the messenger
VOL 16/ ISS 2
Mind Over Malady
pg. 15
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masthead CONTACT US
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
STAFF
(770) 497-3828 nhsmessenger@gmail.com 10625 Parsons Rd Johns Creek, GA 30097 nhsmessenger.com
Nithya Mahakala Sarika Temme-Bapat
Atenea Caldera Megan Cistulli Kyndal Dickey Kaushal Gandikota Aniruddha Gupta Arib Husain Upasna Kotakonda Suchita Kumar Nikki Lokhande Ben Minder Evan Moody Meghana Ramineni Noelle Reid Irene Rho Sophia Rivers Sruti Sajja Erin Shin Jennah Sooknanan Sheetal Tadiparty Jennifer Xia Sravika Yerneni Sydney Yim
PUBLICATION The Messenger is a student publication published for and distributed to the Northview 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 Northview High School, its students, faculty, staff, or administration. Content is edited and controlled by staff editors. The staff will publish only legally protected speech, adhering to the legal definitions of libel, obscenity, and the invasion of privacy.
Amanda Beard Mira Sydow
NEWS EDITOR
Shashank Ganeshan
SPORTS EDITOR Akshay Nair
FEATURES EDITOR Sherry Liang
OPINIONS EDITOR Jack Lowrance
PHOTO EDITOR Justine Ulrich
LETTERS TO THE EDITORS
BUSINESS MANAGER
The Messenger staff welcomes letters to the editors but reserves the right to edit all submissions for length, grammar, libel, obscenity, and invasion of privacy.
ADVISER
ADVERTISING The Messenger 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 Messenger, please contact the business manager.
IN THIS ISSUE
Cover design: Mira Sydow
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MANAGING EDITORS
Alex Perry Chris Yarbrough
contents 05
13
24
EDITOR’S LETTER
SENIOR NIGHT
OPINIONS
NITHYA MAHAKALA
06 MONTHLY BRIEFS STAFF
JENNIFER XIA SRAVIKA YERNENI
14
ATHLETE PROFILE ATENEA CALDERA
SPECIAL
26 FACEOFF
ANIRUDDHA GUPTA BEN MINDER
08
15 *
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MOCK TRIAL TRIP
A LOOK INTO CTE
STAFF EDITORIAL
SOPHIA RIVERS
STAFF
STAFF
09
20
29
NOELLE REID
STAFF
JACK LOWRANCE
10
22
30
ANIRUDDHA GUPTA SRAVIKA YERNENI
JACK LOWRANCE
STAFF
CLUB UPDATE
SPORTS BRIEFS
HOMECOMING COURT
BUBBLE TEA REVIEW
THE LOW DOWN
COLUMNS
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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Not So Picture-Perfect
t all started, of course, with a handful of allegations against Harvey Weinstein, but in the days since then, there’s been nothing less than an uprising of women going public with stories of sexual harassment and assault. More than 50 women have now spoken out about their alleged experiences with Weinstein. After The Times reported Sunday that 38 women had accused writer-director James Toback of sexual harassment, more than 200 other women contacted the paper to describe similar unwanted advances he allegedly made. Others have complained about Amazon studio chief Roy Price (who subsequently resigned) and Nickelodeon’s “Loud House” creator, Chris Savino (who was fired). And it goes well beyond Hollywood: legislators and political operatives have been accused of sexual misbehavior; magazine editor Leon Wieseltier lost funding Monday for his new journalism project after he was accused of “inappropriate workplace conduct”; two senior executives at Fidelity Investments were fired for making sexually inappropriate comments. Can anyone doubt that we’ve only begun to recognize the scope of the problem? Disturbed as we all should be by the enormity of the situation, an extremely important and positive message is being sent: that women should feel comfortable reporting unacceptable behavior, and that there will be consequences for the perpetrators. In recent days,
we’ve heard abject (if, sometimes, pathetic) apologies from offenders; we’ve seen people fired and stripped of honors. Stories told by actresses about being harassed by Weinstein once elicited a dismissive “Oh, that’s Harvey” from colleagues. Now, however, he has been completely banished: His company fired him, his brother denounced him, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences kicked him out, his colleagues condemned him, his wife left him. But naming and punishing individuals is only part of the solution. Sexual harassment is endemic in our society and our culture. In the days ahead, we must think hard about what is and isn’t sexual harassment, re-examine the rules that govern it — and then make sure that they are enforced. A human resources office that takes a complaint from a woman about her boss and then does nothing more than pass it on to that same boss is not serious about investigating and adjudicating complaints. Attitudes have to change. That starts with educating boys and girls about what behaviors are unacceptable or unacceptable. It’s true that most businesses make supervisors and managers take some kind of training about sexual harassment, often in hopes of avoiding costly lawsuits. But tolerance of sexual harassment remains far too high, and real consequences too infrequent. Nithya Mahakala, Editor-in-Chief
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IN BRIEF At Northview High School, many students experience an immense amount of stress from trying to keep up with their workload from school and extracurricular activities. As a result, many different clubs came together to form Stress Awareness Week. This one week allows students and teachers to relieve stress by enabling them to let go of all the worries via various activities. In addition, it encouraged high school students to have an overall better attitude towards school. Northview’s Beta Club worked to put together a week of distributing stress balls, having time off after classes, and bringing in puppies for students to play with.
10/20 Numerous allegations of sexual harrasment and rape were brought against Harvey Weinstein.
During Homecoming Week, students showcased their creativity by making affectionate posters in order to ask a classmate to the dance and by developing costumes to wear throughout the week. Students have the opportunity to have a little fun in their school day. On Tuesday, Dynamic Duo allowed friends to dress up in a common theme and have fun with their outfits. Pajama day was on Wednesday, and the school dressed up in their nighttime attire to express what they feel most comfortable in. There were also various lunch competitions held on Thursday where the different classes came together and competed for titles such as the best competitive eater. Then the Friday before Homecoming was the pep rally where each class dressed up according to their theme and demonstrated their class spirit.
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NEWS
The Messenger’s monthly digest of events at Northview and around the world On Oct. 19 the Northview theater department began getting ready to put on a performance called the One Act Play. The show is put up by the students of Northview and directed by the drama teacher, Benjamin Mclain. This year’s play, “Spinning into Butter”, written by Rebecca Gilman, potrays a story that shows the dangers of both racism and political oppression that America has faced currently. The One Act Play is an event that has happened every year ever since the school has opened. Students perform in front of judges and go up against other schools to compete for a prize.
Voters declared Catalonia, a region in Northwest Spain, to be an independent republic in a recent referendum.
10/01
10/24 The World Series matchup between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers began on Oct. 24.
