May 2018

Northridge High School 2901 Northridge Road Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35406

est. 2003

THE MAY 2018

NORTH RI D GE

www.northridgereporter.wordpress.com

REPORTER

The student est.voice 2003of Northridge High School

VOLUME 15 ISSUE 6

CHAMPIONS

Northridge tennis girls team wins state championship REBECCA HAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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Photos courtesy of India Woods

NUMBER ONE The girls tennis team poses with their trophy after winning the Class 6A state championship.

orthridge’s girls tennis team won the first state championship (Class 6A) on April 24. In addition to the team title, Rock Quarry Middle schooler Ava Rath, sophomore Carson Ryan, junior Allison Stegall, and senior Grace Evans took home individual titles. The boys team finished 7th in their championship.

“I would say it couldn’t happen to a more deserving team,” Evans said.

“Everyone worked really hard, and I’m blessed to be a part of it for the past four years.”

Northridge Senior meets president at White House National Championship Celebration

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ID twice - you would think the Secret Service could check an ID correctly once but apparently not. That took about an hour.”

Following the rigorous security checks, Brewbaker finally reached the event he and his father had anticipated for weeks.

“Then we got to the South Lawn,” Brewbaker said. “The military band was playing, which was cool, and we were a part of the ‘general masses,’ so not the ‘special people.’

They had some seats set up for the ‘special people,’ like U.S. Representatives and Congress people, and then I noticed that they were taking people from the general ‘not important people’ and seating them with the more important people, so I elbowed my way to the front, and they said ‘Hey, I can take a single,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, I can go.’”

When Brewbaker sat down, he watched the ceremony, and now he remembers it as a very enjoyable experience.

“The ceremony was very cool - it wasn’t political at all,” Brewbaker said. “Mostly, Trump was very funny; he’s a funny guy.

[Trump said] something about how Alabama football makes people quit, and so does his administration, which was funny.”

Afterwards, Brewbaker got to converse with a group of people that he never anticipated getting the opportunity to meet.

“The Secret Service people let up the rope for a few of the representatives to meet the players and the president,” Brewbaker said. “When they did that, I just kind of

AT A GLANCE STUDENT SIGNINGS

page 7 “ONCE ON THIS ISLAND” PLAY

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“

went with them, and so then I was in front of the White House, behind the rope with all of the players, so I just started walking around. So then I saw Nick Saban, and I got my picture with him - he was not that pleased to be taking my picture, because he’s got like 50 people around him asking for pictures.”

Brewbaker said that he was so close to the White House guests that he almost blended in and was mistaken as a member of the football team.

“The offensive linemen were all kind of crowding around President Trump, and then I kind of acted like I was on the team, which led one coach to tell me that it was time to get on the bus, and I was like, ‘Not going where you’re going. Thank you though,’” Brewbaker said.

As it came time for the event to end, the president and the players started to leave the South Lawn, but Brewbaker did not want to miss the opportunity to meet one particular elected official.

“The Secret Service was then crowding around Trump and was like, ‘Alright, it’s time for you to go Mr. President,’ and then I was like, “Hey, Mr. President, one more!’ and he was like, ‘Yeah, one more, why not?’ so he turned around and so I took my picture with him,” Brewbaker said.

Brewbaker also got to meet Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, and Senator Doug Jones, both of whom are Alabama natives.

It’s very rewarding to see a community that’s happy with their school, and it’s also very rewarding and a great reflection of our faculty, students, and families.

“

capitol. “[My father’s] friend emailed us a few weeks back and was like, ‘do you want to n Apr. 10, Northridge High come to the White House for the Alabama School senior, Sam Brew- [championship] celebration? You can bring baker, met with the Presi- your son,’” Brewbaker said. “And so my dad dent of the United States, was like, ‘yeah sure, that sounds fun.’”

When Brewbaker and his father got to other government officials, and members Washington D.C., he says that the process of the University of of having to find anAlabama football other hotel was gruteam for the football eling, as their origNational Champiinal one had been onship Celebration canceled, but othat the White House. erwise, the trip was Brewbaker, a smooth. Brewbaker senior and well said that the next known golf player day, they went on a at Northridge, says tour of the capitol that this was an exwith Alabama Senperience that startator, Richard Sheled off as something by’s Chief of Staff, that he was pleased whom Brewbaker’s to see and turned father taught in law into something that Photos courtesy of Sam Brewbaker school. Afterwards, he never imagined they went to lunch happening.

Get- ROLL TRUMP ROLL President Donald at his father’s friend’s ting to see President Trump poses for one last picture, with senior house, who invited Trump at the White Sam Brewbaker at the White House’s celebraHouse was not some- tion of the Univeristy of Alabama’s National them to Washington.

Once they had a bite thing Brewbaker had Football Championship win. to eat, Brewbaker ever planned on, but and his father travfortunately for him, a White House staffeled to the White House. er who was a friend of his father’s, invit“We went through four security checked both of them to the celebrate Alabama points,” Brewbaker said. “They checked our football team’s championship win, at the WILL MCLELLAND MANAGING EDITOR

PRINCIPAL KYLE FERGUSON

See story on PAGE 4

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OPINION

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER MAY 2018

OUR THOUGHTS

SENIOR YEAR:

On the power of determining your future

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e at The Northridge Reporter would like to offer some advice to the Northridge senior class of 2018 that should be kept in the back of each student’s mind when they leave this campus for the last time: let your voices be heard.

