The Omniscient
November 2021
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POINTS OF INTEREST
Page 4 - One of Northwood’s old clubs returns as the LASO CLUB CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE.
Page 14 - Xavier ‘Chef X’ Patterson’s Food and Nutrition II class unveils NEW SCHOOLWIDE CAFE, The Charger Bean Express.
THE NORTHWOOD
OMNISCIENT
Page 5 - Northwood staff DEBUTS NEW SLOGAN: ‘ALL IN’ for the 2021-2022 school year.
EDITORS
STAFF WRITERS
Grace Leonard Editor-In-Chief
Liam Sovereign
Lily Kate Witcher Assistant Editor-In-Chief
Caroline Murrell
Ethan Westmoreland Design Editor
Alessia Iacono
Nellielou Errett Social Media Editor
Ivy Latta Brock
ADVISOR
Hannah Barnes
Ms. Eliza Brinkley ebrinkley@chatham.k12.nc.us
Page 7 - The Omniscient gets to know Northwood’s french teacher MADAME KOLMAN in an exclusive interview.
Website: nhsomniscient.com Instagram: @nhsomniscient Twitter: @nhsomniscient TikTok: @nhsomniscient Spotify: The Northwood Omniscient
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November 2021
PROPOSED ABORTION MEASURES THREATEN WOMEN’S RIGHTS
privacy. A state law that broadly prohibits abortion without respect to the stage of pregnancy or other interests violates that right.” This battle for privacy and autonomy for women has been ongoing for several decades, and as times and circumstances have On Sept. 1 in Texas, Senate Bill 8 went into effect after the changed, women’s right to privacy has seemingly deteriorated. While Supreme Court chose not to block the law. This bill aims to prevent Roe v. Wade was a substantial win for the state of Texas, the 2021 bill women from getting abortions after they are six weeks into their was a setback in the battle for reproductive rights. As we should be pregnancy with no exceptions, including conception from rape or striving for progress in the 21st century, these two cases and their reincest. This is the most drastic measure in the pushback against spective time periods prove the opposite and diminish women’s rights. abortions, significantly cutting down the time from fertilization to On Dec. 1, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the Dobbs v. legal termination. A six-week limit is the shortest it’s ever been as most Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, regarding a law proposed women don’t know that they are pregnant by six weeks. Signs such as morning sickness don’t appear until later in the pregnancy, much less a in Mississippi that would ban all abortions performed after 15 weeks baby bump of any kind. Along with this short time to take action, there of pregnancy. This will be the first case heard by the Supreme Court regarding abortion since the Roe v. Wade case, set in 1973. The US is also a “bounty” reward in effect, offering $10,000 to any citizen if Court of Appeals, a federal court, has already acknowledged this case they sue someone who has received or aided in an abortion after is asking the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade. Setting a new cardiac activity is present--usually at six weeks. A person who aided precedent in this ruling could lead to a domino effect regarding the operation can be anyone from the doctor who performed the reproductive rights across the US. procedure to someone who provided transportation to the clinic. Specifically, North Carolina’s laws have not changed much since We will not stand for this unethical piece of legislation as it is a Roe v. Wade. In NC, abortions are only legal if the fetus is under 20 gross infringement on bodily autonomy. Women deserve the right to weeks old. In 2013, however, the waiting period for an abortion was have power over their own bodies without men in positions of extended to 72 hours. Texas’ case sets the stage for other states to enact wrongfully extreme power interfering. These same men think it is more aggressive anti-abortion legislation. While this may result in the acceptable to place a bounty on a body, whilst giving more meaning end of legal abortions in certain states, we live in the information age to something that has never left said body. It is also morally wrong to where at-home remedies for such troubles are plentiful. Unfortunately, have citizens act as vigilantes, rewarding those who sue for damages these can be very dangerous to women’s health–even life-threatening. not done to them directly. Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization should not be passed Most reasons for abortions are either for health and safety or problematic circumstances. Women should not be forced to keep a fetus as it will destroy any remnants of progressive reproductive rights and will not be beneficial in modernizing our society in any way. if they are physically or fiscally unable to carry it to term, if they were While the Texas bill did go into effect in September, as of Oct. 6, impregnated due to non-consenual circumstances, or if the fetus has it has been blocked by District Judge Robert Pitman, who stated, “this medical ailments that will cause it to have a poor quality of life. court will not sanction one more day of this offensive deprivation of Roe v. Wade, the most notable landmark Supreme Court case such an important right.” regarding abortion, was heard in 1973. An anonymous woman--using Blocking this bill in district court is a small victory, but the fact the last name ‘Roe’ as a pseudonym--sued Texas District Attorney that it was passed in the first place is pitiful. It demonstrates just how Henry Wade for proposing a law that prohibited all abortions visceral the fight for reproductive rights remains to this day, nearly 50 except in the case to save a woman’s life. Roe stated this law was an years after Roe v. Wade. We, as the generation of the future, must take infringement on personal privacy and several constitutional these lessons and experiences into account as we cast our votes, and amendments, and won the case 7-2. Henry Blackmun wrote the strive to build a better world with liberty for all. majority opinion, stating that “...abortion falls within that right to BY GRACE LEONARD AND HANNAH BARNES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND STAFF WRITER
November 2021
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LASO CLUB CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE BY NELLIE ERRETT SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
The Latin American Student Association (LASO) club at Northwood celebrates Hispanic and Latin American cultures and is open to all Northwood students. Its purpose is to give a voice to teens with Hispanic and Latino heritage, who grow up as a part of a minority group. LASO club meetings are held on Wednesdays after school from 3:15-4:15 and during Plus 1 every other Thursday by the club advisor, Mrs. Cari Kaylor, and the president of the club, senior Yahir Aguilar. “We can show the world that we are better than being just workers, since we are often stereotyped as the ‘hardworking class,’” Aguilar said. “The class that does construction, carpentry, et cetera. I feel like we can be more than that: doctors, nurses and lawyers.” LASO is one of the few clubs at Northwood that represents and celebrates a specific culture. It originated at Northwood in previous years, but the club eventually stopped meeting. Senior Katherine Reyes revived the club her freshman year, hoping to give more representation to Latin American culture at Northwood. “[LASO] kind of gave me an eye opener,” Reyes said. “It was a great leadership experience coming in my freshman year and a wonderful experience [overall]. I was ashamed of who I was racially, so I kind of took all of that feeling and put it into a club to make me feel proud of who I am and see the actual blessing that it is to be a person of color.” Reyes wants to make it known that LASO is not only open to those with Latin American roots, but to people of all ethnicities. “A lot of the members in LASO are students from AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), and AVID mostly consists of people of color,” Reyes said. “Anyone can join really. I would love for more [people of different ethnicities] to join.” In the past, there has not been much student participation in LASO, but this year Aguilar is excited for the growth and potential LASO now has.
Pictured above are LASO members Katherine Reyes and Yahir Aguilar “For the past three years we have not been able to get shirts, fundraising, nothing,” Aguilar said. “Freshman year we had a bunch of people, but we didn’t have very good progress that year. I’m hoping this year we can get in contact with schools and even some restaurants so we can have fundraisers. We are actually thinking of a car wash where other clubs have held car washes before. [I’m] really just hoping to see more people [in LASO] this year.” Despite the slow pace of previous years, both Aguilar and Reyes are optimistic and hopeful for what the future of LASO holds.
