Spring 2018 Nighthawk News Magazine by Steve Hanf

#enough â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Students make their voices heard. But is gun control the answer?

WHAT’S INSIDE

ON THE COVER

Photo by Michaela Kelly/Nighthawk News Students gather in the rotunda on Wednesday, March 14, during First Flight’s response to the nationwide walkout one month after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, that claimed 17 lives.

olded arms, glassy eyes, solemn faces – the polar opposite of what students look like during most assemblies. But this assembly was not a celebration. For 17 minutes on March 14, students outlined the perimeter of the rotunda, standing in solidarity to honor the lives taken during the Valentine’s Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Organizers of the walkout, seniors Arabella Saunders and Leslie Jennings, emphasized that anyone was welcome to attend – or stay in class – and that the event was held to raise awareness of the increased number of school shootings. Saunders and Jennings also made sure students put their political differences aside to honor students who were no different from our own. Senior Kiersten Lewis recited a poem written by Alex Schachter weeks before he died in the Parkland shooting.

“A lot of this stuff hits really close to home because it’s very personal and very relatable and is something that affects me and every other person in this high school,” Lewis said. “I know that if I don’t make the changes I want to see, then the changes won’t happen, so I felt like I needed to go up there and speak.” Among the crowd of more than 600 students and faculty stood senior Brooke Kelly wearing a navy blue shirt with “Parkland Strong” written in bold white font across the front. Kelly wore the shirt to support a close family friend who attends Marjory Stoneman Douglas. “She was in the school, and her little brother was at the middle school next door and he said he had never felt that sort of terror where he didn’t know if his sister was alive,” Kelly recounted. “So he decided to start this fund to raise money to pay for the funerals and designed these T-shirts and he’s

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#ENOUGH: Students speak up #ENOUGH: Is gun control the answer? Human trafficking happens here, too Local coffee shop reduces plastic waste Let the pros stick to tattooing? Staff superstars: Ms. Pat & Ms. Stevens Iulo leads a special group; hey, nice ring! Vlogging fever; orthopedic opportunity Artists in the Spotlight ‘Grease’ is the word Our view: Staff Ed, Hawk Talk, letters Driving double take; spring suffering Sleep deprivation; body positivity More than taping ankles; shooting team Haynes makes a comeback for baseball No time to re-lax; star returns to Wilson Chatting with Coach; sports briefs FFHS Sports cards – Collect them all!

been selling them online. I think so far he’s raised like $20,000.” Kelly bought the shirt at https://teespring.com/stores/support-parkland-victims to silently voice her opinion. “I wanted to wear it to show my opinion on the whole situation: that this needs to stop,” she said. Nighthawk News covered the walkout in various ways, from running a preview story and video explaining what would take place to providing live coverage of the walkout itself on Facebook and Instagram. The Facebook Live video had as many as 63 people watching during the livestream. Remarkably, more than 9,000 people have since viewed the video on the Nighthawk News Facebook page. The QR Code

at the end of this story will link you to the video if you’d like to be part of this powerful moment. While several students took photographs during the event, we are grateful that Aaron Jennings – working as a substitute teacher that day – shared the image that would become this month’s cover. His wide-angle shot from above captured the moment beautifully. – From the Editors

spring / / 2018

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# En o u g h : st u d en ts m a k e Students walk out with the feeling of empowerment The murmurs die down as students and faculty turn to look at senior Arabella Saunders. Saunders then looks into the many eyes of the crowd and starts to speak about an issue that has been more than a little controversial in our nation. One at a time, the chosen speakers each give their prepared speeches. Their messages appear to resonate with the audience. The short speeches feel much longer, as the seriousness of the messages weigh down their words. By Emmy Trivette Staff Writer

t the FFHS walkout on March 14, three students and Principal Tim Albert stood in front of a crowd of more than 600 students and faculty and spoke about the issue of gun violence and how it has affected the school, the community and the country. Junior Shane McKenna led a moment of silence for the Parkland victims and senior Emma Bancroft closed the ceremony by speaking about the Unity March against gun violence that took place March 24. “I thought the walkout went very well,” said senior Arabella Saunders, one of the lead organizers. “I was expecting about 200 participants based on how many RSVP’d through the ActionNetwork.org, which I tweeted out. Over 600 students and teachers showed up, and they were all very respectful and supportive, which I thought was amazing.” In her speech, Saunders raised awareness that the tragedy that shocked Parkland can happen here as well. As the co-organizer of the event, senior Leslie Jennings encouraged students to voice their opinions about the issue despite judgment from others. Though unplanned, senior Kiersten Lewis recited a poem written by Alex Schachter, one of the Parkland victims. The poem was Schachter’s interpretation that, “Life is like a Rollercoaster.” The speeches left a lasting impression on the listeners. “I was just proud to be a Nighthawk,” senior Summer Tonnesen said. “I felt a lot of this because

Photo by Aaron Jennings/Special to Nighthawk News Students observe a moment of silence during First Flight’s participation in the national school walkout on March 14. Senior Brooke Kelly wore a ‘Parkland Strong’ shirt to the event in honor of those killed last month in Florida. this series of events has been about my senior project on gun violence and student activism in schools.” Some felt relieved by the behavior of the students participating in the walkout: “I expected that many people to come, but I didn’t expect that many people to behave the way they did,” junior Carrietta Classen said. Others, however, anticipated a mature and courtesy crowd. “With a situation as sensitive as this, I didn’t expect anyone to act out,” senior Maddie Ball said. After the walkout, the general opinion stood that the event was well organized and led impassioned participants to start thinking about how they could make a change. Some were surprised about the success of the movement. “I didn’t think it was going to be very organized, and that we would just be standing in silence, but I actually got kind of worked up a little bit,” junior Heidi Sabatini said. “I really liked the fact that there were speakers, they read the poem, and opened the floor for other speakers.” Added junior Kayla Hymiller: “I wasn’t expecting it to be as powerful and moving as it was. The way Arabella and Leslie worded everything made me want to make a change and speak up more.”

Photo by Michaela Kelly/Nighthawk News Seniors (from left) Emma Bancroft, Arabella Saunders, Leslie Jennings and Kiersten Lewis spoke during the walkout, which was attended by more than 600 students and staff members. Students and staff agreed the movement was very well put together. “I like to see communities come together. I was impressed by the students, and Mr. Albert,” counselor Kyle Eaker said. While the event was meant to evoke change in the school community, including persuading students to register to vote, the walkout also was seen by more than 9,000 people via a Facebook

Live video. With the messages of Saunders, Jennings, Lewis and Albert reaching so many people, it’s easy to argue that the walkout had a positive impact on the community. “Afterwards I felt really empowered, really happy with my school and their involvement with the situation,” Ball said. Sophomore Emmy Trivette can be reached at trivetteem0626@daretolearn.org. spring / / 2018

their voices heard Negative reactions won’t silence our generation

n the Outer Banks, we are small-town my school, many of my peers later told me they people. We are Sunday-afternoonsat frozen at their desks, anxiously asking their sea-glass-hunt people. Hurricane-reteachers if this was planned. They said their lief-fundraising people. Far-too-exeyes went wide and their lips pursed taut and cited-about-Publix’s-grand-opening people. they grabbed the hands of their best friends, Fourth-of-July-fireworks-and-tie-dyed-shirts silently asking themselves, “Are we next?” people. We are the small-things-in-life people. Thankfully, we were not. But planning and participatThe schoolwide fear suring in First Flight’s #Enough: rounding the fire drill coupled National School Walkout has with the discovery that I had forced me to realize that no a personal connection to the matter how small and seemingParkland shooting caused ly idyllic my home is, the Outer me to pen an opinion story Banks is not exempt from the for NighthawkNews.com. I hateful side of people. wrote about a young girl at my Talk of a walkout at FFHS dance studio whose 18-yearbegan less than 48 hours after old cousin, Meadow Pollack, Nighthawk Notions the Parkland shooting. It startwas shot and killed at Marjory Arabella Saunders ed with an Instagram account Stoneman Douglas. The story created by an anonymous high school student. was so well received by my peers and members of The student was planning the demonstration for this small-town community, I planned an interest April 20, in line with the National School Walkmeeting on gun violence for concerned students out spearheaded by 15-year-old Lane Murdock. during study hall. I spread the word via Twitter. We, as concerned students, were interested. On Monday, Feb. 26, I gathered in a classWe had seen the footage of Marjory room with 30 other students. Together, we deStoneman Douglas High School students fleeing cided to participate in the national event schedtheir school that February morning, hands uled for March 14 and began planning. By the thrown above their heads in a twisted kind of end of the meeting, we had chosen to hold the surrender. We had watched the heart-wrenching walkout inside our school’s rotunda and agreed interviews with boys and girls breaking down in to seek support from our school administrators. tears while describing their best friends being The following afternoon, Leslie Jennings and I shot and killed in front of their eyes. We had met with Principal Tim Albert, who welcomed gaped at the photos of parents crumbling to the our idea for the walkout with open arms. ground, clutching their chests and crying out Using ActionNetwork.org, I created an online for their dead children. event page for the walkout that would allow Though impactful, those heartbreaking imstudents to RSVP. I shared the link to the page ages were not what grabbed our full attention. all over social media and watched as other stuRather, it was the chilling realization that the dents did the same. In the first five hours, over comforting yet foolish phrase “that could never 60 people pledged attendance – I was thrilled. But then I received a text from Leslie: “Check happen here” was no longer viable. Some kind of action seemed necessary, but OBX Locals Facebook group,” it read. April 20 was over two months away. The text included no further description, And in those 48 hours after Parkland, I began but seconds later, I knew I had come across the to ask myself, “What’s next? And how will I play correct post. In roughly 15 sentences, a mida part in this movement?” My question was dle-aged Outer Banks resident expressed his answered with a newspaper story and a routine thoughts on the proposed April 20 walkout. fire drill the following afternoon. “Don’t these kids realize that 4/20 is smoke The fire drill came first. I was in the cafeteria weed and get high day? How can they expect anywhen School Resource Officer Billy Essick told one to take them seriously?” us about a drill. “Lock down?” I asked, assuming I was appalled that this man, who had taken that was the drill he was referring to. “Routine all this time to pen such an outrageous post, fire,” he said. Seconds later, the alarm sounded had failed to do a quick Google search and learn and I scurried outside. that the proposed April date was also the 19th It wasn’t until fifth period that day that I reanniversary of Columbine. Then, I checked the alized the significance of that drill. The drill was comments. As I sat there scrolling, I grew stiff routine, yes, but an error in the school’s email with an unsettling mix of sadness and rage. system had left students and teachers in the dark. They were cruel. They were bitter. Some were With the absence of notification about this drill, threatening. All were charged with a divisive some of my classmates weren’t just unprepared, tone similar to that of the political state of our they were terrified. The tragedy that took place nation today. in Florida just days before had began with what I fired back. In 315 carefully chosen words, I students and teachers believed was a fire drill. explained the reasoning behind the date of the In those moments after the alarm sounded at April 20 walkout, and the details of the walkNighthawk News Magazine / / news

out I was planning on March 14. I expressed my concern for my safety in school, my appreciation for the adults who had supported us students thus far and my disdain for those who resorted to belittling us. Eventually, I logged off. But I was still uneasy – my hometown wasn’t this safe haven isolated from the cruelness of society like I had been raised to believe. Those people who I was told would discourage me from standing up for myself weren’t just “out there in the real world,” they were right here in my backyard. Nevertheless, I continued planning the walkout. I contacted potential student speakers for the demonstration. I set up a workshop during study hall for students to send letters to their representatives. I kept sharing news about the walkout on social media. At 10 a.m. on March 14, I stood in front of over 600 of my peers and teachers and delivered a four-minute speech about my response to Parkland. The entire 17-minute demonstration was live streamed on Nighthawk News’ Facebook page and has now been viewed over 9,000 times (not bad for small-town). The hundreds of comments on the post are positive – thanking students for speaking out, praising administration for being supportive. On another local news source’s Facebook page, an article about the walkout had been shared. Many comments there, however, are not as encouraging, including this one from a local woman. “The same kids that walked out of classes today are the same kids that disrespect their parents and those in authority...smh at babies trying to run the country – get your butt back to class and graduate.” This time, I did not fire back. I read a few comments, promised myself I would never let the world make me bitter, and logged off. Planning and participating in this walkout has instilled in me the importance of using my voice despite others’ judgments. There will always be others in opposition to your cause. There will always be people who believe your age defines the validity of your voice. There will always be those who push while you pull. But it is movements like National School Walkout that give people everywhere a voice. It is students like the survivors of the Parkland shooting who are facing backlash from all sides in the midst of their grief and are still prevailing over their opposition – and inspiring others to do so as well. It is people like the supportive community members on the Outer Banks of North Carolina who maintain my faith in this small town, and give me hope for my future. The National School Walkout is only the beginning of a movement that grants young people a powerful voice. Onward and upward. Senior Arabella Saunders can be reached at saundersar0214@daretolearn.org.

# En o u g h: i s g u n c o n t ro l Gun Shack owner not shy about gun control debate By Hannah Ellington and Grace Sullivan News Editor and Social Media Editor

he first thing that hits visitors at the Gun Shack in Powell’s Point is the wall of semi-automatic rifles. The long guns seem to stare down from their perch. In the corner sits a semi-automatic with a cylinder so large it’s hard to imagine what on earth it could be used for. The hard, unyielding weaponry might be menacing to some, but for others these scenes are part of everyday life. That’s where Jason Belangia, who has owned the Gun Shack for five years, enters the picture. At a glance, it’s easy to notice the little things about him, like the tattoos on his arm or the gun at his side – he keeps it on him about 90 percent of his day. Walk around his shop and chat with him for a while, though, and you discover that beyond this intimidating exterior is not only a pro-gun business owner, but a father who wants a change in the wake of the Parkland, Florida, shooting. “There’s something that needs to change, I’ll agree with that,” Belangia said. What that might be, however, remains open to debate. Belangia has heard it all when it comes to the gun control debate, and he isn’t shy with his opinions on the topic. Take the argument of raising the age of buying a gun from 18 to 21. “Can I tell you that every 20-year-old is mature enough to handle a firearm? No, they’re not. Is every 40-year-old mature enough to handle a firearm? No,

Photo by Ashlee Geraghty/Nighthawk News Jason Belangia stands behind the counter of his store, the Gun Shack, in Currituck County near the H2OBX waterpark. Belangia views gun control as a complicated issue with more questions than answers. they’re not,” Belangia said. “The issue is more a society-driven thing than an actual age.” Which leads to one common question people on both sides of the argument ask: Where do you draw the line? “If you’re going to tell me that somebody 20 years old is not capable enough to make a decision with a firearm, are they capable enough to vote?” Belangia questioned.

