The Northridge Reporter February 2020

Northridge High School 2901 Northridge Road Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35406

est. 2003

THE FEBRUARY 2020

NORTH RI D GE

www.northridgereporter.wordpress.com

REPORTER

The student voice of Northridge High School est. 2003

VOLUME 16 ISSUE 4

DUAL ENROLLMENT ELEVATED, COSTS CURTAILED Scholarship brings new opportunity to Tuscaloosa high schools

TAKING ADVANTAGE Ingrid Smith, junior, works on her UA Early College class in the library.

Smith has enrolled in everything from Sociology to Spanish, finding that she most enjoyed her on-campus courses and those which deviated from a regular high school curriculum. During her first year of Dual Enrollment through UA’s Early College program, Smith appreciated the opportunity to take Anthropology and Sociology--two things that she could not have explored at Northridge.

CHARLOTTE FARRAR NEWS EDITOR

A shining new Elevate Tuscaloosa scholarship program will soon fund high school seniors to participate in dual enrollment programs, announced Mayor Walt Maddox alongside TCS superintendent Dr. Mike Daria and representatives from each of the three participating institutions on Jan. 13.

“It’s been awesome to see the opportunities that these students are going to have,” Northridge counselor, Dual Enrollment coordinator, and Elevate team member Lauren Wolbach said. “There has been a lot of learning going on.”

The graduating class of 2021 will be the first group of students eligible for this scholarship, which will enable them to take up to six credit hours at Shelton State Community College, Stillman College, or the University of Alabama. The scholarship applies only to students of Tuscaloosa’s city schools and those in their senior year. In order to qualify, students must also meet the institution’s minimum grade point average and have attended a city school for at least one year prior.

“This scholarship will ensure that all students that meet the four requirements of the scholarship have the opportunity to attend accelerated classes at local universities during their senior year,” Richard Rush, Communications Director for Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox said.

This announcement was met with excitement at Northridge High School. Principal J. Tygar Evans spoke eagerly on the unique opportunities the scholarship program will offer to students at Northridge; in addition to offering accelerated or especially challenging courses to high-achieving students, this scholarship will allow students to take trade courses and explore educational experiences unavailable at a regular high school.

“I think that one of the most important parts of this is that kids can use these dual enrollment hours at institutions like Shelton State,” Evans said. “I bring that up because whether you want to go to college and get a degree or you want to learn a trade, you can do both of those with this program. That’s what’s important to me, because you will have kids who may not have the means to go to

Photo by Charlotte Farrar

Shelton State or the University of Alabama, but this will give them six hours, and some of those trades at Shelton State don’t take much more than that.”

Dual Enrollment classes are also a way for some Northridge students to feel more secure in their college readiness.

“I thought it was a really good way to potentially get college credit and also get used to the way a college class works,” junior Ingrid Smith said.

Starting dual enrollment classes through the University of Alabama’s Early College program the summer before her sophomore year, Smith has a wealth of experience in taking college courses as a high school student. However, her accelerated courses may not have been possible without the scholarships she already receives due to her father’s faculty status.

“My dad works at the University, so there’s a half scholarship,” Smith said. “But if you didn’t have someone who worked at UA, I can certainly see how that [cost] would be a barrier.”

For many of those involved in the formation and realization of this program, the issue of affordable education is personal. In the last decade, student loan debt has more than doubled, increasing by 107 percent over 10 years. In 2019, American student debt reached a peak of

RIGHT Dr. Bill Ashley (Shelton State Community College President), Dr. Kevin Whitaker (UA Executive Vice President and Provost), Dr. Cynthia Warrick (Stillman College President), Mayor Walt Maddox, and Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Daria pose for a photo at the press conference for the Elevate Grant. The city leaders are excited to provide more educational opportunities to Tuscaloosa students through this grant that will allow more students to participate in Dual Enrollment. Northridge high schoolers are among those who will benefit from the grant.

Photo from Richard Rush

AT A GLANCE

nearly $1.6 trillion, according to research by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and it is already a prime debate topic among hopefuls in the 2020 presidential race. The weight of student loan debt, though, is not an abstract thing expressed only in percentages and charts, nor an intangible concept to be debated and abandoned.

“You’re looking at someone who in 2002 had close to $80,000 debt of college loans,” Evans said. “We’re sitting here in 2020 and I have paid about $90,000 on those loans but still owe about $30,000 due to interest. So, if you can eliminate any of that money, it can really help kids.”

Mayor Walt Maddox has long held education as a keystone of his policy objectives, implementing a citywide pre-K program and now orchestrating the Elevate grant.

With the announcement of this scholarship came elucidation of what motivates him: Like Evans, Maddox has personal experience with the weight of rising education costs.

“I have heard him talk about the importance of educational opportunities for every student,” Rush said. “Like many students, the mayor saw his parents sacrifice so that he could receive the best education available.”

At Northridge, the cost of AP and Dual Enrollment classes alike has often been an obstacle to enrolling in accelerated classes or diving into new areas of academic interest. For this reason, counselor Lauren Wolbach worked this year to receive a grant that reduces the cost of AP exams from $94 each to $50 each. As a member of the Elevate team that helped to construct this scholarship, Wolbach has again played an important role in making such opportunities accessible for Northridge students.