LASO CLUB CELEBRA HERENCIA DE HISPANA TRANSLATION BY CAROLINE MURRELL STAFF WRITER
La Asociación de Estudiantes Latinoamericanos (conocido por sus siglas “LASO” en inglés) de Northwood conmemora las culturas hispanas y latinoamericanas y está abierta a todos los estudiantes de Northwood. Su propósito es dar voz a los adolescentes con herencia hispana y latina, quienes crecen como un grupo minoritario. Las reuniones de LASO son los miércoles después de la escuela y duran desde las 3:15 hasta las 4:15, y durante Plus 1 cada dos jueves. Son dirigidas por el asesor del club, Sra. Cari Kaylor, y el presidente del club, Yahir Aguilar. “Nosotros podemos mostrarle al mundo que somos más que trabajadores, ya que somos estereotipados como la ‘clase trabajadora’,” dijo Aguilar. “La clase que hace construcción, carpintería, etcétera. Yo pienso que podemos ser más: doctores, enfermeros, y abogados.” LASO es una de las únicas organizaciones en Northwood que representa y celebra una cultura específica. Se originó en Northwood durante los últimos años, pero por un tiempo el club dejó de reunirse. Katherine Reyes revivió la organización durante su primer año con la esperanza de dar más representación a la cultura latinoamericana en Northwood. “[LASO] más o menos me dio una revelación,” dijo Reyes. “Fue una buena experiencia de liderazgo durante mi primer año y una experiencia maravillosa [en general]. Estaba avergonzada de mi raza, entonces yo tomé esta emoción y la puse en una organización para ayudarme a sentir orgullosa de quien soy yo y ver la bendición que es ser una persona de color.”
Reyes quiere que la gente sepa que LASO no es solo para estudiantes con herencia latina, sino que está abierto a personas de todas las etnias. “Muchos de los miembros en LASO también son miembros de AVID (Avance a través de la Determinación Individual), y la mayoria de los estudiantes de AVID son personas de color.” dijo Reyes. “De verdad, cualquier persona puede unirse. Me encantaría si más [personas de diferentes etnias] se unieran.” En el pasado, no había muchos estudiantes que participaban en LASO, pero este año Aguilar está emocionado por el crecimiento y potencial que LASO tiene ahora. “Durante los últimos tres años no pudimos conseguir camisetas, recaudaciones de fondos, nada,” dijo Aguilar. “En mi primer año, teníamos muchas personas, pero no hicimos mucho progreso ese año. Yo espero que este año podamos ponernos en contacto con otras escuelas, e incluso algunos restaurantes para que podamos hacer recaudaciones de fondos. Estamos pensando en hacer un lavado de carros donde otros clubes lo han hecho en el pasado. Realmente espero ver más personas [en LASO] este año.” A pesar de la lentitud de años pasados, Aguilar y Reyes son optimistas y tienen mucha esperanza para el futuro de LASO.
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November 2021
NEW NORTHWOOD SLOGAN DEBUTS: ‘ALL IN’ BY ALESSIA IACONO STAFF WRITER After over a year of an abnormal school experience, Northwood has kicked off its first full year of in-person teaching with a new slogan: ‘ALL IN’. The slogan is featured on the main lawn, in classrooms and on teachers’ shirts. “‘ALL IN’ is to be fully committed; fully committed to this school and fully prepared to do whatever is necessary to meet the needs of students,” Principal Bradford Walston said. The idea originated from an in-depth meeting regarding efforts to make the 20212022 school year a positive one after Northwood’s hybrid learning semester last spring. The phrase ‘ALL IN’ suddenly came to Walston, and from there it took off. The new catchphrase, displayed to students and families for the first time at the fall open house, soon became the official slogan for the 20212022 school year. After a year that many faculty and students agree was not ideal, there was a sense that an emphasis on inclusion and commitment was vital this school year. Many events not held during the pandemic have started up again around Northwood’s campus, and the community is starting to settle into a year that they hope will not be cut short again. For some staff, ‘ALL IN’ means things besides just student academic growth. “It’s extremely important to take into consideration that we have so many different students that come from so many different backgrounds at our school, but we all have a common goal, which is to work together for the common good and the improvement of society,” Spanish teacher Christopher Lupoli said. For others, ‘ALL IN’ may be about trying to acclimate to the idea of working well with different people or making every school day count towards a quality education. Walston and Northwood’s administration want the school’s culture to promote unity among students and staff, led by the “Charger Way,” an acronym that promotes
Northwood High School staff poses for the annual photo in new ‘ALL IN’ merchandise.