One of the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history took place in Las Vegas on October 1.
11/4 Early in November, Northview held their annual “Aces 4 Abbey,” to commemorate Abbey Rice. This event is not only to honor Abbey, who had loved being on court with her fellow teammates and serving others around her, but the proceeds from this event goes to the Abbey Rice scholarship fund. In recognition of Rice, boys battled it out on the volleyball court. The “Aces 4 Abbey” boy volleyball tournament demonstrates the loves and appreciation the students of Northview have for her. Family, students, and teachers gathered together to celebrate the prestigious memory of Abbey Rice.
10/17 NBA Regular Season began.
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MICHELLE CAO/SPECIAL
A Fresh Season Northview’s Mock Trial team heads to Yale University to kick off their new year as the first tournament of the season SOPHIA RIVERS, STAFF WRITER
D
uring a four day period this past month, the Northview Mock Trial team attended the Yale Bulldog Invitational in which the varsity team competed against various schools from all around the United States. Elizabeth Lake, the head of the Mock Trial team and literature teacher at Northview, spent months practicing with and coaching the team, and she accompanied the students to New Haven. Principal Brian Downey and Lake are extremely proud of their students and are eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to travel to Yale again to compete especially considering how it helped the team prepare. “Our kids are having the opportunity to be on that campus, learning from and with other students and Yale students, that are experienced and knowledgeable,” Downey said. “I think it is just an amazing thing for our kids to be able step foot in these places and to literally stand next to and with these great kids around the country and students around this campus.”
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For months, Mock Trial has been preparing and learning their roles for this occasion. Students constantly practiced, rehearsed, and refined various aspects of their case including direct examinations, cross examinations, and opening and closing remarks. Many of them were forced out of their individual comfort zones and had to fill roles they have not previously been in. Since the competition adhered to college rules, senior Ania Thomas, cocaptain of the team, noted that the group had to learn and decipher a new set of rules different from what they had been used to using during their Georgia Mock Trial Competitions. The experience served as a great chance to get back into the season. “True opportunity to me would be any door opened to me that I have the option of taking and stepping through,” Thomas said. Lake has been coaching Mock Trial for 13 years, and she also competed in it when she was in high school. Not only does Lake have experience but also an
outstanding amount of expertice, recently being awarded the Georgia Outstanding Teacher Coach of the Year in 2017. Two of Lake’s co-presidents from last year’s team made the UGA Mock Trial team this fall. Currently, the two Mock Trial co-presidents are Thomas and junior Shashank Ganeshan. “I love seeing students develop their confidence and knowledge of the law over the course of a season, and I really enjoy seeing many students go on to compete on Mock Trial teams in college,” Lake said. Downey remains both passionate and proud of the Northview students’ accomplishments which include being the region champions from 2012 to 2016, district champions in 2015 and 2016, state runner up in 2013 and 2016, and state champion in 2015. “Our students have been wonderful,” Downey said. ‘They embrace it, they dive into it, they own it and they kind of live it and breath it. They are standing in the paths of success on a local level, a state level, and a national level.”
Helping Hand
NEWS
American Sign Language Club helps to make Northview students hard of hearing comfortable in high school NOELLE REID, STAFF WRITER
ARIB HUSAIN/STAFF
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orthview High School is full of a diverse student body with many different passions and interests. There are plenty of extra-curricular activities for the students to be a part of that caters to what they are interested in. For example, there are a large assortment of clubs that operate at Northview. Some interests for students may include discussing and solving issues that take place in the world inside and outside of Northview. "You guys, look at the world around you, and you go ‘I want to make a difference and have an impact on that world.’ You know if something’s not right, you want to fix it and want to do something about it’,” Principal Brian Downey said. Seniors Cahil Potnis and Nidah Arman, are working to resolve an issue that goes virtually unknown to students, the unrecognized divide between hearing students and deaf students at Northview. Arman and Potnis are trying to merge the deaf and the hearing world by being the co-presidents of the new American Sign Language club, ASL club. “I’m interested in teaching people, hearing people, how to learn [how] to communicate in deaf community, and deaf communication” Arman said.
Arman knows the separation of the two worlds better than most students here at Northview, as she herself is a member of the deaf and hard of hearing community. Arman is well immersed in deaf culture and uses American Sign Language as her daily method of communicating with hearing students and other deaf people. “Deaf culture is very different than hearing culture. ASL is a very strong part
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an opportunity for students who want to experience something different and learn something new. He advises students who would also like to reach out to others while simultaneously learning about a different lifestyle. “Give sign language a chance, because it’s not like other languages where it’s a lot more verbal, it’s a lot more based on your actions, so it’s different that way,” Potnis said. Learning American Sign Language and joining the club is a great chance open for those who would like to immerse themselves in a different culture, and learn about a different lifestyle. Closing the gap and informing the community is just one way that Potnis and Arman are compassionate at Northview. Both Potnis and Arman would like for the club to continue beyond when they graduate from Northview and are excited for the future of the club and how it will continue to benefit Northview students. “When we created this idea of our four pillars, based on what our kids already do, that makes them successful, and that word compassion, came up over and over. We don’t preach to the kids, we are just trying to enforce the things that they were already doing,” Downey said.
Give s i gn la ngu a ge a chanc e b e c a u s e i t i s no t li ke o th e r la ngu a ge s . . . i t i s a l ot m o re b a s e d o n your a c ti o ns.” of deaf culture, it’s a very important part,” Arman said. She aims to make communication between deaf and hearing people easier, and to educate Northview on the differences between the cultures, and the different parts of the lifestyle that goes along with sign language and being part of the deaf and hard of hearing community. Arman’s partner, Potnis is a hearing student who was interested in learning something new, and he thought to try learning ASL. The new club provides
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SPORTS in
BRIEF
Northview’s fall sports teams end their seasons strong KAUSHAL GANDIKOTA AND SUCHITA KUMAR, STAFF WRITERS
Softball Northview’s softball team has been struggling to gain a foothold this season. They fell to their region rivals, Chattahoochee, 11-5 on Sept. 28, lost to Pope 13-0 on Sept. 27, and Norcross 16-8 on Sept. 25. Winning to North Atlanta 13-4 and Centennial 10-7 have been the highlights of the season. During the team’s difficult times, Thomas Baker, the head coach, confirmed that this is the last season that he will be coaching. “I have learned a lot from coaching, and believe that the team will find a way to succeed,” Baker said. Years of his dedication shown through hours of practice leaves a future trend of improvement. While a deep run in playoffs may not be attainable, the improvement should help in the future.
