The Northridge Reporter October 2015 by Northridge Reporter

Northridge High School 2901 Northridge Road Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35406

est. 2003

the OCTOBER 30, 2015

north ri d ge

www.northridgereporter.wordpress.com

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The student voice of Northridge High School

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 2

BIG. zero tolerance Photo illustration by James Niiler

Drug testing to become common soon

SONIA MUZUMDAR STAFF WRITER

he random drug and alcohol screening program has returned this year with more purpose and dedication. Keith Jackson, new vice principal, stated that all students who play a sport, participate in extracurricular activities and drive will be subjected to drug testing. These tests are scheduled to be administered every nine weeks or as frequently as possible. Some students were hesitant to these tests because they thought of it as violation of their rights and an invasion of their privacy. Jackson argued that the school cannot randomly test students without proper parental consent and a legal objective. He also admitted that this information is private and is only released to the parents of the student. The school only wants to help lead the student to a better future, he said. “Reasons for drug testing, I think, would be to keep the students healthy so they can focus on academic success,” Jackson said. “This would very well prevent bigger problems such as addiction and [help students] overcome issues of peer pressure.” Scott Johnson, math teacher, supports drug testing and blames society for dragging young teenagers into a world of unnecessary substances. “I think it is a shame that we even need to take this step. It would be nice to think that we could live in a society that’s not overrun with drug and alcohol abuse,” said Johnson, “but unfortunately that’s not the case, so I think society has forced our hand. Also, if there was better parenting out there, we wouldn’t have to drug test.” Carly Drake, senior cheerleader, tested negative last year. “I think drug testing is important because like drugs are bad and drug testing like helps us stay a drug free zone...

And I think the students don’t really care unless they are doing drugs,” Drake said. Jackson said he has seen close friends and family members affected by drug use. “I have seen close friends impacted by taking drugs; I have seen the damage it does to the families of affected students...I have also noticed the long-term consequences these students have to go through because of one bad decision,” Jackson said. “We are a proactive school; we do not want to punish students but help them become aware of the risks and outcomes of these harmful drugs.” Jacob Frazier, junior male cheerleader who also tested negative, said he wants to maintain a safe environment in which to learn. “I think the administrators are doing a good job to keep kids safe,” said Frazier. “I also think if students are scared of drug tests, then that means no weed, so less risk of addiction.” He thinks testing should be mandatory. “It’s like a 10-minute test; you pee in a cup and they test you then you’re done...I think you should wait until you are an adult to make these choices,” Frazier added. Jackson said that the consequences of being positively tested for drug use can be “ineligibility” to drive or participate in extracurricular activities and sports until tested negative the next time they are subjected to drug test. “We want to build the students to make them more aware and help them make clear decisions - not mistakes,” he said. Jackson wants the students to find a good purpose in life so they do not waste good opportunities and regret it in the future. “I used to be a teenager too one time, and I guess you do tend to think about today just being the most important day but you don’t look long-term,” he said. ”I guess what I am trying to say is drugs might make you happy now but won’t in the future.”

AT A GLANCE JAG PALS ‘THE MARTIAN’ page 8

page 4

BOLD.

UNFORGETTABLE.

New business club

replaces FBLA JAMES NIILER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

t’s big. It’s bold. It’s epic. It’s unforgettable. The Distributive Education Clubs of America, known as DECA, has a new chapter at Northridge. “(DECA) is an organization that was made to help build future business leaders and entrepreneurs, and it’s to help prepare them for jobs such as marketing and finance,” sophomore Kaylashia Spencer, Northridge DECA President, said. An organization similar to FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), DECA differs in that it’s “really specific” in terms of “business and leadership,” Northridge DECA Vice-President, sophomore Sara Turner, said. “[It’s] to get you ready for leadership positions once you graduate from college or go on to your career,” she said. “It gives you the experience.” Spencer said that DECA is characterized as being “more one-on-one” than FBLA, and that this difference extends to DECA’s convention competitions. “Depending on what competition you’re in, they give you a sheet of paper on which you work out situations. You’re given a problem that needs to be solved,” she said. These problems include analysis, “real-life,” and “one-on-one communication skills,” she said. Turner, a past FBLA participant who said she “prefers” DECA to FBLA, described a DECA convention. “It’s a joint leadership conference. We first meet in a group with different organizations. We break into different groups, and we go into a DECA room. Leaders explain DECA’s missions” and fundraising goals, she said. “We get to meet different people from different schools.” Spencer said the Northridge DECA chapter is currently engaged in fundraising to attend such a convention. “The first conference we will have will be Oct. 20, at the Sheraton in Birmingham. It came pretty quickly!” she said. Spencer attributed the birth of DECA at Northridge to Beth Gibson, career prep teacher. “She’s one of the teachers that was able to stand out and bring something new to the table,” Spencer said. “We don’t have FBLA anymore. For Mrs. Gibson to step out shows how strong her character is.” Spencer emphasized the need for the Northridge DECA club to expand. “So far we’ve had two meetings, but most will be held before the school day begins,” she said. “We’re trying to recruit as many people as we can. Right now we have 10 or 15...I would recommend this for any people who want to work with taxes, work with savings. This is something you’re going to need for life. If you’re going to own a business someday, this would be a really good organization to get into. I would say even if you don’t want to be a part of a business or think DECA isn’t for you, try it out. You might love it.”

The Northridge Reporter october 30, 2015

our thoughts

Students foolish to abuse tobacco and alcohol

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agree.....12 ABSTAIN.....3

and those of our friends. Let’s face it: our occasional dalliances with appearing ‘grown-up’ are immature. Everyone has been informed about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, and everyone can rattle off the negative consequences of drug use. But for too many people, the expressed dangers don’t become real until it’s too late. Students, it’s time to display maturity and class. Let’s stop with this foolishness—it’s not doing anyone any favors, least of all ourselves. Teachers and administrators, we at The Northridge Reporter encourage you to start taking a harder line against those who participate in these activities. And last but certainly not least, it is everyone’s duty ensure our school environment is safe, drug-free and classy.

let’s face it: our occasional dalliances with appearing ‘grown-up’ are immature.

letter to the editor

‘No failure’ mentality dangerous dear editor,

[

forget to teach that learning from failure is as important, if not more important, than success. Forgetting to teach this is one of the greatest failings of our time. It prevents many people from finding success, as they simply think they are doomed to failure forever, as opposed to realizing that they may have been close to success. Again, a quote from Edison: “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” So, if we continue to teach that failure is not an option, we create more failures than we prevent. On a different note, I would like to point out that it is the centennial of World War I, one of the most pointless and horrifying conflicts in human history. One hundred years ago, this Seminal Tragedy was already more than a year old. I do hope that you, as the press, make a note of this centennial in order to those who died, military and civilian.

