Mattingly: Going Gaga
Finding inspiration and His Own Style
Spring Break What is Hot at East
Is a Bully Among Us? A Tough Look at a Common Problem
April 2012 Volume 2, Issue 4
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From the desk of the editor-in-chief I like football. I’ve pretty much grown up with Peyton Manning. He was at Tennessee when I was at UK. My father-in-law and I watched him recieve the Johnny Unitas Award as the nation’s best quarterback. With Indianapolis being our “local” team, most football fans have seen him countless times over the past 15 years He has been the perfect mold of what an NFL football player should be. In his 15 seasons, he has rarely missed a snap. In fact, it became widely known that being his backup was the best job in the NFL. High pay with no play. Then, of course, came the neck injury...and four surgeries. In the same Sports Illustrated issue that I was reading about Manning rumors prior to his signing with the Broncos, I was reading about a bounty system masterminded by Greg Williams, the New Orleans Saints’ defensive coordinator. Under the system, players were paid for hard hits and given larger sums for knocking opponents out of games completely. Factor in the growing awareness of concussions in the game and their lasting impact and it makes you wonder how long football, the nation’s most popular sport, can sustain itself. I know it probably sounds crazy now, but it’s a serious thought. To put it another way, would Dave Duerson’s parents have let him play football knowing how his life would turn out? Duerson’s life was a story book. Born in Muncie, Indiana, he was a two time All-American safety at the University of Notre Dame. He went on to become a four time pro-bowler and two time Super Bowl winner with the Chicago Bears and New York Giants. He was a hard hitter who was respected by his peers as one of the best in the game. After football, Duerson owned three McDonald’s Restaurants in Louisville for a brief time and later bought Fair Oaks Farms and tripled its revenue to 63.5 million. He sold his stake in 2002 and started Duerson Foods. There was something hiding just beneath the surface that was ready to boil over. By 2006 Duerson Foods was a failure despite the fact that Duerson had proven himself successful in the field. In February of 2011, Duerson chose to end his life. The means was a self inflicted gunshot wound to the chest, not the head as is the most common act. His suicide note was a simple text message to his ex-wife and family, including his four kids. He wanted his brain sent to Boston University so they could do research on the impact of concussions on his mental ability. By May of 2011 researchers at BU concluded that Duerson suffered from a neurodegenerative disease linked to concussions. The deaths of at least three other NFL players are linked to the same disorder. I wonder if people will take note of cases such as this and start to steer their kids to other sports. Perhaps it has already happened. When I peer into my son Tyler’s class and look in on the best athletes, I don’t see many playing football. In fact of the top ten or so, only one suits up for the mighty Old Mill Bengals. We’ve never told Tyler he couldn’t play, but we’ve certainly never pushed him to it. He plays baseball and basketball and runs cross country and is completely content not playing football. He says that his friends don’t play and it’s not much fun getting your head beat in. It does seem possible that some of that is going on at Bullitt East as well. When I came here, it was common sense that the best athletes in the school were going to play football. There were a few exceptions, but by most counts they did. The past few years it seems that some that would have certainly been on the team have veered away from the field. Look around and see if you agree. Tyler Minogue probably would have turned into a solid safety. Alex Richardson has the body of a tight end. Adam Howell could have probably played a number of positions. Those guys actually did set out to play here and left the team for one reason or another. But what about the athletes that never suited up at East. Is Chris Embry not a stereotypical defensive back? Fast, strong, can leap and cut on a dime. If Embry was at one corner, how tough would it be to throw the ball if Trey Rakes was on the other corner? Luke Francke would be a great option for tough yards as a running back. Coulten Maupin would be an ideal option quarterback. Derek Willis would be a great...nevermind, D-Will doesn’t even look like a football player, but you get the point. There are a lot of really solid athletes here who have never donned a football uniform. That would not have happened a decade ago. The problem is, I know that it’s no one’s fault. The program here has continued to have good coaches and played for a state title in 2008. As I said, I really am a huge football fan. In fact, college football is my favorite sport to watch. Also, certainly, there are other factors. Youth football starts two-a-day practice earlier than ever. That may run some away. And well, if you start in July it’s going to be hot. It’s also tough to play X-box when you have to go to practice. In the back of my mind though is that football is changing. I will continue to be a fan, I’m just not sure who will be playing. Larry Steinmetz
APRIL2012 April 2011 NewsmagazineBEHSSpring2012issue4.indd 2
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Bullying: What Would You Do? editor-in-chief Larry Steinmetz managing editor McKenzie Perdew executive editor Cameron Love copy editor copy editor copy editor copy editor
Alex Richardson Maggie Smith Megan Tomes Megan Vance
creative editor Elynn Mullaney photography editor Emily Nalley advertising editor Hunter Wood business manager Coulten Maupin social network manager Keenan Cischke staff writers Adam Howell Ashley Cooke Austin Money Blake Allen Bri Hare Brooke Mullins Emily Hightower Emily Priddy Faith Pope Haley Simpson Katie Warner Leyre Ciganda Mackenzie Perdue Sanna Melke Trevor Waddell Epitudd: Enthusiasm, Passion, Innovative, Unity, Dream, and Dedication Livewire was re-founded in 2001 by journalism teacher, Larry Steinmetz. In the past, the Livewire has been a weekly newspaper, but starting this year, we will be a newsmagazine published four to five times a year. Although the print edition will not come out as frequently, the staff remains comitted to bringing the Bullitt East community the most up to date news in a quality format and timely manner. To get breaking news, sports updates, and more go online to ww2.bullittschools.org/behslivewire. The staff appreciates your patronage and encourages any feedback you care to offer. Letters to the editor must be typed and submitted via e-mail, to Mr. Steinmetz’s mailbox, or directly to room 324 within one week of the publication in which you are responding. Letters will not be censored, but must be deemed appropriate by the editor and advisor in order to be published. In order to be eligible to appear in the paper, all letters must be signed and verifiable. Names can be witheld upon request, but must be submitted with the original letter. Livewire is published by the students and for the students of Bullitt East High School, Emailing Mr. Steinmetz directly is the best way to reach the staff. His address is larry.steinmetz@ bullitt.kyschools.us. The Livewire is printed by Publishers Printing Company. Bullitt East High School 11450 Highway 44 East, Mount Washington, Kentucky, 40047. (502) 904-6400.
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How Have You Changed? 3
Even though kindergarten seems centuries ago, Megan Vance takes a look at how Cari Curtsinger’s and Alex Cooke’s kindergarten teachers think they have changed through the years and predict what kind of person they will become.
What’s Behind The Bow? 11 You may know him as the kid who wears bows, but there is more to him that meets the eye. Creative Editor Elynn Mullaney sits down with Lady Gaga fan, Tyler Mattingly, to talk about his likes and dislikes, hobbies, how he spends his days in and out of school.
Bully Free Zone?
13
“I Got A Joke For Ya...”
19
Bullying is one of the worst problems teens face today. Through interviews with Josh Milburn, Ali Conklin, and Mr. Clemens, veteran writer Cameron Love discusses how the issue has effected East.
It is almost a guarantee that everyone has been told a Mr. Hardin joke at some point or another during their days at East. Mackenzie Perdue takes a look at the “jokemaster” of our school.
Editorials
22
Keenan Cischke and Maggie Smith argue the different sides of Obama’s new contraception plan to allow birth control to be included in employee’s health coverage. HUMAN Volume INTEREST 2, Issue 4 4/5/2012 9:27:13 AM
What My kindergarten Teacher Thinks Now... compiled by Megan Vance l photos submitted l layout Megan Vance
Now
Then
“Alex Cooke was such a sweet little boy. He was very quiet and eager to learn. He loved Math. He always wanted to be challenged. I will always remember his bright smile. I hope I taught him that when something is hard for him never to give up. Also, he can be anything he wants to be if he works hard enough and believes in himself. I would think Alex is a straight A student who will be in the top ten of his class. I bet he takes all AP classes and is ready to go to college. I think he will be studying something to do with science and math. I wish Alex the best as he begins college. I know he will be very successful.”
