The Saga

Local rapper making a mark on Macon’s music scene. Page 9.

FRIDAY

Nov. 19, 2010

Saga The

Shared faith, sibling bond keep these two teachers close Page 8.

First Presbyterian Day School, Macon, Georgia

Around campus

in 60 seconds FPD’s One-Act play, “Andromeda’s Galaxy,” took third place at the region competition earlier this month. Senior Colby Watson was named the overall best actress in the competition and Jeremy Bullard was named to the All-Star cast.

The school also won the “Best Set” award.

“We were the only school to receive technical, overall acting and overall play awards,” theatre director Andrew Strickland said.

“For our one-act to be recognized for excellence in so many categories speaks highly of our cast and crew.”

Want the definition of a good week? Ask Fran Johnson.

The senior softball star (pictured below) was named the state winner of the Wendy’s High School Heisman award, played in the GHSA All-Star game and signed to play with Valdosta State University – all within a seven-day span.

“Just shock,” Johnson said of her reaction to the Wendy’s announcement. “It still hasn’t sunk in.

I just try to stay humble about it.”

Johnson’s signing ceremony with VSU will be scheduled sometime next year. She will join her sister, Morgan, in the Blazers’ lineup next season.

Victoria Vanhuss/The Saga Eighth grader Barret Ham is an accomplished musician on several instruments, including piano, saxophone and clarinet.

The Prodigy Eighth grader has a unique gift for music.

B

By VICTORIA VANHUSS Co-Editor

and director Jonathan Baker has been teaching music to students privately and professionally for more than 20 years.

He has seen many good musicians come and go, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that he stumbled upon a musical prodigy.

Eighth grader Barret Ham is the student music teachers wait a lifetime to teach.

He comes to rehearsals with a scary combination of drive, talent and passion, and he quickly conquers practically every instrument he touches.

“I have never seen a gift like that in a musician,” Baker said. “He’s great at teaching other people musical concepts. He knows everybody’s fingerings. He even helps brass players with fingering, which is scary.

He has a great knowledge of music, and it comes to him very easily.”

Baker said he distinctly remembers

meeting Ham for the first time.

“I first met him when he was in fifth grade,” he said. “He was very excited about being in the band, and we were in the process of trying all the different instruments. He told me that his brother had a saxophone at home that he wasn’t using, and so he brought it in.”

Ham immediately began working on the saxophone part of a song the marching band was playing, and slowly he began to blow Baker and the other band students away – literally.

“Just days after getting his instrument, he was trying his best to learn notes and fingerings and rhythms, and he was doing it,” Baker said. “He progressed so fast on the saxophone, so I knew almost immediately that he was talented.”

Ham’s mother, math teacher Betty Ham, said she first noticed his unique musical abilities when Barret was very young.

“We had gone to some store, and they had those little 75 cent whistles at the counter,” she said. “I got him one, and within 10 minutes he was

Please see MUSIC, page 11

Opinions

The Saga

Art by Adriana Figueroa

Staff Editorial

A holiday challenge During the craziness of Thanksgiving and Christmas, many of us forget the simplicity and merriment of the season.

We focus our attention on the todo lists and the wish lists. Everyone is so concerned with what they are getting and what they are giving, worried about reuniting with rarelyseen relatives and preparing ridiculous amounts of food.

Most of us breathe a sigh of relief when it’s over.

This holiday season, we challenge our readers to look at it through a child’s eyes. They see the world in

such pure and simple terms.

To them, Thanksgiving is just a day you get to eat turkey with your family. They don’t care if the house is spotless or if Grandma uses the cranberry sauce from the can rather than the homemade kind.

They are with people who love them and people they love.

This Thanksgiving, pay special attention to the innocent eyes in your family.

They often understand the meaning of the season far better than anyone else.

Saga The

First Presbyterian Day School, Macon, Georgia

Staff Directory Editors ............................... Zach Shealy, Victoria Vanhuss Staff Writers ..................... Evan Bates, Morgan Curtis, Anna Gainey, Kristen Hobbs, Molly McCoy, Olivia Newsome, Colby Watson Artist ............................... Adriana Figueroa Adviser ............................. Mr. Cal Powell The Saga is the student-produced newspaper of First Presbyterian Day School in Macon, Ga. Letters to the editor and guest editorials are welcome. Submit them in person to staff adviser Cal Powell or e-mail cpowell@fpdmacon.org. Phone (478) 477-6505, Ext.121.

Member organization Georgia Scholastic Press Association Rated Superior by the GSPA, 2008, 2009, 2010 Winner of the GSPA Turnaround Award 2006-07 Winner of the GSPA General Excellence Award 2007-08 Winner of the GSPA Perseverance Award 2007-08

Friday, Nov. 19, 2010 Page 2

The Saga

Opinions

The rewards far outweigh hardships

How to handle your anger issues

Last year my brother Daniel decided to join the United States Marine Corps.

It doesn’t seem possible that it’s been a year since my brother left for boot camp, but I guess time really does fly.

After making the decision to join the USMC Daniel had to go through various tribulations to earn the title United States Marine.

After getting OK’d at the Military Entrance Processing Station, he had to head straight to Parris Island, S.C., for Marine Boot Camp.

Daniel’s platoon was made up of 86 recruits, 20 from Georgia and quite a few from Virginia.

Early on Daniel remembers when one of his drill instructors called out to one of the new recruits “What’s your name?” The recruit responded, “Who, sir.”

Evan Bates The instructor yelled “You! I’m Staff Writer talking to you! What’s your name?!”

Same response: “Who, sir!”

This continued on for a while until the recruit responded “Recruit Hu, sir” and finally spelled it out for him. Every wanted to laugh, but the platoon refrained for fear of being punished.

In Daniel’s opinion the hardest thing for him physically was the Combat Conditioning Course where he had to crawl through trenches on his belly and face, so low to the ground he had to push himself forward using only his fingers and toes.

The crawl was under barbed wire and in thick dirt which was moistened by the rain. If it wasn’t hard enough already, it was also 50 degrees outside with no warm clothes or rain gear.

Mentally, the hardest thing for Daniel was the 100-foot rappelling tower because of his secret fear of heights. He said the reason he was able to do it was “Because I had no choice. I knew I had to jump in order to graduate in the end of boot camp.”

In the end his platoon finished with 86 recruits, but the recruits were not all the same people. Some were dropped because of various reasons. A few recruits were even sent home for being physically unfit, or for psychological issues brought on by the stress of boot camp.

Lack of sleep, constant yelling, grueling punishments and pushing yourself to the limit both mentally and physically took its toll on some recruits.

All-in-all boot camp lasted 13 very long weeks. While at boot camp Daniel missed Thanksgiving, Christmas, the Super Bowl and New Years. When he finally finished it was already February, but we decided to give Daniel his own Christmas. We kept up our tree and decorations so we could celebrate together.

He was only given three weeks leave before he had to report to Marine Combat Training (MCT) School for one month at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina where he would be taught how to use a multitude of weapons and receive further combat training.

After completing MCT School, Daniel headed home for a one-week leave.