“We’ll be tripling our numbers of dual enrollment students, which we already have about 150 kids each semester,” Wolbach said. “They are giving us $500,000 to use specifically for college credit hours for the next graduating class.”

As a counselor, the Elevate program is important to Wolbach as a means of proving to students that education beyond high school is attainable.

“We have a lot of students that have the perception that they are not ready for college or that college is not an option,” Wolbach said. “I’m hoping that through the Elevate grant, students will see that there’s opportunity, financially, to go to college.” [Continued on pg. 6]

DANCE MARATHON

ASIM PROJECT

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

SEE PAGES 4 & 5

SEE PAGE 6

SEE PAGE 8

2

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER FEBRUARY 2020

OPINION

OUR THOUGHTS

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WWIII memes not as fun as they seem CAROLINE FERRY EDITOR-IN-CHEIF

Upon the beginning of the decade, a new trend quickly established itself on Twitter, quickly spreading to other platforms like Instagram and TikTok. “World War III” memes became a humorous response to President Trump’s assassination of Iranian leader Qasem Soleimani. While these lighthearted memes that make jokes about getting drafted and befriending Iranian soldiers can be entertaining, they may be desensitizing our generation to the realities of war and foreign violence.

Obviously, there isn’t an actual World War happening right now.

However, we should consider the fact that due to the President’s actions, there will certainly be lives lost by American soldiers as well as Iranian soldiers and citizens. It may be hard for us to understand or empathize with these things as we watch it unravel at a safe distance away via the media and news; however, that doesn’t make the tragedy any less real to those whom it does affect. Whether the President’s actions were necessary or not, there will inevitably be violent and fatal repercussions, just as it has happened historically with similar political actions. We can’t just ignore or mask these scary things with funny tweets and TikToks.

Even if it isn’t you or me, people have suffered, people are suffering,

and more people will suffer.

I don’t want to condemn anyone who has made, liked, or retweeted something with the hashtag “WWIII.” As much as I hate to admit it, I would be lying if I said I didn’t find at least some of these memes funny. I do understand the temptation to give in to the trend.

I of all people am prone to using humor to deal with fear and frustration, or as is the case for some people participating, plain indifference. However, if we do so we should remain aware of the reality of this situation and stay informed of what is happening to our relationship with Iran and any violence in their country. We can’t allow our generation to become further desensitized to the violence and

staff members...

AGREE.....9 DISAGREE.....0

tragedy which has been blasted all around us through easy access to news and media. It’s not our fault that we grew up in the Information Age, but young people should take the initiative to remain compassionate despite the temptation to disregard scary and threatening realities. If we don’t stay sensitive to these things, when it’s our generation’s turn to face them, no one will care enough to fix anything, a reality which may be the scariest of them all.

Want to submit YOUR letter to the editor? Stop by room 109, or contact one of our editors or Mrs. Lane!

Cartoon by Sarah Wagenheim

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 Addison Taylor Feature Editor Caroline Ferry, Addison Taylor Sports Editor Patrick Johnson Staff Writer Deja Williams Powell

News Editor Charlotte Farrar Entertainment Editor Addison Taylor Opinion Editor Aonesti McClain Business Manager Patrick Johnson

Cover Editor Sofia Locascio Beat Editor Samantha Knight Staff Writer Jillian Wyatt

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 veriAdvertising and subscriptions: Contact The Northridge Refy allegations. The newspaper is distributed monthly. porter at (205) 759-3590 ext. 3432 or rlane@tusc.k12.al.us to advertise in or subscribe to our paper.

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.

Rhonda Lane, Adviser Caroline Ferry, 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 Rep’ Check out our YouTube channel, ‘The Northridge Reporter’ See our paper ONLINE at issuu.com, ‘The Northridge Reporter’

3 THE DAYTIME CURFEW: OPINION

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER FEBRUARY 2020

Why it’s a bad idea and what it means for students ADDISON TAYLOR MANAGING EDITOR

There’s no denying the consequences of skipping school. From falling behind your peers in academic performance to being statistically more likely to drop out of school, the issue of students skipping classes is a nationwide problem.

According to the High School Survey of Student Engagement, 50 percent of students report skipping class at least once in their high school career.

And while this number is staggering, the measures taken to prevent students from skipping school seem to miss- much

like the student skippers themselves- the mark completely.

the “Overall, law is just an

other overkill measure to police the lives of teenagers

”

Alabama’s most recent plan to discourage students from missing school came in the form of a daytime curfew that would affect minors throughout the Tuscaloosa City Schools system.

Effective during weekdays, the curfew

basically makes it illegal for minors to be unaccompanied by an adult in public from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Passed in December, it aims to deter students from skipping, and as a result, lower the juvenile crime rate in Tuscaloosa.

But undoubtedly, certain kids will be targeted more than others, creating yet another avenue for innocent students belonging to certain demographics to be unjustly profiled.

Then, there is the issue of students who have a valid reason to not be in school.

More and more students are participating in online courses or dual enrollment programs and leaving school early to go to work or classes. Not to mention kids who have a doctor’s appointment during the school day, and kids who are simply homeschooled and have no school to report to.