The wise words of Mrs. Crumbacker from Pleasant Grove Elementary:
Always stay polite, sweet, and hard working. Never give up on what you want to be.
Then
“Cari Curtsinger was a cute little blonde headed girl with a sweet smile! I taught Cari to treat others the way she would want to be treated and share! I remember Cari as a quiet, sweet, and happy student. She was so eager to learn and be involved with what we were doing and what was going on. Cari was very easy going and did whatever was asked of her. Cari is a hard worker and she is a student you can count on to help with whatever is needed. She told me not long ago she wanted to do something in the medical field, perhaps nursing.”
The wise words of Mrs. Bleemel from Old Mill Elementary :
Continue to work hard in school and do your best. Don’t worry too much about all the small stuff in high school because it is only a tiny bit of whats to come in life.
Now
Where did other seniors go to kingergarten?
Amber Recktenwald Mrs. Tobbee, St. Bernard April 2012 NewsmagazineBEHSSpring2012issue4.indd 4
Logan Pruitt Mrs. Hicks, Brooks
Stephanie Bohr Ms. Bayer , Overdale ww2.bullittschools.org/BEHSLivewire/ 4/5/2012 9:28:03 AM
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JustinCrumbacker Reaching For Success article Emily HIghtower l photo McKenzie Perdew l layout Elynn Mullaney
Senior, Justin Crumbacker looks UP to UPS for future plans. Justin Crumbacker has high hopes for what is to come after high school and is looking to achieve each of his goals. (“Everybody should try their best at reaching for goals.” stated Crumbacker.) As the end of the school year is drawing near and seniors are getting anxious for graduation, senior, Justin Crumbacker is looking towards his future and what he wants for himself after the caps are thrown. He has always liked school and has enjoyed his time spent here at Bullitt East, but he is ready to enter the real world and workforce. Many people see Crumbacker’s potential as a hard worker and know he will be successful in whatever he chooses to do with his life. “I want to graduate and find a job. I hope to get on at UPS that would be really good,” said Justin. Justin not only has future plans of getting a job and being a contributing member to the workforce. “In ten years from now I want to have a wife and kids,” stated Justin. “I hope that Justin achieves his goals. He has been like a big brother to me and I just want to see him happy,” stated senior Trevan Griffin, who has known Justin since elementary school. Crumbacker has been influenced by many people in his life that have impacted him for the better. Throughout his high school career Crumbacker has had many friends who have helped him become a better person. “I like coming to school and seeing my friends it is my favorite part of the day. I think I have been influenced mostly by Mr. Edelen and my granddad; they have both helped me out a lot. My granddad has inspired me to be the best I can and just to be a good person,” said Justin. Inside of school Crumbacker is a good friend to fellow classmates as well as being a good student. He enjoys entertaining others. “I have known Justin for three years, but this is my first time having him in class. He always gives his best effort, and I never have to worry about him misbehaving or being late for class. He has a good sense of humor and is easy to get along with,” stated teacher, Mr. Aaron Troutman. “Justin is a really nice guy and he always has been. He is hilarious and always is saying funny and random things,” said Trevan Griffin. “He is a great person. He is a hard worker and very respectful to his peers. He always tries his best,” stated teacher, Ms. Kenny who has known Justin since he was a freshman. Whatever Crumbacker ends up doing in the future he has people who want him to succeed. “I hope Justin gets a degree or goes into a career he is interested in. I want him to be successful in whatever he does,” said Mr. Aaron Troutman. “I hope that Justin fulfills his goals and that he does something he really wants to do.” said Ms. Kenney. Livewire NewsmagazineBEHSSpring2012issue4.indd 5
FEATURES 4 4/5/2012 9:28:11 AM
Coming Soon….? The board will bring many changes to the East over the next couple years. Bullitt East High School will bring in changes over the next few years with some coming as soon as next year. Most know about the AB block scheduling that will be put into effect 2012-2013 year, but there will also be a housing system introduced during the year as well. Over the next few years, Bullitt East, along with the other high schools in the county, will add on to the school and construct a new wing. The AB schedule will be introduced to Bullitt East during the 20122013 school year. The schedule will increase the work load for students at the beginning of the school year, but once they adjust to the change of having different classes each day, the schedule will work out. There will be special cases in the scheduling that deal with foreign languages since they can’t be taken on an AB schedule. East is hoping the with the change from a traditional block schedule to AB block the students will have more time to prepare for end of course assessments and they will improve test scores. Also this schedule will take a load off of the counselors by only allowing schedule changes once at the beginning of the year rather than having one after Christmas break. “We don’t know how it will work yet, but it will reduce the number of class changes,” said Mrs. Steinmetz. In addition to the schedule, East will divide students into a housing system. The system can be compared to the houses in the popular Harry Potter book and movie series. “Our houses will have similarities
The Last renovation 2008 “The Dungeon” used to be the woodshop
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Trailors were placed during first holl remodeling
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because of the way that the houses are chosen. They are chosen at random and totally determined by what the student picks,” said Mrs. Steinmetz. At the beginning of the year, each student will randomly pick a house. The house the student chooses will be theirs for the remainder of their high school careers. All grade levels can be mixed into a house, and they will compete with other houses in competitions that involve attendance, GPA, and other contests throughout the year. Expansion is on the agenda for East in the near future. The county has given the green light for structural additions that will cost roughly six million dollars. The addition will include ten classrooms, one media/ technology room, one multi-purpose room, and one administrative area. East will locate the addition on the back left corner of the school where the tennis courts are located. The new building will connect to Easts main building through a pedway that will rise above the road that circles the school. With an already packed school, the new wing will allow for students to be spread out more. Although the new addition will disperse students, it will also be a long walk between class changes. “I have already been asked about the five minutes during class change, and I think it will be very difficult to go through the new wing to the newest wing in that time,” said Mr. Clemens. The construction could possibly be started in August of 2013. Once the plan is underway, it will take up to around eighteen months to complete. During the school addition, East will also go through heavy renovation. The renovations will include changes such as replacing lockers, a new stage, and new water fountains. The gymnasium will be receive a new floor, new basketball goals, and replacement of the motors thats raise and lower the goals. These renovations will occur during the additional construction.
Students will be placed into houses and will compete against students in other houses for points.
The existing tennis courts will be moved to accomodate the new addition that will include the multi-purpose room
2013-14... What’s in store for East? Renovation of the lobby and entry way
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Third hall is extended
Second floor addition
What will the school loook like in the future?
HUMAN FEATURES FEATURES INTEREST 6 4/5/2012 9:29:12 AM
Bowles, Jeff
compiled by Mackenzie Perdue l layout McKenzie Perdew
Tell me about your family, Mr. Bowles. I’m married to the lovely Nancy Karen Bowles, with three terific boys, Michael (25), Matthew (20), and Jacob (14), four dogs (Onyx, Lucky, Link, and Bo), two cats (Jenny and Mickey), and the two best parents in the world, Jim and Lois Bowles.
Who is your favorite baseball player? I love all of them.
What is the most embarassing thing that has ever happened to you as a teacher?
Jeff Bowles
- Business T
eacher at B
E
Mr. Bowles, a WKU and U L alum, cam to Bullitt Ea e st to teach b u siness classe Bowles is als s. o the head b aseball coach has been ver and y successful, taking the 2 squad to the 009 state tourna ment. You c find him in an room 334 te lling his hil life stories. arious
Who is your favorite baseball team?
