Caraballo Brandy Caton Taylor Caton Lori Cheuvront Mari aChurch Lori Cochrane Toni Cody Wendy Coffey Ron Coltrane Melodie Conner Laney Corbett Brian Davis Cathy Davis Jason Digavero Lisa Freeman Andrea Gioeli Kim Griffin Elizabeth Hamilton Paul Haren Kayla Hoffman Billy Hutchison Ginger Isenhour
Melvin Jaynes Beth Jeu De Vine Toni Little Diane Martin Jennifer Massie Emily McEntire Audrey McFarland Kelly Moldenhauer Lori Mullis Tammy Nelson Jordyn Pagan Erin Paslay Mindy Pazun Kim Perry Karen Pisano Mike Pondo Karen Rauss Abigail Robertson Teresa Russell Jared Sanders Kurt Seibert Whitney Sims Kimberly Staples Todd Staples Andrew Stover Sheila Thrower Laura Townsend Lisa Travis Jessica Wallace Amanda Wigley Sarah Wiles Kimberly Williams Megan Wisehart 11
WHAT MAKES
AMERICA G R E A T
Leighann Vinesett Editor-in-Chief
“And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free, And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me, And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, ‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA.”
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any have heard the Len Greenwood song, God Bless the U.S.A., but recently in America, people, such as politicians and NFL players, are asking questions and raising a concern; is America really great? Does ‘every American heart’ still have ‘pride’ for this country in it? What makes America great, and what are the downfalls of living in the land of the free and home of the brave? As an American, Christian editorial board, this issue is one that we as journalists take seriously. Without the freedoms that are present in America, the publications student media produces would not exist. The first amendment, which states that, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances,” is used daily not only
in journalism classrooms, but in everyone’s daily lives; from athletes and politicians alike. “My favorite thing about America is that we have the freedom to have our own opinion, our own thoughts, our own beliefs, our own jobs, and we have benefits that people living in other countries would [only] dream of having,” junior and managing editor Emily Strum said. Another benefit of living in America stems largely from the fact that Americans have these rights and freedoms. This benefit is one of diversity. Within the ‘great melting pot’ of our country are people of different ages, races, religions, ethnicities, and nationalities. People who speak different languages, who are in different social classes, and who sometimes, who are as different as night and day. Each and every American, no matter how different they are, are united by shared freedoms, and we as an editorial board think that is something that makes America great. But, as we cover the country that provides us these freedoms rights, and the community around us, we can’t help but also notice there are also disadvantages of living in America. One major downfall of living in the USA is the materialistic, narcissistic Western mindset that Americans often possess. “Our culture has developed in us a materialistic mindset that we
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will pass on to our own children. We have grown up to believe that we are entitled to almost every single thing that we can think of,” senior photo editor Christopher Riesenberg said. Along with a sense of entitlement is the sense of being caught up in what some may call “first world problems.” “I think it’s wrong that in the world we have equal problems of starvation and obesity. We are spoiled to the point where we don’t even recognize it anymore. We complain about what we ate for lunch, when some people haven’t eaten for a week. It is hard to put into perspective what the world outside of our little bubble is like when we haven’t experienced anything close to it,” Morgan Davis, sophomore and Editor-in-Chief of The Pride Online said. 240 years ago, 56 men signed a document that declared America it’s own independent country. Since 1776, Americans have invented the internet, landed on the moon, and paved the way for other countries to fight for their own independence. People come to this country for a better life and to pursue the American dream. Although it is not a perfect country, it is a country that our editorial board calls home and a country that protects our right to publish, and as journalists, we think that’s pretty great.