have noticed that your newspaper takes on many different issues important to students. One you have not taken on is how we view failure. This is one of the largest stressors in our modern education system. I have actually seen posters around the school that say ‘Failure is not an option.’ This mentality may seem at first to promote working hard for success, but leads to the toxic idea that if you fail, you are a terrible person who is only going to end up in a ditch. This may be an exaggeration, but the issue is still there. This idea that failure is the end-all of your future is actually the worst mentality to have, and as much as we should strive to succeed, we should also realize the truth: Failure is always an option. We should stop measuring ourselves by how far we fall, but instead by how well we pick ourselves up. Learn from your failures; learn from your mistakes. As Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” When we demonize failure, we forget that the lessons of failure are some of the most important. The only time something is truly a failure is if you do not learn from your previous mistakes, because then you are just doing the same thing and expecting a different result. Funnily enough, that is the definition of madness. If we continue to teach that failure is not an option, we

[

sincerely,

an anonymous student

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

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[

if we continue to teach that failure is not an option, we forget to teach that learning from failure is as important, if not more important, than success.

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nce again, The Northridge Reporter is covering student drug use at our school. We hope this is the last time we report on these subjects. It is highly unfortunate that we students seem incapable of enjoying ourselves and expressing school spirit without the illegal consumption of alcohol. Many if not most students have tried alcohol or smoked, but a certain subset of our student population is frequently engaging in what can only be described as public intoxication and illegal drug use. There is nothing wrong with tailgating, but something is certainly amiss when students feel no need to restrain their negative behaviors while doing so. The drinking and dipping that occurs at these events is not only highly dangerous, it’s lamentable. When we choose to lower our standards, they become detrimental to not only our health, but our futures

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staff members...

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opinion

est. 2003

the north ri d g e reporter The student voice of Northridge High School

Northridge High School • 2901 Northridge Road • Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 • (205) 759-3734 ext. 295 Managing Editor Rebecca Griesbach Feature Editor Rebecca Griesbach Sports Editor Camri Mason News Editor Destiny Hodges

Entertainment Editor Sumona Gupta Opinion Editor Bert McLelland Video Editors Seth Cunningham, Nate Hester Asst. Sports Editors Nate Hester, Jordan Hutchinson

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) 759-3734 ext. 295 or rlane@tusc.k12. al.us to advertise in or subscribe to our paper.

Copy Editor Thomas Mullins Infographics Editor Sumona Gupta Art Editor Rebecca Han Head Photographer Camri Mason

Letters to the editor: It is the policy of The Northridge Reporter to publish all non-obscene, non-libelous, signed letters to the editor, regardless of the opinion expressed in them. Submit letters to Rhonda Lane in room 109 or email to rlane@tusc.k12.al.us. The Northridge Reporter reserves the right to edit letters and verify allegations. The newspaper is distributed monthly.

Rhonda Lane, Adviser James Niiler, Editor-in-Chief Visit us online at northridgereporter.wordpress.com Follow us on Twitter @NHSReporter Follow us on Instagram @thenorthridgereporter Visit our Facebook page, ‘The Northridge Reporter 2015-2016’ Check out our YouTube channel, ‘The Northridge Reporter’ See our paper ONLINE at issuu.com, ‘The Northridge Reporter’

opinion

The Northridge Reporter october 30, 2015

Confederate flag is treasonous, racist

destiny hodges News Editor

n a sunny day, where all my worries were forgotten, I thought that I would have a day free of interruptions. I was driving down McFarland Blvd. when I stopped at a red light. I was relaxed and staring into the distance. I looked to my left, and I looked to my right, except when I looked to my left, my bottom jaw dropped open, my eyes widened, and I let out an unforgettable gasp. What I was looking at was an arrogant display of hatred. A dusty pick-up truck was sitting at a red light across the street as if its owner had never once considered taking a

hose to it. The horns of a bull were secured to the front bumper, a large Confederate flag was attached to the bed of the truck, and the words ‘I ain’t scared’ were written on the back window. I could not believe my eyes, and I have yet to understand how people look at such displays of ignorance and keep going like it is nothing but the opinion of a person. Where would we be today if we just ignored the opinions of people who pose as threats? Where would we be if we allowed Hitler to rule with his Aryan ideal, the idea that the race of perfection is blue-eyed and blonde? Some of the people in this world would not even be here, simply because of one ridiculous opinion. Everyone is beautiful and perfect the way they are. Race does not define anyone. It is character, morals and the way people unveil themselves that define people. The morals of people who possess Confederate flags are corrupt, and their character needs maintenance, much like a clogged sink. Racists are so barricaded by their false pretense of people. Their biased views shields them from some of the most kindhearted, down-to-earth people. Distinguishable by its intersecting blue lines and stars, the Confederate flag is nothing more than the emblem of

an immoral and racist faction. People parade around with these treacherous symbols without any consequences or repercussions. As an African American, I feel insulted and targeted by people who possess these flags. When stumbling across people with Confederate flags, I feel a sense of fear and an urgency to avoid them. Some people that carry around Confederate flags claim that they are not racist, but simply want to preserve history. Although it is a piece of our history, and we are free to express ourselves, people should not be allowed to taunt and persecute people with this emblem. If they want to preserve history, the flags should be stored in museums. Racism still exists today, and with this being such a sensitive topic, I do not think Confederate flags should be allowed to fly freely amongst other flags. Flying the Confederate flag is like flying the Nazi flag. Some members of the Ku Klux Klan have Nazi emblems sewn onto their robes. This goes to show that the confederate flag is an emblem equivalent to the Nazi flag. It symbolizes hatred, mutilation, and an issue that our predecessors risked their lives to solve.

Art by Rebecca Han

TRICIA GRAY, REALTOR 1641 McFarland Blvd. (205) 799.9618

news

The Northridge Reporter OCtober 30, 2015

New PSAT format permits guessing without penalties

such as ‘lionize’ or ‘unctuous,’ which often populated the reading sections of previous SATs and PSATs. The College Board looks to veer from ith the introduction of the brandsimple memorization on the reading new SAT test in March 2016 has section and will test students on a wide come a completely redesigned October variety of reading comprehension skills 2015 PSAT/NMSQT. using scholarly articles and excerpts from The National Merit Scholarship historical texts. Qualifying Test, or NMSQT, is taken The writing and math sections will be by over a million students each year similar to the older tests, but aligned more who hope to qualify for the National with new Common Merit Scholarship Core standards. Program and receive Score will range scholarships. up to 1600 for the The College Board, redesigned SAT, makers of the SAT unlike the score of and PSAT tests, said 2400 for previous that the redesigned years. test is intended to be The PSAT was more relevant to high held at Northridge school curriculum. HELEN CHWE, JUNIOR on October 14. The revamped test Runa King, junior, allows students an said the new PSAT additional 30 minutes was harder. to complete it. “For some of the Scores will now questions, they asked you to prove your range between 320 – 1520 rather than the answer, which definitely made answering traditional 60 – 240 range of the previous those questions kind of harder,” King said. PSAT. “The math was a lot harder. I do like that For subsections, students can score a you could guess with no penalty though, range of 160 – 760 for each. unlike the old tests.” Unlike the older version, where a wrong Junior Helen Chwe said the math answer resulted in a penalty of one fourth portion of the test discouraged her. of a point, the new edition will no longer “I felt that I didn’t have enough time to punish test takers for guessing, similar to complete the test, and I didn’t feel as lost in the ACT test. the old test, especially in the math portion,” The test will give students a preview of Chwe said. what the brand new SAT test will look like. This will not have as many obscure words,