After spending a little time with our family he had to report to Pensacola, Fla., for 5 1/2 months. In Pensacola, Daniel was trained in his MOS or Military Occupational Specialty – Avionics Technician.

He was recently sent to Whidby Naval Air Station in Washington State. There he will receive more specialized training as an Electronic Countermeasures Technician for the Prowler aircraft. After a couple of months, he will probably be stationed in Cherry Point, N.C. “It’s a completely different lifestyle, but you get used to it,” Daniel told me. “You bond together with the people you work with and they become like family. I’m much better for it, harder working with a new outlook. It changes how you view life.”

Would he do it all again?

“Yes I would,” he said. “The rewards far outweigh the hardships.”

I could have not asked for a better brother. He’s been through so much in his life and joining the USMC finally gave himself something to be proud of because he is one of ‘The Few. The Proud. The Marines.’

I will forever look up to him in great respect for what he’s been through. I love him more than anything and would do anything for him.

This is for you, bro. Semper Fi.

I am really bad at asking for people’s numbers. What should I do?

Anna: Be tactful. Most likely you have a class with them, so go up to them and ask them for their number.

Tell them you might need help in the class later.

Or, if you have a project in the class, try to be their partners so you can get a two in one special. Not only can you get their number, but also you can spend time with them while you work on the project.

You will get to know them more, and hopefully this will result in a relationship or a great friendship!

Don’t be scared to take the leap of faith and talk to them. It might be hard at first but that’s OK. It will show a lot of character in you.

Morgan: Usually if you’re friends with the person, they’ll give you their number.

If you want to know how to get the number of a person you don’t know very well, you’re definitely a creeper.

Don’t just approach anyone and be like, “Hello, buddy, what’s your number?” Only do this if it’s some supermodel, because otherwise the ‘he/she’s a creeper flag’ will go off.

The answer to getting their numbers is espionage.

There are various ways to try espionage. I’ll only name a few because I want to keep some of the secrets for myself.

Number one is Facebook. About half the population lists their cell number, and the best part is they’ll never know you have their number.

Second is asking other people.

This is very risky, because there is a chance they’ll tell the other person.

Usually though if you give them some weird story like ‘I’m doing a school project with them’ they won’t tell.

HOW DO YOU PREVENT OVER-EATING ON THANKSGIVING?

By Victoria Vanhuss

“Think about the bloated feeling after you eat. If you think about it, you won’t want to eat.”

Austin Moore Sophomore

Anna Gainey and Morgan Curtis Staff Writers anyway.

In my opinion there are three main factors that can make you mad. The first is other people, and I encourage you to simply avoid them.

The second factor that can set you off is school. School can make you mad for a lot of reasons, for which I could devote pages, but the solution is simple enough: Avoid school.

The third factor is yourself. This happens to be the thing that makes me the most mad.

You do stupid stuff, it makes you mad; you mess up, it makes you mad; you get a bad grade, it makes you mad. The solution is not as simple as the other, mostly because you can’t avoid yourself.

What I do, though, is to not take myself seriously. When I do stupid things, I don’t care. When I mess up, I don’t care, and I just don’t get bad grades because I’m a genius.

“That’s impossible! There is too much good food and too many options. It’s a tradition.”

Anna Harris Senior

“Maybe just by getting a little bit of everything and not a full serving of all of it.”

Lydia Gray Spanish teacher

“You can eat a snack beforehand and if you drink a glass of milk, it’ll fill you up.”

Suzanna Shell Freshman

“I actually do overeat on Thanksgiving on purpose.

Last Thanksgiving, I ran a race at 6 in the morning, so I was hungry. I let the big dog eat.

I have anger issues. What should I do to control them?

Anna: You might consider getting professional help.

I know that sounds horrible and you probably think people will make fun of you for going to a psychiatrist or psychologist or some sort of counselor.

Seriously it is OK to get help! You will make not only yourself happier, but also others around you happy because you won’t be snapping at them anymore.

Morgan: Honesty I have no idea, but I’ll give you some advice

Friday, Nov. 19, 2010 Page 3

Trey Dozier Senior “Not liking Thanksgiving meals is a great way. I don’t overeat because I don’t really like turkey and dressing and whatever else.”

Art by Adriana Figueroa

Johnny Morton Bible teacher

The Saga

Opinions

Friday, Nov. 19, 2010 Page 4

Features

The Saga

Reaction to Kanye in eye of beholder Whenever the topic of Kanye West comes Kanye West is arrogant. up, Zach and I jump at the chance to debate On a recent Twitter post, Kanye claims he each other. has “decided to become the best rapper of Zach believes Kanye is the best thing since all time! I put it on my things to do in this sliced bread. He sees him as a role model, lifetime list!” and he is constantly making excuses for his You can read it as if he’s being sarcastic, but character. with Kanye you can really never tell.

My intent is to argue this one last time, so Every now and then he’ll go into Twitter we settle this once and for all. tirades, posting nearly 100 times in just a few Keep in mind that I’m not arguing the hours, ranting on and on about how no one quality of his talent. I use the word talent here respects him and how everyone thinks he’s a for those who don’t consider rap a genre of jerk. music. Still, it doesn’t matter if rap is music or So why, then, would I argue that Kanye if rap is another art entity entirely - it is a skill West is the single most important (and … but that is another topic for another time. fascinating) current celebrity?

Victoria Vanhuss and Zach Shealy Anyway, Kanye is the only rap artist on my Well, the obvious defense is his music. iPod. I happen to like his music, and that’s a Kanye released three stellar, ultra-popular rap Co-Editors big feat for the rap and hip-hop community.

CDs, pushing the genre in bold new directions; I’m often impressed by the effortlessness then he said too many ridiculous things and his behind the lyrics. Long gone are the days public persona became somewhat of a parody of rap music solely promoting a message of of himself. promiscuity. Kanye covers everything from government to religion to If you mention Kanye to any average follower of pop-culture, they relationship issues. immediately chime in with “what a jerk” or something similarly unkind.

My problem with Kanye isn’t his music. It’s his attitude.

Then, around 2008, everything got even worse. Kanye’s mom died Let’s start with the obvious - the Taylor Swift incident. and he endured a nasty break-up with his fiancée. He retreated from the At the 2009 Video Music Awards, Kanye interrupted Taylor Swift’s first public eye, recorded the deeply personal auto-tuned pop oddity 808s and VMA speech to protest her win. He believed Beyoncé deserved the award Heartbreak, setting himself up to be trashed by the haters, his fans and the for her video for “Single Ladies” because it was “one of the best videos of critics alike. But something happened: the CD was darned good. all time.”

“Love Lockdown” and “Coldest Winter,” for example, stuck simple, Now, I realize this is old news, but I felt that it warranted a response. soaring melodies over minimalist backing tracks. “Love Lockdown” I am not judging Kanye based on this incident. I don’t necessarily became a massively successful single, despite sounding nothing like condone this kind of behavior, but it was fairly obvious that he was drunk anything else on the charts at the time. and/or heartbroken. I’m just going to write this one off as a bad night.

