Northridge High School 2901 Northridge Road Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35406
est. 2003
THE OCTOBER 2019
NORTH RI D GE
www.northridgereporter.wordpress.com
REPORTER
The student est.voice 2003of Northridge High School
VOLUME 16 ISSUE 2
CREEPY CONTROVERSY
Northridge students raise awareness for climate change
JOSH ELLIS NEWS EDITOR/STAFF WRITER
As millions of students around the world take to the streets to protest the effects global warming will have on this world, students are raising awareness for and combatting this very same issue within Northridge High School. During the two weeks of strikes, Girls Learn International had discussions and presentations to raise awareness towards climate change and to formulate ideas of what Northridge can do to stop climate change, an issue which a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts could cost the world at least $54 trillion dollars if left unchecked. On Sept. 20, GLI began discussing climate change in its meeting. Seniors Jennifer Stroud and Charlotte Farrar gave a presentation on the effect that climate change is having. “The two weeks the climate strikes were happening, we weren’t able to actually do the strike or anything because we were in school, but both of our meetings were about climate change” Stroud said. “The first week, me and Charlotte did a presentation about climate. We talked about climate change and climate justice.” One thing that was a major discussion point was climate migrants, an estimated 24 million individuals each year who are displaced by climate or weather disasters, such as the 2,300 Puerto Rican families uprooted from their homes by Hurricane Maria in 2017 and still looking for permanent housing, all according to an article by the National Public Radio. “Climate migrants and refugees is something that is
becoming an increasingly big issue, but not many people know what that is,” Farrar said. “These are people who have been displaced by climate change, either within their own countries or having to cross international borders [because of ] some effect of climate change, usually something like drought or famine or a natural disaster has forced them to flee their homes.” Aside from climate change, Girls Learn International (GLI) discusses a wide variety of controversial and important subjects, ranging from sexual harassment and inequality to intersectionality and gun control. GLI has chapters in 30 states and 11 countries and supports organizations across the globe, such as Heifer International, an organization Northridge GLI has held fundraisers in the past for, which fights to end world hunger and
In the second week of striking, Northridge GLI watched Greta Thunberg’s speech to the UN Council, as well as things that can be done around the school to stop climate change. Many different options were brainstormed for making Northridge a more eco-friendly place. “We have been talking about different things we can do around the school like making sure people are recycling, maybe putting a [recycling] bin in the lunchroom, we’ve talked about composting and just doing things to be raising awareness all the time for climate change,” Farrar said. GLI member Carson Ledbetter (senior) has begun taking action to make Northridge more eco-friendly using her position on Northridge’s Student Government Association. “Currently, SGA has five teams of people who collect and sort recycling schoolwide throughout the week,” said Ledbetter. “The green recycling bins you see in almost every classroom are hand-sorted
“Climate change affects us every day
of our lives, so it’s important to be working on it every day of our lives. -CHARLOTTE FARRAR poverty. Mallie Humber, who sponsors the program, said that she never really chooses which topic the group talks about. “They choose the topics they want to talk about, so it’s really student-led,” Humber said. “They kind of pick what issues they want to discuss, and then their students are presenting about things, so I’m really just providing the space for them to have these conversations and support that. It’s really up to them what they want to talk about and how they want to talk about it.”