REBECCA HAN ART EDITOR

I felt that I didn’t have enough time to complete the test, and I didn’t feel as lost in the old test.

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GLI not just for girls BERT McLELLAND OPINION EDITOR

hough it has existed at Northridge for over two years, Girls Learn International, or GLI, an organization promoting women’s education around the world, has remained largely unnoticed until now, according to GLI president Katie Tindol, junior. “Nobody had any idea what it was my freshman year,” Tindol said. “When Savannah Morgan started it [in 2013] there were only six girls.” The organization was not obscure at Northridge alone. According to Emma Bradford, who describes herself as a “dedicated member” of Girls Learn, the club is the only chapter of GLI in Alabama. Thanks to more official announcements and members bringing in lots of their friends, GLI’s membership has grown nearly tenfold this year. “Right now on our roster we have about

50 girls,” Tindol said. The organization, which Tindol describes as “a program of the Feminist Majority Foundation that encourages high school girls to support girls’ education abroad,” is not limited to girls alone. “We have our first guy member this year,” Tindol said, referring to junior Will Henson. Bradford said the group is just as open to boys as to girls. “A lot of boys don’t think they can join,” Bradford said, “because it has ‘girls’ in the name, and it’s true GLI is mostly girls. But what people don’t know is that GLI is not a club for girls, it’s a club that helps girls around the world.” GLI’s meetings cover topics including human rights, and the status of Girls education abroad, and the various factors which limit girls’ access to education. GLI meetings are held every other Wednesday, in the room of English teacher Trina Busby.

Jag Pals promotes

inclusion of all

program called Tiger Pals, and when I came to Northridge, it inspired me to be in something like that here,” she said. ag Pals, a new peer buddy program Vice President Raegan Nunley, junior, created by assistant football and softball said she was surprised at how many people coach Christopher Reeves, encourages showed up to the first meeting. friendship and acceptance among all “I had no idea that 120 students would students regardless of their ability level. show up, but then again it is a great Reeves said that the main goal of Jag Pals program,” Nunley said. is to promote Reeves said inclusion of all that peers can peers and help participate in make them feel a number of like normal events with teenagers. their Jag Pal in “It really and outside of gives students school. an opportunity “In school, to realize how students can lucky they meet up with are and how pal at COACH REEVES, FOUNDER OF their they can really lunch, friend JAG PALS change their events, holiday pal’s life when parties and they take time the Special out of their day to hang out with their pal,” Olympics. Outside of school, with parental Reeves said. permission from their pal, peers can go to President Maggie Crow, junior, said she the park, pool, mall, Chuck-E-Cheese, or was inspired to be in Jag Pals because she wherever students can make their pal feel was already in a smaller program like this at like a regular teenager, because they don’t her old school. experience that often,” Reeves said. “In Hartselle, I was involved in a smaller

RESHU CHANDRA ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR

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It really gives students an opportunity to realize how lucky they are and how they can really change their pal’s life when they take time out of their day...

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Photo by Mary Lou Tucker

PALS Sophomore Jag Pals and their dates invite Ian Burnette, junior, (far right) to take homecoming photos with them. Sophomore Mary Katherine Winfield (second bottom left) said Jag Pals is very special to her, and she wanted to invite Burnette to join their photograph. “We all love to make him feel included and to have fun with his friends,” she said. “I love helping special educational friends have fun and making them feel good about themselves.”

University Mall • 1701 McFarland Blvd. E. • (205) 553-4200

news

The Northridge Reporter october 30, 2015

F irst

Voyage Francis f irst pope to address joint session of US Congress

REBECCA HAN ART EDITOR

ope Francis made his first visit to the United States in September. During his visit he toured Washington, New York and Philadelphia and made speeches to both Congress and the United Nations. He arrived September 22 from Cuba in Washington, D.C., meeting with President Barack Obama and speaking to a crowd of approximately 11,000 people from the White House lawn. While in Washington, he also met with the religious organization Little Sisters of the Poor, who are currently in a battle with Obamacare’s requirement to provide contraception. V a t i c a n spokesman Federico Lombardi called the act a sign of support for the

group. On September 24, Pope Francis became the first pope to address a joint session of U.S. Congress. In his speech, he focused on immigration, climate change, racial injustice, poverty, and more – calling for an end to the death penalty and urging Americans to embrace immigrants and take action on the environment. He also met with Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis, who drew both widespread criticism and support nationally for refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay couples. The Vatican, however, maintains that the meeting was not a move of support in any way. Pope Francis landed in New York City on September 25, making visits to the United Nations Building, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum and Madison Square Garden, among other places. In an address to the United Nations General Assembly, he again promoted peace and environmental justice. The pope flew to Philadelphia, PA, on Sept. 26, participating in the Festival of Families at the Benjamin Franklin parkway, meeting with bishops at St. Martin’s Chapel. He returned to Rome on September 27 after an eventful visit which drew millions of people from different homes and backgrounds. “It’s great that the pope is criticizing Americans, because there’s a lot that we need to know,” McKenna Marino, sophomore, said. He did Photo from MCT Campus need to be gentler, though, because Americans don’t respond to criticism very well.”