When Mrs. Pitcock was pregnant (very pregnant) with her daughter, there was for some reason a loud beeping noise in the hallway and I instinctively said, “Watch out! Mrs. Pitcock is backing up,” and she heard me. We all laughed, but I felt kind of bad.
What is your all-time favorite quote? “I’ve never made an error on a ball I couldn’t get to.” -Timothy Dale Hester, my college roommate
What is your favorite thing about coaching BE baseball? Seeing the looks on the player’s faces when they are successful and spending time with the coaching staff. I wouldn’t trade it for any other.
The Bullitt East Chargers.
Where did you go to college and what was your major? WKU (BA in Advertising) and UL (Masters in Secondary Education)
Why did you choose to teach computer apps and business classes?
Do you have any unique talents?
I enjoyed business classes when I took them and saw them as being really helpful to students’ futures.
I have the ability of making my wife angry without even being in the same room as her.
What is the most interesting thing that has ever happened to you? Marrying my best friend’s sister.
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Where did you play baseball? Durrett High School (now closed) in Louisville. It is located where Male is now. ww2.bullittschools.org/BEHSLivewire/ 4/5/2012 9:29:41 AM
est
The Livewire sat down with Kimmie Miles and found out her nine favorite things of the moment. “My favorite food is Deep dish cheese pizza. It’s delish.”
“I drive a red Mini Cooper with a white top.”
“My favorite candy is sour patch kids. They are tasty.”
09
“My favorite singer is Colbie Caillat.”
“I am a Louisville fan. My whole family are die hard fans.”
things of the moment
“My favorite color is baby blue. It’s pretty and bright.”
“I’ll be attending college at WKU in the fall.”
“I’ve been in plays since freshman year and I am now the president of Drama Club.”
“I play the ukulele. I got it for Christmas a year ago and taught myself.”
Compiled by Faith Pope
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FEATURES 8 4/5/2012 9:30:23 AM
myStory articles Ashley Cooke l photos submitted by Ashley Cooke l layout Elynn Mullaney
Cole Gilbert Cole Gilbert is a junior and on the wrestling team. When he’s not on the mats wrestling, he is in his room writing music. “I draw and play music,” he said explaining his artistic abilities. “Going into the musical field is my life goal.” Gilbert is a self-taught artist and musician who has taken a few lessons in his past. Though music is his focus, he is found doodling from time to time and is known for his extravagant tattoos that he draws himself. If you see Gilbert in the halls, ask to see his tattoos. Both tattoos were found on the internet and drawn out and changed to fit Gilbert’s style. He is inspired by his progress as he gains bigger and better skills in his musical One of Gilbert’s tattooes is the one on his field. Playing guitar is his musical shoulder of Bowser. As a kid he always played Mario so it symbolizes his childtalent. He mostly listens to rock and hood. He found a picture on the internet metal and his favorite band is “For and drew it but changed a few things. Today”.
Kaylin Anderson Drawing has been a part of Kaylin Anderson’s life ever since she was born, literally. “I got it [skills] heredity,” she says. “Everybody in my family is artistic in their own way.” She owes her inspiration to her grandmother, who told her to keep going on with her ability. Anime is her chosen form of art to draw. Her favorite piece of artwork is her own drawing of Bugs Bunny. When asked why she drew Bugs Bunny she says, “I got bored one day and just thought about it.” She mainly uses pencils and shading in her picture of Bugs Bunny along with every other artwork she draws. Along with drawing art, Anderson also listens to a variety of music. “Art means a lot to me, I get my emotions out with my drawings.”
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Anderson decided one day while she was bored she wanted to draw Bugs Bunny, She only used shading for this picture.
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blogs features editorials contests Q&As editorials zingers photos news postLike the magazine? games polls twitter-feed links club featuresCheck e-magazines out theinterviews online newsblurbs blogs features editorials contests edition of the Livewire on... Q&As editorials zingers photos news post-games polls twitter-feed links clube r i w e v i l s h e b / g r features e-magazines interviews newso . s l o o h c s t t i l l u b . ww2 blogs features editorials contests blurbs Q&As editorials zingers photos news post-games polls twitter-feed links clubfeatures e-magazines interviews newsblurbs blogs features editorials contests Q&As editorials zingers photos news post-games polls twitter-feed links clubfeatures e-magazines interviews newsblurbs blogs features editorials contests Q&As editorials zingers photos Livewire
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HUMAN FEATURES INTEREST SPORTS 10
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TylerMattingly
One of Lady Gaga’s ‘little monsters’ is roaming the halls. article by Elynn Mullaney l photos by Emily Nalley l layout by Elynn Mullaney
Tyler Mattingly loves Lady Gaga and lives by her songs. Mattingly is a junior at East and also a part of the Drama club and hopes to be a part of the Sci-Fi club soon. Drawing and making his own music is what keeps Mattingly busy when he isn’t going to school or hanging out with friends. Mattingly also has big plans after high school as he hopes to go to beauty school and get his cosmetology license. You may know Mattingly as the person who wears the different types of bows in his hair, but that’s not all that makes Mattingly stand out. “Eccentric, bubbly, and vain[these are three words that Mattingly used to describe himself]. Eccentric because I’m unique and artistic, at least I think so. Bubbly because I always try to be nice to everyone and am pretty much always happy. Vain because I worry about how I look too much,” stated Mattingly. APRIL2012 April 2011 NewsmagazineBEHSSpring2012issue4.indd 12
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Even though Mattingly enjoys making his own music his favorite songs are either “Follow Me” by Ercola or “Metal Lover” by Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga’s songs aren’t just Mattingly’s favorite. Mattingly looks up to and is inspired by her, “I love her to death,” stated Mattingly, “I would love to be her [Lady Gaga]! All the outfits and access to studio equipment, that’d be great!” Mattingly excitedly stated. Other than Lady Gaga Mattingly also likes Ke$ha, “I wouldn’t mind leading an army of autotuned glitter freaks,” explained Mattingly. Something that Mattingly felt is interesting about him, “I’m not supposed to act or dress how I want, and that means wearing make-up, dying my hair blue, or whatever,” Mattingly stated. Even though some students don’t enjoy school Mattingly has a little bit of a different opinion. “I like Bullitt East; it’s a lot better than most people make it out to be. I don’t always feel like that, but most days I feel pretty appreciative to be here,” said Mattingly. As for the teachers Mattingly loves all of them but he says he is closer to Mrs. Swift, Mrs. Faith, and Ms. Bailey. After high school Mattingly doesn’t plan on staying here long, “I hope to move out of Kentucky, and become a makeup or hair stylist and then buy a small house to live in,” said Mattingly. Junior Abby Byers is one of Mattingly’s closest friends; they became friends during freshman year in their math class, “We knew each other in elementary school, but really became friends over games of Pictionary in Ms. Brock’s math class,” Byers stated. Before Byers knew him she thought he was “awkward” and “dark” but after talking to him she found out she was wrong. “He’s so loyal and understanding and I can trust him with everything,” said Byers. Byers thinks that something other than the bows Mattingly wears in his hair make him stand out. “Boldness and willingness to not care what people think and to really be himself whether people like it or not [is what Byers describes as her favorite thing about Mattingly],” said Byers. Byers favorite thing about Mattingly is his “hilarious personality” also she describes him as very outgoing, original, and humorous.
“Tyler’s weird, but he’s an amazing and talented person, more people should give him a chance to be who he is, they’re missing out on a really great guy,” said Byers.
