June 2011

Northwood High School • Pittsboro, N.C.

www.nhsomniscient.com

SE IS NIO IN SU R SI E (om-nish-ent) adj.: having infinite knowledge and awareness D June 1, 2011 • Volume 4 • Issue 8 E

OMNISCIENT ­- THE NORTHWOOD -

Grad Project changes for class of 2012

By Mary Ellen Barone Staff Writer

The Graduation Project was removed as a requirement for graduation by the Chatham County Board of Education on May 9. Instead, all graduating students will be required to complete a “Culminating Learning Activity,” which each high school will have some control over in format.

Nothing has changed for this year’s seniors, but juniors will be informed of the specific requirements of the Culminating Learning Activity, or CLA, before school is out.

“The CLA is going to be very similar to what [the Graduation Project] already is, but the mentor piece may be taken out because we can’t offer it across the board to all students,” said assistant principal Melanie Williams.

The major issue behind the board’s approval of this change is the poor state of the economy.

“Although I think Graduation Project in the abstract is a wonderful idea, and presents an authentic learning experience for students,

see PROJECT page 5

Story’s Story

Northwood social studies teacher sends designs to Haiti

By S ean O’N eill S taff W riter

“I can draw the meanest Garfield in under 20 seconds,” social studies teacher Roddy Story stated boldly, “and I challenge anyone to beat me in such a contest.”

Although he does not consider himself a very good artist, Story, who has entertained students with his ability to draw the famous fat cat, has recently begun using his artistic ability to help improve the conditions in the Caribbean nation of Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere.

1000 JOBS, a non-profit organization started by Story’s in-laws, who also do missionary work in Haiti with the Episcopal church, sells infant onesies produced

by Haitians and embroidered with designs drawn by Story. The organization pays their workers a living wage to help them improve their lives.

The idea behind 1000 JOBS was that by employing the Haitians in jobs using skills they already had, and paying them a decent wage, they would be able to improve their conditions.

“The first thing they started doing was

Next year’s new dress code bans leggings, yoga pants

By Kelsey Lafoon Staff Writer

What’s Inside...

Starting next year, Northwood students can expect to see an updated and more strictly enforced dress code.

New articles of clothing will be added to the list of inappropriate attire, including leggings, yoga pants and cut-up jeans.

“Leggings, yoga pants… anything like that is inappropriate. You need to have on an Alex Lloyd/The Omniscient actual bottom. Pants, slacks or LEGGINGS will not be allowed next year. a skirt would be acceptable. administrators are firm in their decision.

You need to look like you’re The new rules are set, and, if broken, the going to school and not to work out,” said asadministration intends to dole out punishsistant principal Melanie Williams. ment as required.

The news of these changes has stirred up “For the first offense, [the student will] much discussion amongst the students who come to my office and if they have a change have a lot to say about the new policy. Juof clothes, they may change. I will also have nior Adair London believes that the changes some extra articles of clothing in my closet to Northwood’s dress code will end up hurtthat are purposely ugly. Hopefully if they ing the students more than it will help them. have to wear that, they’ll hate it so much that “Students are not going to know what they’ll never want to wear it again. And if to do in their future because they’ve spent they don’t get a change of clothes, they’ll be their whole high school experience with stuck in ISS all day,” said Williams. people telling them how to behave and presThe school is hoping to enforce the ent themselves,” London said.

No matter how much students gripe, the see LEGGINGS page 4

Foreign Exposure

Two student groups spent Spring Break in foreign locales: Jamaica and Europe.

Page # 4

Alex Lloyd/The Omniscient

RODDY STORY shows off one of his onesie designs, featuring a mouse. [greeting] cards, with scenes that the women embroidered onto the front, and they were very successful,” said Story. “Then they had the idea to create onesies, which are wonder-

ful for all ages, especially children.”

Story was chosen to draw the designs after they discovered that the original pictures,

By Madison Roberts & Caroline Schneider Staff Writers

the grass or helping a coach care for a field, Harris seems to be omnipresent at Northwood High School. “[Harris] is a good guy,” said Northwood student resource officer Herbie Stubbs.

“He’ll give you the shirt off his back; he tries to do whatever he can to help somebody.”

Baseball coach and computer applications teacher Rick Parks agreed.

“As soon as you give him a task he tries to help you out the best he can.

He keeps you informed and he does a good job,” Parks said.

Although Harris talks with a large portion of the Northwood student body, there are some things that most students don’t know about him. For one, Harris is certified to teach a gym class. He has never taught one here at Northwood, but he has at other schools. Harris is also certified as a level one Kempo martial arts instructor.

He teaches students at another school in Sanford. He has been doing martial arts for over 30 years and he also shoots bow and arrow.

see STORY page 3

James Harris

In June, 2005, Northwood’s lead custodian James Harris came to work to find that there was no furniture in the cafeteria.

Throughout the morning he searched the grounds of the school to try to find it with no luck.

“I walked everywhere, I couldn’t find the furniture,” Harris remembered.

The missing furniture was a senior prank, and Harris finally found it on the roof of the school. He threw the furniture down and returned it to the cafeteria.

“That’s the craziest thing [I’ve ever seen] at Northwood,” he said.

Harris attended Northwood as a student. After living in Philadelphia for part of his life, he moved back to Chatham County to be closer to his mother. In 1998 Harris joined the Northwood staff after spending time in previous jobs putting up drywall and doing construction work.

Harris can be found around the school day in and day out. Whether he’s mowing

Mathews goes viral?

Northwood senior Austin Mathews shows his wild side.

Will he be the next internet sensation?

Page # 6

see HARRIS page 2

Spring playoffs

Several Northwood teams advanced to the playoffs this Spring; The Omniscient tells you how they fared.

Page # 11

Page 2

The Omniscient

Briefs

Cottrell wins award

NHS Band director Eugene Cottrell received the Jackson Parkhurst Award for Special Achievement from the North Carolina Symphony. Cottrell is the third person to receive the award, and the first to receive an accompanying cash prize of $500.

Exam Schedule Friday 6/3/11: 8:00-11:15: Algebra II/English I EOCs 11:45-3:00: Biology/Phys. Sci. EOCs Monday 6/6/11: 8:00-11:15: 1st period Non-EOCs 11:45-3:00: 2nd period Non-EOCs

June 1, 2011

Tuesday 6/7/11: 8:00-11:15: Algebra I EOCs 11:45-3:00: Civics/US History EOCs Wednesday 6/8/11: 8:00-11:15: 3rd period Non-EOCs 11:45-3:00: 4th period Non-EOCs Thursday 6/9/11: Remediation Friday 6/10/11: Retakes

Student mentoring program to start next year

By C helsea Gardner S taff W riter

Starting next year, Northwood will implement the Student Mentoring Program.

Assistant principal Marcus Funchess introduced the program, using his experiences at Wakefield and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics to create a modified version for Northwood. The volunteerbased program involves juniors and seniors acting as role models for freshmen. If 100 upperclassmen sign up, each volunteer will be paired with smaller groups within freshmen homerooms. The program will start with freshman orientation and expand throughout the 2011-2012 school year.

“I think it’s a program that can benefit Northwood,” said Funchess. “I think it can help out those incoming freshmen that aren’t sure how high school is going to go for them.

It provides them with that peer contact.”

Students hoping to be peer mentors have to meet various requirements. They need to be rising juniors or seniors, have at least a 2.5 GPA, a desire to help ninth grade students, no suspensions for the current year, a strong attendance record, a positive attitude toward school and several other qualifications. The volunteers must attend training over the summer and pro-

vide specific hours of social time with their underclassmen.

Junior Olivia Griffin felt like the qualifications regarding suspensions were unfair.

“I don’t think [getting suspended] should keep you from doing it,” she said. “And [this program] would definitely be a way to redeem yourself.”

Mentors can meet social requirements by going with underclassmen to such after-school functions as basketball or football Charlotte Harrison/ The Omniscient games, dances or other extracurUPPERCLASSMEN are being asked to mentor ricular activities. They can also help them navigate through high freshmen in a new program. school from the perspective of ultimate goal is to create a Northwood netsomeone who has been there. work for years to come, where students can “I hope people signing up as mentors even go to a university and find alumni that realize how valuable they can be to these underclassman. Hopefully they’ll look back can immerse them in the new environment.

Sophomore Morgan Welge feels this proto when they were freshmen coming into high school and see how it would have ben- gram could be really successful if students take the time to get involved. efited them to have an upperclassman show “I definitely see a need for it. I know them the ropes socially,” said Funchess. a lot of new programs that kids end up Funchess feels that this program will making a joke out of. But if this is taken ease the transition from middle school to seriously it can be really beneficial for high school, promoting positive attitudes everyone,” she said. and keeping students out of trouble. His

Harris

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Years ago when Harris started working at Northwood, he lived down in the brick house on the north side of the school. He stayed there so that he would be the last one out at night to set the alarm, and the first one there in the morning to turn it off. He let people into the school on the weekends and was there to check the school if the alarm ever went off in the middle of the night. When all the trees were cut down around the house, Harris moved out and farther away from Northwood.

A lot of students at Northwood know Harris by the nickname “Janitor James,” a name he picked up when he first started working here and students only knew his first name.

Over the years the name got passed on, and although it’s common to hear a student refer to him as that, Harris finds it disrespectful.

“They know I’m a janitor. I’m not ashamed of that, but to put that to my name title is not good,” Harris said.

Harris says his favorite part of working at Northwood is the students.

“When [the students] are gone this is a ghost place; it’s dead,” Harris said. “[The] kids are what keep this place alive, even the ones that do things that make me mad or get in trouble.”

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June 1, 2011

Toughest Teachers

The Omniscient

Some teachers are tough; students voted these three the toughest:

Henry “Señor” Foust

“Foust expects a lot out of his students, but it makes you more disciplined in the end.”

—Morgan Welge, sophomore Phyllis Bazzari

“She’s that teacher that slaps you in the face with high school and reality.” —Josy Christian, junior

Victoria Raymond

“She expects the most out of her students and is willing to push them.” —Becky Jurius, junior

In so many words...

“They are fair but they don’t put up with excuses about why you didn’t do your homework. They have high standards on quality of work and are good at their job. They know what they are teaching about.” — Jackson Seagroves, junior

Page 3

Story

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

which were drawn by a Disney artist who had volunteered to help, were too complicated for the Haitian women to sew onto the clothes.

“My mother-in-law knew that I was a less-talented cartoonist, which is sort of what they needed for this,” said Story. “[She] asked me to do some simplistic sketches of some animals. They were cute enough that people would want to clothe their baby in them, Alex Lloyd/The Omniscient but not too complicated ONESIES designed by social studies teacher Roddy Story that the women wouldn’t help benefit workers in Haiti. be able to sew.”

“I should get absolutely zero credit for Story then proceeded to draw up sketches of different animals requested doing anything or having anything to do with this non-profit,” said Story. “This is by his mother-in-law. He would send photos the least I can do…. This is just a very, of his sketches to her with his iPhone, and she very small way that I can help. One of [my would respond with the parts of the drawing in-laws] is down there every month, someshe liked and what she wanted him to change. times more frequently than that.”

“She would call me and say, ‘I don’t like Although he has never been to Haiti, this,’ ‘Change this,’ ‘It’s sitting up on all Story describes his wanting to go someday fours, I want it on its hind legs,’” said Story. and meet the women whose lives have been “The final sketch is sort of the combination so dramatically changed by this organization. of a dozen or so sketches that I did and her “From what I’ve heard they are bright, sort of picking out which parts she thinks funny, warm, so willing to do anything to looked good and putting it all together.” help their circumstance,” said Story. “I’d Despite his talent, some of the drawings like to do more with Haiti; I’ve talked to my proved to be a challenge. in-laws about going down there.”

“The duck took me forever,” said Story.

The onesies are available at 1000job“The back of a duck is hard to draw; I shaiti.org, along with Haitian Awareness couldn’t figure out how to get the wings together. My dog was pretty easy [though].” bracelets and holiday cards, and other Although some would call him a human- merchandise. Donations can also be made through their website to help combat povitarian, Story himself remains humble and erty in Haiti. refuses to accept any credit for his work.

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Page 4

The Omniscient

Student groups gets foreign exposure

By Kristen Hutchinson Staff Writer

nity that Walters gave them.

“I went because This past April during spring break, two I knew I probably groups of students left the country to exwouldn’t be able to plore two very different parts of the world: go to Jamaica for Jamaica and Europe. The students spent that cheap and with time learning about new cultures, enjoying my friends,” junior the sites and taking advantage of their break Brianna Clark said. from school.

Walters took the Six students spent their break traveling students to dance to Jamaica with Yanique Walters, one of classes where they the CTE teachers at Northwood. Walters learned the Meringue. is from Saint Anne, in northern Jamaica.

The students also The trip was open to all students, based on learned to speak whether they had good behavior or not. The the local language, Charlotte Harrison/The Omniscient OLIVIA GRIFFIN and JESSE MATHIAS pose with a British group stayed at Montego Bay and enjoyed Patois. She believes sites such as Dolphin Cove, Dunn’s River that the students were Royal Guard at Windsor Castle in England.

Falls, Rosa Hall Great House, which is the exposed to many during their break. The trip was organized former home of Jamaica’s White Witch An- different important aspects of Jamaican by drama teacher Lori Carlin and visual arts nie Palmer, and Rick’s Café, a spot where culture. teacher Leslie Burwell. people can go cliff jumping.

“It gave them a first-hand experience travCarlin had taken a similar trip through “Dolphin Cove was my favorite place eling, meeting different people, experiencing the school two years ago and decided to ofwe visited because I got to see dolphins a different culture, understanding what the fer the trip again this year. They took tours, up close and I had never gotten to do that food is like, what the people are like, the went to Windsor Castle and biked around before,” junior Marisa McKissick said. cuisine and the dances,” said Walters.

