September 2018

Northridge High School 2901 Northridge Road Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35406

est. 2003

THE SEPTEMBER 2018

NORTH RI D GE

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VOLUME 16 ISSUE 1

Motivational group Hydrates students’ awareness of impact of social issues organization, so they presented the gospel, WILL MCLELLAND and did the salvation stuff, and had an altar EDITOR-IN-CHIEF On Aug. 21, a motivational group known call of sorts.”

W i l l o u g h b y ’s as Hydrate came to Northridge High School to promote student awareness favorite part of relevant social issues. The group had a b o u t visited both Paul W. Bryant and Central t h e High Schools prior to their performances e v e n t at Northridge. Two performances were w a s held for grades nine through 12, and an extended faith based performance was held later that evening.

Hydrate is an organization based out of Birmingham that began in 2007, and has been touring the Southeastern United States ever since. Rather than just teaching Photos courtesy of Hydrate Campus Tours Photoshop by Emily Matthews students about the seriousness of certain issues like dancing and being able to substance abuse, spend time with her depression, friends. Hydrate drew criticism a n d from some students as well, bullying like senior Arushi Kotru. through “They just couldn’t act,” Kotru said. “[Hydrate’s message] was really great, but I

“

We felt we’ve been able to reintroduce [character development] not through assemblies as they are, but through assemblies as they should be.

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speeches, Hydrate created a one-hour performance, combining rock and roll, video clips, rap, theater, and sharing personal experiences.

Some students appreciated what Hydrate had to say, like junior SaraMargaret Willoughby. While Willoughby enjoyed the first performance that students were required to go to, she particularly enjoyed the extended version held that evening.

“I loved it,” Willoughby said. “Obviously I went to the assembly, and I went to the one after school because they could actually say what they were about - they are a Christian

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don’t think t h e y executed it very well. There were some people who were good at acting, but there were just some

NEW BAND STYLE

people where I think they were doing this for fun, [and] they were not being paid.”

The one criticism that both students who loved and those who did not appreciate H y d r a t e ’s show had in common was that they never offered a way to get past one’s struggles.

S e n i o r Esclavon Prewitt, who loved Hydrate’s performance, and who expressed his wish for them to come back again, thought that they could have devoted more time to offering advice for teens in pain.

“I wished that instead of them just flipping the signs, they would offer a solution for when you get depressed,” Prewitt said. “They didn’t offer a hotline to call or something like that when you get depressed. [They d i d n’t tell

unimportant. Beck felt that it was his duty to provide students across the country with information that could improve their lives.

“In 2007, a lot of us community leaders got together and we were like ‘man, how can we partner with educators to really help bring the message of character development, [and] character education to students,” Hydrate founder Tim Beck said.

“We felt we’ve been able to reintroduce [character development] not through assemblies as they are, but through assemblies as they should be.”

During the one hour assembly, students were exposed to messages about the life choices of children their age, and the consequences of those choices. Hydrate devoted most of their time talking about drug usage, pornography, cyberbullying, alcoholic behavior, abusive families, and depression. Beck designed Hydrate in a way that he felt would resonate with students the best by giving them as much information as possible in as little time as possible.

“In the school assembly, we do everything a lot of the times in five minute increments,” Beck said. “[Generation Z] is the most brilliant generation on the planet that’s ever been because you’re able to not only receive information, but you’re able to receive it at such an accelerated pace, and so that’s why we hit you with so many different topics. There [are] so many things that stand against your generation that’s trying to suck life, and purpose, and future, and destiny out of you, yet we want to be the ones that come saying, ‘no, no, no,' we’re speaking life, destiny, purpose, and future into you - again, hydration.”

us] what to do when you get depressed to bring yourself up, to always have a person to go to.”

Tim Beck, the founder of Hydrate, said that he believes schools have labeled improving students’ personal and mental development as

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OPINION

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER SEPTEMBER 2018

OUR THOUGHTS At a recent school assembly, a group known as Hydrate came to promote lessons of character development to students. With a combination of dancing, singing, hip hop, skits, and video clips, Hydrate tried to inform students about making critical life choices.

Although their intentions were good, the content of their program and the delivery of their messages were inadequate for what they were trying to accomplish.

Hydrate did show that doing certain things in excess, like drugs and alcohol, is bad for one’s health, but they also inflated the effects of other issues. With some matters, they presented a problem with over exaggerated consequences and provided little to no solution on how to deal with those issues. The only thing that method of teaching “character development” does is leave students with a worried mindset, and unsure how to deal with their concerns.

The second issue on their list was one that of course

was an attention grabber to adolescents - pornography.