}
“Tyler’s weird, but he’s an amazing and talented person, more people should give him a chance to be who he is, they’re missing out on a really great guy,” said Byers.
show it,” said Smith. The first time Smith saw Mattingly she felt like he would be a really fun person to hang around with, now that they are friends Smith acknowledged what she felt made Mattingly such a good friend, “he always has my back, and has proven it time and again,” said Smith. For people that haven’t known or spoken to Mattingly Smith shared something that she feels everyone should know about
Color? Red or Blue depend-
ing on how I’m feeling Movie? Lord of the Rings: Return of the King Superpower? Telekinesis Food? Pizza. Tv show? American Dad Biggest fear? Sharks
}
y
Mattingly is just a regular teenager that spends his free time hanging out with friends, playing Xbox or surfing the web for YouTube videos. Drawing and acting are some things that Mattingly enjoys. “I think I’m pretty good [at drawing] , I love drawing just random characters that pop into my head, or I like to draw my friends,” said Mattingly, “I also love drama club and I love acting,” said Mattingly.
him, “Everyone should know that he has a great taste in music and is fun to be around,” said Smith. Kelly Farner is a junior and one of Mattingly’s closest friends. They first met in the third grade where Farner says they did some stupid stuff together, they became friends when they realized they had the same interest in books and the common interest just went on from there. “My favorite thing about Tyler is his complete refusal to bend to whatever people think,” said Farner. Even through all the years they have still managed to stay friends. “He’s there for me and he listens to me and really helps me out,” said Farner. Mattingly in Farners words is very “great guy.” “He’s a really nice and sweet person,” said Farner. Most people find other things about Mattingly that makes him stand out but to Farner it’s something much different. “He’s flamboyant, he does his own thing and he isn’t afraid to, he kind of tries to stand out,” said Farner. One of Mattingly’s favorite teachers is Mrs. Faith who teaches English and other writing and poetry classes. Mrs. Faith has had Mattingly in class multiple times, she had him in her Young Adult literature, Paranormal Literature and he is also in the literary club which Mrs. Faith is in charge of. “He always has something nice to say, and adds to each class he’s a part of,” said Faith. Faith really enjoys what Mattingly brings to class she says that he is very thoughtful, friendly, and nice. “I think Tyler is a pleasure to have in class,” said Faith. Throughout all the classes that Faith has had Mattingly in she says that there is one thing that she likes the most about Mattingly. “He’s very easy to talk to, and can carry an interesting conversation,” said Faith. Mattingly is a friend to Faith but he is first her student, Faith expresses why she thinks he is such a good student. “He listens, and thinks about class activities and discussion,” said Faith. She also went on to say that Mattingly is “smart” and “insightful.”
Another one of Mattingly’s close friends is Kaitlyn Smith, Mattingly and Smith have been friends for about two years now, they became friends when they had Mrs. Faith’s young adult literature class together. Smith explained that her best memory with Mattingly was when she had to present a project when she had English three, “I was so nervous he made me start laughing and I was able to make it through the presentation, I knew he had my back then,” said Smith. Smith thinks that Mattingly is “funny” and “outgoing” but she feels her favorite thing about Mattingly is that he doesn’t really care about what people think about him, “Tyler is his own person and he isn’t afraid to Livewire NewsmagazineBEHSSpring2012issue4.indd 13
HUMAN FEATURES INTEREST 12 4/5/2012 9:32:07 AM
Is Bullitt East truly a
bully free zone? article and layout by Cameron Love APRIL2012 April 2011
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I
t’s 7:15 on a Monday at Bullitt East High School. The lobby is filled to the brim with students waiting to hear babbling about core content standards, and how to solve a twostep equation that they could care less about. The air is thick with chatter about the weekend’s happenings— what parties were attended, who hooked up with who, what Twitter drama arose because of it. The conversation then shifts to the usual subjects; oh look, there’s that fat girl who can barely get around without a jiggle, or as we like to call her white Precious. Oh look, over there, that faggot and his little friends with the rainbow hair are talking about God-only-knows-what, probably Lady Gaga or something dumb like that. Behind him, it’s that-kid-thatsmells-worse-than-you-know-what. Let’s get him some deo. Laughter erupts from the chit chat, and more laughter follows. Why can’t these people just be normal, like us? Oh, there’s the bell. Time for geometry. Although it’s easy to laugh at these people, it’s anything but a laughing matter. In this day and age, teenage bullying is at an all-time high; according to Stomp Out Bullying, a National Anti-Bullying and Cyber bullying program for teens, one out of four teenagers experience bullying. The problem has been thrust into the spotlight lately because of increasing teen suicides, and celebrities emerging to try and stop the hate.Bullying does occur at Bullitt East, like at any high school, but the current trend in bullying is to do it over the internet, which is called cyber bullying. Lately, a string of high profile cases that involve bullying and harassment have been reported heavily on by multiple media sources. One antidote that comes to the mind of many is the Rutgers case, where a young man named Tyler Clementi killed himself because his college roommate at the time, Dharun Ravi, threatened to out Clementi as being gay. The case was covered heavily by the media, and at the end, Clementi’s roommate was found guilty of invasion of privacy and of committing a hate crime; he could face 10 years in jail. In Mt. Washington, KY, bullying does occur daily, but not in the traditional sense. The stereotypical bully shaped like a refrigerator has been replaced by teens weaving hateful thoughts into their daily tweets and Facebook statuses. Smart phones have become the new tool of the trade, not fists. One victim is cyber bullying is Ali Conklin, who was tweeted about through an anonymous account. The account called
Livewire NewsmagazineBEHSSpring2012issue4.indd 15
“tweet some s---”, where anyone can say anything about anybody on the account’s website, and then it will be tweeted with its authors anonymous. “Some of the tweets were things like ‘Ali Conklin, no one likes you, go kill yourself’,” said Conklin, “It all happened on there [the internet].” The Bullitt East administration has taken note about the most popular form of bullying. “We [the Bullitt East administration] do try to monitor what goes on the internet. Once a week I search on YouTube and Google for Bullitt East,” said assistant principal Daniel Clemens. Throughout pop culture, an attitude to stop bullying has emerged. A constant theme of survival through struggle has also come forward in many movies and songs. In the movie spectrum, a new documentary
in support of youth spreading loving and kind words, not mean ones. Gaga also spread light on a different issue that has been emerging as of late; bullying of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, and questioning) people. In small town high schools, like Bullitt East, this has been a growing problem. As more people begin to accept LGBTQ individuals, even more hate from several entities has emerged. Bullitt East junior Josh Milburn has had many insults thrown his way because of his sexual orientation. “People make comments about who I like, my orientation. They always talk about that I’m ‘going to go to hell because you’re gay’, that Jesus hates me,” said Milburn, who has been disappointed by the way school officials have reacted to the bullying. “It’s funny,
“They always talk about that I’m ‘going to go to hell because you’re gay’ that Jesus hates me.” called “Bully” was recently released. The movie focuses on a child who is harassed at his elementary school for being different, and his parents’ struggle to try and change the current system that deals with bullying. The movie received an “R” rating from the Motion Pictures Association of America because of the strong language that is used in the film. However, multiple celebrities including Ellen DeGeneres have stepped out in support of the movie, calling it essential for kids to see, language and all. Music has also had a key role in trying to end bullying. In 2004, Christina Aguilera’s landmark music video for “Beautiful” exposed problems that multiple teens face, like anorexia and hate crimes. The video won multiple awards, and now has over 21 million hits on YouTube. However, when most think of celebrities speaking out against bullying, they think of another pop diva; Lady Gaga. When her single “Born this Way” was released, many of today’s youth found strength in the comforting words. Gaga even went as far as to start the Born This Way Foundation
because if we say ‘that’s retarded’ we get in trouble, if we say ‘that’s gay’, we don’t [get in trouble]. Although Milburn says that he has quit taking the bullying to heart, and “feels sorry” for the people who bully him, one incident that hurt him involved someone he thought was a friend. One time, when Milburn was walking through the lobby, he could tell that a friend and a group he was standing with were talking about him. Milburn asked them what they were talking about, and the “friend” replied, “Nothing fag.” Although the occurrence hurt him, Milburn grew because of it, and advises people going through the same problem to “definitely get some support”. As the student population of East continues to grow, the administration continues to attempt to stop any bullying they can. “It’s definitely more to deal with growth, but at the same time we deal with it. There is not a day I leave school where I don’t respond to phone calls. I want all students to feel safe and be safe at school,” said Clemens.