To combat this, exceptions were built into the law specifically for those students that have a reason to be out of school during the curfew, meaning it wouldn’t

ALL MIXED UP Modern music sends mixed messages JILLIAN WYATT STAFF WRITER

When it comes to the phenomenon of drug culture, the music industry is in no way immune to the influence of it.

Throughout the years, substance abuse has been mentioned in an enticing way throughout popular music, whether it be hip hop, R&B or rock and roll.

Although the music may sound great, the message portrayed through the lyrics is damaging to our culture. Teens are easily influenced by those artists that they admire, which can lead to them trying the drugs that are mentioned in the music.

When artists mention how great they feel while they are under the influence, it may encourage their audiences to do the same. While it is the artist’s right to create their own music in any way that they would like, we must recognize that substance abuse is dangerous and must be taken seriously.

There is an unbelievable number of great artists who have passed away from the abuse of drugs, such as the ones mentioned in their music. Well known

apply to them.

But how would someone be able to know, for example, just by looking at them, that a student is in a dual enrollment program as opposed to simply skipping? And if the student is questioned as to why they aren’t in school, how would they be able to prove themselves?

We don’t carry around identification cards, or anything that explicitly states our purpose of being out of school, so if a student is questioned, they could, in theory, lie- which would defeat the whole purpose of the curfew.

Overall, the law is just another overkill measure to police the lives of teenagers and comes off as unnecessarily controlling on the part of the state, and so far, seems to have just created more confusion, which completely negates the efficacy of its desired benefits.

artists who also happened to be addicted to drugs would include Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and Whitney Houston. Although they all made amazing music, these artists often romanticized substance abuse in their music. They made substance abuse seem appealing and not as dangerous as it really is. The way these artists reference drug use in a way to influence their audience to be okay with addiction.

There are also amazing artists of our time who have come forward to discuss their own struggles with substance abuse, such as Demi Lovato and Macklemore, urging others dealing with the same issues to get help for themselves. Many popular artists of the 2010’s have passed away from overdosing on drugs.

Just recently, the rapper Juice Wrld passed away after taking a lethal dose of oxycodone and codeine. The twenty-oneyear-old rapper often made references to hard drugs in his songs, including xanax and percocets. There are other great artists who spoke of drugs in their music, such as Lil Peep and Mac Miller, who both passed away at a far too young age from drug overdoses.

However, in this day and age, it seems that we as a culture have become numb to substance abuse references in music.

It occurs so much that we don’t blink an eye when a young artist speaks of being addicted to hard drugs in his/her music.

Artists need to stop glamorizing substance abuse to look cool and start educating their audiences of the consequences of drug use. For instance, eighteen-year-old Billie Eilish wrote a song titled “Xanny,” criticizing those who condone drug use in the music industry.

There aren’t many artists out there who would make such a bold statement in their music, but Billie Eilish stands up for what she believes in.

In the future, our generation should hope for a music industry that pushes for an agenda of healthier lifestyles.

4

FEATURE

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER FEBRUARY 2020

‘DANCING FO Northridge’s first ‘Dance Marathon’ raises over

CAROLINE FERRY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Late on the night of Feb. 1 in the Northridge gym, high school and college students burst into tears, cheers, and applause as the president of the University of Alabama’s Dance Marathon announced that Northridge had raised $17,289.57 for Children’s Hospital of Alabama. After months of hard work, these participants celebrated the lives that they are about to change with the money they worked so hard to raise. The money will go to help pay for the treatment, equipment, education, and care of hundreds of kids throughout the state who need the financial support in order to overcome health issues.

None of this would have been possible without two juniors, Victoria Prieto and Kathleen Kelly, who moved to Tuscaloosa this year from Tallahassee and brought this new form of service with them. The two girls founded a “Dance Marathon” club at Northridge to help the University of Alabama raise money for Children’s Hospital of Alabama, a national organization, who raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals all over the country.

“All the money goes to the kids, and it helps pay for all of their medicine and their equipment, Prieto said. “ It gets really expensive really quickly, so it helps out a lot of families.”

Colleges host bigger Dance Marathons which high schools can collaborate with by hosting their own, smaller events and fundraising with the help of college advisors.

“The UA advisors mainly just help me because this is my first time starting it at a new school,” Prieto said. “At my old school, it was already set in stone and easier to do. Here, they’re helping me reach out to other people and get companies who want to sponsor us and plan all the percentage nights at different restaurants and stuff like that.”

The girls from Florida were inspired by the success they saw at their own school and wanted to bring the same spirit of giving to Tuscaloosa high schools.

“Dance Marathon are particularly popular in colleges in this area but not in high schools,” Kelly said.

“Where I’m from, Dance Marathon is huge in high schools. They compete against each other to raise

the most money. That’s kind of what me and Victoria were trying to do by bringing it here, starting it at one school so maybe other schools would get involved.”

Northridge has a personal connection to the help these marathons provide. The club’s faculty sponsor, Erin Heck, had to send her own child to Children’s Hospital.

“Cullen was born March 6, 2017, and after a week or so at North-

port, he got airlifted to Children’s, so he was actually there for about a month and a half,” Heck said.