op/ed
the pride fall 2016
LIONS DC IN 2 K 1 6
ote CLASS SURVEY In an effort to preserve all of the trends and pop culture of the year, please fill in the blanks to vote for the top five of each category. They will be printed in the yearbook with your class. Your Name ________________________ Your Grade ________________ Smart Phone Developers Circle who makes the best smart phones Apple Samsung Google Motorola Social Media Circle the social media outlet(s) that you use. Instagram Twitter Snapchat Facebook Pinterest Vine Periscope Reddit OTHER __________________ How much battery power remains on your phone by the end of the day? ________
Photo by Christian Wilson Bottom Photos by Kimberly Staples op/ed
What is a current trend you do not understand? ________________________ ________________________
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MAKING US
: PROUD
Catching up with the alumni we are most proud of; those who graduated from HGC to serve in the military, protecting our country and our freedoms
J
ayla Joyner wanted to join the military to carry out her family legacy and was accepted in the
Jayla Joyner United States Coast Guard Academy
Coast Guard. “Coming from a legacy of military veterans, I decided that I wanted to study at a service academy and be able to serve my country as an officer in the military. I applied and was accepted into the US Coast Guard Academy. It was a bonus that I was also recruited to play basketball,” Joyner said. With a variety of activities she participates in, Joyner has had many interesting experiences. “My experiences have been mostly at the Coast Guard Academy as a student cadet. I have had many interesting experiences but my favorite so far was this past summer. I spent five weeks aboard the USCG Barque Eagle Tall Ship. We sailed the North Atlantic to Dublin, Ireland and afterwards to London, England,” Joyner said. Making it through Swab summer is not an easy task and Joyner is proud to have done well in it.
Jayla Joyner 31 Mohegan Ave Pkwy7774 New London, CT 06320-8103
M
aking the decision to join the Air Force has allowed Nick Beverage to meet new and
Nick Beverage United States Air Force Academy
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diverse people. “My most interesting experience in my military career so far has been all the new people I have met and how we all come from different backgrounds. I have learned a lot in my career field and every day I wake up excited to learn new things,” Beverage said. Wanting to continue in education while serving, Beverage made the choice to go into the Air Force. “The reason I decided to join the world’s greatest air force is because I get the opportunity to serve for the greatest country on earth while being given the opportunity of furthering my
Airman, Beverage, Nicholas M 5510 CBC 8 St 366 TRS SET 6, USAF NPS Gulfport, MS 39501
military alumni
“My greatest accomplishment was making it through Swab summer and 4th Class Year. This training consists of physical training, military skills, swimming, and seamanship. New cadets have to learn how to balance academics, military, and athletics. Time management is very important,” Joyner said. Hickory Grove prepared Joyner for her military career in different aspects of training. “Hickory Grove Christian provided me with foundations in Christian values, leadership, academics, and athletics. The faculty and staff at HGC were caring and instrumental in preparing me for the challenges that I face every day,” Joyner said. In her military journey, Joyner has traveled to several countries and states and has received education from some of the best in the country. “I have really been blessed. What else can I ask for in education? After one year at the academy, my experiences include travel to Puerto Rico, Ireland, and England, as well as many states in the U.S. I am receiving an education that’s valued over $400,000 and have met many new friends from around the world. My instructors and coaches are considered by many as being some of the best in the country. My blessings have been numerous, and I am truly grateful in giving God the glory and honor,” Joyner said.
education,” Beverage said. Beverage has had to adjust to a strict schedule but is honored for the opportunity to serve. “I have not been serving for long and I have been in training the whole time but it definitely is a different lifestyle. I wake up at 0430 everyday for PT and that is when [my] day begins. I am busy all day learning new things and being tested on my knowledge until about 5 o’clock pm. It is an honor to serve this great country and the great people of this country. You learn a true service before self attitude and a mindset of never failing and always striving to do better. That is where I am today; always trying to be better than I was the day before,” Beverage said. Beverage has been affected by HGCS in a positive way, being prepped for his future. “Hickory Grove gave me the backbone structure I needed to stay grounded in Christ and a family to come back home, too.”
the pride fall 2016
Marissa Reynolds United States Naval Academy
Marissa Reynolds 1 Wilson Rd PO Box #14610 Annapolis, MD 21412
S Jacob Carte
United States Military Academy West Point
erving in the military, Jacob Carte has encountered interesting experiences.
