Northridge High School 2901 Northridge Road Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35406
est. 2003
THE
www.northridgereporter.wordpress.com
NORTHRI D GE REPORTER
MARCH 2018
The student est.voice 2003of Northridge High School
YES WE “CAN”
VOLUME 15 ISSUE 5
Students create structures using cans from food drive SARA LANG ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
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Photo courtesy of Tuscaloosa City Schools Facebook
ALL HANDS ON DECK From left to right: art teacher Richard Nowell, freshman Alexander Nowell, and senior Kellen Tucker arrange cans on their lighthouse structure.
n Feb. 26, Northridge competed in “Canstruction” an event held to support the West Alabama Food Bank at the Dinah Washington Cultural Center. The team, led by Richard Nowell, used the cans that were donated by students to create a lighthouse design but unfortunately did not capture first place. The event began at 10 a.m., and each team had three hours to build. Unfortunately, the cans were delivered to the Northridge team late, so they had less time than planned to construct their masterpiece. “It was very chaotic and nerve wracking; I wish we had more time because it looks like its leaning,” said Nowell. “When we built it here it was straight, but at the competition it wasn’t as perfect as we wanted it to be.” After building, everyone was able to walk around and view other projects. “There were a couple of really nice ones,” said Nowell. One school even constructed a moving fidget spinner. The voting process ended on March 2, and anyone was able to view the Tuscaloosa City Schools facebook page and vote for their favorite sculpture. Tuscaloosa City School’s purpose for the event was to respond to the “persistent concern of food insecurity in the lives of citizens in West Alabama.” This year, over 20 schools from the Tuscaloosa area participated in the event. All food is donated to the West Alabama Food Bank for those in need, and Tuscaloosa city students have raised nearly 30,000 pounds of food through similar projects. Schools that participated included TCTA, Tuscaloosa Magnet Elementary, Central High School, Skyland Elementary, Paul W. Bryant High School,
Eastwood Middle School, and Northington Elementary. Nowell had to be creative when coming up with the design based on the cans that were donated. “First we saw what [cans] dominated to see what students brought the most of, and then we saw what the cheapest cans were and asked Art Honor Society students to bring them,” said Nowell. “Then I looked online at other designs and saw one made out of cans but was lit up behind water bottles.” The students helping to construct the lighthouse included seniors Sabrina Wright, Kellen Tucker, Shamia Hardy-Furr, Morgan Montgomery, junior Katie Fuller, and freshman Alexander Nowell. The team had a few practices and constructed a platform and roof before the actual event. Students who glimpsed the final product gave a good response. “We had a lot of positive feedback from people who saw what we were making for the first time,” said Nowell. This is Nowell’s first year of doing Canstruction, as art teacher Suzette Puzinauskas has led the event in the past. The group left on Feb. 26, at around 9 a.m. and was bused over to the Dinah Washington Cultural Center, which is being leased by the Arts Council of Tuscaloosa. Participating elementary schools constructed their sculptures in there, while middle and high schools built in surrounding studios. “[This is so] a high school groups isn’t right beside an elementary school group,” said Nowell. Students that participated enjoyed the event but would change a few things for next time. “We waited way too long for the cans,” Tucker said. “Otherwise it was pretty fun, and we really appreciated Mr. Nowell treating us to breakfast and lunch.” Nowell commented that next time he would “bring an umbrella” to the event.
Prom theme revealed by juniors after increasing speculation
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fter much consideration, the prom committee has chosen Midnight in Morocco as this year’s prom theme. After raising their right hands and swearing secrecy, the theme of prom 2018 was successfully kept under wraps until it was officially revealed on March
7.
“I like it,” Kellen Tucker, senior, said. “I’m excited to see what it comes together to look like.” Juniors have worked hard, deciding on the layout, colors, and decorations, and the committee is currently doing a fundraiser on Snap Raise to raise money for props, food, and anything else they might need. There is a great mixture of creative students and hard-
AT A GLANCE BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL
page 7 ROBOTICS CLUB
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working students that are determined to make this prom one of the best. With art teacher, Suzette Puzinauskas’ guidance, the group is getting to work hanging signs, sending out reminders, and creating decorations. While the prom flash sale was Feb. 26 to March 2, there will be other opportunities to buy tickets during the week of March 26. The official date for prom will be April 7.
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Nobody had to love my son the way I love him, but they do anyways.