In their short animated video, they attempted to equate watching pornography with criminal substance abuse saying, “When you see pornography you over-expose your brain to chmicals - the same chemicals your brain releases with hard drugs.” Underneath the phrase “hard drugs” was a needle and a small amount of what appeared to be cocaine. First of all, that “chemical” in your brain is something called Dopamine, which is created not only when watching porn or shooting heroin, but whenever someone is doing anything remotely pleasurable, ever. However, this brings up a bigger issue than just cherry picking facts about human biology, it scares teenagers from asking questions and telling trusted friends and family about their problems.

To Hydrate’s credit, founder Tim Beck voiced his support for students requesting help when they need it when he was asked in an interview with “The Northridge

If you or someone you know is in need of attention and care, please consider using the following resources: GoodTherapy.org Betterhelp.com National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

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Reporter,” but even then, he said Hydrate’s purpose was to ‘identify the problem.’ Telling teenagers how miserable their lives are, making them feel guilty, and not giving any kind of legitimate path for a solution is not good enough when an organization doing all of those things claims to “hydrate” people’s lives.

Hydrate and groups like them need to treat teenagers with respect by actually providing helpful tips to students, like promoting talking to your parents about difficult issues, or seeking therapy from a professional, or providing a suicide hotline for those at risk. Positive change in students’ character development takes more than saying no to drugs over a sick beat - it requires maturity and genuine care.

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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NORTHRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL • 2901 NORTHRIDGE ROAD • TUSCALOOSA, AL 35406 • (205)759-3590 EXT.3432 Managing Editor Isaac Smith Feature Editor Emily Matthews Will McLelland Sports Editor Addison Taylor News Editor Isaac Smith

Entertainment Editor Caroline Ferry Opinion Editor Luke Martin Beat Patrick Johnson Art Editor Luke Martin

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 Board of Education.

Advertising and subscription: Contact The Northridge Reporter at (205) 759-3590 ext. 3432 or rlane@tusc.k12. al.us to advertise or subscribe to our paper.

Social Media Editors Kyla Dunning Luke Martin Website Editor Caroline Ferry Head Photographer Emily Matthews Cover Scarlett Maples

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 Will McLelland, Editor-In-Chief

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ENTERTAINMENT

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER SEPTEMBER 2018

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New movie, ‘Crazy Rich Asians,’ lives up to its hype CAROLINE FERRY ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

For weeks now it seems that everyone has been raving about the new rom-com, “Crazy Rich Asians,” and I would definitely agree that it deserves all of the good publicity that it has received. From the new-to-Hollywood all-Asian cast, to incredible plots and graphics, this movie has something to offer for every viewer.

Based on the book by author Kevin Kwan, the comedy is about Rachel Chu’s (Constance Wu) trip to boyfriend Nick Young’s (Henry Golding) hometown of Singapore.

Little does she know the wealth and standards of the Young family are more complex and extravagant than she ever could have imagined.

Throughout the story, Rachel faces the challenges of a judgmental family, jealous ex-girlfriends, and her own family history, all while exploring the the luxuries of Singapore. As a Chinese-American girl raised in New York, this trip is her first chance to experience her own heritage, and she won’t let any drama stand in her way.

Similarly, Nick faces the always watching eyes of his family who recognize the significance of his bringing his girlfriend home for his best friend’s wedding. However, unlike Rachel, he spends much of the week oblivious to their unprecedented and harsh judgments toward his girlfriend of two years. Still, it eventually does become clear to him that he must choose one or the other.

Overall, the plot of the movie immediately hooks and reels the audience into a lavish world of riches many can only dream of attaining. The talent of the actors and crew, combined with pristine sets and shots of the city, paint a complete picture of Singapore as well as the politics of ‘crazy rich’ Chinese families.

The producers also did a great job handling what could have been confusing transitions between characters and locations. With clever maps and graphics used as transitions, the potentially awkward clarifications actually seem to add to the whimsical mood and flow of the production.

Not only does the cast send a message about the lack of diversity in Hollywood, it also changes the game for female roles of any movies, especially those of the romantic

LEFT Actor Henry Golding and actress Constance Wu pose as their characters Nicholas Young and Rachel Chu on the whimsical ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ movie poster.

BOTTOM Characters Rachel Chu and Araminta Lee (Sonoya Mizuno) bid farewell to Nick Young as they depart for Araminta’s bacherolette party-weekend.

Photo from Tribune News Service

Photo from Warner Bros Bros/Tribune News Service

genre. Wu was able to convey a character that is strong and independent without emphasis of these characteristics in the plot. She creates a female role model whose strength is implied, rather than forced onto the audience as the entire purpose of the film. Still her character is romantic and feminine, proving to all women and girls that the traits are not mutually exclusive.

Last but not least is the incredible cast. The charming nature of Golding’s character as well as the relatable personality of Wu’s are perfectly balanced by the pure humor actor Ken Jeong and actress Awkwafina bring to the table

through their characters. Each individual elevates the entire film to a new level, and the unique combination of the cast sets it apart from any rom-com seen before.