“The most interesting thing that has happened to me is conducting a platoon ambush for the Deputy Secretary of Defense. While we were doing a field training exercise, we were notified that the Deputy Secretary of Defense wanted to come and see how field training was going, and he watched the ambush and talked to us after,” Carte said. Carte has had an eventful experience in the military so far and is confident in his abilities. “So far, these past two and a half years at West Point have tested my mental, physical, and emotional fortitude. I have learned a lot about myself, and know that I am a lot
Cadet Jacob Carte P.O. Box 693 West Point, NY 10997-0693
military alumni
for people in the military after experiencing what they have gone through. “My experiences so far have increased my respect for those that are serving now as well as those that [have] served before me. The sacrifices that they make every day cannot be understood unless you yourself make them. Every member of the military that I have interacted with fully deserves and gets my respect. That is the main thing I have learned these past three years,” Reynolds said. Having a strong core of faith has helped Reynolds through difficult times. “HGC taught me the value of keeping true to your beliefs and being strong enough to defend those beliefs. Having that inner core of faith has definitely helped me stick it out here and honestly it has helped me be a good friend,” Reynolds said. Reynolds is proud of succeeding and striving every day to get where she is currently. “I would have to say my greatest accomplishment is getting to the point I am at right now. It has been a tough few years. The Academy is meant to challenge you and push you to your breaking point and it has done that for me. I am proud of what I have accomplished here and I strive every day to be better than I was the day before. Keeping that attitude has been my greatest achievement.”
stronger than I thought I was. I know I can get through just about anything in my life because of my experience so far,” Carte said. Carte has high hopes to further his career in the future with his Business Management degree. “In ten years, I either see myself as a Company Commander in an Armor company or working in the civilian sector, doing something with my Business Management degree,” Carte said. After visiting West Point, Carte had made the decision to join the military. “I felt an undeniable call to serve and knew that being an officer in the Army was something that I wanted to pursue,” he said. In high school, Carte developed one of the most important qualities in his career. “One of the biggest things that HGC did for me was teach me to care about others. As an officer, my most important job will be caring for and looking after my soldiers,” Carte said.
ote CLASS SURVEY In an effort to preserve all of the trends and pop culture of the year, please fill in the blanks to vote for what will be included as the top five for each category in the yearbook for your class Your Name ________________________ Your Grade ________________ Celebrity Look-a-Likes List a celebrity look-a-like student with the name of the celebrity he/she looks like. ________________________ ________________________
Copy by Morgan Davis Design by Madeline Backes
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oining the military has positively affected Marissa Reynolds in many ways. For the past three years, she has been trained by the Navy Academy. “This will be my third year at the Academy and so far my experience in the military has been learning how to walk fast, be respectful, and also how to get things done. I have learned how to take initiative when I need something done or else it will not happen,” Reynolds said. Out of an act of generosity, Reynolds felt called to join the Navy Academy. “As cliché as it sounds, I wanted to give back to my country. This country has given me the opportunity to accomplish whatever I set my mind to and I am taking full advantage of that by using my full potential in my career. Also, my dad told me about the close relationship he had with those he served with and that was something that I wanted to experience. While at the Academy, I have gained countless brothers and sisters that I would do anything for and I know that goes both ways. The camaraderie I have experienced here is incomparable,” Reynolds said. Reynolds has more respect
Do you have a secret talent? ________________________ What would be your dream job? ________________________ If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? ________________________ If you could learn the answer to one question about your future, what would it be? ________________________ What is the highlight or will be the highlight of your school year? ________________________ If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be? ________________________ How do you spend your money? ________________________
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CELEBRATING CULTURE
International students join us in celebrating our country by sharing what makes them proud about their home countries.
