The Saga

Saga The

FRIDAY Jan. 28, 2011

Students get fired up for Spirit Week.

Page 9.

First Presbyterian Day School, Macon, Georgia

Around campus

in 60 seconds Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpieces, will be coming to the FPD theatre March 10-12.

The play tells the familiar Bible story of Joseph entirely in song.

Theatre director Andrew Strickland watched the musical on its original Broadway run in 1982 and has loved it ever since.

Strickland said seeing the play left a huge impression on him, and he considers it one of the most entertaining musicals ever.

With only a few spoken lines, Joseph’s powerful song lineup includes several genres, such as rock, country, calypso and even French ballads.

The lead role of Joseph will be played by Michael Money, and Adriana Figueroa (below, with Money) is the narrator. Also, be sure to watch out for Michael Bragg as the Pharaoh, who is modeled after Elvis.

- Morgan Curtis

Cal Powell/The Saga Artist Steve Penley, a 1983 graduate, demonstrates his technique to art students on Monday.

A Colorful Visitor

Artist Steve Penley keeps students entertained during visit.

By VICTORIA VANHUSS Co-Editor

Calendar Today Girls/Boys basketball at Greenforest Academy, 6/7:30 p.m.

Wrestling vs. Howard, 5 p.m.

Saturday Girls/Boys basketball vs. WDM, 3:30/5 p.m.

Swimming at Westminster, 9 a.m.

W

orld-renowned artist Steve Penley spent all day Monday visiting his old high school and sharing stories and art techniques with students and faculty.

After speaking to the high school students, signing autographs and posing for pictures, Penley was shuffled into an art room, where he spent about an hour talking about and demonstrating his process to a smaller group of Art 1 and AP Art students.

There, he told the group he never actually painted a real picture until college.

“My stepmom wouldn’t let me

paint in the house, so I just drew all the time,” Penley said. “That’s all I’d ever do. I always tell people that drawing is really more important. It teaches you to see things.”

Penley’s passion for drawing grew, and he eventually decided he wanted to make a career out of this talent.

With the support of his friends and words of caution from his parents, the 1983 FPD graduate went on to major in art at the University of Georgia.

“My dad was horrified,” Penley said, laughing. “He was trying to tell me the statistics. My dad was so overwhelming. I was in a panic, and I tried to go to business school. I realized that my attention span is so short. I would have never been able to make it in a cubicle.”

Penley said when he finally decided to be an art major his dad supported him by paying his tuition, something that obviously meant a lot to the young Penley.

“He believed in me enough to do that, even though it was probably against his better judgment,” he said.

Penley’s career wasn’t something that happened overnight. In fact, many times he questioned himself.

“When I look back to some of the paintings I did when I was here, they were so bad,” he said. “I don’t even think I was really that good. I just got so much practice. I even look at paintings that I did a few years ago, and I think they are horrible. I can’t believe people were

Please see PENLEY, page 9

Opinions

The Saga

Friday, Jan. 28, 2011 Page 2

Longing for the good ol’ days of TV

Art by Adriana Figueroa

Staff Editorial

We’re all still Vikings Last week the teachers and high school classes braved noise makers and high-pitched screams to enjoy one of the most spirited spirit weeks ever.

Sure the hall decorations seemed a bit lacking and the banners felt sloppy overall, but the rivalry between the junior and senior classes kept the energy up.

The week kicked off with lip syncs. From the freshman girls whipping their hair back and forth to the senior guys nailing their dance moves, every class put on a show.

As the week went on, more and more junior and senior students

caught the spirit bug. It seemed that intense class pride was contagious, and by the end of the week, you were hard pressed to find someone who wasn’t in class colors or dressed up.

By the end of the week, the juniors had dominated, and the seniors slid into second place gracefully.

Despite the craziness of last week, when it all comes down to it, we are the same entity. We are the Vikings, and proud of it.

Although the intense class rivalry makes it all the more fun, when the decorations came down we were all still friends.

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

Here’s a fairly common scenario: the average adult is strolling through Wal-Mart, when to his shock, disgust or complete confusion, he comes face to face with a shrine dedicated to the newest TV/pop/everything star.

Hannah Montana’s face is plastered everywhere.

Now if this adult person stays in that one spot for too long, he might begin to marvel at Miss Montana’s almost magical ability to draw legions of children to her sparkling haven.

The phrase “like moths to a flame” comes to mind.

Most recognize that this thriving pool of commercial fame originates in a business that has an uncanny ability to recruit your somewhat mediocre teenage girl and transform her into America’s newest adolescent idol. It’s called television.

American television has taken a surprising turn within the past decade.

Reality TV dominates a good majority of air time, and stars who actually grace the screen through acting are given little to no chance of leading private personal lives.

Child stars are hardly exempt: as they mature, their typical teenage mistakes are broadcast for all their young fans to see. And copy.

So call me immature, but that’s partly why I, a 17-year-old girl, remain an avid fan of cartoons. I always have been.

When I do find the rare spare moment to plop myself down in front of a television screen I’m either bored to tears by typical obnoxious programming or completely enthralled by something a little dumb, like Spongebob.

There’s just something enchanting about cartoons, something completely magical in their ability to captivate you with something that isn’t one big complicated innuendo.

It’s simple. And I feel that simplicity, even in the form of an old cartoon, is something that kids and adults could both use.

Of course, not all cartoons are completely innocent, but most memories associated with them are.

Face it, the average person has a good bit of nostalgia for old TV favorites. Mention anything about Nickelodeon and I can guarantee you the conversation will eventually revert back to “Remember Doug?

And Rocko’s Modern Life? The Angry Beavers … there’s quality.

Better than anything I’ve seen lately.”

Older teenagers living in today’s media frenzy are more than willing to

Kristen Hobbs Staff Writer escape into nostalgic musings on the past, and in doing so they can’t help but criticize the now.

That’s not to say there isn’t truth in all the criticisms.

Compare yesterday’s TV shows to today’s and you’ll find they are much classier.

Personally, I’d rather watch the endearing Lizzie McGuire clumsily pursue her crush than see an obnoxious pop star’s alter ego demand everything she wants. I am much more likely to spend hours watching Scooby Doo than that Total Drama World Tour gimmick.