Hyde Park, located in central London.

The students paid for the trip on their The trip overall was a success and Wal“It was just us as a group, but when own and took full advantage of the opportu- ters plans on making a return trip in the near you’re trying to cross a crosswalk in a future. group of other bikers and you haven’t rid“The culture of den a bike in five years, it’s a little diffiJamaica is different cult,” junior Melissa House said. from America’s and House enjoyed the time she got to spend usually when people with her peers. see things on TV “Ironically, though we went there to about the country see the sites and all the tourist-y places, I it’s okay, but when really enjoyed the in-between and spendthey actually go and ing time with the actual people who were see the places talked on the trip. Although this is cheesy to say, about, people are in it was a really good bonding experience,” awe when they actu- said House. ally see the beauty Carlin believes that it is beneficial for of the country,” students to have a first-hand experience Walters said. traveling to places rich in culture.

At the same time, “It is one thing to read about these Pam Rone/The Omniscient 10 arts students also places, another thing all together to visit A LOCAL shows off his companion at Dunn’s River Falls in spent time visiting them and experience them in a personal Ocho Ríos, Jamaica.

London and Paris way,” said Carlin.

June 1, 2011

Leggings

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

dress code more strictly than it has in the past. Williams believes that because of the shift in authority figures at the beginning of the year, students thought they would be given more slack in their wardrobe choices.

“Because I started in September, many students came into the year thinking [that their revealing clothes] were acceptable,” Williams said.

Many students think that the enforcement of dress code has been unfair and not well regulated.

“I have gotten called out for my clothes before, but I constantly see girls wearing clothes that are more revealing than mine.

If you’re going to enforce the dress code, at least do so consistently,” said junior Desiree Lawler.

Some students find it unfair that their privileges to wear certain clothes are being taken away because of how other students have not been able to follow the code appropriately.

“I think that it really depends on the circumstances,” said junior Kaitlyn Mattiace. “It is unfortunate that the girls who wear leggings in an inappropriate way have caused all girls to not be allowed to wear leggings, even if they do so tastefully. Girls should know how to dress their own bodies.”

These changes were meant to ensure that each student comes to school looking presentable, and that students will not be judged for the messages that their clothing may convey.

“We are hoping to see high school students really dressing like young adults, because [the students here] are really bright and should be treated that way,” said Williams. “I want students to pay attention to the way that they show themselves, because often the way they show themselves may not be who they are on the inside. We have to understand what type of message our clothing is sending. I’m hoping that students will pay more attention to what their attire really says.”

June 1, 2011

Project

The Omniscient

Page 5

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

I think that the issues that have arisen with funding in the past couple of years have presented schools with some serious problems in implementing it in a fair and supported way,” said English teacher Pat Thornhill.

With next year’s budget, Northwood is unable to pay the organization Chatham Together for their services to mentor the students, according to Williams.

Students and teachers cited lack of support, strict requirements, and trouble with organization as other factors that made the Graduation Project strenuous.

“I’m pleased that the current Graduation Project as it stands is gone,” said English teacher Nick Winstead. “I thought it was very hard to manage for community, students and staff involved. I would have liked to have seen the whole thing go away…. I think as a whole, most students did not like it. I heard a lot of complaining about all the requirements. There were a lot of flaws that I think the students picked up on as well.”

Since the CLA doesn’t go into effect until next year, the Graduation Project was still a requirement for the class of 2011. This year, 52 percent of seniors did not complete their project on time.

“I believe that we had fewer students turning in their products because their friends told them that there was a second date to present on if you don’t pass the first one,” said coordinator Leslie Burwell. “You have three opportunities to pass… so they took one of their shots away.”

Procrastination this year was especially prevalent.

“The seniors figured out that not turning it in on time resulted in no penalty,” said Thornhill. “Being typical high school kids, they said, ‘Oh, I’ll just wait, and turn it in at the last possible date.’”

Passing the Graduation Project determined whether or not a student received his high school diploma.

“I feel like the seniors shouldn’t have to do a project that will make you or break you at the end of the year,” said senior Brittany Daniel.

While some felt the Project presented itself with too many problems, others felt it was a valuable learning experience.

“I think that there were a lot of positives to the old Graduation Project,” said principal Chris Blice. “To people who did it and did it well, it was probably the greatest thing that they did in their entire high school career.… I see a lot of pluses.”

It’s up to a group of teachers and the leadership team to decide exactly what the CLA will consist of.

“I hope that the teachers will be allowed to have a lot of input in creating the CLA,” said Winstead. “I think we really know what’s best for our school and our students here.”

Still, some disagree with schools having control over the CLA. “I wish they had decided either to keep it and support it, or to do away with it altogether,” said Thornhill. “I do not especially like the idea that each high school will decide what it looks like.”

Whether rejoicing in the death of the Graduation Project or mourning its passing, the obvious positives and negatives to both the Project and the CLA cannot be ignored.

“In general, I believe in this project more than I believe in standardized testing,” said Burwell. “I feel that it adequately shows you what you can and cannot do and it prepares you for the real world. I feel that it’s a shame that the project is going away. But, as the coordinator for one year, it has shown me that you have to have funding to support it correctly so that it can do what it needs to do.”

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6

E ntertainment Northwood’s survival man unleashed

By A lex C layton Entertainment Editor

English teacher Pat Thornhill during class in April. No one expected Mathews to really make a video, so everyone was Clubbing a fish with a stick and shocked, and possibly disgusted, by the throwing it onto the shore wasn’t the outcome. most shocking part of Austin Mathews’ “I was challenged to make the video new YouTube sensation. Biting into a when Thornhill doubted my survival live fish, tearing away scales and guts skills,” Mathews says proudly. from the Thornstunned hill body, and promised then chewMathews ing the raw that she flesh into would tiny bits show the didn’t faze video durhim at all. ing class In the if he were five minute capable of video, clubbing a Mathews fish. Who puts his knew that survival a dare skills to the could test. After cause such Alex Lloyd/The Omniscient an uphe appears from AUSTIN MATHEWS and PAT THORNHILL developed a heaval of underneath rivalry that led to a YouTube hit. events to a large occur? pile of leaves, Mathews climbs up a tree “Ms. Thornhill questioned Austin’s to the very top to find the perfect stick ability to be the next Bear Grylls and he to carve a spear. He then proceeds to set out to prove her wrong,” senior Luke sharpen the stick with his machete and Martin said. “And he succeeded!” spears a live fish in the water.

Many doubt that the video is real.

Not only does he spear a fish, he There have been rumors that the fish clubs another one and throws it ashore. wasn’t alive nor were the worms real.

Mathews then proceeds to take a giant “The fish part has to be fake because bite from the live, raw fish. there is no way he speared a fish and The video was inspired by a dare that then caught another one with his bare was formulated between Mathews and hands,” said sophomore Andrew Webster.

Laugh if you want, but “Friday” singer laughs all the way to the bank

By Caroline Schneider Staff Writer

a bad thing that at that age she isn’t following the path of young artists singing about sex and drugs. There definitely Thirteen year old California resident could have been better things to sing and amateur singer Rebecca Black has about than Friday, but I’m glad it wasn’t been the newest target of ridicule and another song about promiscuous girls. criticism from other tweens and young When it comes down to it, Black isn’t adults world wide since her music video even that bad of a singer. On her Good first appeared on Morning America YouTube in early interview she March. belted a few lines The song, from The Star written and Spangled Banproduced by Ark ner, and she’s Music Factory, definitely better is titled “Frithan some of the day,” and really celebrities we hear is quite awful. at football games.

With the lyrics Don’t believe “we so excited” me? Go look it up and a list of yourself. half of the days Although of the week, there is a lot of “Friday” can hatred aimed at easily and honthis young girl, estly be deemed all of the negative as absolutely things people are atrocious. Words saying about her don’t rhyme, and really don’t matPhoto courtesy of Paul Rodriguez/MCT there are way too ter, because she’s REBECCA BLACK’S “Friday” video has many “ooh”s and making bank. The reached over 150 million views on YouTube. “yeahh”s. first two weeks But what that the song went needs to be remembered is that Black viral, Black made $1.4 million on iTunes didn’t write the song herself. Her mother alone. And that was just the first two chose to shell out $2,000 to have the weeks. Since then Black has been a guest song written and produced for Black. on a number of television shows. Her That may seem like a lot, but it’s really song has been on the radio, and her video nothing when you think about the amount is still racking up views and comments on of money that your parents put into your YouTube and wherever else it has been sports equipment or your acting classes. linked. Everyone may be attacking Black It also needs to be kept in mind that and her song, but she’s the one coming Black is only 13, and maybe it’s not such out on top.

Although his peers have doubts, Mathews is adamant about the authenticity of his video.

“The whole video was real and uncut,” said Mathews, defending the credibility of his notorious video.

Some students may be skeptical of the authenticity, but others are quite determined that it is real.

“I couldn’t see Austin faking something like this. Also, he would have to be really good at video editing to make the video look that real,” said senior Steveson McNeil.

Thornhill has watched the YouTube video several times to determine how real the video truly is. She strongly believes that it is real and it would be almost impossible to fake such an event.

“Regardless, if he didn’t really spear a fish, he climbed to the top of a huge tree!” Thornhill says, sticking up for her student.

The main reaction of many students was pure shock. Many pondered whether he really ate fish, bugs and a worm with no fear.

“The fish wasn’t that bad; I have tasted worse. The worms and things tasted interesting to say the least,” Mathews said humorously.

The bug eating

disgusts Thornhill, but she is impressed with other events in the video.

“I thought diving down under the log and catching the lizard was impressive,” said Thornhill.

Eating bugs is not an unusual event for Mathews. He has munched on bugs even when the camera isn’t rolling.

“One time at football practice he picked up a cricket and ate it for no reason,” says senior Jacee Bass.

The video has reached 568 views as of May 29. The reactions of Mathews’ peers have been almost overwhelming.

“I am happy it has gotten so many views,” Thornhill said excitedly.

Although Mathew’s only goal was to prove to Thornhill he has excellent survival skills, he has received a lot of attention due to the video’s quick exposure throughout Northwood.

“Everyone’s reactions have been great,” Mathews said. “I enjoy getting comments everyday.”

Thornhill wants the video to go viral. Mathews, on the other hand, disagrees with his teacher once again.

“Viral… fat chance!”

Mathews said.

See the video at: http:// www.youtube.com/ watch?v=JHQqaeJF018

Photo Courtesy of Austin Mathews

False dreams of Sweet Sixteen

By J essie Metty S taff W riter

My Super Sweet 16 presents it all: ice sculptures, limos, rented out clubs, DJs and pumpkin carriages. What more could someone want for their sweet 16?

Every kid’s dream is a reality for some lucky teenagers on this unrealistic, hyped up, only for rich kids and popstars, MTV show. Although this show isn’t new, it has opened my eyes to a new perspective on birthday parties.

Last time I checked, a birthday party included a cake, presents and maybe a pool—if you’re lucky.

Apparently, that isn’t the case anymore. My Super Sweet 16 reveals a whole new world of expectations for soon-to-be 16-year-olds. When I turned 16, I had a party at my house with my friends. And it

was great. Well, apparently some people expect more from their parents for their birthday, and in this economy, that isn’t easy. Some kids dream up their perfect party and have high expectations because of shows like My Super Sweet 16. It’s obvious why this show is definitely not loved by parents. They may have to take out a second mortgage to pay for the fivestar catering, or sell their soul in order to rent out the venue and DJ. I guess we better start saving up pennies and dollars for our kids’ super sweet 16’s, because it’s not going to be a cheap event. But thank you, MTV, for allowing all teenagers to at least fantasize about what our big day could be like. Maybe one day we’ll all get to have a party that lives up to the parties thrown for Chris Brown, Soulja Boy and Aly and AJ.

Photo courtesy of MTV.com

BOBBY from My Super Sweet 16 receives a check for $16,000, as well as an Escalade, for his 16th birthday.

Northwood High School • Pittsboro, N.C.

www.nhsomniscient.com

OMNISCIENT ­- THE NORTHWOOD -

(om-nish-ent) adj.: having infinite knowledge and awareness

June 1, 2011 • Volume 4 • Senior Supplement

Congratulations Class of 2011 I, MyIesha Alston, being of wonderful mind and tired body, do hearby leave all of my humor to my little brothers, Kenton and Kendrick Edwards. To all of the students who try to win arguments with teachers, I wish you the best of luck. To my Alajah Dudley, I leave all of my attitude! To Mariah Marrow, I leave all of my swagg. I leave all of the fun times and wonderful memories to all of the underclassmen, and I wish you all the best of luck!

I, Seth Alston (the only male cheerleader), being of heart mind and physical body, do hereby leave the spot open for anyone who has the heart to take it.

I, Jacee Bass, being of senioritis mind and body, do hereby leave my procrastination, my parking spot, late nights, football games, bonfires, cookouts, and last minute hangouts to Sarah Nicole Burnette. To the cheerleaders, I leave the fun pre-game meals while getting to know each other, coming up with corny sayings to put on the football banners, and working so hard for competitions and watching it pay off. To Carly Almes, I leave my clumsiness and laughter. To Jessica Anderson, Tanisha Thomas, and Skylar Ahkuoi, I leave all the timeouts at basketball games for you to have tumble-offs with the opposing teams. To all my friends, I leave the great memories I’ve made in these past four years. Have fun, laugh more than you breathe, and don’t sweat the small things. Make every day worth remembering. Good luck and I love you all!