Information compiled by Arabella Saunders/Nighthawk News

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#ENOUGH: A history of gun control in America Graphic by Arabella Saunders and Dagen Gilbreath/Nighthawk News

“Where does that keep going? There is a huge lack of accountability and responsibility for individuals.” Then there’s the idea of banning weapons such as the one used in the Parkland shooting, the AR-15 – a common semi-automatic rifle. As an owner and seller of AR platforms, Belangia sees these weapons from a different perspective and takes issue with the term “assault.” “The verb ‘assault’ means on

2nd Amendment is ratified – “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

the offense, engaging in conflict,” Belangia said. “A true military weapon will be an assault weapon, which are generally fully automatic, select fire, whereas the industry likes to call them ‘modern sporting rifles.’ If you ever hear me refer to it, it’s an AR-platform, an AK-platform, a semi-automatic rifle.” Belangia said there is a common misconception, especially after the Florida shooting, that

1938

1968

The Federal Firearms Act (FFA) is passed, requiring gun manufacturers and dealers to obtain a federal gun license. It also barred convicted felons from purchasing guns, and called for gun sellers to keep customer records.

FFA is replaced with the Gun Control Act (GCA), which banned importing guns with “no sporting purpose,” raised the handgun purchase age to 21, barred felons and those with mental health conditions from owning guns. spring / / 2018

the right answer? all gun shops do is “give everybody these high-capacity magazines or AR-platform rifles.” But it’s actually just a small portion of his business. He doesn’t want them banned, mentioning that his 13-year-old son uses one in shooting competitions. “I don’t want to say the stereotypical answer that every pro-gun person wants to say – ‘the gun’s not the issue,’ ” Belangia said. “But in that particular instance, my son knows right and wrong. He would not even fathom misusing that firearm, regardless if it is one bullet or 30. It can hurt an individual or multiple individuals in a manner that couldn’t be reversed. One bullet is just as dangerous as 30.” That’s why background checks matter so much. While Belangia said he reserves the right to refuse to sell a weapon to anyone, if a background check comes back clean, the Gun Shack has the green light to make the sale. When a person decides to purchase a gun, they must fill out ATF Form 4473, which is a six-page firearms transaction record from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Then, the gun seller has a portal to log into the FBI to do a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). “When I enter all your information into the system, they’re putting it into their database, which can be flagged by different entities,” Belangia explained. What sometimes gets missed, however, are potential gun buyers with mental health issues. Belangia believes this aspect needs to be addressed and said the NICS program could again come in to play. “If we can find infrastructure

where the mental health community can report stuff and flag it – I don’t need to know that you saw a psychiatrist for X-Y-Z, just flag it if it was a dangerous thing,” Belangia said. “Do they think that you’re capable of handling a firearm or not? That’s going to take a lot of work, but I think that’s as solid a solution as I’ve heard.” For sure, Belangia likes improving the screening process a whole lot more than arming teachers. “Does every teacher need to carry a firearm? Not no – hell no!” Belangia exclaimed. The Gun Shack owner has a clear idea of what a teacher would need to go through to be eligible to have a firearm in school. “I believe they need to go through the same firearms qualification that a law enforcement officer does and the same quals every year,” he said. A two-week firearms class. A minimum qualification once a year to hit a target from 25 yards away. Shooting in a combat course. “A combat course means there are multiple decision-making targets. Moving, getting winded, getting excited, getting your blood pressure and heart rate up, because that changes everything, affects your mechanical skills,” Belangia said. “And then the people need to be vetted pretty well, both mentally and physically. I know that might sound silly, you know – ‘firearm equals the playing field.’ Not necessarily.” Not where his son is concerned: “If my youngin’ is involved, I want somebody that can meet all that criteria.” Juniors Hannah Ellington and Grace Sullivan can be reached at ellingtonha1214@daretolearn.org and sullivangr1129@daretolearn.org.

1986

1993

Congress passes the Firearm Owners Protection Act which prohibits national registry of dealer records and allows dealers to sell firearms at “gun shows.”

Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act amends the GCA to require background checks to legally purchase firearms.

Nighthawk News Magazine / / news

Speaking from experience

Kaleb Keeton

unior Kaleb Keeton recently sat down to chat with reporter Reagan Pearson about the success of the FFHS Shooting Team. Their interview took place just weeks after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida that left 17 students and teachers dead. Inevitably, the conversation eventually shifted to Keeton’s thoughts about the shooting and how events such as these impact the lives of other Americans who own guns. Here’s a little of what he had to say: “I was taught from a very young age the safety of firearms along with the value of life and the very serious consequences that could come about if these safety principles were not followed.” “(The Shooting Team) teaches us the safety and great responsibility that comes with firearm ownership from a young age and it is constantly being fed to us at every practice.” “The Second Amendment gives me the God-given right to keep and bear arms to defend (myself) and my family against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that this right shall not be infringed in any way, shape or form.” “Whether you are out with your friends at the range on a warm weekend brushing up your marksmanship skills or you’re in the duck blind on a cold brisk morning waiting for the next set to fly over, there is a certain camaraderie that comes along with going out and actually shooting firearms. There is a uniform understanding of the responsibilities associated with these inanimate objects and they just become a part of every weekend or everyday life just like any other phone, laptop or Xbox.” Photo submitted by Kelly Crawford

1994 Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act is signed by President Clinton. This act temporarily banned assault weapons such as AR-15s from September 1994 to September 2004.

2008

2018

District of Columbia v. Heller overturns a 32-yearold handgun ban in Washington D.C. and holds, “the Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia.”

U.S. caught in national debate over gun reform after 17 people were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL.

Human trafficking is closer than you think

By Dair McNinch Staff Writer

ince 2013, nonprofit organizations on the Outer Banks and surrounding areas have been leading the fight against an increasing, gruesome and widely unheard of issue plaguing the beach community – human trafficking. “Unfortunately, I don’t think locals understand (the severity of the situation), mainly because it’s just not really talked about and people aren’t aware,” Source Church Pastor Frank Lassen said. Lassen works with Push Ministry, a special program from his church that’s dedicated to stopping sex trafficking, both locally and abroad. Locally, the organization works to educate first responders and members of the community on how to spot and handle a possible case of sex trafficking. Internationally, members of the ministry travel to places like Costa Rica and Ethiopia, appearing as tourists and finding known sex trafficking locations. There they meet victims one-on-one and offer them help and a way out. On the Outer Banks, however, sex trafficking takes place on a much more elusive platform. “Obviously you’re not driving down the road and seeing women on the street corners,” said Tina Pennington, founder and director of Beloved Haven. “What we have here is the internet. The internet is a prime location for selling sex. It’s very hidden.” Beloved Haven is another nonprofit committed to the fight against sex trafficking. Through community awareness, fundraisers, trainings, and support and counseling for survivors, the Moyockbased organization has played a major role in the pushback against this issue in recent years. Pennington explains how sex traffickers use advertising websites such as Backpage and Craigslist to advertise sex trafficking victims. “It will appear as a personal ad and look kind of like a dating service. You’ve got the trafficker posting these ads, and you’ve got the victim responding to them and meeting the buyer,” Pennington said. Pennington first became involved in combating sex trafficking after experiencing the issue firsthand through her travels to Africa. “I had always viewed it as a

Illustration by Lauren Kerlin/Special to Nighthawk News third-world issue, and then after a young girl from my church shared her experience with me, it became very close to home,” she said. “Once I saw it, I couldn’t unsee it.” Through her work with various survivors from the Outer Banks and surrounding communities, Pennington now has an eye-opening perspective on the issue in the area. “I would say one in 10 people in our area knows someone who could potentially fall into (becoming a victim) or who already has,” Pennington said. With this information, many members of the community ask why their small town is affected so heavily. According to Lassen, there are multiple reasons. “As a tourist destination, people are coming down here and being trafficked, or people are coming down to traffic locals,” Lassen said. “There’s no emergency numbers at public areas or rest stops, schools and churches don’t talk about it, and we’re on the highway. A cop we were working with at one point said,‘The OBX is a melting pot for sex trafficking.’ ”

Along with the prime location, sex trafficking on the Outer Banks flourishes because of the variety of types of people it commonly victimizes. “There’s many ways sex trafficking can fall into our neighborhoods,” Pennington said. “We’ve seen family members who have been the trafficker or the pimp. Seeing it happen with a runaway is also very common. Drug addiction is another example, but the most common of all starts with a romantic relationship.” North Carolina has risen to No. 8 in terms of the number of sex trafficking cases reported. The Outer Banks is privy to both sex trafficking and labor trafficking. According to Lassen, sex trafficking is very hidden, while labor is more on the forefront. “It can look just like someone bringing in foreign exchange students for the summer,” Pennington said. Labor traffickers have taken advantage of the great influx of foreign workers that come to the area in the summer, as they’re able

to hide their victims in plain sight. These victims are not only hard to spot, but are in a completely unknown area with no familiar face to go to for help. North Carolina’s rising sex trafficking issue forced state legislators to create harsher penalties for those contributing to the problem in 2017. Because of the law passed, sex trafficking is now considered a more severe felony. While this effort may seem progressive, change has yet to ensue in the state, as according to Lassen, only 1 percent of sex traffickers are ever prosecuted. Michael Lewis, director of the Outer Banks Hotline, is another example of an official making a difference by helping the victims of human trafficking. “(At Hotline) we take a comprehensive approach on what the client needs at the time,” Lewis said. “Most clients don’t have anywhere to go after getting out of a situation, so we offer safe housing and counseling.” As these nonprofits continue to help the increasing amount of trafficked people on the Outer Banks, the problem in the community is still evident and thriving. While the hope of ending human trafficking seems bleak, these officials making a difference offer advice for people in their area on what they can do to help. “If you see something you think is human trafficking or see a person you think is a victim, say something,” Lewis said. “The most common way people are going to get out of a situation is because someone notices and speaks out.” In addition to speaking up, officials stress the importance of awareness when it comes to human trafficking. “The trafficker is never afraid of law enforcement,” Lassen said. “They’re afraid of a community that is aware of the issue taking place.” That’s why it’s so important that members of the Outer Banks community realize this isn’t just somebody else’s problem. “Do not be naive to think that this is not happening in our communities. Do not disengage yourself from this issue,” Pennington said. “Educate yourself and try to find out as much as you can about how to be a voice or a victim advocate.” Junior Dair McNinch can be reached at mcninchle1121@daretolearn.org. spring / / 2018

Senior Malia Garber digs into the dirt to plant a flower beside the entrance of the school earlier this year. This is just one of the Garden Club’s many projects, including a greenhouse funded by a grant from Lowe’s. Photo by Michaela Kelly/ Nighthawk News

Garden club granted opportunity for growth

By Trinity Harrison Online Editor

rom what started as a small lunch table discussion idea to a $2,500 grant to build a greenhouse, the First Flight Garden Club has blossomed into something very real this year. “One day at lunch a group of friends and I just thought that we should just start a club that plants stuff because we need some veggies in our life,” co-president Sophie Johnson said. “So we said, ‘Let’s start a garden club.’ ” With aspirations to grow this club, the presidents – juniors Buzzy Staten and Johnson – and sponsor Angela Gard collaborated to write a grant proposal to receive funds from Lowe’s to construct a greenhouse. “The greenhouse will provide another hands-on learning opportunity, which gives another chance to learn outside of a traditional classroom setting,” Gard said. The presidents now see this club as an opportunity to plant and potentially sell a variety of vegetables and herbs throughout the community. “I’m looking forward to bringing our school together and making it look pretty,” Staten said. “Also, having nice gardens and really showing people how to plant because that could help everyone in the future.” The club began with planting different types of flowers in the front of the school to liven up the outside. Members can contribute in several different ways – there is room for everyone and their differing strengths and ideas. “Some kids like to dig in the dirt, some kids like to weed, some kids like to just grow things and Nighthawk News Magazine / / news

some kids like to sell things,” Gard said. “So the more different kinds of activities that you can do in a club, the more types of people you will be able to appeal to.” Aside from adding a diverse learning opportunity for the student body, the new club adds something new for students. “We don’t really have anything like garden club in our school and it is just fun and new,” junior Izzy Warner said. With the school not having major access to botany lessons, and biology classes not focusing on it extensively, there seemed to be an interest among the student body to learn more about gardening. “There are many nursery and landscaping businesses within our community, so it may give students an opportunity to gain some skills that they could possibly put to use getting a summer job,” Gard said. With the grant from Lowe’s plus funds from the First Flight Rotary, the club has the opportunity to impact the community with the plants it grows. “Our desire is to grow plants and to eventually grow herbs and vegetables that we can sell at the farmers market that starts up in May and perhaps get a booth at Dare Days,” Gard said. “Maybe even grow vegetables to donate to the food pantry so there could be fresh materials to be offered to the community.” Join the Garden Club today to be part of the journey of the new greenhouse and the many other future endeavors they will dig into. Contact Angela Gard at gardan@daretolearn.org if you are interested in becoming a member. Junior Trinity Harrison can be reached at harrisontr0314@daretolearn.org.

Treehouse

Front Porch Café goes strawless By Meghan Savona Opinions Editor

onsidered a second home by many, Front Porch Café has become one of the most popular coffee shops on the Outer Banks for its fresh coffee, friendly staff and cozy atmosphere. In the summer, surfers come in after their dawn patrol session, barefoot with their “Java Junkie” reward card in hand. In the fall, students can be found before school getting their caffeine fix or after school studying with friends. The popular “West Third” has become a staple on the beach, delivered in the recognizable orange and yellow cups with “Front Porch Café” branded along the side. But these cups all end up somewhere. In an effort to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in the landfill, on beaches or in the esophagus' of sea turtles, Front Porch has introduced a monetary incentive for customers who bring their own reusable cup. In place of the aforementioned “Java Junkie” card – which rewarded customers with every 10th cup of coffee for free – customers who bring their own cup will receive 25 cents off every purchase. “We really just want to keep the beaches clean, that’s our main goal. I mean here, the beaches are where our whole life is,” manager Michael Young said. “We also want to keep the landfills empty.” Prior to introducing this new incentive, Front Porch began its environmentally friendly endeavors by making an effort to reduce SSR'18 First Flight Newspaper Ad_Layout 1 the number of straws tossed in the trash as soon as an iced latte is fin-

ished. Strategically placed near the register is a stand holding reusable straws for purchase for 99 cents. “There’s definitely a tremendous increase with people bringing their own cups and straws,” Front Porch barista Chanel Levish said. “We’re really trying to reduce the amount of waste that’s output.” Although it may seem like an insignificant amount of plastic, reducing the amount of straws that can potentially end up in the ocean can ultimately save the lives of marine animals. Marine life can easily pick straws up and in some cases actually swallow them. Straws can block the airways of animals and even puncture organs. According to Strawlessocean. org, Americans use over 500 million straws a day. An estimated 71 percent of seabirds and 30 percent of turtles have been found with plastic in their stomachs. Although straws may seem insignificant, they’re among the top 10 things found during beach cleanups. That's why forgoing single-use plastic straws can help combat growing environmental problems across the globe. “We started this, now the Brewing Station is getting involved – we’re hoping a few other places will too,” Young said. By making a small change, Front Porch reducing plastic will have a big impact within our community. “I think that Front Porch trying to decrease straws and plastic in general has been a great initiative,” junior Stanton Dodson said. “It’s made me more conscientious about the amount of waste I put out.” Senior Meghan Savona can be 12/1/17 11:09 AM Page 1 contacted at savoname0701@daretolearn.org.