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by SGA members. This saves SO much waste from going to landfills. We are looking into expanding this program to the cafeteria as well.” In addition to these efforts, GLI and SGA both are continuing to work towards finding more ways Northridge can be more environmentally friendly. “Climate change affects us every day of our lives, so it’s important to be working on it every day of our lives,” Farrar said. Photos and graphic Tribune News Service
AT A GLANCE KISIMA FOR KENYA
DRUID CITY PRIDE
SEE PAGE 4
LAWN DECORATIONS
SEE PAGE 6
SEE PAGE 8
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THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER OCTOBER 2019
OPINION
OUR THOUGHTS
Scary ACT changes may [ help scores, but not students
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staff members... AGREE.....4 DISAGREE.....0
CAROLINE FERRY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ACT announced this month that they will allow students the option to retake specific subjects within the test rather than having to retake the entire test, including subjects you have scored
sufficiently in. The changes being made to the standardized test for college admissions may improve students’ scores, but they will only serve to hurt these high schoolers in the long run. It really is extremely annoying. As a senior, these changes for next year won’t affect me at all. Juniors will be used as guinea pigs if
they dare to brave the changes in their last opportunities to take the test next fall. Everyone else: teachers, underclassmen, college admissions offices, and parents, are left swimming in uncertainty. All in all, this change seems quite shocking and scary. Being able to retake specific sections seems like a dream come true. In general, students struggle with one or two of the subjects more so than the others simply because of natural inclinations. Beyond that, being able to study for and then take one small portion at a time would improve scores alone just because of the stress it takes off of students. So it’s great, right? What’s wrong with improving everyone’s scores? The thing is, admission to college and scholarships which judge standardized scores are basing it around the range of scores throughout the country. If every-
one starts to dramatically improve these scores, colleges will be forced to raise their standards for scores, how many tests taken, or both. They may even decide to use extracurriculars to distinguish one 30 from the next, raising the already high expectations for well-roundedness and involvement in high schoolers. It’s impossible to determine exactly how college and scholarship boards will react to these changes, making it even more difficult for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. No matter what, I don’t think colleges will make adjustments that make the college application and admissions expectations easier for any student. While I can’t read the future, judging by what I have learned about colleges, the ACT, and high school in general over the past four years, I only see the ultimate repercussions of these changes as negative. As scores begin to get closer and higher, the game that is college admissions has higher expectations and higher stakes. And that game is already pretty demanding as things are right now. A lot is expected of us within these four years of our lives. Having five more community service hours or membership in one more club shouldn’t determine the value of a 17 year old, but unfortunately that’s how we have to look at things. On that note, good luck to this years’ juniors, and have fun with this next year.
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Want to submit YOUR letter to the editor? Stop by room 109, or contact one of our editors! Art by Sarah Wagenheim
est.
THE NORTH RI D G E REPORTER The student voice of Northridge High School
est. 2003
Northridge High School • 2901 Northridge Road • Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 • (205) 759-3590 ext. 3432 Editor-in-Chief/Front Page Editor Caroline Ferry Managing Editor Addison Taylor Feature Page Editors Caroline Ferry & Addison Taylor
Sports Page Editor Patrick Johnson Opinion Page Editor Tory Polion Entertainment Page Editor Tory Polion News Page Editor Josh Ellis
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.
Cover/Beat Page Editor Ryan Robinson Business Manager Tory Polion Head Photographer Ryan Robinson Cartoonist Sarah Wagenheim 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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THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER OCTOBER 2019
ENTERTAINMENT
NO JOKE
3
The birth of an iconic supervillian
PATRICK JOHNSON SPORTS EDITOR
As superhero movies have continuously increased in popularity over the past few years, director, writer, and producer, Todd Phillips, switches things up and creates “Joker,” a film based on the supervillain from the Batman movies. The film allows one to truly understand how an unsuccessful clown and stand-up comedian becomes one of the most iconic villains in the Batman comics and movies. The movie begins slowly so that the audience can truly get to know how Arthur Fleck ( Joaquin Phoenix), also known as the Joker, went from being a depressed professional clown to a vengeful villian seeking revenge on society. It’s 1981 in Gotham City, the fictional metropolis in which Batman resides, where corruption is predominant city wide. Fleck is shown to be a castaway of his society. He is physically beat and bullied by his peers, which could be explained by his mental disorder that causes him to have an unmanageable laugh that is usually triggered in bad situations. Despite being on multiple medications, he is unable to be a functioning person. Some of the more gruesome scenes that depict him being physically harmed honestly left me with a sense of empathy for Arthur. Throughout the beginning, he continuously mentions his sadness and loneliness, which quickly turned into hatred and
29%
29%
spite. Arthur becomes close to one of his neighbors, Sophie Dumond (Zazie Beetz), who is a single mother. Rather quickly, the two seem to become romantic, which is odd because Sophie did not seem to be one to date someone like Arthur. Any empathy we may have developed for Arthur quickly vanishes as his descent into evil begins. In one scene, located in a subway cart, you see Arthur become the Joker as he viciously shoots a group of people. After this scene, it is easy to lose interest in the movie. You came to see how the Joker came to be, and that task has been completed. Afterwards, the movie begins to push anti-capitalistic values, which honestly has nothing to do with the Joker. “Joker” beautifully depicts how a depressed and socially ostracized man descends into a ruthless murderer. While “Joker” was definitely successful at keeping me entertained, the movie PUT ON A HAPPY FACE Actor, Joaquin Phoenix, delivers a powerful performance as the Joker in seemed to be unnecessarily dark this supervillain backstory. with no scenes that lighten the Photo by Niko Tavernise/ Warner Bros. Pictures mood.