HUMAN FEATURES INTEREST 14 4/5/2012 9:32:07 AM
victims of
G N I Y L L BU You don’t know you’re a bully. You don’t know that a lot of the people whose stories I’ve shared have mentioned your name. You’re probably not reading this right now, but if you are, you should know how much you’re hurting people. Take a look in the mirror and ask yourself: are you the prettiest girl? Are you the strongest guy? What gives you the right to laugh at someone for the way they look? They can’t help it. Why do you think it’s wrong for someone to be themselves? Let them live their lives. What makes you better? Nothing. People kill themselves over less than your comments, so keep them to yourself. Will you?
If you’re reading these stories and have someone in mind, then why are you still reading? All of us have felt like the people in these stories. One small, offhand remark can change someone’s life. But you can do something. If you’re being bullied, you need to come to us. Whether that’s a counselor, a friend, or a parent, no one deserves to be bullied. I hope that throwing the word “bullying” around hasn’t lost its effect on you. Being bullied means having freedoms taken away, being afraid, feeling alone. The sad truth is that we’ve all been there; some of us just haven’t shared our stories. Is this you?
If you don’t take risks, you’ll never achieve your dreams. This was a hard lesson to learn for this girl, now a high school student. She spent every day in middle school as the victim of bullying and harassment. As cliché as it may seem to be bullied in middle school, it was much more complicated than that. The bullying started targeting her physical appearance. It may not have even seemed bad, just jokes. But the “jokes” continued every day. It only got worse when she was called a “snitch” and a “rat” for trying to protect her friends at a party. She became isolated. Alone. Now, however, the tables have turned. She found solid, supportive friends, won homecoming, and is universally loved by her teachers and classmates. Did you make fun of her? Some view being gay as an inborn quality that is out of your control. To many, living a homosexual life is also undesired, being the subject of hate crime and disdain. So what’s worse than being bullied for being gay? Being bullied because someone thinks you’re gay. This heterosexual boy, now a student at Bullitt East High School has always stood for what he believes in, but it wasn’t until middle school that life got rough. When you live in Mt. Washington and you don’t play parks and rec. basketball or cheer for the Vikings, and you do support minority rights, that can potentially put you in a place. So rumors got started, as they do for everyone, and even his best friends believed he was gay. Losing people who used to be close, getting harassed on Facebook, and getting stares walking down the hall have become a part of daily life. Are you making fun of him?
story
#3
#2
story
She’s the quiet girl. The one who likes to draw. The one whose mom is too overbearing and her dad’s not around. You may not even know who she is, but I doubt it. You’ve seen her, you’ve laughed at her, and you think she doesn’t know. She does. She spends every day with her head down. She focuses on her hobby because she doesn’t want to face the reality around her. The reality that she’s different, that people talk about her. She never says anything, but she wants to. She tells her story because I asked. Did you ask? It’s weird to me, that people get picked on for being smart. You all see the smart kids and you laugh at them. Did people make fun of Einstein? Da Vinci? Darwin? How can having the blessing of intelligence be a curse? Ask this B.E. student and he’ll tell you. He knows firsthand that being smart means when having people laugh when you raise your hand, answer a question, even use a particular word. He has accepted that athleticism is more venerated than intellect, but that doesn’t stop him from joining the academic team as opposed to the basketball team. Reading plays rather than making them. Even when he’s laughing and feigning on the bus, sometimes people push too far. He spends some nights crying until he can’t anymore. He can admit it, grow from it, learn from it. Could you learn from it?
#4 APRIL2012 March April 2011 2012 NewsmagazineBEHSSpring2012issue4.indd 16
story
article Keenan Cischke l photo Kaylee McClure l layout McKenzie Perdew
story
#1
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G
Who Are You in the BFZ?
What Would ... ...You Do?
compiled by Keenan Cischke l layout McKenzie Perdew
o
Bullying: Aggression deliberately and persistently directed against a particular target, or victim, typically one who is weak, vulnerable, and defenseless. -McGraw Hill
On this page, you can potentially bring a bullying scenario to life. It begins in one of the most popular harassment hot spots: the cafeteria. Seemingly a place to scarf down excessive amounts of chicken patties and Bosco Sticks, the lunch room can potentially be a place of awkward and uncomfortable situations. It can be, that is, depending on your choices. In this scenario, although innocent at inception, you eventually have to make choices that can come to define you as a bully, a bystander, or leader. Hopefully, through the flow chart, you can clarify and differentiate between bullying and joking with the opportunity to choose which path you think you would take. BE HONEST. Start at lunch and follow the scenario to reach a conflict resolution.
You’re sitting in lunch and you...
Be Careful!
Congrats!
Bully Alert!
Your actions have created a crossroad between bullying and making a difference.
You are being a good person and standing up for either yourself or someone else.
Your actions are consistent with that of a bully. You need to do some rethinking.
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FEATURES 16 4/5/2012 9:32:12 AM
Delaunay crosses the finish line into East Jessica Delaunay hurdles to the classroom. After setting many track and field records at Western Kentucky University Delaunay has moved on to become a psychologist for schools in Bullitt County. Delaunay is the school psychologist. Before becoming a psychologist Delaunay attended Western Kentucky University and broke many track and field records. Now, Delaunay uses her talents as an assistant coach for the track team. Delaunay graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2008 with a degree in psychology which has led her to become a school psychologist. She not only works at East but also Mount Washington Middle School. Which school she is at depends on the case loads. While she counsels students as the counselors would she also issues cognitive achievement tests. This is Delaunay’s first official year as a school psychologist as she was an intern last year. “I love to interact with children and help them reach their goal,” said Delaunay. Before breaking records at WKU Delaunay attended Claremont High School in Claremont, California where she participated in multiple sports. She played four years of track and field and three years in basketball. While participating in these sports she earned MVP honors three times on the basketball court and twice on the track. Delaunay was also named Claremont’s top field athlete. After graduating from Claremont High School Delaunay attended Western Kentucky University. As a member of the Topper’s track and APRIL2012 April 2011 NewsmagazineBEHSSpring2012issue4.indd 18
field team she set five school records. In 2007 Delaunay set the all-time record for the heptathlon, which includes seven different events over the course of two days. Delaunay also holds records in the javelin, triple jump, 60-meter high hurdles, and pentathlon. Delaunay gave her full efforts both in the classroom and on the track as she was selected as a member of the USATFCCCA Academic- All America Team. “I still like to stay active,” said Delaunay. For Delaunay, a talent for track runs in her blood. Delaunay’s older sister, Pascale, was an all Atlantic- 10 honoree at Rhode Island University. Now she is currently training for the 2012 Olympics. Delaunay’s other sister, Vallery, was also a sprinter at Western Kentucky University and holds some records of her own. Senior Jacob Duvall, who is coached by Delaunay, claims to owe his recent improvement on the track to her. Since Delaunay became his coach in January Duvall has already improved his personal records. “She helps me train better for hurdles because she can get out there and hurdle with me,” said Duvall, “she’s making me a whole lot better and she sets my goals high.” Duvall also commented on what made her a good psychologist, “She’s really kind and she’s one of those personalities you can’t help but like.”