Some of the best new faces in the hip-hop world came onto the scene At least, for once, he wasn’t talking about himself. heavily influenced by Kanye’s choices. Kid Cudi, Drake – these new guys Anyway, my judgment mainly stems from Kanye’s Twitter page. showed up and were successful with this suddenly popular, introspective, There have been times when I have logged into my account to find my subdued brand of hip-hop. home page covered in one of Kanye’s narcissistic rants.

This year, Kanye is getting back to the basics, throwing together all Leading up to this year’s VMAs, Kanye tweeted faster than I could read. the hip-hop essentials for his new album: guest spots, rocking samples, One tweet after another spammed my newsfeed. Some of the tweets big beats, you get it. Every Friday for the past few months he’s released were apologies to Taylor Swift; others were about his deceased a new song to his blog for download, most notably “Monster,” mother. Still, every single tweet had something in common featuring several interesting names, like newcomer Nicki Minaj - they were all about him. (completely out of her mind) and Justin Vernon (of Indie pop I’ll admit there are moments I find Kanye’s tweets group Bon Iver) soulfully laying down the intro and outro. interesting. Perhaps not for the right reasons, but But back to Kanye’s larger than life personality: isn’t nevertheless, they amuse me. that a good thing? Like, take Lady Gaga for example.

His rant about dark lipstick made me giggle, She dresses crazy and wants people to think she’s and I continue to follow him despite how much strange, but her Twitter is all corny garbage like his tweets annoyed me.

“Believe in yourself, little monsters!”

However, his vain and pompous, egocentric When you load up Kanye’s page, he’s what attitude extends far beyond his Twitter, although you’re going to get. Unfiltered, uncensored – the that’s where it is most evident. guy speaks his mind all the time, no matter how Some of his lyrics paint him to be an politically incorrect or personal. uncharitable, overbearing, conceited imbecile, and At one point during his auto-tune phase, Kanye I’m guessing he’s not too far from that. was performing a show and someone threw a For example, one of his newest songs, “Runaway,” nickel at him. Kanye got angry and started is a flat-out confession of being every word I will yelling at the crowd and at whoever it was never be able to print. It’s basically an anthem for that had thrown it. cheaters.

Typical stuff, except no one had the Listening to the song, you can’t help but think of heart to turn his auto-tuner off. What someone you know and someone you despise. ensued was a hilarious “double To me, perhaps Kanye embodies the entire idea of rainbow all up in the sky”/“you a person who gets what they want and doesn’t care are so dumb, you are really about the consequences. dumb” style rant, and I know that my issues with him as a person it actually ended shouldn’t affect my opinions of his music, but up being kind of it’s hard to accept the fact that you are taking in catchy. ideas of a man who would symbolize the devil in But when the any kind of a literary setting. music backs up Perhaps I am quick to judge Kanye. I guess it is possible the talk, I’m not that he comes off as something he’s not, but in today’s world where a complaining. celebrity’s every move and every word is monitored, it seems highly Art by Adriana Figueroa unlikely that Kanye is the great man that Zach sets him up to be.

Friday, Nov. 19, 2010 Page 5

Veal reflects on Boys Nation trip

By COLBY WATSON Staff Writer

Special to The Saga Senior Alyson Wells huddles with some Ugandan children this summer.

Charting a course Senior Alyson Wells goes to Africa to pursue her passion for missions.

By MOLLY MCCOY Staff Writer Some people go across town for mission work. Others even travel to South America.

Senior Alyson Wells ventured across the world to Uganda, Africa to pursue her passion.

After working with former teacher Erika Mosteller on the Invisible Children project, Wells’s interest in visiting Africa grew. This led her to head up a schoolwide fundraising and awareness event.

She designed a T-shirt and organized the community Displace Me event.

From an early age Wells knew she wanted to pursue mission work. Although Wells participated in many community service projects and led various outreach events, she wanted to expand her horizons.

Wells embarked on her first out of country mission trip with First Presbyterian Church.Working in Casa Hogar, Acapulco, affirmed God’s calling in her life, she said.

Wells soon began to research mission opportunities in Africa. Extensive Google exploration turned up the Adventures in Missions organization.

Without consulting her family, Wells began the elaborate application process.

When Wells first presented the possibility of this mission trip to her parents, they were skeptical.

“My parents and grandparents were concerned and worried, but this was my life,” she said.

After filling them in on various details, Wells’ parents began to see the value and opportunity this mission trip provided.

Her father even knew the founders of the organization.

“That in itself was totally a God thing,”

Wells said.

After applying, participating in a successful phone interview and learning about the 18 other girls participating, Wells had just one question.

“At the end of the conversation when everything had been said, I was just like, ‘Am I going?’ ” Wells remembers.

On June 23, Wells embarked on her journey. The first stop was training camp in Gainesville.

“It was kind of like church camp, except instead of coming home we went to Africa,” she said.

While in Africa, Wells primarily partnered with the Helping Hands organization, which worked in a local orphanage. Her team was able to lead a vacation Bible school, sing songs, play games and interact with less fortunate African children.

In the “bush schools,” schools in the jungle outskirts, Wells was able to distribute mosquito nets.

The African children were eager to spend time with the Americans, or mazungus. Wells recalls a time when her team was walking through a local village and children from all directions came running towards her yelling, “mazungu, mazungu, how are you?”

“It was really touching to see how much the children appreciated us sacrificing our time to come minister to them,” she said.

“It makes you happy you answered God’s call.”

After visiting Africa, Wells has a new outlook on life.

“It’s so frustrating to think about the way Americans live compared to them,” she said. “We have abundance and they don’t even have what they need to live. I definitely am more appreciative for what I have now.”

She called it “the trip of a lifetime,” and wouldn’t rule out future similar journeys.

“I am a very passionate and motivated person, so I am up for challenges and taking risks,” she said.

How does about an entire week dedicated to learning everything about our nation’s capital through various tours to monuments, meeting famous politicians and engaging in mock trials sound?

For senior Stuart Veal, it was reality.

As a member of Boys Nation, Veal got to meet veteran lawmakers and even President Obama during the weeklong excursion to Washington, D.C., last summer.

Every year, two or three boys from each state are nominated and then interviewed by a veterans organization called The American Legion. Veal was nominated by college counselor Brad Thompson.

Thompson said he believes Veal is the first FPD student to be chosen for the elite group.

“It is a great honor,” Thompson said. “I would like the school to know what a big deal this is.”

The day starts by waking up in the small college of Marymount University right outside D.C. and participating in a daily dose of “mock government,” where governors are elected, debates held and bills passed.

Not only did this give these members hands-on experience of how the government works, but also promoted some bonding among all the participants there.

“I made a lot of friends there,” Veal said. “During our mock trial we divided into sections of about 25 people, so I became really close with all those guys.”

Boys Nation participants also got to experience the federal government up close through various tours.

Veal got to meet U.S. Senators from Georgia Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss and former U.S. representative Jim Marshall.

“One time,” Veal said, “we went to the White House and got to see Barack Obama fly in on his Marine One helicopter and land on the front lawn.”

Veal has a photo of himself and other participants standing with Obama as the president holds up a Boys Nation T-shirt given to him by the students.

