Highland Ram Page February Issue

Ram Page The RamPage

Feburary 2016

Volume XVI

Issue 2

At A Glance... pg 5

pg 7

pg 6

DIY V-Day Gifts for Him & Her Kiersten Burrell

For Her: DIY Pixel Heart necklace You will need: Chain necklace Printer and cardstock X-acto knife Glue Instructions: 1. To make the pendant, cut 12 hearts from cardstock.

2. Glue the hearts into a stack, applying glue sparingly. Sometimes it's helpful to use the tip of the bottle to smear the glue around a bit.

3. Allow time to dry so that the pendant will harden nicely.

For Him: Favorite Fish in the Sea You will need:

glass bowl/fish bowl

2 movie size boxes of nerds

1 bag of swedish fish

decorative ribbon fish stickers Instructions:

1. Dump two movie size boxes of Nerds in the bottom of the fish bowl and dump a 3 pound bag of Swedish Fish on top of the Nerds.

2. Using Microsoft Word or Google docs, print off a tag that says "You're my Favorite Fish in the Sea!"; tie it around the lid using twine.

3. Tie a few pieces of decorative ribbon around the lid.

4. Use the packet of fish stickers to decorate the outside of the jar.

Jenna Payne

Love it or Hate it?

Cassie Wells

For some, Valentine's

Day provides an occasion to express their warm and tender feelings for loved ones with flowers, jewels, and small, creative gestures.

They have a day dedicated to just being romantic to their loved one to show how much they are cherished. LeeAnn Jones says, “It is a great holiday and I like it, but many people take it way too serious.” But for many others, it reminds them of a day that brings back painful reminders

of love that's been lost. Evan White said, “Valentine’s Day is overrated; you should celebrate your love for one another everyday. There is no use for a day [that] spends a ton of money trying to prove it.”

Others just hate the sappiness of Hallmark movies, love books and the heart decorations in every direction. I interviewed many people at Highland, and these are the results from our student body: 15% said No way!, while 85% say Yes, I love it!

15%

85%

Many classes at Highland use Chromebooks. Have you ever stopped to think about where we get the money to buy them or why we use them?

A recent study from the Pew Research Center showed students are able to retain more information when the teacher applies the use of technology. Currently, Highland has 262 Chromebooks and has future plans in the future to obtain more.

We did a recent interview Highland is able to with Mrs. McLean to see the inside facts and reasons purchase Chromewe use Chromebooks. books Mrs. McLean believes through using Chromebooks allows students to apply the things multiple sources they learned through the that use of technology. It's not hard to tell, but students do include: grants and fundraisenjoy the use of technology. ers. Recently, PTSO was able to deliver enough money to It empowers them to learn buy 30 new Chromebooks. at their own pace and in a way that they enjoy.

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The RamPage

Editiorials February 2016

Volume XVI

Slay Cliché!

Earlier School?

Brianna Dunaway Brianna Dunaway Pros: Moving our first class period to starting at 8, like most other schools, would get us out of school an hour earlier. Considering the fact that it’s getting darker, we would have time to spend time with friends and family since there are a lot of people that have to be home before dark.

Cons: Getting up early is already a struggle for many students. Having to wake up an hour earlier than usual would put a lot of us in a bad position. It could make some students not want to come to school because they’re already so used to getting up at regular time and used to starting class at 8:40, that coming in at 7:40 would be a struggle.

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Issue 2

Cassie Wells

Have you ever received an unoriginal, cliché gift? These gifts are unappreciated and hated. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, you need to know what not to get your significant other.

So what is an unacceptable gift?

Everyone expects a card, candy, flowers, or a store bought gift. All these are unoriginal and nobody wants something for Valentine’s Day that has no sentimental value behind it.

What do people want for Valentines?

If money’s no object, maybe name a star after your valentine like in “A Walk to Remember.”

For a cheaper, more economical option how about a homemade dinner? You can search recipes to cook for a candlelight dinner.