Again, it’s the sincerity and simplicity of the message that these shows are trying to convey.

Four years of high school have taught me to look beyond the surface to find a deeper meaning, a message that the artist is specifically trying to convey. And, judging by a few of these shows, I don’t think modern television is teaching anything that parents would want their kids to hear.

Lucky for us we still have cartoons. Spongebob is still an endless source of entertainment with all its random humor and occasional jabs at well-known literature. And you can still catch all the old shows if you have the right channels and enough time.

But for someone like me, who typically sees TV as a monumental waste of time? Old cartoons are definitely the way to go.

It’s like that with anything nostalgic, really. Movies, television, songs, you name it. People like things they grew up with, things they know.

Ten or 20 years down the road I might happen across some teenagers wistfully discussing the old favorites like Hannah Montana or iCarly or Kids Next Door and commenting disdainfully on the current state of television.

If they feel about their shows the way I feel about mine, I don’t think I’d mind it one bit.

Opinions

The Saga

Friday, Jan. 28, 2011 Page 3

I believe in a thing called love ... ... I just don’t quite understand it

... but it shouldn’t be confined to one day

It’s the quintessential, but essential, Valentine’s Day question, asked by everyone from Joseph Gordon-Leavitt in that movie (500) Days of Summer to Haddaway in the hit song “What is Love?” Simply put, what is love?

Imagine your average Chick-fil-A (or at least imagine the one on Zebulon Road). There are two seating sections: the open area behind the condiment shelf, and the long area next to the windows, leading up to the bathrooms. If, say, your small children want to roll around in the ball pit, then you’re probably going to sit near the playground. On the other hand, if you’re having a hot and/or classy Valentine’s Day date with your wife and/or girlfriend, then you’re probably seeking at least some degree of privacy, so you’ll head straight for those booths ZACH SHEALY in the side area.

Co-Editor One of my most memorable Valentine’s Days climaxed in my family’s dinner trip to the Zebulon Road Chick-fil-A, and, to put it bluntly, that joint was packed. The drive-thru line was wrapped around the building twice and people were parking across the street at the bank. It was the most crowded I’d ever seen it ... no, I take that back, it’s always that crowded.

My family walked in, ordered our nuggets and tried to find a seat. We scoured the first area for an empty table and then elected to move on to the side, but were greeted by an exasperated, middle-aged worker lady.

“It’s Valentine’s Day, and this area is for couples only tonight,” she said with a sympathetic look. I glanced beyond her and saw quite the romantic setting.

Candles. Paper hearts. What really caught my eye, though, was that the area was empty. 10,000-ish people stuffed into the place, yet not one of them there with a date.

But what’s the point of this extended anecdote? Shouldn’t that have turned me against Valentine’s Day? I thought I was on the pro-Valentine side.

That question I asked at the beginning about love doesn’t really have an easy answer. There are a lot of things “love” can mean, but nearly every usage of it can be refuted with a simple “but that’s not love.” I love you, friend. Do you really? Like, really? Are we humans even capable of such extreme emotion?

Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to call it an emotion. It’s a decision, an action. Love is patient and love is kind and all that. Ah, but no, love isn’t an action. Hugging is an action. If I say “I hug you,” I can pretty darn well prove it. My “I love you” could be a lie and you will never know. I might never know.

As for love being patient and kind, couldn’t we just let patience be patient and kindness be kind? Not according to the Bible, which will tie your mind in knots if you try to grasp all its advice without intense contemplation. Love is everything, broad beyond me and my reasoning.

That vagueness, though, there’s something nice about it. The fact that love can’t be easily pinned down. Valentine’s Day becomes a pursuit of love, this elusive object/emotion/action, and even if we don’t learn something in the process, at least we enjoy ourselves.

Remember elementary school, where every kid got candy for every other kid? I’d cautiously venture to say that’s love right there. Get some candy and give it to someone. Everyone loves it.

Heck, give me some candy. I’ll settle for that. Throw in a classy date at the empty part of Chick-filA and you’ve got me fully sold on the holiday.

Even if that doesn’t work out, I thank you, Mr. Valentine up there, for at least making us think. For making us “pause” and “reflect.” For making us hug people. And maybe, just maybe, in special cases, making us love people.

Valentine’s Day. For some people, it means the most celebrated, romantic day of the year while, for others, it is despised in its cheesy, Hallmark entirety.

I can’t say that I firmly belong to either side. Like most girls, I get swept away in the thoughtfulness of red roses and chocolates. Besides, these are a few of my favorite things.

And yet, whenever I notice that inevitable day approaching on the calendar, I can’t help but gag a little on the inside.

In my experience, Valentine’s Day observers are typically broken down into two main categories: the Haves and the Have-Nots.

OLIVIA NEWSOME The first group consists of all Staff Writer of those obnoxious couples that make you nauseous with all of their pet names and public displays of affection. You all know them. It’s people like these that the Hallmark industry thrives off of. They are the ones that are sure to buy each other the standard teddy bears and candies and flowers to express their love. After proving to each other (and everyone around them) through gifts and cute, fluffy “Be Mine” cards, that they are “in love,” they go to the extremes to reserve extravagant dinner reservations and the like to prove what great boyfriends/girlfriends/spouses, etc., they are and just how lucky their significant other is to have them.

Now, the second group is the complete opposite. These are the ones who have let their single status get to them because obviously they are the only ones who don’t have someone to celebrate with. In recent years, they have come to be known as S.A.D. individuals promoting “Single Awareness Day” instead of encouraging the romance around them.

Whether it’s jokingly or seriously taken, the Debbie Downer attitude sometimes gets under my skin just as easily as the overzealous lovers.

Believe it or not, though, my problem with Valentine’s Day doesn’t come from either of these stereotypes. I actually like both of them.

Despite their annoyance factors, they both have their perks, and, if nothing more, they are entertaining to observe. No, my problem with le jour d’amour stems more from its over commercialization.

It’s no longer about loving someone but showing that person your “love” through consumer items. Those sentimental greeting cards are just easier ways for people to avoid expressing their feelings by using another person’s words. The candy, the jewelry and the overpriced bouquet on Valentine’s Day are the only ways to say “I love you.” Without these things, you’re a crummy significant other. Thank goodness for Hallmark industries, right?