TOP 3 HALLOWEEN MOVIES
37% TOP 3 HALLOWEEN MOVIES
37%
Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus It ItThe Nightmare Before Christmas 122 responses, poll conducted and created by Tory M. Polion
The Nightmare Before Christmas
122 responses, poll conducted and created by Tory M. Polion
34% Christopher Taylor, D.M.D Brant Gentry, D.M.D
34%
300 Towncenter Blvd., Suite A Tuscaloosa, Al 35406
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FEATURE
THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER OCTOBER 2019
LENDING Northridge students are finding ways to g
‘Kasima for Kenya’: Freshman raises money for a water well
Most of the kids were “found near the school,
OH, WELL Women sit by a water well similar to the one Struthwolf is raising money for. The ability to access clean water strengthens health and expands the opportunities of those nearby.
abandoned. Just seeing those people, being able to talk to them, and talking to some teachers who can translate, it’s just really amazing -ERIK STRUTHWOLF
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Photo from Tribune News Service
SCHOOL IS COOL Students at the Kakuyuni School for the Deaf in Kenya eagerly learn from their teacher. Education, especially for the deaf, is fairly hard to access in Africa. Photo courtesy of Erik Stuthwolf Graphic from rawpixel.com
QUALITY FACE-TO-FACETIME Struthwolf and his partner have had the opportunity to Facetime some of the students. Photo courtesy of Erik Stuthwolf
CAROLINE FERRY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Erik Struthwolf, freshman, has spent the last year raising money to provide a water well to a deaf school in Kenya. The initiative started as a middle school project, but has grown into something very meaningful for Struthwolf.
“We presented it at my old middle school, Magnet Middle School,” Struthwolf said. “I wanted to do something related to that as my passion project which is this kind of project we have at my school but it usually only goes to the end of the year. Since we weren’t done, we’re still working on it now, because we’re trying to get to the goal.”
Out of the $12,000 needed, Struthwolf only needs to raise $3,333 with his project partner, Trenton Robert, a freshman at Central High School. “We have spoken at several clubs, like the Lions Club,” Struthwolf said. “We have a website where we’re able to get money through the school because we aren’t allowed to accept any physical donations.” The project, named Kisima for Kenya, supports the The Kakuyuni School for the Deaf in Kenya. ‘Kisima’ means water well in Swahili, the language of Kenya. “For a lot of the students the school is also their home,” Struthwolf said. “Actually, for most of the students. In Kenya, if you do have a disability, you are seen as a monster, a burden to the family.” Struthwolf has been motivated by the opportunity to help real people, even if they do live on the other side of the world. “I think the best part is we actually facetime with the students there,” he said. “Most of the kids were found near the school, abandoned. Just seeing those people, being able to talk to them, and talking to some teachers who can translate, it’s
just really amazing to see their living situation.” Struthwolf has been working on the project for a few hours each week, planning fundraisers and collaborations, and preparing to expand the project after their goal is reached. “Right now, I’m still trying to get to the Rotary Club,” Struthwolf said. “If its stagnant for a while, I just do things like planning. I have found out a lot of skills, like, if you’re trying to reach an organization, often times you have to email like 12 different people before someone responds.” While already ambitious, Struthwolf doesn’t plan to stop at one water well. This project has opened his eyes to an area of work he could see himself pursuing longterm. “Once we reach our goal, I want to turn it into an official nonprofit, so I’m doing plans for that,” he said. “Like, how I need to raise money, and getting the certification; stuff like that. I want to be able to own a non-profit. That’s a goal of mine.”
THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER OCTOBER 2019
A HAND give back to the community and the world
FEATURE
5
Ledbetter helps to make lives better at Camp ASCCA
PATRICK JOHNSON SPORTS EDITOR Having a school with so many extracurriculars students partake in that require service hours, it is no shock that many students are avid volunteers. Carson Ledbetter, senior, spends her summer months as a volunteer counselor for ASCCA, a not so typical summer camp. “Camp ASCCA stands for Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults,” said Ledbetter. “It is a summer camp aimed at providing people with different abilities an authentic camp experience where everyone is equal. They have ropes courses, zip lines, water slides, and sports designed for people who would not be able to experience it otherwise.” While Ledbetter is at ASCCA she spends her entire day helping the campers get ready, eat meals, and do all of the camp activities. “I love being able to help out the campers because I know many of them would do anything to be in my position, so I want to give them the best camp experience they can have,” said Ledbetter. Working with people with different disabilities has helped Ledbetter realize that people are more alike than one may think. “ASCCA has taught me that everyone wants the same things,” said Ledbetter. “We all want to be included. We all want to share experiences. We all want to be a part of something greater.” Ensuring every camper is enjoying their time at ASCCA is Ledbetter’s main goal as a counselor. “When I first began volunteering at ASCCA, I hoped to give the kids and adults a good time so they would have something to remember,” said Ledbetter. “I wanted them to feel like they fit in. Many of the campers have been attending ASCCA for most of their lives, and their favorite part about camp is not being the odd one out for once, so I wanted to make sure everyone felt right at home.” While many people volunteer to boost their resumé, that was not on Ledbetter’s mind when she first began working at ASCCA. “When I started working ASCCA at age 15 building a resume and getting college acceptances definitely was not something I was thinking about,” said Ledbetter. “I work at ASCCA because helping the campers and other counselors makes me feel so productive. It’s a good
feeling to know you are contributing to the best week of someone’s life.” Working at ASCCA inspired Ledbetter to join other organizations at Northridge in order to spend more time with kids with disabilities. “I am working with SGA and Ambassadors to improve our relationships with Northridge’s transition hall to make students there feel just as included as they do at camp,” said Ledbetter. “It has definitely made me more empathetic and I want everyone to feel that they fit in somewhere.” It is not always easy being a camp counselor, but Ledbetter remembers why she is there to power through the difficulties. “When being a counselor gets difficult, I remind myself these campers would do anything to be in my position,” said Ledbetter. “I am grateful to have the abilities I have been given, and I am glad I get to use them to help others. The campers are only there for one week, and they look forward to that week all year. When it gets difficult, I remind myself it’s one bad day for me, but might be their best day of the year.” Working at ASCCA is one of many ways Ledbetter helps out the community by volunteering. “I am also vice president of Civinettes,” said Ledbetter. “My job is to coordinate volunteers and donation items for community service events throughout the year. Collectively, Civinettes volunteers more than 6,800 hours a year and raises several thousand dollars’ worth of donations. I do my best to make sure each service project gets the number of volunteers they need, and that our girls are doing all they can to help.” Being able to step out of your comfort zone is a must for anyone considering volunteering as a counselor at ASCCA. “To any new counselors or anyone considering it, I would encourage you to step
out of your comfort zone,” said Ledbetter. “Leaving your comfort zone will allow for you to make the most out of your time helping the campers.”
OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE Carson Ledbetter, senior, encourages students to try volunteering, even if the task seems daunting. Photos courtesy of Camp ASCCA/ Carson Ledbetter
BEST FRIENDS Through Camp ASCCA, Ledbetter has made friends with both counselors and campers.