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Photo by Beverly Murry/Nighthawk News Senior Kiersten Lewis ﬂashes a smile while purchasing a reusable straw at Front Porch Café. Front Porch made the decision to go strawless earlier this year in an effort to reduce the amount of plastic waste used at its locations.

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Nighthawks get crafty in new elective class By Koral Tucker Staff Writer

hen you hear the words arts and crafts, you may think back to the elementary school days of coloring and cutting paper objects in art class. However, that’s not the case here. Arts and Crafts is one of the new classes available to students beginning this school year. The class allows students to channel their creativity through a wide variety of activities such as sewing, weaving, pottery and paper mache. “I took the class because a bunch of my friends were doing it and I thought it would be a fun and easy class that would help me get an introduction to art as well,” freshman Kestral Welch said. Although the class does not count as a credit toward graduation, students who do arts and crafts as a hobby can now do something they love while they’re in school. “One of my favorite things so far was when we had to collect 100

items of the same thing and make something out of it. I collected film and made a castle,” freshman Trent Rodman said. Arts and Crafts teacher Camie Romano has been at First Flight for two years and teaches Art I and II as well. “I would recommend the class if you have already taken Art I because I think you should have a little bit of art background already,” Romano said. Throughout the year, students have furthered their artistic abilities through the completion of multiple projects. “So far we have woven coasters out of yarn, made a 100-object sculpture out of anything, and a bunch of different things here and there,” Welch said. The newest project in Arts and Crafts is an altered book project. This project consists of an art object that has been created from an existing printed book. Students can creatively alter the pages and use them as a canvas to paint, collage, and cut into the book to make a

Photo by Michaela Kelly/Nighthawk News Coasters woven out of yarn by Arts and Crafts students are on display in the rotunda. The new class is taught by Camie Romano. more sculptural piece of artwork. “My favorite thing so far is the book," Welch said. "We have to meet all this criteria in the book, but the book has to be based off of one subject and I based mine off of traveling, like planes and tropical places." Whether you’re looking for

something fun to do or want to improve your artistic abilities, Arts and Crafts is a great way to enhance your creative and innovative skills. “The class is so fun. I love it,” Welch said. Junior Koral Tucker can be reached at tuckerko0523@daretolearn.org.

New hope for prescription drug abuse in NC

By Dair McNinch Staff Writer

hile the United States faces a prescription drug epidemic like nothing the country’s ever seen, lawmakers and doctors in North Carolina have begun to scratch the surface of reform, sparking much needed change in a troubled system. In 2016 alone, drug overdoses claimed 64,000 lives in the US, according to Vox News, killing more Americans than the Vietnam and Iraq wars combined. Painkillers were the No. 1 culprit. “We became so comfortable writing pain medication we found ourselves in the midst of this epidemic before we even realized what happened,” said Outer Banks Hospital doctor Christine Petzing, who serves as the vice chair for the hospital's board of directors as well. “Now, substance abuse is a problem facing the entire country.” With statistics flowing in, both legislators and medical officials are looking to nip the prescription drug problem in the bud. By limiting the availability of prescription painkillers and antidepressants for minors, future dependence and deaths could potentially be stopped. “Five years ago I would have said that it was way too easy for minors to get prescribed painkillers or antidepressants, but I think we as doctors are getting better,” Petzing said. For an anonymous high school junior, this truth was experienced firsthand. Nighthawk News Magazine / / news

Photo by Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune/TNS Tramadol pills – an opioid used to treat serious pain caused by brittle bone disease – are among many of the prescription pills abused across the U.S. “I was prescribed Xanax for my depression when I was 13,” the junior said. “I didn’t like how taking it made me feel. You feel like you’re always groggy and going through the motions without noticing much. I stopped taking them when I was 15 after going to my doctor about it.” Although the junior was able to make that change and get off the prescription, many in this same position aren’t as lucky and are currently battling addiction as they enter adulthood. As Petzing noted, however, doctors are improving when it comes to writing prescriptions to minors.

“Unless they’ve got a broken bone, I give zero painkillers to kids,” Todd Feltz, physicians assistant at Surf Pediatrics and Medicine in Kitty Hawk. “Maybe if a kid walked into the ER with a bad break I’d give them a narcotic like Tylenol with codeine, but I don’t write any narcotics for my office practice.” Surf Pediatrics doctor Christian Lige follows a similar practice. “My office doesn’t go past Tylenol or ibuprofen when prescribing painkillers unless a patient is undergoing surgery, but they’d be switched back to the basic stuff immediately after,” Lige said. Antidepressants have also seen improvement when it comes to how easily doctors will prescribe them. “After we properly screen the patient for depression, anxiety or ADHD ourselves, we usually refer them to a psychiatrist before writing any prescription,” Lige said. While these changes gradually set in, the community has begun to see results from this positive shift. Wayne Barry has been the school psychiatrist at First Flight for over a year and a half now, and his experience with medication abuse provides some hope for the future of the Outer Banks. “I haven’t seen any students in my time here having trouble with or taking any harder medications,” Barry said. Junior Dair McNinch can be reached at mcninchle1121@daretolearn.org.

A stick-y situation

By Trinity Harrison Online Editor

rom ancient times to present day, tattooing has represented everything from a tribal initiation to a method of self-expression. One of the newest fads in tattooing is stick-and-poke, also known as “prison style.” Stick-and-poke tattoos are achieved using a needle and any type of ink – typically India ink and even ink from pens. The process occurs by poking the ink-saturated needle into the skin repeatedly until the desired design is complete. Although the process seems simple to some, a number of worries have begun to arise as this practice gains popularity. “(There are) many different risks, such as if you use the same needle with you and maybe a friend,” local tattoo artist AJ Herron said. “That is an instant cross-contamination of blood that can lead to a blood-borne pathogen such as AIDS, hepatitis A, B or C.” For those who have this style of tattoo, most are not aware of the potential risks they expose themselves to. “I would not really recommend it because it’s really not safe because of infections,” junior Jayne Walker said. “It is a big risk and a concern for me.” Stick-and-pokes have become a major underground way to get tattooed in modern culture. Aside from the medical dangers, the

technique behind stick-and-poke varies greatly from that of traditional tattoos. “I have done both – give and receive stick-and-poke (tattoos),” Herron said. “Giving it, it is definitely a different technique when it comes to tattooing. Receiving, they are a lot more painful, typically.” So why get a stick-and-poke tattoo? In most cases, people are too eager to get tattoos so they resort to the do-it-yourself form of tattooing instead. “There are multiple reasons: some people really do have the real respect for the ancient art of tattooing that goes along with stickand-poke,” Herron said. “But the way I see it, a lot of times it’s kids who aren’t listening to the rules.” Since there are still people who respect the art of stick-andpoke tattooing, there are still safe options to having the unique ink. Herron is one of the few artists on the Outer Banks who chose to take part in the art. “I personally (love stick-andpoke tattooing) for the ancient part of it and there are some images that are best to achieve that way,” Herron said. “I use a specific tool that hooks up to a regular modern-day tube and holds the needle, so it is completely sterile and there is nothing to worry about.” And for those who choose to get these types of tattoos, sometimes there is something more than the eye can see. “I have my zodiac sign, I have a heart and I have a wave repre-

Photos by Michaela Kelly and Buzzy Staten/Nighthawk News Senior Trinity Steyn (above left) flashes her stick-and-poke tattoo of a wave on her finger. Junior Liz Sinks (top) shows off her stick-and-poke tattoo of the date 9-19-16, the day of her birth mother’s death. Kat Iwashchenko displays her finger tattoos of a heart and wave. Stick-and-poke tattooing has become a popular fad among students. senting the ocean because I feel like I am connected,” junior Kat Iwashchenko said. “I got the heart because I believe that everyone should love their body and love who they are. And I got my zodiac sign because I really love the stars and astrology.” With all of the tempting reasons to get a stick-and-poke style tattoo,

Herron stresses that the life-threatening risks will always be there. “Do your research and decide if you really want to do it,” Herron said. “You could potentially be making a life-changing mistake, not just aesthetically.” Junior Trinity Harrison can be reached at harrisontr0314@daretolearn.org. spring / / 2018

Ball’s artwork reﬂects colorful personality

By Ashlee Geraghty Social Media Editor

t’s a lazy afternoon. Boredom lingers as senior Maddie Ball aimlessly scrolls through Pinterest with “The Office” playing in the background. Channeling her inner creativity, Ball’s able to find a quick cure for her boredom. She makes her way over to her dresser, pulls out an old pair of thrift store jeans and gets to work. “As a kid, I used to always make those friendship bracelets and stuff, but I really started to get into painting on clothes this year,” Ball said. Ball’s love for all things art was instilled in her at a young age. Whenever she finds herself getting antsy and restless during classes, she uses art as a way to calm herself. “It’s almost the only way I can focus. I was in the scholarship meeting the other day, and I could not sit still for that long,” Ball said. “My mom told me I need to stop moving, and I was like, ‘I really can’t,’ so I took a business card and a pen and doodled the whole time.” This passion for art created a doorway for many of Ball’s current hobbies. She often sports all types of clothing and accessories that she has found a way to make her own. Frequenting local thrift stores to find someone’s old garb, she has been able to apply her artistic ability to make these articles of clothing a masterpiece. “Goodwill for sure is my favorite. I’ve found some mom jeans and flannels that I wear all the time. Also, a couple of really cool rings,” Ball said. Her talent has allowed her to make an array of crafts from fun, creative clothing to beautiful, unique jewelry. Her favorite creations consist of any of her jeans she’s embellished. “I think painting on denim is probably the easiest, because it’s the toughest material and it’s kind of like a canvas almost,” Ball said. “I had a pair of mom jeans that I got from the thrift store, and I’ve had them for a while and I really liked them. I saw on Pinterest some painted pocket jeans and I thought, ‘You know what? I can do that so easily, and I can paint it on the pocket of these jeans,’ and I loved it.” Ball takes advantage of the nature surrounding her and gets her NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / features

inspiration by the radiant scenery of her home. “I mostly paint sunsets. Sometimes if the sunset’s gorgeous, I’ll take a picture and decide, ‘I want to paint this,’ ” she said. Ball has been an active student in the school’s art program, starting in Art I and moving her way up to AP Art. Her art teacher, Alice Baldwin, has been one of Ball’s greatest role models in her artistic career. Baldwin is supportive of every creation and has given her guidance when needed. “She gave the whole AP class Christmas gifts of her ear cuffs and different jewelry pieces,” Baldwin said. “She always comes in with pieces of clothing that she’s altered and every once in a while I’ll find something that’s very interesting and a different placement to add an embellishment of paint. So I’ve kind of just showed her some different things and try to inspire her to continue to create.” Ball portrays her own flare to her work. She adds a distinct style to her art that is recognizable to her teachers and peers alike. “Her artwork has a fun side that’s always bright and cheerful. It kind of mimics her personality,” Baldwin said. Ball hopes to combine her artistic hobbies and love for children into a future career. She eagerly awaits the new scenery and a new inspiration for her work with her move to Boone to attend Appalachian State this upcoming fall. “I’ve always been into arts and crafts, but this year I’ve definitely figured out that that might be what I want to do with my life,” Ball said. “My plan as of right now is to go to App State and hopefully become an art teacher out of it. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher: Maybe this way I could major in art and teaching.” Wherever life takes her, Ball will take the lessons that art has taught her throughout high school. “In art class, I’ve learned to be patient with myself,” Ball said. “Sometimes I get really excited about a project and want to rush through it. Or even the other way around where I don’t enjoy the project and rush to finish and it doesn’t look as good as it could have if I had been more patient.” Senior Ashlee Geraghty can be reached at geraghtyas0916@daretolearn.org.

Photo by Payton Gaddy/Shorelines Yearbook Senior Maddie Ball looks down as she paints away on her shirt pocket. Ball’s love for art has inspired her to embellish clothing with her unique style.

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Stevens seeks to spread awareness about computer science By Hannah Ellington News Editor

hen it comes to computer science, teacher Nancy Stevens has cracked the code. Stevens has been at First Flight for 13 years, but has been in Dare County Schools for 26. While she’s been teaching, she’s grown a large fan base, in part because of her passion for the computer sciences. However, she wasn’t always spirited about it. “I was a business major in college and as part of my business degree, I had to take a programming course and I hated it,” Stevens said. “It was difficult because it was working in a way I never had to work before because there was no programming in high schools at the time. It was something new and so I struggled through it.” Despite her initial disdain for the subject, over the years, Stevens grew to love computer science and transformed her passion into a career. Today, her experience has allowed her to relate the field to a number of social issues. “(Computer science) makes us better people. It makes us more empathetic. Technology needs to serve purposes of the broad population and what happens is we develop things that serve one small group and ignore the fact that there are people with disabilities that need other kinds of things built into apps and technologies so that they are part of our society too,” she said. “And I think that when we don’t build things up using those diverse voices and hearing them, then it’s real easy that we become so divided.” Recognizing the need for computer science in today’s society, Stevens strives to introduce students to the field by teaching semester Intro to Computer Science and year-long AP Computer Science courses. “Some of my students will say that it’s really a problem-solving course and I think that’s true,” Stevens said. “There’s a big part of the course that is actual programming and learning to program, but the course is meant to be an introduction to the field of computer science. That includes data science and statistics, artificial intelligence, robotics.” As she once had difficulty in the subject herself, Stevens sees how her students work, and sometimes

Photo by Michaela Kelly/Nighthawk News Nancy Stevens leans over junior Cecelia Cortez’s shoulder to offer assistance in AP Computer Science. Stevens teaches Intro to Computer Science, as well as AP Computer Science, and encourages more girls like Cortez to take her classes. struggle, in a different light. “I appreciate it when students struggle, and when students find it easy I can see that they really have the logic and the math skills that it takes to be successful that way,” Stevens said. Junior Cecilia Cortez, an AP Computer Science student, took the class after recognizing that the applications learned from Stevens will be prominent in the future of our everyday lives. “Every job that you try to get in the future is going to have computers in it,” Cortez said. “So it’s best to be familiar with it now than to learn it on the spot or not even get the job because you don’t know how to work it.” Stevens not only educates high school students, but she “teaches teachers” as well. She has the opportunity to do so through an organization called Code.org. “Code.org is a non-profit that provides professional development for teachers. They have curriculum that covers K-12 now and they’re an advocacy group,” Stevens explained. “In North Carolina, we have the Friday Institute, which is an educational think-tank at N.C. State and they are the Code.org partner for the state of North Carolina.” Two weekends a month, Stevens returns to the “educational

think-tank” to train and become a facilitator. “I am leading workshops, helping teachers understand computer science and how they can teach it,” Stevens said. “We have a middle school program that I’m working with and then next year I’m going to focus more on high school teachers.” In the past year, Stevens has largely focused on cybersecurity when teaching. “It’s really a small portion of people that specifically do programming every day. There’s all sorts of other fields,” Stevens said. “The one that I really am starting

to try and call attention to is cybersecurity because there’s a need and there are open jobs there because people don’t have the experience or the education that’s needed.” On top of teaching, Stevens advocates for equality in computer science – she wants to recruit more girls, as the field is currently dominated by men. “The field of computer science is about 80 percent male, and diversity is a strength – a strength in so many ways. I could talk about that for quite a while,” Stevens said. “I have one classroom that’s 18 boys and one girl.” She hopes to further address those kinds of imbalances. “We’ve got to help girls feel that confidence in these areas because girls can do the math, the science, they have the creativity – all of the things we want in computer science,” Stevens said. Stevens believes this diversity is also crucial to the environment of the classroom. “We can still learn and do what we need to do, but I find it’s a richer environment when we have a nice mix of students brought together,” she said. “That’s why I sure would like to encourage more girls to give AP Computer Science or Intro to Computer Science a chance.” However, no matter gender or age, computer science is an ever-growing field that will be pertinent in the future and will be helpful to anyone who wishes to learn. “Computer science really is for everyone,” Stevens said. “There is a place for all of us to learn a little bit and appreciate what technology is doing for us, but also how it is impacting the way we live.” Junior Hannah Ellington can be reached at ellingtonha1214@daretolearn.org.

