We the People of the United States, in Order t orm a more perfect Union, establish Justice, Issue 1 in ure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secur he Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Pos erity, do ordain and establish this Constitution or the United States of America.We the People o he United States, in Order to form a more perfec Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquil ty, provide for the common defence, promote th general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liber y to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States o America. We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Jus ice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for th common defence, promote the general Welfare, and ecure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and ou Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution or the United States of America. We the People o he United States, in Order to form a more perfec Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquil ty, provide for the common defence, promote th general Welfare, and secure ttion for the United States of America. We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, es FREE tablish Justice, insure domestic t
AMERICAN IDENTITY CRISIS
PREFACE
Welcome to Issue One of the new Chariot magazine. What you currently have in your hands is the product of months of grinding, scrambling and collaboration, and we couldn’t be prouder to share it with you. When Mr. Hedden first took over as adviser for the Chariot, we had been consistently putting out a strong publication for six years. But something was lacking. It wasn’t just passion, and it wasn’t just student interest. Maybe it was a lot of things, but by the time Mr. Hedden floated the idea to switch from a newspaper to a magazine, we were all on board. It’s not that we don’t like the newspaper format. I love the familiar feeling that comes with unfolding a traditional newspaper, but I’m a nerd and in the minority. When I first started out as a staff writer, you’d get some newspapers thrown away, but by my junior year, we had essentially begun printing materials for paper hats or crumpled balls. The truth is that print media is dying. Despite this sad certainty, however, magazine readership stays strong. Sure, digital media is how we consume the majority of our news and culture, but 96% of US adults between 18 and 25 have read a magazine in the past six months, while the average American reads 6.4 print magazines per month. These statistics translate to all sorts of benefits. For instance, magazines show the highest return on advertising spent, with an average return of $3.94 for every dollar spent on advertising (shout-out potential advertisers). Regardless of the statistics, it was really just time to move away from the 12 page, black-and-white publication we were and let our passion shine through with this 32 page, full-color magazine. For our first issue with this new format, we wanted to be as on point as possible. We were looking at an unprecedented two months between brainstorming article ideas and sending off final PDF to our printer, but we took the challenge. With the presidential election in a little over a week, we decided our cover story had to be one about politics. New staffer Jamie Miller and I interviewed a ton of politically-minded students and teachers to gauge the political climate of the school, and what we found wasn’t as polarizing as one may think. In this issue we also cover new programs at Johns Creek and we find out what the deal is with the trailers that popped up over the summer. Inside there are pieces on the mostly-seniors football team, new athletic program rules, the Muslim Student Association and the sex-ed curriculum. We reviewed new places to study, where to find the best pho, and what to do in the fall. Essentially, what we’ve crafted isn’t month-old news — it’s a distillation of all the unique flavors of our school and community. It really is an honor for myself and my co-editor-in-chief Emma Brown to lead this publication through this transition. Our team of editors, writers, designers and photographers have worked hard the past few months to create something we’re all proud of, and we hope to keep doing what we love for another seven years. Enjoy The Chariot Vol. 1! -Clay Voytek, Editor-in-Chief
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CONTENTS
IN THIS ISSUE NEWS
SPORTS
4 Round Up
10 Varsity Football
6 CBI Program
12 Athletics Dress Code
8 Girls Who Code
13 Michael Taylor
Senior Running Back Matthew Taylor charges into the end zone to secure Johns Creek’s 39-13 win against Pope. In this issue, staff writer Josh Gurin covers team dynamics. Page 10
9 School Overpopulation FEATURES
OPINION
14 Political Identity
26 Sex Ed Face-Off
18 Muslim Perspective
28 Cost of Tutoring
20 Study Spots
29 Presidential Qualities
21 Staff Pho Reviews
31 Mental Disorders
22 Music/Entertainment
Senior Tyler Kitchens dons his best Uncle Sam attire for an American-themed night, demonstrating the ways politics can factor into student identity. Page 14
24 Fall Reviews
The Chariot staff guys visit the best brothy noodle joints in the city. Clay Voytek covers what they found. Page 20
ALL PHOTOS: MITCHELL ODENDAHL
THE CHARIOT | 3
news
U.S.A.
The Greenville, S.C. police sent out letters to parents warning about clowns trying to lure children into the woods in late August. Ever since, clown sightings have been reported throughout the country.
United Kingdom
The UK is now facing political and economic backlash after a nation-wide vote to leave the European Union, where 52% voted in favor of this “Brexit”.
Haiti
Struck by Hurricane Matthew on October 6th, Haiti’s death toll has risen to at least 1,000 people. The UN projects the damage might be worse than the 2010 earthquake, especially with the recent cholera outbreak.
photo from CNN
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Russia
The FBI has found evidence that Russian hackers are behind Florida’s rigged election system. US predicts Russia is attempting to influence the upcoming election.
Syria
Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister Pankov revealed their plan to create a permanent military base in the port of Tartus. The new base will give Russia more access to Syria, escalating the 5 year-old Syrian war. photo from RT
ROUND UP : IN THE NEWS EMMA BROWN, editor-in-chief & MAURA MCLYNN, staff writer
KATHERINE SHIN
S T N E M E M L A P R M I G O K R E P E I R CB SC
Johns Creek High School recently renovated the former Home Economics space into an interactive classroom for Community Based Instruction (CBI) students. This program not only provides students with disabilities a safe and convenient school environment but also allows the students to receive a traditional high school experience. CBI is a new method of education that prepares students by giving them the skills necessary to become successful individuals later in life. It allows students to develop practical, everyday skills such as purchasing groceries and identifying potential opportunities to become active members in their community. Certified professionals with experience in the field teach these classes and intend to establish similar programs all across Fulton County. “I think this program is one of the best things that we’ve had happen here. A lot of the students are getting involved with it, and the teachers we received are really good. The kids just seem really happy that they’re here,” said principal Dr. Jimmy Zoll. The majority of students in the program came to Johns Creek from Centennial High School, where there is a massive program consisting of nearly 80 students. However, JCHS offers the students a more intimate learning environment which allows them to develop close relationships with their teachers and peers. “Our students all have some sort of intellectual disability, so that combined with this thing called “adaptive skills,” which is self-help and that kind of stuff, are all aspects of the CBI program. We do academics, but it is in a modified curriculum and it is on a level that they can understand,” said CBI teacher Ms. Traci Coleman. The students all love the classroom learning as well as the recreational parts of their curriculum. Each Friday, the students get a chance to go out into the community and practice what they have learned in class. In the past, they have gone to restaurants to practice ordering, stores to learn about monetary values and many similar experiences along those lines. These mini field trips are beneficial to the students by helping them develop skills that they will use for the rest of their lives. “I’m excited to work at my job site in City Hall. I’m really nervous, though!” said senior Joseph Chun, a student in the program.