Photos courtesy of Camp ASCCA/ Carson Ledbetter
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I am grateful to have the abilities I have been given, and I am glad I get to use them to help others -CARSON LEDBETTER
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TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK Ledbetter works with other high school and college students at Camp ASCCA to help meet the individual needs of all campers. Photos courtesy of Camp ASCCA/ Carson Ledbetter
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THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER OCTOBER 2019
NEWS
Germans arrive with the Sister Cities exchange ADDISON TAYLOR MANAGING EDITOR
The Sister Cities 2019 Germany exchange is coming to an end with the arrival of the German host partners. During the summer, students from the Tuscaloosa City Schools, including a few Northridge students, participated in the exchange program, visiting Schorndorf, Germany for two weeks. The group were able to stay with their German host families, and now it’s the Germans’ turn to stay with their American hosts. October 16 marked the official arrival of the Germans to America. The group last saw each other this summer when the Americans left Germany and were re-
cently reunited at the Jemison Mansion in Tuscaloosa where the Sister Cities office is located. Reagan Christian, senior, participated in the exchange and looked forward to reuniting with her host partner, Pauline. “I want to make a poster for when I do meet her to make her feel more welcome,” Christian said. Because the Americans went to Germany first, many students appreciated that they were able to become comfortable with their host partners before they arrived in America. “I definitely believe that staying in Germany first helped me get to know her better,” Christian said. “It’ll be an easier transition.” Sage Sneckenberger, senior, also par-
LONG-AWAITED REUNION Ana Caroline Sullivan, senior, embraces exchange partner Clara Bruegel after almost four months apart.
Photo by Lisa Keyes
ticipated in the Germany exchange and agreed that meeting his host partner before he came to America made them feel more comfortable around each other. “Now I know him a lot better,” Sneckenberger said. Beforehand, students prepared thoroughly to ensure that their partners felt at home when they arrived in America. “I’m definitely going through and cleaning my house,” Christian said. “I’m going to make sure she gets a whole room for herself when she gets here.” Sneckenberger added,“And I’m taking off work and setting up trips.” As for the activities Northridge students plan to do with the Germans when they arrive, many hope to take their host part-
ners to their favorite spots in Tuscaloosa and acquaint them with our town culture. “There is a football game going on while she [host partner] is here, and I hope to at least tailgate or go to it,” Christian said. Sneckenberger also plans to take his host partner, Tim, somewhere. “I will most likely be taking him to a cattle farm in south Alabama,” he said. But by far, the American students wish that their host partners feel welcomed in America just as their partners made them feel in Germany. “I hope she enjoys Tuscaloosa as much as I love living here,” Christian said. “I hope she leaves the US and wants to come back again someday.”
ALL TOGETHER AGAIN The students and families involved in the exchange program gather in front of the Jemison Mansion for a group photo. The Germans students will be in America for around two weeks with their host partners. Photo by Lisa Keyes
SAFE SPACE Students attend Druid City Pride Festival ADDISON TAYLOR MANAGING EDITOR During October in Tuscaloosa, Druid City Pride, a non-profit community organization, hosted many LGBTQ+ events, which culminated with the celebration of their fourth annual pride festival on Oct. 6 at Government Plaza. A few Northridge students were in attendance. The festival featured an appearance by the Emmy Award winning actor, Leslie Jordan, along with performances by a few drag queens and other musical groups. In addition, vendors, organizations, and small businesses from across the state sold everything from hand painted rocks to jewelry made from crystals. Russel Howard, president of Druid City Pride, expressed that his goal for the festival has always been to create a space where everyone’s differences can be celebrated rather than stigmatized. “My hope is that people see the diversity that is in West Alabama and they celebrate it,” Howard said. “And to hopefully make people feel proud of who they are.” Many appreciate The Druid City Pride Organization for their goal of promot-
ing the incorporation of diversity into Tuscaloosa’s culture. “John,” a Northridge junior, feels that what the organization does is important, especially in a place like the South. “I think that Tuscaloosa is kind of in a transitional stage,” John said. “I know this is only the fourth year it has been going on, so I think there’s room for growth. I doubt we’ll ever be New York, but I think that the efforts that are being made to be inclusive, to have a place for people to come together, I think that’s really important.” “Anna,” freshman, said that this was her first time attending a pride festival. “Leading up to the festival, I was very nervous,” she said. “I didn’t even think that I would be able to go that day.” Anna said that just being able to attend a pride festival meant a lot to her, and she hopes that Tuscaloosa will become even more open to the LGBTQ+ and the celebrations which relate to their cause. “Pride to me means being able to feel safe and comfortable in your own skin,” Anna said. It’s not so much about pride as it is about being safe and being able to just be and not having to hide.”