I, Nicolas Benavides, being of crazy mind and exhausted body, do hereby leave my arms and legs to Walker Roller Harnden in hopes that he will become a centipede. I also leave the backstage to Jeremy Raisig in hopes that he will be the stage manager for the school plays for the rest of his career at Northwood High School. I also leave painting the field for marching band in the hands of Nathaniel Daniel Harr so that the band can see where they need to march.

I, Dalton Brown, as I leave and continue down the road of the future would like to leave

Last Will and Testament my parking spot to anyone with a red Honda; it has to be red. I leave my great football number to Jeff; wear it with pride. Jacobi Harris, I leave you my seat in AVID all the way in the back; use it, it’ll be worth it.

I, Emilie Brown, being of tired mind and sleeping body, do hereby leave my volleyball skills to Laura Shachtman and Emily Davis, who I expect to be SLAMMING the ball next season. I leave my bootsandcatsandbootsandcats to Emily Brooks, the future rapper of Northwood High School. I leave my winking to Maggie Denny. ;P. Finally, I leave Munchie Mondays, Too-Intense Tuesdays, Water Bottle Wednesdays, Abstract Thursdays, and Campfire Song Fridays to all future AP Biology students.

I, Alex Clayton, being of eager mind and exhausted body, do hereby leave my sister, Jessica Clayton, my front row parking spot, so it’s possible to make a quick escape from the long line of traffic after school. To my boyfriend, David Candelori, I leave my ability to pass all your classes although senioritis may get the best of you. To every future student, I leave my ability to push through the obnoxious crowds that block the doorways and hallways.

To all future troublemakers, I leave my ability to grow up and push through the hardships, although it doesn’t seem possible. To Ms. Thornhill, I leave fond memories, gratefulness and also, a great amount of luck to endure the future English IV classes. To the new kid from a different state, I leave my ability to make friends even if it’s overwhelming.

I, Amber Cogdell, being of stressed mind and tired body, do hereby leave my old beat up car to anyone who will take it. To my guard girls, I leave all my old flag poles and riffle. To my cousin Tia Cerdena, I leave my cell phone. To my best friend, I leave all the awesome memories we had together and my little black journal that no one else is to read. To my sister Ashley Cogdell, I leave Screamy and my laptop.

I, Anna Elkins, being of unorganized mind and bruised body, do hereby leave Gaby

Mehringer my number on the soccer field.

To the soccer team, I leave the great practices consisting of mud sliding and diving headers in the rain. To my little sisters, Stephanie and Diane Thompson, I leave my random parking spots. To Jordan Riggsbee, I leave my swag. To Maggie Denny, I leave my senioritis. To all the speedy drivers at Northwood, I leave my ability to spot police in the mornings. To anyone who has Mrs. Thornhill next year, I leave the best of luck. To the lazy students that don’t do their homework the night before, I leave my determination to get it done during lunch.

I, Sarah Elkins, being of sound mind and body, do hereby leave my guard captain duties to Jessica Richardson, my lacrosse manager duties to Becky Jurius, and my patience and persistence to make it to graduation to JoAmber Dezonno. I leave my guard expertise to Gabriela Vasquez. I leave Justin Elkins the patience to make it through the hard year of having your permit. I leave my random dance moments with Jessica to Gabriela. I leave my ability to wear a scarf almost every cold day of the year to Jessica. I leave my love for art to my brother. I leave my random Veggitales dance parties to Becky. I leave my will to work to Tevin Page and Jessica. I leave my ability to emote at ALL guard competitions to Jessica.

I leave my silly faces across the classroom to JoAmber. I leave my mini dance parties in my car to JoAmber. I leave all the fun times I’ve had with the Lacrosse team to my favorite sophomore and freshman, Corey Volk, and Rob Hamlet. I leave my persistence to fill out thousands of scholarships to all the juniors.

I, Antonio “Dunksby” Farmer, being of sound mind and A Greek god’s body, do hereby leave my boy D Woody (Danny) all my coolness and whatever is mine in his trunk. To the varsity basketball team, I leave my bunnies to Fraizer and anything that’s in the locker room, the team splits it. OORAHH. I leave my great sence of humor to my favorite teacher, Mr. Kelly. I leave my lil bro, Charles Hope, all my

Special Senior Issue

success on and off the basketball court and also my ability to make people read the bottom of my shoes during a basketball game.

I, Courtney Paige Farrell, being of princess mind and heart-pounding body, do hereby leave the Varsity cheerleading team all of the blood, sweat, and tears that have led to my best memories of high school. Although at times I thought it would kill me, I leave my captain spot to Ashton Scott; she’s about the only person who’s daring enough to take this over. To the competition squad, I leave you my ability to bust my tail in the middle of CCA and to hand out black eyes the week before competition (Sorry again, Lane). I leave my clique, the ECC girls, the ridiculous cheerleading makeup and cheer bows that we’ve worn all of our lives. To my sweetheart Clark Streets, I leave you all of the love notes you could ever imagine. You’re going to have to deliver them a little bit farther than a desk away next year.

Adam Leviner, my baby cousin, I leave you my parking spot and my undying ability to scare off anyone who even thinks about taking it. I leave you all of the nights I spent under those Friday night lights, because you love them just as much as me. I leave all of my road trips to Sarah Burnette; you’re going to need these next year when you have to visit all of the ECC girls at college. To Mrs Hall, I leave you that attractive DECA blazer that matches with everything (SIKE); you’ve given me memories that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. To the cool DECA kids, I leave you guys my excitement for Nationals, my over-packed suitcases and garment bag, and my ‘ah-yeah’ cheers. To Holly Reil and Ace Farrell, I leave you both my loud, obnoxious voice and laugh that rings through the halls of NHS. Before you know it, you’ll both be in my shoes; don’t give up. My baby brother, Christian Farrell, I leave you my spot on the competition squad like you promised you’d fill. I also leave you the Shaner legacy and hope that you get the same

see LAST WILL page 3

Inside: Graduation Announcements, p. 2 Who’s Changed the Most?, p. 7 Prophecies, p. 8

Page 2

The Northwood Bucket List: 50 things to do before you graduate

By Chelsea Gardner & Courtney Paige Farrell Class of 2011

After spending four unforgettable years at the ’ Wood, we have decided to give future students suggestions on how to make high school the best experience it can be. In this list we have compiled everything you need to know about being a true Charger.

The Northwood Bucket List: 1. Stay after school really late one day and reenact your own Breakfast Club.

2. Walk around downtown Pittsboro.

3. Watch Brain Game. Cheer, even though you already know who wins.

4. Dress in an enormous amount of green and gold for a Pep Rally.

5. Have a potluck at lunch with friends.

6. Become BFF’s with a teacher, administrator, or staff member.

7. Run the cross-country trail.

8. Play on the field of dreams. If you can find it.

9. Go to McDonald’s after any major Northwood event.

10. Go see Ms. Bazzari’s pig. Don’t touch it.

11. Give someone a ride.

12. Go to an away game. Scream louder than the other side.

13. Play “Guess That 80’s Tune” with the Marching Band at football games.

14. Learn the words to the fight song. Sing.

15. Go see the Northwood Spring Musical; it’s the closest to Broadway you will get in Chatham County.

16. Take a picture with Charlie the Charger.

17. Have a study session at the General Store Café.

18. Dye a strand of your hair a different color.

19. Join a club.

20. Participate in the Northwood Parking Lot Car Horn Symphony one morning.

21. Download all widgets and online games

June 1, 2011

The Omniscient: Senior Issue

to your computer within the first three days of school before they all get blocked.

22. Participate in a Faculty vs. Student Game.

23. Go to at least one Student Council Event.

24. Count the dress code violations at Prom.

Present an administrator with your total the following Monday.

25. Take a buddy picture.

26. Get a locker. Don’t use it.

27. Go to a club’s “state” convention.

28. Get a class ring.

29. Try the latest fad: nerd glasses, cartoon character book bag, etc.

30. Wear shoes with no grip and slide down the Carpentry hallway.

31. Sit on the highest bleacher.

32. Have a dance party in the parking lot.

33. Buy at least one item of NHS-affiliated clothing.

34. Come to a school event on a weekend.

35. Go to a JM vs. Northwood game.

36. Buy matching shirts, jeans or shoes with friends.

37. Participate in Spirit Week.

38. Go to the library when you don’t have to.

39. Buy a biscuit from the cafeteria; we promise they’re just as good as McDonald’s.

40. Get a Haw River from S&T’s.

41. Make a pinwheel for art class.

42. Get to know your counselors before it’s time for your recommendations.

43. Keep a list of your favorite quotes in a word document on your school laptop.

44. Submit a letter to the Northwood Omniscient Editor.

45. Convince your teachers to let you have class outside. Especially if it’s Mrs. Freeman.

46. Ride a bike to school.

47. Learn enough Spanish to order Arroz con Pollo from San Felipe.

48. Shake hands with Principal Blice.

49. Go to the County Fair once. Don’t ever go again.

50. Always remember you’re a Charger!

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Good-bye, Northwood: You weren’t all bad Alyssa Knoll As I stand in the metaphorical doorway between Northwood and the undiscovered, dangerous, exciting world beyond it, I can’t help but remember four years ago when Northwood was that undiscovered world.

After spending some ridiculous number of days (no, I didn’t count) between these pale hallways with the green stripe I stopped noticing halfway through freshman year, sitting in the desks that I still occasionally try to push back from without remembering that the desk and chair are, in fact, connected, and turning in paper after paper (and not turning in others), I’ll be the first to admit there were times it felt like prison. Now, when I’m face-to-face with the future, it feels like home.

For much of the last two years, all I’ve wanted is to get out of this place.

But for the last two weeks I’ve been wishing time would slow down just a little. I don’t feel like I’ve really gotten to say goodbye. It’s not like I’ll never see it again, and I can’t neces-

sarily see myself in a year sitting in a library looking dreamily into the air and reminiscing about how great high school was, but I owe it the recognition that it wasn’t all bad and that it wasn’t a giant waste of four years. I learned, I laughed, I grew up a lot, and I got sappy and emotional at the end just like I swore I wouldn’t but always knew I would.

I’ll miss the long Friday evenings spent at the school sophomore year between Quiz Bowl practice and football games. I’ll miss begging rides off anyone and everyone because my car was parked at Lowe’s. I’ll miss being a freshman and looking at the seniors like they were adults. I’ll miss being a senior and knowing the freshman look at me like I’m an adult, and realizing how ridiculous that is. I’ll miss being 17 and thinking that 18 equaled legal adulthood and therefore freedom. I’ll miss turning 18 and realizing what a lie that is. I’ll miss Honors English Cupcake Thursday. I’ll miss standing in the band, freezing my extremities off, cheering for my team as we score a touchdown. I’ll miss Journalism, and the euphoria that came with Newspaper Day every month.

I’ll miss you, Northwood. I really will. But nothing lasts forever, and maybe nothing should. Otherwise, there would be nothing to miss.

Graduation Schedule Baccalaureate and Awards Night: Sunday, June 5 6:00 pm, Northwood High School Auditorium Graduates should plan to arrive by 5:15 pm.

Graduation Rehearsal: Friday, June 10 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Carmichael Auditorium, UNC-Chapel Hill Bus transportation will be provided from NHS leaving at 6 pm.

Others may drive directly to Carmichael.

Attendance is mandatory.

Graduation: Saturday, June 11 11:00 am, Carmichael Auditorium, UNC-Chapel Hill Graduates should plan to arrive by 10:00 am.

Behavior for Graduates and Guests: Students who disrupt the dignity of the event will have their diplomas held and will be required to work a minimum of 32 hours with the NHS custodial staff after June 11th. Guests will be asked to hold applause until all of the names of the graduates are announced. Cheering for one student while another’s name is being called is disruptive to the ceremony.

Dress Code: High school graduation is a once in a lifetime experience and we want to keep this a formal occasion. Therefore, dress code for graduation will be strictly enforced. Details were provided in a letter to all seniors. You will not be allowed to march if you do not meet these requirements. Please see Mr. Thibault or an administrator if you are unable to meet these requirements.

Inquiries: Questions about graduation and rehearsal should be sent by email to Mr. Thibault (thibault@chatham.k12.nc.us)

The Omniscient: Senior Issue

June 1, 2011

Last Will and Testament

Page 3

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

great opportunities I did in high school. And Northwood, I leave you my love. All of my life, I wanna be a Northwood Charger.

I, Brendan Fitzmaurice, being of sound mind and exhausted body, do hereby leave the most quiet award to somebody who doesn’t talk a lot. To the basketball team, best of luck.

I leave anyone who wants the laughs, and my parking spot for whoever gets there first.

I, Curt Fugitt, being of excited mind and exhausted body, do hereby leave the juniors my hope that the Graduation Project will go away after we leave and my ability to get to school on time when I probably should have been late. I leave Walker Harnden my arms and legs in hopes that he will one day become a horse, and I leave my procrastination habits to no one in particular in hopes that I will shed them before college.

I, Chelsea Gardner, being of idyllic mind and vivacious body, do hereby leave anyone who drives a 2005 Diva Dodge Neon my parking spot- except for some days it will be yours and some days it won’t be. To my favorite varsity cheerleaders, I leave my enthusiasm and insanely annoying spirit to help cheer on our great Northwood teams. I leave Sierra Atwater a.k.a Little Miss and Alyssa Gordon my positive attitude and side-hurdler jumps. Sierra, I also leave you my vacant spot at UNC-Chapel Hill.

To Ebone Rhodes, I leave my bubbly personality and ability to see the good in everyone.