After a student walks across the stage, and when they have received their diploma, they are no longer a student; they are officially contributing members of society.

Some have already taken the initiative to experience adult life, be it through a part time job or through community service.

Those who have not are now left with no choice but to live a new life, and though it may not seem like it now, you have the opportunity to change the world.

Whether you are going to attend an institution of higher learning or not, you now have the responsibility of being a part of a large community. You now have the power to make an impact wherever you see one needed. If you have an interest in medicine, you can now seek the knowledge you need to treat those who are ill. If a building’s design has always been the first thing you think about when you walk into one, you can now acquire the specific skill set you need to gain a better understanding of that, and then step into the field yourself.

Outside of whatever profession you intend to seek, a myriad of other issues will meet you at your doorstep.

The most important thing one must do in order to process those conflicts is to stay informed. Subscribe to your local newspaper, and stay up to date with national and world news. When you do that on a regular basis, you become empowered with the knowledge that you need to

EXPECTATIONS VS REALITY

not only make the change, but to be the change.

When elections come your way, assess the candidates based on your community’s best interests, and do whatever you can to see not only your vote is counted, but that the votes of your fellow citizens are as well.

When you see a problem that involves your government, your income, your healthcare, your safety, your treatment in and outside of the workplace, or an infinitely long list of other issues, don’t be complicit. You have power now. Let the world hear your voice, and let it be as loud as the roar of a jaguar.

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Staff Members...

AGREE.....8 DISAGREE.....0

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

Up Next...The Class of 2018

GRACIE LANG STAFF WRITTER The time has finally come where after this year, high school will be left in the dust. Senior year has been three long years of tests, quizzes, and overly strict rules, but this year will be different, you think. When thinking about the last year of high school, there are many assumptions. For example, applications will be easy, you will have more free time for friends, and you will not be as stressed - best year ever. Never in mind was the thought that senior year would be even busier than the past three years.

The first day of being a senior is supposed to be the easiest, you wear a nice outfit, and have a positive attitude.

In the back of your mind you think about wearing a nice outfit every day. It turns out that the only nice outfit you wore to school was within the first week. There is no time in between homework, and getting enough sleep to pick out a good outfit. Walking into class changes the rest of the year for you; it could turn out great or end in you sitting alone in the back of the class. Being a senior, you should know everyone, therefore you should be friends with most of your grade. There are some people you know in the back of the class, and the teacher ends up giving piles of homework on the first day. Nothing has changed.

As it turns out, there is no free time in your schedule. Seniors’ agendas seem always busy, with either filling out applications for colleges or trying to keep up with all your school work. When getting back home, there has to be some time to take a nap or watch Netflix. Nope, the time for a nap is taken up by finishing any homework or projects, and the Netflix time is spent filling out applications for colleges. At the end of each day the stress from all the piles of work that needs to be done takes a hold of you. Dinnertime comes around and your parents ask, “How was the first day of being a senior?” and the answer you end up giving is not the best, so they say “What did you think would happen this year? College is right around the corner.”

The year passes by and before you know it, May is almost here. Colleges have already written back, and you haven’t the slightest clue on which one is the right one for you; there are so many decisions that need to be made. It seems that you are going nowhere even after all that you have worked for. Being a senior is a true struggle but there is a path for you out there, even if takes a while to find it.

Art by Rebecca Han

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.

Managing Editor Will McLelland and Isaac Smith Feature Editor Rebecca Han and Mayci Hartley Sports Editor Isaac Smith News Editor Will McLelland

Entertainment Editor Sara Lang Opinion Editor Emily Matthews

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 Editors 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.

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ENTERTAINMENT

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER MAY 2018

SAVE THE LAST DANCE

ABJ seniors reflect on high school, dance SARA LANG ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

As seniors begin to wrap up their last year at Northridge, many of their other extracurriculars will come to an end as well. One of these many activities is dance. Northridge seniors Lucy Rogers, Georgiann McCullough, Meredith Cook, Joanna Mullins, Meredith Vaughn and Jenna Tucker have participated in the Academy of Ballet and Jazz for the majority of their lives and will soon be moving on to bigger and better things in college.

Lucy Rogers began dancing at ABJ in kindergarten after moving from Birmingham to Tuscaloosa. She’s learned many things from dance, one of which is time management. “Time management is a big thing,” Rogers said.

“We had to miss prom last year, and there’s been a few homecomings we couldn’t go to.” Another positive benefit of ABJ and dance competitions is all of the new people she has met. “I definitely have friends from around the world,” said Rogers. “We have dance conventions in different states and even people from Europe participate. I could probably name people I know from every single state. It’s great that we all share the same passion and just become friends so quickly.” While Rogers may not be majoring in dance in college, she is “definitely going to take classes.” “It will be nice to be a normal person for four years,” said Rogers.