LATISHA MANLEY, ERICK IRBY’S MOTHER
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RENEE MOREMAN STAFF WRITER
See story on PAGES 4-5
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OPINION
THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER MARCH 2018
OUR THOUGHTS On the attitude of firearms in the United States
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fter the Valentine’s Day Massacre in Parkland, Florida, it has become clear that it is far too common that someone can buy a weapon and go to a school to kill as many people as they like. Nicholas Cruz, the 19 year old who murdered 17 people last month, was able to pass a basic background check, and he was able to legally obtain 10 weapons. In a time where many are left without answers, the only thing left to say is ‘Why?’ Why can a mentally troubled high schooler buy 10 weapons with no questions asked? Why can military style weapons be sold to the public? Why do you need an AR-15 to hunt defenseless animals? Why is the unlimited number of weapons you can have in this country a right and not a privilege? Why does the NRA have so much power? Why does the rest of the civilized
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world not see this on a regular basis? Why does every parent have to wonder in the back of their mind when they drop their children off at school if this is the last time they are going to kiss them goodbye? The fact of the matter is that it is so easy to buy a gun designed to kill as many people as possible, and as quickly as you would like. Weapons like the AK-47 are not ones that you need to protect your family, let alone hunt a deer. They are weapons designed for one thing: mass murder. That being said, one should not have to carry a weapon so that they are always ready for the worst. Students should not have to walk through metal detectors every day to go to class because they could be carrying a firearm. A school should never be run like an airport. We can add all of the metal detectors we like, but until gun laws in this country change, people will use the same
It will never be the addition of metal detectors and cameras that will save the day... it will be a law that bans weapons capable of mass murder.
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staff members...
AGREE.....5 DISAGREE.....3
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weapons to murder people in churches, in movie theaters, in malls, at concerts, at public events, and yes, they will still go into schools. The second amendment is a rule to make sure that people in a “well-regulated militia” could protect themselves from a tyrannical government during the revolution. The most common kind of firearm then was a musket - a hard to load, one shot weapon. One would think that the founding fathers could never conceive of the weapons that we have today, and if they knew the power they had, no one would be allowed to have them. It will never be the addition of metal detectors and cameras that will save the day anywhere, it will be a law that bans weapons capable of mass murder.
Want to submit YOUR letter to the editor? Stop by room 109, or contact one of our editors or Mrs. Lane!
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POLL Do you think gun control reform is necessary to improve safety? YES 29
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STUDENTS’ THOUGHTS
NO 9
I think it’s necessary, because people should be allowed to have guns to protect themselves...but there are so many people who can easily get access that shouldn’t have access...we need to stop all these deaths by guns and make it harder for the wrong person to get a gun. We have so many thousands of deaths from guns but after just one terrorist attack, security at airports was made so much stricter. I don’t see why it can’t be the same way with gun control.
I don’t think it’s necessarily the guns, it’s mostly the people. There are so many warning signs in schools and they don’t do anything about it.
students polled
I think we should have more policemen in school to make it safer, as well as more anonymous checks...we should also have to randomly walk through metal detectors, so you can prevent someone bringing a gun into school.
est. 2003
THE NORTH RI D G E REPORTER The student voice of Northridge High School
est. 2003
Northridge High School • 2901 Northridge Road • Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 • (205) 759-3590 ext. 3432 Managing Editor Will McLelland Feature Editor Rebecca Han Sports Editor Isaac Smith News Editor Will McLelland
Entertainment Editor Sara Lang Opinion Editor Emily Matthews Beat Editor Gracie Lang
Opinion disclaimer: The opinions in The Northridge Reporter are those of the students and not of the faculty or administration of Northridge High School or the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education. Advertising and subscriptions: Contact The Northridge Reporter at (205) 759-3590 ext. 3432 or rlane@tusc.k12. al.us to advertise in or subscribe to our paper.
Art Editor Rebecca Han Social Media Editor Mayci Hartley & Sara Lang
Letters to the editor: It is the policy of The Northridge Reporter to publish all non-obscene, non-libelous, signed letters to the editor, regardless of the opinion expressed in them. Submit letters to Rhonda Lane in room 109 or email to rlane@tusc.k12.al.us. The Northridge Reporter reserves the right to edit letters and verify allegations. The newspaper is distributed monthly.