To Sterling Logan, I leave my work ethic and late-night studying which always pays off in the end. I also leave you my Governor’s School nostalgia. To all of the awesome student council kids, I leave you my leadership and my dreams of making our school a better place. To Alischa McCrimmon, I leave you the Monday night Student Council meetings and all of the wonderful adventures and people you’ll meet through this club (Have a blast at Mars Hill!). To the journalism class, I leave you Mr. Morgan’s lawnmower dance moves and my eagerness to always find

the best story ideas. To the remaining Northwood students, I leave my Charger pride and the best wishes in their high school careers.

I, Timothy Scott Gill, being of magnificent mind and beautiful body, do hereby leave anyone who wishes to get into soccer and softball games for free the ability to sneak past Coach Amy. To anyone that gets Mrs. Thornhill for Honors English IV next year, I leave you the best of luck; you’re going need it.

I, Weston Foshow Greene, being of meticulously muscular mind and menacingly massive physique, do hereby leave my gavel of presidential wisdom to Diane Thompson; that she may always know my cell phone number if she needs to tap into that gavel of wisdom.

I hereby bequeath the portion of my heart that is Challenge Day to the 2011-2012 Student Council so they may continue the crusade of Boundary Breaking. I hereby relinquish MY office to Diane Thompson who will henceforth belong to her; Diane, do cherish her and ignore all false accusations that you personal don’t own her. Do hereby imbue Jason Damico with all my possible drum knowledge; so he may always rock out with Jesus.Do hereby leave the lunch time prayers to Christian Quinlan and John Adams to continue; that they may remain steadfast as they let God work through them.

Hereby bestow the responsibility of God’s indepth Bible study to Christian Quinlan; for I see God in his life as of present and know he will continue to be God’s tool so as to allow God to further inspire Northwood students.

Do hereby declare Senor Foust as the teacher who encouraged and inspired me more than any other teacher my entire high school years; remember this Senor Foust and continue to let God work through in future students.

I, Emma Gutierrez, being of sound mind and body, do herby leave Mrs. Thornhill all my hellos in the hallway, which I will be sure to miss everyday. I leave Camila Britt and Sarah Burnette the

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great times in gym and almost knocking people out with those yellow exercise balls. To Megan Sulvester, I leave my sarcasm and my witty, rhetorical comments that are so great, much better than yours. To Elizabeth Hart aka Buff, I leave my good judgment, hoping that you think before you go and break an arm or something. And as I leave Northwood behind, I won’t leave behind my best friend, KC Hart. I’ve had so many amazing times with you, I couldn’t be any more grateful to call you my best friend.

I, Padgett Harrington, being of loving mind and scandalous body, do hereby leave Silva Stout one of my many pens to always remember me by when filling out puzzles, Hannah Lawrence all of my happy meal toys and my birthday gift giving abilities, and Emily Davis a couple extra minutes in the morning so you don’t have to run to first period. To Landis Barber, Alex Plummer, and Livy Griffin I leave my front line Nuthouse spot and ability to get really pumped. To my daughter, Emily Brooks, I leave my first in line spot to the microwave.

To my BFF Holly Thomas I leave my spot in our clubhouse and ability to make milk mustaches. Laura Shachtman, I leave you my badminton racket to forever be your badminton partner. I leave my obnoxious behavior in the dugout including random clapping and loud yelling to Kendall Atwater. I also leave her my ability to get out of class early without freaking out. To Shelby Kremer I leave all of the treats you didn’t get to eat with us during lent because you’re my only girl. To Kerri Snipes I leave my ability to rave dance in public and to write questions of the week. Crystal Overcash, I leave you my captain spot, dog pee resistant shoes, and head bobbing skills as long as you show me how to dance to Thriller. To Tyler O’Dell I leave you my third base position and all three of the freshmen for you to deal with without me. Sam Droese, I leave you my ability to talk, spell, and sing the correct song

lyrics. To my adopted favorite, favorite freshman, Morgan Oldham, I leave all of my muffin making skills, my cowbell playing skills, flowers and teddayy, and of course a seat in my old gray truck and an open invitation to call me if you ever need anything. Finally, to my baby sister, Allie Harrington, sorry I don’t have anything cool like a parking spot to leave you.

But I do leave you all of the same opportunities I had to make great memories to make your own. I also leave you with some advice, these next four years will go by faster than you could ever imagine make sure you hold on to each second and make the most of it. Remember, even though we’re both starting new chapters in our lives we’re still sisters and friends no matter how far apart we are. I love you. And thank you to everyone for all the memories.

I, Alexyss Hedrick, being of senioritis mind and energetic body do hereby leave anyone who has a parent whom is a teacher at Northwood High School. To my favorite varsity volleyball players, I wish the best of luck in attempting to break the ten winning record. I wish Hannah Lawrence and Anna Brown to keep the pre-game rituals alive. I leave Sarah Burnette the laughs and good times, and always to show her awesome dance moves. I leave Mrs. Freeman the long conversations, and the hours of battling with the copier. I leave the Horton twins the biggest hugs, and the ultimate facials. I leave Josy Christian the best voice, and the hysterical personality. I leave Angelica (JELLY BELLY) the athletic abilities. I leave voice ensemble the hours of breathing time. I leave Julia Sloane all the hours of studying. I leave Miriam (my little Asian) every braid, and every bobby pin. To any upcoming senior, I wish you not to fear the wrath of Ms. Thornhill. Best of wishes to all Northwood High School students. Time Flies.

I, Emily M. Kerscher, being of what is my mind and loquacious body, do hereby leave

see LAST WILL page 6

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The Omniscient: Senior Issue

Trevor Dylan Ahkuoi MyIesha Aleah Alston Seth Michael Alston Vanessa Marie Anderson Allen Trey Andrews Jenna Alyss Andrews Thomas Wayne Andrews Rayanne Gallagher Antonelli Fred William Baldwin III Brianna Lee Bardachino Catherine Mary Bartholf Elizabeth Ann Bartholf Jacee Kaye Bass

Benjamin Joseph Becker Nanci Becquer Ramos Nicolas Cy Benavides Carl Edward Keith Berger Taylor Nicole Birmingham Courtney Nicole Blake Travis James Blanchard Julie Renee Brander Kimberly Kay Brauner Adam Jeffrey Brinegar Dalton Lee Brown Emilie Elizabeth Brown Olivia Ashley Brown

James Tyler Buchanan Adrianna Hope Burchfield Auburn Tra’Quez Chandler John Lyndon Chavez Rachael Lynn Chevalier Alexandria Alice Clayton Anna Elizabeth Cleaver Amber Dawn Cogdell Brandon Neill Cook Nathan Adam Creel Eric Robert Cross Joshua Lee Currie Brittany Lynn Daniel

Alexyss Louise Hedrick Danielle Cynthia Lodestro Helgans Jenna Marie Hengeveld Victor Manuel Herrera Richard Vaughn Herring Benjamin Wayne Hobbs Rashawn James Holland Michelle Renee Hubbard Katie Leigh Hudson Thomas Cole Hudson III Austin Floyd Hundley Christopher Sean Hurlman Kaitlin Marie Hurlman Colin Francis Jacobs Bailey Nicole Johnson Andrew Tyler Jones Coburn Lloyd Jones Emily Marie Kerscher

Matthew Carl Kleberg Chelsea Lynn Knight Alyssa Anne Knoll Jack Cushman Koch Katelyn Taylor Kolls Bryson James Landers Mahogany Racquel Lassiter Luz Elena Lira Alexandra Cecilia Lloyd Alyson Kate Logan Joshua Earl Lorbacher Madeline Anne Maag Christian Patrick Manhard Justin Daniel Mann Stephen Lawrence Markham De’Andre LaQuane Martin Lauren McMaster Martin Mark Lucas Martin

Eileen Martinez Austin Walker Mathews Taylor Blair May Sara Elizabeth McCaw Julie Elizabeth McGinn Jessica Robin McKee Steveson Jeffrey McNeill Stephanie Erin Messer Jessica Rachel Metty Tanner Kyle Morgan William Isaiah Morrow Spencer James Nelson Braxton Marcellus Nettles London De’Sean Nettles Brianna Alexander Noyce Sean Francis Peter O’Neill Lauren Olivia Oakley Juan Antonio Otero III

June 1, 2011

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Dylan Michael Davis Katy Marisol De La O Merino Thomas Grant Delafield Melvin DeAngelo Denny Balraj Singh Dhillon Brendan Robert Di Bernard Brandon Frank Dickens Evan Luken Dixon Justin Kirk Dolly Donovan Alexander Dowdy II Cortney Donijah Dowdy Ayla Michelle Eaton Shanelle Katherine Edmonds

Anna Elise Elkins Sarah Elizabeth Elkins James Tyler Estes Shawnessy Raheem Evans Antonio Lee Farmer Jr Courtney Lynn Farrell Courtney Paige Farrell Symonne Earllae Farrow Brendan Patrick Fitzmaurice Christopher Arnold Forbes Darrian LaVaughn Fox Curtis Brandon Fugitt Juan Ramon Garcia Chavez

Chelsea Marie Gardner Yucaidi Gaytan Cornejo Timothy Scott Gill Terrance Maurice Gordon Matthew Rudolph Gould Robert Lee Graham Weston Adam Greene Emma Gutierrez Kenneth Bryant Hackney James Vincent Harrell Padgett Lee Harrington Trenton Joshua Harris Katherine Clare Hart

John Westley Partin Claire Frances Pauley Vondalle Devon Pearson Rosemary Brook Percival Dustin Wayne Pernell Peter William Perry Vincent Marcell Perry Jr. Whitney Dominque Perry Brittany Ann Porterfield Martha Yvette Puebla Matthew Christian Raisig Bradley David Ramsey Vermeka LaShaunda Rives Preston Eugene Roberson Jessica Rodriguez Darleen Jane Santos Austin Terrell Savage Alexander Carr Scott

Sarah Rebekah Seed Catherine Sarah Shachtman Riccardo Silenzi Tyrell Kelvin Smalls Austin Jamal Smith Kiely Geneva Smith Ryan Fowler Smith Teanna Nichole Smith Tiera Celeste Smith Rayford Dion Snipes Seth Edward Spach Jonathan Rashod Spruiell John Lewis Staley Stephen John Stark Daniel Lowell Staub Laura Beth Sturdivant Kenneth Lee Swann Jr. Paulina Teran Mendoza

Crystal Elaine Tharrington Marshall Tripp Thomas Tychelle Lynn Thompson Sierra Mae Timmons Austin Dee Tingen Garrett Kessler Tripp Lisa Marie Wall Brittany Marie White Brandon Lamont Williams Eric Cameron Williams Alaysia Nicole Wright Joseph Thomas Clifford Wright Tony Lee Wright Jr. Juan Dmetri Young

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The Omniscient: Senior Issue

Last Will and Testament

June 1, 2011

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

just a few small things. To my little sister, I leave the stick shift, and better luck than I had learning to drive it. I also leave to her, however grudgingly, all of the clothes that I won’t be able to fit in my closet at school next year, and so along with that, my ability to never stain or accidentally shrink things. To the future yearbook staffers, I leave my love of fonts and colors and pictures and poster-making because, as you’ll quickly come to realize, no one reads the stories anyway. More importantly though, I leave you all with my obsession for the Wednesday hand-tossed garlic crust pizza, that I might be able to avoid the freshman fifteen.

And I should probably leave my procrastination skills behind, but I’ve heard they’re pretty useful in college so I suppose I won’t part with them just yet. So finally, I just want to leave everyone else with a smile and the reminder that high school isn’t everything. Listen to music.

I, Matthew Kleberg, being of adventurous mind and beaten body, do hereby leave Ryan O’Daniel all of the projects that Josh Lorbacher and I have collaborated on over this past year.

We hope that you will enjoy them just as we have... to all those who feel overwhelmed by the endless stream of work and projects my ability to manage thousands of different activities at once... to the marching chargers band I leave another all superior session. To Alex Watkins I leave my ability to eat gluten in hopes that you will be able to enjoy all of the foods that have alluded you for so long. I leave my love of the outdoors to all those who have become disconnected with the natural world in hopes that nature will provide an outlet for you as it has for me. To Mr. Little I leave my most sincere thank you for being such an outstanding teacher.

I, Alyssa Knoll, being of disorganized mind and usually caffeinated body, do hereby leave the Quiz Bowl team a legacy of Brain Game competitions. To future generations of Omniscient staff, I leave integrity as reporters and eloquence as journalists. To my sister, I leave my name and all derivations thereof, the sexiest car in the parking lot, a mountain of travel mugs and paper towels, and the ability to withstand any hardships that come from being related to me. To Ben Dean I leave 10 squats and the best squad in the marching band. To Charlotte Harrison, I leave the hallowed title “Graphic Slave,” as I believe she has now earned it, and a bag of State Fair candy. To Jackson Seagroves I leave my seat on every bus we’ve ever ridden, my parking spot because he’d stolen it already, a thousand rides to San Felipe Restaurant and a thousand plates of arroz con pollo, and my high heels because he needs them more than I do. To Nathan Harr I leave a Rubik’s Cube.

I, Katie Kolls, being of overflowing mind and small body, do hereby leave my wonderful Student Council to Diane Thompson, Brandon Edwards, Alischa McCrimmon, Blake Scruggs, and of course our outstanding adviser, Senor Foust. Keep being the fantastic little Stuco nerd you are Diane, and represent at Mars Hill for me. I leave my ability to frustrate Foust and make entertaining mistakes to all of Student Council. I leave my amazing experiences with DECA to Mrs. Hall and the underclassmen who will take it over next year. Delaney, Diane, Megan, you better make it to Nationals again.

I leave my enthusiasm for clubs and school spirit to the students who are going to run the school when they become seniors. I leave my

love for Duke to the kids who will be daring enough to wear a Duke shirt the day after we lose to UNC (in case that actually happens).