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Cross Country Northview’s cross country team has had a strong season so far. The Wingfoot Cross Country Classic was held on Sept. 23, and the boys claimed a new school record: Michael Smith’s time, 16 minutes, beat the previous school record by 10 seconds. Both the female and male varsity and junior varsity eams have placed top three at the majority of the meets; they hope to attend the state meet that looms ahead. The team continues to face obstacles; the success of the girls’ team has been subdued ever since their state champion, who placed top five overall, graduated two years ago. They did not qualify for the state meet last year, but have been practicing rigorously in order to regain their lost legacy. The team’s vast preparation involves stress moderation and cautiousness when running in different meets. “We have to watch out on what terrain we will be running in; it could be on flats and hills or gravel,” junior Sriya Karra said. The team focuses on earning the least amount of point to place at regionals and move on to state. Each individual aims to place high enough so that they can earn points for their team. “The coaches remind us of what we have to do to reach our goals and how to take care of our bodies so we can perform our best,” senior Alexa Ward said. “We are extremely supportive of one another.”
Football Northview’s football season started off rocky, but the team is slowly gaining their footing. The team’s current record is 1-4 wih tough losses in the region against Johns Creek and Alpharetta. The team is working hard to develop chemistry and get used to the new coaching style implemented by Thomson. “It’s a good change; he knows what he’s talking about. He really likes being with us every day. If we keep working hard, hopefully we can make playoffs this year,” junior Colin Ferguson said. The transition from the old coach to the new coach presents a learning curve, but the group is doing all they can to ensure that their season progresses in a favorable manner. Once they get in sync with the new coach, they can implement new routes and mechanics into its game. They hope they can build on their success in the Dunwoody game and instill a good work ethic. If they can build on their one win, the Titans will be poised for sucess going forward.
Volleyball The Northview volleyball team had its share of difficulties this season. With merely two wins, it is hard to keep a positive outlook, but the team is determined to maintain a postive attitude. Their two wins were against West Hall High School and Pinecrest High School. The second win came on senior night, a huge moral boost for the team. The team has suffered tough losses in close games, but the overall team spirit and improvement has been a bright spot. “The team has shown a lot of improvement and the line-up is good. They’re constantly working. We’ll see how the regional match goes,” Head Coach Christopher James said. The two wins that they have gotten this season are a result of their dedication, and if they continue to give it their all, the future will be bright for them.
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Senior Night
SPORTS
Northview volleyball and softball celebrate their seniors as they wrap up their consecutive seasons JENNIFER XIA AND SRAVIKA YERNENI, STAFF WRITERS
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n the past week, Northview’s softball and volleyball teams have been honoring and celebrating their seniors through the annual senior night. “Senior volleyball night is a time to honor and appreciate the seniors; the team gets to have this opportunity to speak about them and it’s a heartwarming experience for everyone,” senior Ananda Thomas said, a varsity volleyball player. Volleyball’s senior night took place on Sept. 15 in the gym, where friends and family of the senior volleyball players gathered. The event started with a quick introductory note from head coachChristopher James and librarian Darryl Paul. “We are immensely proud of our senior girls. They have grown so much and learnt so much, and I cannot wait for another amazing season with these girls,” James said. The night went on to include each senior walking across the gym with their family, as friends and family cheered them on. Also during that time a designated friend would speak of their accomplishments and
personal anecdotes with them. “Most of these girls have been playing for quite a while and have grown into such lovely ladies. They have become such beautiful, well-balanced girls and volleyball has definitely shaped them to be that way,” Terri Dixon said, a mother of one of the senior
As for softball senior night, it was a sweet and quaint celebration of the three graduating athletes: Sophia Hamill, Rui Fujinaga, and Katie Armstrong. “It was short and sweet. All the parents were able to make it out to escort their athlete,” Thomas Baker said, head coach of the varsity softball team. Along with the graduating players, Baker ended with a final farewell that night as well. This meaningful goodbye reflected on Baker’s concluding thoughts as the varsity softball team’s head coach. This was not a farewell to the graduating players, but to Baker as well, as his final year as coach finished. “It was a growing season,” Baker said. “I enjoyed the time I had working with the program.” These senior athletes will be greatly missed, alongside their legacy in the softball field or the volleyball court. The mark they left behind is guidance for future athletes. Just as the seniors impacted Northview’s athletic department, the support for their future will be just as great.
“ We are i m m e ns e l y pro u d of our sen i o r g i rls . Th ey h ave grown s o m u ch a nd l e a rnt s o m u ch”
- C h ri s to ph e r Ja m e s players. Afterwards, the girls mingled with one another, enjoyed the food and looked at the posters and decoration made of them. Unfortunately, the team lost to Galloway 3-1 later that evening. Despite the loss, the leam had fun and was able to enjoy the rest of the night.
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highlights
profile Michael Owen, 12 ATENEA CALDERA, STAFF WRITER
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fter many years of hard work as Northview High School’s varsity football kicker and punter, Senior Michael Owen surpasses expectations as both a valuable asset to the team, but also a much relied on leader. Owen is head of Northview’s special unit team while serving as a leader for underclassmen and fellow teammates at practice, as well as one of the best kickers Northview has seen in a long time. “He has been more of a vocal leader on the sidelines, but he has also gotten better at his craft, he’s become a better punter and kicker,” Danny Young, assistant coach, said. “I would say his punts are about 10 to 15 yards further and I would say his hang time, which is huge for college, is probably by another second which is enormous.” Before Northview football become an essential part of Owen’s life, his leg for kicking came from a background in soccer. Having played football at a very young age and being involved with multiple soccer training programs growing up, his natural ability is no surprise. “I played football when I was younger and I had been playing soccer my whole life and [I said] ‘I kind of want to play football again’ [so I] picked it back up,” Owen said. Since being on the football team at Northview, Owen has set a bar for oncoming players to meet, and he set it high. Every Saturday and Sunday, anyone can find Owen practicing his kicks and punts for at least three hours straight. At practice, he assists snappers and setters with getting lined up, on top of being a part of the special units team. By instilling the right mentality through his own actions as a hard worker,
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Owen’s dedication has helped the team further itself both in their physical abilities and relationship as a team. “His best quality is his work ethic,” Young said. “He’s the hardest worker on the team because he never has to be told what to do.” Senior year not only includes breaking personal records and becoming a leader, but also the opportunity to pursue football after high school in college. Owen’s passion and hard work for football can be see reflected in his academic life as well as he hopes to receive a scholarship from the Georgia Institute of Technology. With a D1 leg and high caliber grades, there are many doors for Owen to choose from, yet for kickers the process is slightly more difficult. “What’s hard about being a punter and kicker is that they really have to wait until the last minute to find out if they got a scholarship,” Young said. As Owen waits to hear from more colleges, he continues to grow as an athlete, student and leader. With the football season over, Owen will play for Northview’s soccer team as an opportunity to keep his kicking leg up to parr and finish the year doing what he loves. “Keep a short memory and move on to the next play,” Owen said. “You can’t dwell on your success or your failure, you have to keep moving on and keep learning.”