Georgiann McCullough began dancing at ABJ in middle school after moving from Tennessee. Dance is also a place where she has found new friends. “When I moved, dancing at ABJ is how I made my first friends,” said McCullough. “Although we have to miss a lot of events, everyone at dance is my best friend, so it’s not like you’re missing out on social time. There are definitely ways you can work around the schedule.” McCullough has learned many valuable lessons through dance. “You learn leadership, commitment, and are given so many life lessons that it really does make you a better person.” McCullough wants to minor in dance in the fall, but says that it will “be nice to do normal things.” Because she’s been dancing for so long, it will be a big change. “Without dance, I don’t really have a creative outlet.”

Photo courtesy of Lucy Rogers

ARABESQUE Senior Lucy Rogers poses for a senior dance photo in the middle of the downtown Tuscaloosa.

Meredith Cook has been dancing for a total of 14 years, but has only spent four of those at ABJ. One of Cook’s favorite aspects of dance are the recitals. “My favorite part has been performing in the Nutcracker,” said Cook. “I think the story is really timeless, and we get to dance with people from other studios.” Cook has also noticed how big of a time commitment it is but enjoys what she does. “You do have to sacrifice part of your social life, and getting to put on a show is really rewarding.” Cook is reluctant to leave the studio where she has danced throughout high school. “I’m sad because dance has been such a big part of my life for so many years, but I might have to try new things in college,” Cook said.

Joanna Mullins has danced for ten years, always at ABJ. “It’s a big time commitment, one I sometimes regret,” said Mullins. “I love every aspect of it though. Competitions were definitely stressful at first but then you grow up a little.” Mullins loves dancing so much that she’ll be majoring in it in college. “Honestly it’s more bitter than sweet to be leaving. I’m not ready to leave ABJ but definitely ready to leave school,” Mullins said.

Meredith Vaughn has been dancing since kindergarten and started at ABJ in second grade. She had to take two years off because of back surgery but found that it didn’t deter her. “I really do love dance,” says Vaughn. “It’s helped me a lot with theater because movement is important. It’s definitely bittersweet to be leaving.”

Jenna Tucker has been dancing at ABJ since the age of two. She has also had to sacrifice a few homecomings and hanging out with friends but doesn’t “regret it in the long run.” “My favorite thing about dance is traveling and meeting people from around the country,” said Tucker. She’ll be majoring in dance in college, but will be sad to leave ABJ. “I’ve been there my whole life, and I basically live there. It’s like my second home.”

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Seniors perform last act at Northridge

PETRA ZLATKOVIC STAFF WRITER

The Northridge High School theater department performed an adaptation of the Broadway musical “Once On This Island” on March 30-31 and April 4. The show was directed by theater teacher Donna Wright with the help of musical theater teacher, Beth McGuire.

“Once On This Island” is a musical about racial and socio-economic differences on a small island in the Antilles and it is considered a more modern take on “The Little Mermaid.” The theater department performed the junior version which still featured iconic songs such as “Mama Will Provide” and “We Tell the Story.”

The main character, Ti Moune, was played by senior Meredith Vaughn. “Having the main role in the show was bittersweet,” said Vaughn. “It was a big honor but also a lot of pressure.”

Vaughn has been a part of Northridge Theatre since her freshman year, attending musical theatre, acting, and production classes. “Theatre is all the people I grew up with, and I’m going to miss working with Mrs. Wright when I go off to college,” Vaughn said.

Vaughn will be attending the Montevallo University, and she will be majoring in musical theater.

Sarah Pierce, a rising senior, who played the role of Mama Euralie, understands how big of a loss this year’s generation of seniors is going to be. “Working with all of them on their last show made me realize that the Northridge theater will lose really great people,” Pierce said.

Even though they will be missed, Pierce believes that the remainder of the department will be able to work through all the problems as they have done before.“The underclassmen are learning, and there is no reason for us not to have a successful year my senior year,” Pierce said.

Theater teacher Donna Wright hopes that theater and “Once On This Island” were a good experience for her students.“Some first-time seniors were a big asset to the department,” Wright said “I hope that even if they don’t continue being in theater in college, they at least learned new skills and a love for theater.”

She considers “Once On This Island” a good musical for the current musical theater and theater production groups.

“It was a really good fit for our people, despite losing Sam Allen,” Wright said. “The music was fun and catchy.”

Wright was satisfied with the turnout of the show and hopes to outdo it next year. “It fit the bill for both our talent pool and our tech skills,” she said.

“Once On This Island” was the department’s final production of the year, but they are slowly starting to prepare for the next year’s shows as they send a large group of seniors off to college.

Photo by Jacob Stephens

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Zumanah Kamal,

Molly Elliot and Allison Jackson perform.

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FEATURE

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER MAY 2018

Ferguson reflects on past four years, changes at Northridge

REBECCA HAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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HEN KYLE FERGUSON FIRST APPLIED for the position of principal at Northridge High School, he gave a speech before parents in the auditorium reviewing his proposed policies for students.

“They seemed to like most of it,” he said.

The first freshman class to hear his plans was the class of 2018, this year’s and Ferguson’s first graduating class at Northridge.

“It wasn’t as hard to get your class to buy into it because you were in high school your first year,” he said.

“You didn’t walk into a bunch of changes. You walked into your first year in high school.” He’s thankful for the leadership that he’s seen in those students, who’ve “lived those expectations your entire way through.”