I would recommend that anyone and everyone see this movie. If not for the beautiful plot or production, then to witness the talent of minorities that society can sometimes be ignorant of. You should consider seeing this movie if not for the incredible cast and character development, then for the important power that representation in the media has on youth. “Crazy Rich Asians” destroys ignorant excuses and sets a higher standard that Hollywood should be encouraged to live up to.

Ariana Grande’s new album, ‘Sweetener,’ gives fans a fun escape from predictable mainstream pop music ADDISON TAYLOR SPORTS EDITOR “Sweetener” by Ariana Grande is a pop idol fever dream, which features a combination of chill R&B elements, and innovative pop-funk components.

The child star turned pop sensation’s fourth studio album was released Aug. 17th and was met with mixed reviews from her dogmatic fan base. With praise for the progressive pre-released single, “God Is A Woman,” many fans were left with high hopes for the singer’s new album.

Furthering this anticipation and excitement, Ariana also pre-released two other singles, “No Tears Left to Cry,” and “The Light Is Coming.”

Photo from Tribune New Service

‘SWEETENER’ ALBUM COVER Grande’s new album cover is simple, yet eye-catching, and perfectly reflects the music it represents.

After listening to the released singles of the album to come, fans expected a high energy pop album, but were greeted by what we now know as an album more focused on themes and tropes of R&B, rather than a compilation of pop anthems, with many going as far as describing it as experimental.

In “Sweetener”, Ariana deviates from her submissive pop star stereotype, into a more mature character discussing developed themes such as femininity and dominance. Fans of Ariana can see these messages and themes in full effect all while she pulls attributes from a number of genres, the most prominent being a hypnotizingly lulling R&B sound.

The track, “Get Well Soon,” features a hidden tribute to

the victims of the Manchester Bombing which occurred during the singer’s concert in 2017. The song includes 40 seconds of silence at the end that makes the song’s durations 5:22, the date of the bombing.

Grande broke the global Spotify record for the biggest opening week by a female artist less than five days after the initial album release date.

Despite differing opinions, album performance does not lie. Overall, the artist executed a memorable comeback and proves to us once again that she is still a powerful competitor in the fierce pop music scene.

EMILY MATTHEWS FEATURE EDITOR

Hall Of Fame, and won the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She also performed at the inauguration of three U.S presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.

Not only was Franklin a powerful and renowned performer, she also played a large part in the civil rights movement. Franklin’s hit single “Respect,” originally written and performed by Otis Redding, was reworked as an anthem for not only the civil rights movement but also the feminist movement.

Franklin was buried on August 31 in Detroit, after a public viewing held at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Many artists such as Ariana Grande, Stevie Wonder, and Jennifer Houston performed some of Franklin’s greatest hits.

Aretha Franklin will be missed by many, and she will go down in history as one of music’s most talented and influential figures.

A tribute to Aretha Franklin, ‘Queen of Soul’ The “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin, died at 76 on August 16, losing a battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was born in Memphis in 1942 to gospel singer Barbara Siggers Franklin, and Preacher Reverend Clarence La Vaughan, who was a close colleague and friend of Martin Luther King Jr. After she lost her mother to a heart attack at age six, the child prodigy and her family relocated to Detroit where she blossomed in a church choir. Not only did she have a phenomenal voice, but she also was a talented pianist who learned to play the instrument by ear.

In 1961 she signed with Columbia Records. Her first major album to be released was “Aretha” which earned a place on pop charts. After five years, she and her manager/ husband Ted White moved her label to Atlantic records.

Franklin was best known for her hits such as “Chain of Fools,” “I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Loved You),” and “Jump To It.” Throughout her career, she won 18 Grammy Awards, became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll

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THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER SEPTEMBER 2018

FEATURE

TWO SCHOOLS The transformation of several high school students into one adult unit WILL MCLELLAND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF When the time comes closer to inspection, squad leader Mary Wilson yells, “If you are in this room right now, you are WRONG!” Wilson, a junior at Paul W. Bryant High School, and an LE-3 in the program, makes her cadets work as hard as they can. She yells, and she disciplines the students she is in charge of; however, that toughness comes from a genuine ambition to make them into better people. Wilson treats them the way she was treated when she was in their shoes - literally.

“I try to push them as hard as can be,” Wilson said. “We’re trying to get people to be where I’m at right now, so we’re trying to build them up to be leaders. To be a leader, you gotta be tough and know what you’re doing, so we push them as hard as they can go.”

For years, both Paul W. Bryant and Central High Schools have had a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps ( JROTC), b u t ,

Northridge has not seen the creation of such a program until now.

Since the beginning of the 2018 fall semester,

able to tie it into a bun above their collar.