Rhonda Lane, Adviser Rebecca Han, Editor-in-Chief Visit us online at northridgereporter.wordpress.com Follow us on Twitter @NHSReporter Follow us on Instagram @northridgereporter Visit our Facebook page, ‘The Northridge Reporter Check out our YouTube channel, ‘The Northridge Reporter’ See our paper ONLINE at issuu.com, ‘The Northridge Reporter’
THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER MARCH 2018
ENTERTAINMENT
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‘Black Panther’ exhilarating, best Marvel movie yet
Photo from Paramount Pictures/Tribune News Service
THE BATTLE BEGINS Cousins Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan, left) and T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman, right) face off in a challenge for the Wakandan throne. EMILY MATTHEWS OPINION EDITOR “Black Panther” is by far the best movie ever made by Marvel. The film was very engaging with stunning visuals and an upbeat soundtrack. Marvel holds its reputation for inducing comedy and was a joy to watch. Picking up after “Captain America: Civil War,” “Black Panther” hits the ground running, setting the stage for a future movie
franchise. Set in Africa’s hidden oasis of the technologically developed Wakanda, “Black Panther” follows the struggle of the new Black Panther, King T’Challa’s (Chadwick Boseman) rise to power and his decision about the fate of his nation. Unlike Marvel’s tendency to revolve around superheroes, villains, and turmoil, “Black Panther” surrounds itself and emphasizes the importance of family ties. This, as well as its incorporation of real-world problems, makes the movie
much more relatable to watch than its predecessors, while stressing the importance of their African American roots. The vengeful Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) travels to Wakanda to exact revenge on T’Challa’s family. He is a character that is deeply moving and one that you can sympathize with. Killmonger also wants to use Wakanda’s vast amount of vibranium, a resource from an asteroid that enriched the land and is the rare metal that makes their culture technologically advanced, to fight social injustices. “Black Panther” allows you to see many different characters in very personal ways. Shuri (Letitia Wright), the witty and humorous sister of T’Challa, develops all of the brilliant Wakandan technologies. Okoye (Danai Gurira), part of the king’s royal guard, keeps her traditional values close and swears to protect the throne. Former girlfriend of T’Challa’s, Nakia (Lupita Nyong), supports him but also fights for her own battles. These characters all draw in viewers like no other Marvel movie has. The movie’s stunning special effects and gadgets reflect all of the beautiful wonders of Wakanda.While it is a fictional movie about a king with superhuman powers, it still stays very grounded. Emotional, heartfelt, and driven King T’Challa and even the movie’s villains have deep respect and devout loyalty to their ancestors, striking a place in hearts of all viewers. The costume and props used in the movie were very authentic and tribal, making the movie feel that much more realistic. However, there were a few minor flaws. The beginning starts off slowly. Also, many of the fight sequences move so fast it becomes difficult to keep up with what is going on. The special effects and flashing lights in one of the early fight sequences make it extremely difficult to watch and to decipher what is going on. Overall, “Black Panther” was exhilarating and a joy to see. If given the chance I would definitely go see it again. I hope that the sequels will be just as good.
‘Annihilation’ surprises in unexpected, thought-provoking ways
REBECCA HAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Director Alex Garland (“28 Days Later,” “Ex Machina”) somehow marries the high-concept and the deeply personal in his newest film “Annihilation,” based off of Jeff VanderMeer’s best selling Southern Reach trilogy. The trailers offer a simple enough setup: an extraterrestrial substance has struck an area of land, creating a “bubble” around the region that continues to expand. Plenty of expeditions have been sent into this Area X, dubbed the “Shimmer.” None have returned. Up next to enter is an all-female team of five ( Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa Thompson, Gina Rodriguez, and Tuva Novotny), among them the movie’s
leading lady, biologist and former soldier Lena, played by Natalie Portman, whose husband is the only person to enter the Shimmer and return. Having never read the novels, I expected something like a creature horror flick. But while “Annihilation” carries some horrific imagery, I wouldn’t classify it as a horror movie in the traditional sense. Strange and inexplicable events take place on the group’s path to the center of the Shimmer, but the atmosphere that begins to build is unlike that in many science fiction or horror movies. Even the most grisly of scenes doesn’t evoke dread or apprehension, but rather simple confusion. What contributes greatly to this feeling of disorientation is the apparent lack of stakes. The mission has a world-saving quality to it, but we see
very little of that outside world and thus are minimally invested in it. Once the women have entered the Shimmer, it’s really as if that cordoned-off world is all that has ever existed and all that ever will. It’s revealed that all of the female volunteers are “damaged” in some way, agreeing to the mission knowing that they are signing their own self destruction. So there’s no malicious extraterrestrials or supernatural forces conspiring against the team of five. Rather, they are their own worst enemy - the title is in reference to annihilation of the world, potentially, but also annihilation of the self. So while the premise is grand in scale (team of scientists look to save the world from mysterious forces) the scope of much of the movie is gratingly personal, especially as it careens toward a thrillingly unnerving climax. For instance, Lena’s motives for entering the Shimmer go deeper than simple spousal love. She puts herself in danger not solely to aid her husband, but also to atone somehow for her own sins, which play a major role in the movie. Portman is magnetic as Lena, who carries a certain gravity behind her gently sad veneer. When she enters the shimmer, she is a biology professor, but she served several years in the military, where she met husband Kane. In one of the most memorable moments, she is rapidly approached by a gargantuan crocodile and, rather than flinching, drops to one knee, eye on the sights, and guns the creature down. Overall, the movie is a slow burn that takes its time in reaching its climax, treating audiences along the way to imagery that is often more baffling than horrible and posing themes with no easy solutions or angles of approach.