I leave my parking spot to the student who is smart enough to figure out why it’s the best one in the lot. Even though he won’t be here next year, I leave my habit of calling people by their first and last name to John Fraser. To the DECA seniors, never forget our adventures in Orlando.

To Courtney Paige Farrell, you’re never too old to be a princess. To Weston Greene, thanks for being such an amazing friend every year of high school. To the Northwood High School Class of 2011, I wish you all the best. And last but not least, I leave everything I loved about high school to my sister Karli. I love you.

I, Alex Lloyd, being of bored mind and tired body do hereby leave my foreign adaptations to any and all foreign, specifically Canadian, students of the future. I leave the awesome high school party knowledge to only the most exciting upperclassmen. I leave my plethora of notes, binders, and papers to my fireplace and garbage can. To Mrs. Hunter, Mr. Morgan, and Mrs. Thornhill, I leave all my appreciation for their help, support, and amazing classes—my favorites of my time at NHS. To whichever poor unfortunate soul receives it, I leave my parttime job at Five Below. To all future seniors, I leave all the luck I can to assist in overcoming the extreme desire to get out of here and coping with senioritis. To the students who are not interested in extracurriculars, I leave my ability to get straight A’s and get into college regardless of the delusions you’re fed about needing them.

To all intense procrastinators, I leave my ability to complete all my assignments within an hour before the class and to successfully but completely wing the SAT. To Caroline and Madison, I leave the duty of terrifying future generations of journalism junkies. And to all future students, I leave the best of luck; you’ll need it.

I, Christian Manhard, being of sound mind and tired body, do hereby leave Jordan Wayne Tingen aka The Prodigy, my abilities of taking care of Daniel Marrow and Mark Stoneman.

I, Justin Mann, being of unstable mind and hypothetical body, do hereby leave behind my love for the girl that’s stolen my heart and captivates my dreams so she will remember me. To the marching band, I leave my passion for playing trombone to an aspiring freshmen. To Walker Roller Harnden, I leave my arms and legs in hopes that one day he may become a centipede.

I, Austin Mathews, being of abstract mind and battle-tested body, do hereby regretfully leave my spot as a leader of the Nuthouse to any senior next year who thinks he could ever come close to trumping our high levels of maniacal activities. I also leave the main thing that I have learned here at Northwood to all underclassmen “Its not homework unless it is due the next day,” remember procrastination is key! To Coach Hall, I leave you a reminder that I along with Sam Griffin will not be the last football “stars” to share the love of your wonderful practices.

To Mrs. Thornhill, I leave much thanks for challenging me to create my video, and I walk away with the taste of sweet victory and a hint of fish in my mouth. I also leave you my Louisville slugger for that possum underneath your front porch.

I, Sara McCaw, being of passionate mind and tantalizing body do hereby leave my beloved position and legacy of Varsity goalkeeper to Diane Thompson.

I hope she makes me proud when I go off to college. I want to wish the best of luck to the soccer team and I want them to continue being one of the most amazing teams I’ve ever had the pleasure to play with. I want to leave my lucky Italian goalkeeper jersey to my coach Jack Middleton to give to a goalie worthy Photo courtesy of Northwood Yearbook enough of wearing.

COURTNEY BLAKE and NICK BENAVIDES enjoy a nap.

It’s seen me through

some of the most intense and important games of my career thus far and I hope who ever wears it next will feel the passion and excitement pulsing in them every game.

I want to leave my good reputation to my little brother Patrick when he’s ready to enter high school. When he enters high school I don’t want the teachers to spite him just because of who his sister was. So I’m hoping when he’s old enough to enter high school he’ll be praised because of who his older siblings were instead being tormented by it.

I, Jessica McKee, being of loving mind and awesome body, do hereby leave the good times and work that monkey song during dance team season to Julie Johnston. To the dance team I wish an amazing season. To Alisha Gardner and Marianna Adkins I leave our little corner to stop and talk at every morning before class. To Julieanna Roldan I leave our crazy conversations at our lunch table. To Kaitlyn Mendenhall and Laura Kreigh, I leave Photo courtesy of Northwood Yearbook our spot we always have on stage for dance VICTOR HERRERA in art class. and the good times of BOB MARLEY! I, Stephanie Messer, being of deterioexpression, and the sensibility of tactful usage rating mind and body, do hereby leave my ability to stay awake and plenty of caffeine to all of such a power. I leave Jackson Seagroves another ten dollars in quarters, to make sure he those who write papers the night (and morning) never folds. I leave Nathanial Harr a handbefore they are due. I leave Elyse Ewald my shake after a slap in the face, in hopes that he ability to drive with one knee. To Julia Sloane, many, many smiles. Charlotte Harrison may take shall lead the sax sections to new heights of flamboyancy. To Dylan Newcity I leave a hefty Timmy to the School of the Arts. To DeeDee tome. I leave my lovely English overlords a Horton, a hug and crazy dancing; to Doug, a coupon for free grading (provided they send good solid punch. To Walker “Roller” Harnden, return postage), which I shall return with the I wish many soul-crushing jokes and a tasty whirlwind due diligence expected of me. To lunch. He can also have my foot for a dramatic movie ending. I leave future English 12 students Walker Harnden, I leave a FOX OBOE (not remy undying love for Lady MacBeth. To Jackson ally), and something random, spontaneous and involving 15 wild horses. To those in doubt, I Seagroves, my hate. I leave Livy Griffin the give irrefutable evidence at the 1% alpha level, stage and to Josy Christian I leave my ability to with 99% confidence. I leave the courage to do survive senior year. I also leave her love, laughtons of crazy awesome fun extracurricular stuff ter, and a little bit more love.

I, Jessie Metty, being of scattered mind and to Connor and Britton Tripp. To all the rest, I leave a congratulations, because you go to one un-athletic body, do hereby leave the whole of the best high schools in the state. junior class my severe case of senioritis. To I, London De’Sean Nettles, being of sound Carly Almes, I leave everything; my house, my mind and strong body, do hereby leave all of car, my backpack, my pencils, and wherever my swag to my boys Jamal Baines, Kendrick I end up going to college. To Sarah Burnette, Edwards, and Donnell Gibbs. To Nashara I leave hours and hours of laughing at Sarah Bynum, I leave my magic ability to get to Hyland videos and gas to come visit me in the school at 7:57, and still make it to class on time. mountains, and everyone else at the beach. To Brianna Clark & Ivy Morgan, I will truly miss Karen Koch, I leave slumber parties and cake the way you two always make fun of me, so I batter. To Dan Gingeritch, I leave the curse of am leaving you my “Grandpa Walk”. To all of crappy cars and my ability to make it to school the haters, I leave the hard times and struggles. at the same time everyday regardless of what And to Northwood...

I just leave. time we leave the neighborhood. To Landis I, Brianna Noyce, being of crazy mind Barber and Alex Plummer, I leave my obnoxand tired body, do hereby leave my exciting ious 3 am phone calls to vent about how awful personality to Northwood’s own teacher of the train rides and 11 year olds are. To all the cool year, Mr. Morgan, in hopes that he will be happy DECA kids, I leave my ability to run down the to see all his new students and some of the old hotel hallways and across highways in order to ones.

To a Mr. Clint Martin I leave every bit of make it to state meetings on time. To Allison my outgoingness to help make it through the Jones, I leave my youtube skills and my fear of next year without being so shy because I won’t riding in big blue trucks. To Ms. Hall, I leave be here next year to talk to.

LOL. I leave my 4th period procrastination and Focus Fridays. I loyalty to Mr. Pendergrast for being there for hope next year you have a better Sports 2 class. me all four years.

To Ms. Jordan Wright, I leave And to all incoming freshman, I leave the great hope of finding good, trustworthy friends at memories and friendships I’ve made at NorthNorthwood other than me. I leave lots of good wood. Good luck during your next four years, luck to any one in ISS because Coach Hartrust me, you’ll want to remember them. rington is cracking down next year! I leave any I, Tanner Morgan, being of chill mind and pleasing body, do hereby leave this sentence for athletic ability I may have to Coach Amy and Coach Frazier. I leave my knowledge and ability Brian Harrington, I will make better decisions with Mr. Thibault and all the AVID kids. I also in the future. I leave most of my love and dirt leave Mr. Thibault and Mr. Morgan an hour a bike for Mrs. Thornhill. And to all my ladies in day to slow down and relax! To Mrs. Strickland,, the office, I will leave my love for all of y’all I leave my nerve and strong will because she too. To Mrs. Strickland, I will leave you the gave me half of it! But to Northwood, to all of right to make sure I am always doing what I am supposed to do. And Officer Stubbs, I leave Northwood, ones I know and ones I don’t, I leave love, happiness, smiles, and hugs. I leave you the hallways which I wandered more than hope that Northwood will share its love inward you. To Senor Frazier, I leave you the parking spot which I have stolen from you many times. and outward and let it shine. Embrace the people who will share the next four years of your life.

Mr. Little, I leave you a tardy slip for all those Share, love, and encourage each other. times that you were in your room but not in I, Olivia Oh-Knock Oakley, being of your seat when the bell rang. drained mind and exhausted body, do hereby I, Spencer Nelson, being of labyrinthian leave countless hours bugging Coach Harmind and expended body, do hereby leave rington and Chap Chap on the football field to a series of increasingly intricate clues and the remaining members of the Brigade. I leave riddles leading around the school, starting with knock-cup to the one and only Jalapeno, Lil the quote “A Gladiator Mounts,” to whoever Knock to ACP, and Big Knock to the Queen believes they are up to the task. I leave Colin Murphy the freedom of wild spontaneous see LAST WILL page 7

June 1, 2011

Page 7

The Omniscient: Senior Issue

Last Will and Testament CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

of the Q. I leave all my sticky-notes, plastic wrap, and shaving cream in the field house for future pranks. I leave my ability to block shots to Y-Doodle, and my accidental embarrassing phone calls to Shelby Wolfe & Tyler O’Dell.

I leave all my Disney songs to Silva Stout and my creeping to Maggie Denny. I leave my insane matching skills to Nate Holst and leave my partner Ashton Scott to find a replacement, even though we’re the true champs. I leave toointense Tuesdays to the next round of students in AP Biology and focus Fridays to future procrastinators in Mrs. Hall’s classes. I leave all my rice and noodles to Aki and Mary and I leave my love for whales and Jai Ho to Maria Vanderford. Last but not least, I leave Livy Griffin my ability to somehow make it to class on time everyday, cause she needs it.

I, Whitney Perry, being of artful mind and flexible body, do hereby leave Tanishia Thomas my spot on varsity cheerleading and dance ensemble. Ashton Scott: my Parking spot. Olivia Griffin and Maria Vanderford: my prison hole.

Myranda Blankenship: all my smiles and laughs.

I, Bradley Ramsey, being of fickle mind and exhausted body, do hereby leave: To Jackson Seagroves, rising senior, Double The Push-Ups for Alex Day in Marching Band. Also, I do leave my parking spot in the lot, though you will most likely not need it. To Kyla Pisowicz, I wish you the best of luck, as you will be graduating early next year.

It is unfortunate that you chose not to graduate with this class of 2011, however, you should do what you believe is best for your future. To Mrs. Thornhill, I leave to you a thanks. I thank you for

Ben Hobbs

not giving up on me when I know that it would have been easy for you to do that. It was through your pushing toward make me the best that you knew I could be. To Mrs. Strickland, I would like to thank you for being such an awesome person.

I, Tyrell Smalls, being of good mind and perfect body, do hereby leave my swagger to the younger generation of Northwood, and boy do you need it. I will also leave my signature because one day I will be famous and you can sell it on craigslist or ebay. Last thing I leave is my book on “How to Spit Game” by Tyrell Smalls.

I, TeAnna Smith, being of happy mind and devious body, do hereby leave this school with great gratitude. My ability to manage the last days of my high school years and leaving this school in general to start a new beginning of life.

To my brother Jalen Smith who will become a freshmen next year, I leave the best of luck to you on your four year journey of high school. To all of my best-ies, I leave you guys with all of the good times and laughs that we shared through out the year. And I leave Northwood in general because I have successfully completed my task and no longer have to look back.

I, John Staley, being of fantastic mind and humble body do hereby leave my dry wit to Madame Thornhill and my subpar voice to any prepubescent teen with issues. To DECA, I leave my paper regarding the repercussions of declaring one’s self “cool” without wearing a black leather jacket and having a comb in your back pocket. To Walker “Roller” Harnden, I leave my arms and legs in hopes that one day he will be a centipede. Finally, I leave a great deal of confi-

dence to anyone who just wants to be themself.

I, Stephen Stark, being of demented mind and contorted body, do hereby leave Walker Harnden my legs because he is taking too long to grow his back. To Jessie Vohwinkel, I leave my arms so she always has someone to hug. To Richard Varnadore, I leave my eagle farm. To Jesus Lemons, I leave any beard hair I get so he may one day touch the ground. To Joe B.C. I leave nothing because he is already king of everything. To Josy Christian I leave a Katana.

To Charlotte Harrison I leave her hair. Finally, to the brave I leave my mind for it may turn even the most normal minds to insanity.

I, Tychelle Thompson, being of shy nature and pleasant company, do hereby leave anyone who constantly arrives late to first period because you ride with sibling my honest opinion to ride the bus or get a roller back pack and run. To the vocal class of Ms. Shugart, I leave my patience and the ability to rise above the tedious repetition and create magic on the Northwood stage... good luck. To Ms. Shugart, I leave and take some amazing memories. To Ms. Mcknight, Ms. Sculli, and Mr. Buckner, I leave the best of luck as well as a thank you and a promise to never forget all of the support and help you provided me throughout my life as a high school student.