One thing that is noticeable about the cadets and veterans of JROTC is their uniform treatment of people outside of the program. When someone speaks to them, no matter how old they are, they refer to them as “sir” or “ma’am.” While that common courtesy is prevalent in Southern culture, it’s not necessarily extended to teenagers, which is something that the students forcefully oppose.

It is not just the practice of manners and firm handshakes that JROTC is trying to install in them, but their strictness of their regulations that builds them into a uniform leadership body.

From the classroom, students walk into a small gym where they are inspected. Another notable thing about the way the class is run is that the instructors, Major Jason York and Master Sergeant Dustin Garig hardly participate in any of the inspections - the students do that for them.

C a dets in higher ranks like Mary Wilson and Tristan Williams among others, train and inspect all of the JROTC participants. Those in higher ranks do ALL BUSINESS Company commander Brandon Prince inspects drill performance

21 students have enrolled and participated every day in Byrant’s JROTC program.

Many students on the Northridge campus are completely aware of the program’s existence because once a week the cadets come to school in their military uniform.

Every day at 8:50 a.m., all of the Northridge participants get on a 25 minute bus ride to Bryant. The activities of the day vary from physical training to classes on military knowledge. On Thursdays, all cadets come to school in uniform for inspection. Walking into the JROTC classroom on a Thursday is chaotic. Students check themselves to make sure everything about their appearance is exactly how it’s supposed to be. Their boots must be tied tight at the top, and sleeves have to be rolled up above the elbow with a four finger width between the bottom of the sleeve and the end of the fold. For the males, hair must be cut regularly, with a zero to three inch fade, and females are allowed to grow their hair as long as they want, so long as they are

not wear the standard camoflash uniform; instead, they wear a dark green hat, dark brown pants, polished black shoes, and a khaki shirt with any decorations they may have earned over the course of their time in the program.

According to both Bryant students and the instructors in charge of the class, the group of Northridge students who have joined the program are doing well.

“It’s a new program for everybody, but there are a lot of fast learners,” Second Lieutenant Tristan Williams, said.

“There was a crowd of about nine or 10 who showed up for raider practice, which is an extracurricular activity where they do rope bridges, they run and every-

thing, and do a lot of physical activity.”

Williams, who is a senior at Bryant and signed up to join the U.S. Army this past summer, knows almost everything there is to know about the JROTC program at Bryant and is the executive officer, meaning he is second in command next to Brandon Prince, senior and company commander of the Bryant JROTC program.

Going into inspection, the cadets are lined up in a three by seven person group, all standing at attention as squad leader Mary Wilson reminds them of the way certain procedures are to be done.

Williams paralleled the groups positioning to a theme of uniformity, and that they are all one.

“If you look at them, you only see one line of people,” Williams said. “When they put up their left arm and look to their right, that’s called a ‘dress right dress.’ They’re getting their distance between each other, and then they’re aligning to the person to their right, basically making sure the formation looks right, and once they get the command cover they all cover behind or in between the person in front of them, so it’s just making it look like one person.”

Everything from the tightness of a cadet’s shoes, the mobility of their right foot, the angle of their hand for a salute, the way their neck snaps back when they repeat their assigned number, are all carefully observed and corrected by the high ranking officers. Even a failure to make sure that their hair is cut properly can result in serious consequences.

“First they’re going to be docked points off their inspection, which goes toward their grade, and after that, they’re going to be recommended for counseling,” Williams said. “Once they get counseled, they’re gonna be sat down with their platoon sergeant, and they’re gonna be told, ‘Hey, you need to get this in regulation’ and

if they don’t they’re gonna be docked a grade or kicked out of the class. We hold them to a high standard here.”

Passing through the group of cadets, Williams made a remark that could well be a

motto for JROTC. “You look all the way down these lines, there’s uniformity between each of them because they’re all wearing their cover the same way, they all have their sleeves rolled the same way - it’s all about one mind, one team, one fight,” Williams said.

The inspection and drill lasts roughly an hour.

JROTC is a program designed to instill discipline and leadership skills in

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER SEPTEMBER 2018

FEATURE

ONE TEAM

young students. The military aspect is almost regarded as secondary by both JROTC officers and the instructors themselves. Williams personally wants to join the Army, but he made it a point to mention that joining JROTC does not automatically make you “obligated” to join the Marines or any branch of the military.

Although most students join for the leadership experience, some genuinely do join for military purposes.

years ago,” Bryant said. “[My dad] was in the Army, and so that kinda made me interested. I’m not fully sure which branch I’d want to be in, but I know I want to be in the military. I was looking for something to help me get some extra information on it, so I wouldn’t go into [the military] blind.

I would’ve been in [ JROTC] sooner, but they just started it this year.”

Bryant has found her time in JROTC to be a helpful and interesting experience, beginning with the first few days when she was “beyond scared” because she was worried that if she did anything slightly wrong she would be yelled at. Bryant said that she is much more comfortable in her position, and she’s hoping to join the drill and color guard teams.