I don’t necessarily have a problem with Valentine’s Day in itself. Actually, I love the idea of having a day where you show someone just how much you care about them. I just don’t like the way it feels so fake and forced on that one particular day out of the year. Besides, who says that “romantic” stuff has to be confined to just one day? In my opinion, every day should be just as special for going above-and-beyond to express how you feel.

After all, isn’t that what love is about?

Opinions

The Saga

Friday, Jan. 28, 2011 Page 4

Features

The Saga

Alumni Profile: Jonathan Seale

WHO WERE YOU CHEERING FOR DURING SPIRIT WEEK AND WHY?

FPD graduate Jonathan Seale recently received his degree from NYU and is pursuing a career in musical production, creation and expression.

He recently placed second in a prestigious songwriting competition and performs shows in the New York area with his folk/funk band, Flearoy.

Most of his time has been spent working with the production company he founded, Mason Jar Music, as shown below.

By Victoria Vanhuss

“The seniors because it’s their last year.”

Janie Beeland Seventh grade Internet photo Natalie Portman is a crazed ballerina in Black Swan, a real shock-fest.

Movies freak me out I like movies, and one advantage of an extended Christmas Break is there are plenty of days to sit down and watch them.

This Christmas, I saw several excellent movies that kind of freaked me out.

Black Swan (2010): I can’t emphasize enough that you should not see this film. Sure, it’s an impeccably crafted, fascinating modern work of art, but the amount of emotional torture you’ll be putting yourself through to experience that world is probably not worth it.

I audibly screamed about three or four times and was constantly digging my fingernails into the girl next to me, who for some sick, masochistic reason had returned to see the film again.

Unforgiven (1992): Clint Eastwood’s dark tale of a recovered outlaw forced back into mercenary work is quietly tragic with a satisfying but ultimately hopeless ending. Gene Hackman plays the merciless lawman with gusto and Morgan Freeman supports as Eastwood’s partner in noble crime.

Vertigo (1958): At the beginning of this Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece, the Jimmy Stewart character acquires a paralyzing fear of heights after watching his detective partner plummet off a tall building in what is one of the most haunting, simple images I’ve seen in a film.

From there, Hitchcock gets inside your mind with a terrifying form of restraint extinct with the rise of modern special effects and audiences with low attention spans. At the end I sat on the couch stunned and exhausted.

Fight Club (1999): David Fincher’s adaptation of the dreary, melodramatic novel takes an intriguing story and gives it the off-kilter flare necessary to make it entertaining. It makes violence seem cool, though, so I wouldn’t watch this one with wannabe felons.

Despicable Me (2010): OK, so this movie wasn’t scary or anything, but I had to throw it in to lighten the mood.

Zach’s Oscar Picks (you know, if he ran the Academy)

Best Picture The Social Network Runner-up Black Swan Best Animated Feature Toy Story 3 Runner-up How to Train Your Dragon Best Actress Natalie Portman (Black Swan) Runner-up Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit) Best Supporting Actor Geoffrey Rush (The King’s Speech) Runner-up Andrew Garfield (The Social Network) Best Score Trent Reznor (The Social Network) Runner-up Alexandre Desplat (The King’s Speech) Best Visual Effects Inception Runner-up Tron: Legacy

“Sophomores because my brother is in that grade.”

Daniel Weaver Seventh grade

Photos special to The Saga

- Zach Shealy

‘It’s just what I love’

“Seniors because it was their last chance and next year the other grades will be our competition.”

Cole Morton Eighth grade

“Seniors because they have hot guys.”

Mikayla Mobley Eighth grade

“Seniors because my sister is in her final year and I want to cheer her on.”

Chancellor Newsome Sixth grade

Best Adapted Screenplay The Social Network Runner-up True Grit Saturated with earnestness and a positive message, it helped that all the little characters scored a “very” on the “amount of cuteness” scale.

Given that this was only about the third best animated film I saw this year, 2010 was a stellar year for animation.

Friday, Jan. 28, 2011 Page 5

“Seniors because of Trey Dozier.”

Sydney Lack Sixth grade

FPD and NYU graduate Jonathan Seale has made his passion his career.

By ADRIANA FIGUEROA Staff Writer

J

onathan Seale reclines and relaxes in his parents’ Macon home, guitar in hand and a tune in his ear.

He strums away, plucking at the strings to create a melody that fills the air and occupies the silence.

He’s not at his New York residence, but even here he brings back to Macon a taste of the music scene he’s been so successful in since leaving to study music production at NYU. Even during his time at FPD, Seale was no stranger to the arts; his high school years were filled with various musical endeavors, including playing with former local band Tom’s Hayloft and the school’s theatre and chapel praise programs.

Despite this background, Seale never imagined he would pursue a career in music, let alone find the success he has found.

“I wanted to be a lot of things – originally I wanted to be a spy, so I was headed toward that,” he said, laughing. “It didn’t really work out so I fell back on music.”

Since those early days, he’s come a long way from merely singing and playing his songs as a hobby. His new band Flearoy and his music production team have gained wide renown and have won awards, to boot.

“My grandmother always told me

to figure out what I would love to do for free, and if it brought money, then great,” he said.

During his freshman year at NYU, the aspiring musician met now-bandmate Dan Knobler in a songwriting class and formed a friendship that would bring about one of his most notable musical ventures to date, the beginnings of their folkfunk band Flearoy.

The five-member band has quickly become a sensation within New York’s music scene.

In November, the group placed second out of thousands of getting together and doing what we competitors in the fifth annual love.”

SongCircle Songwriting national Along the way, Seale has discovered contest. he also has a passion for music Despite its growing popularity, production.

Flearoy has stayed grounded in its As founder of Mason Jar Music, roots.

Seale and “We’re all his team really good “My grandmother always told have been friends, so every time me to figure out what I would love able to showcase we hang to do for free, and if it brought his out, it’s just money, then great.” talent for like a big arranging, party,” Seale composing said. “We’re just a fun Jonathan Seale and producing group, and music.