5/8 Field G oal Attempts
Longest Field Goal 39-Yards
15 of 18 PAT
UPASNA KOTAKONDA/STAFF
features
MIND over MEGAN CISTULLI, STAFF WRITER SHERRY LIANG, FEATURES EDITOR AKSHAY NAIR, SPORTS EDITOR THE MESSENGER | 15
As new C TE research develops in the medical world, a controversy is emerging in sports from the national level to a high school level on the necessary precautions needed to prevent these injuries from o ccurring.
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It could
sport was worth putting her son’s future on the line. While he only experienced a grade two concussion and was able to recover within a few days, the long term consequences still linger to this day. In addition to the possibility of stronger concussions in the future, athletes with head injuries, including himself, face the risk of developing Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Nana-Yeboah acknowledges this potential danger, but his passion for the game surpasses any doubts about playing. “CTE is my biggest fear. I researched it, and it could happen to anyone. Football is a violent game,” Nana-Yeboah said. “Even if I don’t play [professionally in the future], I’ve already had seven years of football under my belt, so there’s no stopping it now.” While Nana-Yeboah has come to terms with the risk already, his mother worries about the safety of her son, and as a parent, her son’s health is the primary concern, whether it be his physical or mental well-being. However, she recognizes his passion and insistence to continue playing football despite his multiple injuries, ensuring that she relentlessly stresses the importance of playing safely. “Even before CTE became a big thing, I was worried about him and his mental health, but he loves the game so much and
is my
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or decades now, football has established itself as a cornerstone in American culture, and from town to town, high school stadiums fill to the brim on Friday nights to celebrate the football players and each high school’s achievements. The student section comes alive, filling up with friends, parents, brothers, sisters; all gathering to demonstrate their school pride and their love for the sport and its players. But at around 10:30 every Friday night, the lights to the stadium turn off. Loyal fans and family members file out the field, and for them the night has ended; their duty to the sport is done, and the three hours of nail-biting trauma is over for the week. However, the game is far from over for the football players. For players like senior Farid Nana-Yeboah, football is a full-time commitment of time, dedication, and their health. It should come as no surprise, by the tackles and hits thrown between full-grown boys, that football is extremely dangerous for the players themselves. Every game is a risk, and Nana-Yeboah has experienced his fair share of injuries, everywhere from minor bruises and sprains to tearing his ACL. However, the most concerning injury across all players, parents, and coaches are hits to the head, and Nana-Yeboah’s concussion in sophomore year was nearly enough for his mother, Serena Haruna, to question if the
ANYONE. -Farid Nana-Yeboah
UPASNA KOTAKONDA/STAFF
won’t quit,” Haruna said. “I just tell him to be as safe as possible and let him know that his health is the first priority.” The illness Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, commonly known as CTE, is a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated brain trauma. In football, most brain injuries occur when players force contact at full speed. Even though athletes might not be diagnosed with a concussion after every hit, small repetitive collisions over just ten years of football may culminate in irreparable damage. Over time, a brown protein called Tau forms, killing brain cells and resulting in negative consequences. Effects of CTE
include emotional and behavioral instability, depression, short-term memory loss, and difficulty with walking or basic movements. The issues associated with concussions were initially ignored and dismissed as mere side effects of playing a violent sport. However, in the 90s, prominent players such as Steve Young and Troy Aikman retired from the National Football League (NFL), citing concussion concerns as their reason. In 2002, Dr. Bennet Omalu examined deceased Hall of Fame center Mike Webster’s brain, and his extensive research introduced the world to CTE. By 2005, he released his studies of Webster’s brain, spurring subsequent studies
strengthening evidence of the correlation between football and brain injuries. These efforts researching the link between football and brain deficiencies did not hold enough evidence to prove a need for any significant changes. Other than mandating an independent neurologist on the sidelines for every team, the league has cemented its controversial position that there is no definite link between football and CTE. The most recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 110 out of 111 former NFL players they studied had CTE, and three of 14
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high school players studied also had it. The development that CTE could be developed after playing at just the high school level comes with consequences concerning the longevity of football. With new studies, more conclusive studies being published, the number of kids playing football have drastically decreased over the last decade. Northview athletic director Scotty McDaniel has noticed this trend in football and belives that if it continues, there will be point at which football itself could die out, giving rise to other sports such as soccer and lacrosse. “Numbers are down, not only here, but all across the country from football simply because parents, when kids are at a younger age, just aren’t feeling comfortable letting them play. The trend keeps going towards less people playing, so it ultimately could get to that point where you see a rise in other sports,” McDaniel said. As the wide receiver coach at Northview, Mark Clements is well aware of the recent scrutiny placed on football injuries; however, with experience at both the high school level and collegiate level, Clements, while still cautious, is familiar with the precautions necessary to prevent head injuries. “It starts with youth football and learning how to tackle without without using your head,” Clements said. “I don’t know if you can really prevent it but definitely reducing it would be at
the youth level just because it doesn’t really happen at that level. That’s really the time that kids learn all of their fundamentals.” Junior Will Caylor is all too familiar with the procedures a player has to undergo after a head injury, as this past season he received his fourth concussion since fourth grade. While his concussions have ranged in severity, every
grade,” Caylor said. “I’ve put so much of my life into the game that if I stop before I actually have to, then it all seems like a waste.” Unlike Caylor, who is making the decision stop football by the end of high school, Centennial senior Emeka Nwanze has aspirations of becoming a professional. As the leading rusher in Georgia, playing one of the highest contact positions of the sport, Nwanze is forced to address the issue of CTE in relation to his own career and goals as a football player. While he is aware of the developing CTE research and its long-term effects, his ambitions of succeeding as a professional far surpasses his concerns of his health. “I have to put the consequences second after all of my dedication to this sport. It is a way of life that I have been living for most of my time on this earth,” Nwanze said. With future expectations of thriving at a top ranked Division 1 school and then getting recruited by the NFL, CTE resides at the back of Nwanze’s mind, as his progress cannot be hindered by the potential consequences of it, especially if the research is still developing and not concrete yet. “I will continue to play football in college and the professional level because it is what I have been working for my whole life,” Nwanze said. Student athletes like Nana-Yeboah, Caylor, and Nwanze all work hand in hand with the trainers on and off