Another, more personalized idea would be to fill a jar with 365 things you love/

l photos

Scrapbook

menta ntines senti le a V r u o y with

Longer Lunches?

Brianna Dunaway

For Longer Lunches:

Longer Lunches could give you more time to socialize and eat which could make you feel refreshed and prepared to go back to class. Longer lunches would allow us to digest our food and have more time to talk.

like about them and sentimental, romantic quotes that they could read for each day of the year. This would be a gift straight from the heart that wouldn’t disappoint.

For a long-lasting gift, make a scrapbook of all the pictures the two of you have taken since being together and add a description of why you chose these pictures.

If you don’t like these ideas, take a look at the Do-It -ourself Valentine Gifts on the front page. There are also many original gift ideas that can be found at websites like pinterest, buzzfeed.com, or cutediyprojects. com.

Whatever you decide to do for Valentine’s day, make sure it is planned out, personalized, and unexpected.

Perfect

365 Jar

for you

r Valen

tine

Fast Food Fued Cassie Wells

This pie chart below represents a poll that was taken at Highland to see what restaurant was our students’ favorite. Cook Out won by a landslide, with Chick-Fil-A in second, and coming in last place was Steak-N-Shake.

10%

15%

Against Longer Lunches:

We wouldn’t have enough time in class to focus on school work due to extended lunches, which could ultimately cause our grades to drop.

75%

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Advice

February 2016

Volume XVI

3

Issue 2

Valentines Heart Mini-Pies

Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to temperature indicated on crust package. Temperature varies so check the crust package.

2. Roll out the pie crust on a flat surface and using a heartWondering what to make shaped cookie cutter, cut out the crust. your significant other for 3. After you’re done with one sheet, use the other sheet, then combine the two cut-out sheets together and re-roll it out to create more.

Valentine’s Day? Here’s a 4. Place half the hearts onto a lined baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, fun and easy recipe to try! brush the edges of the hearts.

5. With a ½ tsp. measuring spoon, add jam into the center of the hearts then place the other half of the heart crust on top. Using the ends of a fork, press the edges together. Using a sharp knife, make a tiny X in the middle of the hearts to let steam escape.

Ingredients: 6. Using a pastry brush, brush the tops of the hearts with egg and add sprinkles, gently pressing them down onto the 1 package of pre-made 9-inch hearts. pie crusts (there should be two 7. Bake for 9-12 minutes on the upper rack in the in a pack) oven, or until it’s golden brown in color.

1 large egg, lightly beaten 8. Wait until it is completely cooled to remove.

Strawberry or cherry jam

Makayla Calhoun

Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 10 mins Total time: 30 mins Makes: 12-14 pies

Sprinkles

Are You a Nervous Tester?

Makayla Calhoun

The Perfect Date Isabel Moreno February is the perfect month to show your appreciation for your significant other. There are many ways to show how much you like him/her being around you and taking them out someplace special is a perfect way to show it. However, when it comes to being creative with your choice of date, people tend to struggle.

With the help of others, we have gotten a chance to get in depth with the idea of the perfect date.

Here are listed some more ideas as to where to take your date for Valentine’s day. ~Watch a drive in movie ~Create your own picnic ~Go Boating ~Go out for a milkshake ~Play video games

“My perfect kind of date would be to go out for ice cream and just get to hang out together.” -Rozhanee Cornwell

“My perfect date I would think is just going out and eating somewhere special.” -Tori Hall

Are you worried about exams? Do your nerves go crazy when tests come around?

Try these relaxing tips for a stress free exam! ~Make sure you get more than enough sleep the night before testing. ~Eat a good breakfast so your stomach doesn’t make an embarrassing noise during the test. ~Give yourself a positive pep talk before you enter the testing room. ~Listen to your favorite song before you go into the testing room. ~Try counting back from 10 or 20. ~Tense all your muscles, hold for 10 seconds, then relax. Repeat this 2 or 3 times.