RAISING THE FLAG The LGBTQ+ flag flies over Government Plaza during the Druid City Pride Festival. Photo by Addison Taylor
SPORTS
THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER OCTOBER 2019
7
Freshman runner breaks Northridge record CAROLINE FERRY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Mary Mac Collins, freshman, has already broken Northridge Cross-Country records in just two months of high school. At theTCBY Invitational on Sept. 21, Collins ran a 5k in only 19:39:93 minutes, beating both her personal record and the Northridge girls team’s best time. Collins is very proud and honored to have made her mark at Northridge so early in her high school experience. “It’s just a cool thing to accomplish because not a lot of people do that,” Collins said. Collins began her running career just two years ago in the seventh grade at Rock Quarry Middle School. “I needed to get in shape for basketball,” Collins said. “I also just wanted to do it, I guess...I just found out that I can be pretty successful in running.” Coach Jeff Sparks was both excited and nervous to have such a talent moving up to the high school level. “In my mind, when you run across an athlete like this where you can see their talent, your thought process is my number one job is to figure out how not to mess this up,” Sparks said. During track season, Collins runs the 800 meter, the mile, and the two-mile, sticking to her long-distance strengths. “I don’t know which [cross country or track] is my favorite,” Collins said. “It just depends on how the season is going.” While running can be a frustrating sport, Collins stays motivated by the
RECORD BREAKER Reagan Oliver, Betsy Vise, and Mary Mac Collins celebrate after Collins breaks the school record at the TCBY meet photo by Leigh Collins competition against other talented athletes and herself. “I just have that competitive drive, I guess,” Collins said. “I don’t want to do bad.” Still, Collins has bad days just like any other athlete, despite her motivation and ability. “Yes, I definitely have off days,” Collins said. “It just depends on my mood of the day.” Outside of running, Collins rides hors-
es. In her eyes, it is equally important to her as running, and her coach understands that too. “For her, she likes riding horses; she has a horse, his name is Billy, and she likes Billy too,” Sparks said. “As she gets further along she may choose to take that other road. There are equestrian teams in college too. Later on, she may decide to do that.” When she isn’t competing or training athletically, Collins likes to spend time with her friends and family.
“Family and my church values are most important to me,” Collins said. “I really heavily value those.” Collins is unsure if she will continue competing after high school as she is still a freshman and college is far away for her. “It all just depends,” she said. “I’ll probably run just to stay in shape, but I don’t know if I will competitively. We’ll see when we get there.” Even Sparks knows it may not be her passion. “I can’t try to play God over her and tell her that’s no good,” Sparks said. “She’ll have to make that decision for herself. I just have to try to help her be the best that she can in our sport.” Still, Sparks is grateful and excited for the spirit she has brought to the team, especially the fourth period class. “I just think of those sayings of the ant and the rubber tree plant,” Sparks said. “When you see that workout posted on the board and see someone doing it, some of those people with the talent jump on board. Overall, I like to think that they look at her and say, ‘If she can do it, I can do it.’” While Sparks hopes she is an encouragement to other athletes, he isn’t quite sure how having this new talent affects their attitudes. “I mean they have that expression ‘to each their own,’” Sparks said. “I just think everyone has to try to do the best they can for themselves, but certainly we have that vision to look at on a daily basis.”