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The students are given the opportunity to participate in many of the activities Johns Creek offers. They deliver mail to the teachers during fifth period, r ite r help run the coffee shop, JC Java, and ff w sta , get a chance to work in the mayor’s office NN LY at City Hall. These activities assist them in dec AM R veloping social skills as well as practical skills, such U MA as dealing with money and counting. “I really like helping out with the football team. I help give water to the players,” said freshman Joey Newton, a student in the CBI program. The students enjoy the opportunities they have to join the student body in supporting their school in academics, theatrical productions and athletics. Since JCHS is the students’ feeder school, they finally have the chance to support the same team that the rest of their friends and family do. This allows them to build roots in their community and experience the astounding sense of pride that the rest of the Gladiator We have a lot of community diversity here but we feel when it comes to haven’t had a lot of students their peers’ with different disabilities in success. “Honestly, the past, so having our I think the students interacting with benefit of them is really a benefit to this program is to the rest them. of the stu Dr. Jimmy Zoll dent body. We have a lot of diversity here but we haven’t had a lot of students with different disabilities in the past, so having our students interacting with them is really a benefit for them,” said Dr. Zoll. The rest of the school’s population that is not a part of the program is encouraged to find ways to interact with the CBI students. One way for students to get involved is the Pals Club. Pals Club is a school sponsored program in which the students can form close bonds with their new peers and help them to feel more at home in this new environment. The interaction with these students is highly constructive in the education of the rest of the student body so that in the future, they can work well with people with disabilities and make the situation as comfortable as possible. “This job is just really rewarding. We see a much slower rate of progress but when a kid gets the hang of something it’s just so awesome. No days are ever boring, no days are ever the same. The kids like coming to school, it’s their favorite thing to do, so that makes our job much more fun,” said Ms. Coleman.
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1 IN 6 students have some type of developmental disorder.
CBI GOALS: DOMESTIC Wellness and Care
VOCATIONAL Career Exploration
COMMUNITY Getting Involved
RECREATION Games, Crafts, etc.
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news
BRIAN SUI, news editor
<girlsWhoCode> Meet the girls closing the gender gap
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n September 14, 2016, the organization Girls Who Code received national acclaim for becoming the largest computer science program for girls in the United States. With the increasing demand for coders within today’s society, Johns Creek High School prepares its students for the imminent technological revolution by establishing its own Girls Who Code chapter. Founded by sophomore Olivia Logan and guided by Introduction to Digital Technology (IDT) and AP Computer Science teacher Commander Raymond Schenk, Girls Who Code creates an open learning environment for any girls interested in acquiring the basic skills needed to code while implementing them into large projects targeted at communites on both local and national levels. “The project I am getting going right now is an interview with the
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person in charge of the CBI program at JCHS. My officers and I will ask her what they would most appreciate and brainstorm ideas for coding projects that can help out. This could include an app that helps them become better organized, read more easily or even simply get dressed in the morning. All of these things that we take for granted, we can help them do through coding. This will help girls realize that coding is not only fun, but impacts the world,” said Logan. Every Wednesday morning at 7:45 a.m., the club convenes in Commander Schenk’s lab to collaborate on forming definitive plans for the rest of the year and to learn new coding languages while socializing and enjoying snacks. Over the last few meetings, the members officially registered themselves into the club, discussed potential designs for their t-shirts and started the curriculum and lessons provided by the national headquarters. The abilities gained through Girls Who Code do not solely apply to the field of computer science and the tasks discussed in the club; members have the opportunity to apply them to virtually every STEM field and class. “The club members will learn a lot about coding, with great specificity.
This will help their performance in all of my coding classes, and will teach them algorithmic thinking, which applies to any science,” said Commander Schenk. Once the students leave the club for college and the workforce, they formally become known as alumni and rather carry a legacy and reputation. In fact, over 20 national and international corporations, including Adobe, Sephora, partnered with Girls Who Code and pledged to offer a network of resources that consists of paid internships, workshops and resume reviewers to all alumni in grades 11 and up. As a club still in its developing years, it strives to fulfill the principles and expectations of the national organization while expanding its popularity among the entire JCHS student body. once,” said Logan.
reaching the limit The administration works to accomodate a growing student population
MITCHELL ODENDAHL
NEHA BHATIA, staff writer
S
ince its establishment in 2009, Johns Creek High School’s state-of-theart facilities, qualified teachers and high-achieving student body have led it to become one of the most highly populated and rapidly expanding schools in Fulton County. The effects of a growing population have been especially evident during the 2016 to 2017 school year, and JCHS’s administration is working hard to accommodate the rapid growth. While JCHS held a small population of students during its first year, it now boasts a population of over 2,000 students. Much of this increase is due to the growing population of the city itself. In the last three years, Johns Creek, which was ranked third on America’s “50 Best Cities” list, has seen a large amount of growth due to the increasing number of employers in the area, as well as the number of families moving to the area “for the schools.” The population growth at Johns Creek is unsurprising; however, the growth this year was unprecedented and became a cause for noticeable changes. One of the most obvious changes as a result of overpopulation is the trailers, or “learning cottages,” located outside. With the increase in the number of teachers hired at the school, the school eventually ran out of classrooms
inside and built the two learning cottages outside to add classrooms. While there still seems to be plenty of space outside for additional mobile classrooms, it is unlikely that the school will add more. “There is space to add at least one more [learning cottage] if needed. We think once we go more one-to-one with computers for everybody we won’t need as many computer labs, so we might convert some of those. But we don’t see us having 11 or 12 or anything like that,” said principal Dr. Zoll. However, the change that is most prominent to the students is the larger class sizes; a typical classroom at Johns Creek High School this school year has approximately 30 to 35 people. Nonetheless, students should not worry too much about class sizes and social studies hallway “traffic jams” increasing drastically. The population trends at Johns Creek’s primary feeder schools, indicate that the population growth is evening out. “We look at the class size at Autrey Mill, and I don’t think that next year’s class is much bigger. What happens during the first 10 days is we have about 60 extra kids, but we have about 50 that don’t return. We end up getting like 17 more than what we predicted,” said Dr. Zoll.
school capacity: 1,800 students % OF school capacity reached
20
09-2010
99.2%
201
5-2016
120%
THE CHARIOT | 9
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he Johns Creek High School varsity football team this season is an extra special one, as 2016 will be the final year many of these teammates will stand together on the field. After a notably strong 2013 season on the freshman team, players went their separate ways, divided between the JV and varsity teams. Now that graduation is looming, the thirty-five seniors are united once again on the varsity team for one last chance to represent Johns Creek. “It’s really been unreal to have a group of guys like we have stick together throughout all these years... We’ve been together since sixth grade, so we’ve really built up quite a bond pretty much like family, like brothers,” said senior Jack Somers. Sports can bring individuals together and create a bond, and after many seasons together, these players have grown incredibly close. This bond added chemistry to the team and helped them work together more effectively during games. “Since there are so many of us and we’ve played for such a long time together, we all work really well together,” said Somers. In addition to a strong set of older players this year, team captain and outside linebacker, Cole Neuber, is also confident that the coaching staff on the sideline will contribute to the varsity team’s success. “Coach Kemper is by far the best coach that many of us have ever had, and his coaching staff as well. He’s brought in a lot of guys, and they’ve all contributed hugely to our success as a team. Whether it’s pushing us or moving us in the right direction, they’ve just done a great job,” said senior Cole Neuber. This is Coach Kemper’s second season with the Johns Creek football program, and the team record has already steadily improved. Johns Creek varsity even defeated Pope, his old team, on September 9. “It just depends on who’s going to emerge as a leader and what not, but I mean they’re going to struggle a little without us, because we’re so good,” said Somers when asked how he thinks the team will perform next year. Team confidence is especially high this year as Johns Creek has already won early season games against Centennial, Pope and Chattahoochee. Players are hoping that the success of the 2013 freshman team will continue to translate to this year’s varsity squad. After a challenging slate of games combined with high hopes from Johns Creek fans, the Gladiators have had an exciting season so far.