~Deep breathing. Close your eyes then upon breathing in think of your worries. Then, when breathing out visualize your worries blowing away. ~Remember that you’ve taken plenty of tests and you’ve passed before so you can pass now. ~Organize your materials on your desk. ~Be proud of your answers. ~Leave the testing room believing you passed.

Tips for Asking Out Your Crush!

Brianna Dunaway Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Some students freak out when asking out a date, while some have a natural talent for it. With these five steps below you can crush at asking out your crush. ~Always be confident when you approach them: Some people get nervous and cannot even ask their crush out once they’re face to face. Don’t run away or start rambling. Your crush might be the cutest or smartest person around, but you need to be brave and believe that you are good enough to date them. Remember, you are the strong one for pulling together the courage to ask them out! No matter how smart you are or what you look like, you deserve to be happy. Go for it! ~Don’t overreact if they say “No”: Don’t turn into a jerk and call them names or do mean things to them. Sometimes you just have to accept that they don’t like you in that way. ~Be honest, even a little flattering: If you are asking your crush, it may help you to tell them why you want to date them. Obviously you like them, but don’t just stop there. Tell them what you like about them. You think they’re really cute and smart? Tell them. Just do it; don’t be scared. Flattery is always a good thing; guys and girls both like to be complimented. ~Do things they would enjoy: If you’re not sure what they’re into, ask them beforehand, then plan to do things they like. Try to incorporate something you like into the date so you won’t get bored. Doing things the other person likes is a great way to get to know them and show them a good time all at once. ~No one said it had to be boring. Get creative: Asking out your crush doesn’t have to be boring. If you live near the woods carve it into a tree.

If you only see them in school write it on some flashcards and ask them to help you study.

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The RamPage

Clubs

February 2016

Volume XVI

The dRAMatics

Book Club

Kiersten Burrell

Isabel Moreno

Highland School of Technology has introduced many new clubs to the list this year. One of the clubs that has been introduced is the Book Club. Below is a Q&A with Mrs. Long, advisor of Book Club.

Q: What is the mission or purpose of the Book Club?

A: The purpose of the Book Club is to get together and read mostly young adult fiction books for fun. Once we are finished reading the books, we get together and talk about it.

Q: How many members does the Book Club have?

A: The Book Club has 17 members.

Q: Tell me something interesting about the Book Club?

A: We participate in many activities. One of the activities we recently participated in was Global Read Around. Global Read Around allows members of the Book Club to connect with other members around the world. This year we got to interact with members located in Canada. We used the technology we have today to get in touch with the members of the Book Club in Canada.

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Issue 2

HST’s Drama Club is known as the dRAMatics. They meet about once a month to discuss different topics that pertains to a certain aspect of theatre. Recently, the dRAMatics have been planning for the upcoming musical Little Shop of Horrors.

Members of the dRAMatics act as the producers for the musical and help to create props and other necessary items. Little Shop of Horrors is a comedy horror rock musical composed by Alan Menken (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin) and written by Howard Ashman.

The musical tells the story of floral assistant Seymour Krelborn who stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” - after his coworker crush. This carnivorous plant promises unending fame and fortune to the destitute Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it... BLOOD. The musical is based on the 1960 black and white comedy film The Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Roger Corman. The music, composed by Menken is in the style of early 1960s rock and roll and early Motown.

Q: What are some of the things that people are missing out on if they did not join Book Club?

A: Being part of the Book Club allows you to make new friends and get to meet new people. We read new popular books that are very interesting and food is always welcome.

Dates

Times

Admission

March 10

7 p.m.

$10

March 11

7 p.m.

$10

March 12

1:30 p.m.

$10

Introducing: Club Français Brianna Dunaway

French Club is something that many students have been talking about since last year. A student asked Ms. Ralston-Asumendi (Ms. R-A) to be head of the French Club because of her background in studying the language and her appreciation of the culture.