Some other rare opportunities Veal experienced included sitting in on Congressional voting sessions and meeting important people involved with the Supreme Court.

One of the highlights of the trip for Veal was meeting students from all over the country, one being his good friend and roommate “Tro” from Arizona.

“Usually everyone around here (Macon) has the same sort of views about things,” he said, “so I got to get a good taste of different people’s ideas and thoughts.”

Special to The Saga Stuart Veal and a fellow Boys Nation participant from Georgia stand with U.S. senators from Georgia Saxby Chambliss (left) and Johnny Isakson.

Giving Thanks

We asked students and teachers to tell us what they’re thankful for.

From boots to Waffle House to grandbabies, we’re grateful for a lot.

I am thankful for Chick- Fil- A. - Leah Lauren, 8th grade

I am thankful for being alive, for a great family and for a great school.

- Garrett Childers, 10th grade

I am thankful for rainy days.

- Sydney Causey, 12th grade

I am thankful for all my friends at FPD and the family that I have.

- Sadie Frame 5th grade

I am thankful for pickles.

- Abby Burns, 5th grade

I am thankful for freedom.

- Jack Sawyer, 7th grade

I am thankful that I got to go to Peru this past summer to play with the kids and tell them about Jesus.

- Mary Margaret Smith, 11th grade

I am thankful that all things, including losing a loved one, work together for good for those who love the Lord.

- Nancy Cofer, English teacher

To be honest, I am just thankful for all the people who support me.

- Adam Gorman, 9th grade

I’m thankful for being at this school and for everybody and everything. It is just such an honor to be at this school and I love every single teacher I have had. I love this school!

- Collier Griffin, 4th grade

I am thankful for my hands.

- Denson Martin, 6th grade

I am thankful for Waffle House being open 24/7.

- Jenna Byrd, 10th grade

I am thankful for drumsticks.

- Trey Lowery, 12th grade I’m thankful for encouragers ... those who seek to build up a friend, brighten a day and give a pat on the back. I’m thankful for life, and the time God has given me to live it.

- Charlie Parrish, Chief Financial Officer

I am thankful for my husband, my daughters, their husbands and my grandbaby.

- Susan Causey, counselor

I like my Thanksgiving party my family does every year because I get to see all my famly.

- Phillip Carlton, 4th grade

I am thankful for my right to hunt.

- Charles Stroud, 7th grade

I’m thankful that I had the chance to coach six seniors in softball.

- Coach Jim Turner

I am thankful for the opportunity to work at a place that is lots of fun.

- Amy Kenney, Webmaster

I am thankful for my hermit crabs.

- Ethan Wilson, 1st grade

I am thankful for doughnuts.

- Amy Morgan, 9th grade

I am thankful for my brothers, and I am thankful for sports.

- Cardin Weaver, 3rd Grade

I’m thankful for this absolutely beautiful fall season … cool, crisp mornings and mild afternoons … clear cloudless nights with stars everywhere!

- Cyndy Roberts, government teacher

I am thankful for Jean O’Dillon! I couldn’t teach kindergarten without her!

- Allison Lucas, kindergarten teacher

I am thankful for contacts.

- Jessica Bozeman, 12th grade

I am thankful for off-campus lunch.

- Amelia Ballard, 12th grade

I am thankful for boots.

- Ali Sawyer, 9th grade

I am thankful for food … and Samuel Douglas.

- Luke Douglas, 6th grade

I am thankful for my friends and family and a safe home.

- JoJo Murphy, 12th grade

I am so thankful that we have a school that honors and glorifies Jesus in all that we do! What a blessing to be free to do this and not fear reprisal or punishment!

- Carol Hall, math teacher

I am thankful for pumpkins and I am thankful for scarecrows.

- Camden Smith, 1st grade I am thankful for Jesus Christ, who makes it possible to be thankful for everything.

- Sandra Jones, science teacher

I am thankful for my family because they care for my when I’m sick and hurt.

- Kennedy Cavley, 4th grade

I am very thankful for my family. My wife and my children are some of the great joys in my life.

- Jeffery Brannon, Bible teacher

I am thankful for the miracles that happen all around us every day.

- Madison Howard, 9th grade I am thankful for my dad.

- Mark Estes, 6th grade

I’m thankful for my family, my animals, and I’m most thankful for Jesus dying on the cross for my sins.

- Hannah Ferguson, 4th grade

I am thankful for my tester.

- Walker Andress, 2nd Grade I’m thankful for grace!

- Charley Chase, chaplain I am thankful that my mom and grandmother are such good cooks.

- Brett McHugh, 3rd Grade I am so thankful to be American. When I think that God could have set my body and soul down any place in the world, I am forever grateful that He set me down in the United States of America.

- Cyndi Darnell, librarian I am thankful for God and the pilgrims and Indians.

- Lauren-Grace Brown, 2nd Grade

Art by Adriana Figueroa

Growing into a more appreciative person

Cherish time spent with family

In general, I assume that everyone thinks the same way as me, so I assume that everyone’s favorite holiday is Christmas.

The number two spot is a little more up for grabs.

Thanksgiving has slowly taken over mine, but it used to be much farther down that list.

See, Thanksgiving falls on or around my birthday, so when I was younger the holiday was always eclipsed by presents and parties and money.

Thanksgiving meant a break from school, yes, but it was like the after party to the real party, my birthday, plus my grandma made us play some game where we had to name things we were thankful for, then toss a cranberry into a can.

I was not good at the cranberry game, because let’s face it, parents and grandparents and legal guardians, kids aren’t really thankful for anything.

Sure, I enjoyed the heck out of the stuff I got for my birthday, but all those thank-you cards I wrote to my friends and aunts and everybody else? My parents made me.

Trey Lowery gave me an off-brand Bop-It! knock-off in the fourth grade, but I already had one. Do you think I meant it when I wrote him a “Thanks for the cool off-brand BopIt! knock-off!” letter? No, not at all. Mostly I was just mad because duplicate gifts meant less gifts.

And then, inevitably, as I aged, being thankful for

For me, Thanksgiving will always be associated with my grandparents’ farm outside of Athens when the leaves are almost finished falling from the trees, and the air is so crisp and cool that it pleasurably stings your lungs when you take a deep breath.

I think of my grandpa waking up before sunrise to put the turkey in the oven, and my grandma, the master chef, following close behind to begin preparing the big, Thanksgiving lunch.

I learned how to cook in that kitchen under her careful instruction, so now I get recruited to do some of the baking.

It is in those hours that things are being burned or stirred or guarded against the hungry men of the family that I always find myself loving every second of the organized chaos because no matter what, it always comes together in the end.

Once everyone has fixed a plate, we sit down in the dining room. From birthdays to family dinners to games of hide-and-seek, there have been a lot of memories made

my parents, my friends, everything, started making sense. My parents became perfect in my mind, exactly what I needed and wanted.

They’ve given me a good amount of freedom throughout high ZACH SHEALY school, trusting Co-Editor me enough to do pretty much whatever I wanted, but making sure I kept them updated on what exactly I was doing. I haven’t been arrested or kicked out of school yet, so to date it seems to have worked out pretty well for them.