“You’ve been the leaders of everyone to come behind you,” Ferguson said. “You kind of set the example for everyone else.”

The title wasn’t Ferguson’s first administrative position at an educational institution - he had previously held an assistant principal role at another district. So before the interviews with Board officials, before the speeches delivered to packed auditoriums, he was looking at the numbers, which he already knew would speak the loudest.

“Going into any new school, the first thing is you research it before Photo by Assistant Principal Keith Jackson you get there, and you kind of look into data to see where the problems exist,” he said. “You get a feel for what COUNTRY FRY Principal Kyle Ferguson, center, poses for a picture with 2018’s entire class on kind of concerns the community has, “Country Fry County High” day, when the football team plays cross-town rival Tuscaloosa County the teachers, the students. You can High School. Traditionally, students arrive to the parking lot early as cars parade in brandishing look at things like achievement gap; Northridge flags. you can tell a lot by discipline data. “gains have already been made,” but he’s we have pretty open dialogue, and I think You can look at attendance data, you can look at survey data on parent or stu- more than satisfied with the progress that we communicate well with one another. I has been made. get some good feedback from parents. Pardent satisfaction, and it tells you a lot.”

“When you have a safe and orderly ents really appreciate being communicatHe figured that some things needed immediate improvement and change - learn- learning environment, your teachers teach,” ed with, and they won’t hesitate to let you ing environment and school violence, for he said. “They’re not having to deal with know that.”

Of course, for the class of 2018 and after, one - and others required a more gradu- a lot of disrespectful and disruptive behaval acclimatization for students, especially ior. You go into a class and you have class. these standards have always been the norm.

“You don’t really have something to comthose who were used to the previous status That’s the expectation.”

When classes operate like classes, Fer- pare it to with what you’ve seen,” he said. quo.

For one, Northridge was on a seven-pe- guson hopes that student engagement will “If you talk to some of our teachers who’ve riod schedule, which was changed to a also rise, which he has also seen in the pro- been here in the long haul they might tell block schedule the following year. “You liferation of clubs and student involvement. you something different, but you’ll hear “I feel like our goal is to engage students them tell you.” kind of wait until the end of the year to “It’s very rewarding to see a communimake those major sweeping changes as it more,” he said. “Since nearly 100 percent of relates to curriculum and courses offered,” our student body is in an extracurricular ac- ty that’s happy with their school, and it’s Ferguson said. “But then when we went to tivity, something outside of the classroom, also very rewarding and a great reflection the block, it makes it easier to make some kids buy in, and I don’t believe that we have of our faculty, students, and families,” Ferchanges mid-year because you’re basically a group of disenfranchised students any guson said, reflecting on the changes that longer. We’ve got something for everybody. he’s seen since the beginning of his tenure starting over in January.”

Moreover, he sensed “disenfranchise- I feel like our teachers have been phenom- here. “I’m meeting with two families today enal, you know, and we and support them moving into the area wanting to come to ment” among certain groups of students.

“There was a sense of a ‘school with- so they can, in turn, support you. We have Northridge. That happens about two-three in a school,’” he said. “A lot of differences a lot of things coming at us from differ- times a week, and I will never say anything were perpetuated that I felt like I needed ent directions, like going through a fire negative about another school, public or to address. I remember when I first came hydrant, but we want to support teachers private, but we’re getting a lot of private in, one of the things I wanted to absolutely in the classroom, so they can do more and school kids, and I want Northridge to be change right away was implement some- spend less time worrying about classroom the type of school in this community where people say why in the world would I pay thing to deal with violence, fights. Threats management.”

Ferguson is also proud of the consistent tuition when I could send my kids there of violence, things like that that impact things like teacher retention, being able to communication that he’s felt Northridge and get the best education possible.”

And those freshman that Ferguson first have class, and having school with a per- has established and maintained, with anception that your kids are safe.” Enter the nouncements and nightly/weekly notifica- spoke to would come to set that example of now-iconic 3-30 policy - engage in a fight, tions through phone, text, and email to the stellar education to underclassmen and the community. and receive three days of suspension fol- “Northridge family.”

The exception to that successful com“It’s been a good class,” he said, discusslowed by 30 days of in school suspension (which Ferguson and other administra- munication being, of course, morning an- ing the graduating class of 2018, which has tors have dubbed the “Northridge Holiday nouncements. “I don’t think kids are re- had its share of setbacks, namely a signifially listening to those. But we post it on cant rezoning that led to some serious shifts Inn.”) Fortunately, he received no “pushback” the website.” Beyond that, he said, “I feel in student population. “Y’all went through from the then-current senior class, who like our kids do feel like they have a voice. rezoning, and at that point, we were devasseemed to welcome the changes. The first I don’t think we have students here that tated as an athletic program,” he said. “We year, suspensions were reduced by around feel like they can’t walk into my office or lost about 50 out of 70 of our football play56 percent. He doesn’t foresee the numbers someone else’s office and say I’m concerned ers and pretty much our entire basketball changing too much more, as the biggest about this or why can’t we do this. I think program...but I can say that of the students

that were here and that came after them, and some of the people that we brought in as part of the faculty, one thing that happened is that we never quit seeing the enthusiasm, the spirit, and the support. It’s been real nice to have that student leadership because that’s a big part of any team, you know. It makes a big difference, and it’s positive.”