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THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER MARCH 2018
FEATURE
THE NEXT STEP The life changing news of a football player’s cancer diagnosis, and his determination to recover as soon as possible. REBECCA HAN AND WILL MCLELLAND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND MANAGING EDITOR
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rick Irby, a wide receiver for Northridge High School’s football team, has been battling brain cancer from the start of the Spring semester. The Northridge community saw a student and classmate in need and did what they could to support him through his experience with fundraisers to help pay for his medical fees.
constant headaches and vomiting made him feel like he could barely hold on to life. “When the tumor was in my head, I was basically dying slowly,” Irby said. “If I didn’t have the surgery, I wouldn’t be here talking to you today.” The “nerve-racking” surgery took all weekend, with the neurosurgeon removing all of the tumor mass. A biopsy of the tissue revealed a shocking diagnosis: it was a cancerous tumor. Next up was a spinal tap procedure to check for any
necessary to get back to normal. During those weeks of recovery however, Irby received news that the tumor he had was cancerous and left traces in his body. Fortunately, no cancerous cells had spread beyond the point of the original tumor. In the coming weeks, Irby would have to undergo chemotherapy to rid his body of cancerous cells. As he did when he received the news of his tumor, Irby was again shocked to find out that he had brain cancer, but the diagnosis never made him lose his ambition. His “next step” approach to dealing with the illness is what has been getting him through his experience. “I’m just ready to have it over and done with,” Irby said. “I just want to go on, go to college, and possibly play football. I’ve never been the fearful type.” When it came time to return t o
rby, the 17 year old who transferred to Northridge from Holt, said that he began to feel ill in the beginning of January this year. Irby recalled having painful headaches for days, and any nutrition he could have consumed, he vomited. “I physically couldn’t eat. Anything I ate, I threw it up. I lost 25 school, pounds in about three Irby was weeks,” Irby said. apprehensive Irby in his ill state, went to about the receive medical care the first week visible scar on his school started in January, and his doctor head, opting to wear a seemed to think he had as nothing but a toboggan. stomach virus that was taking its toll on Irby. Another thing was constantly Irby was given some pills to regain his health, but on his mind as well - the question his medicine was dormant. The headaches he had were still there, and he was getting LOVED Erick Irby watches the dodgeball tournament that will benefit him, and his family as they try to help him in his recovery. weaker every day. Erick was not expected to come and see the game because of an imporntant doctor’s appointment, but when he walked into the gym, With the he was greeted with a standing ovation. thought that his condition may residual cancerous traces, ensuring that the disease did not of how his football career would be affected or hindered. be something other than a stomach bug, Irby’s “spread out into any little nooks and crannies.” “Every time the doctor comes, he asks, ‘when can I go mother took him to Black From the perspective of his mother, the news back to playing football?’” Manley said. “‘If I do this, can I Warrior Medical Center, where that her young energetic son was being eaten get back to playing football?’” he would get an MRI at the away by a tumor on his brain was horrifying, Manley attributes this to a fighting spirit that she says end of January. Irby didn’t think but for Irby, this was just a challenge. Irby, like has always been transparent in her son. much of the procedure, but he most teenagers, had never planned to have “Erick is very competitive,” she said. “He has a drive that would shortly find out after such a serious illness. The results from his MRI you don’t see in a lot of young men. He always wants to a referral to a neurosurgeon shocked him, but they never broke him. Rather strive to do better. Of course, I push him because I’m his that there was a tumor on than a path of fear mom, and he pushes me along when I’m slowing down.” the left side of his brain. At and despair, Irby Irby’s football coach, Mike Vickery, took the initiative to CHECKING OUT THE that point, Irby needed to go decided to take the help his player in the best way he could, and he did it in a COMPETITION Junior Ti’Marthrough surgery as soon as approach of ‘where sporting fashion; he put together a fundraiser for Irby, in cus Mitchell throws a dodgeball up possible to remove the tumor. do I go from here?’ the form of a dodgeball tournament. and down as he prepares to compete “We left the doctor’s office,” “I really just When the football team heard the news of Irby’s in the dodgeball tournament held to Irby’s mother, Latisha Manley, thought, what’s condition, Vickery said he gathered his players together raise funds for Erick Irby. The final said. “[Erick] left on an next? What do I to come up with whatever they thought would be the best winner of the tournament was Mrs. ambulance, and I followed need to do next?” way to raise money for their teammate and his mother. Humber’s third period team. behind...we got checked Irby said. “[My team] wanted to do some type of fundraiser here into the emergency room.” “After the at school, and I told them to come up with some ideas,” The doctor wanted to surgery, I felt so relieved,” Irby said. “I was energized and I Vickery said. So [the fundraisers] came about from a lot “get the swelling down” wanted to get back to normal, but I had to reorient myself of people putting their heads together and wanting to do so that the area was “antifirst.” something to help.” inflammatory.” With the tumor being on the left side of Irby’s brain, it Vickery went on to say that the dodgeball tournament “He was dehydrated and meant that he would have to rehabilitate the right side of and a spaghetti dinner that would follow later that evening, throwing up a lot,” she said. his body. Over the month of February, he had a healing were simply events that he and his team could put together For Irby, the period before period where he rested, ate, and received physical therapy. in a short amount of time. surgery was excruciating. The All of this never consumed Irby’s mind; he just wanted Vickery said that the football team plans on doing to get better as soon as he could, and did whatever was smaller fundraisers once a month and that the school will
THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER MARCH 2018
FEATURE
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IN THE THRILL OF IT ALL Volunteer dodgeball players wait on the Northridge gymnasium stage as hundreds of students fill the bleachers. The tournament was held on Feb. 28. Sixteen teams played against each other for an hour and a half, slowly getting emliminatied from the game until one team was victorious. be very aware when they are. The dodgeball tournament took place on Feb. 28 in the school’s gymnasium. The week preceding the tournament announcements were made on the intercom that they were raising money for Irby’s condition, but that was the highest level of attention it received; a morning announcement. However, on the day of the tournament, students were sent to every classroom to collect $5 from anyone who wanted to see the game. Those who did would be given a grey bracelet to show at the gym doors. After the first class exchange of the day, the most noticeable difference in student appearance was the addition of the grey bracelet. By noon, cars from local news stations were parked in the parking lot with journalists ready to cover the event. At 12:30, Principal Kyle Ferguson gave the announcement for all of those who bought tickets to the game to walk to the gymnasium. Rather than some select students who had an interest in dodgeball walking to the game, the halls were packed with excited teenagers wearing their grey bracelets. The gym doors were opened, and within a few minutes, the bleachers were full of audience members waiting to watch a good game. Sixteen teams of volunteer students were waiting behind the gymnasium stage curtains as students filled the area. For those at the game, it felt as though the air conditioning had broken, and the players who waited backstage had long been sweating before the game started. The players consisted of students who wanted to help their classmate and the entire Northridge football team. When asked about Irby, each member of the football team stated again and again: they admired his attitude. “[Erick’s] my brother,” Gabe Pugh, junior, said. “He’s always a happy guy. He always finds the [positive side] of stuff. [Erick] is able to smile in tough situations, and tries his hardest no matter what odds are against [him]. He’s a fighter. ” Over the course of an hour and a half, students got to cheer for their classmates as they moved on to the next game, or as they got wiped out by another player. While there was some personal frustration for players who did not make it to the final round, it was an enjoyable experience overall. “It’s really good for everyone to participate in something that’s for a good cause,” Kameron Miller, junior, said. “For
everybody you know to come together for something that’s fun, and that’s for Erick you know we all love him.” Just as Miller finished his sentence, Irby walked into the gym to see hundreds of students standing for him and cheering him on. Irby was not expected to come to the tournament that day because he had an appointment with his doctor at the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. “I never expected to get that kind of attention,” Irby said. Hours following the successful dodgeball tournament, another fundraiser for Irby and his mother was held--the spaghetti dinner. The dinner was a daunting task, with a location and a caterer needing to be secured in a limited time. “The first thing I did was pray,” Northridge parent, Jennifer Gardner said. “I personally don’t have any experience with fundraising, but I’ve been the person in charge of pregame meals for the football team for the past two years.” Vickery spoke to Richard Hammar, Student Ministry Director at The Church of Tuscaloosa (TCAT), who agreed that the fundraiser could be held there. One of the meal sponsors was Ann Gibson with Snap Decisions Catering, who had provided a spaghetti dinner to the team before. Gardner reached out for an estimation of the price of 200 meals - $4.50 a plate. “So Coach Vick’s idea was to get donations from different churches and put dinner together that way,” Gardner said. “I was afraid it would be too disorganized. We didn’t want to spend a lot of money; we wanted to make more. I went ahead and decided, hoping to get some local churches to donate money to take away the cost of the meal.” Though alerted on short notice, Gibson was able to complete the catering order, even offering to obtain donations covering the cost of the meal. Ultimately, though, no donations were necessary; Gibson was able to “get all of the food from her supplier.” “Even her employees volunteered their time to prepare the meal,” Gardner said. “We did not owe her any money.” An order of 200 meals was decided on, with a $10 donation asked for each meal. But the Monday before Feb. 28, the planned date of the dinner, Gardner was thrown another curveball. “Coach Vick called me and said that we needed more dinners,” she said. “At that point, I didn’t know if it was possible, and I told him all I could do was call and ask.” Again, Gibson said it was no problem. The order was
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I really just thought, “what’s next? What do I need to do next?”