“When he got there he received the best care, and they had the best nurses. We were able to successfully get out of there, and now Cullen is, as far as condition wise, great.

Without Children’s and all the

followup that they did, he wouldn’t be where he is today.”

Prieto had a similar reason for getting involved, as she has a close friend with a brother who was a miracle child who received help from the Miracle Network as a kid.

“It’s really humbling working and helping someone else and

FUN AND GAMES Mary Gibbons Miller, junior, plays a game with the rest of the participants from the junior class. Throughout the night, students learned a dance, played trivia and foursquare, fundraised on social media, and participated in other fun activities.

FEATURE

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER FEBRUARY 2020

OR A CAUSE’ $17,000 for Children’s Hospital of Alabama

CHANGING LIVES Erin Heck shares her and her son, Cullen’s, story to those attending the Marathon while Victoria Prieto, president of the club, listens while taking a knee out of respect. Throughout the night, Northridge students got to hear from Miracle Kids and their families to understand how Children’s Hospital has helped those around them.

All photos by Caroline Ferry

seeing such a difference,” Prieto said. “It’s helping others that aren’t able to help themselves. One of our mottos that we really like to share is ‘Standing for those who can’t’ or ‘Dancing for those who can’t,’” Kelly said.

Another junior, Katelyn Lovinggood, wanted to make Dance Marathon happen at Northridge because of how important service is to her.

“It’s really the only 100 percent

nonprofit organization in Tuscaloosa,” Lovinggood said. “Every funding goes to the hospital. It’s great, it’s fun, it’s easy, it goes straight back into the community.”

All three girls among other students and faculty have been working all year long to raise money and prepare for the main event. The marathon itself is only one aspect of the series of fundraisers the club

organizes throughout the year. This final event was a way to celebrate the hard work and to announce the total money collected.

“We get sponsors and do a lot of spirit nights at different restaurants,” Prieto said. “That helps a lot when everyone else goes and gets food for themselves, but they’re also helping other people.”

Because of the work and plan-

5

ning required, Dance Marathon will bring a new learning opportunity to the students involved.

“I think a lot of high school students don’t really realize what goes into planning an event,” Heck said. “These girls are doing it themselves. They’ve done all the spirit nights. They’ve reached out to supporters and participants.

They’re getting their own experience of how to do that, but also, just getting everyone involved in a huge cause that’s actually influential in everyone’s life.”

Art teacher, Suzette Puzinauskas, has been assisting as well by helping the students plan decorations so that the event was memorable.

“I think people remember if there’s a lot of bright things,” Puzinauskas said. “We talked about how we could create posters or something like that, and then we came up with using sheets, so we’re going to embellish the whole auditorium with sheets: colorful, painted sheets that have great, positive affirmations.”

Overall, the event was a success.

Attendees got the opportunity to hear the stories of “Miracle Kids,” and hang out with college students who participate in UADM. “Anything that any student finds important or of value, I have to covet that and support them,” Puzinauskas said. “A student came to me and told me what it is about, and apparently we’ve never done it before. I like that someone’s thinking above and beyond just what’s happening in this school, but in the community and the greater global community, and of course supporting children and families is our mission.”

The girls and teachers are hoping that the club will continue to grow over the next year in preparation for next year’s event. The more participants, the more money the group will be able to raise.

“I think it’s important that young people get on board with community-based projects early on because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about,” Puzinauskas said. “Especially now, we have a tendency to just think about ourselves and our small little world, but when you get out there you realize we really are just all the same, we’re just trying to make it.”

6

NEWS

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER FEBRUARY 2020

STUDENTS SCREAM FOR STEAM Northridge prepares for science competition DEJA WILLIAMSPOWELL STAFF WRITER

Heather Reeves’s first block physics class will be participating in the AL Science in Motion Competition coming up. The class will be creating a two-minute video showcasing their ability to perform science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (S.T.E.A.M activities).

“Once we get it completed, it has to be posted to social media,” Reeves said.

“Dr. Evans is going to put it on Facebook, and Mrs. Shuttlesworth has mentioned putting it on twitter, and then the participants with the most likes, count as votes, so whoever gets the most likes in the entire state, wins the competition.”

Reeves said that she plans to win by getting students to portray electrons, protons, and neutrons. Dressing up in different colors and shooting in different areas will be eye catching enough to rack up some likes.

“First we went outside to the courtyard because we wanted to get different shots.” science student Te’Aira Prince said. “We had two people in the middle wearing blue and then we had two people on the outside wearing red, which were the protons.

While spinning outside of them, they were spinning inside. They would spin kind of slow, and we’d spin faster than they were. Then after that we decided to go shoot in the gym. We had one proton going first and then the other one joined in.”

The top ten most liked videos well be judged for a state winner. The class that wins will receive a plaque, pizza or donut party, recognition on social media, and the teacher will be recognized at an SDE

ABOVE Students spend weeks working together to prepare posters and other materials for the competi-

tion. The process of preparation that predates the competition allows students to curate their creativity and cooperation, two skills that are crucial far beyond Science in Motion.