spring / / 2018

‘Ms. Pat’ serves up smiles ... and tardy slips By Izzy Requa Staff Writer

hether you are a new student walking into First Flight for the first time, a parent dropping off your kid’s lunch, or you just have a question, chances are that receptionist Pat Taylor is who you’re looking for. “When you hear the word receptionist, you picture someone answering the phone. That’s only a piece of what I do in this school. This position is very diverse,” Taylor said. With hundreds of students, faculty members and parents in and out of school every day, sitting at the front desk requires many skills. One of those skills is the ability to multitask. “I’m answering the phone – sometimes all three lines at once – I’m also answering the door, monitoring the cameras, responding to the radio and talking to all the people standing in front, as well as behind me,” Taylor said. “I answer all kinds of questions and if I don’t know the answer, I point the person in the right direction to get the answer they need.” So many things going on at once can be stressful, and dealing with people all day can have downsides. “My least favorite part is rude behavior, and people not taking a few seconds to assess the situation in the office before they start talking and interrupting,” Taylor said. Even with the long days and busy schedules, Taylor finds joy in working with parents, students and faculty members, and has been here since the very beginning. “I started working for Dare County Schools in 2001 at Manteo

High School, then transferred to FFHS when we opened in 2004, in the receptionist position,” Taylor said. “The best part is my students. I love my kids, and my First Flight family is great. We laugh a lot in here every day.” Art teacher Alice Baldwin remembers Taylor from when she was a student at FFHS from 2004 to 2008. Throughout the years, she has witnessed Taylor thrive in the front office. “It’s hard to even put into words how many aspects of the school go through Ms. Pat and Ms. Kathy (Davis),” Baldwin said. “They are like the functioning of the school. They do everything. This school runs because of Ms. Pat and Ms. Kathy. I don’t think people realize how important they are.” Science teacher Katie Neller also appreciates the work that goes into Taylor’s job. “I think she’s vital to our school,” Neller said. “She is the first part of our school that a lot of people have touch with, parents when they call, new students when they come in, and she’s very helpful to the teachers and always pleasant.” Not only do teachers appreciate the work that Taylor does, students do, too. Freshman Colby Evans always feels welcome in the front office. “She is always really nice and I know that if I have a question or need something she will help me,” Evans said. So the next time you go into the front office, remember to smile and say hello, because you’re not the only one with a lot on your plate. And ... don’t forget to check your email. Sophomore Izzy Requa can be reached at requais0227@daretolearn. org.

Photo by Buzzy Staten/Nighthawk News First Flight’s receptionist, Pat Taylor, smiles behind her desk as she runs the school smoothly. Taylor has worked for Dare County Schools for the past 17 years.

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Kindness comes in a coffee cup By Suzanne Harrison News Editor

s the coffee cart squeaks down the hallway during first period, all that Sam Iulo’s students can hear are words of encouragement coming from their teacher. The phrase “great job” has never had such a meaningful impact, and those two simple words come straight from the heart. Iulo began teaching at First Flight when it first opened. She originally wanted to work as a special education assistant. “I wanted to work with kids and I wanted a job in a school system,” Iulo said. “I interviewed as an assistant and they offered me a job as a teacher.” Iulo is not the only person who works with her students. Senior Teá Davis spends two class periods in Iulo’s classroom helping with a variety of hands-on activities. “First period I do the coffee cart and second period I work with Photos by Buzzy Staten (left) and Payton Gaddy/Nighthawk News and Shorelines Yearbook them and help them with their Sam Iulo (left) beams as freshman Ariel Gwin pours coffee during their morning rounds with their new coffee cart. math or their reading,” Davis said. Freshman David Vincent interacts with Blondie – teacher Jessie McClary’s dog – during an obstacle course activity. Davis now calls these her faabout his favorite part of Iulo’s lessons, ones that cannot be taught from these two periods and her vorite periods of the day, but she love for teaching children has only class, his answer was simple. inside a classroom. had no idea the class existed when grown, especially working with Iulo. “Ariel,” Vincent said. “I love it so much. I am so sad creating her senior schedule. “(I have learned) to let them Ariel is also taught by Iulo and to graduate and “Honestly, show you how they learn, instead of is one of Vincent’s closest friends. leave them,” I didn’t really I thoroughly enjoy trying to teach them,” Iulo said. “A As for why Iulo has remained at Davis said. “And know what the lot of the time they have their own First Flight all this time, she gives obviously I am class was last this job. It’s what I was way of doing something, and stand- all the credit to her students, who in here helping year,” Davis ing back and letting them show you have changed her life forever. them learn, but I said. “Mrs. (Lisa) meant to do. is the best way of accomplishing “I had no idea I was going to fall have learned so Wheless rec- Sam Iulo the goal.” in love with it,” Iulo said. “I enjoy it much more from ommended this Freshman David Vincent defimore every year. I thoroughly enjoy them than they class because nitely shows instead of tells. Vinthis job. It’s what I was meant to have from me.” she knows what I want my career Davis hopes to one day become cent participates in chorus and can do.” path to be.” an elementary school teacher, prioften be seen around the school Senior Suzanne Harrison can be While Davis helps teach stumarily focusing on special educadancing or simply just saying hello reached at harrisonsu0716@daredents, she has found that they tion. She has taken so much away to his classmates. When asked tolearn.org. have taught her the most valuable

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If you like it, put a ring on it

By Gray Tillett Staff Writer

ooking at someone’s rings is like looking through someone’s life, seeing the in-depth design someone has created. Rings are created as art. They show character. When people wear rings, it’s usually for a purpose. “Rings makes me feel like I’m a part of the places I travel,” senior Payton Gaddy said. The rings Gaddy wears still connect her to the places she has visited, even though she is now far away from them. Gaddy wears pieces from Indonesia, France, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines on her hand. Media Center coordinator Susan Sawin also wears rings for a similar reason, but she believes it’s not about where she has gone but the memories she made while traveling there. The ring she wears is a silver band covered with Celtic knots. “I bought it when I went on a trip to Ireland with two girlfriends. It was so much fun,” Sawin said. Some people wear rings to make a fashion statement or display a souvenir, but other people wear rings because there is a priceless memory that comes with that small piece of jewelry. Although sophomore Olivia Gena wears rings on almost every ﬁnger, there is only one she wears on a daily basis that has an impactful story behind it. The ring that means the most to her is a silver ring with a black rectangle in the middle of the ring. Gena wears this ring on her left-hand pointer ﬁnger. “My grandmother gave me this

Photo by Michaela Kelly/ Nighthawk News Senior Payton Gaddy displays a collection of her favorite rings. ring when she passed away, so I wear it to remember her,” Gena said. Football coach Jim Prince wears two rings to show pride – pride of his football team and his marriage. “My wedding ring was my dad’s wedding ring, which was given to me when he passed away,” Prince said. “So this ring is 70-some years old. (The other ring) is my playoff ring (for football). I was given it when we went to the national playoffs at James Madison University. This ring has not been off my ﬁnger for 31 years.” Memories and rings are similar: Memories last forever and come up in our minds at random times, and rings go in a never ending circle. Technology facilitator Chad Williams wears his wedding ring every day, and in that one ring holds a memory that will last forever. “Wedding rings are round because it’s supposed to last forever, for inﬁnity,” Williams said. Sophomore Gray Tillett can be reached at tillettgr1214@daretolearn.org.

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Vlogging fever catches ﬁre

By Julia Bachman Staff Writer

ravel, music, sports and everyday life. These are just a few things that vloggers post on their social media accounts and YouTube channels. Vlogging – video blogging – has spread like a “fever” throughout First Flight and continues to thrive in popularity. For some, vlogging is a hobby; for others, it’s a lifestyle. Vlogging isn’t just a way to create videos, but a way for people to express themselves. Best friends Isabell Eckard and Ellie Gardill started making videos after their swim conference meet this past January. Most of their videos focus on funny moments through compilations of video clips taken on their phones. “We were around a bunch of our friends all of the time and we just started making little videos,” said Eckard, a senior. “Vlogging is a way to stitch all of those little videos together.” Through trial and error, the duo has managed to create successful videos. However, when they ﬁrst began vlogging, this wasn’t always the case. “Vlog No. 1 – it was really bad,” recalled Gardill, a junior. “It was at our conference meet and it was a lot of chaotic talking, so they weren’t really good quality videos and you couldn’t hear what we were talking about.” Added Eckard: “It was funny to us, but not everyone got it.” By posting videos every two weeks, the duo strives to create quality videos with better software that appeal to people in school and throughout the community. Although they now hope to better their videos, in the beginning they never expected their videos to gather a following. “I never really thought that people would actually watch them,” Gardill said. “We don’t do it to get popular or to get views. It’s exciting to see our views and subscribers we get on our channel grow, but that wasn’t our main goal.” Similar to Eckard and Gardill, the “up and coming vlogger” Levi Hawkins creates fun, lighthearted videos to make people smile. With his vlogging journey ahead of him, he sets goals that will advance his videos and promote popularity. “I’d like to improve my editing skills and how I produce my videos, maybe get new software and at least 100 subscribers,” the freshman said. Watching other YouTubers has inspired Hawkins to produce edits of his own, with the hope of making money from vlogging in the future. “I would like to continue vlogging as a hobby throughout college,” Hawkins said. Through perseverance, Hawkins strives to produce the best videos, even if it means ﬁlming multiple times to get good clips. “The most frustrating thing is when I make something and I have to redo it because it is

bad,” he said. “My biggest failure was probably my first video, but I learned from it because I looked on YouTube and figured out the editing software I liked.” Working through the frustration, Hawkins motivates himself by hanging out with his friends, who are featured in some of his vlogs. “It is really funny to see the way they act in front of the camera,” Hawkins said. “There is no real motivation except for me loving to do it.” While Hawkins focuses more on the lighthearted, senior Alexandra Byers vlogs her greatest passions: traveling and music. Byers started making videos at a young age, but recently started highlighting her band, Static Attitude, in her videos. “Katie (Hala) and I have our band, and nobody understands how much work we have to do to produce, so I am going to vlog ‘A week with our band’ so people can see behind the scenes,” Byers said. Before her music vlogs, Byers would assemble a montage of mini clips from her travels so she could have videos to remember them by. These videos were for family, but then other students started watching. “Honestly, vlogging for me isn’t for other people to see and subscribe, but a way for me to look back at memories and what I have done,” Byers said. Senior competitive cheerleader Karsen Beckner started making vlogs with her cheer carpool. These light-hearted videos are based around their car rides to Virginia Beach for practice and their many competitions. “We kind of just wanted to do something else, and show people what we do,” she said. “When people usually think of cheerleading they think, ‘Oh, cheerleader...’ but we actually do a lot.” Since she began vlogging in January, Beckner has gained 79 subscribers, with her most popular video hitting 581 views and counting. Not only do her fellow cheerleaders enjoy her videos, but her peers look forward to gaining a glimpse into the world of competitive cheer by watching her vlogs. “I like watching Karsen’s vlogs because she and her friends are funny, and she’s really good at editing,” subscriber Emma Bancroft said. “It’s interesting to see how much goes into competitive cheer.” When editing videos, Beckner finds it most frustrating when she forgets to vlog, or going back and figuring out there are missing clips. “It’s hard to piece together the content,” Beckner said. “But they are your videos, so do what you want.” Through their YouTube channels and various social media accounts, these students try to inspire and introduce others to the hobby of vlogging.

“Let’s capture the moment,” Eckard and Gardill said in unison. Junior Julia Bachman can be reached at bachmanju@daretolearn.org. spring / / 2018

Miller granted hands-on opportunity with orthopedics

By Simone Midgett Staff Writer

icking up the needle, junior Megan Miller punctures the taut skin of the pig’s foot. This suturing may be practice, but it’s just the beginning for Miller’s life in the medical field. On Feb. 3, Miller attended a workshop held by The Perry Outreach Program (POP) at the Wake Forest School of Medicine alongside 31 other accepted students. Through this informational afternoon, Miller got a glimpse of what the life of a physician would be like. “I got to see some of the stuff I would do if I went into orthopedics and it just taught you about different pathways and things you can do in the medical field,” Miller said. POP is sponsored by The Perry Initiative – an organization that focuses on building a good foundation for young women who are going into the fields of engineering or orthopedic surgery. According to a survey by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, women only make up 6.1 percent of fully accredited practicing orthopedic surgeons. For the students who were accepted to attend this workshop in Winston-Salem, the event allowed them to learn in a workplace environment with people in the field and with other students who were interested in going into this field. “There were a lot of people there who were

engineers and bio-engineers and you could ask them questions about what they do, how they got there, why they chose that and things they work on,” Miller said. “It was just really cool to learn about the different fields.” The application process prompted students to write two essays describing what their future goals were for their education and why they were interested in attending. “I want to get my bachelor’s degree in nursing and be a nurse in the Army,” Miller said. “I thought the program would be educational and advance my knowledge of orthopedics.” Miller also has hands-on experience from her internship at the Outer Banks Hospital, where she works in labor and delivery running labs, helping patients, helping deliver babies, working in the operating rooms and whatever else the staff needs. Along with suturing a pig’s foot, Miller and her peers got experience molding casts for broken arms and putting different screws in bones to help with fixing fractures. “I am in the operating room a lot, so I see them doing sutures and it was cool to do it myself and see what it felt like. It was really cool to do what doctors do,” Miller said. Attending The Perry Outreach Program not only gave Miller the chance of a lifetime working hands on with surgeons and advancing her knowledge of the medical field, it allowed her to be surrounded by peers with the same education-

Photo submitted by Megan Miller Junior Megan Miller (left) wields a synthetic bone during the Perry Outreach Program (POP) at Wake Forest School of Medicine in February. Miller got to experience a slice of life as a doctor at the special program. al and career goals she hopes to achieve one day. Sophomore Simone Midgett can be reached at midgettsa0827@daretolearn.org.