All-Time
article by Emily Priddy l pictures by Emily Priddy l layout by Elynn Mullaney
Track leaders At WKU in Heptathlon with 4927 points (2007) in Pentathlon with 3456 points (2008) in 60M High Hurdles-8.80 seconds (2006) in Triple Jump 40-0 ½ (2007) in Javelin 118-1 (2007) ww2.bullittschools.org/BEHSLivewire/ 4/5/2012 9:32:19 AM
Bullitt East Recruiting Notebook 2011-2012 Senior Athletes compiled by Trevor Waddelll photos Molly Karrer and Abby Shelton
Jacob Duvall Height: 6’2” Weight: 170 Sport: Track (specifically hurdles) Major: English Schools interested: Lipscomb University, Centre College, Thomas More College, Gardner Webb. Jacob recently signed with Centre College. Biggest Inspiration: “Jackie Joyner Kersee. She’s an Olympic hurdler who worked with me and pushed me to be who I am today.” Awards:First Team All-State, track MVP for two consecutive years, school record for 110 meter hurdles, and 2011 state runner up in 110 meter hurdles.
Jamie Lutes Height: 5’2” Sport: Softball Position: Pitcher Major: Undecided Schools Interested: Asbury University and Transylvania University Biggest Inspiration: “My parents were my biggest inspiration. They have always pushed me and taught me to always think positive.” Awards: District MVP, best defensive player-varsity, All-Region team, and played on the 6th Region junior all-star team.
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HUMAN FEATURES INTEREST 18 4/5/2012 9:32:38 AM
CALCULUS:
CRACKING (UP) APRIL 2012
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Hardin Adds
Humor To Tough Subject article Mackenzie Perdew l photos Mackenzie Perdue l layout McKenzie Perdew
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t
How do you cure The Hiccups?
Rolltide! This Alabama fan also loves golfing, traveling, and making people laugh. Mr. Gil Hardin has been at East since 2000. He enjoys many things like golfing and traveling when he is not teaching. Many students enjoy Mr. Hardin’s funny personality. This math teacher is finishing his twelfth year teaching Geometry and Calculus. Mr. Hardin is not just known as a math teacher but also as the school’s comedian. “I enjoy any joke that makes someone else GROAN,” said Mr. Hardin. He was also the golf coach for a few years and this past season he was the scorekeeper at the basketball games. “I help out where I can and that (being scorekeeper at the basketball games) was really exciting,” said Mr. Hardin.
He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Western Kentucky University and his Master’s Degree from Indiana University. Before he became a teacher he worked in industry and was a scout master. When asked what made him want to be a teacher he said, “Working with young people and helping them develop their powers of reason.” Mr. Hardin has many hobbies including golfing, traveling, and music. When he retires he plans on traveling, playing golf, and visiting his grandchildren. If Mr. Hardin wasn’t a teacher he would love to travel the world playing golf. He also enjoys watching the University of Alabama play.
WoMen=Evil Why do elephants
paint their toenails
RED?
“Mr. Hardin is a really funny teacher,” said one of Mr. Hardin’s geometry students, sophomore Summer Mann. “He’s really easy to get along with and he’s a silly teacher but he can also be serious,” said another one of Mr. Hardin’s geometry students, sophomore Emily Richie. “He is a very interesting person but he’s a good teacher,” said another one of Mr. Hardin’s geometry students, sophomore Talayna Jesse.
that e k o j y n a “I enjoy akes m .” N A O R G else e n o e m o s -Mr. Hardin
DO you want some
cheese with that Wine? What do you call a deer with bad eyes??
What are those
Strings
hanging out of your
Shorts?
Answers:
Hiccups: Put your head in a bucket of water and take ten deep breaths. Elephants: So they can hide in cherry trees. Bad eyes: A bad eye deer. Strings: Your legs. Livewire NewsmagazineBEHSSpring2012issue4.indd 21
FEATURES 20 4/5/2012 9:33:11 AM
Obama Contraception Plan The United States Health and Human Services department created a law that would make it mandatory for all private healthcare plans to cover contraception and abortion- inducing drugs. All employees with a healthcare plan will now be able to get contraception for free. This is even mandatory for Catholic institutions, including Catholic hospitals, universities, and charities. articles Keenan Cischke and Maggie Smith l layout Katie Warner
Yes
While it may not be a trending Twitter topic, the controversy created by Obamacare is the new political buzz. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a recently issued health care statute from President Obama. The bill outlines insurance requirements expected from employers to employees as far as coverage. Contraception coverage is the big issue in what some are calling “a moral outrage,” however, birth control is a necessity in modern day and all women should have the right to practice. Catholics are the most predominant protesters among Obama’s critics (even though 98%of Catholic women use birth control). Their view on sex is that it is purely procreative. To the Catholic Church, birth control is condemned. But in modern society, it has become essential for intercourse as well as a form of population control. Aside from the religious objection, the opposition makes serious hypocritical arguments. They say that it’s insensitive and unfair to give Catholics the opportunity. However, contraceptive coverage is not biased based on education, career, or socioeconomic status. All employees receive free health care benefits. So why should we make religious discriminations? But if religious discriminations are called for, President Obama has already, respectfully, come up with an answer. Finding a solution to make everyone happy, if a woman’s employer is a charity or a hospital that has a religious objection, then the insurance company will be required to reach out and provide the woman with contraception care FREE OF CHARGE. There is no debate. Obamacare pre-preventive policies are unavoidable, non-negotiable, fair, and everyone wins. Some Bullitt East students have strong opinions on the subject. Molly Karrer, Catholic senior, added, “Personally, I don’t think it’s entirely a bad idea. It could really help people who can’t afford birth control methods but at the same time I understand why some people have problems with it.” APRIL2012 April 2011 NewsmagazineBEHSSpring2012issue4.indd 22
No
One may ask how this mandate specifically affects the Catholic religion. Contraception and abortions are against the Catholic religion. “Catholics believe that life is sacred and that it begins at conception. Many pharmaceutical forms of contraception are effective precisely because they act as ‘abortifacients.’ This means that they prevent - after conception - the newly formed life from properly implanting in the uteran wall. The contraceptive itself, therefore, essentially acts as an abortion-inducer,” stated St. Francis Xavier’s Father Paul Beach. Consequently, Catholics believe that using contraception is ultimately murder. This mandate explicitly violates our country’s First Amendment. Catholic institutions must go against their religious beliefs and morals and provide contraception, in turn violating the freedom of religion in America. “The mandate to provide services or products that are deemed to be immoral by any individual or organization who objects is an unconscionable violation of the religious liberty of that individual or organization,” said Fr. Paul. In past history, the United States government has protected religious liberty. Examples include anything from military exemptions for citizens who do not believe in war, to Supreme Court decisions allowing churches and individuals to make decisions based on their religious beliefs. If religious liberty is protected in these cases, why is the Catholic faith not protected in the HHS contraceptive mandate? There is no current exceptions to this mandate, but The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is urging for “The Respect for Rights of Conscience Act to be considered in Congress to ensure ‘retaining the right to provide, purchase, or enroll in health coverage that is consistent with their religious beliefs and moral convictions,” stated in a recent St. Francis Xavier bulletin insert.