BELOW Science in Motion presents an oppurtunity for students to learn in an environment with

ample technological resources. Many Northridge teachers utilize Science in Motion resources in the classroom. Unique science labs are a hallmark of the program, and help all students to experience science in new and interesting ways.

Photos courtesy of Heather Reeves

board meeting.

“I think it is good.” Prince said. “Going against other people, and seeing how creative they are makes me want to win the grand prize.”

Students would be gaining more than just the prize, adding notable achievements to their scholarship applications and resumes. Even if the students at Northridge don’t win, they will obtain the knowledge and the experience of working together on this project.

“It encourages them to use technology, leadership, and teamwork,” Reeves said.

According to Reeves, AL Science in Motion is achieving their goal to provide high-tec lab experiences for Alabama public school students. This program is also fostering creativity, which, in turn, makes more students interested in the science competition.

“It’s absolutely necessary, and it’s a great opportunity to let students be creative” Reeves said.

Some students were hesitant at first, but Reeves has enjoyed watching their interest spark.

“There’s a wide variety.” Reeves said. “There are many people that are interested and there are some that aren’t. With competitions like this, it lets the ones that aren’t interested be inspired by those that are. So, it’s a neat process to watch the ones that aren’t that involved become more involved. It’s Fun!” Working closely with classmates has been beneficial for Prince’s involvement in this project.

“It’s fun learning about the new things that you don’t know about, and coming with people to create things.” Te’Aira said.

Stakeholders look toward dual enrollment future continued from pg. 1 The mayor’s office is optimistic that, after the long process that has produced the scholarship program, it should not face many challenges in the foreseeable future.

“This has been planned and set up the correct way as to prepare for longevity, and it has not met any resistance in the community,” Rush said.

Principal Evans, however, sees the Elevate program as a possible threat to the Northridge AP program. Evans believes in the positive outcomes of the Elevate scholarship but is hoping to accommodate higher dual enrollment numbers while fortifying APs.

“I’m such a big fan of Advanced Placement because I know how it helped me and my family at Rome High School,” Evans said. “I believe in the teachers at Northridge High School...I want to make sure we still have a viable AP program.”

Like many Northridge students, Smith tends toward a mixture of AP and dual enrollment classes to fulfill her requirements and satisfy her academic interests.

After particularly enjoying a Spanish class taken on-campus at UA, Smith is eager to jump back into a college classroom.

“When they [dual enrollment classes] are online, they can sort of fill in a gap, but, when they are on-campus, then it’s a little bit harder,” Smith said. “Still, I really did like the on-campus language class.”

In order to make room for students looking to integrate APs and dual enrollment courses and open the AP program to a larger group, Evans is considering changes at Northridge.

“What I want to happen, what I foresee, is that next year our zero period will be changed so that students will be taking real classes (math, history, etc.),” said Evans. “And not only that, but I see rising freshman taking AP classes, and hopefully that will start the process of growing our AP program.”

For now, the Elevate scholarship program is a step in that direction.

Despite any obstacles that may surface, the scholarship is sure to bring new academic life and opportunity

to Northridge and to Tuscaloosa as a whole. Elevate Tuscaloosa is the mayor’s hallmark project, described as “a community-driven process” that invests in the city’s education, economy, and culture. This dual enrollment scholarship is simply another increment in that apparatus, and its focus on education is no indication of ignorance toward economic and cultural components.

“This program is incredibly important to the city as a whole—as is any program that impacts our local education in a positive way,” said Rush. “We want to offer as many opportunities to our local students as possible because they are the leaders of tomorrow, and will ultimately impact the future of our community.”

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ENTERTAINMENT

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER FEBRUARY 2020

‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’ is surprisingly ‘Fabulous’ CAROLINE FERRY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

each episode, viewers fall more and more in love with him, only barely able to root for his relationship with Nini as girls Disney’s newest endeavor towards the watching wish they could be the Gabriella platform of online streaming proved to to his Troy. Funny, cute, be extremely successful as talented, and sweet, Joshua seen in the hype surroundBassett is definitely what ing the new “Disney+.” makes this show not just One of the selling points good, but great. for the new website and Still, these characters app was a television spinoff would be nothing withof the iconic “High School out a fresh and addictive Musical” movies titled soundtrack. The show “High School Musical: features both original The Musical: The Series.” music performed by a While I was doubtful that variety of characters as any show could live up to well as worthy tributes my love for the original to the original films. My movies, this series proved personal favorites are the me wrong. duets, “Just for a Moment,” Set in the high school “I Think I Kinda, You where the original movies Know,” and Basset’s cover were filmed, the mockof “When There Was Me umentary series centers and You.” All three of these around the “actual” high make the listener a part of school’s musical producthe show, feeling what the tion of the movies that put characters feel and singing them on the map. From what they sing. a borderline crazy drama While the show defiteacher to a frustrating nitely has its cheesy love triangle that pulls the moments, the addictiveness audience in to incredible WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER Disney’s ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’ introduces audiences to a relatable band of of its characters, plot, and Photo by Tribune News Service original music, this show characters with real-life problems and conflicts. music makes it worth the has it all. Releasing one watch (or multiple watches). I am aware of each actor truly utilizes these talents to until when learning more about her life, episode each week since the launch of how stupid it seems, especially to die-hard their fullest potential to create complex the audience begins to understand and Disney+, Disney has kept me eager to see fans who grew up watching the movies. characters the audience learns to both love sympathize with her surprisingly sensitive more and longing for Friday when the Before I started watching I made fun of it and hate. The protagonist, Nini, pulls you personality. However, all three of these newest episode would be released. too; however, it is truly a great show that is into her struggle to find her voice and acpale in comparison to the oh-so-lovable One thing that makes this show stand only slightly stupid. I promise. cess her confidence while also having you Ricky. While Ricky has made mistakes, out is the level of talent the cast possesses. root for her to pick the right guy. his growth throughout the season is what The main characters, Nini (Olivia RoNext is E.J., a charismatic actor who makes his character so impressive. With drigo), E.J. (Matt Cornett), Gina (Sofia Wylie), and Ricky ( Joshua Bassett) can all sing, dance, and act among playing various instruments in their songs throughout the show. This may not seem impressive, but