I think people Among the company’s most praised can sense that at shows. We’re not endeavors is its “Mason Jar Music really the brooding type like people Presents …” video series, a project who write songs sometimes are. It’s in which they showcase musicians more about the fun and excitement of

-

by setting up studios in cathedrals or museums and arranging an orchestra that plays with them.

The result is an artistic expression beautifully captured on camera, something Seale strives for in all of his musical ventures.

Even away from his band and production company, it’s clear that music is Seale’s passion – the various instruments lying around his living room emphasize it – and that he’s living the life he was meant to for his talents to shine.

As for what his future holds, the recent NYU graduate smiles and shrugs.

“I can’t say for certain,” he said.

“Now that I’m done with school, things will be different, but I hope to keep doing everything I have been doing. It’s just what I love.”

Getting physical with ...

O

ver the past few years, it has become a common (and somewhat disturbing) fact that America is considered an obese country.

With easy access to fast food and video games and the comforts of easy living, who can blame us? Just kidding. I personally think it’s sad we’ve allowed ourselves to take on that title with such indifference.

We only get one body, one chance, to do things right, so why aren’t we more concerned with taking better care of ourselves?

Maybe you’ve heard of first lady Michelle Obama’s campaign against childhood obesity? While I don’t agree with all of her policies like eliminating the “Happy Meals” for kids, I do think she is doing a good job of raising awareness to an overlooked problem.

So with the New Year just around the corner, I suggested that The Saga staff participate in a fitness challenge.

Through working with incredible personal trainer and FPD alum, Greer Hawkins, who graciously devoted her time and resources to us, the staff took on a one-month journey to learn about fitness and well-being through exercise and healthy eating.

Greer gave us all assessments and personalized fitness/nutrition programs to follow during the challenge and invited us to free weekly workout sessions. I think we can all say we learned a lot.

Our hope is that you will take the initiative to become more active and aware of your health.

Saga The

Jogging before sunrise When I began this journey I didn’t know how hard it was going to be.

Running four days a week, along with strength exercises, did not seem like a lot when I first started it, but oh my was I wrong.

It was hard to pull myself to the gym during Christmas break, but somehow I did, and I don’t regret it. I feel so much better than before. I feel like I could take on the world. I still have a lot of work to do but I’m at least glad I took the challenge.

One of my fondest memories of the challenge was the night I didn’t go to bed, and at 4 a.m. had a spontaneous burst of energy and decided to go for a run, in the freezing cold, pitch darkness.

I got dressed in the warmest clothes I could find and set off. I continued through my neighborhood and when I got back to my front door I thought “Hey, why not go run on Highway 41?”

The highway was empty and quiet so I actually ran down the middle of the road and had a blast. When I got home, I was frozen solid. After I told my mother where I was she decided it was probably about time to get a gym membership.

The best thing I took from the whole experience was determination. Even though it’s hard at times to get to the gym, every time I do I’m always left happy and refreshed.

FITNESS

Challenge

- Olivia Newsome

- Anna Gainey

Staff Testimonials I have never been one of those people who enjoy exercise. The thought of jogging around my neighborhood as the sun beats down on my back, sweat pours down my face, and my mouth begins to dry up from exhaustion (wimpiness), seems unpleasant at best.

To top it off, I am the queen of excuses.

While homework and extracurricular activities are legitimate excuses on occasion, I more often find myself saying something like, “I really need to sleep, eat, pluck my eyebrows, polish my nails, update my Facebook status, or DVR the Bachelor,” etc.

Six weeks ago my outlook regarding exercise and fitness began to change. Under the guidance of a personalized exercise plan from Greer, I began to jog, participate in Yoga classes and develop core strength with things like squats, sit-ups, and low planks.

Believe it or not, I was actually enthused about trying a new workout routine!

Because of Greer’s enthusiastic encouragement, I plan on continuing with this new regimen. I can faithfully say that I took The Saga Fitness Challenge’ and stuck with it.

I still hate exercise and you probably won’t find me running early Saturday morning, but I am newly motivated and trying. Thanks, Greer!

- Molly McCoy

With a membership at the gym and no idea where to begin, I was excited to get some pointers from someone who knew what she was doing.

Working with Greer, I got all I was looking for and more. I’ll be honest. I didn’t always stick to my specific workout schedule because I was either too busy or lacked a workout buddy.

That was one of the things I learned from the start: I’m more motivated to exercise when I’m with a friend.

Over the course of a month, I learned the right way to do basic exercises like push-ups and situps, different time-effective routines to maximize my workouts and important tips on nutrition. It was great!

I always thought that in order to have a sculpted body you needed the equipment offered by a gym or weight room, but that’s not true.

Our bodies are so incredible that we can tone and get in shape with minimal equipment.

One of my favorite experiences was a two-hour grocery store walk-through to discuss nutrition.

For example, while calories may be a concern with some people, it’s more important to look at the ingredients of whatever it is you are putting into your body. Chances are if the first three things listed cannot be pronounced or contain sugar and obvious “bad” stuff then it isn’t good for you.

At the end of it all, I definitely plan to continue with my newfound knowledge so that I can take care of myself and get an early start on good habits that will follow me for the rest of my life.

- Olivia Newsome

Cal Powell/The Saga Personal trainer and FPD graduate Greer Hawkins (left) guides the staff of The Saga through a warmup in the Middlebrooks Athletic Center during a recent visit as part of The Saga Fitness Challenge. Above right, senior staff member Anna Gainey balances herself on a folding chair while doing a leg workout in the MAC. For more information on Hawkins, visit her Web site at www.gowithgreer.com.

Please see additional testimonials on page 11

It’s a typical third period study hall and Vicki and I are pondering the vast array of snack foods laid out before us in The Viking Store.

But something about this Friday seems off. Typically our food reconnaissance missions take five minutes tops, but this journey has lasted well over 15. Even after much debate and indecision, we’re still trying to determine which snack is the healthiest choice.

This probably sounds a bit strange coming from your average teenager. I’m not particularly sickly, I’m a normal weight and I don‘t have any sports to stay fit forso why eat right? Why even bother to exercise?