Ferguson finds that ever-present spirit particularly noticeable when it comes to times of crises or helping a student in need. When Ariel Backstrom passed away in a car wreck in January of 2016, he remembers the way by which students rallied and supported one another.

She was his next-door neighbor before Ferguson and his family’s move to their new house and would sometimes ride with him and his daughter Ragan to school.

“She was a very charismatic person,” he said. “She had goals and ambitions, and she was always smiling and talkative every time I saw her. She was what you want a Northridge High School student to be...I still remember when I was in the conference room when Dr. Daria called and said ‘you have a student in an accident’... and when he called me back and told me it was Ariel, it gives me chills just thinking about it. It’s really neat to see a whole school rally around one another, It was a sight to see this year once more, when the student body and community rallied to support senior Erick Irby after his cancer diagnosis “Y’all had a classmate come in junior year from Holt...and he was immediately accepted as part of this school and this athletic program,” Ferguson said. “A year later, not even, he’s diagnosed with brain cancer, and our community raises $16,000 in one day. There aren’t many places that do that. That wasn’t through GoFundMe, that was through students and families in this community, as a result of our students faculty, and athletic leadership. I’m telling you, if there is something that I need right now, I pick up the phone, and I call one or two parents and say, ‘I have a kid whose house burned down’ or ‘I have a kid who can’t pay for prom,’ somebody’s gonna show up with a check and have it covered.

It’s spirit like that that frustrates Ferguson when he hears the old “North of the river” stigma that surrounds Northridge, labeled as a school for the “wealthy” and “privileged.”

“I know how dedicated and hard our teachers work, and I know how our kids feel here inside of our school,” he said. “I I have the privilege of meeting with families from other schools that come in and say, ‘we know what they say, but that’s not what we believe,and we want our kids here.’

When you go home, and people want their kids here, it’s been a good day.”

It’s this atmosphere of excellence that he continually hopes to foster and maintain, because, he says, “educators don’t clock in or clock out.” Education extends beyond Northridge walls, too, he added.

“The first question you’re gonna ask when you’re an adult and you have children is, ‘where will my kids have access to good education?’” he said. “Education affects property value, your life every day, and is probably the most important thing in your community. And right now, I feel like our community is happy.”

That’s what Ferguson is looking to replace Northridge’s stereotype of wealth with: happy and leading students, teachers, school, and community.

“We want to create leaders, and know how to treat each other,” he said.

FEATURE

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER MAY 2018

THE PAST FOUR YEARS

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...TOLD BY SENIORS

MAYCI HARTLEY FEATURE EDITOR

SPORTS The athletic events at Northridge have been some of students’ favorite memories. For students like Amer-

Photo from Mary Evelyn Beavers

THE TRIBE

The past four years have been filled with events that have caused the class of 2018 to grow closer than many could ever imagine. Freshman year started with new administration and the policies they implemented as well as getting used to high school. Sophomore year brought drivers licenses, schedule changes, and beating county high. Junior year there was rezoning, the loss of a classmate, and the stress of getting GPAs and ACT scores to the exact number wanted. Senior year has inevitably brought lasts of every kind, senioritis, and the ability for underclassmen to exempt exams.

lee Harton their sport has been the best one to attend. “Basketball has been my favorite,” she said. “We had rough and rocky times, but the players made it fun.” For others being able to participate with the team, but not play, has been their favorite. “Being the football manager has been my favorite part of high school,” Hope Benjamin, senior, said. Other students just love to attend games- for most students it is football. “My favorite sport to attend has been football, because we all come together- even people you aren’t really friends with,” senior Jenna Tucker said. The ability to be with as many peers as possible seems to be the reason that most like the game. “I really like to go to football games because there is a lot of people there and you get to tailgate before,” Caleb Toshcoff, senior, said.

The football season has ended at the first round of playoffs freshman year, the second round of playoffs sophomore year, and they did not make it to playoffs junior or senior year. Baseball’s final placements were first round of playoffs freshman year, the second round of playoffs sophmore year, they did not make it to playoffs junior year, and to the first round of playoffs senior year. Girls basketball were subreigonal runner up sophmore year and Photo from Kameron Green fourth in the area tournament junior and senior year. Girls soccer has made it to the state playoffs the past three years; they placed fourth freshman year, second sophmore year, and sixth junior year. Volleyball placed third in the area freshman year, first runner up at supper regionals sophmore year, and third runner up in the area junior and senior year. The boys golf team has had an individual make it to state the past four years. Girls golf had an individual go to state freshman year, the team finished second at substate sophmore year, and third in the state junior year. Boys soccer ended in the third round of state playoffs freshman year, fourth in the state sophmore year, and the second round of playoffs junior year. The softball team has come in third in the area tournament the past two years. Boys basketball has come in third in the area tournament junior and senior year. Girls tennis has finished sectional champions freshman and sophmore year, third in the state junior year, and first in the state senior year. Girls track won sectionals all four years.