China
Q: What is unique about your country? A: I think culture is unique because Chinese people [have lived in our country for] about five thousand years. We have our own language, nation, music, and festivals. We [have kept] our culture from B.C. to today although once we we suffered from aggression. I am so proud that I am Chinese. -Sophomore Zhihao (Peter) Zhang Q: What is the best thing about your country? A: The best thing about my country is history, culture, and etiquette. And we really respect old people and take care [of] babies. -Sophomore Ziman (Stacy) Zhang Q: What is the best thing about your country? A: Food. Every place is not so far [apart]. We have tall buildings and many amusement places. -Sophomore Yudi (Chloe) Wang Q: What is unique about your country? A: We are good at math. We have 1.3 billion people #GoChina. -Senior Jiarui (Rachel) Wu
Q: What is unique about your country? We have so many traditional local foods and worldwide cuisine! And we have so many different (races) in a very small city. I love Hong Kong so much and proud (to be) HongKongese! -Sophomore Yoyo Tang
Hong Kong
Q: How does American government differ from your country’s government? A: The thing that differs from my country is that not everyone can vote for the president. Only the National People’s Congress can. The Constitutional principle of China is “One country, two systems” which means Hong Kong and Macan have the different political systems than China. -Senior Celine Lau 16
international students the pride fall 2016
Vietnam Q: What is the best thing about your country? A: The people, traditional things like the ancient city, food, and attractive places -Senior Thu Hoang Q: What is the best thing about your country? A: Vietnam has lots of interesting things, but the best things are tradition and food. Clothing traditions include the Ao Dai with a conical leaf hat. Food traditions are Pho, Bun Bo Hue (kind of noodles), summer rolls, spring roll. -Sophmore Dung (Krystal) Bui
South Africa
Q: What is the best thing about your country? A: The best thing about my country is the sentiment of UBUNTU showed by almost everyone to one another. Ubuntu- the Xhosa (and Zulu) word for humanity- which also encompasses extending compassion towards and kindness to anyone you cross paths with. “Umtuu gumtu gabantu� is a popular saying which means that a person is a person through people. Similar to the latin Omnis cellula e cellula, ubuntu is the concept of showing love and respect because we are all one. -Junior Khanya Thunisywa
Q: What is the best thing about your country? A: The best things are the beaches because the water is an acceptable temperature and the weather is mostly sunny, also there are great sunsets. Q: What is unique about your country? A: The food that is in my country, the majority are only found there. Pupusas, tamales, atole de elote, cebada, horchata. -Sophmore Fernando Orellana. international students
El Salvador
ote CLASS SUPERLATIVES Class superlatives are meant to recognize the students who have stood out for various reasons in each class. Pick the person that best fits each category below in your class. Vote for one male and one female for each. Try not to use the same person more than once! Winners will be photographed and added to the yearbook pages for your class. Your Name ________________________ Your Grade ________________ Finest Christian Character Male ____________________ Female __________________ Most Friendly Male ____________________ Female __________________ Most Talented Male ____________________ Female __________________ Most School Spirited Male ____________________ Female __________________ Inseparable Friends Boys ________________________ Girls ________________________
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ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT Cross Country Jordan Little
JV Volleyball Bethany McVey
Caleb Johnson Journalist
Lauren Morissette Journalist
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ordan Little, an 8th grader, has one of the fastest times on the Varsity Cross Country team in just his second year competing. His influences, such as his grandfather, push him to run his best and set an example for the runners after him. His aspirations and motivations for running go beyond himself, and display his selflessness as a runner and as a person. Little’s biggest role models have competed on some of the highest stages of the sport and also motivate and give him a model to follow as a runner. “My Grandfather that died before I was born got a scholarship at Appalachian State and was the best runner there. Also Usain Bolt is always getting his PR (Personal best) every time, and I want to get my personal record every time too,” Little said. Little’s inspirations don’t just include professional and collegiate, they include young men around him who aspire to be successful and inspire others. “My Favorite thing about the sport is that when Grant, Daniel, and I all try to see who can finish 1st,” Little said. Another aspect of running that means a lot to Little is teamwork. Little also uses his teammates as motivation to strive for greatness. “Grant influences me during the races to keep on
F pushing and to always run at your best. It also helps our team place better in meets,” Little said. Little also hopes that his running does more than just bring attention to his name and legacy. He sees his gift as something that should be a representation of someone more important than he or anyone else. “I hope they see me representing the Lord, and giving it all I got.”