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ERICK IRBY
upped to 300 meals, with the extra cost to be covered by a church member’s donations. “When she [Gibson] arrived to set things up, that church member was there, and she got with Ann to see if we owed her any money,” Gardner said. However, they owed no money to Snap Decisions for the extra food. “We knew then that any money we took in would then go directly to help Erick and his family,” Gardner said. The fundraiser was held Wednesday night, Feb. 28, from 6-7; supporters were given both dine-in and takeout options, with rooms being set up where people could eat. Gardner, helping check people in and run operations from the front, watched as the meal supply began rapidly diminishing in minutes. “The people who were there will tell you that it was probably within 30 minutes that we sold out of food,” she said. “Even though we had 300 meals, we actually fed about 400 people.” The total amount raised from the dodgeball tournament and the dinner? About $16,000.00. “Often what people would do is they would give more money,” Gardner said. “We had a few large donations that were just people wanting to help out. It was a huge tribute to those from Northridge and TCAT, because I had parents from football games who helped me serve pregame meals helping. We also had a whole group of parents from our church helping. And we couldn’t have done it without Ann Gibson at Snap Decisions. She just went out and was willing to ask people for donations. She was amazing--I was telling her through the whole process.” As the dust settled, Gardner was “thrilled” and “humbled” by the large turnout. “I was just thankful,” Gardner said. “That our community and my church were so willing to love Erick and his family during this difficult time.” Irby’s mother, having always been a firm believer in the power of prayer, was grateful for the flood of prayers, thoughts, and well-wishes in the wake of her son’s operations. “I want to tell anybody and everybody who showed up, who gave prayers, who came up to me and let me know that they’re praying for us, I want to let them know that we are eternally grateful,” she said. “Prayer does change things. I was just out of it, finding out that my child was sick and with the type of sickness that he had. People were patient with me and let me take time to talk with me or let me get back to them, because people would call, and I didn’t always have time to sit down and talk with them. I really appreciate that. Nobody had to love my son the way I love him, but they do anyways. I don’t have enough thank you’ for everybody, and I wish I could send them all a thank you card. It changes things when your faith is strong.” Photos courtesy of Tuscaloosa News, Emily Matthews, and Will McLelland
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NEWS
THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER MARCH 2018
Students build and Tuscaloosa City Schools program robots at Northridge implements program to boost reading and test scores ISAAC SMITH SPORTS EDITOR
WILL MCLELLAND MANAGING EDITOR
T
he Tuscaloosa City School system has decided to dedicate the last 25 minutes of zero block to a participate in a program called “Drop Everything And Read,” or “D.E.A.R,” to raise test scores and students interests in literature. Marcie Irvin, one of the school librarians, was the person who proposed the idea to Principal Kyle Ferguson, and she is excited to see literature become a part of the weekly schedule. Irvin is hoping that this program will be helpful for improving the student body’s level of literacy and in creating or renewing a desire in reading for pleasure. “The D.E.A.R program is a way to have everybody in the school involved in improving our reading,” Irvin said. “If you’re in a group [of people] that already reads, then you should enjoy the reading part, but if you’re one of those people that doesn’t really enjoy reading, maybe adding that 25 minutes once a week might gain that interest back.” Irvin understands that there are many students who do not particularly care to open a book for fun, but she thinks that by their peers and teachers setting examples, then maybe the rest of the students will catch on. “It does so much when you read,” Irvin said. “You might be one of those people that [says] ‘I don’t know - I’ve never read before, and I don’t really like it,’ but you see everybody else reading; you see your teacher reading, and you see your principals reading, [and] it might inspire you to read. We know that reading improves your ACT scores, it improves your chances in college, [and] it improves your grades.” According to Irvin, the D.E.A.R program is one that has been practiced around the country for somewhere between 15 and 20 years. Irvin wishes she could see Northridge follow the example of other schools who practice D.E.A.R every day, but realistically, she only sees the program’s status being upgraded to a timeline of twice a week. The program has faced criticism from students saying that it has not been properly thought out. Luke Martin, junior, says that the D.E.A.R program is a waste of his time since he and many others are already successful readers. “It’s so not necessary for so many people,” Martin said. “I don’t need D.E.A.R time because I have really high reading and English scores on the ACT, and that’s the whole point of D.E.A.R time; to get our standardized test scores up, so it’s kind of pointless for me.” Martin thinks that the D.E.A.R program could be a helpful resource for students who don’t like to read, but he does not think that the mandatory reading for all students will help anyone. “In certain contexts, for people who do need remediation, it’s a good idea,” Martin said. “[However,] there are so many people that don’t need it, and it just frustrates them, and it makes people hate reading even more when they’re forced to.” Another problem Martin finds with the implementation of the D.E.A.R program is that it alters students’ schedules who legitimately require those final 25 minutes. “It takes time away from people who have actual classes,” Martin said. “I have
friends in strings and economics, and they have stuff that they need to be doing, but then D.E.A.R time is taking away stuff, and then advisory is taking away stuff. There are so many things that are taking time already for people who have actual classes or need to get things done, so D.E.A.R time just makes it even worse.” Irvin has heard about the criticism from students, and she understands the complaints, but still believes that the D.E.A.R program is worth it. “We all don’t like change sometimes,” Irvin said. “So many teenagers have lost that love of reading that they used to have. Everybody’s kind of resistant to that [saying] ‘I don’t like to read! I don’t want to do that!,’ so we have heard that, but I think that is all just everybody not wanting to do it because they think they don’t like it.” Irvin says that once the program starts to become a regular practice at Northridge, then people will understand that the program is not as limiting as it may seem, and that if teachers and students really need to dedicate their D.E.A.R time to actual course work, then they can. “Once we’ve started it, and once it becomes a regular thing, I truly believe that people [will] like the downtime,” she said. Some students do enjoy the time they get from the D.E.A.R program, like junior Sylvia Cervino, who thinks that while it needs changes, the program is still good for the overall studetnt body. “I personally like it,” Cervino said. “[I] like the idea of having time to really sit down and get in that atmosphere, and I know that it helps the school’s statistiscs, but I don’t think it should be as forced as it is right now. I think it definitely needs to be more of a flexible thing that students can do.” Cervino says she does not personally see it as the school “stripping away” her time, but she knows that other students do feel foreced to read and percieve the program as a chore rather than an encouragement.