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Friday Night Lights JOSH GURIN, staff writer
MITCHELL ODENDAHL
THE CHARIOT | 11
SPORTS
JC Athletes
Cover Up
SOPHIE BRANDEIS, sports editor
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has made it an official rule that during practice, all athletes are not allowed to wear anything less than what they compete in. The news did not sit well with the students, forcing Coach Holcombe to take on the wrath of
and track athletes. Those are the only sports where the girls practice in sports bras and spandex and the guys are bare chested and in short running shorts. After the news of this dress code was delivered, several complaints of the intensity
very runne r knows that workouts are always so much “We want to make sure that we understand what more brutal our community wants. We want to make sure that when they are on the track. Maybe we represent our community because we are Johns it’s because hard Creek High School. We are the city of Johns Creek; workouts are aland we are gladiators...When you are running, you ways ran there, represent first of all your family; you represent or the fact that it always seems your school and you represent your community.” to feel warm-Coach Holcombe er. Whatever it is, the track is a place where runners go angry athletes. of running and the Georgia hard, where they sweat, “When we found out that heat were all the buzz. The where they hold nothing we had to keep our shirts team became determined back, where they become on, we were all so angry. It to get to the bottom of the great. That being said, the sucks that we can’t take off new issue. That meant gocross country athletes on our shirts anymore. Our ing straight to the source: the 2016 Johns Creek team sport is so brutal and the Coach Holcombe. fully expected to train hard track can get so hot. Later “In the spring of last on the track this season, but I learned that members of school year, I started receivwhat they did not expect the community felt that our ing complaints from various was for their training attire clothing was inappropri- community members and to be restricted. ate, so I guess I understand coaches about our athletes Likewise, when Coach Ja- where Coach Holcombe is attire while practicing. Last son Holcombe applied to be coming from,” said Junior spring after getting numerthe athletic director, deal- Kate Koniezcka. ous complaints, I went out ing with shirtless athletes Theoretically, this new to spring practices to look was definitely not in his dress-code is for every at the groups on different job description. However, sport, but in reality it only days: on days when it was recently Coach Holcombe applies to cross-country raining, hot, cool just to see
[
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if the number of complaints and phone calls I was receiving were legitimate. What I found was that there were a lot of athletes, good, bad or indifferent, who were in various stages of clothing that would not be deemed appropriate. After talking with several coaches, and people of leadership, the easiest thing to do was to say the minimum requirement for practice would be you wear at least like a uniform,” said athletic director Coach Holcombe What qualifies attire to be deemed “inappropriate” is a blurry line that is truly up for debate, but in this case, Coach Holcomb’s hands were tied. Although he did make a judgment call when he decided what clothing was inappropriate, the decision was ultimately the result of unhappy community members. However, the lesson to take home from Coach Holcombe decision goes far beyond the dress code. The fact is, students at JCHS represent the town Johns Creek and all the people within it.
]
Michael Taylor Makes a Splash NATHAN GAUTHREAUX, staff writer
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ver since Michael Taylor was introduced to swimming, he has spent almost everyday in a pool. This dedication has paid off for him; he has become one of the top junior swimmers in the entire world. Michael spends the entire year traveling the world competing against the best. Most recently Michael traveled to Omaha, Nebraska this summer to compete in the United States Olympic swimming trials. Taylor competed in his signature events, both the 100 meter and 200 meter backstroke races. After reaching the finals in both events, he finished fifth in both respective races. Michael Taylor has become well-known across the swimming world for setting numerous junior records. He raced to the second fastest 100 meter backstroke time ever for a 17-18 year old in the preliminary round in Omaha. He is ranked in the top ten for 17-18 year olds in both events behind the likes of Michael Phelps. Entering his senior year he is one of the most recruited and watched high school swimmers in the country. He will compete for Johns Creek this upcoming winter as he hopes to maintain his status as the number one ranked junior swimmer in the state of Georgia.
Nathan Gauthreaux: What was it like competing in the recent Olympic Trials?
NG: What is your favorite swimming experience?
Michael Taylor: Competing in the Olympic Trials was a great experience. I’ve been to plenty of big, international meets before but the Olympic trials were on another level. It was held in a basketball arena that gets sold out every night with a crowd of 15,000 people. Swimming against the best swimmers in the world is always an incredible opportunity. The whole experience has me excited to compete again in the next Olympics trials in another four years.
MT: Definitely being able to travel the world to compete in meets. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to Asia, Europe and Hawaii for swim meets. My favorite experience was swimming in and exploring Hawaii. The meet was the Pan Pacific junior swimming championships. It was a really important meet that was held in an incredible location. The meet lasted about a week and I placed very well. I finished first in both the 100 meter and 200 meter backstroke races for my age group.
NG: What is your training schedule like?
NG: How does it feel representing Johns Creek?
MT: I practice around 10 times a week. I practice in the mornings on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday then practice in the afternoons on Monday through Saturday. I also practice 3 times a week outside the pool lifting weights for strength training. Practices are long and hard but the hard work pays off. If you want to be able to compete against the best you have to train like the best. I have really high expectations for myself so pushing myself every week to achieve them is important.
COURTESY OF MICHAEL TAYLOR
MT: I was really fortunate to represent Johns Creek on such a large stage. There’s not a whole lot of high schoolers in my position and being one of the youngest athletes is really cool. I was surrounded by household names and I was just a rising senior from Johns Creek. I was really lucky to have everyone back home supporting me. Being my first Olympic trials and having all that support was really exciting and inspired me to compete harder knowing that so many people were watching.
THE CHARIOT | 13
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JAMIE MILLER, staff writer & CLAY VOYTEK, editor-in-chief
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residential elections bring out strong sentiments. Every four years, America enters a period of contentious debate. This year’s race has been notably polarizing, and Johns Creek is not immune to the woes of the rest of the nation. The political climate of the 2016 election is distinct due to the intensity of the candidates. This is apparent in Donald Trump’s and Hillary Clinton’s bizarre campaign strategies. After an unorthodox primary season, this presidential cycle has drastically influenced the nature of politics in the United States. For the first time in over fifty years, there is mention of a silent majority, and the rhetoric coming out of both campaigns is unprecedented. At a time when intolerance seems to meet incorrigibility, it has been said that the country is at a crossroads of sorts, and the tension in the nation is palpable. This tension can also be felt in the classroom, but if channeled correctly, it can serve as a catalyst for open dialogue. “I think this election is very special in that the two candidates can’t be categorized completely… I’d say that the current political atmosphere makes it difficult to say where I stand; I’m somewhere in the middle right now. I think we have a very unlucky year; we have a lot of mudslinging. I tend to lean Republican, but this year it’s going to be harder because of the stupid things coming out of the Trump camp. I don’t think he’s strategizing correctly. This should be the year that the Republican Party takes back the White House, but it doesn’t look likely with the way that he’s been talking off the cuff,” said senior Andrew Liang. The hostility between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump has been raising eyebrows and escalating since tension was established in the primaries. Throughout their campaigns, Trump and Clinton have sought to associate a negative connotation with one another with name-calling and targeting specific points in their political views. In his speeches and public events,
Trump refers to Clinton as “Crooked Hillary.” Likewise, Clinton supporters have released infomercials asserting that Trump’s ideas are incorrect and immoral. The controversy surrounding Trump and Clinton has left many voters questioning their validity in running for the presidency. Trump is known as a straightto-the-point public figure and successful businessman. However, he is denounced for his lack of political experience and rhetoric. Clinton, on the other hand, has political experience, but is questioned due to her infamous email scandal and her finances. The flaws of both candidates have left the country questioning whether they are fit to become the next president. “Being gay, it’s hard for me to not be a liberal. Modern American politics has such polarizing social issues that it’s hard for me to side with a party that disrespects people in terms of race and sexuality… [Donald Trump] is irrational; he’s impulsive. You can tell from his campaign that he’s been flip-flopping on different issues, so you can tell that he doesn’t have self control when it comes to making judgments. I think that is, in a way, very dangerous for our country,” said junior Christopher Ausburn.