I’m turning 18 in about a week, but I don’t plan on going all crazy on them. I mean, maybe I’ll legally smoke a cigarette* to look cool, or maybe I’ll stay out past 12 on a school night.

I’m a pretty mellow guy, so my edgy behavior isn’t going

to be that edgy.

And the fact that I’ll be legally allowed to stay out later means I’ll have more time to reminisce on what I’m thankful for, and thus, in anticipation of my 18th birthday (and Thanksgiving, I guess) I’m going to jump the gun and name some things I, Zach Shealy, am thankful for.

I’m thankful my parents don’t smoke around the house (not that they smoke otherwise).

I’m thankful for whoever invented text messaging, as it helps people like Cal Powell nag me.

I’m thankful for Tyler Mullis and his anti-Lil Wayne articulations.

I’m thankful for my weights class, and our teacher, Coach Jones, because my upper body has been looking quite nice lately.

And I’m thankful for America.

The opportunities we have in America are so obvious it’s cliché for me to even mention the opportunities we have in America, but like Squanto and all those pilgrims, I’m thankful, for real.

Last and least, I’m thankful for this space here that I got to use to write about what I’m thankful for. * Just joking, in case you were wondering. Smoking kills people, and it doesn’t look cool.

OLIVIA NEWSOME Staff Writer within those four walls. Some of the people who have sat in those chairs have come and gone, and new ones have taken their places.

Regardless, I love having Thanksgiving lunch at that table.

In my family, we talk and laugh and go around and say what it is we are thankful for in our lives. It’s not anything particularly

extraordinary, but I would not trade those moments for anything in the world.

You see, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, not for the food but for the memories-both the old and new ones.

Call me sentimental, but I love the idea of families coming together and sitting around the table to share a meal.

We live in a world with completely different struggles than the original Pilgrims and Indians, but the things we are most thankful for have remained fairly consistent: friendhips, communion, food, life.

It’s important that we have days where we refocus on things that are truly important, which is why I love Thanksgiving.

So, after you have eaten more than your fill, remember the meaning behind the day.

Be thankful for the things you have instead of worrying about the things you do not.

Most importantly, though, tell the people you are celebrating with just how much they mean to you and savor those memories you’ve made together.

News

The Saga

Friday, Nov. 19, 2010 Page 8

The Saga

Sister, Sister

Special feature: Hip-hop in Macon

The former James sisters both have ties to FPD.

By OLIVIA NEWSOME Staff Writer It was another day in the neighborhood.

A young Carol James was walking with her sister, Robbie, in tow. The two little girls reached the neighborhood’s homemade zip-line.

As the oldest, Carol was the first to climb up to where the wire began and grab hold of the cut-off pair of blue jeans in order to zoom down to the end of the line. Robbie, however, was more hesitant.

Tired of waiting for her sister to make up her mind and jump, Carol, who was typically very patient, threatened to return home without her if she did not hurry up. Not wanting to be left, Robbie leapt to latch onto the jeans only to miss and fall, breaking her arm.

“I felt so responsible,” Carol remembered. “I scooped her up and ran home. You could tell that it was broken. It was awful, and I felt so responsible that I had made her do that.”

When thinking back to that day, Robbie laughed.

“It wasn’t her fault,” she said. “I was being a little brat and taking my time.”

Growing up with three brothers, Hall, an Algebra teacher here, remembers the days when she would long for a sister to help relieve the strain of being the only girl in the family.

“When my mother was pregnant with her, I kept insisting that it would be a girl, so I could have a sister,” Hall said, smiling.

“Everyone else thought it was a boy, but it was a girl. I was so excited to have a sister that I wanted to take care of her. I remember, at 5, changing her diapers, taking her everywhere she went, and carrying her around … I probably treated her more like my child than my sister because I always wanted to take care of her.”

Montgomery, who frequently substitutes at FPD thanks to her sister’s recommendation, can say nothing but pleasant things about growing up with an older sister like Mrs. Hall.

“Carol was the best big sister,” she said.

“She was so sweet to me all of the time, and you can’t say that about a lot of big sisters. She always brought me gifts and surprises and was always kind and sweet to me. She’s never been ugly to me one day in my life.”

Upon learning that the two are sisters, many students are shocked. They look different from one another. They have different styles. Their personalities do not seem to match up, so it’s easy to wonder, how could they possibly be related?

“We are very different,” Hall said. “She is very artistic and gifted with words. She likes

history and things like that. I don’t speak well in front of people. I like things in order and regimented. I like math and science, so we are very different personalities. We look different.

We act different, but we are both Christians.”

“She’s a great cook. I mean, she’s an excellent cook, and I don’t care about cooking. I do cook.

I get meals out, but she makes her own bread,” teased Montgomery.

On a more serious note, though, she added, “Carol is very genuine and generous and always doing for others. She truly is what you see. She’s a true Christian.

I, on the other hand, was a little more stubborn and defiant and a little more rebellious until I became a Christian later on in life.”

Although their likes and dislikes are not always the same, the sisters find an unbreakable unity in their shared faith in Christ and their belief in the power of prayer.

Students who have had Mrs. Hall can attest to the fact that every day in class begins with a prayer and devotion.

What they may not know is that on days off, Mrs. Montgomery walks around her neighborhood praying for her family and things going on in her life.

“I know that whenever we have any trouble with our children or with anything we just ask each other to pray because we know those prayers are so powerful,” Hall said. “We just want to encourage each other and lift each other up.”

Montgomery confirmed, “I can tell her something, and she will pray for me, and I will pray for her .. .I pray for my family, and she prays for my family.”

It does not take sitting down with either Mrs. Hall or Mrs. Montgomery for an extended period of time to get a sense of how much they care for one another.

Although the little girls have grown up, Hall still keeps an eye on her sister’s best interest while Montgomery still seeks to reciprocate her sister’s good example.

“She brings out the best in me,” Montgomery said. “She’s the genuine article. I would like to be more like her.”

Bottom photo by Olivia Newsome Sisters Robbie Montgomery and Carol Hall (shown above at a local fashion show in 1960) have a lot more in common than casual observers might realize.

Friday, Nov. 19, 2010 Page 9

Macon has rich, storied music history

By ZACH SHEALY Co-Editor

Special to The Saga Theatre director Andrew Strickland, dressed as his character Lurna, films a scene for a college class.

Strickland takes learning high-tech

By KRISTEN HOBBS Staff Writer Deep within the heart of Cambridge, Mass., Dr. Terrence Keeney pops in a disk and is greeted by Lurna, a spectacularly bright yet goofy member of the lost Aydoolt tribe.

After squinting through a tangle of matted black hair and adjusting the striped tie wound around his head, Lurna manages to accomplish quite the unexpected task – he offers an intricate explanation of adult learning theory.

And he does so in a way that’s creative, entertaining and startlingly in-depth for an “uneducated savage” like himself.

Turns out this lost tribesman is a unique character of Andrew Strickland, a full-time high school theater director and Ph.D candidate of Leslie University who writes, directs, shoots and acts in a series of short films focused on adult learning.