I, Austin Tingen, being of great mind and toned body, do hereby leave both my name and my senioritis to the wildest kid I know, Austin Moody. I, Austin Tingen, being of tranquil mind and ferocious body, do hereby leave my place as soccer captain to my little brother Jordan Tingen, I know you’ll do a lot better than me man. I,

Look How They’ve own

Austin Tingen, being of adequate mind and useful body, do hereby leave my brain to Mark Stoneman, you need it little dude.

I, Alaysia Wright, being of sound mind and body do hereby leave the best of luck to the NHS Dance Team. I am going to miss you guys so much. For the new members, I hope you enjoy it. It’s an awesome experience. To Aretha Kenyae Jones, I leave all the laugh and good times we have had. I am going to miss you so much. To Alajah Dudley, I leave the most awesome name ever and I leave you laughs. To Dancers, I leave you fun laughs and awesome dance time with Smith. To Mrs. Smith, I leave laughs and the good times that we have all had in your dance classes. You’re an amazing teacher and I am going to miss you, I love you and I will be back. To Mr. Winstead, I leave laughs and our funny drama arguments; I will miss you as well.

I, Joe Wright, being of open mind, do hereby leave the mantle of best guitarist in school to Talon Swayze. I leave my hair flip to Mark Stoneman. I leave the best memories of this year to Danny Woodard. I leave my notorious attitude with teachers to any student who refuses to keep their mind in a box and refuses to accept everything they are told. There is no art without controversy and there is no learning without challenging what we already know. I leave my charming composure to Jeff Forbes. I leave my serious demeanor to Macon Craig. I leave my humor to anyone willing to spend the time in ISS for using it.

Tyrell Smalls

gr

Katherine Hart

Eric Cross

Trent Harris

Marcell Perry

Taylor May

— Compiled by the NHS Yearbook Staff

Page 8

Trevor Ahkuoi will finally have the opportunity to star in Jersey Shore and will become a trademark for keeping a crayon tucked in his ear for over 24 hours. After having much success with GTL, he will return to Pittsboro and start a Glee Club at Northwood.

After receiving many tickets for reckless driving, Seth Alston will be forced to ride a bike for the rest of his life.

MyIesha Alston will be starring in Love and Basketball: The Sequel.

In a few years, Vanessa Anderson will be a model for Diddy.

Brianna Bardachino will move to New Jersey and get a job as Snooki’s stunt double on Jersey Shore.

Nick Benavides will sleep through college and will work behind the scenes of numerous Broadway productions. Unable to afford a place to stay, he will sleep at the theater. One day, while taking a nap on set of Cats, he will be discovered by Judd Apatow, who happens to need someone to play the starring role of a single, laid-back, narcoleptic waiter in his latest comedy. From there, Nick’s acting career will take off, eventually becoming an icon of the “chuckly chill” crowd.

Nancy Becquer-Ramos will move to Miami, run down the beach at 5 am and kick her clients’ butts in her exercise training sessions. She will then become a congresswoman and finally secure the votes to pass the legislation for the DREAM Act. Emilie Brown will still buy Jessie Metty’s lunch at San Fan and McDonalds, as long as Jessie drives.

Olivia Ashley Brown will be a contestant on America’s Next Top Model. She will win and work for Covergirl where she will make a ton of money. Many different agencies will beg for her to work for them. She will be married to a tall, dark and handsome man.

Annie Cleaver will grow a giant afro, master all kinds of Kung Fu, and live inside a tiny zoo.

Dylan Davis will become an official statistician for ESPN. Thomas Delafield will be working for an

Prophecies: A look into the future The Omniscient: Senior Issue

animal shelter rescuing/chasing dogs that he “accidentally” let out.

After trying out a lethal, new, everlasting, luscious hair cream Evan Dixon went bald.

Justin Dolly will have yet to wear gym shorts or sweatpants out of the house.

Sarah Elkins will go on to be a second grade teacher and Winterguard coach at the county’s local high school. She’ll have two kids, who’ll be really good sleepers because she sings them soothing lullabies every night.

They will also wear really cute clothes. Her husband will be strong and tough, but also a teddy-bear type chemistry teacher, and is very supportive as she rises in the singing industry.

Antonio Farmer and Juan Young will both play professional basketball in Europe; they’ll bring the rest of the Forbes family with them too.

Courtney Paige Farrell will be a Disney Princess, and her and her prince charming will have two beautiful little princesses. She will live in Cinderella’s castle and eat breakfast with Mickey and Minnie every morning.

In the future, Christopher Forbes will become a college English professor.

After his rap career falters, Darrian Fox, still angry about not being awarded Class Clown, will crash a Comic View show and be discovered by Kevin Hart. They will later collaborate in the show “I’m a Grown Little Man: The Sequel.”

Chelsea Gardner will dedicate her life to saving the world. Then, in a dramatic turn of events, decide she in fact wants to live the high life, marry a rich Middle Eastern oil lord, and burn down the rain forest to build her summer home.

After opening her own smoothie shop in Wilmington, Emma Gutierrez will be making world-famous smoothies.

Padgett Harrington will be the first girl allowed to play in MLB. In a few years, Trent Harris will become a professional wrestler.

Ben Hobbs will have taken over the world, and invented a new form of air with his scientific discoveries.

Cole Hudson will go to Wharton School of Business, achieve an M.B.A, and become the world foremost stock trader on Wall Street.

Katie Hudson and Preston Roberson will have three kids that will be driven around in Katie’s pimped out Escalade Suburban.

Chris Hurlman will have bought out Ralph Lauren.

Colin Jacobs will finally publish his Bananas in Pajamas stories. He’ll make a ton of money off of them. On rainy nights, he will sit in a dark room by the fireplace, smoking a pipe and sipping brandy, reading the newspaper. On the coffee table he will keep a plate of scones to munch on.

Photo courtesy of Northwood Yearbook

SETH SPACH will soon find himself on America’s Most Wanted, known as an international parking spot thief.

June 1, 2011

Photo courtesy of Northwood Yearbook

RYAN SMITH, ERIC WILLIAMS and CHRISTIAN MANHARD will go into business with Austin Tingen to open the “Core Four Cake Bakery.” Yancey and Candice will still be in charge.

He will have nine dogs, which will have cool names like Hamburger and Carlton.

He will also run for county commissioner.

He will propose a mandate to teachers that says no child shall be told that they can’t play football during lunch.

Bailey Paige Johnson will still be controlling Courtney Farrell’s radio and playing indie music that no one understands but her.

Andrew Jones will still be restoring his mustang.

Coby Jones will have a dog that he never gives a name to. He’ll drive down the road singing Avett Brothers songs and drinking orange juice. He will enjoy getting together with his friends to play things like four-square. He will also have one child whom he cares deeply about. He won’t let anyone hold him and will feed him healthy food from Trader Joe’s.

They will share a love of Scooby Doo and saxophone. And though he’ll worry about it, he won’t develop any major health problemsuntil he’s old that is.

Emily Kerscher will be an extremely successful artist who will paint a mural on the Empire State Building. She will make a million dollars and be set for life. Not only will she paint a mural, but she will open her own studio in New York City.

Alex Lloyd will get the honor of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at a big-deal fancy event, and then be escorted out after not being able to properly pronounce the word “flag.”

Aly Logan will be dancing on Broadway and have four kids with bright blonde hair, and they will live on a boat.

Luke Martin will be a military dude who bosses frightened new trainees during boot camp. He will be married to Alex Lloyd and they will live in a large house.

He will still be driving his dad’s old Jeep although he has enough money to afford a new car. He will still be crazier than ever at the age of 60.

After receiving over a million hits on his youtube video, Austin Mathews was offered a chance to be on the reality show Survivor. After depopulating all seven oceans on a fishing rampage, Mathews will become the first man to ever run a successful seafood restaurant in Pittsboro and he will invent a new dance called the “Gingeraid.”

Stephanie Messer skillfully acted her way through college in the Tundra. After graduating, she moved to New York, where she was offered her first role in the groundbreaking new interpretation of Macbeth, titled Lady Macbeth; she won the academy award for her performance.

Jessie Metty will unhappily go to App and transfer to East Carolina where she will finally rebel from her home schooling days and marry Justin Bieber, take all his money and later star in Mean Girls 3 as Lindsey Lohan’s arch-nemesis with the misspelled middle

name: Jessica Rachael Metty.

Spencer Nelson will be a research scientist for the National Institute of Health.

He and his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Bartolf, MD, will have fun interchanging mutually beneficial information about their jobs.

On the side, he will be president of the Haw River Assembly and lead the annual Haw River Clean-Up every March. He will also pick up some eclectic habits, such as designing and sewing dresses for Elizabeth to wear. Together, they will host classy dinner parties, play the smooth sounds of Yo Yo Ma in the background, and show off their beautiful baby son, Samuel Pepys III. Braxton Nettles will still be Cortney Dowdy’s biggest fan and set a new fashion trend by continuing to wear her cheerleading jackets.

Sean O’Neill will become a CEO of a huge business and later become a professor at Harvard where he can play all the Hamster games he wants, tell all of his “my dad’s friend’s brotherin law” stories, until he slips up and tells an inappropriate political joke that makes the whole room uncomfortable and gets him fired.

Vermeka Rives is still keepin’ it straight real.

After finishing her time with the peace corps, Catherine Shachtman will resettle in Boone, and marry a mountain man with whom she will have babies born with Chaco’s on ready to hike the Appalachian Trail.

Kiely Smith is still the nicest person to grace the halls of Northwood High School.

Ryan Smith will have upgraded the TV in his car to a 42” plasma.

Rayford Dion Snipes will have learned how to speak above a soft whisper and express his emotions through words, not just Facebook status updates.

Stephen Stark slept though college and got a job testing video games for Square Enix. In ten years he worked his way up from video game tester to CEO. Wielding massive amounts of inherent intelligence and a ridiculous amount of money, Stephen designed a robotic suit with crime fighting capabilities. And just like that, Stephen Stark became Tony Stark, and thus, Iron Man. After being fired from S&T’s and kicked out of Elon for excessive tardies and absences, Laura Sturdivant will resort to living full time at the beach, and making milkshakes for everyone that comes to visit in order to show off her skills while working at S&T’s.

After college, Brandon Williams will start a fan club totally devoted to Kobe Bryant. After finding Williams creeping behind a bush in Bryant’s yard, he will place a restraining order on him. Williams will later admit his love for Taylor Swift and marry her.

June 1, 2011

Music Reviews

The Omniscient

Artist: Fleet Foxes Album: Helplessness Blues Go Download: “The Shrine/An Argument”

While listening to this album, I actually felt like I was in heaven!

It could be one of the best albums of 2011. Being a little hesitant about the album (since the band’s debut, Fleet Foxes, set pretty high standards), I was surprised to find many tracks more intricate and captivating. The sound of the guitars is particularly exquisite, and Robin Pecknold’s voice is dreamier than ever. The album had the same light and innocent essence of Fleet Foxes, but with a heavier Celtic folk tinge and more robust sound. The album would be great to listen to on a drive out to the mountains, or a sunny morning, or anytime general spirit-lifting is in need. — Rayanne Antonelli Artist: Movits!

Album: Äppelknyckarjazz Go Download: “A-Kasse Blues”

Artist: Lady Gaga Album: The Fame Monster Go Download: None

Movits! is a Swedish band focused on swing and hip hop styles. Äppelknyckarjazz, which translates literally to “apple swiper jazz,” is the band’s debut album and it will make your ears happy. Three white guys in black suits, white Adidas, swinging and spitting mad Swedish rhymes is a recipe for victory. The album covers a few different swing styles and has awesome variation in rap sound.

Unfortunately, nearly all of the lyrics are in Swedish, which is a bit of a bother, but the language is interesting and adds to the album.

— Coburn Jones

Like, OMG! Let’s all go gaga for GaGa. Sorry to disappoint all you little “monsters” and Gaga groupies out there, but the only unique thing about Gaga is her strange wardrobe. The songs on this album are incredibly repetitive, lack quality and are the same old mainstream pop crap you get from everyone else. The only difference for her is that her songs make no sense and the videos for all her songs are horrible to an extent which I cannot even describe. They’re all flashes of her, half-dressed, dancing around with a group of people behind her mixed with flashes of the most unexplainable and unrelated scenarios. It’s time for Gaga to put on her “I’m a bird’s nest” costume and fall out of her tree of absurdity for good.

— Alex Lloyd

The weird ways of Taboo

recruited to plant dynamite in deep mines. At 4 years old, we learn how to use the toilet, not how to be a virgin goddess like a little girl in

By Brooke Smith Nepal would. In the Philippines, one must enStaff Writer dure pain before becoming a healer. In order to earn the status of a healer, a girl even ate a On the “Fantasy Lives” episode of broken light bulb. Many would call these jobs Taboo, viewers were introduced to a 29absurd and cruel, but to the people in these year-old man, Stanley Thornton, who still countries these are everyday tasks. pretends he is a baby. He has a caretaker who We always hear of people using drugs feeds him, rubs his head until he falls asleep, to relieve pain or to get away from what is makes adult-sized bottles for his meals and around them, but have you ever visited spireven changes his diapers. He is so obsessed its while under the influence? In Peru, healwith acting like ers use a hallucinoan infant that he gen called San Pedro built a crib to fit a to battle demons. The twin sized bed and users say it transports made a pacifier big them to another enough for him to realm and gives them feel the same efthe power to mend fect a baby would. broken lives. If we National Geosaid this to a judge graphic’s show, or cop, they would Taboo, presents throw us in jail just the unbelievfor coming up with able ways of life a story like that. around the world.