Chemistry and physics teacher Janea Edgel started a robotics club at Northridge this semester because she is interested in solving problems and building things. “I think computer programming is something that I want to get better at and learn more about,” said Edgel. “It is a very useful field, and it is very fun to problem solve.” There are around 15 people in the robotics club, but not everyone can make it to every meeting. Seniors Sani Ghulamani and Caleb Kim are co-presidents of the club. “They were talking about if you’re interested in computer science, you should join robotics, and I want to major in computer engineering,” said Ghulamani.“I have to sort of lead the meetings and tell the group what we are going to focus on for that day.” The robotics club will program the robots using ROBOTC, a programming language similar to C but more user-friendly. “[ROBOTC] has suggested commands on the side and it tells you what different things do,” said Edgel. Before the robots arrived, the club practiced programming with ROBOTC. The robotics club uses VEX robots,
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which they built themselves. The VEX kits include light and motion sensors for the robots. The robots can be assembled in different ways and adapted to perform different tasks. “These robots are unique because we will build them, and we will design them,” said Edgel. “It’s modular,” Ghulamani added. “You can add the parts that you want.” The club will need the light and motion sensors to complete the challenges at the Alabama Robotics Competition on Apr. 7, held each year at the University of Alabama, which will be their first competition. There, they will have to program their robots to follow boundaries, pick up objects, and respond to light and darkness. The robots will not be directed by remote control; they will act and react based on what the robotics club has programed them to do. “For future competitions they will also have to be able to throw things and catch things,” said Edgel. The robotics club meets after school for one hour on Wednesdays in room 137. “As the competition gets closer we’ll meet Wednesdays and Fridays,” said Edgel. “It’s fun. People can still come if they want. New members are still being accepted.”
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SPORTS
THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER MARCH 2018
Soccer looking toward playoffs
The varsity boys’ team is also making their way to achieving their goal of winning state finals. Both the varsity and junior varsity soccer Goal keeper, senior Max French, said teams have been making their way to this that working hard will eventually lead to year’s playoffs. Each has high hopes for the the boys’ team earning the title of state remainder of the season. champions. Senior Natalie Jacks believes that this “We plan to set the bar high for the season will be the best yet for the girls’ future generations in Northridge soccer,” soccer team since she’s been at Northridge French said. High School. Although the number of seniors on “Last year we made it to the second the varsity team dropped from 11 to six round of playoffs, but we think we can get compared to last year, the team continues to the state finals this time,” Jacks said. to hold their own. She thinks “In terms that the team of physical has evolved strength, this compared to the year’s team previous year can’t compare which increases to the one their chances of from last year, victory. but with a lot “ T h e of training, we chemistry can get to the b e t w e e n finals,” French teammates said. this year is Last year, a lot better,” the team Jacks said “We made it to the Photo by Mayci Hartley work very well second round GOAL! Ashley Abawi takes the ball against Jasper. together.” of playoffs The team has also welcomed new coach, where they lost to Pelham High School. Nellie Christian. “We intend to make it past the second “We managed to adapt quickly to the round this year, and we have a good chance new coach, mostly because we are more of doing that and hopefully advancing to experienced players now,” Jacks said. the finals,” French said. The girls hope to win this year’s state Currently the varsity boys are 9-4-3 finals. overall and the varsity girls are 10-6. “We have high hopes and intend for this The first round of playoffs is on April 27. to be a successful season for both the girls’ team and Northridge soccer in general,” Jacks said.
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PETRA ZLATOVIC STAFF REPORTER
Photo by Mayci Hartley
BATTER UP Sydney Savage prepares to swing in a game against Lamar City.
Softball season starts successfully
SARA LANG ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
The Lady Jags successfully opened their season on Feb. 20 with a 3-1 win against Lamar County. The team is looking forward to the rest of the season and competed in their only sleepaway tournament in Phenix City, Georgia over the weekend of Feb. 23. Coach Wayne Harris, who most recently was an assistant coach at Bibb County, thinks that the team has carried over their experience from last year and is prepared for games this season. “They’ve been working hard, and I think they’re ready to play; we’re just building on the experience they gained last year,” said Harris. The softball team only lost one player last year, and this season there are five seniors ready for their last season. Annabelle Beavers said the season feels similar to last year, and they picked back up from where they left off. “[Last year] we went through a lot of hardships but came together as a team,” Beavers said. “There’s lots of new
freshmen this year, so that will help JV.” This won’t be her first time playing the final game of a sport she loves. “It’s really sad; I just went through basketball,” said Beavers. “You feel the loss when you play your last game.” There will likely be many nostalgic moments during this season due to the number of seniors. “I’m sad the season is going to end, but I’m glad that I got to spend four years here in the program playing for the Lady Jags,” senior Natasha Szulczewski, right field, said. “It’s great to be able to help the freshmen and share my experience with them,” said Szulczewski. The team also had a successful fundraiser at Urban Cookhouse. The “Pushupathon” gained a large crowd, and every player did as many pushups as they could to raise funds for the program. So far this season, the Lady Jags have an overall record of 4-13. They hope to continue their growth and increase their amount of wins over the rest of the season.