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eorgia is a red state, and the city of Johns Creek is consistently Republican. These conservative votes can typically be attributed to the demographics and income rate of the area. Johns Creek is notably affluent, with an average household income of $137,271. Part of the welfare ideology of the Democratic Party translates to additional taxes for the wealthy. Due to the wealth of our area, this liberal viewpoint is typically unpopular, pushing most in the Republican direction. This election may be different, however, as a strictly fiscal mindset can only work to a degree. The Trump campaign’s marginalizing rhetoric could cause a shift of sorts.
COVER STORY
The correlation between the demographics and political views in Johns Creek is always evolving, but the majority within the city remains. Since the 2012 census of over 76,000 people, Johns Creek has been growing exponentially. Of the total population, over 60 percent of people were white, approximately 20 percent were Asian and less than 10 percent were African-American. Despite this, there are still numerous opinions within the community. The explosive growth of Johns Creek continues to bring in a variety of political views, as more diverse group of people and opinions come into the area.
“Being in the suburbs of Atlanta, you have a pretty good amount of diversity. Enough that there are a lot of different factors and a lot of different opinions going on. Political issues create a division between the student body some of the time. Being students, we’re still trying to figure out our political ideologies… A lot of those issues kind of influence the way people treat each other. It informs the way we relate with each other, and the political atmosphere at Johns Creek varies a lot depending on where you are and who you associate with,” said Ausburn. The diversity of Johns Creek influences more than just the voters. The formation of political views in young adults stems from the ideologies that surround
Courtesy of The Chicago Tribune: Mickey Rourke / AP
KATHERINE SHIN
+ Seniors wear patriotic leggings in the student section at JCHS’s homecoming game. The theme was “America Night,” which the student’s embraced enthusiastically.
them. But social studies teacher Ms. Marybeth Atkins believes that students at JCHS are independently developing into citizens with a great interest in politics. “I am seeing more and more students who are interested in getting involved in politics. I saw a lot of my students from last year come back and talk to me about involvement in the Bernie Sanders campaign, and several of them were also involved in different Republican candidates… I definitely think that political identity is important for our students, and I am excited about that. I hope we encourage that,” said Atkins. Politics plays a role in the life of students at Johns Creek, both inside and outside the classroom. There is talk of creating
safe spaces, or places where minorities can be free to express themselves and develop their identities. “We’re starting the safe space club [at Johns Creek]. A big part of it is, a lot of kids don’t speak up because they’re unsure of their identity. The point of the club is to allow them to talk with people who’ve had similar experiences,” said junior Stephanie Zhang. The notion of a safe space is not without controversy. Although beneficial in many capacities, a safe space can either be an organization of minorities or an overarching policy. Conservatives have blasted safe spaces where emotions are protected, as supporting “PC-culture” and stifling student opinion and freedom of speech. “Concerning safe spaces, I don’t agree with them at all. You have freedom of speech. It’s just ridiculous that you might oppose [these freedoms] and not be allowed to question [people’s] judgement… there have been colleges who have kicked students out just for being conservative, and just supporting Donald Trump. That’s not right,” said sophomore Hunter Hines. It can be said that the notion of a safe space is suppressive, but the goal
Source: 2010 United States census 16 |
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of creating these areas is to encourage people to think for themselves and express their thoughts in a judgement-free climate. By providing a discussion group for students outside of the classroom, the idea is that young minds will be able grow more confident in their opinions, and in turn, begin to develop their own identities, political or not.
ohns Creek is considered an encouraging environment for students and their views, however, some feel there is an unaddressed stigma surrounding the discussion of politics. For some students, like junior Stephanie Zhang, the climate of classroom discussion at JCHS is not conducive to acceptance and respect towards others’ thoughts. “I’m taking a sociology class right now, and one kid in my class tried to tell me slavery wasn’t real… A lot of kids here are really bad about validating other people’s identity and other people’s experiences. You can disagree with my opinion, but you have to understand where it comes from. If you can’t do that, you’re ignorant,” said Zhang. Although some students are comfortable with political discussion at school, talking about politics is generally discouraged in the classroom. This invisible barrier stems from the belief that educators should not try to influence students’ political views. There are no school-set rules on talking about politics, but educators tend to avoid discussing the topic on principle. Without any political conversation, the education students receive at school offers them fewer views to add to their own. At Johns Creek, classroom discussion has benefits and drawbacks. Sharing opinions contributes to the growth of student’s views and helps build their identity. However, discussion in the classroom environ
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ment can be daunting for students, thus making them reluctant to share their views due to the criticisms they might endure. Ms. Atkins focuses on creating an atmosphere where students can express their views comfortably. She does this to help students perceive the world with logic instead of just accepting opinions. “I try very hard [to keep divisive politics and ideology out of the classroom] because I really believe in independent thinking on the part of young people. I try to make sure we don’t get too emotionally involved in either side or any ideology. I always tell my students they can say whatever they want but they have to back it up with facts. Being able to talk about your position without resorting to emotion is really an incredible accomplishment. I always tell my students that I raised a very liberal daughter and a very conservative son, and I am very proud of it because they thought for themselves,” said Atkins.
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he presidential election is a political circus every four years. Some cycles are more heated than others, but every year one candidate is elected. When Obama was elected in 2008, it was a momentous occasion in American history. Once in office, he was met with the reality of the burdensome position. The president can shift the direction of the nation in various ways, however, and this is especially interesting this year, as the nation reaches a critical political juncture. “In my opinion, the president has the most sway in two areas. Number one is foreign policy, he has a lot of power in choosing the direction of foreign policy, and number two would be the appointment of judges, federal court judges. In those two areas, I think the American people are relatively frustrated. In 1980, Jimmy Carter was running against Reagan, and Ronald Reagan asked the question, ‘Are you better off now than you were four years ago?’ And I think the question this election that everybody has on their mind is, ‘Do you feel safer than you did four years ago?’ That’s something the American people are going to have to vote on, and that’s a big part of foreign policy. The other thing is Supreme Court nominations… depending on who we elect, the makeup of the court will change
for, probably, thirty years,” said Liang. The national impact of an election is invariable, but another important by-product of the election season is discussion. With the general election looming, the school offers a place where students can talk about issues that may not come up otherwise. This conversation, however, is intrinsically impassioned. It is easy for classroom discussions with political undercurrents to get emotional. What makes political conversation heated is its personal nature. Individuals hold their political views very closely, and politics are a crucial part of a person, especially during their formative years. It is not uncommon for political views to change, but an adjustment in ideology often coincides with personal growth. Politics are inherently intimate. Few subjects factor into identity more. Religion and race say a lot about a person, but the political leanings of an individual can
times even bolster one’s own. Either way, this exchange is critical, and students are finding a way to make it happen. “If you have a teacher that never talks about [politics], it’s less likely that you get exposed to new viewpoints, and you won’t really think in a new way… With the humanities, at least with English, it’s about trying to expose people to different things so they can understand how they think and what’s valuable to them. Math is just a system to understand and figure out. English is mostly about, to some degree, figuring yourself out. I teach how to make a coherent argument, but you have to be able to bring yourself into it. Politics is part of that,” said language arts teacher Mr. Ben Schultz. Johns Creek High School is heterogeneous in opinion and thought. Both liberal and conservative students think they are the minority. Nevertheless, a strong mix of opinions pervades the school.