C U S TO M B U I LT C O A S TA L H O M E S W W W. C O A S TA L C O T TA G E O B X . C O M

Nighthawk News Magazine / / features

A r t i s t s

i n

Kuhn creates with brushstrokes, keystrokes

By Grace Sullivan Social Media Editor

t’s late at night and the young artist sits perched over her tablet. Her pen moves fluently over the screen, leaving traces of soft lines dripping in cool tones of blue and pink. A computer hums in the background. Junior Jackie Kuhn is working on her latest art project. “I’ve been doing art since I was 5, and started really picking it up when I got to seventh grade,” Kuhn said. “My style started changing around sixth or seventh grade because I started making social media sites to put my art on and then I would see other people’s art and be able to incorporate that into my style.” Kuhn doesn’t only use other artists for inspiration, she also incorporates her surroundings into her work. “I could be listening to romantic music and you could tell because the lines would be softer and the colors would be smoother than the actual subject matter,” Kuhn said. “It will reflect in the art, but only in the way you look at it.” While Kuhn’s experience as an artist grew, so did her comfort level between testing different mediums like acrylic, watercolor and even some styles that are out of the box – and the art room. “When I first got a computer, I tried digital art. I had to branch out of Webkinz someday,” Kuhn said with a laugh. “Before that I had a (Nintendo) DSI and I used Flipnote. There, I met someone who introduced me to DeviantArt.” DeviantArt is a community website for artists, photographers and filmmakers to share their work with fellow creators on the internet. Through DeviantArt, Kuhn has shared a variety of different pieces that focus on not only her ever-changing art style, but her personal growth as well. “Last year my challenge was not being able to draw enough,” Kuhn said. “I would also be com-

paring myself to other people too much and I wouldn’t like how my art came out, but I’m pretty happy with where it is now because I’ve got past that point.” As Kuhn’s confidence in her art grew, so did her support from others. Kuhn is currently taking Art III with Alice Baldwin and has excelled throughout the class. “This is my first year having Jackie, and she is spectacular,” Baldwin said. “She works very fast, has plenty of ideas and it’s always nice when she is having a hangup how she will work through it with a lot of grace and determination.” With a knack for creating digital art, Kuhn hopes to take her talents past high school. “Cartoon Network is where I would want to work. The one show I really liked on there was ‘Steven Universe,’ ” Kuhn said. “It always was really a fun show and had a lot of 2-D animation.” With her sights set for screens across America, Kuhn knows one thing for certain about her dream career. “I wouldn’t want to work on a movie. While the movie could turn out really great, I love working with backstories and stuff like that,” Kuhn said. “Character development is big. I want to be able to do art, but also develop these characters.” Along with issues of personal expectations, Kuhn has faced another challenge in the digital art community: art theft. “Digital art is definitely easier to snag than traditional art. It’s always uploaded digitally. All you have to do is screenshot it. Especially with the ability social media sites have where you can also crop out the signature super easily,” Kuhn said. With the rise of digital art and social media becoming a perfect place to show off your creative works, art theft is becoming more and more of an issue in the community. Art theft isn’t something uncommon for Kuhn now as her art following picks up.

Photo by Trinity Harrison/ Nighthawk News Senior artist Jackie Kuhn shades in a portrait in her sketchbook during her Art III class. Kuhn’s love for art first began at age 5 and she has since developed a passion for both print and digital illustrations. “I’ve had it happen multiple times. It usually happens with fan art, sometimes with original art, but that’s only if you have a really impressive following. With fan art, people want to put it on their page,” Kuhn said. “I got my first piece of art snatched in 2014 and I was so uncomfortable. I tried asking the person multiple times to take down the post, but never got a response.” Despite the judgment of others, the theft of her art and the harsh comparison she draws between herself and other artists, Kuhn still stays true to herself. “Art is being able to create an experience for someone,” she said. “It’s for someone else to be able to

Illustration submitted by Jackie Kuhn see themselves in your artwork or to be able to create a feeling. That’s definitely the most important thing about art to me – being able to tell a story.” Junior Grace Sullivan can be reached at sullivangr1129@daretolearn.org. spring / / 2018

the Spotlight

Photo by Logan Hanf/Special to Nighthawk News Members of the jazz combo Fixin’ to Boogie perform at the Outer Banks Brewing Station during a Sunday brunch in March. The group features (from left) Zane Fish, Parker Duck, Izzie Estes, Jonah Wills, Miles Kasten, Anna Beasley and Mac McClary.

Fixin’ to Boogie is the new band on the block From the audience you see the dim lights of the Brewing Station shine on the small stage. As the chatter of the crowd subsides, seven members of the jazz band, Fixin’ to Boogie, take the stage.

n November, senior keyboardist Mac McClary and six other members of the FFHS jazz band decided to start a small jazz ensemble to play at the Brewing Station. “For the past few months, Zane (Fish) and I had been talking about forming a jazz combo. We figured that now would be the perfect opportunity to get people together and get it going,” McClary said. Recognizing this perfect opportunity to express their creativity outside of school, the students seized this chance and came up with a name just as “out there” as the genre of jazz is. “Zane and I go down to UNCW in the summer for a jazz workshop, and there was one of the staff who’s a band director at a middle school in Western NC. When we were finishing lunch one day, he said to all of us, ‘All right guys, we’re fixin’ to boogie,’ ” McClary said with a laugh. The term “fixin’ to boogie” had never been heard before by either McClary or Fish. While Nighthawk News Magazine / / features

thinking of a name for the combo, McClary sug- covering some of their songs as our next step,” gested “fixin’ to boogie” and it stuck. McClary said. “They’re a huge inspiration for “Fixin’ to Boogie was created because a our combo.” Not only do the musicians bunch of kids at First Flight hope to be playing different high school were not satisfied I love being able to songs this summer, but also with the amount of jazz in playing more evening shows their average day,” Fish said. play for people not at as well. “They set out to increase that However, with McClary level of jazz in their average our school, being able to graduating this year, the day; and in doing so, Fixin’ to put our music out there fate of Fixin’ to Boogie looks Boogie was born.” uncertain. The members include for the community. “I’m just hoping that freshman Jonah Wills on someone will carry on the drums, sophomore Anna - Izzie Estes legacy of Fixin’ to Boogie,” Beasley playing bass, juniors McClary said. Parker Duck (trumpet), Izzie The group has had its ups and downs, but the Estes (saxophone) and Fish (trombone), plus members enjoy doing what they love with their senior Miles Kasten on tenor saxophone. friends, and having the freedom to play whatevFixin’ to Boogie, primarily focusing on the er they choose. “backbone of jazz,” draws inspiration from “I love being able to play for people not at artists like Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Duke our school and being able to put our music out Ellington. there for the community,” Estes said. Although the ensemble tends to gravitate The members agree that this is one of the more toward traditional jazz, as summer arrives, best parts of being in Fixin’ to Boogie. the group plans to work from jazz standards to “It’s pretty fun to do what we enjoy doing covers from a modern jazz band called Snarky and being able to get paid for it,” McClary said. Puppy. Sophomore Emmy Trivette can be reached at “All of us are really big fans of the band trivetteem0626@daretolearn.org. Snarky Puppy, so we’re going to hopefully be

“

By Emmy Trivette Staff Writer

Montgomery is the new Marty in ‘Grease’

By Kejsi Zyka Staff Writer

he iconic Marty Maraschino is sassy, a little boy crazy, and sports the classic Pink Ladies jacket. Off stage, sophomore Elizabeth Montgomery is almost the exact opposite, but onstage she embraced Marty’s traits and transformed in StageKraft’s production of “Grease.” Montgomery held this musical close to her heart, as she was willing to go around her busy schedule just to be a part of it. With juggling advanced classes and going to dance every day after school, it was a daring move. “I wasn’t originally going to do the musical because it is really hard to add something so big into my schedule,” she said. “But when I found out it was ‘Grease,’ I knew that I had to do it.” Eight years of performing experience helped Montgomery be qualified to take on such a big role. “I have danced with Outer Banks Centre for Dance since I was 7. I am also able to dance and sing at Dockside and I have been taking piano and voice lessons since I was in the sixth grade,” Montgomery said. Montgomery’s passion for the stage started early with a role in an elementary production of Flat Stanley. “I knew I always loved to dance and sing, but getting a main role in the fifth grade was really the beginning of it all,” Montgomery said. “Flat Stanley was a really fun little play based on a children’s book and I got the part of Stanley’s mom.”

After that, Montgomery was convinced that she was born for the theater. Her spirits were lifted even further when she was cast in her “dream role” this year. “I practically screamed when I got the part of Marty. I was really surprised,” Montgomery said. Although Montgomery was thrilled to play Marty on stage, she originally had her mind set on portraying a different character. “I was originally going to try out for Rizzo,” Montgomery said. “I auditioned with the monologue and song that I had prepared for Rizzo, but I was so excited that I got the part of Marty.” Earning such a huge role as a sophomore is very rare. With her early success, Montgomery has thoughts of pursuing a career in theater arts. “I don’t know if I am good enough to do this professionally, but it is something that I am definitely thinking about and would love to do. It is just a super fun thing and I’ve enjoyed doing it this year,” Montgomery said. Being part of the musical and doing something she loves has helped Montgomery form new friendships with everyone in the production. For senior Suzanne Harrison – one of Marty’s fellow Pink Ladies, Jan – it was a privilege getting to know this vivacious person. “It’s been super fun to get to know Elizabeth because she has a very bubbly personality and it’s very easy to talk to her. She reminds me of myself when I was a sophomore just because she has so much energy towards the produc-

Photo by Michaela Kelly/Nighthawk News Sophomore Elizabeth Montgomery sings her heart out as she ends her solo ‘Freddy My Love’ during the iconic sleepover scene in StageKraft’s musical ‘Grease.’ Montgomery landed the sassy role of Marty as an underclassman. tion,” Harrison said. Harrison has developed a close bond with Montgomery and she’s thankful she had the chance to meet the talented underclassman. “I really enjoyed getting to know her and I’m sad to graduate and leave Elizabeth and so many other underclassmen behind,” Harrison said. This has been an amazing

journey for Montgomery, and she will never forget the wonderful and talented people she worked with. “I have made a lot of friends and I’ve gotten really close to a lot of people in the production,” she said. “I will really miss them all when it’s all over.” Sophomore Kejsi Zyka can be reached at zykake0914@daretolearn. org.

Photo by Payton Gaddy/ Shorelines Yearbook ‘Grease’ cast members: Molly Harris, Suzanne Harrison, Anna Beasly, Liz Sinks, Stephanie Dudley, Travis Lawrence, Amber Laskowski, Hopelyn Kovacs, Damon Horak, Carrietta Classen, Olivia Guns, Jonathon Davis, Kyla Horak, Caitlin Nicholson, Quinn Ratti, Christian DeMarco, Kiersten Lewis, Zane Fish, Elizabeth Montgomery, Miles Kasten, Grace Thompson, Zach Strader, Jack Tine, Alexius Drake and Diego Hernandez.

spring / / 2018

Backstage helpers turn ‘Grease’ into a slick production

By Shelby Miller Staff Writer

rom big lights to big hair, from greasers to preps, StageKraft Productions put on the show of a lifetime with the legendary 1971 musical “Grease.” All actors are key in a seamless production, no matter what character they play. Memorizing lines, mastering dance moves and walking around in uncomfortable costumes while still entertaining the audience are just a few of the difficult tasks actors have to face. But what the audience doesn’t normally see is the organization and hard work that goes on behind the curtain. Junior OJ Sawtell has been a part of StageKraft productions for six shows. The hard work of running the lights has earned her a spot in the top booth of the theater. “The hardest part is making sure that I’ve recorded all my cues right and get all the lights focused properly,” Sawtell said. “I enjoy being behind the stage mostly because I like helping with the production

also did props and costumes.” Hook soon came to the realization that being part of the tech crew was a lot harder than it looked. “The most difficult part is waiting for cues because I get really excited and just turn on my spotlight too soon,” she said. ”I enjoy being behind the stage because it’s cool seeing what goes into making a play. It’s not just costumes and actors and songs. It’s a lot of other hard work.” On Friday, March 16, with the help of the backstage crew and directors Lauren Deal and Monica Penn, the second showing of “Grease” produced a record-breaking crowd of 439 attendees. The previous record of 422 was held by StageKraft’s “Beauty and the Beast.” “Tech is a lot of hard work. A lot goes on and we all wear headsets so we can communicate to each other constantly and work together,” Hook said. “There’s so much going on at once. It’s crazy and insane and awesome.” Junior Shelby Miller can be reached at millersh0814@daretolearn.org.

Photo by Madison Murry/Shorelines Yearbook Junior Chloe Futrell curls sophomore Damon Horak’s hair to give him the classic greaser hair style. Futrell was one of many backstage helpers for ‘Grease.’ and putting productions on more than being in them. It makes me feel like I’m helping more than being a background character.” While Sawtell stays behind the scenes, some have ventured into other areas of production. Typical-

ly an actress in school productions, junior Grace Hook learned her way around the tech field for the first time with “Grease.” “This (was) my fifth show, but my first show as tech,” Hook said. “My main job (was) spotlight but I

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Nighthawk News Magazine / / features

Letter to the editors: US needs common-sense gun regulations

Editors-in-Chief – Beverly Murry, Arabella Saunders, Alex Rodman Business Manager – Hunter Haskett News Editors – Suzanne Harrison, Hannah Ellington Features Editor – Chloe Futrell Online Editors – Trinity Harrison, Cassidy O’Neil Opinions Editor – Meghan Savona Photo Editor – Michaela Kelly Sports Editor – Sophie Johnson Social Media Editors– Grace Sullivan, Ashlee Geraghty Graphics Editor – Dagen Gilbreath Photographer – Buzzy Staten Staff Writers – Kristen Applebaum, Julia Bachman, Caroline Jenkins, Will McFarlane, Dair McNinch, Simone Midgett, Shelby Miller, Reagan Pearson, Izzy Requa, Courtney Tillett, Gray Tillett, Emmy Trivette, Koral Tucker, Kejsi Zyka. Adviser – Steve Hanf

ighthawk News Magazine is published four times a year by the journalism classes at First Flight High School. The publication is distributed free to the FFHS student body, faculty and staff and to First Flight Middle. Approximately 4,000 copies are inserted in the Outer Banks Sentinel, while another 1,200 are distributed in various retail outlets on the Outer Banks. The Nighthawk News staff strives to provide informative and accurate coverage of individuals and events within the school and the Dare County community. The opinion pages serve as a forum for the publications staff and community. Views expressed in Nighthawk News do not represent the opinions of the faculty or administration, the Dare County School Board or its administration. Editorials represent the views of the staff; bylined columns are the opinion of the authors. Readers are encouraged to write letters to the editor on matters of concern. Letters may be mailed to FFHS or delivered to Room B-214. They must be signed. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, grammatical errors or libelous content. Reach us by mail at 100 Veterans Drive, Kill Devil Hills, N.C. 27948, by phone at (252) 449-7000 or by e-mail at hanfst@daretolearn.org. Advertising inquiries can be made by phone or email. Nighthawk News is a member of the North Carolina Scholastic Media Association and the National Scholastic and Southern Interscholastic press associations. Our stories also are published online at NighthawkNews.com. Follow us on Twitter @FFNighthawkNews, Facebook.com/NighthawkNews, Instagram @FFHSNighthawkNews and Snapchat at Nighthawk.News. Mullen Publications, Inc., of Charlotte prints our paper. Nighthawk News subscribes to Tribune News Service to provide national and international stories, photos and/or graphics to our readers.