One thing Bryant has found that she was n o t expecting to get from the program was a bond with someo n e like herself. She talked about how she met a

these. So we’re gonna pull y’all out, about three or four people at a time, and then we’re gonna get you and personally inspect you on your drill. Everybody trackin’ that?”

Several “yes sirs” follow his instructions.

Williams and the other officers were testing LE-1 students’ (new recruits) knowledge on drills like left face, right face, about face, parade rest, adese, present arms - commands that are called out by the squad leader.

Kam Miller, senior, is an LE-1 like all of the Northridge students in the program, and like Bryant, he has a passion for the military. Over the summer, Miller attended a program at the United States Military Academy, more commonly known as West Point. Miller is hoping to go into the Air Force after high school, and he found the closest thing to participating in a daily military program is Bryant ’s JROTC

same opportunities as everybody else in the Tuscaloosa City Schools can,” he said.

The reason Northridge does not have an in-house JROTC program comes down to funding. According to York, the Department of Defense does not have the funding to properly invest in a program on the Northridge campus. With that obstacle in his path, York decided anyway -to recommend to Bryant’s principal, Lydia Edwards, to allow Northridge High School students to come to Bryant as a trial run for a dual JROTC program. Williams thought it was a great idea, and she passed on the request to the Tuscaloosa City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Mike Daria. York said Northridge wants a program but cannot guarantee when they will get the funding to start one, if they ever do. According to York, most cadets in the program don’t even sign up to join the military. York said that of the 120 students he had last year, only six of them pursued a military career.

Their mission is not to recruit high schoolers to join the military, it’s to make them into better people.

“What we tell our kids is that the skills you learn in J RO TC make you successful no matter what it is you

girl

choose Yo r k “The p l i n e,

who program.

“It took a Heather Bryant, junior, says that she joined because of a family connection to the armed services.

“I became interested in the military a few

fi-deals with some of the same issues that Bryant does at times and that their mutual understanding has allowed them to help each other and become close.

“We can help each other out with [our personal issues] or just be there to listen to each other, which personally I think helps the most. Sometimes, even if someone can’t do anything, just having them listen and understand what you’re going through helps a lot.”

After their uniform inspection, Williams informed the class what was going to happen next.

“We’re gonna do a drill test, alright? So basically, I’m gonna be on this clipboard, and I’m gonna give you a pass fail on

go o d t wo [ t o just-

w e e k s get aded to

JROTC],” Miller said. “At first it was kind of confusing because they tell you what you need to do, and they only tell you one time, so you get it there or you mess up.” Miller talked with a grin about how making a mistake in this program will get you ridiculed by your squad leader and earn yourself 20 push ups.

The reason Northridge is even participating in a JROTC program at all is because of Major York. York is passionate about what the Marine Corps can offer.

His joint office with Master Sergeant Garig is covered in Marine Corps memorabilia - American flags, uniforms, even on their fridge are two printed out memes of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, a famous character from Stanley Kubrick’s movie “Full Metal Jacket.” A student comes in to ask York if he has forgotten to write her a letter of recommendation, to which York replied lightheartedly, “I’m a dadgum Marine-I remember stuff !”

York knows the impact JROTC alone can have on a person’s life, and he wanted to make sure he could grant that experience to as many students as he could.

“The kids at Central have get [ JROTC experience] because they have a program, the kids at Bryant get it because they’re here, but Northridge doesn’t have a program, so we wanted to open it up to [the] students at Northridge to enable them to take part in the

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to do,” said. discit h e

self-condence,

AT EASE! Students stand at parade rest, awaiting orders from Second Lieutenant Tristan Williams. the organization skills that you learn are going to make you successful whether you’re going on to college, whether you’re starting a job, whether you’re starting your own business - whatever it is, those soft skills that we teach in here are what makes kids successful.” York served in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years, and when he retired, he wanted to hold a position where he could still be involved in the military, but be able to spend time with his seven children at home, so he became a JROTC instructor at Bryant. His colleague Master Sergeant Dustin Garig also served in the Marines for 25 years and did two tours in Iraq.

Garig emphasized that the program isn't “Northridge’s program” or “Bryant’s program,” but is the Tuscaloosa City Schools Marine Corps JROTC program.

That remark encapsulates the nature of the JROTC program, and it could be seen over and over again anywhere you looked - they are one. They are taught to stand, dress, move, speak, and operate the same way. As their motto states: “One mind, one team, one fight.”

Photos by Will McLelland Photoshop by Emily Matthews

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NEWS

Fine arts construction pleases students and teachers, despite some difficulties CAROLINE FERRY ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

This summer, the fine arts hallway, along with the rest of the school, went through renovations and construction to provide a more efficient space. Although most projects were completed before school began, teachers and students still had difficulties in preparing for and recovering from the construction.