These past few weeks Greer has opened my eyes to one thing - what we do to ourselves now ultimately impacts us for the rest of our lives. Chances are, if you eat whatever appeals to you and don’t move around now you’ll probably have your fair share of health problems as an adult. And it’ll be that much more difficult to start exercising when it’s actually mandatory.

On the other hand, if you make an effort to be fit from a young age, you’ll have a priceless advantage as an adult.

Since the challenge began, I can say that I have felt better as a whole. I’d always assumed that exercise only drains energy, but I’ve noticed that lately I’m much more animated and even attentive - a rare thing for me.

Although the Challenge itself is over, I walk away from the experience knowing that health isn’t just a one-time deal - you have to constantly work at it. And it gets easier the more you do. It’s nearly impossible to ignore your well-being after you know all about it, so my best advice is to do your best to be informed. It’s only the beginning of an invaluable habit.

- Kristen Hobbs

Ah, fitness.

I quit sports earlier than most males to avoid it, and since then I’ve become this deathly skinny 130-pounds-withclothes-on type.

Unfortunately, though, FPD required I take a weights class at some point in high school, so last semester there I was bench pressing and high skipping and bulking up to a lean, slick, 130-pounds-without-clothes-on type. Fitness, it seems, had been forcefully shoveled onto my plate.

But before I could finish my helping, some more got dumped right on top, and to extend this terrible metaphor, imagine all the food was tomatoes, my least favorite food.

See, in our newspaper planning meeting somebody started talking about obesity and fitness and how they are problems in our country. To raise awareness, a so-called “fitness challenge” was proposed.

We sat around for a very long time cracking jokes about how hardly any of us do active things or “work out.” Then the bell rang and our brainstorming session ended for the day.

I secretly hoped we would forget about the fitness thing and come up with something else. I mean, this is newspaper class, which shouldn’t require any kind of physical effort.

The short story is this fitness thing got planned, and the actual experience was surprisingly informative and rewarding.

Greer came in and talked to us and sent us e-mails and prescribed us personal workouts. One day she took the class to the gym where we followed her lead in a bunch of exercises. I’ve seen many a staff member in the middle of class doing the lean back in the chair thing she showed us.

Will I continue in my quest towards getting fit? Well, at the very least I’ll be aware of my health and a little less hostile to it.

- Zach Shealy

Reviews

The Saga

CD REVIEW Bruno Mars Doo-Wops & Hooligans When “Just the Way You Are” first came on the radio I wasn’t a big fan. The song is okay and the music video is cute, but it’s a lot like all the other songs on the radio. It’s some guy singing about how this girl is perfect. It’s sweet, but it completely lacks originality.

“Grenade” was Bruno’s second single off the album, and despite being a tad on the dramatic side, the song is actually fantastic. It’s one of those songs you can’t get out of your head. I downloaded this song and listened to it on repeat for weeks.

Finally I just gave in and downloaded the album in its entirety.

To be completely honest, I was kind of disappointed. I thought I’d be blown away, but I really didn’t adore, or even like, all of the tracks on the CD. “Marry You” is super cute. It’s adorable and catchy, and although Glee attempted to ruin the song, I still enjoy listening to it.

“Runaway Baby” is the only other song that I feel deserves a mention. There’s something about this song that makes me think Bruno Mars has skill.

I feel like eventually he’ll be a star, but for now, he’s just a wannabe Jason Mraz who needs grooming.

- Victoria Vanhuss

Restaurant Review: Hello There Cupcake

Friday, Jan. 28, 2011 Page 8

Analyzing our passion for the Potter fantasy We all went through little obsessions as kids, right? Pokemon cards, Barbies, Hit-clips, Bionicles, Nintendo, latter-day Star Wars movies, Light-up Sneakers.

All were fads that were really fun to get into.

But like most short-lived fashions, these things eventually faded as we grew out of them, only to make way for the next temporary obsession.

However there have been a few exceptions to this rule, one book series Colby Watson in particular that has been an obsession Staff Writer among kids, teenagers, and adults alike since the late 1990s.

How people in the present continue was addicted basically. When I have to be consumed and awed by J. K. absolutely nothing else to read, I grab Rowling’s children’s book series “Harry one of the Harry Potter books.”

Potter” even when the series ended Though he may act nonchalant about almost four years ago is baffling to say his love for Harry Potter, senior Brandon the least.

Smith got into the series in fourth grade.

Most series that do become popular “I just liked the story about a kid who reach a peak and then become forgotten was just kind of struggling in this other for a while, popping up now and world, and for me it was easy to relate then on television, in a book store, or to him,” Smith said. “I just really liked Blockbuster. reading it as a kid, it just captured my But why is Harry Potter such a imagination.” phenomenon? What’s the draw?

According to these students, the There are many reasons, apparently. wondrous world that Rowling lures her “It’s awesome,” said senior Meredith readers into is what makes the series so Pierce, who got into the series when perfectly and permanently enjoyable. she was just in One thing a lot of middle school.

Potter fans have “I’ve read each “It’s like you and your friends in common is book multiple their hint of get into your own magical times since dislike for the elementary Harry Potter school because world.” live-action they’re a really movies as great series. compared to the Senior Wesley Gilbert on books.

The world she (J. K Rowling) the Harry Potter series “The books made is so for sure,” creative and Gilbert said makes you when asked wish your life was like that. My life his preference, “just because the movies would be a thousand times better if I really missed out on some of the big lived at Hogwarts.” parts that make up the book. Unlike When asked why he thought Harry while watching the movies, you can also Potter was so amazing, senior Wesley create magic in your imagination while Gilbert didn’t hesitate to answer. you’re reading it.”

“It takes you to a magical place that Senior Jeremy Bullard agreed. you could never be on earth, and it really “The movies are nothing compared makes you feel like you could actually be to the books,” he said. “The movies do a wizard,” he said. bring other people to the books, however, Gilbert claims he started reading the when they see the movies first, although series when he first entered high school they screwed up a lot of the books’ story and continues to discuss it whenever he line in the movies.” gets a chance to be around fellow Harry “I don’t like the movies that much,” Potter lovers.