n light of recent events, I have become motivated to share my opinion on a devastating plague our country has been dealing with for decades now: mass shootings. Now, before anyone starts jumping to conclusions, I am not talking about “taking your guns away,” banning guns of a certain category or preventing qualified and responsible people from exercising their Second Amendment rights. That being said, I do feel strongly that there is a need for a stricter process in acquiring firearms. Since the 1999 Columbine High School shooting – where two troubled teenagers murdered 12 of their classmates and one teacher in Littleton, Colorado, before committing suicide in the school library – there have been over 70 mass shootings. In fact, Columbine is no longer one of the 10 deadliest shootings in modern history. This problem hasn’t gotten better. It has only escalated. Last October, a single gunman opened fire on a music festival in Las Vegas, killing 58 and injuring over 500 people. Once again, no legislative action was taken to even attempt to prevent such a catastrophic event from happening again. It has now been over a month since another mentally unstable 19-year-old with a laundry list of violent outbursts was able to legally purchase an AR-15 and slaughter another 17 innocent victims at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. At this point, doing noth-

ing is quite simply not an option. I find it hard to believe that it is more difficult to acquire one’s driver’s license than it is to acquire a machine designed to kill as many people as possible, as fast as possible. Make no mistake, an AR-15 is a weapon of war, and we need to regulate these types of weapons. The first step is the creation of a higher quality and more extensive background check that includes criminal records and history of mental health concerns. We also need to implement firearm registration and mandatory training programs similar to those needed to operate an automobile. Think about it: to legally own and operate an automobile in this country, one needs a driver’s license and a registered and insured car. To legally purchase an AR-15, one has to be 18 and have some money. The ease in acquiring a firearm in the U.S. is laughable and absolutely ridiculous to me. Another aspect of the problem is the “Gun Show loophole.” Under federal law, private sellers of guns are not required to perform background checks on buyers. They are also not required to record the sale or ask for identification. This is beyond reckless to me and I think a universal standard needs to be set when it comes to buying and selling firearms. I would never support any action that limits anyone’s constitutional rights, but helping to make these mass shootings easier is not a right I can endorse. – senior Tyler Love

Hawk Talk: With the recent rise in school shootings,

“I think that arming teachers is a terrible idea. It won’t really solve the issue and could lead to a lot more gun violence in schools.” – senior Summer Tonnesen

“I don’t think teachers should have guns because the answer to guns is not more guns.” – freshman Logan Grizzard

“I think it’s a horrible idea. We don’t know how teachers would react to that type of situation and if they are mentally stable enough to carry a gun.” – sophomore Gavyn DeBerry

“Teachers shouldn’t be armed. More guns does not equal less violence. The more people you give guns, the more chances you give for them to be misused.” – junior Ethan Driver

spring / / 2018

Our View: Plastic waste isn’t welcome on the OBX

iving in a coastal community, we are able to see first hand the effects that littering and plastic debris have on the Outer Banks. In the summertime especially, a short walk on the beach is enough to shock locals and tourists alike with the reality that people don’t always care where their trash ends up. Among many other (and often more disturbing) items, cigarettes, soda bottles, chip bags and beer cans riddle our beaches. Nothing more than the impending high tide and a caring, trash-collecting citizen are keeping these things from ending up in our oceans, soon to be consumed by an unsuspecting turtle or bird. It’s frustrating to see our home become a landfill for tourists, but knowing that the trash is eventually consumed by marine life is heartbreaking. this veto. Despite local About eight years ago, backlash, State Senator Bill many locals began to Cook and State Represennotice a decrease in tative Beverly Boswell were the amount of plastic vocal in their opposition of bags being left on the the original bag ban, and STAFF beach: a plastic bag were influential in voting EDITORIAL ban had been impleHB 56 into law. mented and businessProponents of HB 56 es had switched to giving out paper believe that the plastic bag ban bags to customers instead of plastic wasn’t effectively addressing the isones. Recently, the North Carolina sue of pollution and was ultimately General Assembly repealed this ban, harming businesses. Some busisomething known as House Bill 56. nesses on the Outer Banks – such as Although Gov. Roy Cooper decided Harris Teeter – are once again offerto veto HB 56, the North Carolina ing customers the option at checkGeneral Assembly voted to override out to choose paper or plastic bags.

IN OUR OPINION

Illustration by Lauren Kerlin/Special to Nighthawk News Others are sticking with the paper option despite the repeal. And a lot of customers are bringing their own bags, reducing the amount of both plastic and paper waste. Keeping a reusable bag in your car to use at trips to the grocery store isn’t the only way to reduce waste. Food and drink are often packaged unnecessarily; simply investing in a reusable bottle or straw can save the environment and your wallet. Instead of consistently buying prepackaged drinks, ﬁlling up a water bottle before leaving the house will spare a sizable chunk of change.

Sometimes consuming plastic is simply out of habit – waitresses hand out straws and customers use them, or a barista gives out lids and nobody thinks twice. Straws aren’t needed to sip on soda, and if you’re not taking your drink to go, skip the lid. We’ve become a society that mindlessly wastes plastic. Adjusting habits can take time, so starting small is a good way to go. If it’s too difﬁcult at ﬁrst to remember to bring a reusable water bottle or say no to a lid, committing to picking up trash when it’s lying on the ground is a good start.

should teachers have weapons in their classrooms?

“I don’t think they should have guns because there are a lot of teachers that could misuse a weapon if they had one. It could lead to more violence.” – freshman Braden Savona

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / opinions

“I don’t think it’s a good idea. I don’t think they are prepared for that type of situation properly and it gives them more stress to think about.” – sophomore Brady Van Lunen

“I think arming teachers is a good idea. Students who want to harm others would think twice. I don’t think they should be armed directly: It should be locked away somewhere in the room.” – junior Jake Douds

“I think it is a really bad idea. Having a gun in the classroom isn’t really safe. I would be OK with Ofﬁcer Essick and Mr. Albert having a gun, though. Not everyone needs to be armed. ” – senior Leslie Jennings

Driving is too daunting

Photo by Payton Gaddy/Shorelines Yearbook Senior Nathan Aldea sports his green Thrasher sweatshirt while taking a break from studying in the media center.

Thrasher: Mainstream brand or just for skaters?

treetwear – a “casual clothing style worn especially by members of various urban youth subcultures” – has taken over fashion in 2017. With influential celebrities like Kanye West, Travis Scott and A$AP Rocky leading the charge, the mainstream is now hooked on streetwear. With many brands to choose from like Supreme, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Palace and Bape all specifically making clothes that cater to what’s “in” right now, you wouldn’t expect Thrasher, a skateboarding magazine, to be a viable alternative in the fashion industry. However, celebs from Rihanna to Justin Bieber can’t seem to stop wearing the skate magazine’s merch. From hoodies to T-shirts to hats, “hypebeasts” (a person who follows a trend to be cool or in style) are hooked on Thrasher. I have been skating since I was 7, and even at a young age I knew what Thrasher was. I would regularly check to see who was on the cover each month and even received a stack of vintage Thrasher mags from a family friend for my birthday. Back then, all I knew about Thrasher was the magazines. In 2018, if you see Thrasher, it’s probably on the shirt of a kid that most likely can’t do a kickflip to save his life. At this point, I started to ask myself: “Should I be mad that a once sacred and skate-oriented brand is now worn by some kid at PacSun just for its iconic logo?” My first reaction is, yes, of course. You don’t see me wearing a Fame Cheer hoodie just because

Nighthawk Notions Cassidy O’Neil it looks cool. Skaters should wear Thrasher. End of story. But, after deeper thought, I realized that, in the end, it’s probably one of the best things that could happen to the skating industry. Not only does it promote the brand (and hopefully get someone new to pick up a skateboard and give it a try), but it also puts money back into the sport. Unlike professional baseball players, skaters don’t tend to make tens of millions of dollars a year. So, if selling merch to the mainstream is profitable, then I support it. This helps skate brands make more money which allows the pros to make more, which takes money problems out of the situation and allows them to do what they do best – skate. So, if you’re a lifetime skater or just a kid who likes the design, by all means, wear Thrasher. Go out to your local skate shop and buy as many hoodies as you want. In the end, it just helps the sport of skateboarding advance, and that is what real skaters ultimately want. Junior Cassidy O’Neil can be reached at o’neilca1210@daretolearn.org.

s another day of sitting in a classroom at driver’s ed dragged along, my peers and I waited anxiously for 6 p.m. to roll around so we could escape captivity. When the slow torture of car crash horror stories and endless lectures about street signs came to an end, we were set free, and exam day was soon to be upon us. Seemingly endless questions about who has the right of way and what to do in case of an emergency became a stream of never-ending pages. I put the pencil down, sighed and turned in my test. I passed. Next was the behind the wheel portion of driver’s ed. This was exciting for my classmates – they couldn’t wait to get out of the classroom and drive a car. I, however, most definitely could wait. The first time I sat behind the wheel of a car my heart was racing and my head was flooded with the memories of all the car accidents I had ever seen or heard of. These fears and ridiculous scenarios left my head after the first couple of days, but most of my anxieties about driving still remained. Every curb I hit, every mailbox I almost ran over, and every stop sign I eagerly waited at over the three-second rule made me even more hesitant to drive. To say the least, I wasn’t a good driver. There was a lot of stopping and going – well, not that much going because I refused to press the gas pedal for two days. I just sort of idled my way through the school parking lot. When the third day rolled by I had passed a milestone: I passed 5 mph. When I finally reached the big kid status of 20 mph it was the accomplishment of the season. After driving behind the wheel for three days, I thought I was ready for a permit. In July 2016 I waited in the seventh layer of Hell that is the DMV and I got my permit. I smiled at that pixelated paper copy of my permit and decided I was ready to drive. Time got away from me, and I didn’t start driving until a month after I got my permit. When I did start driving, my mom would get annoyed with my preferred speed of 15 mph, so while I was cruising along the neighborhood streets — that seemed like small alleyways — the fear returned inside of me. While my mom had great intentions, she was stressing me out even more. I resorted to what I do

Nighthawk Notions Chloe Futrell best: complaining. Yes, I am aware of how annoying it is to be around someone who does nothing but complain, but believe it or not, complaining while driving helped me become a better driver. I was driving the speed limit, I was using turn signals, and I even nailed the three-point turn. But my mother was becoming fed up with all of the complaining, and she shut that down immediately. The minute my nervous outlet was shut down, my legs became over-cooked noodles, and my brain could only remember the car accident stories and how close all of the mail boxes and trash cans seemed to be. While all of this started over a year and a half ago, I still remain scared for what driving has in store. This may seem silly or even dumb, but it is something that I can’t seem to get over. I like to believe that my lack of wanting to drive comes from fear, but if I have to be honest it is simply a special skill of mine – procrastination. My friends often joke with me for not wanting to drive, and my family nags me to get my license I should’ve gotten six months ago, but driving doesn’t come easily to me, and it is something I don’t like to do. Sure, I could make time for driving, but I love to come up with every excuse in the book not to. This may seem childish or even lazy, but this is what it boils down to. I do realize I am a little ridiculous about driving, but I just don’t like it. It is something that I will one day have to get used to, and while I even promised myself I would get it in January, I am still sitting here in March with a year and a half old permit. So for everyone asking why I am 17 and without a license, here you go. Consider this mystery solved. Laugh at me or laugh with me, but driving is not my forté and it never will be. Junior Chloe Futrell can be reached at futrellch1114@daretolearn.org. spring / / 2018

Spring? Yuck!

t’s finally here. The weather for making the wrong decision is getting nicer, the ocean is when deciding between shorts or beginning to get warm, it’s pants. We’ve all done it before: starting to look a little less ugly laughed at the person who decided outside. Spring has arrived. to wear jeans in the hot weather But you forgot what else comes or shorts in the freezing temperawith those pleasant things: the tures. Maybe we’ve done it ourendless allergy selves. Though medicine, the the only thing overwhelming at fault here is, quantity of pollen, obviously, spring the excruciating weather. transition beOnly one word tween sweaters fits for the deand shorts. scription of spring That’s when weather: yuck. Nighthawk Notions you remember – I don’t know a ugh, spring has single person who Emmy Trivette arrived. actually enjoys Yes, I will give those who appre- the strange humidity that makes ciate the positive aspects of spring their hair do things hair shouldn’t a chance. The warmer weather, be able to do. Sometimes there can spring break – OK, so maybe be the days when it’s rainy outside, there’s not many positive aspects but also 75 degrees, but also really to give a chance. windy. Who likes that? So listen up. Of course, the flowers are beginI have finally stocked my closet ning to blossom, but nobody has with sweaters, long socks and flan- time to notice that when they’re nels to last until next December. trying to get out of that drastic huHow am I expected to immediately midity, somehow made even worse transition into loose T-shirts, sanby a combination of heavy rain and dals and shorts? intense wind. This kind of weather This transition – which I like phenomenon can only occur in the to call the Great Transition – from spring. winter to spring (not great in the So yes, for multiple reasons, sense of quality, but rather in the spring is indeed awful. Though the sense of quantity) involves a combiggest, the worst and the most plex change in wardrobe. annoying reason has yet to be disIn result of this Great Transicussed: allergies. tion, one may spot herds of teenAlmost everybody has a polage girls in angst over an age-old len allergy. I have one, and when dilemma – To wear jeans, or not to spring rolls around it feels like I’m wear jeans: that is the question. swimming in the stuff. Not being Judge or prepare to be judged able to finish a sentence without

Graphic by Jackie Kuhn/Special to Nighthawk News sneezing becomes a normality from March to June. Remembering to take your allergy medicine is only half the battle. I’m then expected to get up, remember to take the medicine, get dressed, take everything to school and still accomplish all this at 7 a.m. And oh, how about those amazing allergy remedies that almost never work? There always seems to be a new amazing product that can amazingly cure you at the fastest rate possible, with the fastest methods used, at the lowest price for those methods. For example, you can’t take the medicine that’s supposed to stop a

runny nose in the morning because it’s going to make you drowsy the rest of the day. Vice versa for taking another type of medicine at night. The side effects are sometimes worse than the allergies themselves. Who wants to experience all of these terrible things? The sneezing, the runny nose, the disgusting weather, the terrible stress of putting together your spring wardrobe. What’s it all for? Why do people do this? And that’s when you remember, in three months it’s going to be summer. Sophomore Emmy Trivette can be reached a trivetteem0626@daretolearn.org.

Thank you, sponsors! From March 1-4, members of the FFHS journalism program visited Columbia for the Southern Interscholastic Press Association convention at the University of South Carolina. Students were immersed in all things journalism at the event and were part of a crowd of 600 students and advisers from as far away as Florida to Washington. Nighthawk News Magazine was named Best in State newspaper for a third straight year and several staff members took home individual honors at this annual event. Several businesses and organizations donated funds to help offset the cost of this trip. We appreciate their support in allowing our students to experience this kind of educational opportunity outside the classroom!