For the theater department, it was especially difficult. Both students and theater teacher Donna Wright spent the last days of the spring semester packing and moving costumes, sets, and props out of the school to prepare for moving into the new workshop, just outside the auditorium.

“It’s the packing up a decade of stuff in a week," Wright said. "We still have two storage containers full because they had to remove everything from the stage."

However, the additional storage was much needed due to all of the different factors required to put on the performances.

“People are always saying to ‘clean out your stuff, get rid of some stuff,’ ” Wright said. “No, because when you don’t know from year to year what your budget is going to be. You keep things that you know you’ll end up using.”

In addition to the storage, the construction will also make moving sets in and out of the theater possible.

“Right across from the band room there’s a new set of double doors,” Wright said.

“And so I think their plan is we’re going

to move stuff from that storage shop. Not sure how that’s going to work yet, but we’ll figure that out.”

Overall, the changes for the drama production resources are helpful.

“It may not be exactly what I wanted, but it’s better than what I had,” Wright said.

Down the hallway, strings and band students are enjoying and adjusting to the differences in the practice rooms, as well as a new whiteboard wall added to the main classroom.

“There’s a new whiteboard, and I think it’s good because usually the band and strings have to share that same board and it’s really inconvenient," said senior Arushi Kotru. "Now we can divide the board in half.”

The classroom has also been altered to improve the acoustics of the space used for practicing all kinds of instruments.

“Our orchestra is set up in a curved manner and the back of the room is also set up in a curved manner [now], so the sound projects better,” Kotru said.

Other updates include reflooring of some classrooms and shifting the entrance of music practice rooms to inside of the band room for easier access. For strings students there were no inconveniences for the sake of the construction; however, senior Esclavon Prewitt argues that the money was not spent wisely.

“It’s not a big hassle coming out [into the hallway] and practicing, and they just spent all that money just changing [the practice rooms] a little bit over,” Prewitt said.

Band turns to new style for new year

Kotru agreed that the money could have been used more productively.

“They could’ve just gone ahead and added another room so strings could have their own room,” Kotru said. “The fine arts could have a few more classes a day.”

CURVED SPACE The orchestra practices in the redesigned band room. They can now be set up in a new format along the curved wall. The new entrances to the practice rooms, which have also been redone, are visible behind the orchestra.

Photo by Caroline Ferry

BRAND NEW Theater students try out the new double doors into the auditorium. (Xan Wright, Josh Deck, Sam Allen, Katie Grace Dockery) Photo by Caroline Ferry

Teachers adjust to temporary rooms

SCARLETT MAPLES COVER EDITOR

MARCHING TO THEIR OWN BEAT William Jockisch (trumpet), Isaac Burnette (trombone), Andrew Bolton (sousaphone), and Jacolby Jones (trombone) march and play in front of the “Asia” prop.

Photo by Sam Maples ISAAC SMITH MANAGING EDITOR This year the marching band switched from being a more traditional style marching band to a Bands of America (BOA) style band as the result of a decision by band director John Cain and some student leaders in the band at the end of the last school year.

In the old traditional style, the band simply marched and played, but the change in style brings new elements to the field show.

“We have props now,” junior Dylan Jackson said. “There’s a dance we have to do.”

The props complement the songs of the field show.

“They are made out of PVC pipe,” senior Henry Noffsinger said. “One side faces the audience, and there is a tarp draped over the front of it with a picture of a continent.

The three continents are Europe, Asia, and Africa."

The songs have also changed. BOA bands often play more difficult music for the field show compared to other styles of marching bands.

“The majority of the four songs that the band play out on the field are concert pieces that you’d play in concert band while seated, not out on the field,” Noffsinger said.

The theme for this year’s show is “music around the world.” The performance will

begin in Europe with an excerpt from “Fur Elise,” a classical piano piece by Beethoven, followed with a small piece of “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor” by J.S. Bach. Next, the band travels to Asia for “Variations on a Korean Folk Song” by John Barnes Chance and then to Africa for “Africa: Ceremony, Song, and Ritual” by Robert W. Smith.

The show ends in America with “Trooper Salute,” which is inspired by the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and arranged by Jay Bocook.

While many are excited about the changes, the new style also means that each song brings unique challenges.

The band starts hidden behind the props but comes into view for “Fur Elise.” “Africa: Ceremony, Song, and Ritual” requires the band to put down their instruments and dance. And “Variations on a Korean Folk Song” is in three four time.

“Typically we march in songs that are in four four,” Noffsinger said “We’ll have to step off on alternating feet whereas you’re normally told to step off on your left foot at all times...It messes with your marching.”

Different members of the band have differing opinions of the style change. I think the upperclassmen like the old style and the lowerclassmen like the new style,” Jackson said. “They like the dance and the props and stuff.”

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER SEPTEMBER 2018 However, Gloryann Estrada disagrees with the other seniors.