Smith said. “I read the books first and “I love it, really, you can’t stop talking when I watch the movies it always about it!” he said. “It’s like you and deviates from the book.” your friends get into your own magical However, Smith did mention how he world.” would like to dress up for the midnight “I read them once I saw the trailer for premier of the last Harry Potter movie the first movie in second grade,” said later this summer, in dedication of one of junior Katie Huggins, who recently went his favorite children’s book series ever. to see the latest Potter movie in theaters Now that’s devotion. to celebrate her birthday. “I loved it and I

-

A sweet experience Hello There Cupcake is but the cupcakes at Hello There snuggled into the shopping center Cupcakes are about the same in on Forsyth Road that also houses price and a lot bigger.

Super Suppers and Honey Baked They bake their cupcakes from Ham. scratch every morning, and they It’s not a big place, but it sure are coming up with new ideas all is cute. the time.

The cupcakes Right now, they are big, cheap and even have a deal Hello There Cupcake adorable. They’re going on where topped with little you get one free (478) 405-5599 decorations, and cupcake when you 4524 Forsyth Road there are many purchase 11. If different flavors to you’re looking to choose from. have a party, it’s a My favorite flavor is red cheap and fun way to sweeten it velvet, but I am dying to try the up. heavenly chocolate cupcake and The family that owns it is the lemon love cupcake. really nice too! It’s obvious they When my cupcake cravings spent time and effort trying to put hit, I normally head over to the this little designer-like cupcake Barnes and Noble café for their shop together. tiny little red velvet cupcakes, - Victoria Vanhuss

News

The Saga

PENLEY

Friday, Jan. 28, 2011 Page 9

From page 1

buying them.”

Through networking and persistence, Penley eventually had a couple of big breaks. Ever since, the Penley name has been well-known in the art world.

Nowadays, with his career in full swing and a family to focus on, it’s no wonder the painter has given up his New York lifestyle for a much more comfortable and quiet life in Georgia.

“We had a gallery in New York for a couple years, and then it went spiraling downhill because I was in charge,” he said, joking. “I feel like I could write a book about what not to do in business.”

Penley said the stress of having to pay rent for a space in the middle of Manhattan led him to close down his New York gallery.

“I’ve had enough New York to last a lifetime,” he said. “I used to think New York was the greatest thing in the world until I lived up there for a while.

I spent a lot of nights sleeping in the gallery, and I was flying back and forth every day. It was terrible.”

Now, Penley’s studio is an old, abandoned grocery store. It’s not as fancy as a loft in the city, but it’s big enough to house all his projects.

Currently his studio is home to a massive 20-by40 piece of canvas portraying an American flag.

The painting was initially going to be used for the inauguration ceremony for Gov. Nathan Deal, but an ice storm canceled those plans.

Now the panting lies on the studio floor surrounded by other paintings that convey the same general message – the American ideal.

Penley’s theme of identifiable, historical figures was birthed from a simple job offer.

Rob Evans, a longtime friend of Penley’s and fellow FPD grad, opened a restaurant in Atlanta and needed some artwork. He called Penley, who had about a week to do 10 or 15 paintings.

In the process of completing this task, Penley not only found a new style but a trademark subject.

“Icons are great reminders of what made America different from the rest of the world,” he said. “I think it is important for us to remember what makes

Cal Powell/The Saga Steve Penley greets senior Michael Bragg following his speech to the assembly for middle school and high school students on Monday. this country great. It’s important for us to remember how lucky we are to live in America.”

With his paintings now hanging in places like The Federal Reserve and The World of Coke in Atlanta, it’s not hard to see why Penley has been called one of the most celebrated artists in America.

His unique style is credited to his seven-color system, his use of bold brush strokes and his love of acrylic paint.

Penley starts off with a big brush and works his way down to the smallest brush for detail. He tries to keep everything quick and easy, and he approaches every painting systematically.

“I try to pick these subjects that everyone will

recognize,” he explained to the art students.

While his name is recognizable even around the world, Penley credits a lot of his success to his upbringing.

“The Christian philosophy is the only way that you can really be grounded in life, and it’s a great basis for success later in life too,” Penley said.

“It’s the only thing that kept me from going crazy because if you’re an artist you are already halfway there. If you get out into the world and you don’t have some sort of foundation, you’ll go nuts. Before I came to FPD, I went to public school, so I saw the other side of things. (FPD) was so small, but it was such a great group of people.”

Another rousing year for Spirit Week

By KRISTEN HOBBS Staff Writer Accompanied by an orchestra of vuvuzelas and high-pitched whistles, Spirit Week was a time of freedom, intense competition and outstanding creativity for the entire school.

While the four days are typically characterized by rigorous relays, extravagant dress-up days and lip sync routines, this year far exceeded expectations.

High schoolers made community service a priority by collecting nearly 2,000 canned goods and a little more than $1,000, contributing not only to their class score but to the overall community as well.

“Because community service

is later in the week, the rivalry that happens between the top two classes is escalated to the point that community service is now a more significant player in the game,” said Amy Kenney, FPD’s special events coordinator.

The school itself also underwent major temporary changes.

Spirit Week grants each class the opportunity to decorate their hall according to theme, resulting in a school that is hardly recognizable and much less navigable.

The freshmen managed to turn their hall into a fairy tale kingdom while the sophomore hallway resembled a massive TV collage, and most students found themselves completely lost in the juniors’ backwoods forest.

The seniors made Spirit

Week history by spontaneously revamping their Georgia-themed hall into a boisterous and flashy party on the last day, with speakers and strobe lights.

“We’ve never had a Friday hallway change before,” Kenney said, “It’s honestly probably going to become a tradition that Friday the seniors will turn the hallways into a party.”

As for the competition? To the casual observer it may seem ridiculous, but most involved in this ridiculousness deem it absolutely necessary.

After all, that is what defines Spirit Week - the insanity.

“This doesn’t happen at too many places.” Kenney explained.

“Not too many schools get to just go crazy for a week.”

Cal Powell/The Saga The seniors feign disinterest in the awards during last Friday’s pep rally.

The Saga

Sports

Senior swim team members are (front row) Evan Place, Katie Scott, Tyler Mullis and Murray Ricketson. Back row: Theron Bassett, Matthew Goldin, Ben Scurry and Ben Burrell.