Photo by Kaylin Harris

TO SIGN visit: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/844/784/801/ senior-exam-exemption-for-both-semesters-on-block-schedule/ ...or scan the QR code to be directed to the site

Seniors sign petition to be exempt from final exams

BERT McLELLAND OPINION EDITOR

petition in protest of the Central Office’s decision to bar seniors from exemption of their first round of final exams has attracted 161 signatures as of Oct. 22. Currently, seniors who take their final exams in December will not be able to ‘exempt,’ or be excused from the exam if they reach a certain grade level. The policy is one left over from the time of the seven-period-day schedule, when students were not allowed to exempt from the midterm exam they took at the end of the fall semester. English teacher Trina Busby called the policy “ridiculous.” “Since we’re set on block schedule, they’re completing a whole course in one semester, therefore they should be allowed to exempt because they have finished it,” she said. Not only is it ridiculous, Busby said it is also not consistent with previous school board practice. “We were on block for over a decade,” Busby said, “and seniors could always exempt from first semester exams.” The decision, according to senior Laura Lee Wilhite, is based on a particular reading of the school code, which says students shall not be allowed to exempt from exams at the end of their first semester (referring to the midterms, which taken at that time for the past three years). “They’re taking it too literally,” Wilhite said. “It’s not fair. We’ve done the same amount of work, just technically in one semester.” Senior Annika Struthwolf echoed the statement, saying the school’s position was based on a misconception. “It’s a final exam, not a midterm, which is what the old way of doing things was referring to by not letting us exempt from semester exams,” she said.

The decision not to allow students who qualify to be exempt rests with the Central Office. Terry Roller, Director of High School Education, said Superintendent Dr. Paul McKendrick made the decision not to allow students to be exempt from fall semester exams, based on the policies of previous years. “We had no guide to follow,” Roller said, “except what was there from years past, so we grabbed that and ran with it.” Roller said that he himself was not necessarily opposed to first semester exemptions. “[The Superintendent] wants to motivate students to be the best they can be, and if exemptions is what’s gonna do that then that’s great,” he said. McKendrick, too, said he thought students should be able to be exempted from exams. “If it’s a one-semester course,” McKendrick said, “then that’s a final exam and they should be able to be exempt.” He said that, in this instance, the administration was simply following school policy. “In these cases, you gotta follow the policy,” McKendrick said. “Sometimes the policy doesn’t agree with my personal beliefs, but that’s the way it is.” Roller, however, said the decision to allow or forbid students to be exempted from their exams is in the hands of the superintendent. Given the apparent confusion, and the belief on the part of students, teachers, and the administration, that students who qualify should be allowed to exempt themselves, Roller said it is not impossible that the decision may be reversed before December, and students given exemption after all. “In public education, nothing is ever impossible,” Roller said.

feature

the

The Northridge Reporter october 30, 2015

influence

under

Tailgate culture breeds new generation of drinkers

Rebecca Griesbach & Sumona Gupta Managing and Entertainment Editors here was a time has worked the concession stand when “rowdy” for years. Today’s “overzealous” described a fans, she said, spend more time feverish crowd behind the gates than in the of high school stands. football fans, Before Principal Kyle riled from the Ferguson’s strong stance on thrill of the game. This was a discipline, she said she had time when police rode horses, and witnessed kids under the tailgating had its place on college influence at games. quads. As high school football Cross has never had to deal has evolved, however, “rowdy” has with them directly, though. taken on a whole new meaning. “The cops do that,” she said.

before high school tailgatES:

A supportive mother of majorette Abby Duncan, Amy Duncan follows every game. She watches the team’s drive against Bessemer City – taking care to note the contrast between high school football then and now. “The student section was probably like double this size. And it was packed, like that, every [game] day,” she said pointing to a relatively subdued student section, more occupied with homecoming chatter than the game itself. A member of Central High School’s dance line from 19891990, she was in Abby’s place once, but she recounts an era marked by a much more lively crowd. “People got carried… they would start at the top, they would pick somebody up, and they would like be lifted all the way down the crowd to the bottom, and then they would be lifted all the way back up through the crowd,” she said. “And sometimes, just put off the rail, at the bottom. It was extremely – rowdy.”

PRESENT DAY: That was a time when high school tailgates were unheard of, Duncan said. Nowadays, students gather around truck beds, concealing what was not so obvious in her time: drinking. Booster parent Carol Lee Cross

OUTSIDE PERSPECTIVE:

Standing just outside the ticket booth, Sgt. Brian Oswald of the Tuscaloosa Police Department surveys latecomers trickling through the gates. “We don’t generally have problems at Northridge games,” he said. “...You know, there may be a little friction [during rival games] but we don’t have problems here… We don’t tolerate fighting, we don’t tolerate people gathering up and causing problems and this, that, and the other thing.” However, Oswald realizes that covert drinking has occurred at football games for a long time. “I know [drinking] happens, because it did when I was in school umpteen years ago. But usually, unless we have an interaction with [drinkers], we’re not going to know about it,” he said. “The other students know about it, some of the teachers may get up and talk to kids who know about it… the kids are real – I haven’t noticed any this year.” Most reported incidents of underage drinking are handled by the school, Oswald said; police only investigate pre-game activities when tipped off by an outsider. “It’s a little more serious when we deal with them,” he said. “Matter of fact, the juvenile division will bring some of their guys out here in plain clothes a little while, just to monitor the

crowds… They’re wearing plain clothes, but [students] know who they are, so, they’ll be out here watching for things just as well as we do.” When the police take matters into their own hands, Oswald said it is usually with older drinkers. In fact, he said adults would come in so intoxicated “they could knock you down with their breath.”

STUDENT PERSPECTIVE:

While these attitudes may be new to some, a senior said that the practice of drinking during tailgates is almost “tradition,” stemming from what is learned from young adults during college tailgates and reaching all the way to children in middle school. “Well, we grew up with [drinking] at Alabama tailgates. I think it’s like, become a tradition to drink at a tailgate,” she said. “We do it at Alabama. Kids did it freshman year on the Quad and all that... I guess they thought they could get away with it, you know.” And that senior also alludes to the fact that it is common knowledge that students drink on school grounds. “You know people sneak it in their McDonald’s cup,” she said. “...School rules don’t really apply as much at football games. The rules feel very laid back, so it seems like there aren’t any.” Drinking, while almost always coupled with football, has bled into teenage culture itself, the senior said. She looked back on her earlier days, a freshman that didn’t see drinking as “much of an issue.” “I didn’t really know many people that did [drink] and if they did, then they were like the ‘labeled’ ones,” she said. “I think it’s grown a whole lot more. There are boys that I would never expect that would drink. There are girls the same way.” “The new generation,” she said,

has deemed drinking “the thing to do.” Brought on by peer pressure, it’s now become commonplace. “They think it’s cool, and then it becomes a habit by the time you hit senior year,” she said. High schoolers are also known to drink outside of school, and in that case, the senior said it is much worse than on school property. “...Sometimes when kids get drunk they get really…” her voice trailed off. “...It’s out of control. There’s no purpose in it any more. Drinking used to be a fun thing. To get buzzed. Now it’s dangerous…” Though she acknowledges the prevalence of underage drinkers, the senior does not think that it should not be made into a large issue on school grounds. “I don’t think we should get breathalyzed going into the game. They should just be more on top of people’s activity,” she said. “I think people think that alcohol is not a big deal at school. And that people aren’t gonna be that stupid to do it.”