New mindset for baseball team
MAYCI HARTLEY STAFF REPORTER
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The baseball team pulled off a victory for their season opener on Feb. 19 and continued on a winning streak for five games until a loss to Chelsea High School, a 6A school, on Feb. 24. Their loss not only allowed them to recognize their weaknesses, but also helped their mindsets. “It’s early in the season [one week in]; I think we’ll come around and be able to hang with the schools like Homewood and North Alabama schools,” Cameron Crouse, senior right fielder, said. “It was a tough loss, but it makes us realize where our competition is and what level our competition is. It was good to get that first loss out of the way because now we’re not all worried about staying undefeated and there weren’t many people there to see our loss,” Crouse said. This season’s wins have come with a new team and a new mindset. They are focused on the strengths of their new and returning players, and they are focused on a mindset to form a team that will be unstoppable.
“We just kind of have this focus where we’re taking it one game at a time, and it’s working out well for us,” Caleb Toshcoff, senior catcher, said. They are also focusing their efforts to better the team instead of themselves this season. “We’re playing team ball instead of selfishly; everybody has the same heart and wants to win the games,” Will Butler, junior midfielder, said. “No one is taking a game; we’re all trying to win.” This attitude showed its strength during their tournament in Mississippi the weekend of Mar. 2. “We struggled with adversity in our first game, but we bounced back on the second day,” Butler said. This season has seen an addition to the baseball complex-- The Left Field Lounge. Having students in the outfield has caused the team to play differently this year. “We like the trucks,” Toshcoft said. “But to be to look back there and see all those people, that pumps you up and it makes a big difference. . .You’re representing them, so it’s awesome to have them there.” So far, the team has a 15-10 record.
READY, SET, SPEAK
THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER MARCH 2018
REBECCA HAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Under the guidance of coach and physics and chemistry teacher Janea Edgel, Northridge’s six-student physics team took home a 2nd place title in Division 1 ciphering at the 42nd annual University of Alabama High School Physics Contest on Feb. 16. Junior Emily Bolton and seniors Dalton Clary, Sani Ghulamani, Caleb Kim, Joshua Kim, and Cole Stewart participated, with Caleb Kim as Northridge’s top scorer on one of the competition’s two parts, a multiple-choice written test. The highest two scorers on the written test received four-year in-state tuition scholarships. The second portion of the competition is a ciphering contest in which teams of four answer four questions individually, earning points for both accuracy and speed. “If they answer in under 40 seconds, they get five points.” Edgel said. “Under 80 [seconds], they get three points, and under 120 [seconds], they get one point. They use their calculator and their brain.” The event was not all competition, however. Students and teachers were treated to a program, career panel, and physics show after
lunch. Along with Northridge in Division 1, for large public high schools, were familiar names like Tuscaloosa County High and Sipsey Valley. “We beat Auburn’s Team 2,” Edgel said. “They had two students in the top 10 with the written test.” Though she said the turnout was said to be less than in previous years due to the date falling on a Presidents Day weekend, there were still around “20-30 other teams,” with some travelling from neighboring states like Mississippi and Georgia. Edgel was also particularly impressed with the students’ strong showing considering that the team had not met prior to the competition. “I don’t have any of the students currently in my class, so for showing up and competing I think they did great,” she said. Edgel first heard of the competition at AP Physics training over the summer, while Caleb Kim’s interest had been piqued after hearing of his friend competing from Auburn. He self-studied by completing multiple-choice tests from previous years, which were available on the competition’s website. Kim said that memorizing equations and reviewing ques-
tions was very similar to learning in his AP Physics class. “For the written exam, it was much harder than past years,” Kim said. “For ciphering, it was kind of easy. In one team there was Sani, me, Joshua, and Cole.” After high school, Kim plans to “maybe” compete at the college level. Bolton echoed Kim’s sentiments about the written test and said that “the questions were pretty much the same as last year’s.” Like her teammate, she found those questions to be very similar to the AP Physics curriculum. “It was fun but difficult to be timed for the points,” Bolton said, discussing the ciphering section. The time limit on the written test, though, “was not a problem.” Bolton participated looking for a “fun” experience, as her favorite subjects in school are math and science. While most of the team are graduating seniors, Edgel was looking forward to building up the team in the future. “I’m looking forward to it for next year,” Edgel said.
PHYSICS TEAM Sani Ghulamani, Emily Bolton, Joshua Kim, Dalton Clary, Cole Stewart, and Caleb Kim stop for a picture after taking home 2nd place at the University of Alabama High School Physics contest.
Physics students compete at annual UA physics contest
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MARCH 2018 VOLUME 15 ISSUE 5