a positive attitude amongst students. Having all students be welcomed and appreciated regardless of their differences and getting to come in to make each day important and memorable is a goal that Northwood is constantly working towards. “I don’t think our faculty has had a slogan for the whole school, so I really like it,” senior Caroline Murrell said. “I feel like it’s fitting since we’re all back together this year after COVID, so we’re all trying to make the most out of our year.” Northwood’s new slogan not only speaks to a school setting but also the outside world. With the increase in in-person events and more establishments starting to open up, going the extra mile has been on the minds of many this school year. The Northwood community has experienced an increase in attendance at football games, senior events and after-school activities. There was even a formal tailgate at one of the Northwood’s earliest home football games where attendants were able to get in for free. To Dr. Walston, this school year is about making every second worthwhile. “What are the big memorable moments [for students?]... Going to homecoming? Go-
-ing to prom? These things that we’ve been missing out on [during remote learning]. These big, elevating moments that you’re going to remember from high school...How do we do that in a classroom, where we create a moment that you remember when you look back on school 20 years later?”
Dr.Walston displays the new ‘ALL IN’ slogan. Graphic by Alessia Iacono
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PUFFS: NORTHWOOD’S FIRST PLAY IN OVER TWO YEARS
BY LIAM SOVEREIGN STAFF WRITER Northwood’s Drama Club’s pick for the fall play was Puffs. Puffs is an unofficial spin-off by Matt Cox of the popular Harry Potter book and film series. It focuses on the House of the Puffs, a parody of the Hogwarts house Hufflepuff. Potter fans will know that the young wizards chosen to join the Hufflepuff house are often stereotyped as not being very special or interesting.
The play includes several characters that are brand-new to the Puffs house as well as Harry Potter classic characters like Harry, who is given a completely new personality in the play. Many students played multiple characters in this play, giving them the opportunity to show off their acting skills with quick character changes. Northwood Theatre Director Kayla Sharp directed the play. The cast consisted of 19 students with masks on and is the first Northwood theater performance in two years. The cast members included freshman Carter Crisp-Sears as the lead of Wayne Hopkins. “This is the first play I’ve ever been in, so it would be really interesting to go and learn how it’s done,” Crisp-Sears said. “When I first found out about it, I thought it was a mistake. I thought that Ms. Sharp had made a typo. Then I thought about it. I’m like okay, maybe this is what it is. Maybe I actually have the lead role. And then I got very, very worried because I would have to memorize a ton of stuff. Then I got very, very excited excited that I got the lead in my first play. All my friends were congratulating me on it and it was just, I felt very excited.
me. I felt like I had proven myself in a way.” Junior Abi Dasher played the secondary lead of Megan Jones. This is Abi’s third year at Northwood and their second production at Northwood. They are an active member of theater and are involved in many extracurricular activities that relate to the performing arts. “I’m really excited to do, like, a full comedy performance,” Dasher said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to do something as funny as I think this show is. I think it’s going to be a fantastic, funny and great show. I’m just excited to be able to do something fun and lighthearted with the times we’re in.” Puffs was performed Oct. 21-23 in the Northwood Auditorium. Next on the drama club docket is the spring musical: The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee by Rachel Sheinkin.
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November 2021
MADAME KOLMAN County’s Sole French Teacher BY GRACE LEONARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Madame Kolman is Northwood’s only French teacher who teaches four levels of French with students from all grades. After a decade of being at Northwood, Madame Kolman has lots of insight to share on teaching and la culture française. Q: How long have you been teaching French and how many of those years were at Northwood? A: This is my 10th year at Northwood. Back in the early 80s, I taught for 2 years at J.F. Webb High School in Granville County, and I was an assistant teacher at Chapel Hill High for one semester. My first position was a temporary one at Jordan High in Durham, just for one term during another teacher’s pregnancy leave. Between 1983 and 2012, I primarily taught adults in the healing arts.