The Newspaper staff asked Ms. R-A a few questions about French Club and the French language. The French language originated from the Roman Empire. French is also known as a romance language, meaning it is derived from Vulgar Latin within historical times and has formed a subgroup of the Italic branch.

Q: Can you explain exactly what French Club is?

A: French club is an interest-based club that talks about French language and culture.

Q: When does French Club meet?

A: We meet every other week on Tuesdays at 7:45a.m.

Q: What made you want to start French Club?

A: A student approached me and asked me to head the French club because of my background in the language and culture. I speak French because I studied abroad in Lyon, France in college. I did not receive a minor in the language, but I was just one credit shy of doing so.

Q: What do you want to say to the students who are maybe thinking about joining French Club?

A: French Club is great fun and we get to explore a new language and culture.

Bienvenue a tout! (Welcome to all!)

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Sports

The RamPage

February 2016

Volume XVI

5

Issue 2

Who is your Basketball Inspiration?

Michael Jordan, the best basketball player in the world, said his inspiration was his father. We all have a reason for doing something and something that inspires us. Without this we may not be successful and prosper in that field as much as we could without that inspiration in our lives.

Our basketball team here at Highland is a very successful team with many talented

Cassie Wells

players. We interviewed a few players to see what makes our team successful and who their inspirations were.

Josh Feemster says, “My team is my inspiration.

They push me to always try to play my best.” He uses this to keep himself going in a game and to motivate himself throughout the season.

Trey Evans said, “Coach Evans is my inspiration because he is a great leader.”

Hole In One! Jenna Payne Jenna Payne

Caroline Cole, a senior, recently picked up her 3rd player of the year trophy in the Southern Piedmont 1A Conference for golf.

Cole’s passion for golf started at an early age. When she was three years old, she picked up her first club and hit her dad’s new truck. Ever since that day Cole and her Dad have been practicing.

Cole’s passion didn’t become strong until she joined the high school team as a freshman, and was constantly pushed to perform better.

Cole cites, “Golf is without a doubt the hardest and toughest mental sport there is.” One thing Cole has learned over the past three years is that if your head is not

All of the players use their team and coaches as their inspiration. They see them as their reason to keep going and represent their school and their team family.

So far this season has been going great with a solid record. Congratulate your fellow basketball students on their great season.

Zach Dawkins going for the goal.

Swim Team Fishes for Recruits Makayla Calhoun

straight, you won’t play well.

Golf has played a huge role in Cole’s life and influenced who she has become. Winning player of the year for the 3rd time, and placing 3rd at States has been a huge task for Cole. “I think my favorite part is that I get to represent Highland! I don’t want to use it for my bragging rights, but rather Highland’s too”, stated Cole.

Mr. Hutchins stated, “It takes a team to win. We were able to win number one team because we stayed together as a team and supported each other.” Please congratulate the women’s golf team for their amazing accomplishments!

The Highland swim team practices at Central YMCA everyday during the winter sports season. Swimming can help athletes stay in shape between sports.

Coach Lori works at the YMCA and trains the swimmers in stamina, strength, technique, and speed every afternoon.

Swimming requires using your whole body and all your muscles.

The other members will encourage you and help you along the way. There is only one problem; there are only 15 members! “If you don’t sink you can join,” says, Junior swimmer, Hailey Euler. If getting to the YMCA after school is a problem, ask the other swimmers for a ride.If you aren’t a strong swimmer that’s okay, just come try it out!

Next year’s season starts in October, and they would love to see you there!

Golf Athletes: Ashley Lowery Abigail Lester Rebecca Hester Emily Spargo Shelby Miller Caroline Cole Kimberly Shellman Golf Members after successful meet.

HST Swim Team members take a break after intensive practice laps.

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The RamPage

Fashion February 2016

Volume XVI

6

Issue 2

Winter Fashion Kiersten Burrell Oversized sweater & sweatshirts

You can find many different colors, styles, and textures of large sweaters. Oversized sweaters look great on all body types and even have some wiggle room to add for your own touch of style. During winter months, it is important to stay warm, and with these sweaters you can be, plus stay fashionable.