initially charms viewers into pulling for his relationship with Nini before exposing his true character. Similarly, Gina’s arrogance and ambition may be off-putting

Clues Across: 1. An infatuation with someone 5. A flower with thorns 7. The day Valentine’s day falls on 9. Leslie Knope’s version of Valentine’s Day 10. A person who secretly likes you 11. Genre of romantic movie 12. People you love 14. A bunch of flowers 15. God of love Down: 1. Candy associated with Valentine’s Day 2. Someone’s female partner 3. Symbol of love 4. Two people going out 6. An angel 8. Fall in it 13. Color associated with Valentine’s Day

Answers can be found at the bottom of page 9.

ENTERTAINMENT

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER FEBRUARY 2020

9

‘LITTLE WOMEN’ BIG SCREEN The seventh adaptation of a classic leave some wondering if it was perfected or unnecessary SOFIA LOCASCIO COVER EDITOR

The newsest ‘Little Women’ adaptation attracts viewers with a cast of notable actors from projects like ‘Midsommar’ and ‘Lady Bird.’ Photo by Tribune News Service FAMILIAR FACES

‘The Turning’ fails to truly terrify

Urgent Care/Walk In Hours Monday-Friday 8:30a-6p Saturday 9a-1p

Answers

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irected by Floria Sigismondi, “The Turning” is a PG-13 horror movie based on the book “The Turn Of The Screw,” written by the late Henry James. The movie includes well-known “Stranger Things” and “IT” actor, Finn Wolfhard as well as Mackenzie Davis who’s known for her role as Grace on “Terminator: Dark Fate”. The film is about a young adult named Kate (Mackenzie Davis) who takes a job to care for Flora (Brooklyn Price) and Miles (Finn Wolfhard). They’re two young children whose parents and previous governess has died, being left alone in a big empty mansion with their maid.

Just like every other horror film, this

Down: 1.Chocolate 2. Girlfriend 3. Heart 4. Date 6. Cherub 8. Love 13. Red

AONESTI MCCLAIN OPINION EDITOR

movie consists of many jumpscares, creepy dolls, and moving shadow figures. But unlike other horror films the movie seems rushed with no break between the jumpscares, as if the 99 minute running time was just not enough. This can either be seen as a good or bad thing depending on if the viewers like to stay on edge throughout a horror film, or if they are more into a horror story with an understandable plot.

Despite some plot holes the actors were still able to carry the movie with their noteworthy acting skills. The character’s personalities were so appealing and dramatic that it overcame any pot holes.

However, when it came to an end, the film seemed to do exactly as said and just ended, leaving some viewers confused and others angry. Despite the angry viewers, plot holes, and continuous jumpscares, “The Turning” is an enjoyable movie that requires you to use your imagination and analytical skills to dig deeper into what you saw.

Across: 1.Crush 5. Rose 7. Fourteenth 9. Galentine 10. Admirer 11. RomCom 12. Friends 14. Bouquet 15. Cupid

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irected by Greta Gerwig, the seventh adaptation of “Little Women,” remains true to the original plot, while adding in extra scenes to allow viewers to gain a deeper emotional connection for the characters. Much like the other adaptations, the story follows four sisters while they grow, love, and find their place in the world. The movie begins seven years back in Joe’s memory, at the time the four sisters and their mother live together while their father is away fighting in the Civil War. Throughout that time period the March sisters are brought together by their differentiating creativity and their mother’s kind heart, which helps them lean on and help one another when they believe they have no one else to turn to. Unlike past

versions, this movie follows the story of all sisters instead of focusing on the storyteller, Joe. While some critics argued that this took away from the grief of a character’s death, I believe it allows the audience to see the strength they have individually that helps them get through their grief. The only downside to the film would be that it switches from the past to the present, and although it is helpful in expressing the character’s emotions it might be hard for those who have not read the book or watched one of the last adaptations.

“Little Women” debuted on Dec. 25 and is currently still showing in the Cobb Theatre. The film is a PG romantic drama and is two hours and fifteen minutes long.

Although, that might seem long, by the end, trust me, you’ll be wanting more of your soon to be favorite fictional sisters.