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a teacher at Northwood and/or what does Northwood have to offer that makes it special to you? A: I have really appreciated being a part of Northwood. The administration has been totally supportive, and I have felt completely backed by the principals and assistant principals, colleagues and office staff during my years here. I enjoy teaching in a rural setting, surrounded by trees and trails. I feel very proud and lucky to be part of a school that has such an excellent arts department. As a musician and artist myself it has been delightful to support and attend events and to have many artists and musicians in my French classes. I have thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated my World Language department teachers and other colleagues. We have some incredibly gifted teachers here at Northwood! And I have learned so much new technology! Q: What makes French so special (to you or in general)? A: My father taught me my first French phrases as a child (“ouvrez la porte s’il vous plaît”) but I think Madame Wilson instilled in me a special love for all things French. When I was in high school, my closest friends were all in Madame’s classes. We spoke French all the time, in class, at parties and concerts, driving places, shopping. We somehow made the language work for us even when we didn’t have the exact words. I had the opportunity to study in the south of France my junior year at UNC-CH, at Université Paul Valérie in Montpellier. I spent time in Paris and fell in love with this beautiful city. I studied in Angers in a graduate program after I began teaching at Northwood. The more I learn about all the different incredible places to visit in France, the more I want to spend time there. And I want to visit many other French speaking places in the world! Such beauty, culture and variety! I appreciate speaking the French language, in particular. I love the way it feels rolling off my tongue. The first year I was back in the classroom, in 2012, I delighted in being able to speak French all I wanted and getting paid for it! French is a beautiful, musical language. I love the appreciation of beauty and art that the French have. I really appreciate how France has protected its food from genetic modification and values its farmers and takes pride in their products. Food in France is so delicious! In addition, the French people are interested in repairing their things rather than throwing them away. They have huge stores that support and supply this hobby. I love how the different regions keep their original languages and keep their traditions alive. The café culture expresses the French “joie de vivre” and the importance of taking time to enjoy time with friends, time to enjoy life. I have dear friends who are French, and I value our special connection. I appreciate being able to communicate with people from all over the world who speak French.
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Q: Why do you think students should enroll in French? A: I think people have resonances with different languages and cultures. People are drawn to particular languages for mysterious reasons sometimes. Some students just have an inclination toward French. Learning any language will broaden one’s perspective and make one more of a global citizen. It also creates new neural pathways and keeps our minds healthy and growing. It is recommended to prevent dementia in particular. Each culture is reflected in the language of the people there, different ways of thinking, of viewing life. We all benefit from learning about and understanding differences. There are many French owned companies and businesses in the US, and French is spoken in many different countries; almost half of Africa is French-speaking. It has been estimated that French may become the #1 spoken language in the world eventually because of the population growth in Africa. Our neighbor to the north, Canada, has a huge population of French speakers, and we have our own little pocket of Cajun French in Louisiana. We want to keep French alive in the US! Q: Do you think your teaching has an impact outside of the classroom? If so, why/what? A: There is a saying: “A teacher’s influence never ends.” I can see how this can be true from my own experience with my teachers and students. Some students excitedly report travelling to French speaking places, conversations with native speakers, placing out of language classes in college, deciding to double major in French, deciding to pursue a career in Africa as a physician with Doctors without Borders. More important than these exciting things, however, is the influence of encouraging respect and support among people in my classroom; of encouraging a broader perspective about people and life in general, of supporting tolerance and compassion for all people, and, I hope, of instilling a life-time appreciation for French-speaking people and cultures. It means so much to me for former students to stop by to converse in French or to drop me a line to let me know how their lives are progressing. I am lucky to have students with me for 3-4 years sometimes, so I really like to know how they are realizing their dreams as they travel their life path. Read the full story at nhsomniscient.com
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SPORTS
November 2021
The Northwood Girls Volleyball Team ended the regular season with a 22-5 record. The girls on the team have worked together both on and off the court to make this a standout season. “Volleyball goes beyond a skill and can really help shape someone as a person,” senior Kaylee Atkins said. “It’s also a great opportunity to make some amazing life-long friends who will have your back no matter what.” Read the rest of Staff Writer Ivy Latta Brock’s feature story on the girls volleyball team at nhsomniscient.com