And while teaching may be the last thing expected from Lurna’s quirky character, he was created primarily as an informative example of an adult retaining new knowledge. The films’ whole concept focuses on society’s adoption of this savage, and Lurna’s mentors quickly learn through trial-and-error how to teach this foreigner who, though an incredibly enthusiastic and curious learner, is somewhat stuck in his backwards ways.

Strickland doesn’t hesitate to admit his films are a nice break from the conventional paper.

“Like most doctoral students, I’ve been writing papers all my life, so that’s not a problem for me,” he said. “But just thinking of writing another four or five papers for this class along with the others, I didn’t think that was going to help me learn the material more.”

And so, as a director already heavily involved in the fine arts, he enthusiastically turned to artistic inquiry, a method of retaining knowledge that integrates the subject taught with a creative presentation.

So, why films?

“When I first set up the project I had no idea what I was going to do,” Strickland said. “I figured performing would work into them sooner or later because it’s what I do, but besides that I wasn’t sure. The first project was suggested by the subtitle of an adult theorists’ book, which was ‘The Adult Learner: A Neglected Species.’

And I started thinking about the neglected species, and it reminded me of a lost tribe.”

The idea took off and Strickland eventually ended up with a film series centered around Lurna, a representation of this neglected species, gradually being integrated into

Please see LURNA, page 11

Zach Shealy/The Saga Local hip-hop artist Floco Torres hangs up fliers for his upcoming album, “Floco’s Modern Life,” inside the Golden Bough bookstore in downtown Macon.

Floco’s Modern Life

Hip-hop artist Floco Torres is making waves in the local scene.

By ZACH SHEALY Co-Editor Floco Torres, local hip-hop artist, proclaims many things, including himself, “dope.”

Being onstage? Dope. Making creative music? That’s dope, too.

Simpler things?

He likes spinach dip and chips with a beer, and is not above mashing the chips and dip into a plastic cup and eating them with a fork as he walks around downtown Macon. All dope.

He wears old clothes, in this case the well-worn hand-me-downs of his departed grandfather.

He cites those old denim shirts as the best metaphor for describing his music.

“He passed away and I got a whole bunch of his shirts,” Torres explained. “This year I came across them and I started wearing them, and they’re just super comfortable. I could care less what they look like, how worn in they are, like, they’re really, really comfortable. That is what my music’s about.”

On a typical Saturday, you can find Torres comfortably wandering around downtown, frequenting the Golden Bough, an independent bookstore on Cotton Avenue, and Treasure Vintage, a clothing store right across the street.

On a recent day, he carried a folded-up Esquire magazine, the

cover of which featured the so-called “Sexiest Woman Alive.”

The 20-something Torres just might offer to buy you a beer unless you’re underage, in which case he’ll recommend you not get into alcohol.

And while you’ve probably never head of him, Torres is somewhat of a big deal in the local music scene.

People stop him on the street to ask him about his upcoming shows or joke about Halloween parties attended together.

The biggest difference between him and the average person is that he can do whatever he wants all day.

“Earlier this morning I woke up, I was calling people and everybody was at work and I couldn’t get in touch with anybody, and I’m like, man, I’m one of the only people I know who doesn’t have a set schedule,” Torres said. “I go to sleep when I want, I get up when I want, I play video games when I want.”

Also, he makes music when he wants.

His self-proclaimed worst song is entitled “Swagga 2 Da Bone,” and he recommends that potential fans not start with that one.

A better place to start would be his latest EP, called “Psycadelphia.”

The first track, “Galaxy of Broken Dreams,” is saturated with rampant, bright synthesizers, a doubly catchy, Kid Cudi-esque, sing-songy chorus, and tongue-in-cheek simile-puns such as “To stop me it’ll have to

rain, dear, like Prancer.”

Two tracks later, Torres is rapping over nothing but a minimal club beat and a loop of someone laughing.

“I pride myself in being ... ambidextrous maybe?” he said.

“We’ll go with that word and see what happens.”

“Sidewalk Talk,” the first released track from Torres’ upcoming CD, “Floco’s Modern Life,” is a funky inspirational up-lifter comparing life to a sidewalk that reminds listeners to “never look back to the street that’s behind you” ■■■

Torres, whose given name is Kevin Williams, grew up in Macon, moved to New Jersey briefly, then moved back here about three years ago. Always into writing and journalism, he slowly integrated into the hip-hop culture in his teens.

“In high school a lot of my friends rapped and everything like that, and I wrote lyrics for other people,” he said. “Rap was probably one of the last things on my list. It’s just something I slowly took a liking to.”

Nowadays he wouldn’t even list hip-hop as his number one influence, preferring rock and roll as of late.

Rock music, he said, is an example of something he came across early but didn’t “get” until years later.

“Hip-hop is number two because that’s what I grew up on and that’s

Please see FLOCO, page 11

In 1968, one month after Otis Redding died in a plane crash, his song “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” became a smash hit and ignited the airwaves, and Macon was put on the map musically, but not for the first time.

The previous decade, Little Richard, another Maconite, practiced a new musical style called “rock ’n’ roll,” and the world noticed.

“These guys weren’t one-hit wonders from the 80s,” said Chris Horne, freelance writer and local music enthusiast/manager. “These guys transformed music.”

Back when artists like Redding and Little Richard and The Allman Brothers thrived in Macon, though, the community did not necessarily care.

“The Allman brothers were these longhaired hippie freaks,” he said. “In 1960s Macon, in a city that didn’t have its high schools integrate boys and girls until the early 70s, they were giant freak shows.

Little Richard was a cross-dresser. Otis Redding had a white manager. Those folks were outcasts. They had to find their own little niches.”

Horne sees the local music scene today much like it was back then.

“What makes Macon special is no one else around town (cares),” he said. “How many folks around here even know what’s going on?”

Despite the majority of local residents not being interested, the ones that are remain loyal to the artists in town, and continually attend the shows. Local rapper Floco Torres describes the amount of people coming to shows as “amazing.”

“Those folks who love music tend to cling together,” Horne said. “They become these little families.”

Torres agreed.

“The outlets are there, the shows are there, creative people are there, the scene is there,” he said. “If you don’t tap yourself into it, you’re left on the outside of what’s going on. The city’s got to support it before the rest of the world is going to get on to it.”

In other words, don’t be like the people who missed out on their chances to see Redding perform at the Douglass Theatre before he became internationally famous.

“I’ve met a lot of people that were in Macon when Otis Redding was here and Little Richard was here, and they regret now ignoring that cross-dressing hippie ... or this guy that was leaving his soul on the stage singing,” he said. “Don’t miss that moment now and 20 years later make up stories to your grandkids like ‘I was there.’ Nah, you wasn’t there.”

The Saga

Reviews

Friday, Nov. 19, 2010 Page 10

BOOK REVIEW

J.D. Salinger “The Catcher in the Rye”

Molly McCoy/The Saga Mirko offers several variations on Italian favorites.

Mirko offers a taste of Italian cuisine

By MOLLY MCCOY Staff Writer Mirko pasta delivers hearty, delicious food with classic Italian flavors.