“I’ve put so m u c h of my l i fe i nto the gam e that i f I s top b e fore I ac tually have to...i t al l s e e m s l i ke a waste” -Wi l l C ayl or
TRUTH CTE
hit is a greater scare for both him and his parents, and both sides must carefully analyze his situation every time to prevent long-term effects. However, even though Caylor has accepted a future past high school without football, he is continuing his high school football career with caution, continuing to pursue his passion in football. “People tell me that I am crazy to keep playing, but I’ve been playing since second
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the field, who are first hand responders in attending to the players’ injuries. Head Athletic Trainer Karen Cantrell and Northview’s Team Physician Oluseun Olufade, MD work jointly in treating players immediately following their injuries, and they are in charge of determining whether or not the players are fit to continue playing. Their first priority is always the athlete’s health in the short term and long term effects. “I tell the athletes all the time, as with all injuries, our sports medicine team walks a fine line every day as we don’t want to release an athlete one minute too soon, but we also don’t want to hold them out one minute too late,” Cantrell said. “If a concussion is not reported properly and they receive another impact before symptoms subside, they are opening themselves up to what is known as ‘Second Impact Syndrome’ which is considered serious medical situation.” Ultimately, in addition to their own intuition, the trainers adhere to the regulations implemented by the GHSA, which receives instruction from the NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations). The NFHS closely monitors the developments in research of major football-related injuries, and although CTE is a major concern across all levels of judgement, there is still more room for research to develop. “There is still a lot we don’t know about CTE. Further research need to be done on risk associated with participating in various contact sports, are there individuals at more risk of CTE and the link between concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Of course, the concerns with CTE and other sports-related injuries is not limited to
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WITH PLAYING
WITH SHOULDER
the sport of football. The growing concerns for the long-term health of student athletes is heightening in importance, affecting sports from soccer to cheerleading as research begins to emerge of greater consequences than young athletes are capable of envisioning. “Football, for a lot of reasons in society, has been a focal point for things like CTE because it is such a high profile sport in our country, but it is not isolated to just football,” Downey said. But as the high school football season begins to calm down, as the attention turns from Friday Night Lights of high school to Sunday Night Football for the NFL football season, as football players in their senior year head off to play football for bigger teams and bigger crowds, the research continues, and the concern lingers. While concrete research on CTE is still an ambiguous issue, this newfound attention to students’ health is sparking a potentially life changing conversation in the future of high school athletics.
96%
OF DECEASED NFL PLAYERS
79%
OF DECEASED FOOTBALL PLAYERS THE MESSENGER | 19
SUSIE TRAUTWEIN/SPECIAL
2017 Homecoming Court 20
Northview’s senior homecoming court poses for a picture the night of the homecoming game versus Cambridge High School after senior Lisa Herman (center) is crowned queen
THE MESSENGER | 21
FOOD REVIEW: IN SEARCH OF JOHNS CREEK’S BEST BUBBLE TEA JACK LOWRANCE, OPINIONS EDITOR
S
ince moving to the area several years ago, I sometimes ponder the current state of the Johns Creek bubble tea community. I’ve still yet to settle on a favorite cafe. And with this sense of indecisiveness, my love for the drink has faded. So in the spirit of rekindling an old romance, I’ve at last set out to settle the debate once and for all. Before drinking any tea, however, I had to set a few parameters. Sit-down restaurants won’t be considered. Each cafe must be within a two mile radius of Northview. And each cafe has to be within Johns Creek city limits. With these limits in mind, four bubble tea spots stood out: Snow Mountain, White Windmill, Greatea, and Snowy Rolls.
#1
Greatea Tucked away in a quiet stripmall, Greatea is just down the road from school. It’s a hidden gem if there ever were one. Though a bit of a newcomer, Greatea might just be brewing up the best bubble tea in town. The tea: Served on ice, the traditional bubble tea is the goldilocks of milk teas. Not too bitter. Not too sweet. The tea is brewed mild. The milk level is just right. And the flavor is balanced yet delightfully complex. The boba to tea ratio was on the lower end of the four I tasted. But adequate nonetheless. Greatea makes the best bubble tea in Johns Creek. You’re doing yourself a disservice if you’re going anywhere else. The atmosphere: Modern. Comfortable. Clean. Windows line along one wall of the cafe, letting in lots of natural light. Low set sofas and sleek coffee tables sit next to the windows. High top tables and a larger communal dining table hug the other wall. This one, completely covered by a grey mural. A piano lies next to the counter. And a few plants hang from the ceiling, adding an interesting bit of greenery to the space. Outside, several tables are scattered around the entrance-perfect for some afternoon studying on a cool fall day. The atmosphere, like the tea, has a nice sense of balance. Good for studying. Good for spending time with friends. And anything in between.
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#2
#3
Snowy Rolls
White windmill Walkable from school, White Windmill is primarily a bakery. But its bubble tea is nonetheless satisfactory. Unorthodox presentation sets it apart from the competition. And the vast array of baked goods on display is sure to please many. The tea: Closer to smoothie than bubble tea, it had the thickest viscosity of the drinks I tested. With a mellow sweetness and a green hue, the tea was undoubtedly satisfying. The taste was very true to its description. And the boba to tea ratio was on the higher side. But if you’re in the market for a more traditional style bubble tea, White Windmill will disappoint. The atmosphere: Bakery oriented, the space is centered around a long central table. A vast display of delicious-looking baked goods covers the table-- taking the spotlight. Booths hug the walls. A counter sits at the back of the shop. The space has a nice sense of minimalism. And with a notably spotless floor, the space is very clean. If you’re looking for a quiet place to study near school, White Windmill is certainly a valid option.
#4
FEATURES
Snow Mountain Snow Mountain is a Johns Creek institution. It’s walkable from Northview. And the owners are some of the kindest you’ll meet in the area. But let’s be honest, the emperor has no clothes. Snow Mountain’s flaws are multitudinous. And it’s hard to envision a scenario in which they are remedied. I hate to speak ill of Snow Mountain, but it was by far the worst bubble tea of the group. The tea: Immediately upon tasting the green milk tea, I was overwhelmed with a burst of sickly sweetness. Clearly artificial, it was the most underwhelming of the group. The boba to tea ratio very high. The tea was very milky. Lacking ice though, it warmed up faster than the other bubble teas in the group. Served in the normal format, however, the presentation was reasonably attractive. And visually at least, the tea appeared appetizing. The atmosphere: A dingy space to say the least. Booths line on one wall. And a couple chairs with tattered upholstery sit near the front window. A play table with a few toy trains strewn about lies on the opposite side of the door from the chairs. The service is very slow, so lines often grow quickly at peak times. The grimey space, however, is brightened by the kind owners. Despite the spot’s obvious shortcomings, It’s hard not to love them.