There are a few different ways to style this type of sweater:

Loose fitting with a pair of skinny jeans

Wear it with leggings

Cinch the sweater with a belt to accentuate your waist Cozy up in an oversized flannel

Women’s flannels are usually fitted and tight, which completely ruins the point of wearing a flannel to some of us. Solve the problem by wearing one of your boyfriend’s oversized flannels, or simply shop in the men’s section. It will most likely be baggy on you; add proportion with a fitted or textured bottom (leggings, dark printed skinny jeans).

Style tips for guys: On how things should fit

If you are buying a shirt, a jacket or any other kind of top (sweaters, t-shirts, etc.), you should check the shoulders: the sewing line that connects the shoulder line to the sleeve should match your natural shoulder line.

Also, when you are buying pants, make sure that they start at your waist, not at your belly button and not lower. You should check the bottom part of your pants and make sure that the pants leg does not fold over more than once; if this happens, they are too big.

Benefits of fitted clothing: 1. They touch your body without squeezing it.

2. They are comfortable.

3. They make you look good.

Brandon Moore pairs a sweater with a button-up accordingly.

Keely Heath models a classic oversized flannel.

How to shop for clothing on a buget?

Cassie Wells

Cassie Wells

We all hate spending a vast amount of money on clothes that we will eventually outgrow or will over time be “out of style”. How do you stay with the fashion trend, but still have some of your money left after? Well here are a few tips to consider next time you have the urge to go on those shopping sprees: 1. Buy for the opposite

seasons:

By this, I mean go buy that super cute, expensive bikini or swimming trunks, but go during the winter to get it for half the price.

2. Only buy clothes you

really need:

Sometimes seeing a “great deal” could cause you to spend more money. Just because an item is cheap, doesn’t mean you have to buy it. Only buy clothes you need.

3. Look for clearance

How To Look Hot This Winter Isabel Moreno

Winter 2015-2016 can be very hard if you are a fashion person. On some days it’s hot and on others, it’s cold.

So how can you stay on trend with this crazy weather? Easy.

Go with what suits the weather, but also what suits you. If it’s warm outside Nuzzle up to a cuddly sweater dress or go daring in knit pants and a matching top. You can also always go for the casual shirt and jeans look.

Another way to look hot is to wear those summer dresses you have put away. Try an oversized cardigan with one of your summer

dresses with a light scarf for the warm weather winter look, and finally you can use an oversized sweater with leggings and boots to make you feel cozy but not too warm.

One winter outfit is a long sleeve shirt with a motorcycle jacket and, of course, your casual jeans with a pair of boots. A classic toggle coat will never go out of style as long as you pick the right size. Don’t forget to also wear boots with knee length socks; they never go out of style can can make you look pretty nice, and of course don’t forget the scarves.

racks:

If a store has a certain item for a certain amount of time they put it on clearance. These items are just as good as when they were new to the store. There are great deals on clearance, just look!

4. Use accessories to create different looks:

You can buy cheaper, plain-jane clothes and use accessories to make them have multiple looks.

By using accessories you can also wear these clothes more often by creating multiple looks.

Manali Dhanak-12th

Reagan Human-12th

Entertainment ENTERTAINMENT

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The RamPage

February 2016

Volume XVI

Concerts and Upcoming Public Events

Movie Review: Mockingjay Part 2 Makayla Calhoun

Brianna Dunaway February 7th, 2016 Chinese New Year Family Festival 2016 (Charlotte, NC)

March 9-12th, 2016 HST Spring Musical: Little Shop of Horrors (Highland Tech Auditorium)

February 9-14th, 2016 Matilda: The Musical (Belk Theatre of Blumenthal, Charlotte, NC)

March 20th, 2016 Rihanna, Travis Scott; (Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, NC)

February 20th, 2016 Toby Mac with Britt Nicole, Colton Dixon, Finding favour, and Capital Kings (Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, NC)

March 26, 2016 Winter Jam 2016: Red, Matthew West, Sidewalk Prophets, For King and Country, Trip Lee, Tedashii, NewSong, and KB; (Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, NC)

Rihanna

Capital Kings

are introduced to in Mockingjay Part 1 continues to follow Katniss and stream media to the districts; leaving the citizens of each district to choose which side of the war they will stand on: with the rebellion or the Capitol.