The Northwood Girls Tennis Team were the 2021-2022 conference champions, finishing the season with a 10-6 record. Members of the tennis team cited mental toughness and a suportive team atmosphere as some of the reasons for their success. “A strength the tennis team has is being able to focus on mental and physical aspects of the sport,” junior Mattie Holland said. “Tennis is the most mentally difficult sport, so having your teammates cheer you on and encouraging words from our coach is super helpful. We are all so good about being there for one another.” Read the rest of Social Media Editor Nellielou Errett’s feature story on the girls tennis team at nhsomniscient.com
Junior Lily Jordan is a member of the Northwood Girls Golf Team. The team is in a new conference this year, something Jordan says they have “done a really great job of adapting” to. “In most of our tournaments we have ranked in the top three, and in [the tournament] at Indian Valley, we came in first which is really exciting,” Jordan said. “So I’m really excited to see how the team does in the future and to build better relationships with the girls on the team.” Listen to Assistant Editor-In-Chief Lily Kate Witcher’s podcast about Lily Jordan on Spotify at @nhsomniscient or read the transcript at nhsomniscient.com
November 2021
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NORTHWOOD EMBRACES SCHOOL SPIRIT
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BY LILY KATE WITCHER ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-JUNIOR
Schools everywhere are trying to embrace school spirit for the first full school year since the start of the pandemic, and Northwood is no exception. This school year already has the potential to be a busy one as many events and activities are set to return after a long hiatus. Senior Student Body President Kennedy Poston says that promoting school spirit is one of the main goals of the student council for the 2021-2022 school year. “Our theme this year is ‘Let’s Get Fired Up’ which goes with the subject of getting excited and pumped for the school year,” Poston said. “We thought that because we did not see much school spirit last year that our theme and goal should be about unifying the student body and celebrating our school.” Several other students confirmed that they also felt a lack of school spirit during virtual school and the return to Plan A last year. “I would say that school spirit was lacking during virtual school, but I think that was normal given the circumstances,” senior Bentley Brooks said. “With the return to school this year, I think students are starting to value the importance of school spirit. I know I am.” Some of the first events from this year took place during Spirit Week. Spirit Week spanned the school week before the big homecoming game where both students and staff alike were invited to dress according to a different theme each day. Spirit Week was planned by junior student council senators Savannah Matthews and Airryn Wharton, both of whom stepped up for the task as a creative way to help the student body. “I volunteered to co-chair spirit week because I thought it would be a fun committee to be in charge of, and I [could] help come up with ideas for the spirit days,” Matthews said.
“I always look forward to seeing what people create.” Monday’s theme was ‘Tacky Tourists,’ Tuesday’s theme was ‘70’s Throwback’ in honor of Northwood’s founding in 1972, Wednesday was ‘Formal Wear,’ Thursday was ‘Teacher-Student Swap,’ and Friday was ‘Class Colors’. On Friday, freshmen wore white, sophomores wore yellow, juniors wore green and seniors wore black. Many teachers and students noticed an increase in participation for this year’s spirit week, especially compared to those in previous years. Wharton wanted Spirit Week to encourage students to let loose and to uplift the mood of the student body. “I want students to participate and take the time to realize that having school spirit is not a bad thing,” Wharton said. Nearing the end of Spirit Week, the pep rally also took place on Friday, Sep. 24. Senior Student Council Senator Bentley Brooks and junior Student Council Senator Ava Lyons planned the pep rally to get the student body excited for the homecoming game that occurred later that night. “If I’m being honest, I was so nervous about chairing the pep rally,” Brooks said. “I definitely underestimated the amount of work, communication, dedication and organization it takes. However, I [had] an amazing committee and support system, and I’m so glad I took this opportunity.” The pep rally included several contests, including a football throwing contest with the fall sports teams which the cross-country team won and a game of tug-of-war between the students and the teachers. Both the dance teams and cheerleaders performed for the crowd, and the football players did a cheerleading routine of their own. Both sophomores Luiz Ziemke and Ryan