h e concludes h e r thoughts w i t h simple reasoning. “I’m hoping [students] aren’t drinking on school property at all. What kind of idiot does that?”

underage

The Northridge Reporter October 30, 2015

REBECCA HAN, ART EDITOR

feature

KYLE FERGUSON, PRINCIPAL

Q: What are the consequences and expectations for students about underage drinking on campus? A: The Tuscaloosa City Schools has a Code of Conduct, and a lot of the offenses fall under it. .. There are some offenses

where the principal has discretion as to what they choose to do with it…my philosophy and my procedures about fighting are different, they vary a little bit from school to school, but I operate within the guidelines of the Code of Conduct. Each school is different, with a different culture and climate…we’re huge and just size alone, sometimes calls for different approaches to some of the discipline incidents. Some of the activities…as far as things that are illegal fall under a Class 3 offense. They have a specific set of rules and guidelines that we have to follow; there are some things that we aren’t allowed to use discretion on, such as drugs, alcohol. We have to refer them to the board regardless of the extenuating circumstances. There are some other Class 3 Offenses that we can use discretion on how we handle it, but we might base some of that on previous record. Is this a student that has a history or pattern of behavior, or an isolated incident? Offenses such as alcohol or drugs, no matter if you’ve been in trouble 30 times or one time, it’s handled the same.

Q: What are the expectations and consequences about tobacco use? A: You have to be 21 years or older to purchase or use tobacco [19 in Alabama]. It is an illegal activity, and I think it should

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be a Class 3 offense, but I…think it’s one of those things where you have to use discretion. If I catch a kid with a can of chewing tobacco or Copenhagen in his pocket, that’s no different than catching someone with a pack of cigarettes, whether you’re using them, possessing them; it’s illegal to have them, and the way we deal with that here on campus is five days in ISI. Other schools might suspend them, they have that right, it’s within the Code of Conduct. However, I try to avoid suspension if at all possible because I don’t like sending kids home. I’d rather they be here in ISI. I think it’s a more effective consequence because I get asked every week, “can’t you just suspend me instead of sending me to ISI?”, and I say, “Nope.” Unless you’ve engaged in something that’s a gross violation of the law, like possession of drugs or alcohol or something like that, I try to avoid suspending students. That way, they don’t fall behind, they’re here, they’re receiving a consequence.

“

You

know

people

sneAK it in

their

McDonald’s

cup.

f.y.i.

Students Weigh In: Do you think drinking is a part of teenage culture? 50

66 students polled

Information from Kristen Loper and Avery Hester

71% 29%

YES

Design by Rebecca Griesbach

addicted

Students can’t stop chewing tobacco despite risks nate hester assistant sports editor These three seniors have spent a e puts one in combined total of approximately in the $4,100 on this habit in the last five morning, right years. The $4,100 that they have after school, spent on dip would lead many to and after call this habit an addiction. “I wouldn’t say I’m addicted [to dinner. His friends dipping] at all,” Jones said. “I personally feel like I have it drive to school, stopping to under control and my mindset put one in is that addiction is something before their that is secondary to willpower,” he continued. first class. Another senior has a differing “I started when I was 12 years viewpoint on dipping. “Oh, absolutely. I’m definitely old,” John Smith*, senior, began. addicted [to dip], and I love it,” “My buddy stole White shared. it from his brother. According to the National We thought we were Cancer Institute, “Smokeless cool and tried it,” he tobacco causes oral cancer, said. esophageal cancer, and pancreatic “I started in 8th grade. cancer.” My friend told me that it Smith said he is addicted, but would make me feel good,” isn’t worried about the health another senior, Kyle Jones*, risks. In fact, none of the three said. seniors said that the health risks A third senior, Rob White*, will prevent them from dipping. started 5 years ago, his 8th grade “I’m never going to stop. I plan year. on dipping for the rest of my life,” “All of my friends did it, so I White said. tried it. I’ve been doing it ever “I think the health risks are since,” White said. BS,” White said.

“Yeah the repercussions are a little scary but overall I feel like I’m not taking a huge risk with it” Jones said. Smith bases his disbelief in the severity of health risks involved with dipping on personal experiences he has had involving people he knows. “I’m not going to be ignorant and say, ‘Oh dipping isn’t bad for you’. I know it’s bad for you, but it hasn’t affected me at all,” Smith said. “I know people who have dipped all their life, and yeah, they might have sensitive gums, but it’s better than smoking,” he said. Whether students say they are addicted or not, it is evident that they are. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, “Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain.”

19 WRITER’S NOTE: ur students lack the ability to consistently abstain from the use of dip. Our students are addicted. But is student addiction the real issue here? Or is it the lack of desire amongst students to quit?

*Names were changed to protect the identities of the individuals.

Student lifestyles revealed to revolve around unhealthy, illegal habits.

entertainment

The Northridge Reporter october 30, 2015

Is it Really Out of This World? Reviewer feels ‘The Martian’ doesn’t deserve its universal praise JAMES NIILER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

uch hoopla has been made over the release of space thriller, “The Martian.” Like many, I bought into the hype, but now having seen the flick, I’m not so enthused. Don’t get me wrong. In many ways ”The Martian” is a great movie. The premise is both fictional and believable. The dialogue is dry, witty and clever. The shots of the Jordanian desert, which in this case represent the Martian wilderness, are stunning. But something in this film seemed to me lacking and vaguely hokey. I’m not sure if it was the overly simple plot, the feel-good ending, or the lack of realistic conflict, but “The Martian” certainly wasn’t cut from the same cloth as films like last year’s “Interstellar.” Perhaps I’m being unfair – I loved “Interstellar” because of the bizarre plot twists and the intensity of the emotions contained therein. Nothing like that occurs in “The Martian,” and I’m sure my opinion of the former influenced my opinion of the latter. Of course, “The Martian” isn’t meant to be another “Interstellar,” as it shouldn’t. Nevertheless, the lack of depth in “The Martian” was problematic, at least for me. This film had a great deal of potential, but sadly came up short in the realms of emotional, psychological and adversarial drama. So what exactly is “The Martian?” Essentially, the way I saw it, it’s this: The year is 2018 or so, and somehow NASA has survived the immense budget cuts that seem to be constantly thrown its way. In fact, NASA is doing so well, it’s launched the Ares mission to Mars. While the crew is busy gathering data on the Martian surface, a horrid storm suddenly blows in, forcing early abandonment of the mission. Enter astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon). A trained botanist with a penchant for unnecessary swearing, he’s