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Letter to the Editor
In Response to Top Ten/Valedictoiran Article America was once a great nation, the greatest nation in the world. America was a nation of opportunity in which the tired, the poor, and the huddled masses yearning to breathe free could live the American dream that burns within the core of every American. The American dream that does not discriminate in regards to race, ethnicity, or gender; the dream that declares all people have an equal opportunity to live life, to enjoy liberty, and to pursue happiness. However, this dream is not given, and like most things in this country, it comes at a price. The price is not monetary, but rather it is dressed in overalls and looks like work—hard work to be exact. The ability to exert one’s self in order to contribute to the productivity of the common welfare is the common ground among all Americans. However, this common ground provides each American with varying levels of success: some achieve the (almost) perfect life (good, well-paying job, good family, good friends, good coworkers…) and some must grind their fingers to the bone and labor arduously two times a day just to make ends meet while raising children without the help of a spouse. Each of these two types of people might have worked just as hard as the other in order to get to their current situation; however, the life of the former is much better than that of the latter. But why? Both put in the effort to achieve success, both wanted to be in the “one percent”. How come only one of them could do it? The answer is simple: Only one of them could do it. Only one of them was capable of transcending his competition to achieve success. Only one of them was capable of being the best despite the rest of the people striving for that same goal. But why? They were all hard-working. Once again, the answer is simple: Hard-work does not breed success, because most of the times there is somebody better, somebody more deserving, somebody more efficient, somebody else who won. Because of that somebody else, someone else lost. And nobody recognizes the loser, for the loser is not as good as the winner. And the Top Ten and Valedictorian won. They conquered their competitors; they overcame their obstacles. Many people might have worked hard with a goal of being in the Top Ten, but only Ten can win. Not eleven. Not twelve. Not twenty. Ten. Likewise, only One can be Valedictorian, only One can graduate at the top of his class, only One can be the best. Despite any good intentions (such as honoring those who did not win because they were not good enough), trashing the Top Ten and Valedictorian is un-American. America was founded on everyone doing what was necessary to thrive. Also, Americans have the natural desire of competing (and winning); no win, no success is achieved if no one loses. Furthermore, why fix what is not broken? Initially, America was founded on everyone doing what was necessary for them to thrive, for them to live the way they wanted to live. On July 4, 1776 a bunch of insignificant people from a bunch of insignificant colonies challenged the greatest superpower at the time to a war even though they were extremely inferior to the British in multiple ways. America won because they had the desire to win, and the British did not. With the change to receiving Latin Honors instead of being in the Top Ten, academic competition will lessen because the desire to be among the Top Ten would vanish. If everyone gets to be great, then Livewire NewsmagazineBEHSSpring2012issue4.indd 23
who cares about being the best? Despite the competition lessening, there will still be a few who try to be the best because competition is natural for people. But these hardworking individuals would only get recognized as equals even if one of them beats the other person by having a higher GPA that still falls within the GPA range of the Latin Honors. If someone were to barely get the summa cum laude with a 4.25 GPA and another were to get a 4.35 GPA in order to receive the summa cum laude, then neither gets the recognition they deserve. Neither gets the recognition they deserve because although one got a higher GPA, although one was better, they both receive the same honor, they are both treated as equals. The one with the 4.35 GPA deserves a higher recognition for all of his hard work that he did to be considered better (academically) than his peers. We are American! We want to boast about our victory! This Latin Honor system does not allow that; therefore, academic competition among students would lessen. And if it does not, if students still want to do better than each other whether there is a Valedictorian or not, then why change it? So, why change the Top Ten and Valedictorian? This has been the tradition for hundreds of years among even the most prestigious universities. It is changing because some people feel that some people’s hard work is going without enough recognition? Change only needs to be implemented if the product that will occur results in something superior to the thing prior to the change. Changing from the current recognition system to the one with Latin Honors is unnecessary. In conclusion, everyone works hard (some harder than others) in order to get where they want to go. Those who are better go farther and achieve more than those who are not. No one cares about the loser; the loser does not deserve recognition equal to the winner. America and Great Britain could not both win the Revolutionary War. If both could, then they would not have fought as hard. If they did not fight as hard, then there would be no reason to fight the war in the first place. This same principle applies to the trashing of the Top Ten and Valedictorian. If everyone gets to be at the top of their class, not as much effort will go into competing. If not as much effort goes into competing, then there is no reason to compete at all. Not everyone deserves recognition for their hard work, unless their hard work results in victory over their competitors. Unless their hard work results in being Valedictorian or being among the Top Ten. However, since there is such a great unfairness in having only the Top Ten of each of Bullitt County’s three high schools to receive recognition for their hard work that led to their eventual success in school while some students who did not take as many weighted classes or did not possess the ability to receive that weighted grade would be without recognition for their mediocrity, a reasonable compromise to trashing the old tradition is simply combining the two systems. The Top Ten and Valedictorian would still be recognized for their hard work while those capable of getting a 4.0 GPA or above can still receive all the recognition they deserve for their hard work. -Sal Lanci
The Livewire accepts all letters to the editor. The writer is responsible for all content. Send all letters to larry. steinmetz@bullitt.kyschools.us HUMAN OPINION INTEREST 22 4/5/2012 9:33:12 AM
Megan Tomes
Affirmative Action Causes Favoritism
contact Megan - megan.tomes@stu.bullitt.kyschools.us This action causes a negative reaction. Affirmative action was intended to encourage diversity, but it only causes problems. Affirmative action enforces the idea that equality in education and business needs to be mandatory. This will affect people who are looking for jobs and students who are applying to colleges. Students and teachers, who are a part of the Charger nation, feel that this policy is wrong. More specifically, affirmative action is a policy that states that businesses and colleges need to have a certain percentage of minority groups and ethnicities represented. In 1965, President Johnson drew up the affirmative action executive order that set the guidelines businesses and educational facilities were to follow. This policy was created to prevent discrimination and create diversity. “This policy does create diversity, but it also discriminates against other students and their desire for continuing their education,” stated math teacher Stephanie Brock.
Yes, it was wrong how minority groups were treated throughout our country’s history, but the situation has changed. Discrimination is nowhere near as extreme as it was in the 60’s. People want equality amongst different ethnic groups, but this policy is putting some up on a pedestal because of past events. Those who are part of a minority group don’t deserve a scholarship just because they had ancestors or great grandparents who were discriminated against. It’s better to accept the past and move on in a positive direction. Race shouldn’t be a factor; people should receive a college education or job based on their qualifications. Students and teachers feel that affirmative action is unfair to those that are not a part of minority groups. “It’s unfair. If there is a bunch of qualified students they won’t get into college or get a job because they are not part of a minority group,” said senior Whitney Hutchins. “The majority of my students will have to work harder to get the education they want and deserve. Of course, they will appreciate things they have to work harder for. However, it will be difficult to see others getting things for free when they are just as deserving as others,” quoted Brock. Affirmative action sends the wrong message to students who are working hard. If they feel that their hard work will not pay off because of a policy like this, then they may stop trying to go to college or get a good job.
The majority of my students will have to work harder to get the education they want and deserve.”
Back in the 60’s this policy would have been necessary because African Americans and other ethnicities had limited rights, but now it is not needed. Minority groups have the same opportunities as the majority of the nation now. Everyone, no matter what race, has the right to a free public education. At those public school facilities everyone will receive the same education. From there they have the choice to take their education seriously and work hard to make it to college and get a job. Affirmative action is handing people a college scholarship or a job based on their race, not their qualifications. This policy is no longer solving discrimination issues, it’s giving people an easy way out.
“I feel like it (affirmative action) is not a good thing. I don’t think they should base things on sex and race. Just because you’re part of a smaller group of people shouldn’t give you an advantage,” says senior Alex Cooke.