reshman Bethany McVey, captain of the JV volleyball team, hopes to one day play volleyball professionally in college. McVey started playing volleyball when she was in about third grade. She credits her older cousin with influencing her to play. “My older cousin April played volleyball and I wanted to be just like her,” McVey said. Although she mainly plays setter and has been for two years for both club and school, the positions she can play are limitless. “As long as I get into the game, I don’t care where I play,” McVey said. Her role models include Coach Pagan and Coach Wiseheart. “They have both played volleyball, have an amazing drive and love for the game, and they enjoy watching us play.” Bethany is a very vocal
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TK - 12th grade Enrollment of approximately 750 students
Thursday, November 3 • 6:30 PM For Prospective Families K-12th Grades
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Biblical Worldview Integration Early Education (Daycare through 4 year-old preschool)
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Language Immersion Program Spanish and Mandarin offered in Elementary
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7200 E. WT Harris Blvd • Charlotte NC 28215 704-531-3589 | HGChristian.org
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12 Middle School Electives
leader, she’s not afraid to take charge when she needs to, and she leads by example very well,” Wisehart said. McVey and her team live by the quote “Teamwork makes the dream work.” Most of the JV girls have been playing together for years and share a strong bond of sistership. “I believe this sistership improves our communication on and off the court,” McVey said. “She is very strong and encouraging, and when she says something you hear it,” Tatiano Septimo, a member of the JV squad, said. Bethany is strongly motivated by the responsibility she has as captain on her team and strives to set a wonderful example for her teammates. “I make it my goal to set the best example possible for the girls who are younger.”
High School AP, Honors Tracks and Dual Enrollment
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14 Sports offered by the
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Extensive Fine Arts Program
Athletic Department
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International Program
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Traditional and Online Courses
athletics
the pride fall 2016
Varsity Soccer Gabe Martinez Brooke Hoffman Journalist
Jim Rhodes Athletic Director
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his past year, senior midfielder Gabe Martinez has been a dynamic force on the Varsity Men’s Soccer team, but what many people do not get to see is his deep passion for soccer. It is something he has always loved to do. “There’s that one feeling that you just cannot explain,” Martinez said. “It’s just that feeling of having your teammates with you, playing the game. Even if you lose, you’re still learning from it.” Ever since Martinez was four years old, he has been influenced by soccer by the world around him and even in his own household. This is because soccer runs in his blood. “My dad played professionally so he always gave me that influence. I always played baseball when I was younger and then I picked up a soccer ball and I was hooked,” Martinez said. Growing up, Martinez played several different sports but his heart was always set on soccer. While he is not trying out for any other sports this year, he still has a soft spot for his old hobbies. “I always grew up varying in a bunch of sports. I play soccer mainly, that’s my go-to, but I love playing basketball and playing football,” Martinez said. His hopes and his motivation all stem to his future. College is fast approaching and he hopes to obtain a scholarship to play soccer at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. His dreams go higher than college, though. “I’d like to get a point in my life where, if I’m successful, I’d like to help kids and be a figure for them to look up to and to be able to think ‘oh I can do that too’,” Martinez said. His motivation is also to reach his end goal, to keep his future in tact and to go on to greater things. He strives to look beyond what is right in front of him and push harder to achieve that end goal. “One day, I want to
athletes
ATHLETIC PERFECTION
W support my family, not just my parents but also if I ever do have a family of my own, then to be able to [provide] support for them to have a good life and a good education and that just motivates me to keep going and to push harder,” Martinez said. Teamwork is a major priority for him. He believes that one person can not make up the entire team. Every single person must work hard for the team to excel. “Teamwork means everything,” Martinez said. “Everyone has to put in work, everybody has to contribute to the success of the team.” Teamwork is not just a one way road. The soccer team, Martinez said, has a “really big sense of family this year. If a player is struggling with something, then we help him to get back up,” Martinez said about the team. Above all, Martinez hopes for people to see him on the field as someone who loves the game and plays with passion. His number one focus is to have fun and then see what comes from it. “I want to be player who people look at and see that he’s having fun- no matter what the outcome is. I hope to be seen as a player that works hard and who has a great vision of the game. A player who can see things going on on the field and understand them, and who loves and has a passion for the game.”