10 SPORTS

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER FEBRUARY 2020

Bowling team beats school record for both the girls and boys teams PATRICK JOHNSON SPORTS EDITOR

Both the boys and girls bowling teams competed at regionals Jan. 16. While the girls team did not proceed to state, the boys team did on Jan. 23.

“Even though regionals did not go the way we wanted it to, it was still such an exciting time,” said Abby Morthland, senior. “ I am still happy for the boys and feel they are good enough to go to nationals.

Going to the state championship showed the boys team a more intense atmosphere they had not yet experienced.

“State was very different from the matches we have played this season, said Tyler Daria, sophomore bowler. “The overall atmosphere was crazy because every team was fighting for the same thing.

When we played we just had an attitude that we had not really had the whole season.”

Having such a tight-knit team has allowed for many players to actually improve their bowling skills.

“The team being close definitely improves our performance, and we just have more fun,” said Ross Zeanah, senior.

“When you see one of the guys start playing well, it makes you start playing better.”

While having a close team has improved the team’s performance, the coaches have also played a large part in their skill development.

“The coaches make sure to train us with rigorous practices and by giving us really helpful tips,” Morthland said. “Both [coaches] are really intense but also in a best friend kind of way.”

This past season has been a major growing year for many of the players’ skills.

“Being reminded that I am playing to win but also for fun lets me worry less and overall improve,” said Daria. “This semester I have improved many things in my

TIME FOR REGIONALS The boys and girls bowling teams pause for a group picture before they begin to bowl at regionals. game like accuracy and form. Later I need to focus on increasing my spare percentage and ball speed.”

Bowling has been an important part of many of the senior bowler’s high school experience because of the unexpected friendships it has given many bowlers.

“The bowling team has brought me some of my best friends like Tyler Daria,” said Morthland. “It is always something to look forward to in the week and a great break from school. It has definitely improved my overall high school experience, and I am going to miss it.”

While a large sum of the bowlers will be graduating this year, the team is excited for next season.

“After working so hard this season, I feel we will have another good season next year,” Daria said. “It will be weird with all of the seniors gone, but I am excited to see where we will go next year.”

SPECIAL THANKS TO Dr. April Lane

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photo by Roger Champion

Varsity boys and girls basketball wins area title PATRICK JOHNSON SPORTS EDITOR

The girls and boys varsity basketballteams defeated Hillcrest and Paul. W.Bryant respectively at the Tuscaloosa County tournament, winning area titles.

“We have beaten Hillcrest twice at home, so I expected that we would win the game,” said Mekhi Thomas, point guard and senior. “To make sure we were prepared, we watched film on them. Our student section had lots of energy when they came out to watch the game. That always gets us excited to play our best and win.”

While the boys team did not feel defeating Hillcrest was going to be a challenge, the girls team was more on edge about the game.

“In the past, playing Hillcrest has not been a very fun game,” sophomore point guard Kendall Curry said, “They have usually dominated us, but that did not happen at the tournament. They beat us earlier in the season, but our team growth caused us to pull through.”

Having so many freshmen players on the girls team has resulted in improvement throughout the season as the players get more comfortable.

“We have a lot of young girls on the team who are finally seeing success,” Alicia Ware, varsity girls basketball coach, said.

“Their hard work is starting to pay off for them, and it has established confidence that is only going to go up from here. They know that they can play, which is giving them amp to do better.”

After the boys team lost many players in 2018, the current team continuously worked hard to build the program back

up.

“We did not have many seniors until this year,” varsity boys coach Bob Brantley said.

“This team has been made through years of practicing. They have gone through practices filled with weight training and running that all lead to improvement.”

The years of practice has paid off during this years’ season. The varsity boys team has not had a season this successful in years.

“Twenty-four wins and four losses is our record,” Brantley said. “we are ranked number five in the state. While nobody saw that coming, we knew we would we had great success coming this year.”

The players feel the coaches have had a big impact in many aspects of their life.

“The coaches have continued to push me to do better and work harder on being a leader for the team,” senior Sedrick Pettway, shooting guard, said. “Off the court they make sure I stay focused too, like in my classes. They really care about the whole team...We are going to continue to go to practice as usual,” Pettway said. “I see the next few games going in our favor, as long as we continue to stay confident.”

After NBA player Kobe Bryant’s death,many of the players feel inspired to play their next games in honor of him.

“Hearing about Kobe’s death hurt,” saidMekhi. “He was one of the biggest stars,and his death was so unexpected and shocking. The next few games are going to be emotional because of it, but it will inspire us to play our best for him.”

On Feb. 8, the boys team won 58-46 against Paul W. Bryant in the Class 6A, Area 7 title tournament game.

SPORTS

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER FEBRUARY 2020

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Girls golf to tee off season with new invitational CHARLOTTE FARRAR NEWS EDITOR

The girls golf team will begin their season by hosting a tournament—the “Winter’s End Invitational” tournament— on Feb. 20 at Ol’ Colony Golf Course in Tuscaloosa.

“Last year our whole season was all-out tournaments,” junior Mary Katherine Lee said. “It’s so much fun, and it gives you so much exposure.”