Primarily an ice cream shop, Snowy Rolls serves up a variety of bubble teas as well. And although their ice cream may be top notch (seriously, if you haven’t had it-- you haven’t lived), their bubble tea is disappointingly less than satisfactory. The tea: Served in a traditional format, the house bubble tea was brewed on the stronger side. And because of this, lent itself to a decent sense of bitterness. If you enjoy strong tea, however, you may have enjoyed it more than I did. The tea wasn’t horrible, but certainly not great. Forgettable at best-- it’s obvious that bubble tea isn’t a priority. The atmosphere: Snowy Rolls is a new age ice cream parlor. A long mirror hangs along one side of the shop. With grey tile floors and white walls aiding a good sense of modernity. The menu is written out on chalk boards. And the kitchen is separated by a glass wall so you can watch as your order is prepared. Several tables and a long counter along the front window allow for ample seating. But considering how busy Snowy Rolls can get, scoring a place to sit is still somehow difficult. If you’re looking for a good way to bookend an eventful Friday night, Snowy Rolls is surely a reliable bet.
THE MESSENGER | 23
OPINIONS
The Priviledge Walk
In this supposedly progressive demonstration, everyone takes a step back
A
student joked he wouldn’t take steps forward, so he wouldn’t seem like a bad person. Right then, I knew this activity was going to be utterly horrible. During the Privilege Walk, participants stand in line holding hands, taking steps forward or backward depending on sentences read aloud. For example, one statement directed us to step forward if our family is supportive. This activity, designed to physically reflect privilege, divides participants and promotes a terribly pessimistic view on the certainty of life’s unfair nature with faulty methodology. I, along with two white males, ended the farthest forward. While our class discussed the activity, I sat in cowardly silence, biting my itching tongue. Every student was measured that day. Not by work ethic, not by what we do for others, but by what we look like and where and with whom we grew up. What place we stood in line defined us. It was disheartening, almost frustrating, watching kids listen to an ideology which tells them they can’t flourish, while they excel in so many facets of their lives. But one of the most privileged, criticizing this cherished activity? I sat in silence, and after deliberating with students who were
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LEIGHA WHITRIDGE/SPECIAL at the front of their classes, so did they. This is one of the inevitable, divisive outcomes of the Privilege Walk. If you are in the front, your perspective is invalidated, and even more so if you reject the walk’s “enlightenment” as it tries to mask guilt as empathy. I hope you don’t, but many reading this will disregard my remarks because of where I stood. Not only does the Walk deliver guilty sentences, silencing people, the system of measuring is deeply flawed. The statements consider incompatible factors, crafted to fill an agenda in order to push minorities back. A statement read directed those whose first language was not English to recede, however, most in the working world would agree that bilingualism is an advantage over monolingualism. With statements like “Step forward if you are a white male,” it is clear this activity does not accurately portray privilege. The fact that males, predominately white and asian, facing affirmative action’s reverse discrimination (despite numerous lawsuits) was never mentioned. Some directions are not even linked to privilege, as one instructed those who have ever been afraid because of gender to step back, thus equating being scared one time to a lifetime of fear. The
Walk, yet again, misrepresents privilege. In Buzzfeed’s Privilege Walk, a lesbian, black woman was the farthest back. A participant declared that “no amount of hard work or even legislation can make up that gap,” suggesting she is incapable of reaching favorable economic status or happiness because of race, gender and sexuality. But I don’t buy it, and neither should you. We should not permit others to control our potential, yet this is exactly what the Walk does; it limits our untapped talents in changing what we can control, based on self-perceived societal injustices. It’s troublesome, while trying to be progressive, an unsettling competition to play the fashionable victim card emerges although we have no control over privilege; all we can control is how we react to hardship. Instead of focusing on differences, we could observe Wes Moore, Ayaan Hirsi Asi, and Jeannette Walls, for they morphed circumstances of poverty and abuse into triumph. We could serve the suffering, we could live independently, we could dance in the face of adversity; but the Privilege Walk advocates for a sad existence, believing the fragilest of limitations define our future.
OPINIONS
Decolonize Your Mind Colonial oppression continues to propogate negative consequences in modern society RISHIKA SINGH, SPECIAL
C
olonial processes, which seem like an ancient undertaking, have unknowingly shaped our society today and told us that western society is the benchmark of success and progress. I am told to be ashamed of my heritage, bury it in the deepest hole I can dig and leave it in the past as an untamed and uncivilized wild animal that no longer deserves to run free in the beautiful forest of my mind. Colonial society is not historic trend, it is a blood that runs deep into my veins, that was forced into my ancestors in place of their own blood, and poisons me every time I deny my own culture for what I have been told is purer. The trend of viewing western culture as the model of an idealistic society has impacted my everyday life. When I dress myself, I dress to be western, when I write, I can only do so in English, and though I am capable of fluently speaking my own language, my thoughts are in a language that is foreign to my peoples. So you must understand, the assignment of finding my voice has been quite the challenge, because I feel that my voice has been lost---both literally and figuratively. If your parents are immigrants, you will understand, at least a little, a constant feeling of guilt, inadequacy, or betrayal towards your home country. Many of us cannot read or write our own language, only dress in traditional clothing on special occasions, and seldom take the time to appreciate our religion or values. This is because of the lack of importance that is given to our own culture in a country that worships the progress of every individual towards a modern, western culture. During the British occupation of India, Indians
were only seen as valuable when they adopted to British ideals and culture and neglected their own in the process. The dehumanization of the average Indian, which was clear in signs that read “Indians and dogs NOT allowed” on the gates of properties of British officials in India, drove my people away from their own culture which they now envisioned as a gross dirt only hindering their progress towards an idealistic, western society. When I read “Alice Walker’s In Search Of Our Mother’s Gardens”, I remember the lines and wrinkles on my grandmother’s hands that showed her wisdom and beauty like the rings on a tree stump. My nani was a very talented person and my mother has countless talents too, but they lived in a society that subdued their creativity and heritage and determined their value off of their capability to conform to western standards. Both of them pursued a path of safety or what they believed to be guaranteed success without bothering to acknowledge that of which could have genuinely made them happy. 70 years after independence from colonial rule, my mother’s mind is still colonized every day, my mind is still colonized every day, and my daughter’s mind will be colonized every single day. If you visit modern day India, you will see the lasting impact of British colonial rule. The average Indian dresses in exclusively western clothing, to work and school and on any casual occasions---western clothing is a norm. We have large businesses, modern infrastructure, and numerous successful industries (not to mention one of the world’s largest film industries). However, the constant viewing of India as
a “poor” and “backwards” nation, remains to this day. This image of India was created by the same people who oppressed India during its colonial rule in order to drive some of India’s greatest minds away from their own country to a “highly developed” country that would not hinder their growth. My own parents left India for the United States, which was believed to be a promise land that would take them away from the repulsive backwardness of their homeland. In fact, recent controversy over the Snapchat C.E.O., Evan Spiegel, labeling India as “poor” nation has received a lot of attention considering Spiegel’s net worth is 4.9 billion USD and Mukesh Ambani’s (one of India’s most famous businessmen) net worth is 30.3 billion USD. This view of India only perpetuates the cultural oppression and ignorance that strays from western societies; the once diverse and beautiful Indian culture has been reduced to henna and tapestries. The fear that I carry in my heart, that I’ll forget how to pray, or my children won’t be able to speak a word of their mother tongue is proof of the impact of colonialism on not only the scars on our homeland but those on our heart. We must not stray farther away from the culture that we worked so hard to preserve in the darkness of colonialism, or forget the pains and blemishes of colonial oppression that our own people and culture have so tirelessly endured. We must dig our hands into the beautiful soil of our mother country and plant new seeds for a brighter future while not forgetting to appreciate the vast forests that our ancestors have already planted for us.