Brinker say that student section at Northwood games has played a big role in the amount of school spirit they have seen so far as compared to their first year at Northwood. The student section, better known as the Nuthouse, is a club at Northwood that many students are involved in, with Poston calling it “probably the biggest testament to school spirit [there is] at Northwood.” Junior Sally Dillon describes herself as an active member and also gives the Nuthouse credit for raising school spirit levels. “The Nuthouse is doing such an incredible job of increasing school spirit this year,” Dillon said. “The club has an awesome Instagram page that features all of Northwood’s sports in a super fun and supportive way. The Nuthouse is also hosting collective themes where people dress up to show support. We truly go all out with clothes, flags, cowbells, face paint and anything else students can get their hands on to show spirit. Everyone in the stands during games are just shouting, laughing, smiling and having so much fun. You can look around and see that we all, in that moment, are sharing a memory together.” Many students cited school spirit as one of the things that is making their school year special. “I think school spirit is important because it’s something that has the potential to change the entire atmosphere of a school,” Poston said. “It’s a way to get people excited and proud of our school and all the things that we accomplish. Having a shared thing in common can create an incredibly strong sense of community, which I think is really important.” Read the full story at nhsomniscient.com
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MENTAL HEALTH: A STRUGGLE FOR TEENS
BY IVY LATTA BROCK STAFF WRITER
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) website, close to 50 percent of adolescents in the U.S. have some form of mental disorder. This can make it hard for those people to make friends and be happy, healthy kids. Some children with mental disorders hide them from the people around them in fear of being made fun of. People that haven’t been taught about mental health may not know how to help friends through their difficult times, and others might even think these rough patches are just their friends being irrational. “Most of the time it’s just the being there for them that counts,” one anonymous student said. “Having someone say that they’re there for you... can be really helpful.” People with mental disorders say that being kind to someone and just listening to them can have a major impact on their well-being because it can make their day a little better knowing someone cares. School is a good place to put this into action. Many students find school to be their safe place. According to the Child Protection Services (CPS) website, a report of child abuse is made every ten seconds. This could happen anywhere and to anyone, even people students pass in the hallways every day. Some people being abused or neglected might try to hide it for fear of getting in trouble or getting their abuser(s) in trouble. “I support them, I would say, just being mindful and just being sensitive to any problems [a friend] might be having,” one anonymous student said. Being kind to everyone regardless of their background can make you feel better about yourself and make the people around you feel better about their situation. If you or someone you know has feelings of being down, depressed or suicidal, you can call (800) 273-8255 for help. If you or someone you know is being mistreated at home, you can call (800) 422-4453 for help. Graphic by Staff Writer Ivy Latta Brock
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MEET THE NEW NORTHWOOD STAFF BY CAROLINE MURRELL STAFF WRITER
At the start of a new school year--especially after a global pandemic--it’s fun to see familiar faces, but it’s also important to meet new ones, too. For the 2021-22 school year, Northwood has the pleasure of welcoming six new staff members to the team. Mr. Parham Q: What subject and grade do you teach/ work with? A: I am teaching CTE family and Consumer Science, specifically Food and Nutrition 1 this year. Q: What previous teaching/work experience do you have? A: This is my first year as a school teacher. I bring 30+ years of experience in food service management and food production to this job. I spent the last 16 years as the house chef for a sorority at UNC Chapel Hill. Q: What made you decide to teach/work at Northwood? A: I found myself after a long career of working in the kitchen in the position of needing to make a career change partially because of the effects of the pandemic. Teaching has been an idea that I have long thought about. Time and opportunity came together, and here I am. Mr. Carlson Q: What subject and grade do you teach/work with? A: American History I and AP US History - mostly 11th graders in both courses. Q: How has starting school full-time after the pandemic affected you? A: It’s exciting being back with students, but the uncertainty of how COVID will progress does make things more challenging for students, families and staff. I do like being back though! Q: What are you looking forward to most this school year? A: Class discussions and seeing if students can connect their own experiences to our country’s past. Mrs. Keener Q: What subject and grade do you teach/work with? A: I work within the Exceptional Children’s Department. I work with all grade levels and subjects, though I mainly support English and Math classes. Q: How has starting school full-time after the pandemic affected you? A: I am much happier teaching in person versus virtually. I won’t lie; I am not a huge fan of being masked up as it makes it harder to hear some students, but if that is what it takes to remain in-person, I will gladly keep wearing a mask! Q: What has stood out to you the most at Northwood? A: The teachers are so welcoming and helpful. Also, there are so many more students here than I am used to!