This will affect people who are not a part of minority groups. Colleges have to accept a certain amount of students from different ethnicities. This means that students who have applied and qualify could be denied acceptance to a college, because the admission counselors need to meet the quota of minority groups. “Even when I started my college career in 1991, I knew that certain minorities were given special treatment and scholarships due to a quota. I felt that I was less important and that my education wasn’t valued as much as their education. I even resented the people and the school for not giving me the same consideration,” said Brock. Affirmative action can cause grudges amongst students and fuel the discrimination that this policy was supposed to stop. Admittance to college should be based strictly on the person’s qualifications. Colleges may be turning away an excellent student and giving a scholarship to a student that will end up wasting the education. APRIL2012 April 2011 NewsmagazineBEHSSpring2012issue4.indd 24
What do you think about affirmative action? Are you for affirmative action? Let us know. Send all letters to larry.steinmetz@bullitt. kyschools.us ww2.bullittschools.org/BEHSLivewire/ 4/5/2012 9:34:10 AM
Alex Richardson Sports Sexism At East
contact Alex - alex.richardson@stu.bullitt.kyschools.us After the game will you make me a sandwich?
sports.”
After the winter sports season, East students are debating whether there is sexism at East.
Others don’t necessarily share the same opinion as Orkies. Junior Zach Mattingly is one of these people. Mattingly also frequently attends basketball games, usually just the boys, and is now beginning to go to East baseball games. “I think just because they don’t go to the girls’ games because they can’t do what the guys do is sexism,” said Mattingly.
There are many opinions here at school on if there is sexism in the school sports, those saying there is and those that say there isn’t. There are many facts that can support either way if there is or is not sexism here at school. Basketball is the most referenced sport in the sexism debate. Facts have to be presented to form opinions though. It is not a secret that more people overall, and especially more students, attend boys sporting events. It is also clear that the Red Zone is more “rowdy”, and overall is more into the game at boy’s games. Basketball, although it is the most obvious and the central focus for sexism in Easts’ sports, is not the only instance; Baseball and Softball attendance and hype are also varied in support. The Twitter universe is a prime example and could be a factor in this.
“I’m not saying that I go and watch every girl’s game but I feel that the reasons people, as well as myself, give for not going to female sporting events defines sexism.” Orkies in her defense of the lack of sexism at East went to college basketball as a reference for her stance. “I mean it’s like saying that more people go to UofL men’s games, than women’s games because every Louisville fan is sexist. That just doesn’t make sense.”
I think just because they don’t go to girl’s games because they can’t do what guys do is sexism.
Baseball and softball overall have gotten much more preseason hype than in years past, by far, but it still seems that the boys are getting more support than the girls. With pages on Twitter such as @ Cleatchaserz, and hash tags such as #cleatchaserz, support of baseball is a growing trend among females on Twitter.
Twitter has opened up many different opportunities for many ideas and events to be advertised and expressed to many people. The fact that most starters on the basketball team get “Shout outs” before every game alerts every follower of that person and more, that there is a game tonight and if you’re reading this then you should be there. The boys in both sports do frequently seem to get more of these “Shout outs” for whatever the reasons may be. Here in lies the heart of the debate is it because of sexism, do the boys players have more friends, do the boys promote themselves more, or do things like Twitter even have an effect on things like game attendance. One of the many people making their opinions known on the hot topic of sexism in Easts’ sports is Trish Orkies. Orkies is a junior here at East and she is in the Red Zone, attending both boys and girls games, and also frequently attends baseball games. “I don’t think there is any sexism in our schools sports…,” said Orkies. “People go to boys games [basketball] because they are more fun to watch. There are some things guys can do that girls just can’t in Livewire NewsmagazineBEHSSpring2012issue4.indd 25
“More fans attend men’s athletics than women’s in every boy/girl sport at every level at that sport. That is just how it is.” continued Orkies. Mattingly reiterated his point in his accusation of sexism, “that is the definition of sexism, favoring guys sports over girls sports because of what the guys can do and the girls can’t do.”
The fact that the idea of sexism could be present here at a high school is not a surprise, but what is a surprise is that there are many different opinions and everyone seems to be voicing them. The debate between the two interviewed in this article makes interesting points for both sides. The side for against sexism seems to be stronger though. Just because it is preferred by certain sports fans to watch games they deem to be more exciting, doesn’t make them sexist. The boys games just happen to be the games that are more frequently exciting in the eyes of most people, therefore making sexism not present here at East.
What do you think about sexism in East’s sports? Does it exist? Let us know. Send all letters to larry.steinmetz@bullitt. kyschools.us HUMAN OPINION INTEREST 24 4/5/2012 9:35:00 AM
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I’m McKenzie Perdew? High School is Actually Useful
After recently scheduling classes for my first semester of college (which, by the way, is the most stressful thing ever seniors), I found myself reflecting on everything about my last four years. I wanted to figure out how high school had actually prepared me for my future, so the search began for the most helpful things I had learned and this is what I came up with: Haterz gunna hate. Rihanna had it right when she said that people are going to talk whether you’re doing bad or good. No matter where you are in life or what you do, there will always be those people who are going to talk badly about you behind your back to others, or to your front, if they’re gutsy enough. People will always talk; nothing will ever change that, but what matters is how you handle all the hate. You can either a) let it go to your head or b) let it roll off your back and stick to your guns. High school taught me that if you let every little thing every person says get to you, you completely lose yourself. You just have to do you and everything will be alright. Besides, those naysayers probably just wish that they were you anyways. Hard work pays off. Nobody wants to have to work hard, but it’s a part of life. If everyone had it there way, everything would be served to them on a gold platter and with a silver spoon, but that’s not the way life works. Having to actually work hard in my AP classes was probably the biggest kick I could have ever gotten and definitely the most helpful towards the future. I had never really had to study for anything before to pass; I just did. Having to actually work to get an A for something was hard at first, but I learned that if you want to achieve a goal, you’re going to have to work your butt off for it. Nothing comes easy. Procrastination Station is not a pleasant place to be. When you come to high school, no one is there to hold your hand and remind you that you have to get your work done. It is your responsibility to remember and procrastination is probably the hardest thing for high schoolers and for you underclassmen, it’s going to get worse next year when you are on the new AB schedule.
looked too hard, we gave up and asked someone else to do it before. However, when we came to high school, that technique didn’t fly so well. It took me five weeks on my own this summer at GSP, but I finally learned that if you don’t do it for yourself, you will never learn how to do anything. Eventually, those people who do everything for you will be gone and what will you be left with? A bunch of stuff that you don’t know how to do because you never did it for yourself? If you want to survive life, you have to know how to do stuff on your own and the only way to do that is to put some elbow grease in to it and do it yourself. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Next to procrastination, judging someone without knowing them or their story is the next easiest thing to do. Time after time, we just take one look at a person and make harsh judgments just by looking at their clothes, grades, or appearance. You can make as many judgments about people as you want, but it is almost guaranteed that you will be wrong because a person’s story always shapes who they are. As a person, you don’t like to be judged incorrectly, so it is imperative that you get to know someone before you decide who they are. Who knows, they might surprise you and you might actually like them. It’s happened to me plenty before. It’s okay to be yourself (even if it means saying fetch.) Just be yourself because it will make your high school days a lot more fun than they would if you were just a copy of someone else. Be an original and don’t stick to the status quo. If you want to grunge clothes every day, go for it. If you want to implement the word “fetch” into your everyday vocabulary, knock your socks off. Don’t let the Regina George’s of the world tell you otherwise. Life is a lot of fun when you listen to yourself more and less of other people. So, turns out, high school prepared us for life after all.
If you know something is due, just get it done and out of the way as soon as possible. Facebook, Twitter, and the couch are always tempting, but you have to have willpower or else you will become the laziest person ever. Just get the assignment done because it’s better to be asleep in bed at midnight, rather than being in your bed awake at midnight making a PowerPoint. Some stuff you just have to figure out yourself. There are always going to be things that we don’t understand. Before high school, if we didn’t understand something or we just thought it
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