As “culinary missionaries,” Mirko’s owners strive to present their customers with the opportunity to experience the warmth, comfort and flavor of Italian cuisine at its finest.

Mirko Pasta Prior to opening Mirko, (478) 477-4002 Chef Mirko Di Giacomantonio 1693 Bass Road worked as chef and manager in restaurants across the world. In 2001, Chef Di Giacomantonio established his first attempt at casual Italian dining in Atlanta. After moving to Athens, Chef Di Giacomantonio opened the first Mirko restaurant. While his concept may be fresh and innovative, Chef Di Giacomantonio never strays from his grandmother’s training and small town upbringing in Tortoreto, Italy.

During my visit to Mirko pasta, I ordered four cheese ravioli topped with Pomodoro sauce. My meal was served piping hot in a relatively short amount of time.

Because this dish is a standard, I did not expect to be overwhelmed by the flavors. Surprisingly, Mirko’s interpretation was filling and unique.

Prior to my entree, I enjoyed Mirko’s homemade bread with a hummus-like spread. While I do not enjoy hummus, I appreciate the effort Mirko made to venture out and incorporate new food trends into their menu that many other restaurants seem to ignore.

To conclude my meal, I sampled Mirko’s homemade crepes with hazelnut chocolate and bananas.

Unfortunately, this dessert was the low point of my meal.

While the description sounded scrumptious, the actual taste was average compared to my entree.

Mirko may sound like any ordinary pasta restaurant, but several traits distinguish this eatery from its competitors.

Mirko makes from scratch over a dozen pastas selections every day, with a variety of compatable sauces. At Mirko, diners are also given the opportunity to mix and match sauces and pastas.

Overall, my dining experience Mirko pasta was quite pleasant, but I must present a few criticisms. While I loved the ability to mix and match pasta and sauces, for a first-time guest, this proved somewhat overwhelming.

Mirko also requires payment for all aspects of your meal – appetizer, entrée, dessert and drink, before you sit down. I prefer the option of deciding on dessert after I have finished my meal.

Overall, my visit to Mirko was a pleasant one and I look forward to my next trip there.

“The Catcher in the Rye” has spurred quite a bit of controversy since its publication in 1951.

For years I listened to people share drastically different opinions on the book, half of them considering the book irritating and whiny and half praising it as brilliant and insightful.

I find polarizing books fascinating, so of course I was curious. Immediately, I fell in love.

The character Holden Caulfield offers a startling insight into the human psyche and the very heart of adolescence as he narrates his expulsion from boarding school into the shadows of New York.

But what an unconventional narration he gives. Blatant cynicism, obnoxiously amusing opinions and a volatile and constantly shifting mind interweave to create a bright yet off-beat portrait of Holden – a boy who wields his sarcasm with biting amusement, who sees the “phonies” in society and doesn’t hesitate to confront them, a boy who has been through his share of tough times but keeps the beautiful memories stored away to share with anyone willing to listen.

He truly is one of the most genuine and passionate characters I’ve encountered. As the novel progresses, it becomes apparent that Holden is suffering a mental breakdown

as he engages in stranger activities and begins to constantly contradict himself, making rash and volatile decisions.

But he does so with charm, sincerity and frightening relatability.

Young people have been completely captivated by this novel for generations, and with good reason.

It provides a timeless picture of the shaky time between childhood and adulthood when the terrifying extent of our helplessness is fully recognized – turns out the world isn’t the safe playground we imagined.

On a deeper level, it deals with the individual clashing with society and how we believe things should be versus their reality.

It examines our discontent with the world and how far we are willing to go to preserve innocence – to keep the children from wandering away from field of rye, so to speak.

Or if we even want to.

And Holden? He’s an amusingly tragic mirror of our fickle, displaced and cynical selves. We’ve all been there at some point, though maybe not to his magnified extent.

Haven’t read the book but curious? I recommend you give it a try, but know that it’s not for everyone.

Holden shows no mercy in his bluntly honest and sometimes crude narration, but I hope you find him to be a real prince regardless.

- Kristen Hobbs

CD REVIEW Taylor Swift “Speak Now” She’s done it again. With the successful release of her highly anticipated third album, Speak Now, country sensation, Taylor Swift has solidified her name in musical stardom.

Following her first pair of chart-topping albums, Taylor Swift and Fearless, Speak Now had great expectations to live up to.

Enchanting music, personal lyrics and catchy melodies make this album surely one of 2010’s best.

For most Swift enthusiasts, including myself, the ability to relate to her lyrics is central to our overwhelming idolization of this 20-year-old singer. Not to mention, she been nominated 200 times, winning 70 awards since her arrival on the country music scene.

Swift has an innocent charm and glowing beauty, which make her an inspiring role model for millions of teenage girls. What’s not to like about a girl whose seemingly impossible dreams have come true in just a few short years?

A jubilant fan of both Fearless and Swift’s self-titled debut album, I found it hard to believe that Swift could top her previous records. I was wrong. Speak Now is the perfect combination of pop and country, displayed at its grandest in 14

unique tracks. The lyrics in this album exude emotion while still giving the listener a peek inside Swift’s personal life. Swift has been known to remark that her lyrics could flow straight out of the pages of her diary.

Speak Now encompasses a wide variety of musical genres ranging from true country to pop, with a little light rock and easy listening mixed in here and there. Unlike her previous two albums, each track featured on this album is able to maintain its musical integrity and individuality without blending in with others. This album seems to portray a depth of feeling and emotion neither of her previous albums reached. By reverting back to tales of love stories and heart breaks, Swift captures the hearts of teenage girls once again.

“Sparks Fly” and “Last Kiss” are my two favorite tracks. My least favorite song is “Mean,” simply because of its twangy, country sound. Every track conveys a clear, relatable message that Swift brilliantly manages to put to a catchy melody.

Speak Now encompasses all I love about Swift. I will admit, after purchasing this album the day it came out, I have awakened and fallen asleep to, listened in the car, and hummed along during class to every song on this album.

- Molly McCoy

News

The Saga

Alumni: College life is ‘great’ The Saga polled a few former students for their thoughts on college life. Here are some of the responses.

of people, and my random roommate became one of my best friends.

Academically, I didn’t feel like I went through a big transition at all. FPD more than prepared me for college classes.

How did you end up going into your current major?

- Calli Watson, sophomore at University of Georgia

By ADRIANA FIGUEROA Staff Writer

After graduating from FPD and having a jumpstart in knowing I wanted to be a professional sports broadcaster, GCSU was the clear choice for me. I wanted to go to a place where I knew I could gain valuable experience in different sports and build relationships with students, athletes, coaches and athletic office personnel. After attempting to focus my major on Mass Communication, I realized I was being drawn to my public speaking courses. I switched my major to Rhetoric, which focuses on speech, communication and analysis.

- Chandler Lee, senior at Georgia

MUSIC

From page 1 playing ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game.’ ” Although most listeners would agree Ham was gifted with natural talent, he credits some of his ability to consistent practicing and good genes.

“It’s a mixture of talent and determination,” he said. “My mom played some piano, but everyone says that it came from my grandmom’s mom who played piano for silent movies.”