PROM COMMITTEE

For many that participated on prom committee, their favorite part was the end. “I enjoyed seeing the results; it was nice to see it all come together,” Jenna Tucker, senior, said. Allie Darden, senior, shared Tucker’s feelings. “Working on that Friday [the day before prom] and actually getting it all together, was my favorite part,” Darden said. The stress of the weeks prior to the dance was favored by Jacob Stephens, senior, because it allowed him to feel a rush. “I loved the chaos surrounding it, like getting my tux and looking good for my date but also being able to make sure everything in the gym looked good too,” Stephens said. “It was a lot of work for Mrs. P and like three people, but it was fun to be able to boss people around,” Tucker said.

Photo from Unetta Samuel

TEACHER INFLUENCES

The teachers at Northridge have pushed students to do their best in the classroom, on the field, and in the real world. For Hope Benjamin, senior, the most influential teacher is one that has helped her through the hard times. “Mrs. Barnett is my favorite teacher- she’s a great comedian,” Benjamin said. Anna Bell Beavers loves how relatable English teacher Chelsey Moore is to her students. “She’s just easy going, and her class is fun,” Beavers said. “She can talk to us like normal people. We have a lot of conversations instead of just being lectured.” Carol Johnson has been most affected by teacher Mary Ruffin Moore because she has had her for multiple classes over the years. “I’ve had her since sophmore year; I’ve always been able to rely on her and trust her. She’s shown me how learning can be fun and what I need to do to exceed in the things in life that I want to,” Johnson said. For senior Kameron Green, theater and English teacher Donna Wright and Coach Carter Hill have left a lasting impression on him. “Mrs. Wright acts like a second mother to me,” Green said.

“She’s always giving life lessons. The way Coach Hill taught let everyone get it. I knew I would be able to pass.” For many yearbook staff members, the most influential teacher has been Mallie Humber because she “pushes them to do their best.” “She encourages me to try new things,” Caroline Kirkland, senior, said.

Photo from Timarques Samuel Photo from Mary Katherine Winfield

EXTRACURRICULARS

Being active in school is important, but for many they need other aspects to their life to not go crazy. For Allie Darden, senior, her place of escape has been Young Life Club. Young Life Photo from Mayci Hartley has allowed her to have many experiences that she would have missed out on if she had not gotten involved. “Young Life has been my favorite part of high school, because I’ve been able to go to Sharptop Cove, Trail West, and Crooked Creek; it has allowed me to make some really great friends,” Darden said. For others like senior Carol Johnson, the most impactful extra curricular to be involved in has been Key Club. “I have served on the district board.

It taught me how to communicate with adults and various levels of students from elementary to high school,” Johnson said. Johnson recommends getting involved in a service organization in high school because it’s a way to learn helpful skills for the future. “It has allowed me to help build other people’s leadership skills up while building my own,” Johnson said. Senior Kameron Green recommends [theater] to everyone because it allows students to just be themselves. “It’s not just for people who want to be an actor. When you’re in acting you can actually be yourself. I feel like most people can’t just be themself because they’re embaressed, but in acting everyone is so friendly so you can acually be yourself,” Green said.

TRADITIONS The different traditions at Northridge have brought students together and allowed them

Photo from Ja’Bria Coleman

Photofrom Mary KatherineWinfield

to show their school spirit. During football season students have loved being able to dress up on Fridays and during homecoming week. “I think all the dress up days are really fun, especially country fry County High, because everyone really goes all out,” Caroline Kirkland, senior, said. The class of 2018 has been successful in many categories, but they were never able to place higher than fourth in homecoming float decorating. This didn’t deter students from participating in the event, however. “I love love love float building,” Johnson said. “I love the arts and crafts and being able to do it the past four years. It’s awesome to see how our community comes together for it and how much more spirit there is.”

Photo from Mary KatherineWinfield

Photo from Carol Johnson

Photo from Mary KatherineWinfield

6

NEWS

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER MAY 2018

Graduate reflects on high school experience RENEE MOREMAN STAFF WRITER

A

s the school year comes to an end, we start saying our farewells to the seniors. While everyone else is turning the page in their high school career, seniors are closing the book on the “best four years” of their lives. As with many endings, there are a lot of lasts that take place. There are last dances, last classes, and last walkthroughs of the hallways as a student at Northridge.

Seniors may feel many emotions during these times, such as relief that they made it through. They could feel a bitter-sweet moment, knowing that they are leaving, but proud of all that they have accom-

plished. With prom being over, it is the final stretch of the last nine weeks, which involves making sure assignments are turned in and enjoying the last moments of this year. Every day that passes brings seniors one day closer to graduation, one day closer to walking across the stage to be greeted with the diploma that they’ve worked toward for four years. Alta Willaert is a part of this year’s graduating class and is feeling the excitement mixed with perhaps some apprehension.

“I am excited to graduate, go to college, and meet new people and have new experience,” said Willaert. “At the same time, it is also weird having so many lasts.”

Prom was included in one of her “lasts,” and it all slowly started to hit her that she is

graduating and this would be her last prom.

“I realized it was our last high school dance with all of our friends which was kind of sad,” said Willaert. “I am going to miss some of the high school traditions like football seasons and also teachers such as Mrs. Reed, Mrs. Moore, and Mr. Johnson.”

Another part that can be bittersweet about graduating is leaving the people who you’ve been around for a long time. Sometimes the connection can fade or people become so consumed in the new part of their life that they lose contact with people from high school. Willaert plans to try and stay connected with most of her friends.