The rebellion leader, President Coin of District 13, wants everything to run smoothly and expects Katniss to mind her wishes, but Katniss isn’t one for following the rules as we saw in the previous movies.

Will Katniss stay loyal to the rebellion leader?

Can the rebellion overthrow the Capitol?

How many lives will be lost in the vicious fight against the capitol?

These questions antagonized viewers after Mockingjay Part 1, but now they've been answered. Worried or interested? Don't wait; go see The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 for yourself!

Matthew West

If you didn’t read the books you're in for many surprises in: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2!

Katniss Everdeen is determined to fight even if it means risking her own life -- something she’s done before. After the previous movies, Jennifer Lawrence, who plays Katniss, does well portraying her character, who is determined to finish with a bang and a bow in hand.

Katniss not only faces a battle within the new arena. She also battles with her own feelings about the two love interests: Gale and Peeta.

The final scene in Mockingjay: Part 1 will leave audiences wondering if Peeta and Katniss will ever be the same.

Peeta continues to struggle with trusting the rebellion (even after the torture the Capitol put him through).

The recording staff audiences

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Issue 2

For king

and Country

Britt Nicole Travis Scott

Check out the top 10 songs from 2015!

Jenna Payne

1) Can’t Feel My Face The Weeknd

3) Lean On

2) Hotline Bling

Peace Is the Mission

Drake

3)

1)

6) Bad Blood Taylor Swift

7) Nine Track Mind Charlie Puth

Justin Bieber

4)

8) How Deep Is Your Love

Calvin Harris, Disciples 8.)

5) Drag Me Down

4) What Do You Mean?

9)

Everything is 4 Jason Derulo

One Direction

5.)

10) Stitches

Shawn Mendes

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Fun FunPage Page

8

Jenna Payne

The Eye of the Storm Dylan D.

Valentine’s Day Sudoku Every row, column, and mini-grid must contain the letters L O V E B I R D S. Don’t guess - use logic.

Love sways like swirling winds; destroying, encapturing, tormenting.

Approaching life when least expected, summoning monsters from within.

Influenced by past ennui, exercising the demons of today.

Tick, tock, the time goes by, while nothing can be known to change.

Love sways like swirling winds; welcoming, comforting, enticing.

Approaching life when least expected, controlling its future existence.

Influenced by past experiences, calming the heart to ease.

Tick, tock, the time goes by, bonds form that can’t be broken.

Have a Great 2nd Semester!

- RamPage Staff

Coffee

Autumn Read Love is like coffee, People love dressing it up with sugar and honey, As if it weren’t already addictive.

Some, so consumed, it becomes part of they way they live.

Others treating it as if it were a poison, Avoiding at all costs to find their “one.”

Can you unscramble the words?

1.ovle 2.weset 3.hrtea 4.cpiud 5.firtl 6. tyapr 7.kinp 8.cdyna 9. fwerlos 10. siks

Love is like coffee, Leaving your body to pulse with electricity.

Your mind in hyperdrive, “I don’t know man, I just feel so alive!”

In a giddy daze, Only a few find their way through Love’s maze.

Love is like coffee, Warming you on a Winter’s day.

A mass of differing flavors, Some prone to gulping while another savors.

Love is like coffee, Or so they say, Myself? I prefer tea.

Answers: Love, Sweet, Heart, Cupid, Flirt, Party, Pink, Candy, Flowers, Kiss