Ham said he also realizes that if it hadn’t been for his older brother Joel, he may never have found his musical niche.

“The main reason I wanted to join band was because Joel was in it,” he said. “When my mom put me in piano lessons, it was just another thing to do. I started liking (music) a lot more when I started playing the saxophone.”

LURNA From page 8

modern society.

While Lurna’s character was originally intended as a one-time appearance in the first film, it became clear in the second that he is vital to the project as a whole.

“At this point I brought Lurna back, so it looks like Lurna, this sort of charming character I enjoy playing

WATSON

LEE

College & State University How long would you say it took you to make the transition from high school to college and fully adjust?

I’d say it took me about a month to fully adjust to college life. Having classes all over a big campus, having to rely on buses (to get to classes), living with a random roommate who (comes from) a different cultural background than me and never seeing a familiar face was definitely difficult to get used to. But now I love being at a big school, getting to meet all kinds

Would you say that you’ve found yourself getting homesick a lot?

Well, honestly, I haven’t really been getting homesick. I do miss my parents, but having the opportunity of being away from home during the summers while working at camp has been a big help. There have been days that I have wished to see a familiar face, but it’s so exciting to meet new people and although it takes a while to cultivate deeper-level friendships, it does happen. I love college!

- Jessica Fleming, freshman at Samford

“I still think it would be kind of fun to learn how to play trombone, or maybe bassoon or oboe,” he said.

As for a musical future, Ham said he’s not really sure what to make of it all yet.

Fortunately for him, he has many people who believe in him and will support him in whatever Colby Watson/The Saga path he chooses.

“I think where I see Ham rehearses with other band members him and where his during a recent seventh period class. mom sees him are two different places,” Baker said, laughing. “We Although Joel doesn’t play kind of joke about where the music anymore, Ham continues to play the will take him or where the math will saxophone with the band and compete take him.

I guess it just depends on in piano competitions, but that’s just his love for it.

He just knows what it the beginning. should sound like, though. He could Ham also plays the flute and the do anything he wanted to with his bari saxophone, and he is ready for a music.” new challenge.

anyway, is going to be the centerpiece of them all representing the adult learner,” Strickland said, “but with a different feel of what happens to him.”

His project grows daily, a fact that sometimes prove difficult as he puts the entire project together – the script, the characters, the costumes, filming, etc., – alone.

The project has proven successful.

“Yeah, some of my pieces are funny and some seem a little silly,” Strickland said, “but what’s going on

in them is straight theory and getting it across in a way that people can understand and enjoy as opposed to ‘Here’s a book, read it.’ ” Strickland faces the challenge of creating a balance between all his obligations, but he finds that his classes and projects are worth the added stress in providing him with tools necessary to help artists become educators.

“I’m trying to help people make the same transition that I made, which is

Friday, Nov. 19, 2010 Page 11

FLOCO From page 9

what I do it for,” he said.

“If I die tomorrow I’m happy with the music I have now,” he added.

■■■

Torres’ favorite restaurant downtown is The Rookery. He’ll order his chips, chat with the people around him and casually watch the football game on TV. He’ll bop his head and hum along when someone plays Billy Joel on the jukebox, but he might complain to the bartender if 3oh!3 or Green Day are picked in too close succession.

On his recent mix tape, “The Anti Valentine’s Day Color,” Torres samples the Kings of Leon and Incubus. His favorite current mainstream rappers include Kid Cudi, J. Cole and Lupe Fiasco.

“Creatively they’re doing what they want to do and it’s coming out dope,” he said.

He says similar things about his own music.

“I’m explaining to you how my mind works,” Torres said. “Floco’s Modern Life is my entire life, how this entire process has gone.”

While musical integrity is wonderful and all that, achieving success in the future will come with a few added benefits, at least in Torres’ mind.

“There are beautiful women that just do regular things, but you can’t find them!” he lamented, somewhat jokingly. “If someone else finds them they tell ’em, ‘Hey, you ever thought about taking pictures?’

(They’ll respond) ‘No, but now I did.’ And then they go take pictures.

And then they end up here (holding his Esquire magazine). And I never see her again because she’s out of my pay grade.”

Torres sighs, looking toward the day when that girl might say the same thing about him.

All it takes is that one big break.

To read the full interview with Floco Torres, visit zachals.blogspot.com. often a difficult one,” he said.

So what’s Lurna up to now?

You can be sure to see this bizarre character wandering around campus as Strickland continues filming.

The scope of this project is constantly expanding as Strickland creates dances, musical numbers and paintings paralleling with specific theories to weave into his films.

Visit www.artisticinquiry.com to meet Lurna and see what mischief he’s getting himself into now.

Sports

The Saga

Friday, Nov. 19, 2010 Page 12

Tinkey wins cross country state title Staff reports Cold hands, numb feet, windchapped ears.

None of it bothered sophomore Grace Tinkey on Saturday, Nov. 6 at the GHSA state cross country meet in Carrollton.

Despite temperatures in the 30s, Tinkey raced to another state title – her third consecutive individual title – in leading FPD’s girls to a secondplace finish at state to cap off their inaugural season in the GHSA. “I felt pretty good,” Tinkey said.

“My hands and feet were numb, but overall I felt really good. I like cold weather.”

Tinkey completed the course in 18:04, which was the best time posted by any female runner in all classifications.

“Just incredible,” coach April Cassell said of Tinkey’s effort.

Cassell said while the team had hoped to claim another state title, the future remains promising for the

SPORTS ROUNDUP young Vikings. Ashley Blann is the team’s lone senior.

“We’re disappointed we didn’t win state because that’s what we had our sights set on,” Cassell said. “It was one of those days where things didn’t go as we had planned. But I think we became closer as a team this season and we saw that we can compete on the GHSA level.”

The boys cross country team finished in sixth place at the state meet, led by Gray Lindley’s fourth-place finish.

Both boys and girls teams captured the Region 9-A title.

Softball

The Vikings captured the Region 9-A championship and advanced to the state Sweet Sixteen in their first year of competition in the GHSA. Senior Fran Johnson set school records in several categories, including

career and single-season batting average, single-season home runs, career stolen bases, career hits, career runs and career RBI. Heather Langston was among the team’s leading hitters with a .513 average, while Jenna Byrd won 15 games for the Vikings. The team finished with a record of 21-5-2.

Football

The Vikings finished the season on a high note with a 42-21 win over Mt. Pisgah Christian on Nov. 5.

FPD finished its first year in GHSA with a 5-5 record and narrowly missed out on a chance at the playoffs.

Senior quarterback Clay Martin accounted for four touchdowns in the rout, rushing for two scores, including a 60-yarder, and throwing scoring strikes to Trey Dozier and Matthew Davis.

Basketball

The season begins Tuesday at Brookstone. The Vikings’ first home game is Dec. 3 against Strong Rock.

Stephanie Tinkey/The Saga Sophomore Grace Tinkey sprints down the home stretch during the state Class A cross country meet earlier this month. Tinkey won the race and helped lead the Vikings to a second-place finish at state.