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Mrs. Davis Q: What subject and grade do you teach/work with? A: I teach agriculture; grades 9-12 Q: What made you decide to teach/work at Northwood? A: A big move! My husband and I are building a house on our family farm here in Chatham County. Q: What is one fun fact about yourself that your students and colleagues don’t know? A: I love designing, creating and building things, be it home decor or furniture pieces. Mrs. Cecchini Q: What subject and grade do you teach/work with? A: I teach 9-12, Art 1 and Photography. Q: What previous teaching/work experience do you have? A: I have taught for 18 years, first at Myers Park High School in Charlotte (12 years) and then at Durham School of the Arts (6 years). I have taught an abundance of different art classes (Art 1-4, AP 2D/3D and AP Art History, Graphic Design, Media and Design, Crafts and probably a few more I forgot to mention). I also have been an assistant softball coach, worked with the National Art Honor Society and been the advisor for a screen printing club since 2007. Q: What made you decide to teach/work at Northwood? A: I was looking for a block schedule, a smaller/closer community and something closer to home. Ms. Latta Q: What subject and grade do you teach/work with? A: I teach Civics and American History, and my students are in 10th and 11th grade. Q: What made you decide to teach/work at Northwood? A: I wanted to work at Northwood because everyone is so passionate about their education and activities, and it seemed like a fun and positive environment. Q: What is one fun fact about yourself that your students and colleagues don’t know? A: I used to work at the Smithsonian!
November 2021
November 2021
The Omniscient
Northwood Gets Its Very Own Cafe:
BY ETHAN WESTMORELAND GRAPHIC EDITOR Northwood is opening its very own cafe this semester, The Charger Bean Express. “We are partnering with Ms.Adloo [Northwood’s Media Specialist] to basically turn the library into a miniature version of a Barnes and Noble,” said Foods and Nutrition teacher Xavier Patterson (Chef X), who is the coordinator of The Charger Bean Express. The cafe operates out of the Media Center before and after school for both students and faculty and then out of room 504 during the day exclusively for school staff. The cafe, which will sell coffees, teas, pastries and parfaits, will be countered and catered by Chef X’s Foods II students. Instead of purchasing The Charger Bean Express’ confections with cash or credit, a punch card system is used. You can buy a punch card through School Cash (chatham.schoolcashonline.com) for either 10 or 20 dollars which will get you a corresponding five or 10-item punch card. Your card can be collected at the front office. Everything on the menu is priced at $2.00-- or one card punch -- making it a much cheaper alternative to the morning drinks and breakfasts many students pick up from local fast food restaurants before school. A place to get coffee, a staple beverage of overworked students, in the media center–a spot that many already consider a safe space to relax and do work–is an attractive option for Northwood scholars.
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“I’m very excited because it’s something to do during the day, somewhere to spend that extra time before first period,” senior Aiden Vigus said. And some students are just plain amazed. “Dude, that’s sick!” Senior Noah Vick said. The Charger Bean Express has also been a big hit with school staff. “I think it’s great… I highly recommend the pumpkin muffins,” English teacher Phyllis Bazzari said. “It was one of the best muffins I’ve ever had,” English teacher Rachel Donnald said. “Eating breakfast is very important; when I skip breakfast, I feel lethargic. But eating that muffin, I had the energy I needed to get through a long day of teaching.” “It kind of feels like kismet,” Media Specialist Kelsey Adloo said. “I had been thinking it would be really great to have a coffee shop in the library maybe once a month for teachers. And it turns out I was kind of thinking small… Chef X came to me and asked if he could open the cafe in the library, so he had a very similar idea, but he wanted to have it every day for students and teachers, so he was dreaming bigger than I had. I think it would be a really good way to give students and staff that extra space to connect and relax at school.”
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The Omniscient
November 2021
November 2021
The Omniscient
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The Northwood Omniscient is an award-winning student magazine. In 2021, the overall publication received the Tar Heel Award for its website from the North Carolina Scholastis Media Association (NCSMA) along with recognititon for many individual students’ pieces. If you are interested in journalism, current events, writing or graphic design, then The Northwood Omniscient is for you. As a journalism student, you will practice your writing, editing and creative skills while working with other student journalists. To become a staff member for The Northwood Omniscient, join Journalism Club or sign up for the Journalism class. To learn more about both the club and class, please contact Ms. Eliza Brinkley at ebrinkley@chatham.k12.nc.us
Omniscient Fall 2021 Staff