“With the humanities, at least with English, it’s about trying to expose people to different things so they can understand how they think and what’s valuable to them. Math is just a system to understand and figure out. English is mostly about, to some degree, figuring yourself out. I teach how to make a coherent argument, but you have to be able to bring yourself into it. Politics is part of that.” -Mr. Schultz be considered the distillation of everything else. All other factors of self must go through one’s political convictions. “You’ll always encounter people who don’t agree with you, but it’s a lot harder to talk about it when it relates to your identity. Sometimes I find it hard to talk about women’s rights because half the kids in class are thinking, ‘Ugh, a feminist.’ It’s a little harder for minorities to speak out about what they believe in. I have to acknowledge, ‘Okay here are people that may hate me if I talk,’ and I think that’s one of the biggest problems. Even if your opinion doesn’t coincide with mine, I think you should be able to get it out,” said junior Grace Lee. Hearing and understanding others’ opinion’ is not the same as agreement. Listening to outside opinions can some-
There are schools not far away with uniform ideologies, where growth or change is nearly impossible. At Johns Creek, perceptive, tenacious and knowledgeable students of all creeds can come together and be a part of the same conversation. Liberals, independents, conservatives and the occasional anarchist walk the same halls and take the same courses. This variety is distinct and healthy. Yes, when political views are challenged, tensions can build and perceived isolation can occur. But, some educators embrace that tension, while others constantly de-escalate. Some think political science does not actually affect students at all, but nothing could be further from the truth. In both the lunchroom and the classroom, students are developing their identities and learning how to process the world around them. THE CHARIOT | 17
A Muslim Perspective at Johns Creek MAAHA RAFIQUE, production editor & RAINA PARIKH, staff writer 18 |
ALL PHOTOS: KATHERINE SHIN
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ania Ibrahim settles down in front of us with a cheery hello and a wave. It is a balmy August afternoon, so we soon move inside to escape the heat. As she sips her drink thoughtfully, she considers our question: what does she want Johns Creek to know about Islam? “Islam stands for peace,” said Ibrahim. “Just like any other religion it’s our way of being the best we can be. My belief in life is that as long as you’re not hurting anyone else, what you’re doing is fine. Others have no right to have an issue with what you’re doing or stop me. Don’t let the stereotypes affect what you think of people– you’ll never be able to get to the essence of a human until you actually look into who they are, rather than who the world tells you they are.” Though Johns Creek is often labeled as a suburb made up almost entirely of people of Caucasian or East Asian descent, the truth is that a large number of active, smaller minorities also populate the city. Only a small percentage of the residents of Johns Creek are Muslim, but in many avenues, especially in Johns Creek High School itself, they have made their presence known through community involvement. Despite the fact that most residents view Muslims as valued members of the community, the threat of stereotypes still exists. This past year especially has seen increased anti-Muslim sentiment nationally, and beliefs that Muslims are an anti-American, anti-freedom, terrorist-sheltering group are still held by a vocal group of citizens. For Ibrahim, the rampant misinformation only drives her harder in her role as president of the school’s Muslim Student Association. Johns Creek’s MSA has been active ever since she became president. On most Muslim Eid holidays, members can be seen distributing candy around campus, and the club participates in other forms of outreach such as community service. The members are also involved in the annual Muslim Inter-Scholastic Tournament (MIST). Many narratives about Muslim students or community members revolve around the repercussions of stereotyping and prejudice, but Ibrahim’s own experiences in Johns Creek have been largely positive. “Johns Creek is really much better than most. There are people who aren’t quite as accepting but there really are very caring people who stand up for Islam, in or out of the Muslim community– but of course I haven’t seen everything. From time to time there are ignorant people but MSA’s purpose is to act as an antithesis. I honestly expected it to be worse when I put on my headscarf in 10th grade. I’m fortunate to have not received a lot of the discrimination I assumed I’d get,” said Ibrahim. About three miles away from Johns Creek lies the Masjid Jafar, one of the mosques attended by the Johns Creek Muslim community. Like Ibrahim, Tareef Saeb, a board member at the mosque, has had positive experiences as a Muslim in Johns Creek, especially while working with city officials. But when it comes to the community, things can get tense, as illustrated by a thwarted effort to move the mosque’s location. “The people in the area objected, and the owner had to back out of the lease. That was one of the negative things we have encountered, and it has not been easy to overcome,” said Saeb in a phone interview. Saeb is also the chairperson for the Hamza Center. He is confident in the ability of the community to join together, starting with the support of both political and religious leaders. “I see it on both sides– the biggest problem is when we label a group of people or when we generalize our opinions based on what the media says or what others say,” said Saeb. Johns Creek has the potential to be a shining example of how different faiths and backgrounds can come together in times of turbulence and forge peace and understanding that will make the community stronger. Before she left, Ibrahim issued a final piece of advice to those who remain doubtful: “To anybody who thinks that Islam is a religion of terrorism or who sees religion as an issue, I challenge you to just go and talk to a Muslim, at [an interfaith event] or in your community, and have a real conversation about what their morals and values are.” In a way, all understanding begins with conversation, and Muslims in the Johns Creek community are eager to be understood.
THE CHARIOT | 19
Change of Space Places to Study Other than Starbucks
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NATALIE SIEGMAN, features editor
Land of a Thousand Hills: This is a bit of drive for most JCHS students, but it is so worth it. Land of a Thousand Hills near downtown Roswell offers many drinks to sip on while studying for your next AP Bio exam. Best of all, the purchase of your coffee drink benefits local farmers. With different rooms filled with tables and a large outdoor patio, this cafe can suit anyone’s study preference.
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Panera: Panera is a great restaurant to get work done. With its close proximity to school, it is a great option for those looking for a place to study after school. Panera has a wide variety of food and drink options, so for those who don’t have a flavor for coffee, there are many study snack options. Since it stays open until 10 p.m., Panera is the perfect spot to cram for the next AP Calc test.
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The Farmhouse Coffee and Crepes: This quaint little coffee and crepe cafe has the perfect atmosphere for individual study. This local gem attempts to capture the essence of a French cafe: authentic French music, various crepe flavors, antique-looking wooden tables and an espresso bar that would suit any coffee-lover’s fancy. The quiet noise and calming music is perfect for reading or cramming for your AP Psych exam.
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The Library: For those looking for a quiet place to get ready for the next AP Chem test, the library is perfect. The quiet atmosphere is perfect to hold concentration and focus for long hours. Also there’s no need to spend five dollars on a cup of coffee to study. The next time you are looking for a quiet place to study where you don’t have to spend money, swing by Spruill Oaks off Old Alabama road.