“I feel like before we didn’t have any room to do anything, and we were all just kind of crammed together,” Estrada said. ”So now it’s equal.”

Teachers along the English and history halls are currently displaced due to the ongoing construction in their rooms.

Construction began last year to remove the noisy air conditioning units and replace them with smaller, quieter ones. Dry erase boards were also taken out in favor of white board walls, and the rooms were painted and equipped with new sound systems and lights.

Many of the teachers who would be displaced began packing at the end of May, enlisting their students to help them.

English teacher Chelsey Moore came back over the summer to pack the last few remaining items into storage units before taking everything else to her new room.

“It took a lot of planning,” Moore said.

Others waited until closer to the start of school to begin moving. Government and economics teacher Nancy Reed packed up her things and moved to her new room the day before school started. The only thing left in Reed’s old room is her teacher desk.

“We were made aware [of when we needed to move] which made it easier,” Reed said.

History teacher Mallie Humber also moved in several days before school started. The rest of Humber’s things are locked in her cabinets until she can move back in.

“It took me about two days to move everything, and then I left a lot,” Humber said. “I just brought the bare essentials.”

Though it has not affected their actual teaching styles, teachers have been unsettled by being in a new room.

“I personally am less comfortable here because I don’t know where my things are,” Moore said.

Humber was also disoriented in her new room. Her new room is smaller than the old one, which Humber sees as a definite

downside.

“Sometimes it’s just hard for me to find my stuff when I need it,” Humber said. “[Things] just as simple as my markers or if kids are working on a project, finding my materials that they use for that.”

Technology has been an issue. What little technology they did have at the beginning of the year worked only half of the time. Projectors arrived the second week of school which created problems because many teachers had planned their lessons depending on technology.

The new construction has also been a bit of a burden for students. It was increasingly difficult for returning students to find displaced teachers’ classrooms and many students were late to class the first few days of school.

“They didn’t give anyone a hard time [about being late] because everyone knows all the classrooms are a mess now,” junior Akilah Gamble said. “It was just inconvenient and a waste of time.”

Though the construction environment is not ideal for school being back in session, the construction workers have done a great job working around the students and staff.

“I have to give big kudos to Harrison Construction because they have really gone above and beyond to make sure that our rooms are working,” Reed said. “I really appreciate everything that they have done. I know it’s hard with students in here to do their job.”

It is predicted that displaced teachers will be able to move back into their old rooms in various phases ending in December. In the meantime, Moore looks for the positives to get her through being displaced.

“I try to focus on my new room, my new board…not having to talk over the air conditioning unit anymore,” Moore said.

“It just doesn’t feel like home.”

SPORTS

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER SEPTEMBER 2018

Girls’ tennis team honored for 6A state championship during halftime ceremony

7

KYLA DUNNING SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

The girls’ tennis team celebrated their state championship during halftime of the first home football game on Sept. 1. Coaches Megan Liljenquist and John Cain felt that the ceremony being pushed back to the first fall game turned out to be the best idea.

“There was so much other stuff going on [during the spring]," Liljenquist said. "We decided on doing it in the fall for the first game.”

The players were excited for the trophy and recognition.

“It was exciting to be honored because tennis doesn’t get much recognition,” senior Allison Stegall said.

Liljenquist was elated that the team did such an outstanding job while doing something they love. Bringing this to the eyes of many of their peers helped them feel connected.

“It seems like a dream now, and it was absolutely amazing," Liljenquist said. "They’ve worked so hard to get here...it was wonderful to be a part of that team.”

“I like it [the ceremony being in the fall] because it gave a chance for them to be in front of a lot of their peers,” Cain said.

He went on to say how his busy schedule (as well as coach Liljenquist’s) during the spring still fits with tennis because of the dedication they are willing to give. The move of the ceremony from spring to halftime of a fall football game proved successful. Number six singles player Ana Caroline Sullivan recalled the ceremony as being a wonderful moment to have the spotlight alongside her teammates.

“It recognized our hard work and effort and made us stand out in front of the people we love,” Sullivan said.

SPECIAL THANKS TO MR. MARK L. BYARS AND ASSOCIATES WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT OF THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER

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STATE CHAMPIONS Tennis coaches John Cain (left) and Megan Liljenquist (above)

show off the State Championship trophy

Photos by Kyla Dunning

Cross country team anticipates good year ISAAC SMITH MANAGING EDITOR

This year is going to be the one.

At least, that’s what the runners of the cross country team are saying.

“I don’t think we’ve had better runners,” sophomore Forrest York said. “[Practice is] good. We’re working hard.”

They have been running harder and longer than ever.

Superficially, the team has had few changes from previous years. They’ve just added a few new freshmen, but beneath the surface, the students are working even harder.

“This is the best it’s been since I’ve been a freshman,” senior Adam Bolton said.