Things we would What some would get in serious trouble call crazy, others for, others use as consider necescommon passages to sities. This show other realms. gives viewers a Photo courtesy of nationalgeographic.com Next time you glimpse of the WOMEN IN THAILAND sometimes wear think your life is unusual situations neck rings to alter their appearance. hectic and deranged, people are in and think about all of how they are forced to live according to what the people across the globe. Remember is socially accepted in their communities. what challenges and obstacles they have to Taboo takes us on a trip to Germany, overcome to be accepted by their families where sometimes the public gets to stare at and communities. and admire the body of a person who has Taboo is both an insane and educational passed on. Every now and then, a fallen production. If you want to watch televicorpse is put in a glass case and put in the sion that shows ridiculous activities and the middle of a city to view. Creepy, but true. differences in lives around the world, this Many people go to extremes in order show is for you. Although it shows short to achieve a higher social standing in their clips of each story, you still get an undercommunity. Instead of doing the usual things standing of what is going on. Watching one might do at 13, like hanging out with these episodes, you gain a new perspective friends and playing sports, a Bolivian boy was on lives and how people live.

“Let’s Move!” Campaign

Page 7

Michelle Obama finds her voice and teams up with Beyonce to go head-to-head with childhood obesity

By Pamela Rone Staff Writer

“We want to eliminate the problem of childhood obesity in [the next] generation… We want our kids to face a different and more optimistic future in terms of their lifespan,” said First Lady Michelle Obama, speaking on the ultimate goal of her new campaign.

Obama launched her “Let’s Move!” campaign in February after she chose childhood obesity as her main focus as first lady.

The main goal of this program is to fight the rising statistics of childhood obesity and keep kids healthy and in shape.

Obama is not working alone though; she has tag-teamed with R&B singer Beyonce Knowles. The pair joined forces and traveled to schools across the globe encouraging students to get up and be active; the appearances by Beyonce served as great

motivation for the kids to participate in the program.

Knowles’ hit song “Get Me Bodied” was the theme song of the campaign. The song had been remixed and a national twist had been thrown on the record. The video ends with a repetition of the line, “Wave the American flag,” and everyone has their own mini-flag as they move their bodies to the beat while waving it with pride and joy. The students danced their hearts out and pushed themselves to the limit alongside the artist.

When Obama first decided to tackle this worldwide conflict, obesity accounted for one-third of the population. Her goal is to reduce this number and it is unknown whether or not her mission will be completed by the end of her husband’s presidential term. She will soon find out if she has the power to knock this disease out of the water or if she has bitten off more than she can chew.

Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton

MICHELLE OBAMA has been promoting active lifestyles for kids.

2011 Spring Dance Concert

By Rayanne Antonelli Staff Writer

Leah Smith’s Dance I, Dance II, and Dance IV classes performed the Spring Dance Concert in Northwood’s Benjamin J. Lee Auditorium on the evening of Friday, May 13 and the afternoon of Sunday, May 15.

Pieces were centered around themes of frustration, happiness and finding personal freedom. Juniors Mary Rizkalla and Julia Sloane, along with senior Alaysia Wright, choreographed and performed solos. Senior Olivia Oakley choreographed a group piece.

“I always love Smith’s choreography. I love going to see the concerts and seeing what she creates-and then seeing the students who choreographed their own pieces and their creativity,” said senior Bailey Johnson.

Despite Friday night’s stormy weather and Sunday being the day after prom, the turnout was excellent on both days.

Charlotte Harrison/ The Omniscient

TOP LEFT: JESSICA McKEE rehearses for the spring performance.

ABOVE: LEAH SMITH’S DANCE II CLASS poses at the end of its piece.

8

New Exam Schedule

Staff Editorial

Over the past few years, the Northwood end-of-course exam schedule has been slightly tweaked, while mostly staying unchanged at one exam per day. This year, Northwood administrators took a new schedule from Mooresville High School, a school with a 92 percent proficiency rate.

The new plan runs on a two exams a day schedule. Friday, June 3 and Tuesday, June 7 include all EOC exams, and Monday, June 6 and Wednesday, June 8 include all non-EOC and VoCATS exams. This allows an entire day for remediation (Thursday, June 9) before students who failed or missed an exam have to retest on that Friday, June 10.

The new schedule, which came out a few weeks ago, has brought about a variety of mixed opinions from the Northwood student body. The largest concerns come from those who have to take two exams a day. According to Principal Chris Blice, there are only about 40 students in the entire student body who have to take two EOC exams in one day. Those students are mostly sophomores, and the exams on that day are Algebra II and English I in the morning, and Biology and Physical Science in the afternoon. The concerns brought up with this schedule are simple: How can students be expected to concentrate through two exams?

Along with the 40 students on June 3 that have to take two EOCs a day, there are still a number of students who will have to take more than one non-EOC exam a day. We worry about the attentiveness that students will have after taking one exam and having to move on to another.

Don’t you remember how drained you feel after sitting in a classroom for hours bubbling in answers? It’s exhausting and would be less than ideal to have to do it twice in one day.

But for the number of students who don’t have to take two exams in a day, and even for some that do, the new policy looks to be quite promising. We like the idea of shortening the exam day, even if it’s only by an hour, and getting to come in at 11:30 rather than 8:00. For some of us, getting all of our exams out of the way at once, rather than coming in on multiple days and dragging the week out further, is also a plus. The fact that the exams are shorter is celebratory, too. Most students can finish an EOC in only a few hours, rather than the four hours that were previously given. The administration noticed last year how much extra time students were spending in classrooms, which is why they decided to shorten the day. Some students can sleep in before their exams, while others get to get out almost an hour earlier.

Extra time is of course going to be provided for those who need it, but students won’t have to sit quietly in a classroom for an agonizing amount of time.

Considering that this is the first time this schedule will ever be practiced at Northwood, no one can say for sure how it will turn out.

The real tell-all of whether or not the new schedule is successful will be shown in student scores. We know that it is a top priority at Northwood to have high scores for our exams, and if they go down this year, especially for the afternoon exams, it can be reasoned that maybe this policy doesn’t work as well for Northwood as the administration had hoped.

Opinion

Alex Attacks: Body Art Haters Alex Lloyd

Picture this: Graduation Project presentation night, here comes an honors student with a spectacular project and perfect dress attire. But wait, now she’s given a lower score because “not showing tattoos would have been better.”

Perceptions of tattoos are ridiculous and I am sick of everyone judging them like they do, as if the person is some sort of “hooligan” or “trashy” because they have a tattoo.

Art’s first canvas was the skin; primitive tools were used to poke the ink deep into people’s skin as a part of their culture. People would have their heritage and their history mapped out on their bodies. Tattoos were used for identification, to mark people as possessing a certain social standing. The art of tattooing was said to release spiritual and sacred life forces into the universe. Tattoos were also associated with rites of passage for those becoming adults and those becoming more important members of their tribes/communities. You’ll find that the art of tattooing is usually associated with something positive: love, luck, heritage and growth; deeper, more symbolic meanings are constantly buried in a tattoo.

Tattoos are a beautiful, meaningful form of personal expression. The perma-

nence of tattoos is symbolic of their significance. Sure, there are people all over the world with stupid tattoos, but so what?

It’s a choice that only that person can make and no one has the right to criticize.

Tattoos are jam-packed with meaning; they are symbolic and important to those who have them on their bodies. They are a form of expressing who you are, your ideals, what you love and everything that’s important to you.

It’s time for all those closed minds to open the doors. Tattoos have become incredibly popular in the last few decades. So why is it that, even after tattoos have clearly become a regular aspect of life, people have to judge those with body art? You do not understand the importance or the reason behind someone else’s tattoos from a glance, so who are you to judge?

Alex Lloyd/The Omniscient Society used to be much more rigid in its disapproval of tattoos, like limiting jobs from people based on a form of expression. Although it’s gotten better, people still retain the narrow-minded views of the old days, perceiving tattoos in a negative way, because, as you know, only the rotten eggs have tattoos. It’s time to step into 2011.

People all around you are going to be tattooed. I, myself, have about seven tattoos planned for my body. I love tattoos, I love looking at them, deciding what I want and finding the hidden meaning behind them. They can be so gorgeous, so expressive. They are a wonderful art form and they deserve more admiration and respect from society.

Sun, Sand and...Books?!

Charlotte Harrison — Charlotte Harrison and Kristen Hutchinson

- THE NORTHWOOD -

OMNISCIENT - EDITORS Alyssa Knoll - Editor-in-Chief Alex Clayton- Entertainment Courtney Paige Farrell - Sports Alex Lloyd - Photography Caroline Schneider - Opinion - STAFF -

Rayanne Antonelli Kelsey Lafoon Mary Ellen Barone Jessie Metty Christopher Forbes Kimberly Miskow Chelsea Gardner Sean O’Neill Charlotte Harrison Madison Roberts Kristen Hutchinson Pam Rone Coburn Jones AJ Smith Madison Knoll Brooke Smith -ADVISORNeal Morgan nmorgan@chatham.k12.nc.us

The Northwood Omniscient is published monthly by journalism students at Northwood High School. It aims to present accurate coverage of events of interest to our readers, as well as provide an open forum for the opinions of students, faculty and the community.

We welcome letters to the editor, which can be delivered to the advisor in Room 914 or sent to the school’s address.

Letters must be signed, and the staff reserves the right to reject any letter containing libelous statements, to edit for length and to ascertain the truthfulness of the content.

Letters should be limited to 250 words.

Unsigned editorials represent the majority view of the editorial board. Columns, letters and cartoons represent the views of the authors.

This one might come as a shocker to Mr. Winstead, but when I sat down in class on the first day of Honors English 11, I had yet to finish one of my assigned summer reading novels. Thanks to almighty Spark Notes, I passed the quiz with flying colors and wrote an essay that I was more than happy with. I could summarize all three novels if you asked me to, and even tell you about the underlying themes that all three shared. I’m sorry for lying, Mr. Winstead—it was too early in the semester to disappoint you and show my true colors.

I’m not here to say that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn isn’t a worthwhile read, or that it was too hard for me to struggle through.

I’m here to acknowledge my laziness, and the laziness of my peers. (I should probably put a disclaimer here. I know some of you put forth the effort and do actually read those literary classics, and to those who do, I salute you. You are far more dedicated than I.) Teachers, I know that you know. You have to know. There’s no way that you don’t know.

So here’s my question: What is the point anymore? If we’re passing the tests, writing the essays and not learning anything, why bother assigning the books? In my experience, a good portion of the honors students are the ones who wait until the last minute to turn something in, to study for the test or read the book. And plenty of us get away with it.

But is assigning us reading over the summer really worth the extra class time if we don’t learn what is intended from the book?

Another bone I have to pick with summer reading is having English second semester. We wait up until the last minute to see what semester we have English, and we are ecstatic to discover that we have another four months until experiencing the wrath of the summer reading quiz. What about those few dedicated students who actually did the reading in June, when they were supposed to? I would say four months is plenty of time to forget the name of Huck Finn’s father, or what river they traveled down, even if we do a summer reading log.

Yes, the simple answer is, “Read the book and quit complaining,” but that’s what we’ve been told for years, and it clearly hasn’t been working.

Perhaps summer reading should be dropped altogether. It might save the poor rising juniors in the future from watching Huckleberry Finn: The Musical on Netflix.

June 1, 2011

Step Up or Shut Up

The Omniscient

Students criticize Prom, but only two on committee of hearing you whine. You complain about the location but then you complain about the price.

Choose what you would rather have: a cheaper prom or a nicer location. We’re on a budget here; money doesn’t grow on trees.

For all of you who criticized the theme, or the decorations, or anything The days and weeks leading up to else that was student controlled, you prom were extremely stressful for me have no one to blame but yourselves. and the other three people on prom comProm committee made multiple anmittee. That’s right, two students and nouncements about meetings and even two teachers planning an entire prom. asked people to go help decorate on the This wouldn’t have bothered me so much Friday before. Two students showed up if I hadn’t heard the various complaints about to those meetings, and only four students prom both before and after it was held. Whenshowed up to decorate. Along with Mrs. ever this popular topic Freeman and Ms. would be brought up Christopherson, 11 in classrooms or in the teachers came to help hallways I would hear, decorate; some even “Well, prom is going to stayed with us until suck because the place midnight. This is our sucks,” or “I don’t like prom and more teachthe theme, it’s stupid,” ers showed up to help and of course everyone than students. That complained about the is pathetic. If you’re price of a ticket. going to complain, For those of you step up and do somewho complained thing about it. Tell us about prom being what you want. We’re held at the Wicker not psychic; we can’t Civic Center in Sanread your minds. ford, and would have If you want to Photos courtesy of LifeTouch complain about prom rather it have been held at Fearrington, THE PROM ENTRANCE did not and harp over all of let me explain some- build itself. the negative aspects thing to you. Prom of it, think about committee advisors Aaron Freeman and who you are blaming. If you want to Cari Christopherson were told that when complain about not having fun at prom, prom was held at Fearrington a ticket don’t direct those complaints to anyone cost $75, which is more than you’re will- except yourself. At prom you make your ing to pay. own fun. I went with people that I enjoy Which brings me to my next point: the price. being around and I had a good time. You If you don’t want to shell out $45 for a ticket had a chance to input your ideas and help to prom, it’s simple—don’t come. It’s honestly plan prom—you just chose not to. You not worth anyone’s time if you pay $45 and sit chose to rely on everyone else to make there and complain the whole night. It’s a waste your prom perfect, but failed to realize of your money and the prom committee’s time that it’s extremely hard for four people to prepare one extra favor and we’re all sick to please 273.