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what the pho? CLAY VOYTEK, editor-in-chief
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hen I’m craving a savory, fulfilling meal at 11 p.m., for the most part I’m out of luck. One option nearing ubiquity, however, is pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. Most pho restaurants remain open later than other restaurants and offer plenty of variations at a reasonable price. Traditional pho is straightforward, composed of broth, rice noodles, and beef. Essentially Vietnamese comfort food, pho is more than soup. The national dish of Vietnam has been a cultural staple since it was first conceived at the start of the twentieth century. Fortunately, there are more than plenty of restaurants around offering pho. For this piece, the Chariot staff guys went on a daring pho crawl, stopping at three different restaurants to see what they had to offer. After hours of sipping and slurping, we decided which fragrant, magical bowls were worth it and which ones left us wanting more.
Pho Dai Loi
To start our pho crawl, we drove down Pleasant Hill until we hit a well-reviewed spot. The bright, natural light of the restaurant is perfectly suited to the warm staff. We settled on a bowl of beef, chicken and shrimp. We added in the fixings we wanted, and we were beyond pleased. Light broth and moist chicken made for the best chicken pho we had all day. However, the restaurant has a fine-dining feel. This definitely isn’t the place to bring a rowdy group of six, but overall, Pho Dai Loi 3 offered us the most delicious pho. Rating: Too Nice
I Luv Pho
After three truly phenomenal bowls of pho at Pho Dai Loi 3, we drove to I Luv Pho. This time we got a chicken pho and a filet mignon pho. The broths were darker, just like the lighting. Unfortunately, when finishing my bowl, I felt myself reaching more for the sauce to balance out the saltiness of the broth. I Luv Pho just didn’t hit the sweet spot that Pho Dai Loi 3 did. It is, however open 24 hours. It has benefits, and I can see myself going back, but for our purposes, the pho itself didn’t deliver. Rating: Too Busy
What The Pho
After the slightly disappointing I Luv Pho, we settled on the place closest to the school, What The Pho, as our last spot. This is the place that I generally go when I’m craving pho; it’s close and delivers a solid product. The vibe was very mellow, and this was reflected in the service. . When the food came out, it was exactly what I expected. Truly a solid bowl of pho, the noodles and broth were just right, and the broth was just salty enough. The meat was better quality than I Luv Pho, but the broth wasn’t as fresh as Pho Dai Loi 3. Rating: Just Right
ALL PHOTOS: MITCHELL ODENDAHL THE CHARIOT | 21
music how to be a human being EMMA BROWN, editor-in-chief
up-and-coming artist: KR Despite having his bedroom closet double as his own recording studio in his L.A. apartment, emerging rapper, KR, has become a Soundcloud celebrity with over 43,000 followers. ONYX (produced by Dinuzzo) Vibe to KR’s smooth voice with his home-made beats swelling up behind him in his song “ONYX” found only on Soundcloud. Momma Never Knew (produced by Rahki) KR opens up in this groovy, R & B style song and describes his relationships with his mother, both their love and their troubles.
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What Happen Freestyle (produced by Haze) In this song, KR freestyles about all the broken dreams and promises in his life and then asks the question we all want to: what happened?
This time of year, new, chill music can be a godsend. Editor-in-Chief Clay Voytek crafted this playlist to serve as an ephemeral vehicle for relaxation. So please, enjoy this Claylist.
1. in your river / snoh aalegra 2. self control / frank ocean 3. haunted paradise / black atlass 4. them changes / thundercat 5. shades / alexandra savior 6. mad / solange 7. untitled 08 | 09.06.2014. / kendrick lamar 8. tennessee / allan rayman 9. we / mac miller 10. mediator / alunageorge 11. gazi / achal 12. Find you / charlotte day wilson 13. got it good / kaytranada 14. gemini feed / banks 15. i’ll be your woman / st. paul 16. mama / raury 17. season 2 episode 3 / glass animals 18. girl / the internet scan QR code to
FRANK OCEAN
access Spotify playlist
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n their 2014 album, Zaba, Glass Animals created an exuberant collection of songs that mirrored a journey deep into a jungle, but their debut album, How To Be A Human Being, focuses more on the conundrum of reality. During their tour featuring Zaba, frontman Dave Bayley secretly recorded conversations and studied a variety of different people across the world, which was all formulated into this new album. In “Season 2 Episode 3” a hopeless stoner eats mayonnaise out of jar with the background noise of Super Mario Bros, while in “Mama’s Gun” a mental illness is deciphered to a flute-like melody. “Life Itself” is one of the more popular songs from the album, even though it reveals the depressing life of a jobless, middle-aged loser still living with his parents. Being a pleasingly strange and unique album filled with organic beats, How To Be A Human Being, is definitely not for the mainstream. photo from consequenceofsound.net
autumn grooves
CLAY VOYTEK, editor-in-chief
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n August 20, over four years after the release of his debut studio album, R&B singer Frank Ocean released his sophomore effort, Blonde. After a pitchedup, ethereal intro, the album continues with very few drums, creating a soft sonic landscape. Lacking many concrete ideas, “Blonde”, as a whole, is vague and philosophical. Above all else, it is an intoxicating glimpse into the mind of a true creative genius. “Solo”, “Nights” and “Siegfried” brilliantly display Ocean’s poetic lyricism, but “Self Control” serves as the standout track. Experimental, psychedelic, and pensive, it is Frank Ocean at his best. The album also features guest vocals from Beyonce, Andre 3000 and more. Blonde is compelling; its production ranges from delicate to harsh, and this vision into Ocean’s headspace gives the project intimacy. Likewise, the pitched-up vocals used throughout are unsettling at first, but make more sense with each revisit. After the kind of wait that comes with true artistry, “Blonde” delivers, and it is well worth a listen. photo from vibe.com
entertainment EMMA BROWN, editor-in-chief
what to watch this fall
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eason seven of “The Walking Dead” returns October 23 after the cliff-hanger finale that left fans anxious to figure out which character suffered the wrath of Negan, the show’s latest dictator. In the first eight episodes of the upcoming season, viewers will see a scared, broken Rick as his group is thrown back into Alexandria. Meanwhile, Carol and Morgan are brought to a new colony of survivors, the Kingdom, led by “King” Ezekiel. The show’s writer, Scott Gimple, told THR “...things are going to start off very, very dark because everyone knows where we’re starting”. The upcoming episodes will also be accompanied by “The Talking Dead” with host Chris Harwick after “The Walking Dead” on sunday nights to discuss the previous episode and interview characters. photo from fxnetworks.com
photo from vibe.com
new shows to look out for EYEWITNESS premiered on October 16 on USA and follows the story of two young boys who witness a horrifying murder in the middle of the woods. The plot is driven by their effort to not only hide their forbidden relationship, but also from the killer.
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n September 6, “Atlanta”, a new comedy produced by Donald Glover, premiered on FX. The show revolves around two cousins coming up in Atlanta’s hip-hop scene, and after the most viewed basic cable comedy premier of all time, the show was met with universally positive reviews. Glover uses his own experiences as a musician to create a masterful half hour of television, balancing dark comedy and metaphor. A true creative, his latest project is a foray into Atlanta, its music scene, and what it means to be black in America.