THE MESSENGER | 25
faceoff:
is football
the
WORTH RISK?
26
yes ANIRUDDHA GUPTA, STAFF WRITER
A
merican football is an essential element of American culture. The sport represents not only the grit and competitive attitude of Americans, but also the importance of brotherhood. Football is too important of a sport culturally to be shut down because of the risk of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. CTE is a disease that is a result of the constant hits to the head. The disease leads to depression, anxiety, and suicidal actions. Many players have even taken their own lives because of CTE. However, while recognizing the detrimental impacts that CTE has on players, it is important to discuss solutions to this disease instead of taking away football altogether. The NFL has already taken steps to lessen the number of hits to the head. The rules of NFL are changing, and safer equipment is constantly being innovated. To limit helmet-to-helmet collisons, the NFL now pro-
hibits hitting defenseless players above the shoulder. Improvements in helmets can have a considerable impact in making the game safer. Current helmets have a foam pad that lines the inside. Some helmet companies are now researching the potential to add air sack as cushion in helmets. These air sacks may provide better support for the neck as well as extra cushioning. Research in CTE has shown that the disease results from continuous impacts to the head regardless of the the magnitude of the hits. Considering that linemen often suffer the most frequent impacts to the head, the NFL and NCAA have discussed the possibility of ending the three point stance. This stance results in countless helmet-to-helmet collisions when the linemen push off and lunge at each other. Football is the livelihood of the players that have dedicated their lives to the sport. For many players, like hall of famer Cris Car-
ter, playing football has been a way for them to get out of the hardships of racial inequality or life in poverty. For high school students, football provides a path to countless college scholarships. Without these oppurtunities, many underpriveleged students will be disadvantaged even further as time goes by. The spirit of football is invaluable. Whether it is rooting on a high school, college, or professional teams, football creates a sense of unity among a group of people. Spirits fly high as people enjoy the game and cheer on their favorite teams with intense competition. The game of football and the culture it creates -both for the players and fans- is an integral part of American society. Football is constantly evolving and will adjust to make the game safer for its players. Instead of banning football from high school, college, or all together, the game should change to meet more rigourous safety standards as more is learned about CTE.
quite as agressive. Then in 1950, the NFL officially started using the hard plastic helmets that are still used today. This gave players an excuse to hit even harder. It is not much of a stretch to say that the current helmets will eventually be replaced by a stronger substitute. This will give players the chance to hit even harder. The harder the players hit, the more likely they are to damage their heads. The helmets protect against skull fractures. But in preventing them, make concussions even more likely. There probably will never be a helmet that will protect against all the damage done by a blow to the head. However, current helmets give the players an illusion of 100% protection. This mindset of having invincibility is the problem; the helmets themselves are not. There is currently no cure for CTE. It is a fatal degenerative, brain disease that leads to a slow and painful death. Is it worth it to have people kill themselves for the amusement of
others? While NFL players usually receive about two million a year, that does not justify playing a game that kills them. While there have not been many studies regardng the effects of repeated head trauma on high school and college students, the preliminary stages of CTE are developed during that time. Playing football in high school is easily linked to the same effects the professionals deal with. There still is not enough evidence to prove it, but given the NFL statistics, high school and college football are most likely the same. Anyone that plays football is at a high risk for CTE. The current headgear gives the illusion of protection, and as long as football is as popular as it is, this will most likely not change. However, there is still a chance to stop players from falling down that slippery slope. To anyone that wants to play football, hear this loud and clear: it is simply not worth it to play a sport that will take years off your life.
no BEN MINDER, STAFF WRITER
F
ootball is the most watched sport in America, with seemingly everyone watching with joy as the winning touchdown scored, but most do not realize that the players they are so passionately cheering for develop permanent brain damage as a result of their sport. Everyone just seems blissfully unaware that the players have life long injuries; with every blow to the head, it is just another foot in the grave. A simple hit to the head does not mean one will develop CTE, but if that same person is hit in the head over and over again on a weekly basis, then they are more prone to acquiring it. A study performed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Boston University, found that 87 out of 91 professional football players had the disease. With that sample size, it is easy to see that nearly every NFL player most likely has this disease. When football first became a sport, players had leather helmets and contact was not
THE MESSENGER | 27
O P I N I ON S
S TA F F E D I TO R I A L
Nature to Help
D
uring a span of just a few weeks, three destructive hurricanes hit the Atlantic Coast of the United States: Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. These storms have caused massive damage in several areas, with Harvey hitting Texas, Irma hitting Florida, and Maria hitting Puerto Rico. The people of these states have had to endure an unimaginable amount of suffering, with the destruction of their homes, family, and previous lifestyles. Due to the lack of essential needs, some areas are still experiencing the horrible level of wreckage caused by these storms, such as Puerto Rico. It is imperative that we take action against these disasters to help prevent future devastations. Puerto Rico was extremely damaged by Hurricane Maria, a Category Five storm. As an island, in terms of aid, the people feel isolated from the rest of the world. The likelihood of several necessary resources is very low, and with the power down for almost all of Puerto Rico, available cellphone service may be even less likely, eliminating a main form of communication. Puerto Rico needs people willing to help deliver resources, like food, water, and medical supplies. Although some places in Puerto Rico may be inaccessible to provide support and resources, other methods, like air drops, can be used to transfer essentials. However,
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it appears that the island is not getting as much help as possible. Although Puerto Rico is a United States territory and the majority of the people living there are United States citizens, the amount of help we are giving the people is small when compared to the other United States areas affected by the three hurricanes. The people of Puerto Rico do not want to hear that they have been helped any less than other United States citizens, especially when the damage is so severe. However, while it is true the United States is not providing as much support as possible for Puerto Rico, communities in the United States have held local drives and other fundraising events to allow people who may not have been impacted to be a part in the recovery of the destructed areas. While this emotional and sympathetic support given to Puerto Rico may help the people mentally, the main focus of restoration is giving financial and economic support to return the territory to its previous state. The donation of one mere dollar by one person may seem miniscule, but in total, the mass of these will have a great impact in helping Puerto Rico rise from its economic and physical damage. This type of damage will have catastrophic consequences in the future, if we do not act now. It is critical that we assist our fellow Americans.