Madison Roberts

Move, or be moved

Maneuvering through the halls isn’t that hard Madison Roberts & Caroline Schneider It’s the end of the school year, and by now a lot of you have learned how to handle yourselves at Northwood. But with every new year comes new challenges. This year, one of the most difficult challenges has been trying to maneuver through the tiny sardine boxes we call our Northwood hallways. After nine months of being here, you would think that people would get the hang of it, right?

Well the sad, sad truth is that a large portion of the Northwood student body has yet to learn how to walk from one place to another. There are people stopping, people cutting in front of you, people turning around suddenly to call to their friend halfway across the school.

You’ve got groups of students gathering in the middle of the hallways, and, our personal favorite, the people who walk at about .0034588 miles an hour. We know that you like to show off, and may have more important things to do than learning, you know,

like standing in the middle of the hallway screaming about some girl that no one else cares about, but you need to move to the corner where you’re out of everyone’s way.

Trust us, we don’t want to be here any more than you do, which is exactly why we’re asking you to walk a little faster. If we’re late to class because of someone who can’t get out of our way and we get 30 minutes of ASD, that’s 30 more minutes we have to spend in this school because you decided to go at a slow-as-molasses crawling pace.

Some of us have jobs, or better things to do than stay after school because you don’t know how to walk.

So we’ll leave you with this: over the summer, in between the summer reading you’re not going to do and the time you spend laying out in the sun which will lead to skin cancer, please spend a few minutes a day Alex Lloyd/The Omniscient practicing walking at a steady pace. Have your sibling time you, reward yourself, we don’t care, as long as you’re learning how to walk.

We know that there are few hallways at Northwood, and we know that there are way too many students going to the same place. It’s going to be difficult no matter what, and that’s why we need to work together, to make the Northwood hallway a better place.

Page 9

What do you think?

After Osama bin Laden was killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan on May 1, Americans across the country spent the following days celebrating his death.

“It doesn’t sit well with me to celebrate anyone’s death... but I definitely support our troops.”

— Melanie Williams, Asst. Principal “It’s disrespectful, but much deserved.”

— Laura Shachtman, sophomore

“I understand why they’re celebrating, but people should only be so vocal about it.”

— Diane Thompson, sophomore “If we party too much they’re probably going to try to plan another terrorist attack.”

— Patrick Dufour, junior “I can understand why young people celebrate.... They’ve grown up under the war on terror.” — Philip Little, history teacher

Bye-bye bin Laden!

Sean O’Neill I was on a bus in Orlando, Fl., when I found out Osama bin Laden was dead. At first I didn’t believe it. Maybe it was because after almost 10 straight years of hunting him, part of me had come to believe we would never find him. Or maybe it’s because the bus driver who informed us of it also claimed to be the head of the Illuminati. I returned to the hotel room and turned on CNN in time to see in big bold letters “Osama bin Laden dead” scrawled across the bottom of the screen. Maybe that crazy bus driver really was the head of the Illuminati.

Some people have argued that no matter who it is, death is nothing to be celebrated. I respectfully disagree. There are, in the course of human history, a few times when the most heinous, disgusting, irredeemably evil people got exactly what they deserved, and those are indeed times of celebration. Celebrate all the lives that have been saved by that death, celebrate that all those who have died can rest in peace, and that their families can have some closure. Can you imagine the immense, unbearable anguish that comes with knowing

that while the towers were collapsing with your loved ones inside, the person responsible was living safely in a multi-million dollar compound outside the capital of Pakistan?

It’s very easy for people who haven’t been directly affected by Osama bin Laden to say we shouldn’t celebrate his death. After all, many of us were too young to even understand 9/11 when it happened. To all of you out there, I challenge you to speak to a survivor of one of bin Laden’s many attacks, or to the family of one of his victims. My godmother was in the South Tower of the Twin Towers when they were hit; she lost her entire office and 17 of her friends and coworkers. After you’ve seen her, or anyone else, have a panic attack in an elevator, or the fear she still has not just of planes, but of airports and flying altogether, then you can come talk to me.

Bin Laden murdered 3,123 people over the past two decades, and over 10,000 people have had their lives irreparably changed. So yes, I celebrate his death. Everyday I wake up and feel better knowing he’s dead. It took 10 years of searching, but he finally knows what it’s like to look into the face of someone who hates you with a passion you couldn’t imagine, being seconds away from death, and knowing that there’s no way out. The death of a human being is never something to celebrate, but Osama bin Laden is not a human being. You have to have a soul to qualify as one of those.

Photo courtesy of Jim Stevens/Contra Costa Times/MCT

AMERICANS celebrated the death of Osama bin Laden.

10

Sports

Another Record to the Books Sophomore Ross Cooper breaks record for most hits in a season

By Courtney Paige Farrell Sports Editor “Ross was on base and I don’t even think he knew what we were cheering about,” said senior teammate Andrew Jones, on the moment in Northwood history when Ross Cooper broke the school record for most hits in a season. It was another record to go down in the books, and another accomplishment for sophomore Cooper.

From little league to high school, Cooper has done it all. Not only is he considered one of the more “balanced” hitters on the team, coach Rick Parks said he could be considered the “golden glove” at first base for this year’s varsity baseball team at Northwood.

Within the last month, the young sophomore has broken Northwood’s record for most hits in a single season with 40 hits, and this isn’t just any record. Before Cooper came along, this record stood for 14 years and belonged to Justin Bouldin, who went on to play for Greensboro College. Bouldin held the record with 39 hits in a single season.

Although the team knew that Cooper was closely approaching the record, Cooper’s teammates didn’t know he had

broken the record until after he hit the ball into left field. Despite this large accomplishment, teammates claimed that Cooper just shook it off like “it wasn’t a big deal.”

Jones believes that Cooper has the potential to beat his own record during his remaining two years at Northwood. Junior teammate John Wieland even went so far as to say that Cooper could go on to beat Northwood’s homerun, RBI and most hits in a career record.

“He’s smarter than other players. He has very good fundamentals. He’s always practicing and he has good work ethic,” noted Wieland.

Many teammates Photo courtesy of Samantha Petty that have played against FIRST BASEMAN ROSS COOPER broke the school record for hits in a season.

Cooper in previous years on other teams noted the improvement the young first baseman made the Junior me a little bit about [him], he’d be like he has made, whether in his Varsity team. However, he moved up for ‘Man, my brother hit a grand slam at the fundamentals or his strength as some regular season and playoff games to little league game the other night to win a player. play on the Varsity team that same year. the game,’ so I had heard about him for a Junior Jacobi Harris, teamCooper recalled his first memories while,” said Parks. mate of six years, recalled early memories of playing baseball in his backyard Although he has no idea what his of Cooper “sitting there, twirling his finwith his older brother, a graduate and ideal school would be, Cooper hopes to gers and crossing his feet.” Harris claims former baseball player for Northwood. follow in his older brother’s footsteps that Cooper’s quick hands, large frame Ross’ brother, Clay Cooper, went on to and play baseball at the collegiate level. and strength allow him to stand out in be a bullpen catcher at NC State. Ross “He’s successful because he plays high school baseball and can be attributed attributed much of his motivation to his to win; he doesn’t get caught up in tryto his improvement over the years. brother and parents. ing to look cute or anything like that,” Upon trying out his freshman year, “His older brother would always tell said Parks.

“He’s successful because he plays to win. He doesn’t get caught up in trying to look cute or anything like that.”

— Coach Rick Parks

The Northwood Curse? NHS battles to win first team state title Chris Forbes Personally, I’ve been there twice.

Stuck somewhere between pride to have made it this far and the crushing disappointment that we couldn’t win just one more game. Everybody handles it a little differently on the way back to the locker room. Some people curse and slam things, some cry and still others immediately start planning for next year, desperate not to feel that way

again. I’ve only played basketball, so I can’t swear it’s the same for all the other teams that have been there, but I’d be willing to bet that the difficulty of losing a state championship is the sort of thing that can transcend boundaries in sports. That being said, when it comes to losing the last game of the season, Northwood sports teams of all shapes and sizes have a lot in common, as not one team in the entire history of the school’s athletic program has ever won a state championship. Not one.

So just why can’t Northwood win a state title in a team sport? It’s not for a lack of individual talent, as we’ve had multiple individual state champions with the likes of Eric Williams and Josh Edwards, and even more all-state athletes such as Tra’ Chandler, Emily Brooks, John Wieland, Julia Sloane and Padgett Harrington. It’s not for a lack of attempts, as in the last three years alone we’ve played in four separate state finals and came up short in every single one.

It’s not for lack of time, as Northwood’s athletics program has existed since 1972, giving it almost 40 years to win a state title. So what is it?

Since I’ve been an athlete at Northwood, particularly this year with the addition of yet another runner-up trophy to the pile, I’ve heard multiple theories about what’s holding our school back when it comes to that big game. Is there a curse? Is this town too small?

Do we change athletic directors too often? The theory that bothers me the most, however, is that Northwood students are too apathetic or don’t support one another enough to create the kind of atmosphere where a state championship can be won. I can’t tell you for certain

if that was ever true before I got here, but I can tell you what I’ve seen since I did. I saw hundreds of face-painted students in rainbow wigs and tie-dye shirts pile into a gravel parking lot to tailgate before the JM basketball game even after a 50-point loss earlier in the year. I saw football players and soccer players argue all year long, only to reconcile their differences and cheer for one another louder than anyone in the playoffs. I saw carloads of students drive all the way to Fayetteville on a Thursday night to support the women’s basketball team’s first trip to the fourth round in school history. I saw the entire

Northwood Nuthouse show up for the volleyball team’s senior night, not because any of them liked or played volleyball, but because it was the right thing to do. I saw some of the laziest, “coolest” students on the planet spend 30 minutes sneaking through the tickinfested woods to watch a girls’ soccer playoff game that they couldn’t pay to get into.

Whether it happens next year or 10 years from now, Northwood will bring a banner back to Pittsboro. This year’s graduating class might not be here to see it, but they’ll remember us. How could they not?

Photo

courtesy of

Mark Goods, Sr.

RUSS FRAZIER walks off the court after a loss in this year’s state championship.

June 1, 2011

NHS FIELD DAY

The Omniscient

On May 30, Northwood students participated in the Be Active NC Field Day. The purpose of the field day was to help students and faculty become more aware of obesity issues in North Carolina. If Northwood meets participation requirement of 600 students and 30 percent of faculty, then it will receive a $2,500 grant towards equipment needed for the 2011-2012 program.

Page 11

nhs SPORTS BRIEFS Soccer Makes it to Fourth Round The Lady Chargers defeated Wheatmore 3-1 in the first round of the state playoffs and followed that with a 2-1 win over Reidsville in the second round. NHS continued its winning in the third round with a 4-1 win over Trinity School. Northwood’s season finally came to an end in the fourth round with a 6-0 loss to Carrboro.

Softball team falls to Wheatmore The Lady Chargers softball team defeated Bunn 9-6 in the first round of the state playoffs, but fell to Wheatmore 4-3 in the second round. NHS finished the season 17-6.

Baseball Team Falls in 1st Round The baseball team lost 8-6 to Roanoke Rapids in the first round of the state playoffs.

“All the coaching staff and all the players weren’t ready to see the season end so quickly,” said coach Rick Parks. “We had a lot of great things happen this year. We had a lot of good players do great things and we were strong at the end. We just came up short in the playoffs to a good team.”

Northwood claims two All-State runners Seniors Eric Williams and Colin Jacobs ran the state track and field meet on Saturday, May 21. Williams finished sixth in 1600-meter and fourth in 3200-meter while Jacobs finished ninth in the 400-meter.

Tennis seniors prosper in state playoffs Doubles team Thomas Delafield and Ryan Smith advanced to the final eight before losing to Newton Conover 7-6, 7-3 and 6-0. Singles player Christian Manhard fell to the number one player in the state from Salisbury in the first round.

— Compiled by Kimberly Miskow

TOP: STEPHANIE THOMPSON and KATHRYN LLOYD charge down a giant inflatable slide set up for Field Day. Photo by Caroline Schneider/ The Omniscient RIGHT: SHELTON MOSER rides a unicycle during Memorial Day’s Field Day. Photo by Neal Morgan/The Omniscient

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12 Annie Cleaver

Sara McCaw

Student Showcase SIGNINGS ISSUE

Antonio Farmer and Juan Young

Davidson College, Davidson, NC Soccer

Wake Tech Community College, Raleigh, NC Basketball

“I feel lucky to have this opportunity and I’m excited to take my game to the next level.”

“I’m looking forward to playing basketball in college. I’m excited to play at a higher level.” — Farmer “I’ve been waiting on it for a long time–it took three years and it finally came.” —Young

Meredith College, Raleigh, NC Soccer

Dalton Brown

Trent Harris

“It feels great.

I’m ready to get started. I’m honored! I’m looking forward to being able to play in college.”

“I’m pretty excited. Meredith is a really good school academically and athletically, so this is really good.”

Alex Lloyd/The Omniscient

Campbell University, Buis Creek, NC Football

“It’s amazing knowing where I’m going to go [to college] and knowing I’m a college athlete.”

Photo Courtesy of Jason Amy

Photo Courtesy of NHS Yearbook

Tra’ Chandler and Brendan DiBernard

Dean College, Franklin, MA Football “I was ready to move onto the next level. I think it’ll be a good experience.” — Chandler “I never really thought it would work out like it has, so it’s definitely a good achievement.” — DiBernard

St. Andrews College, Laurinburg, NC Wrestling

Eric Williams UNC-Greensboro, Greensboro, NC Cross Country “I’m very excited. This is an incredible opportunity for me and I’m ready to take advantage of it.”

Compiled by Kimberly Miskow

Art Spotlight

From left to right: Allison Stokely, Brooke Wilson, Catherine Bartholf, Palmer Richardson, Anna Reynolds