Drake’s album released

JABRIA COLEMAN STAFF WRITER

Drake and Future’s secret album, What a Time to Be Alive, was released on Sept. 20 through Cash Money and Epic Records and distributed by Universal Music. The 11-track album was produced by Future’s friend and executive producer, Metro Boomin. The album includes songs such as “Digital Dash,” “Big Rings” and “I’m the Plug.” “It’s a little soundtrack for people that need it right now,” Drake told listeners. “I went to Atlanta for six days a couple weeks ago with the hopes of doing some songs with Future, and when you get around Future, it’s like a vortex: that guy can outwork anybody right now. It’s tough to see someone do four, five songs in one night and not try to match it.” What a Time to Be Alive is Drake’s second release of the year and Future’s fourth. Drake’s If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late dropped in February, while Future released the album DS2 in July.

injured during the escape and left for dead. Miraculously, however, he’s still alive, a fact which NASA later discovers. With a firm resolve to “science the s**t” out of the unfortunate situation in which he finds himself, Watney manages to literally create water, grow potatoes in his own excrement, and generally thrive (yes, he actually takes a Mars selfie) in a deadly environment, all while listening to 70s’ disco tunes. Meanwhile, his companions recline on Scandinavian-style furniture in their luxurious spacecraft, as they debate the ethics of returning for their estranged mission partner. Back on Earth, NASA manages to turn what could have been a major PR disaster for the organization into, basically,

a “#BringHimHome” campaign. A team of Earth’s best and brightest–from grim physicists in perpetually snowy Beijing, to a manic young rocket scientist with poor housekeeping skills – are ultimately able to do just that, through highly unorthodox methods and radio-communicated discussions that sound like an AP Physics lesson. The misadventure manages to unite the people of Earth as well, as we anxiously await the return home of our foul-mouthed hero. Looking at this film in its entirety, perhaps it’s more accurate to say “The Martian” is fictional and mostly believable. For me, the fact that Watney undergoes no psychological trauma while stranded in a hostile environment 50 million miles

away from everything he’s ever known just isn’t cutting it. Nor is making a bomb out of sugar or utilizing a tarp to get into outer space (don’t ask). For some, this may represent the triumph of science and human ingenuity, but for me, this represents the triumph of wishful thinking. The film’s weird interludes of forty yearold music nobody likes aren’t helping the situation, either. So go ahead and watch “The Martian” if you need a good two hours’ worth of entertainment and renewed optimism. It certainly did that for me. But if you’re looking for something that’s actually serious, you’re better off putting your $7.50 somewhere else.

Photo from MCT Campus

winging it “The Martian” revolves around astronaut Mark Whatney (Matt Damon), abandoned on an expedition to Mars, and his attempt to survive without human contact until the next manned mission arrives.

entertainment

The Northridge Reporter october 30, 2015 Cool Under Pressure Wagner Moura plays infamous Columbian drug lord Pablo Escobar in Netflix’s newest original series, “Narcos.”

Photo from MCT Campus

Netflix’s ‘Narcos’ packs a violent punch REBECCA HAN ART EDITOR

etflix has a history of delivering hit shows well loved by critics and audiences alike; see hits like “Orange is the New Black,” “House of Cards,” and “Daredevil.” Carrying on this tradition is the new crime drama “Narcos,” chronicling the violent rise of famed Colombian cocaine kingpin Pablo Escobar (played by Wagner Moura) and his ongoing battle with U.S. DEA agents Steve Murphy (Boyd Holbrook) and Javier Peña (Pedro Pascal). The story begins with the tale of Escobar’s beginnings as a low time hustler. Narrated through voiceover from Murphy, it’s a wild and bloody tale reminiscent of Martin Scorsese’s 1990 film “Goodfellas” with its heavy gang violence and liberal drug use. Interspersed in the action is grainy news footage of a drive-by shooting coupled with images of the real-life event. Such a narrative technique of voiceover combined with original news footage allows the creators to weave in the Colombian federal battle with drug traffickers and corruption with the American anti-Communist campaigns under Ronald Reagan. “Narcos” is a completely immersive experience, a far cry from shows that can be played while viewers scroll through their phone. Due to the heavy use of Spanish with English subtitles, it’s a show that has to be watched, not simply listened to, to understand what’s going on. The show is also extremely stylized, following in the footsteps of magical realism, “when a highly detailed, realistic setting is invaded by something too strange to believe,” a quote displayed during the very first episode. The beauty of the Colombian landscape is central to the story itself, from the rolling

green hills that hide Escobar’s mansion to the tight city streets and slums from whence he emerged. One character even says God made the land so beautiful, that, in order to even the score, He populated it with evil men. However, this level of stylization does become somewhat of a crutch for the show to lean on as the season progresses. A definite formula also emerges within the show a couple of episodes in: a politician/federal official/organization speaks out against Escobar, then is offed in a brutal fashion. Though thoroughly used, it’s never tired; the story rages on without a breath and keeps viewers entertained. Even among the heavy violence, the tale is never simply one of good vs. evil, either. Escobar, though barbaric, is illustrated as many characters at once; one moment, he is a burgeoning politician championing the cause of the poor, the next, a devoted family man, then, placing bounties upon the heads of police officers. The story belongs to him as much as it does to Murphy; it’s a shame then, when the character writing of Escobar is often very flat. For a show that desperately tries to delve into the mind of a notorious drug trafficker, the character writing is quite shallow, more often than not. It’s up to Moura to pick up the pieces, deftly adding multiple layers to the character simply with a flick of his eyes. Many other characters are often undeveloped as well; luckily, actors such as Pascal, Luis Guzman, and Maurice Compte make up for this shortcoming very well. Despite its flaws, “Narcos” is a show that never fails to entertain, with its fast action, sharp dialogue, and top-notch acting. It’s also one sure to get viewers interested in the real life tale of Escobar, which is far eclipses even the craziest of fiction.

Singer’s ‘unapologetic’ style defies norms KRISTEN LOPER STAFF WRITER

he bold and brave 21-year-old, Halsey, is the new breakthrough female solo artist. Taking over Tumblr with her “indie-pop” music and bold looks, she has developed a cult following. Halsey is her stage name, an anagram of her first name, Ashley. Her career began in early 2014, when she signed her first recording contract with Astralwerks Records. A few months later, her debut EP Room 93 was released. This EP helped raise publicity for her debut studio album, Badlands, released in August. This album features singles “Ghost,” “New Americana,” and “Hurricane.” Her music can be compared to artists like Lana Del Rey or Lorde because of her vocal range and complexity. She characterizes her new album “Badlands” as “an angry female record.” One of her many influences is the band The 1975, specifically lead singer Matty Healy, because of his lack of caring. When she was younger she went to his concerts, and eventually got to meet Matty, who later asked her if she wanted to open up for his band on tour.