COLUMN THE LOW DOWN
On Las Vegas And Fear Why love is the only answer to senseless violence.
JA C K LOW R A N C E , O P I N I ON S E D I T O R
T
oday, I write to you in a state of disbelief, yet little surprise. Of bewilderment. And of deep, deep sadness. Originally, I had intended to focus this month’s column on a topic which now seems of little importance. But in the wake of yet another mass shooting, I find it especially important to address such an unavoidable topic. To be honest, I’m still not sure what to say. Any possible argument I could make has already been presented--probably several times over. But the events that took place in Las Vegas are simply too horrible not to talk about. Children lost parents. Brothers lost sisters. Husbands lost wives. Innocent lives were ruined forever. No, I’m not going to rattle off statistics about American gun violence. I’m sure that any I might cite, you’ll have already heard anyway. I’m not going to talk about the effectiveness of sensible gun laws in other countries. The people who care enough to know about such things really aren’t the ones who need convincing. And no, I’m not going to launch any partisan attacks that are sure to just anger the other side. Contrary to right-leaning pundits and politicians, this is absolutely the time to talk about solutions to gun violence (If not after tragedy, then when else?). But considering that the current political environment is more so an agent of divisiveness than any forum for productive change in
this country right now, I think it’s important to forget partisanship for a moment. This is a problem that we cannot solve as Democrats or Republicans. Only Americans. Considering the years long impasse that we’ve reached in the gun control debate, it’s (woefully) understandable that some have grown indifferent to the senseless violence that we so often see. I suppose it’s easy to write this crisis off as a lost cause. The Second Amendment won’t be changed. The N.R.A. won’t just disappear. The gun industry won’t suddenly decide that guns are bad and profit is pointless. Unfortunately, this is our reality. But in such dire times, I urge you to recall the true values that this nation was founded upon. When the Founding Fathers wrote the Bill of Rights, they intended to protect the civil liberties of the common man. Yes, the second amendment may provide the right to bear arms. But a solemn protection of a man’s right to life, liberty, and property is the true spirit that this nation was founded upon. How can a man be free if he fears for his life when he walks outside? Socalled ‘Second Amendment voters’ seem to conveniently forget this when they argue that guns are necessary for protection from criminals and an authoritative government. A fear of being shot dead should matter more than an unfounded fear in the incompetence of a future American government.
Perhaps though, this American fear exists beyond gun violence. And if we are to ever solve the gun violence debate, we must reduce this feeling that haunts so many otherwise good people and drives so many of our irrational political debates. We fear the wrath of criminals. Of climate change. Of war. Of natural disaster. Of losing a job. Of police brutality. Of overwhelming debt. I could continue, but I think you understand my point: there’s a lot to be afraid of in our country right now. Gun violence is no exception. The problem, however, is that these fears aren’t being addressed in a healthy way. And until we can address them constructively, there’s no hope in solving the gun violence debate. Many Americans feel helpless in dealing with their fears because the rest of us are too selfish to help them. This country was founded on the idea of working together to solve something bigger than ourselves. We must remember to love one another. To encourage one another. To help each other out when we can. As children, we were all taught that these were the right things to do. Now we must simply act. And then, by God, maybe-- just maybe-- we’ll get somewhere in this gun control debate. In parting, let me leave you with a quote from Martin Luther King Jr: “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”
THE MESSENGER | 29
music
ALEX PERRY, BUSINESS MANAGER
O
ver the past few months, an increasing number of latin pop songs and Spanish lyrics have dominated the charts, crowding American airwaves with a style of music dormant since the era of Macarena. The wave started with the hit of the summer, Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito”, featuring Justin Bieber. Soon after that, the trend picked up songs like J Balvin’s “Mi Gente” and Wisin’s “Escapate Conmigo”, featuring Ozuna. However, latin style music has not been exclusive to Latin pop artists. Artists like Ed Sheeran have also included Spanish lyrics in their recent releases, jumping onto the Latin music revival and riding it to the top of the charts.
Enrique Iglesias Enrique Iglesias’ high energy song “Subeme La Radio” competed with Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” this summer for hottest Latin song, unfortunately losing despite the catchy pre-chorus riffs and unique lyrics. The Spanish pop star’s song is somewhat heavy on instrumentals, and yet, with a simple rhythm and well timed bass drops, induces a need to dance. Iglesias has improved since his last hit in the US, “Bailando”, but is in need of a more vocally charged style instead of relying on instrumentals to draw listeners in.
W Colombian rapper J Balvin and French DJ Willy William’s stunning dance song, “Mi Gente”, has kept its hold on the Top 100 since its release in June. The song’s unique introductory riff immediately grabs attention with its electric trumpet-like sound, and provides a easy base rhythm that Balvin fluidly raps over. Balvin’s half rapping half singing style, combined with WIlliam’s masterful use of the bass and instrumentals attracts listeners looking for a party song to dance to. Not even Beyonce was immune to the attractiveness of Latin style music, as she appeared on a remix as a featured artist.
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fashion
COLUMNS
EVAN MOODY, STAFF WRITER
leaves are falling autumn is calling
S
ince fall is bringing changes to the earth, it is also bringing changes to the colors and styles of clothing that people are wearing. As the air cools and days get shorter, clothing gets longer and a little bit warmer. Most people look at fall as an opportunity to dig out all their sweaters and long pants, dressing in colors such as burnt orange, brown, or beige to match with the changing leaves. But living in Georgia comes with its perks. Here, fall is considerably warmer so it is easier to get away with wearing short sleeves and a t-shirt. This month, senior Jordan Stewart dons some examples of her unique sense of fall fashion.
THE MESSENGER | 31
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