Pure Genius premiered on October 27 on CBS and features a billionaire with the dream of running a cutting-edge hospital, who hires a veteran surgeon with a controversial past. This is not your ordinary Grey’s Anatomy knock-off. The Crown premieres on November 4 on Netlifx and recreates Queen Elizabeth II’s reign with all the dramatic affairs and intense policy included. As a young newlywed, Queen Elizabeth, played by Claire Foy, must rule over one of the world’s most famous monarchs while forgoing a relationship with the iconic prime minister, Winston Churchill, played by John Lithgow.
top eight indie movies on netflix 1. good will hunting is the heartbreaking story of a
5. the fundamentals of caring follows a re-
self-destructive mathematical genius who is finally discovered. 2. how i live now follows the story of a distraught girl using her willpower during the midst of war and romance. 3. BEGIN AGAIN is a beautiful film where a jobless producer meets a heart-broken songwriter who is looking for a new life. 4. short term twelve is a depressing story which unfolds the lives of troubled teens in a foster-care and the people who try to help them battle their demons while growing up.
tired writer who lands a caretaking job of an anxious boy and embarks on an epic road trip that changes them both greatly. 6. Following shadows a young writer who stalks random people for stories, until he meets a voyeuristic thief. 7. ask me anythinG is a true story of a provocative coming-of-age-story that ends in a young girl’s tragedy. 8. Frank is a quirky movie about a young musician who joins a band where the lead hides behind a giant plastic head.
fall is life RACHEL GROSSWALD, staff writer & NIKI DANI, staff writer
Get lost in the fun of fall outdoor activities, and take advantage of the season by going to a corn maze. There are a number of corn mazes in the Johns Creek area that are great for spending time with friends. Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze in Dawsonville includes not only a four mile maze, but a variety of fall activities like hayrides and goat walks. Another Dawsonville maze is Buck’s Corn Maze which is a 12 acre corn maze overlooking the Appalachian mountains. Both of these mazes are open every weekend through November. With their beautiful fall scenery and lively seasonal activities, going to a corn maze is a great way to enjoy fall.
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As the leaves turn red, pumpkin patches have become the ideal spot for photo ops and finding the perfect pumpkin to make into a jack-o’-lantern. An hour from the Creek, Southern Bell Farm in McDonough, Georgia is open on weekends until November 6. This charming farm offers two acres of pumpkins to choose from. The 330-acre family-owned farm boasts more than twenty outdoor attractions, including hay rides and pig races. A little ways north of Johns Creek in Cumming, Georgia, Warbington Farms, which has been running since 1968, presents its fall season until November 12. The farm offers hayrides and bonfires along with its pumpkin patch.
P w f k l s a d t c p a f t s d
s s e e , s e s s e -
Pumpkin, spice and everything nice is what comes to mind when people think of fall desserts. From the classics like pumpkin pie and pumpkin bars, to new trends like the pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin scones, fall desserts are full of this seasonal fruit. Pumpkin dominates popular fall desserts, but when pumpkin spice gets too repetitive, there are tons of different choices to satisfy a fall sweet tooth. Apple pies and cinnamon cookies are delicious alternatives to a fall packed with pumpkin flavored sweets. Fall is the perfect season to take advantage of the mouthwatering seasonal flavors that are showcased in all desserts.
Snacks are an important aspect of every season, but in fall, snacks get especially festive. The ultimate fall movie snack, maple pumpkin spice popcorn, will create the perfect ambiance to match all the fallen leaves. Cinnamon apple chips, a healthy alternative to potato chips, will match the fragrance of fall air and is a three-ingredient snack that can be whipped up in less than half an hour. To match the most popular Starbucks drink of the season, pumpkin spice trail mix is a great no-heat-needed snack to eat on the go and is very easy to customize.
herine Shin Kat THE CHARIOT | 25
Does sex ed do enough for students?
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MITCHELL ODENDAHL
OPINION
Yes:
NATHAN GAUTHREAUX, staff writer In America twenty-six states require schools to stress abstinence in their sex ed programs, but that number should be fifty. The Georgia Department of Education requires schools to teach a sex ed curriculum that is abstinence based. Since 2001, the sex ed program, “Choose The Best,” has been taught in schools throughout Fulton County. Despite an initial push back from parents who believed the current system would stifle their child’s view of reality, the program has experienced tremendous success and even received endorsement from former Georgia governor Sonny Perdue. Johns Creek High School has chosen to teach an abstinence-only curriculum, while most schools introduce ideas of “safe sex” to their students. Why do both Johns Creek High School and Fulton County take
such a simple approach to sex-ed? Because it works. Abstinence is easy for students to understand. There are no probabilities; it is cut and dry. If you do not have sex you do not have to worry about unplanned pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases. Some claim this idea is too traditional for today’s youth, but in reality it is time-tested and proven. In 2010 an independent research study showed that students who had received a “Choosing The Best” education were 1.5 times more likely to wait to partake in sexual activities. If a student chooses to deviate from the traditional path of abstinence, it is really the role of their parent to further educate their children on the matter. Students form their identities and build their futures in high school; an unplanned pregnancy can ruin a stu-
dent’s aspirations. It is a common idea amongst the public that premarital sex creates complicated situations and should be scorned upon. Sex ed programs try to build decision making skills in students in order to avoid these negative situations. Abstinence based programs teach students that they have two choices: to partake in whatever the student may feel pressured into or to resist. One bad decision can change a student’s life forever. Telling students that using a condom or another form of birth control will most likely protect them just doesn’t cut it. Not only is the student not guaranteed full protection, but premarital sex places students in situations they are not mature enough to handle. Abstinence is proven and guarantees full protection from any diseases and decisions that students aren’t ready for.
nence as the only morally correct option of sexual expression for teenagers. They usually censor information about contraception and condoms for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unintended pregnancy.” Before I say anything else, yes, if a course could somehow persuade entire generations of students to practice abstinence, then I would be all for abstinence-centered education. But that is not feasible to any degree. Sexuality is a normal and healthy part of life, so why teach it as if it ruins your life and only has negative consequences? If the goal is to get the message across that “17 and Pregnant” is not an ideal situation, then there are other ways to do so. And what about other contraceptives, like “Plan B”? Or even how to correctly use a condom and have a healthy relationship
if you are not practicing abstinence? These questions are not currently answered in school. For example, Comprehensive Sex Education talks about abstinence, but additionally teaches about condoms and contraception to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and of infection with STDs. It also teaches interpersonal and communication skills and helps young people explore their own values, goals, and options. A program similar to this would be much more effective in prevention, understanding and knowledge of sex. There can still be strong abstinence messages in the context of another type of sex ed. There is no reason why students should not be more informed on this topic. It is our educators’ duty to understand the needs of students and accordingly supply them with pertinent and useful information.