FROM

Her biggest fear is being misinterpreted because she is very particular about how she comes across. She feels like being misunderstood would taint her authenticity. Halsey identifies herself as “tri-bi”: bisexual, biracial and bipolar. Her style is “super 90’s.” She even looks up pictures of DJ and Stephanie Tanner, from Full House, for outfit ideas. She is also constantly changing hair colors. She has had pink, white, blue, brown, purple, silver, blonde and black hair. Many love Halsey because of her brutally honest lyrics. Although some could take offense to these lyrics, many teens sing along because of the deep emotion in her songs. The unapologetic mood found in her writing makes her seem like more than just some average pop artist, but instead, someone who should be taken seriously; she is different. She writes for herself, not to please the ones who often judge her kind of style. Some people have told her that her music is too mature for her age, and that a teenager should not be singing about the things in her albums — that people will think the things she sings about are “unladylike.” Her producers trust her. If she has a crazy idea, they usually let her try it, because most of them have been very successful.

#whatdidzoeysay

Kid show returns with teenage twist FATEMA DHONDIA STAFF WRITER

If they remember far back enough into Nickelodeon’s prime, students might recall an episode of Zoey 101 that was aired over ten years ago, on Sept. 18, 2005. In that episode, the gang of Zoey 101 had to put something in a time capsule that represented themselves. Zoey ( Jamie Lynn Spears) chose to make a DVD. In that DVD she explained what her friends meant to her. Chase (Sean Flynn) was desperate to hear what Zoey said about him because he wanted to know if his true love loved him back. He tried to dig up the time capsule but stopped after realizing that what he was doing was wrong. This made me - along with thousands of other kids - really mad. Ten years later creator Dan Schneider wrote a very interesting tweet: “There’s quite the fun little surprise coming today. I’m smiling just thinking about the reaction. Stay tuned, y’all… ;)”. He then tweeted three hints. The first hint said that it had nothing to do with his current TV shows, the second day said that today was the day for some of the fans, and the last hint said, “It’s been 10 years. You’ve waited long enough :)”. Soon after that tweet,#WhatDidZoeySay was a trending topic on Twitter. The five-minute “What Did Zoey Say” episode premiered on Teen Nick, and was quickly uploaded to YouTube. The episode started with Chase proposing to his girlfriend Alyssa, but he was interrupted by his best friend Michael (played by Chris Massey). He said that he flew to California, rented a shovel, and went to PCA to dig up the time capsule himself. Then he handed over Zoey’s DVD to Chase. We found out what Zoey said about Chase and what this meant for their future. But most fans and I were collectively disappointed by the end of the video because it ended with the dreaded, “To be continued…”

10 sports

The Northridge Reporter october 30, 2015

Photo By Rebecca Han

Football team strives for playoffs NATE HESTER ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

The school’s football team is set to take on Dothan in the first round of the state playoffs on November 6th. After what has been a great season, the team holds an overall record of (6-2) and an area record of (3-2), as of Oct. 22. Following a huge playoff-clenching win on homecoming night over Bessemer City, the momentum for the Jags is at

an all-time high. However, Ronald McLaurin, senior lineman, said the team is remaining focused. “We know we can’t get a big head and go into the playoffs just thinking we are gonna win out,” McLaurin said. “We still have two more games to win before the playoffs get here,” he continued. The team will be seeking their first playoff win since 2011. “Every year the coaches tell us, ‘This is your year. How

do you want to remember it?’ and we promise ourselves that we are going to avoid seasons like the past,” McLaurin said. Donell Lewis, senior defensive end, has high hopes for the playoffs. “We play Dothan first, and I feel like we can beat them,” Lewis said. “But we’ll have to go out and play our hardest. Hopefully, we can get the win and host the second round of the playoffs.”

Senior commits to premier junior college Shamarkus Kennedy, senior, committed to the number one junior college in the nation, Chipola College in Marianna, FL. Kennedy said he has always wanted to go to a school in Florida. “Chipola is known for getting their players to [Division one] schools, and educational wise, they have a ninetyeight percent graduation rate,” he said. Kennedy said he wanted to go to Chipola before they called him. “I wanted to go there with my [friend] from County High,” Kennedy said. “When they texted me I was really excited.” Kennedy said the assistant coach at Chipola, Dominique Taylor, texted him while he was playing basketball. “He told me about the school and he wanted to come visit me,” Kennedy said. “About three days later, he talk to coach Brantley and me and gave me a full scholarship.” Kennedy said he wasn’t always a great basketball player. “It took a lot of work because in middle school, no one knew me. When I became a freshman, that’s when I started getting known,” he said. “I played one of the top players in the state in my first game when I was only 6’5. I’m 6’8 now.” Kennedy said coach Giddeon, basketball coach for Southview Elementary and Middle school, helped him a

lot, and coach Edwards was his first coach at Northridge. “I played six JV games with [Edwards] and then moved up to varsity,” he said. Jonathan Edwards, basketball coach, said he is “very” excited for Kennedy to go to Chipola.

“ He had natural,

God-given athletic ability.

“

DESTINY HODGES NEWS EDITOR

BOB BRANTLEY, BASKETBALL COACH

“I think it’s a great opportunity,” he said. “I think it’ll be a good opportunity for him to mature and get ready to take his game to the next level.”

Edwards said that when he first met Kennedy, he thought he had a lot of potential. “He’s started playing a lot harder than he used to play. He’s gotten stronger in the weight room, and he’s improved his skill set,” Edwards said. Edwards said Kennedy does it “all” for the team. “He can score on offense, he’s the defensive presence, he affects a lot of shots and he’s grown into a leader off the court,” he said. Coach Bob Brantley, head basketball coach, said Shamarkus is a great kid. “I’ve had the opportunity of coaching him for going on four years now, and I’ve watched him grow up,” Brantley said. Brantley said when he first saw Kennedy, he knew he could be great. “He had natural, God-given athletic ability,” he said. Brantley said Kennedy is the anchor of his defense. “I think he’s the best shot blocker in Alabama. He’s gonna pull down double digit rebounds every time,” he said. “The crowd lives to see his dunks. He’ll steal the ball, throw it up and go boom, and then the whole gym goes crazy.” Brantley said he is also very excited for Kennedy. “This is an opportunity that most people never get. [Chipola] is the Kentucky of junior colleges,” he said. Kennedy said he plans to visit Chipola by the end of October.

sports

The Northridge Reporter october 30, 2015

hard core

Northridge students become involved in new biking club REBECCA HAN ART EDITOR

he Tuscaloosa Mountain Biking Club held an informational meeting on Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. in the school’s library. The club is a local chapter of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, or NICA. The association, founded in 2009, aims to bring mountain biking to high schools across the nation by 2020, according to their official website. At regular practices, riders bike on local trails and in indoor gyms. Meets occur four times a year, usually in

spring or fall and cover distances of about 10 miles, lasting about an hour. Sophomores Wil Charles, Dylan Crotts and Jake Ellis helped bring the club to the school, finding their own interest in mountain biking over the summer. They approached Kyle Ferguson, principal, with the idea. “My dad was really into mountain biking, and I was really interested when I heard that one of his friends wanted to coach a team,” Charles said. He then spoke to friends about the idea, shared his interest. “I heard from Dylan and Wil two years ago at the end of eighth [grade] about the idea, and I was interested,” Ellis said.