The tournament will act as an opportunity for players from across the state to see Tuscaloosa. A total of 58 golfers from 15 high schools—Holy Spirit, Chelsea, Northside, Homewood, Jamison, White Plains, Hewitt-Trussville, Enterprise, Prattville Christian Academy, Clay-Chalkville, UMS Wright, Sylacauga, Hoover, Spain Park, and Vestavia Hills—will get to know Tuscaloosa as they travel to and compete in this day-long tournament.

“It’s a chance for girls from other parts of the state to see Tuscaloosa and maybe want to come here to go to school,” head coach Richard Nowell said.

Nowell thought of hosting a tournament in Tuscaloosa after attending many with the Northridge team last season.

“I got to go as a coach to see all the tournaments that were offered in the state,” Nowell said. “I thought, ‘Why can’t we have one here?’”

Realizing Nowell’s aspiration has been no hole-in-one, with students and teachers alike working steadily and determinedly to make it happen, despite having a shrunken team from last year. Background work

has included securing the Ol’ Colony golf course, finding sponsors, and marketing for the event.

“My mom and I have been doing a lot of work on it,” Lee said. “We have been going around getting sponsors, working on t-shirt designs—there is just so much that I didn’t know went into these tournaments.”

Since this invitational will be the first hosted by the Northridge community, it came with particular challenges. Without a pre-existing group of supporters, extra effort has been required to find backers.

“Finding sponsors for the first tournament is always hard,” Nowell said. “It’s just about getting the word out, really.”

Luckily, interest in the invitational has posed no great issue. As demonstrated by the 15 high school teams that will compete in this new tournament, finding high schoolers interested in playing was unexpectedly effortless.

“I thought it was going to be hard getting teams to want to come for the first time,” Nowell said. “But that, actually, went really well because I had more interest than expected.”

Northridge’s remaining players have been utilizing the home-course advantage.

In the lead up to this tournament, having Ol’ Colony nearby has been a special opportunity for Northridge golfers to take to the green in preparation for a triumphant day.

“I’ve started going out and playing the women’s tee boxes where we are going to be playing in the tournament,” Lee said.

PRACTICE Mary Katherine Lee, junior, prepares for the upcoming season at Ol’ Colony Golf complex, where their golf tournament will be held. photo by Richard Nowell “There’s a lot of strategy that goes into it, too, so I practice everyday.”

The Northridge team is still compiling this year’s team. After losing five of six players from last year, Nowell has pulled students from the middle school level and is continuously working to recruit new players. However, player Mary Katherine Lee, a holdover from last year, is not discouraged.

“It’s a good way to start off with a bang,” Lee said. “I really like starting off with tournaments. It shows everybody that

we’re here and we’re not here to play.”

Nowell is equally enthusiastic. The small size of the team is only more reason for fans to attend; with fewer family members to cheer on the team, golfers will be relying on the Northridge community for encouragement andsupport at the tournament and throughout the season.

“There’ll be a chance to see some of the best golfers in the state,” Nowell said. “I hope people will come out; it’s always nice to be out on a golf course.”

Dual match record best in school history SAMANTHA KNIGHT BEAT EDITOR

W

hile they lack the numbers, the wrestling team has a 13-6 dual match record, which is the best in school history.

They have had 15 top four placers at individual tournaments.

Despite losing to ACA earlier in the season, the Northridge wrestlers won against ACA on Jan. 30.

“I believe that we lost that [previous] match against ACA because we didn’t prepare for it and didn’t take it seriously,” said Corey Hawkins, sophomore. “We had our mind on the big match against ACA and Leeds.”

The wrestlers believed that they were successful against ACA because they prepared mentally and physically. Having

played ACA earlier in the season, they learned how to better train for this wrestling match.

“We went up against ACA and lost because we didn’t give it all we had,” said Hawkins. “I think that since we lost against them that it will make us want to win even more now.”.

Coach Hunter Williams said that when it comes to being a successful wrestler, it takes more than physical strength.

“You can’t just be physically strong; you have to be mentally strong as well,” Williams said.

Williams also said that there is more to wrestling than learning moves.

“In wrestling, you won’t just take home wrestling moves; you take home discipline,” said Williams.

HEAD TO HEAD Eighth grader Ben Vanderlyke represents Northridge in a winning match against ACA, despite losing to them earlier in the season.

Photo by Sophia Locascio

Photo by Caroline Ferry

ABOVE “I kinda think the meaning of life is to just go through it then die. I guess working is also the meaning, so like you go through life to work for other people.”

my grandma because she takes care of me, and other people.”

Photo by Caroline Ferry

ABOVE “I would like to be my grandma. I love

ABOVE“I make music and I do photography. I’ve had people tell me they don’t like it, but my supporters matter more than that. I produce everything, all of my projects. I started doing this in 8th grade. I didn’t really start taking it seriously until junior year. I don’t take the rapping too seriously, but I do take the direction seriously. It’s what I’m going to school for.”

Photo by jillian Wyatt

Photo by Patrick Johnson

ABOVE “I love getting to wake up every day to go see my friends at school.

I love getting to live in America.”

A GLIMPSE INTO THE LIVES OF STUDENTS

HUMANS OF NORTHRIDGE

12 BEAT

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER FEBRUARY 2020

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