Splash makers

Senior swimmers lead the team in the pool and out.

By VICTORIA VANHUSS Co-Editor To many, diving into a cold pool doesn’t sound like a very appealing way to spend the winter months, but for FPD’s swim team, it’s second nature.

The team practices almost every day after school.

Although the average student doesn’t hear much about the swim team, this year’s senior class seems to have found a niche within the water.

“We’re the biggest class involved in swimming right now,” senior Ben Scurry said. “We need more people to join. I really think it’s the hardest sport because it’s in water. Not everyone knows how to swim.

You have to want to swim to swim, and that’s hard to find.”

The sport is rigorous and time consuming.

A successful swimmer has to be dedicated and open to changes in daily activities.

“It’s a big time commitment,” Scurry added. “It eats into everything. Your diet starts to change, and you sleep a lot more because you’re burning so much energy swimming. I definitely don’t think the swim team gets the respect that we deserve.”

Katie Scott joined the team as a way to stay in shape for soccer, but she’s found that swimming is more challenging than it looks.

“It’s hard work,” Scott said. “But you always feel good after a swim workout. You feel accomplished.”

Senior swimmer Theron Basset said although many swimmers feel under appreciated and complain about the intensity of the sport, the benefits outweigh the bad.

“The best part about it is just hanging out and staying out of trouble,” he said. “I’ve done swimming on and off for many years, mostly because it’s a great sport for staying in shape.”

Although there are members who plan to swim on a college team or a club team, a majority of the senior swimmers agree with fellow teammate Ben Burrell.

“They are way too legit in college,” he joked. “It’s something that I started doing

because my friends were.”

Evan Place, who swims around 320 days a year, credits his initial interest to his sister.

“I started swimming when I was 8 years old,” he said. “My sister swam, and I watched her. She was winning a lot, and I really wanted to win. She kind of got all the attention, so that was probably a motivation.”

Since that time, swimming has become an intense part of Place’s life. He swims yearround on a Macon-based team, and he has given up other extra curricular activities to focus on his one true passion.

“It’s like it sucks you in almost,” he explained. “I just don’t know how. I enjoy the sport, and I feel like I’ve learned how to really manage my time. When you go to a meet and your time starts to drop, it’s a good feeling. You’re really rewarded for your work.”

Scurry has been using his senior year to focus on fostering leadership and community within the younger swimmers.

“As the more experienced swimmers, we end up teaching people that don’t know how to swim,” he explained. “I’ll go and teach people how to do flip turns or butterflies. I feel like as seniors we are the leaders. We’re helping out the team by training a bunch of people that’ll be on the team once our grade leaves.”

Head coach Elizabeth Leslein said she’ll miss the senior swimmers next year.

“They do a good job of helping and teaching different strokes and things,” she said. “We’re losing seven senior boys, so that’ll be a huge loss to our boys team.”

Even the younger swimmers will miss the camaraderie.

“I think they are really good leaders,” added Alex Davis of her senior teammates.

“I look up to Ben and Evan for tips on speed and stroke technique. The boys team will lack next year, but there are always swimmers ready to take the lead.”

“They are really good about cheering on all team members at meets,” added Caty Hulsey. “I look up to them as the heads of our team.”

Friday, Jan. 28, 2011 Page 10

Sports

The Saga

Sexton grateful for opportunity

FITNESS

Challenge

By MOLLY MCCOY Staff Writer For senior Leah Sexton, life without basketball is hard to imagine.

Whether it was playing church Upward league at Vineville Baptist or shooting in the backyard with her dad, Sexton has enjoyed the sport since childhood.

“I have a hard time thinking of when I wasn’t playing basketball,” she said.

Motivated initially by her desire to do everything her cousins and sister did, Sexton followed in the footsteps of her family and began to learn the basics. One of Sexton’s earliest basketball memories was yelling at her dad, who happened to be her coach, during Upward practice.

While both of Sexton’s parents support and encourage her basketball pursuits, Sexton’s father has played the primary role in her basketball career. Sexton recalls the numerous times her dad drove her to the gym to practice and the countless balls he has rebounded for her over the years.

“Most importantly,” Sexton said, “my dad has taught me that there’s more to the game than getting a ball in a goal.”

She began playing for FPD in the sixth grade.

Sexton fondly recalls the eighth grade championship team she played on under coach Lisa Spear.

During Sexton’s junior year, she suffered a lifechanging knee injury.

“The physical pain never hurt but sitting on the sidelines and feeling hopeless was a different level,” she said. “I tried to keep playing but that’s not what God wanted.”

After months of hard work and rehabilitation, Sexton was able to start Senior Leah Sexton on the road back to recovery and basketball.

“Not a lot of people know all that I did to recover and by God’s grace I was able to start running a month ahead of time and to begin playing sooner,” she said.

Sexton feels like this injury was a way that God refocused her relationship with him.

“I needed God, and now I’m closer to him than I ever thought I could be,” she said.

With the loss of several key seniors, this year’s varsity girls basketball team has new dynamics. Sexton views her role as a senior leader as incredibly important.

“I don’t want the girls to ever settle for less than they can achieve, and I want to leave them all that I have learned so they will continue to improve their game,” she said. “I also want them to know that I love them with all of my heart.”

Friday, Jan. 28, 2011 Page 11

Testimonials continued from pages 6-7

Evan Bates/The Saga Junior Cole Wheeler rests between matches at a recent meet.

Dedicated Cole Wheeler wrestles constantly and it pays off. of conditioning and effort to be prepared for his opponent.

“When you dedicate yourself 100 percent to something, you’re bound to ole Wheeler’s not someone you stand out,” Garvin said. have to beg to come to wrestling So far, it’s worked out. Wheeler has practice. won two individual state titles in the “I could roll out a wrestling mat in GISA and is looking to add another April and call him up and he’d probably championship this year, FPD’s first show up,” head coach Ken Garvin said. season competing in the GHSA. The junior spends three hours a day Every time Wheeler steps on the mat, practicing for wrestling matches. one thought swirls through his head: “I From Atlanta all the way to Iowa and know I have out-worked my opponent.”