Beef Jerky Outlet Drs. Morris & Taylor Orthodontics Gately Communication Company The Outer Banks Fraternal Order of Eagles The Outer Banks Kiwanis Club The Outer Banks Woman’s Club The First Flight High School PTSO Nighthawk News Magazine / / opinions

My dad’s journey with cancer: a silver lining in the sadness

as I processed what might ensue. knew from the minute I woke up that someHow am I going to pay for college? What will thing wasn’t going to go right. My dad was I do without my dad? How are we going to pay going in for a minor procedure to get what we thought was a cyst removed from his face. for cancer treatment? Who is going to take care of my mom, my younger sister? As soon as I saw the text later that day I knew Fast forward two weeks, the biopsy was in; what he meant. “I’m home... and OK, sort of.” it was cancer. The good news was the diagnosis I knew that it was not a cyst. It was cancer. could be worse: his cancer I got home from school that supposedly was treatable and day and held myself together doesn’t spread. So for that we as he told me that it was more were thankful. than likely cancer. The mass in In late November he his face had become tangled in underwent a surgery that was the tissues of his cheek and was supposed to take eight hours, much different than what his require a skin graft and doctor initially expected. Biopseveral days in the hospital. I sy results wouldn’t be available Nighthawk Notions remember how nervous I felt for another two weeks. We were all day. I had my phone right in the dark. My hero who had Beverly Murry next to me so I could be ready always been so strong for my for any and all updates sent by my mom. The family was now curled up on our couch, holdtext spelling out how the surgery had gone beting back tears at the thought that cancer could ter than expected came later that afternoon and take away everything. We both knew how the for the first time in weeks I was relieved. The other was feeling through the quietness of our normally jovial and animated house. Everything surgery only lasted around four hours, he didn’t need a skin graft, and he would be coming home I knew was about to change. in a day. It felt like the worst was over. I had Suddenly he looked at me with urgency. anticipated that day to be the worst day of my “Something isn’t right,” he mumbled. I helped him up and walked to the car. I knew life, but it was actually one of the best. When he came home he looked bad. His face it was bad when he told me to disregard speed was swollen and wrapped in gauze stained dark limits and normal rules of the road. Half of his red with dried blood. I could see the pain in his face had filled with blood. I had to take care of eyes but I could also see the relief. He healed the man who had always taken care of me. I remarkably fast and was even able to take part didn’t cry until I got into the waiting room. A in Thanksgiving dinner, when just a few weeks sudden eruption of emotions spilled out of me

earlier we thought he would be on a feeding tube. About a week before Christmas he started radiation. I toured the local radiation oncology facility and met the nurses and the doctor who would be in charge of killing the vestiges of cancer that still occupied my dad’s body. At first radiation went well. He would get tired in the afternoon and take a nap, but those were the only side effects he felt. Then one day he woke up with sores all over the inside of his mouth, and the side effects only progressed from there. He lost the ability to talk, to taste, to eat. For a few weeks I lost my dad. I have never seen him more miserable than during the last weeks of his treatment. My dad is now cancer free. This entire experience has been gut wrenching, awful, terrible. But through the sadness I see a silver lining. I am thankful to have had 18 years with him: 18 years of laughter, inside jokes, fights, tears. Through an ugly thing like cancer, I have found a deeper appreciation for life and all the punches it throws. I am now going to cherish little things like Sunday afternoon grocery store trips, or walking the dogs together. Life has too much to offer to wallow in sadness. I am so thankful that I still have my dad at the end of this because so many others can’t say their parent beat cancer. These last few months have made me realize that no matter what, I have an amazing, supportive family and a world of possibilities to explore. Senior Beverly Murry can be reached at murrybe0316@daretolearn.org.

Coping with insecurity is arduous, not impossible

Illustration by Karsen Beckner/ Special to Nighthawk News

alking down the the self-doubt consuming me? hallway, I am insecure I question my appearance, my of my nose, my acne, handwriting, my voice, my clothes. my eyebrows. Little I’m impressionable – the smallest things that are instantly magnified of insults can be detrimental and by looking at the faces of others. send me spiraling into abjection. This strain of insecurity is a burden We crave to fit in and be like — dragging and pulling me down everyone else; this warped idea of with each new step. what it means to be normal plays Coping with on a constant insecurity is loop in our arduous. Snarky minds. But what comments here sets us apart and there feel like from everyone punches to the gut else – that’s what that I will never we should really recover from. We be searching for. as teenagers are It’s those things Nighthawk Notions moldable; we are that make us just finding out special, rare, unCaroline Jenkins who we are. We common, excepare just realizing what it means tional, extraordinary. We should be to be a leader, a good student, a searching for all those little things kind person. We are striving for within – those talents, hidden greatness while also being weighed abilities, things we foolishly deem down by insults. “too weird.” Those are the things We are students caught in a that give us the strength to break “coming of age” time. A time to the chains of social norms and celebrate our youth. But how can suffocating standards. They give us I celebrate when I feel choked by the strength to breathe without the

burden of belonging. We all find ourselves grappling with self acceptance, searching for an answer to all our issues and someone to help guide us through our sea of doubt. Yet, without accepting who we are first, we may never be able to accept those around us for who they are. It’s difficult to forget the harsh words of others and shed the blanket of insecurity, but this is imperative to growing into our true selves. There is no easy answer or solution to accepting yourself. It’s something that comes with time and growth. We try to figure out who we are while also coping with the things that we dislike about ourselves. To embrace your flaws means to be completely and wholly yourself. You are so much more than the demeaning comments of another person. I am myself and I am proud of that, and you should be, too. Junior Caroline Jenkins can be reached at jenkinsca0616@daretolearn.org. spring / / 2018

Illustration by Jackie Kuhn/ Special to Nighthawk News

Sleep deprivation – too young to be tired

ake up, go to school and rehearsal, can be just as stressful as adults, and that stress come home and start on hours of can result in teens feeling even more fatigued. homework, fall asleep at 12 a.m. Until last year, when I made a New Year’s (or later), repeat. resolution to go to bed earlier – so I could wake This is what my day-to-day up earlier – I never realized life – as well as many other how hard it would be. Before teenagers’ lives across America attempting these new sleeping – consists of. On many occahabits, I was getting a maxsions, I have been told that I imum of six hours of rest. I shouldn’t be tired because I am found it nearly impossible to simply “too young to be tired.” fall asleep earlier because I had Over 90 percent of high so much homework to do, plus school students are sleep demy after school commitments. Nighthawk Notions prived, according to the HuffSo, like many other resoluington Post, and 20 percent of tions, this one fell through. But Chloe Futrell them are getting less than five if I had caught an extra hour of hours of rest per night. “Zs,” achieving this could have been possible. Many adults chalk up what are clear signs Early start times for school can actually preof sleep deprivation to “laziness.” While high vent students from getting a full night’s sleep school students do like to sleep, it is mainly and affect their safety and school performance, because they are trying to make up for the lack of according to Time magazine. The American rest lost during the school week. Older generaAcademy of Sleep Medicine also believes schools tions may also not understand that stress levels shouldn’t start any earlier than 8:30. Later start of students are similar to those of adults. Accord- times for school could help improve students’ ing to a Stress in America survey, adolescents overall mental health and the way they perform. reported having similar stress levels when comHigh school students are stretched thin due pared to those of adults. Yes – teenagers’ lives to classes and extracurriculars all for the sake Nighthawk News Magazine / / opinions

of meeting college requirements. Students are expected to make good grades and participate in sports, theater, band or something else. While our teachers and parents tell us we aren’t expected to be model students all the time, the pressures of society tell us differently. The constant need to take one more AP class or to join one more club in order to feel the satisfaction of standing out on college applications is overwhelming. When teens finally do get to experience the whole average five hours of sleep that is high school, they become irritable and fatigued. Moodiness is already programmed into the daily routine for teenagers, but less sleep is only making it worse. Fatigue also impacts reaction time, which causes teenagers to be less adequate while driving. Adolescents are at the highest risk for falling asleep at the wheel, according to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital. While teenagers may seem unmotivated or lazy, they may just be tired and in need of rest. The lack of sleep teens face on a day-to-day basis is not recognized as relevant, simply because they are young. We aren’t lazy. We are tired. Junior Chloe Futrell can be reached at futrellch1114@daretolearn.org.

Come ride the wave

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Athletic trainers provide aid on the sideline By Hunter Haskett Business Manager

he bright stadium lights flood the field, the smell of hamburgers and hot dogs fill the air, roars echo from the student sections. Plays are called. Helmets and bodies collide. Through it all, athletic trainer Alyssa Baldauf and her team of students watch expertly from the sidelines, waiting to aid an injured member of the football team. Before they head out to the field, athletic training students learn about becoming a professional athletic trainer, First Aid, CPR and different structures of the body. “We’ll learn by joint, so we’ll start out with foot, ankle and lower leg,” Baldauf said. “Then we’ll learn the knee and the shoulder, as well as rehab technique, so what kind of exercises to fix certain injuries, and we’ll also do splinting and spine boarding.” Athletic Training classes not only give students valuable medical knowledge, but first-hand experience. “My favorite part about teaching Athletic Training is seeing the kids’ interest pique,” Baldauf said. “There are some things that are boring when we learn in the classroom, but when the kids see the hands-on aspect of it, they gain a greater interest for it.” A small team of their own, these students spend a lot of time with each other and all of the athletic teams. Senior Danielle Evers, however, names football as her favorite season. “We see the (football team) every day after school, five days a week, maybe six on Saturdays and then in the summer, we do the camp,” Evers said. Spending so much time together has allowed the student trainers to form strong friendships with each other and the athletes. “I like it because we get to have relationships with the teammates and the other trainers,” Evers said. “There’s not that many of us, but we all get to bond with each other.” For junior Ellie Gardill, who moved to the Outer Banks last year, athletic training was an opportunity to meet new people. “It helped me to get involved. I was new, so no one knew who I was,” Gardill said. “I met kids on the baseball team and then the girls that helped Ms. B – Malia (Garber), Peyton (Mull) and Danielle.”

Photo submitted by Ellie Gardill Athletic trainers pose for a picture together after one of the many football games they work each season. The football team is just one of the many teams the trainers help with at First Flight. This tight-knit group of girls shares memories, inside jokes and the common goal of a potential career in the medical ﬁeld. Gardill is deciding between pursuing nursing or athletic training in the military. Evers has decided to get her registered nursing degree, with aspirations of becoming a midwife nurse, and junior Peyton Mull is also deciding between an athletic trainer job or a pediatric nurse. Whatever medical career these students pursue, athletic training has given them a good foundation. “My students come out and help me as an Athletic Training II student. They’re required to get 50 hours, so that’s shadowing at practices and games,” Baldauf said. Shadowing at games allows the students to work in a real-world environment. Although they’re not allowed to help with certain injuries, the trainers are still able to gain valuable knowledge. “Legally they’re not allowed to tape any athletes, but we do taping skills so we can practice on each other, but they are really there to assist me in any emergencies that arise,” Baldauf said. Although they are not allowed to treat serious injuries, the girls still do many jobs for the teams. “We ﬁll up the (football team’s) water bottles, we make ice coolers to put ice on them, tend to whatever need they have like if they get hurt or if they’re cramping or if they have a headache, just help them any way we can,” Mull said. Baldauf and her team of trainers

are active every sports season, but football is by far the biggest sport the students help with as they travel to every game and attend every practice. “We do weigh-ins, water, helping Ms. B restock the kit, really anything,” Gardill said. “We can’t tape or anything, but we can put a Band-Aid on somebody. It’s something to help her.” Completing these tasks and helping injured athletes have made the student trainers appreciate their learning environment. “I’ve always wanted to work in the medical ﬁeld, but getting to have these hands on experiences and learning more was really good because it gave me a clear mind of what to expect,” Evers said. Although it is a big commitment, taking both time and effort, Baldauf and her trainers believe athletic training is a great opportunity. Anyone thinking about pursuing a medical career or even just an athlete looking to learn more about the body and how it works, Athletic Training might be a class to take. “It’s cool being a part of something like that and knowing you’re actually helping,” Evers said. This exceptional group of students works hard to keep teams performing at their best. “We have 600 athletes, and I couldn’t do it all without (my students),” Baldauf said. “I’m so appreciative that they want to be there and that they help me out.” Junior Hunter Haskett can be reached at hasketthu0318@daretolearn.org. spring / / 2018

Shooting team is more than meets the (bulls) eye By Reagan Pearson Staff Writer

hile the achievements and skills of students who play sports like soccer, wrestling and lacrosse are noted and admired, there is another group winning trophies and breaking records – the First Flight Shooting Team. Last year, the shooting team competed in the Eastern 4-H Center District Tournament in Columbia. Under the leadership of coaches Sam Ballard and Ralph Jarvis, the team placed second in shotgun, third in rifle and won fourth place overall. “That was probably the closest year we’ve ever been to going to states,” senior Skylar Stultz said. April’s tournament will be the sixth for Stultz, who has high hopes: “Our goal this year is to go to states. I personally want to win district in the rimfire match.” The shooting team is actually a diverse group with branches in rifle, shotgun, archery and orienteering. Rifle isn’t as simple as point at the target and shoot, but rather how accurate one is in three different positions: standing, kneeling and prone. With every change in position, the competitor must adjust and get back into focus. Junior Jevin Copeland has been shooting rifle for the team since middle school and is currently ranked No. 3 in North Carolina. “My grandpa got me into shooting and is my biggest fan, so I guess my favorite part would be making him happy and proud of me,” Copeland said. The team has something for everyone, and junior Chyla Huber found that out first hand. “I’ve been hunting with my dad ever since I was little, so I’ve always been in that kinda realm,” Huber said. “I wanted to start doing rifle, but one of my friends started doing archery.” While archery wasn’t her first choice, she quickly found a love for the challenging commitment. “It takes a lot of time,” she said. “I have to practice four times every week. You learn way more than just shooting the bow.” Students who shoot shogun for the team have one objective: shoot the pigeon – the clay pigeon, that is. Small disks are launched into the air and competitors must shoot them down. Shotgun is perhaps the Nighthawk News Magazine / / sports

Photos submitted by Kelly Crawford Junior Jevin Copeland (above, from left), junior Jake Douds, alumna Victoria Robey, freshman Will Roepcke and junior Dylan White take aim at a shooting competition. Junior Chyla Huber also competes with the group as an archer. most fast-paced shooting activity. Junior Kaleb Keeton won first place in shotgun during last year’s district tournament and hopes to maintain that title. “I can’t even remember the first time I shot a gun because it was so long ago,” Keeton said. “When I came in first in the shotgun division at the district tournament last year it was one of the best feelings because all the hard work I constantly put in since middle school finally paid off and I was the district champ.” The final branch of shooting team is orienteering. The goal of the team is to equip students with not only life lessons, but with survival skills. Members of the orienteering team use a compass and pacing to find a hidden mark on a course of points. However, people learn more than just using a compass in orienteering. “The main thing orienteering teaches you is teamwork because you are working with four other people that all have different paces, so if you all pace 15 yards you might all end up in a different spot and you have to all agree upon one spot,” Keeton said In an age of technology, orienteering helps students learn the useful and valuable skill of navigation, making them less reliant on technology and more prepared if they were to ever get lost. A sport that revolves around guns and bows can be dangerous if one doesn’t know what they are doing. However, for the shooting

team and its members, nothing is more important than safety. “The first and foremost thing we worry about is safety and proper responsibility of handling, using and having firearms,” Keeton said. In order to even join the shooting team, prospective members are required to take a hunter safety course. For the award-winning members of the shooting team, they are proud to have the opportunity to showcase their gun and navigation skills in a way that encourag-

es teamwork, responsibility and friendship. As they prepare for their next tournament, team members have their eyes on the prize and keep in mind what is truly important about the sport. “My favorite part about the team is the fact that I get to go out to the range on the weekends with my friends and we get to shoot and have a good time,” Keeton said. Junior Reagan Pearson can be reached at pearsonre0213@daretolearn.org.