“I am rooming with a friend from college, and most of our school is going to the University of Alabama, so I am sure that

I will stay friends with some people,” said Willaert.

Willaert has been inducted into five honor societies, has received most outstanding GPA, and has recieved most outstanding Spanish 2 student.

While saying goodbye isn’t easy, it is a part of life that we must learn to accept.

High school is filled with life lessons, and learning to close a chapter is one of them.

Seniors, we wish you good luck and hope you exceed in every way possible. While you might be racing to get out of here as fast as you can, one day you will look back and realize how important high school was to help you become the person you are today. Enjoy the next chapter in your life and as always, “Go Jags.”

has ideas for other jobs he could have.

“Starting my own business,” Sears said.

“I’ve always thought about doing that something sports related that would overlap with soccer, so it’s

skilled members of society.

“I plan on going to Clemson University and studying bioengineering,” Crouse said.

“I’m a type one diabetic, and it’s kind of the best field for

bioengineering as a more direct impact on medical technology and treatments.

“I think I’m just going to stick with the bioengineering,” Crouse said. “With the medical field, you deal with the people, but it’s more [about] treating

Seniors prepare for their future careers WILL MCLELLAND MANAGING EDITOR

A

s the 2018 spring semester ends, Northridge seniors are preparing to move on to to their

next phases in life.

Frances Lehman, Mary-Katherine Winfield, Cameron Crouse, and Madison Sears, are all seniors, and they are certain about what they want to do when they leave high school.

“I’m going to UA and majoring in engineering, “Lehman said. “It provides good job opportunities even if I don’t want to be an engineer, and I’m good at math and science.”

Winfield said that the reason she is seeking to be in her future profession is because she has experienced, first hand, the impact that it has.

“I’m going to [The University of Alabama], and I think I want to be a physical therapist,” Winfield said. “I really enjoy helping people, and I myself went through physical therapy, and it was fun to see them interact with people. I think that’s what I want to do.”

Winfield’s physical therapy was due to a dislocated right shoulder, which happened while she was practicing a back-handspring for cheerleading. Winfield said that she appreciated the care she received and that she now wants to do the same thing for others.

Like, Winfield, Sears also wants to pursue a career in physical therapy, but his interest comes from a different point of view.

Sears plans on majoring in athletic training so that it will prepare him for a future in physical therapy and give him other options, should he end up having to do something else. “[Athletic training has more to do with] the sports medicine field, and it also gives me a second fallback if I don’t get into physical therapy school, since it is very competitive” Sears said. [I could also be] a personal trainer or a soccer coach.”

Aside from physical therapy, Sears also

something I know. Some sort of athletic store maybe; anything like that.”

Similar to his peers, Crouse also plans on entering a field for highly

m e to go into to work on creating better technology and researching ways to treat the disease and find a cure.”

the people as opposed to treating the disease, so going into bioengineering means I can get in with a company that kind of works with the technology itself, and may not be as involved with patients, but be involved with the outpatient trials and the sort of stuff where you get to test different devices on people, and that sort of thing.”

What all four students seem to agree on is the one thing they will miss the most about Northridge High School: the athletics.

“Knowing that there is a game is exciting,” Crouse said. “Game days, whether it’s football, baseball, or even basketball, [gives the school] a different type of energy than just a regular. This year’s County High game - just [seeing] everybody on the field afterwards was something that I’ll remember.”

Crouse said he considered the medical field for his work but that he realized

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SPORTS

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER MAY 2018

7

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED Northridge athletes continue to play in college

ISAAC SMITH SPORTS EDITOR

STEVAN FAIRBURN: BASEBALL Stevan Fairburn, senior, will continue his athletic career at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, where he will be a pitcher for their baseball team, the Falcons.

Fairburn plans to major in engineering and then serve in the air force after he graduates. “Once I get to school there, I will go through basic training,” said Fairburn. “After that, I will be considered [to be] in the Air Force, but also at the school to play baseball.”

Fairburn is enjoying his last season play-

INDIA WOODS: TENNIS

ing Northridge baseball. “It’s exciting,” Fairburn said. “It’s sad, and it’s bittersweet.

It’s nice to be around this group of guys. I really like this team a lot.”

College looks like it will be a big change for Fairburn, particularly moving to a military school, like the Air Force Academy. “I am most excited about getting to be there and getting to meet the people and getting to play on that team,” said Fairburn.

JADE JOHNSON: TRACK AND FIELD Jade Johnson, senior, will participate in college track and field at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Johnson has competed in a variety of track and field events, but she focuses particularly on the high jump, triple jump, hurdles and the 4x100 relay.

Johnson has enjoyed visiting the University of Alabama in Huntsville. “I loved the atmosphere and the city in general,” said Johnson. “There is always something to do that doesn’t involve having to find a party every time I get bored.”

Johnson has mixed feelings about her last season at Northridge. “I am very sad to leave one of the best coaches I have ever had: Coach Sparks,” said Johnson. “As a student, in rounding up my last moments at NHS, I am ready to move on.”

Johnson plans to major in biology and go to medical school to become a gynecologist.