North Carolina, this guy gets around.

He knows to push through even the Wheeler has wrestled since the seventh hardest of grade after being times because cut from the of the support basketball “He’s going to work as hard as of his coaches, team. family and he can and never slack off.”

His main friends.

But reason for that’s not beginning his true his wrestling Wrestling coach Ken Garvin where motivation journey is his on Cole Wheeler lies. brother Tyler, “My true who now motivation attends West comes from Point. challenging myself to being the best Wrestling in the 135-pound weight wrestler I can be,” he said.

“Not trying to class, Wheeler has had 183 matches just be better than a certain person, but trying this winter and fall season, posting a to fully maximize the talents God has record of 151-32. blessed me with.”

A usual day for him starts with some Wheeler said his dream is to go on to running or a workout before school. wrestle at West Point.

After that he goes to class, then a One thing that gets Wheeler motivated rigorous hour and a half practice with his is a quote from Aristotle: “We are what FPD teammates after school. we repeatedly do; therefore excellence is After his first practice, he then heads not an act, but a habit.” to Mid-State Wrestling for another hour “Being great at something is to put and a half of practice.

“He’s a lunch pail kind of guy,” Garvin continual hard work into something day in and day out,” Wheeler said. “Making said. “He’s going to work as hard as he something like wrestling more than a can and never slack off.”

He makes sure to put in the extra hours sport, but instead a lifestyle.”

By EVAN BATES Staff Writer

C

-

I’m going to be honest – I’ve never really been into actively working on any sort of fitness regimen until this year. Up until now, I took my high metabolism for granted and just assumed that since I’m so small and don’t gain weight, I didn’t have to worry about what I was eating; it turns out, I was more than a little mistaken.

I was intrigued when I first found out that our staff was going to get to work with a personal fitness trainer.

Figuring it’d be a fun project, I expected to enjoy the Fitness Challenge, but I never imagined just how much I’d learn! After the weeks we’ve spent working with Greer, my outlook on fitness has drastically changed.

Aside from the physical workout aspect of the challenge, the most important nuggets of wisdom I took from this came from an afternoon trip to Publix. After an hour or two of walking around the store with Greer and discussing nutrition, I gained a much better perspective on what I should and shouldn’t worry about when it comes to food (contrary to popular belief, watching calories doesn’t guarantee a healthy lifestyle).

It’s little bits of knowledge like this that I’ve learned through working with Greer that have inspired me to make small changes in my lifestyle; even after our work with her is finished, I want to maintain the regimen.

Even little things can make a difference toward living a healthier lifestyle, so this week I challenge you to set some fitness goals for yourself like we did – you’ll feel better about yourself and might find it to be as rewarding as I did!

- Adriana Figueroa A few weeks ago, I would have laughed at the thought of running for the sake of running.

I didn’t see the point. What am I running from? Why can’t I just walk or drive? Aren’t there other ways to get moving and healthy?

One of my friends told me she likes to pretend that rapists or monsters are after her when she runs. She said it motivates her.

So when our journalism class decided to take this fitness challenge, the only thing I could think to do was run.

I spent a few nights running outside, but when my nose turned red and my ears were about to fall off, I decided to bring the party indoors. I turned to the muchneglected exercise bike in our bonus room, and to my surprise I found a very effective way to work out.

Watching shows like Say Yes to The Dress motivated me to keep moving. It probably sounds awful, but think about it, it’s heartbreaking to watch these girls not fit into the wedding dress of their dreams.

I’ve decided that life is just easier fit and healthy.

A few weeks into our challenge, personal trainer and FPD alum Greer Hawkins took our class down to the MAC. We learned new and creative ways to exercise, much to the enjoyment of the boys in first lunch, and we spent an hour or so getting our heart rate up.

Through this whole thing there’s been a voice in my head, probably the voice of Greer, telling me that there is no good reason to eat a third slice of pizza.

I started paying attention to portion sizes, and I found myself reading the labels on the back of everything. All in all, I’m glad we decided to work with Greer.

It’s helped me to be more okay with this whole exercise thing, and it’s something that I’ll try to stick with.

- Victoria Vanhuss

The Saga

Spring fashion preview

Friday, Jan. 28, 2011 Page 12

Bold prints, jumpsuits hot this spring

By MOLLY MCCOY Staff Writer With spring right around the corner, here are a few items you might consider adding to your wardrobe.

Look for bold prints, mixed and matched.

This season, don’t be afraid to wear complementary prints on both the top and bottom. Pattern in dresses, skirts, shorts, and tops add quirky individuality to your look.

Making their annual appearance with a slight twist, variations of diagonal, horizontal and asymmetric stripes will be seen in fresh, figure-flattering cuts.

This season, both jumpsuits and relaxed sportswear garments provide a chic twist on comfort basics.

With a variety of shapes, cuts

and styles, there is a jumpsuit that will suit your taste and occasion.

Back for another season, militaryinspired jackets and sporty silhouettes will make great transition pieces from winter to spring.

If studs are too edgy for you, look for lace detailing to feminize the hard edges of military looks.

When it comes to dressing up, this season, full-bodied skirts and

dresses are the way to go.

With relaxed fits and classy lines, spring trends for 2011 present a fresh and organic approach to dressy.

This year vibrant colors such as bright hues of blue and coral and yellow will accent the simple silhouettes of dresses and skirts.

Even a pallette of nudes, peaches and neutrals add elegance and simplicity to a look.

Also, sheer and lace detailing is the new rage.

Whether it’s embellishing a simple tee or accenting the hem of a dress or skirt, these materials will add pizazz to your look.

When it comes to shoes and accessories, designers are revisting classic spring favorites with a vintage 50s and 60s approach. Look for wedges, clogs and kitten heels.

This season’s jewelry focuses centrally on a statement piece highlighted by geometric designs and colorful details.

Several varieties and styles of sunglasses are also a cool and easy way to add personality to an outfit.

A new arrival to spring fashion scene is the fanny-pack belt bag.

Whether you’re trendy or sporty, classy or edgy, vintage or preppy, the spring fashion trends for 2011 are versatile enough to suit every style.

The spring fashion trends for 2011 are versatile enough to suit every style.