Sports Column

Time for Derrick Rose to retire from NBA CEDRIC BROWN AND JORDAN HUTCHINSON

STAFF WRITER AND ASSISTANT The majority of the club’s members SPORTS EDITOR attend the school, with a couple still in NBA point guard and former NBA middle school. MVP Derrick Rose has been cleared to Crotts has been biking for two years. play this upcoming season. “It’s really fun. You get to see many Rose has suffered a torn right ACL, different places, especially when you go off- strained left hamstring, torn right meniscus, road,” he said. and recently fractured his left orbital. “When you’re out there, you feel the flow Rose’s career numbers have been and the power of the bike,” Ellis said. shortened, with him playing 304 games Sophomore Cameron Crouse, who throughout his career and only averaging also bikes, said that biking can be pretty 20.4 points per game in his seven year dangerous. career. “When biking, you have to be perfect In the 2012 season Rose didn’t play at with everything, because you’re moving so all, and in the 2013-2014 season Rose fast,” he said. “If you make one mistake, you played only 10 games throughout the 82 might go head over heels into a tree.” game season. Last season Rose pulled the

Cross-country team lacks experience but not enthusiasm SETH CUNNINGHAM VIDEO EDITOR

After the loss of many of last year’s senior runners, the cross-country team still has its drive for success. “We have really good leadership. If we had more seniors and junior runners we would have more potential, but we’re doing fine right now,” said John Niiler, freshman. Some runners think that the lack of seniors and experienced runners is a big problem. However, Mason Mitchell, senior runner, disagreed. “We have great runners already; freshmen are great,” he said. Many runners agree with Mitchell’s opinion and agree that the team skill and spirit is still high. “We always do it together as a team; we run together, we work together, we do everything together,” Justin Wang, sophomore, said. The team is doing well with what they have this year, Hunter Harris, sophomore, said. “As a team we usually finish around fifth place,” he said. Cross-country coach Jeff Sparks believes in the team. “We’re doing well. I tell the team to work Photo by Jeff Sparks hard and run hard. If we could recruit some READY? Cross-country team members warm up prior to the Crimson Classic invitational, more we could do better, but we’re doing good with what we have,” he said. held at the University of Alabama Arboretum, on Oct. 19.

Chicago Bulls to the conference semifinals, only to fall short to the Cleveland Cavaliers by two games. Should Derrick Rose retire? For us, we think it’s time. Rose will not only lose his career if he continues, but he may not be able to walk as well or run once he gets older. He is risking more than his playing future, he is risking his general future. We will give him credit however, that he has fought back from all of his injuries in the hopes of playing again. He has tremendous self-motivation in the fact that he could have quit whenever he wanted to after his ACL tear and no one would have thought less of him for it. Yet he kept on doing rehab and making sure he could play as soon as possible. Rose is a hard worker and he is an explosive player that can drive to the hoop in a matter of blinks, it seems. But we are respectfully saying that he should retire out of concern for his general health. Honestly if these injuries continue then Derrick Rose will be one of those players that becomes more of a liability than an asset. He will become a player that goes from team to team looking for the same success he had before and never finding it. Players like that are chasing a prospect that is impossible and something we all wish we could do: and that’s to relive the past. But sadly, the past is the past. We want nothing more for him than to see him play like he did in the 2010-2011 season when he won the MVP award. However, we feel like every time he gets injured he stabs another dagger into the hearts of Chicago fans and NBA fans. It’s time to give up on the constant roller coaster that is Derrick Rose’s career.

The Northridge Reporter october 30, 2015

e’s big. He’s bold. He’s brash. And he’s the Left’s worst part of a dreadful ‘Final Solution.’ This comparison is both bizarre and tasteless. Since when has nightmare. Donald Trump has raced to the top of the polls, despite dishing out punches and receiving them in return. Trump endorsed the KKK or the White Citizens’ Council? He Prominent liberals and conservatives alike predicted this hasn’t. The Left’s ridiculous reaction to Trump shows just how far it summer that the Trump campaign would fizzle out in a month or is willing to go to discredit its opponents. Trump is indeed a resilient individual for withstanding such an onslaught. two. But the man is invincible. His popularity seems to If Democrats want something to worry about in grow with every controversial statement he makes, and Trump rather than his imaginary ‘racism,’ his very there’s no sign he’s going away soon. real history of sexist comments should cause everyone What is the secret to Trump’s success? Hint: He’s concern. There is no excuse - none - for his deeply politically incorrect. Sometimes he crosses the line from offensive and utterly inappropriate commentary on political incorrectness into downright offensiveness. women. If Trump has enough political savvy as he does But the American public is tired of the Left’s making business sense - as well as a good heart - he must make mountains out of molehills for every comment that amends to women soon, and not just with halfhearted has even the potential to be hurtful. Therefore many are willing to tolerate Trump, despite his obvious flaws. JAMES NIILER apologies. Here is a man willing to stand up to the Democratic- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Trump’s sexism and questionable business record concern me greatly, and he will not have my vote soon. controlled mass media and the endless smear campaign Republican Nevertheless, it is understandable why people would it directs against conservatives, and emerge unscathed. support Trump. They’re tired of an insecure southern What about Trump being ‘racist’? Please. Trump doesn’t criticize Mexicans because of their skin color; he criticizes border, the politically correct thought police, and Congressional their uncontrolled illegal immigration into our country. But Trump’s Republicans who often concede to the Democrats’ demands. Liberals criticism is enough for certain Democrats to declare the Donald - kid themselves when they claim Trump is merely running for show, to have fun or delude the public. Trump is dead serious, and the you guessed it - the next Adolf Hitler. That’s right, folks: Donald ‘Adolf Hitler’ Trump is going to round truth is, leftists are deathly afraid that Trump, the most charismatic up Mexican-Americans and deport them to concentration camps as Republican politician in decades, might just win the White House.

Democrats overreact to Trump campaign

trumped

beat election 2016

north ri d g e

reporter

www.northridgereporter.wordpress.com

pages 6 & 7

There’s more than meets the eye.

friday night lights?

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est. 2003

Photo by Seth Cunningham

october 30, 2015 volume 13 issue 2