School spirit thrives despite losing record PATRICK JOHNSON SPORTS EDITOR
Although the football team has a losing record this school year, other aspects have allowed for an overall great season. “It’s been the best year of football so far, but I hate to see it coming to an end,” said Alex Cull, strong safety/outside linebacker and senior. Obviously, I wish we had more success on the field this year, but overall I have been very happy with how we have grown as a team and fought together on the field.” While losing a game is never ideal, the team handles it well and strives to improve their performance. “We have dealt with adversity pretty well,” Andrew Fairburn, linebacker and senior said. “Meaning not getting down after a tough loss. If we continue to work hard then the remainder of the season will work itself out.” The team continues to grow close and
be there for each other on and off the field. “The atmosphere and brotherhood on this team is unlike anywhere else,” said Cull. “It is always the best part of my day seeing those guys and being able to play with them week in and week out. We are there for each other like you would be there for family.” Even though the football team does not have the best record, Fairburn said it is not a good basis to judge the talent of the team. “Our record does not reflect the hard work that this team puts in day in and day out,” he said. “We have had a hard schedule. We are a lot better than a one-win football team.” Staying positive is the best way to continue improving the football program. “For the most part, we have kept a positive attitude throughout this season,” Fairburn said. “We have had to get rid
of a few players who did not have a good attitude. Our program is better because of that.” Winning the homecoming football game against Brookwood was very memorable for Cull. “We had a great week at practice and were so motivated going into the game; I knew there was no way we would fall short,” he said. “The locker room after the game was the craziest I’ve seen it since the Hillcrest win last year. It is a memory I will never forget.” Sid Elkins, senior, has spent his last year as a high schooler as a flag boy at the football games. “Being a flag boy has been by far the greatest opportunity I have received in high school,” Elkins said. “There is no greater feeling than picking up those flags with some of your best friends and sprinting with them waving majestically in the air to celebrate our team’s touchdown.
SCHOOL SPIRIT Flag boys run down the sideline after the football team scores a touchdown.
Knowing that a student section of 200 plus kids is there to watch you perform is so exciting.” School spirit continues into the cheerleading section at the football games. “I have loved spending my senior year as a cheerleader,” Mollie Butler said. “Even when the game is not going our way, I love to be down there cheering to keep everyone hype. You do not need to win the game to keep a good attitude.” The football team holds their head high as they play their last few games of the school year. “In order to finish the year strong, we need to play as a team,” Cull said. “We cannot point fingers after tough losses and drop our heads. We have to pick each other up and work together to accomplish one goal, which is to play our best to win.”
photo by Ryan Robinson
THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER OCTOBER 2019
Photos by Ryan Robinson
“Our grade as a whole in our design process drew and planned a little over our heads sometimes... We always have a backup plan, even though we haven’t run into any major hiccups. Drew Verzino is really good with computers and technology, he came up with a rendering and ideas for the float... In the middle is Donkey Kong, and we have a jaguar holding a football as Donkey Kong and we have footballs tumbling down instead of barrels. On the far right we have our Mario Kart, but we decided to call it Jario Kart, like someone vandalised it a little bit.” - RIDGE DUNN
3RD PLACE The junior class took third place with their video games-inspired float.
“Our float portrays ‘Wheel of Fortune.’We keep running out of white paper, which is the only problem I’ve come across personally. The design of our float was a group effort, and my favorite part is being able to hang out with people in my grade.” - ANNA-FLORENCE WILLIAMS
The sophomore class took first place with their “Wheel of Fortune” spinoff float.
1ST PLACE
“We’re doing board games so we chose to do Monopoly. We don’t know how to pomp. Our jaguar looks too furry. I am getting kinda stressed. Our jaguar didn’t stand up by itself. We had a whole design committee. Bayley Welborn drew the picture [for the float], and I think we’d consider her in charge. My favorite part [of the float] is the jaguar I made.” - SARAH MITCHELL
The freshmen class took last place with their “Monopoly”-inspired float.
LAST, BUT NOT LEAST
“We represent the casino scene, so it’s a Las Vegas theme. We took it in a different direction from what everyone else was going to do. The props are tak ing a little longer than we thought, but we did have a few complicated props. The class officers designed the float. We sat down together and jotted our ideas down... My favorite aspect of the float is going to be the slot machine.” - JAAN KHAN
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The senior class took a close second place with their Vegas-inspired float.
2ND PLACE
Gaming up to beat the Panthers
2019 HOMECOMING FLOATS
8
BEAT
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OCTOBER 2019 VOLUME 16 ISSUE 2
REPORTER
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