BATTER UP Stevan Fairburn will be a pitcher for the Falcons at the Air Force AcadPhoto by Mayci Hartley emy in the fall.

MARKEL MOORE: TRACK AND FIELD

GOING THE DISTANCE Jade Johnson makes a running start at the triple jump.

Photo by Mayci Hartley

NorthriveR PRIMARY

Clint McEntyre, MD

CARE

ASSOCIATES

Scott Kemp, DO

Markel Moore, senior, will keep participating in track and field in college. “[I run the] 110 hurdles, 300 meter hurdles, most sprint events and relays as well,” Moore said.

Moore will attend Tiffin University in Ohio, where he plans to study forensic psychology. “More than likely I’ll be profiling criminals and criminal cases, but I haven’t fully decided that yet,” said Moore.

Moore will have his final high school season on Northridge track team, but he started running at Bryant. “It’s crazy because I didn’t even start here at Northridge in track,” said Moore. “I was rezoned from Bryant. It’s crazy that it’s coming to an end.”

Moore is feeling slightly nervous about the more difficult competition in college track and field. “It’ll be way more intense,” said Moore.

Steven Coppock, MD

India Woods, senior, will continue to play tennis after high school with the Alabama A&M Bulldogs in Huntsville.

Woods has visited Alabama A&M several times. “I loved it,” said Woods. “It’s really nice. [My coach] is really cool. I know it will be a smooth ride for the next four years with him.”

Wood thinks that playing in college will be a big change with both positives and negatives. She says that while she is nervous about time management, she is also excited to go to college. “I am excited about the freedom and being able to do stuff on my own,” Woods said. “Making new friends [is] the main thing.”

The tennis will also be more intensive.

“It’s going to be harder, with more practices and workouts,” Woods said.

Woods signed on April 12 and she plans to study sports marketing and sports management.

Photo by Mayci Hartley

SERVE India Woods prepares to return the ball.

CHELSIE ELLIOT: GOLF Chelsie Elliot, senior, will continue to play golf at Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham. “It seemed like a pretty good school,” said Elliot. “There are not too many students, so I feel like I’ll be able to get the help that I need, and there are a lot of different things to choose from.”

Elliot is particularly skilled at driving the ball. “The first shot matters the most to me,” said Elliot.

Elliot has enjoyed her time golfing at Northridge, but she is also looking toward college in her last season. “It’s bittersweet.

I’m happy, but at the same time, I didn’t think that I was going to make it this far in golf,” said Elliot. “It’s been a good experience.”

“I’m nervous about meeting new people, but I’m also excited because I’m ready to meet some new people,” Elliot said. Elliot signed on April 12 and plans to study X-ray technology.

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FORE! Chelsie Elliot gets ready to drive the ball.

Photo by Mayci Hartley

NOT LIKE THE MOVIES

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER MAY 2018

S

and activities that only they can participate in. This allows seniors to connect with others in ways like never before. “My first day E N I O R S of senior year I was very nervous S T A R T to come here and do everything, THEIR FIRST but color guard helped me get DAY as they through everything,” said Mchave many times before, donald. “I’m not as anxious but but this one will be their prom was my first and last prom last. The last of first days, and I was happy to help. The the last homecoming, the finished product of prom was last home game, the last amazing, and I had a blast.” prom and the last time However, senior year is not all they hear Principal Fersunshine and rainbows for some. guson’s “Go Jags!” on the Senior year is supposed to be fun announcements makes the and exhilarating aside from the year somber, but also a joystrain of applying for colleges. As ous experience for most some think that senior year will seniors. They prepare rigorbe exciting and laid back, they ously throughout the year EXPECTATION Seniors relax in the classroom, thankful to passed the bulk of the are met with mountains of work. for a new chapter in their high school workload during sophomore and junior year. Those not sleeping while “Well I expected a lot more fun life: college or work. It’s a away the hours on their phones. activities, but there really was not year they will all rememas many activities that we did,” ber and cherish for a lifesaid senior Ce’derric Beard. “It time. They will make long was a little more work.” For lasting bonds and prepare many soon to be graduates who themselves for the great expected their senior year to be tomorrow. like the movies, fun and full of Senior year is thought to memories, it was a let down. “I be the most stressful and thought it was going to be like strenuous year of a stu“High School Musical,” but dent’s high school career. instead it was very chill,” said “My expectation of high Kirstyn Martin, senior. school was that it was goAs many venture to the next ing to be the easiest and chapter, they reflect on their most fun year of my life, experiences at Northridge and and the reality of it was their last year as a high school all those things were true,” student. The bonds and memosaid senior Anna Mcdonries will last them a lifetime as ald. “Senior year was lit for they travel near and far to new me,” Mcdonald first came places. The graduates have spent to Northridge the second four years looking forward to Photos by Rebecca Han semester of her junior year. walking across the stage and Many of Northridge’s crossing the final high school clubs and organizations REALITY Seniors scramble to complete assignments, meet deadlines, make importthreshold. make for a spectacular high ant decisions, and file paperwork relating to their future plans in college, the job school experience especial- field, or elsewhere. It’s a far cry from the bliss that some imagined in the summer. ly for seniors. They are also given special opportunities

EMILY MATTHEWS OPINION EDITOR

Seniors find reality of final year vastly different from expectations

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