No:
REED CARLSON, opinion editor There comes a time in everyone’s life when they must put aside the taboo and insecurity to delve into sexual education and learn about an important part of human life. In public education, this does not become pertinent until a class is taught in high school. The curriculum has good intentions, and so do the fine educators teaching it. But after years of implementation, it is evident that it is not as effective as it was meant to be. Let’s be honest, many people in high school have participated in some form of sexual activity. With that being said, the sex ed taught in schools assumes that the former is not true and that very few students have actually done anything sexual. This type of country-wide education is called “Abstinence-Centered Education.” According to “Advocates for Youth,” these programs “teach absti-
THE CHARIOT | 27
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OPINION
THE PRICE OF PREP MORAYO OGUNBAYO, staff writer
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very year, high school students experience the standardized testing season, which is a time of hard work, stress and tears. One of the most significant parts of the season is the prep. Most students opt to go through an intense process of overpriced textbooks and tutors, but many cannot afford this route. Some choose not to prep for anything and wait out their demise, though this strategy is neither popular nor very wise. Today, almost all colleges use test scores in their admissions decisions and when granting scholarships. As a result, the process of prepping for ACT/SAT testing is a key example of a situation where the upper class is given opportunities to excel, while the poor are simply not. Education favoring the rich is not a new sentiment in American society. This problem dates back to the 1900’s, when schools in minority neighborhoods were extremely worse than those in white neighborhoods. Even the Ivy League was built to divide the elite from the rest. We, Americans, believe that we have moved forward, and that our country is no longer plagued by inequality. However, as a people move away from an old regime, KATHERINE SHIN they often inch toward a new one. The SAT/ACT tests rose to prominence in the late 1970’s and their influence in college admissions is fairly recent. And though many colleges are allowing students to choose whether they want to take these exams, 78% of universities still weigh them heavily, according to USA Today. In towns similar to Johns Creek, many students see their educational opportunities; however, some do not see every $40 tutoring session as an opportunity, and do not see it as a privilege when their parents tell them to sit in their rooms and go over a $30 textbook. Many upper class high schoolers groan when their parents force them to go to a $100 admissions seminar, and roll their eyes. The average upper middle class student mindset shows that inclination and opportunity often do not go hand in hand. In a society plagued by this reality, it becomes hard to see America truly as the ‘land of opportunity.’
Average cost of SAT/ACT prep course The Princeton Review: $128/hr Kaplan: $183/hr Applerouth: $165/hr Independent private tutors: $70-$85/hr
CARTOON COURTESY OF: JAMIE WANG
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Unspoken Qualities of a President Past presidents pave the way for the 45th
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CAROLINE KWON, copy editor
s Election Day approaches, political tensions – much to the amusement of the Internet – are at an all-time high. While we anxiously watch the polls, let’s reflect on our past presidents and establish what really makes a quality Commander-in-Chief. With great power comes great responsibility, and the president is no exception, despite the fame and the perks. With this in mind, the president should be modest and hardworking, regardless of the situation. According to 24/7 Wall Street, President George Washington was the richest of our 44 presidents, but his privileged status clearly didn’t turn him away from the hardships of a revolution and building a new nation. All without a mention of his $500 million net worth. Public ire and slander are yet another part of the job description; the new president should be able to calmly address the public in any situation. After all, social media backlash and rumors will constantly question his or her abilities and actions. More often, the new chief executive will be judged for other, more trivial aspects such as appearance or maybe even birthplace. Shocking, I know. For instance, the myth that William Taft, the largest president, got stuck in a White House bathtub really stuck with the American people, far outliving the poor man’s legacy as president.
With hardships like these, it’s no wonder that each president’s time in office can be documented solely by his receding hairline. Still, despite these pressures, the president has a responsibility as the figurehead of American politics to remain professional when it comes to their presidential actions. The new president should keep his or her personal life and personal relationships out of the Oval Office. The president must also be accepting as the leader of the “land of the free.” While certain traditions and ideals should be preserved, it is important that the president doesn’t get stuck in the old ways and halt progress. Just look at President Jimmy Carter. He once reported sighting a UFO while serving as governor of Georgia – now, that’s open-minded. In all seriousness, this election is definitely one for the books, and with both candidates under scrutiny, it can be helpful – if amusing – to step back and look at our past presidents. While both sides have been criticized – Hillary Clinton is fake, and Donald Trump is a misogynist, just to name a couple – the reality is that one of them will be president in a few months. Instead of just critiquing the two candidates, why not actually determine what makes the best president? And if the future still seems pretty grim, there’s always the Green Party.
THE CHARIOT | 29
OPINION
mental illness in high school
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nyone can walk into Starbucks on a given weekday afternoon and find a group of students hunched over their laptops, textbooks and worksheets, frantically cramming last-minute for tomorrow’s test. One student may say to another, “I’m so stressed. I literally want to kill myself.” The rest of the students may distractedly laugh and say, “Me too.” But few will speak up and say, “My anxiety was so bad yesterday; I couldn’t leave the house because of a panic attack.” At Johns Creek High School, students constantly experience extreme academic, athletic and social pressures. The tendencies to feel stressed, overwhelmed or sad overcome all students at least a few times, if not more. We use these terms associated with mental health every day, sometimes as jokes or just in normal conversation. However, using these phrases without understanding the serious conditions we are talking about is a problem. One in five teenagers suffers from some form of real mental illness. Fifty percent of students with a mental illness drop out of high school. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers. Even though mental illness is so common around high school students, an awkward taboo still hangs around the discussion of mental disorders, and it remains an uncomfortable conversation topic. For people who do not truly understand how mental illnesses affect teenagers this
hardly seems like an issue, and that is the problem. Many people don’t know what these conditions are, much less how to help those who struggle with them. In a hush-hush environment where mental illness is not openly discussed, students with new or developing cognitive health problems can often feel isolated, lonely or different from everyone else. The absolute worst thing to do for a person battling their own mind is to make them feel like the problem only exists in their head. Another problem lies in joking about mental illnesses. Causal jokes often come up in conversation, and many people do not think about the gravity of what they are saying. However, a student truly struggling may hear these jokes and feel even more pressured into concealing it. Openly discussing mental illness does not mean joking about them; that only creates a worse problem. Changing the attitude toward the discussion of mental illness begins with students. Even if you do not suffer from a serious mental illness, chances are you know someone who does. Understanding that this is such a common struggle among teens removes the uncomfortable taboo and allows more open discussion. Creating an open environment and correctly discussing mental health not only raises awareness for these issues, but it gives those struggling a sense that they are not alone. Rachael Jones, staff writer
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MASTHEAD
masthead PUBLICATION The Chariot is a student-run publication printed for and distributed to the Johns Creek Community. The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the entire staff or those of Johns Creek High School, its students, faculty, staff or administration. Content is edited and controlled by staff editors, in collaboration with the staff adviser and the administration. The staff will publish only legally protected speech, adhering to the legal definitions of libel, obscenity and the invasion of privacy. ADVERTISING The Chariot Publishes ads with signed contracts provided that they are deemed appropriate by the staff for the intended audience. For more information about advertising with The Chariot, please contact the staff e-mail. CONTACT US 470-254-2138 jchschariotmagazine@gmail.com 5575 State Bridge Road Johns Creek, GA 30022
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Emma Brown Clay Voytek MANAGING EDITOR Mitchell Odendahl NEWS EDITOR Brian Sui SPORTS EDITOR Sophie Brandeis FEATURES EDITOR Natalie Siegman OPINION EDITOR Reed Carlson
STAFF WRITERS Neha Bhatia Niki Dani Nathan Gauthreaux Rachel Grosswald Josh Gurin Rachel Jones Maura Mclynn Jamie Miller Morayo Ogunbayo Raina Parikh DESIGNERS Leila Farhan Alex Levine ADVISER Todd Hedden
PHOTO EDITOR Katherine Shin PRODUCTION EDITOR Maaha Rafique DESIGN EDITOR Sophie Spiegel COPY EDITOR Caroline Kwon
COVER DESIGN Leila Farhan Alex Levine Sophie Spiegal THE CHARIOT | 31
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