“We’ve been working harder than we have any year, and it’s looking like it’s gonna be a great year.”

The boys' team made state last year for the first time and hopes to build on that success with returning runners.

“This year we have four seniors, so we have some really good senior leadership on the team,” senior John Niiler said.

“This is shaping up to be the best team in Northridge history.”

The girls' team is also planning to qualify for state this season.

“This year I can tell that Coach Sparks is really serious about it, and he wants the girls team to qualify for state this year,” senior Hannah Irby said. “We’re gonna have a really good team this year.”

Some of the members of the team ran over the summer so that they could stay in shape for the season.

“We’ve been running longer over the summer to get the endurance, and now we’re working on speed,” Bolton said.

Organized practices for the entire team began on the second day of school.

“We either go for a run or we run intervals on the track or in Sokol,” senior Na-

than Shemwell said. "We’re usually there from about 2:15 to 5:30.”

Practices can be very difficult, but the runners also get some days to recover.

“On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday we normally have recovery days,” junior Kate Merritt said. “That’s just an easy 45 minute run. And then Tuesdays and Thursdays we normally go to Sokol.”

The only event in cross country running is the 5K which Shemwell said takes “a little under 20 minutes.” The race is run on trails, such as the ones in Sokol Park.

“He [Coach Sparks] takes us to Sokol so we can get used to the course because that’s where the sectional course is,” Irby said.

While there will be a few cross country meets in Tuscaloosa, the first meet for the boys' team was in Montevallo on Aug. 24.

The girls team did not run at the meet, which began at an unusual time: 9:30 p.m.

“Normally we have them in the mornings,” Shemwell said. “Saturday mornings.”

The late time meant that is was dark throughout the run, though there were lights to show the way.

“It felt weird, but it was a good experience,” Niiler said.

Some said the course for the Montevallo meet was difficult and while most of the team did not make personal records, they got 30th place as a team and Niiler got 15th place individually.

The second meet was in Odenville, Ala. in St. Clair county on Sep. 1. Both the boys and girls teams attended it.

“I’m trying to run a 16 minute 30 second 5K,” Niiler said. “I’m just trying to break 17 this week.”

Northridge attended the Chickasaw Trails Invitational on Sept. 9. Although Niiler did not break 17 minutes, the boys team took second place in the 6A division and is now the fourth ranked team in the state.

STUDY TIME Laura Lacoba studies her sheet music for choir in the courtyard. scared because I was traveling by myself,” PATRICK JOHNSON Lacoba said. “I did not know where I was BEAT EDITOR going, although now that I am here I am so looking forward to meeting new peoLaura Lacoba, junior, is one of four forple and having fun.” eign exchange students Northridge has As soon as Lacoba arrived in the welcomed this year.

United States, she realized that fast food “Going to an American high school has was a major part in the American diet. always been my dream come true,” Laco“As soon as I arrived in America, I was ba said. “Every Spanish teenager has alshocked by the popularity of fast food,” ways dreamt of going to an American high Lacoba said. “In Spain we are not used school with games, cheerleaders, and dancto eating so much fast food, so it was a es. Just like "High School Musical.” major culture shock for me.”

Lacoba comes from a drastically different While transitioning to living in Amerculture in Spain, coming from a city where ica for the year has been smooth overall, everything is in walking distance. there are still a few challenges Lacoba “I am from a little town in Spain that is faces. only two hours away from Madrid,” Laco“Although most would expect I would ba said. “It is extremely different than any miss home, I have not had time for that,” city I have visited in the United States, esLacoba said. “The biggest issue for me pecially Tuscaloosa. I can walk everywhere is not knowing the people at the school. in my city, it is also a very old looking town Making friends is definitely hard for me that has a church older than any I have seen to do. Although I am sure this is just behere.” cause I just arrived, and I will meet many Having to travel across the Atlantic ocean friends.” from Spain to the United States was a very Due to her studies in English since she exciting, yet scary experience for Lacoba. was three years old, Lacoba did not think “At first I was really excited but a little she would have many issues with the lan-

guage once she arrived.

“I thought English would not be a problem, but when I first got here, the first few days I could not understand very many things,” Lacoba said. “Although that ended up working itself out, the most challenging situation with the language is understanding the young people. They sometimes speak really fast.”

Lacoba is housed with Sarah Pierce, senior, whose family has welcomed her with arms opened wide.

“I’ve always wanted a sister," Pierce said.

"Me and my family knew right away we were going to love Laura even before she got here. We talked on the phone a lot, and when she arrived here it was like a movie scene when two friends run together and hug. It is a moment I will never forget.”

Lacoba has many goals that she hopes she is able to complete while she is here in the United States.

“This year my goal is to make friends that last a lifetime,” Lacoba said. “I know it may not be easy, but I am so excited to live this experience showing my best self.”

Spanish student excited to experience American culture

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