hat is athletic perfection? An undefeated season? 100 yards rushing average in football? Throwing a perfect game in baseball? Are these accomplishments really perfection? In Matthew 5:48, Jesus says, “Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Is Jesus saying he expects you to hit every free throw in the next basketball game? Will He be pleased if you do? No! Remember Jesus looks at our heart, our attitude, and our motivation. He is not checking our stats and our win-loss record! In the Sermon on the Mount found in Chapter 5 of Matthew, Jesus redefines for his listeners what perfection is. He says sin, or missing perfection, is not just in your actions, it is in your thoughts, your attitudes, and your heart. Jesus isn’t concerned with our stats on the playing field. He is concerned with what is in our hearts and minds as we play. At Hickory Grove Christian, we strive to know Christ and make him known through athletics. We want to exalt him at every opportunity we can. We want to win games and hang championship banners as much as any other school, but we have goals beyond that! I believe that if our only goal is to win, we have set our sights too low. I think in Matthew 5:48, Jesus wants us to shift our focus onto our hearts and minds as we compete. We should be thinking his thoughts and be motivated to glorify Him through our play. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for man.” We need to stop focusing just on our physical performance but also on our internal performance! As the Hickory Grove Christian Athletics Department moves forward into the 201617 school year, we will strive to have athletic perfection. However, no matter what the scoreboard says, we will strive to live out Colossians 3:23 and have our attitude and hearts focused on the right thing. We are not going to take down our scoreboards, but we know that true athletic perfection lies beyond them. 19
FALL SPORTS
Top Left: JV Football Cheer leads the crowd in a chant. Bottom Left: Junior Jilli Williams cheers during halftime of the football game. She has cheered since 6th grade, and has been very committed to the team Bottom: Freshman Bethany McVey prepares to serve the ball against a tough Southlake Christian defense.
Morgan Davis Morgan Davis Sydney Pressley
Emily Strum
Far Above Left: 8th Grader Josh Kendall kicks the ball into the goal during warmups before their match vs. Southlake Christian. This is his last year playing for Middle School Soccer, and he hopes to continue throughout High School. Far Above Right: Senior Erin Pippin gets ready to serve the ball to her opponent. She plays tennis because it is fun for her. “Every practice, match, and tournament ends in laughter and a song from High School Musical. From singing, dancing, occasionally focusing on tennis... everything with the team seems like a favorite memory” Above Left: Makayla Smith jumps to spike the ball against a tough Southlake Eagles volleyball team. She has been a force all year and made teams cower in fear against “The Mak”. Above Right: Freshman Kirkland Williams dodges Metrolina player during the JV game against Metrolina on Sep 8th. Kirkland plays running back, cornerback, safety and even sometimes quarterback.
Christopher Riesenberg
Christopher Riesenberg
Emily Strum
Christopher Riesenberg
Sydney Pressley
Christopher Riesenberg
Christopher Riesenberg
Christian Wilson
Christopher Riesenberg
Top Right: During Homecoming, the Varsity Football team gets together to get hype before taking on Christ the King School. The Lions ousted the Crusaders in their Homecoming victory Right: Junior Kaleb Johnson runs the ball evading the tackle. The Lions lost their first game of the season but learned from their mistakes. Below: Cheerleaders pose with the banner they made for the first home Varsity game against Lake Norman Charter. “We had a lot of fun making the banner together during lunch!” junior Caroline Vandaveer.
Above: Senior Tim Smith charges at the ball in an effort to score against Southlake Christian. He is one of the captains on the team and looks to leave a legacy of effort and passion for the game. Left: Junior Audrey Frye serves the ball across the net to the Metrolina players. She loves the team atmosphere and bonding with her team mates. “I love playing tennis here at HG because I love our team spirit. No matter the outcome, we always have a good time.”