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Photo by Michaela Kelly/Nighthawk News Senior Mannon Haynes takes a cut against USA Home School in a game earlier this month. After a quick recovery from an ACL injury suffered before football season, Haynes is now a key member of the baseball team.

Haynes hopes for home runs in a future of recovery

By Will McFarlane Staff Writer

weat drips off of his face as he extends his leg one more time. The pain overtakes his body, but senior Mannon Haynes never gives up. Rehab for Haynes’ knee was a seemingly endless process, but it was all worth it for him to play his senior season of baseball. “I went twice a week to the physical therapist,” Haynes said. “I had to run, do squats and do some jumping. It was pretty much like a full workout, and it was hard.” For Haynes, sports are everything. As a dual-sport athlete throughout high school, Haynes excelled at both baseball and football. During the summer going into his senior year, he tore his ACL during a football scrimmage at Northeastern High School. “When it ﬁrst happened I was feeling conﬁdent because I could walk on it,” Haynes said. However, the MRI he later took revealed a complete tear in his ACL, meaning his senior season of football was down the drain. With an injury as severe as his, it could have taken up to a full year for it to heal properly. But with the intense physical therapy he went through, the injury healed in just six months. “I’m just glad I can get out there and compete again – in any kind of

sport,” Haynes said. “Just to be able well in conference play and win at to be with my guys and be able to least one playoff game.” lead them in the right direction.” Haynes has played baseball for Not only is Haynes glad to be Saunders all four years of his high back, his teammates feel the same school career, so he knows exactly way. Junior what he would McCoy Davbe missing enport knows if Haynes I’m just glad I can get out that the team couldn’t play. wouldn’t be “We would there and compete again – the same withbe missing out him. our ace of the in any kind of sport. “He has a staff,” Saun- Mannon Haynes huge impact ders said. “We on the team also count on with his speed him for leaderin the outfield and his hitting ship roles. He’s not a vocal leader, ability,” Davenport said. “Our team but he leads well by example on would be completely different. We and off the field.” would be down.” Davenport also played football Coach Steve Saunders has seen with Haynes for three years. He what Haynes can do and is glad to knows that Haynes is a natural have him back. competitor and is a huge asset to “(Haynes) is a great left-handed any team he is a part of. Davenport pitcher with great movement on was on the field when Haynes got his pitches and he locates well,” injured, so he knows first hand how Saunders said. “He knows how to impressive it is that Haynes is back get people out.” and able to play baseball. Last season, Haynes had a 0.88 “Not playing football with him earned run average, meaning that was weird because he was such a while he was pitching, the opposhuge asset to that team, too,” Daving team only scored an average of enport said. “For him to recover as less than one run. His goals for this fast as he did and to be able to play season are to be a solid individual baseball at what I would say is at player and to take things one game 100 percent is just incredible. I’m at a time. glad I got to witness both sides and “I want to bat over .300, I want see how greatly he’s improved.” to pitch well and not have too Junior Will McFarlane can be many errors in the field,” Haynes reached at mcfarlanewi0712@daresaid. “As for the team, I want to do tolearn.org.

“

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spring / / 2018

Stultz and Rodman take on New Balance Nationals By Simone Midgett Staff Writer

rossing the finish line of the NCHSAA 2A Indoor Track and Field State Championship, senior Skylar Stultz had a million things running through his mind. The obvious: He just became the 2018 state champion in the 1000 meters and set a meet record of 2 minutes, 32.74 seconds. But the thought that stood out to him most was, “Did I qualify for Nationals?” Over the course of the next few weeks, Stultz still had this same question on his mind. In order to compete at the national level, Stultz needed a time of 2:32.50 in the 1000 to qualify for the 800-meter Emerging Elite race at New Balance Nationals Indoor. Missing the time by only 26 hundredths of a second, Stultz submitted his time hoping it would be close enough to get him in. “It was nerve racking. I couldn’t really focus on any of my school work and I really wanted to compete at the national level,” Stultz said. After waiting to see if he would be attending New Balance Nationals alongside senior teammate Alex Rodman – who had qualified earlier in the season – Stultz received the exciting news that his time had been accepted. “Obviously I was really excited (for him),” Rodman said. “Nationals is fun to begin with, but it’s even more fun when you have someone to run with you.” From March 9-11, Stultz and Rodman attended the New Balance Nationals Indoor meet in New York City. This was Stultz’s first time racing at the Fort Washington Avenue Armory and Rodman’s second

Photo submitted by Alex Rodman Seniors Skylar Stultz and Alex Rodman pose for a picture before their 800-meter races earlier this month at the prestigious New Balance Nationals in New York City. after attending the meet last year. “The atmosphere is really overwhelming, so having that experience from last year made it a lot more relaxing and comfortable for me,” Rodman said. “I was able to enjoy it a lot more.” Stultz and Rodman, having been on First Flight’s cross country and track teams all four years of high school, rightfully earned the title of team captains for their senior year. Serving as leaders for the team, they exemplify what it means to serve as role models. “If it wasn’t for Skylar, I wouldn’t be as good as I am because he pushes us every day in practice, and he always sets a really good pace for everyone,” sophomore Aidan May said. During their time on the cross

country and track teams, Stultz and Rodman have competed in multiple cross country, indoor track and outdoor track state championships, both being top performers for their

team. However, at a national level the competition is more intense. “Usually I am one of the top performers, but at nationals it made me feel like I was just average. It was a humbling experience,” Stultz said. At the New Balance Nationals, Stultz placed 16th out of the 26 competitors and Rodman placed 23rd out of 38 competitors. Both runners competed in the Emerging Elite division for the 800-meter run. Although this may be Stultz and Rodman’s last year running for First Flight, they both have plans to run for Division I schools for the next four years. Rodman is running cross country and track at Columbia University, while Stultz will be furthering his education at UNC Charlotte with hopes of walking on for the 49ers. “It will be completely different (without them),” May said. “It won’t be as fun because the group of seniors this year made everything so much better, but we will still try to make up for it and have a great year.” Sophomore Simone Midgett can be reached at midgettsa0827@daretolearn.org.

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Nighthawk News Magazine / / sports

Buzzy Staten (from left), Summer Banning and Simone Midgett celebrate a goal in the Nighthawks’ home game Friday against Jacksonville. Photo by Hayley Miller/ Shorelines Yearbook

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he shrill whistle rings through the air as girls run up and down the ﬁeld passing the ball between them, working together to score a goal. This year, the women’s lacrosse team is not only scoring goals, but setting them, too. Checking into a new season, the girls are excited to win some games, improve on their skills and most importantly, have fun. “This season we are working on being a team so we can win one game,” junior Buzzy Staten said. Despite practicing hard for the last few seasons, the girls lacrosse team has yet to win. While winning games is on top of the list, the team also has some technical goals it wants to meet as well. “We need to improve on our defense because we’re letting the girl come through the middle and getting the goal,” sophomore Skylar Addison said. Working on endurance, passing the ball faster and running drills to tighten up the defense, the girls are determined to win their ﬁrst game. “In practice, we’ve been working a lot on drills that simulate the game like 2v2s or 4v4s,” Staten said. “We’ve been working a lot on that so we can prepare for playing against a team that is really good on offense or defense.” The motto this year? “Third time’s the charm.” With this in mind, the team is ready to show off all of its hard work in its third season. “I feel like with experience

it could happen this year,” junior Caroline Murray said. Since starting three years ago, the team has always been happy to welcome new players to the game. “Everyone is really nice and they are always there,” freshman Katie MacBride said. “They will always help you if you mess up; they don’t really get down on you.” Added sophomore Ashby King: “I didn’t know anything about the sport. I’ve learned so much the past few weeks and everyone’s really helpful.” Although winning is a top priority, the girls still keep in mind what the game is all about: having fun. “We have so much fun. Even though we aim really big, we don’t get too disappointed,” Murray said. “We just make the best of it.” Win or lose, the team makes sure to keep spirits up during games. “We just try and make each other laugh and compliment each other on what we did good in the game,” Addison said. Although it may seem intimidating to start a new sport, join a new team or meet new people, the girls on the lacrosse team will assure you that all you need is a good attitude and strong work ethic. “Just give it a chance: No one really cares if you’re bad or if you’re good,” Murray said. “It’s awesome if you’re good, but it’s all about trying, coming to practice and putting in the effort.” Junior Hunter Haskett can be reached at hasketthu0318@daretolearn.org. spring / / 2018

‘The Brittany’ tournament hits home for Taylor

By Alex Rodman Editor-in-Chief

ast March, senior Anne Elliott Taylor stood along the sideline of field six at the Gillette Soccer Complex in Wilson in her No. 9 white and navy Fike Golden Demons uniform. With her black and white Adidas cleats planted firmly in the grass, she watched and admired the First Flight women’s varsity soccer team’s game in the Brittany Willis Memorial Scholarship Showcase. This March, Taylor returned to her hometown tournament and to the fields where she first learned the game of soccer. She still wore her lucky No. 9 on her jersey, but this year it was emblazoned on the back of a blue and white First Flight Nighthawks uniform. After moving from Wilson to the Outer Banks for her senior year of high school, Taylor no longer watches the First Flight team – she has joined them. “My dad had always wanted to move back (to the Outer Banks),” Taylor said. “He would always talk about it, trying to coax me into it. I thought honestly, ‘They’re better than Fike. They could beat Fike.’ I’m sad that I won’t be in Wilson, but I am actually really excited to play with First Flight this year.” Taylor played her first game as a Nighthawk at the 2018 Brittany Willis Memorial Scholarship Showcase – an event that she has attended the past three years with her previous high school team. The tournament honors the memory of an incredible young woman and soccer player, Brittany Willis, whose life was tragically cut short by a horrific and random act of violence. Willis was Taylor’s camp counselor at the SuperKids program at their local country club in Wilson. Though brief, this relationship makes the tournament even more meaningful for her. “It think it impacts me because knowing someone that you know can go through this, that is just scary within itself, but it was just a really sad loss,” Taylor said. “Not just because I knew her, even for the people in the Wilson community that didn’t personally know her, but knew of her, it was just tragic.” The tournament highlights not only the life of Brittany Willis, but also the values of sportsmanship Nighthawk News Magazine / / sports

that she upheld and her passion for the game of soccer. For Taylor, the weekend is a reminder to cherish each game as if it were her last. “(The tournament) means a lot because it’s not just about the sportsmanship, like, ‘Oh you played a good game.’ Whenever I play, I want to play for something,” Taylor said. “And this cause makes you want to play your heart out because you never know when it could be your last soccer game.” The Brittany was full of reminiscing for Taylor, even more so because First Flight was coincidentally scheduled to play Fike on Friday night of the tournament. The Nighthawks claimed a 5-1 victory over the Golden Demons. Taylor controlled the midfield of this game to assist the Nighthawks in their first nonconference win. “When I went up for captains (the referees) were like, ‘Introduce yourselves.’ And obviously I knew who they were already. They were like, ‘I’m Claire, I’m Reily’ and I was just laughing because I grew up with Claire and I grew up with Reily,” Taylor explained. “I would have loved to have just seen them (Fike) and have checked out one of their games, but to be playing against them I was like, ‘Oh, this is going to be awkward.’ ” Despite Taylor’s initial hesitation, First Flight coach Juan Ramirez noted her performance as anything but awkward. “Because of her leadership and her desire to play the game, and play in the area that she loves, that shows the true character of winning and her wanting to be a winner at all times,” Ramirez said. Amid the competitive drive that consumed her weekend, Taylor realized that the tournament was about much more than winning. “Knowing it’s my last time is really sad because even though it’s a tournament to remember Brittany, you make all of these fun memories,” Taylor said. “Like getting to eat the pizza after, that is just so fun. And the warmups, when they are playing the music or when you all walk out and they play the national anthem. It just kind of hits you and it’s like, this is all for something good.” Senior Alex Rodman can be reached at rodmanal0704@daretolearn.org.

Photo submitted by Anne Elliott Taylor Senior Anne Elliott Taylor settles the ball with a defender on her back at the Brittany Willis Memorial Scholarship Showcase last March. After moving to the Outer Banks this summer, Taylor was able to return to ‘The Brittany’ this year as a member of First Flight’s team.

Konstanzer enjoys the mayhem of March Madness By Sophie Johnson Sports Editor

hree-time All-Northeastern Conference First Team selection, two-time North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association All-Region First Team selection, two-time All-State selection, 2015 NCBCA Player of the Year for Region 1 in a unanimous selection. These are just a few of the accomplishments of former First Flight basketball standout Jack Konstanzer. Konstanzer, who graduated in 2016, is now a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. And he can add “making the NCAA Tournament” to his list of achievements. The UNCG Spartans defeated the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers in the Southern Conference Tournament to put them in the March Madness bracket this season. “It was amazing, one of the best feelings ever. Just to be able to lock in a bid to the NCAA Tournament is everyone’s dream,” Konstanzer said when reached by phone for an interview with Nighthawk News. “Not a lot of people get to accomplish that, so it’s a big accomplishment for everyone at UNCG and it just shows that from the staff and the managers that we’ve worked our butts off.” UNCG played ETSU last year in the Southern Conference title game and lost a close game to end their season. This year, however, the tables turned.

Photo courtesy of UNCG Strategic Communications UNCG sophomore Jack Konstanzer (center), the former First Flight basketball star, hypes up the Spartans prior to their first-round game in the NCAA Tournament. Due to an injury, Konstanzer has been out for two seasons. “We’ve had a little rivalry with them since last year. They beat us in the championship game and got to go to the NCAA Tournament,” he said. “A little sweet revenge to get back at them.” This marked the first time since 2001 that UNCG made it to the tournament. Not only were the players thrilled about their advancement, but the fans also were excited for this experience of a lifetime. During the tournament selection show, fans gathered in a ballroom on campus to celebrate and hear the Spartans’ name called on national television.

Chatting

Q: Do you have any hobbies?

WITH

Coach

Q: Where did you grow up? A: I grew up in Elizabeth City. I went to high school at Northeastern High School and I went to ECU for college.

Chad Williams

Q: Who is the most intelligent person you know? A: My son – without a doubt. He is the most intelligent person I have ever met in my life.

Information compiled by Alex Rodman/Nighthawk News Graphic by Arabella Saunders, Photo by Trinity Harrison/Nighthawk News

“It was a huge thing for the university and we’re no longer under the radar,” Konstanzer said. “So it was a big step for UNCG as a university, and shows how Coach (Wes) Miller’s worked so hard to get where he is now.” The team faced one of the tournament favorites, Gonzaga, in the first round. UNCG was a No. 13 seed and Gonzaga No. 4 in the West Region bracket in Boise, Idaho. Despite being in the spotlight, the Spartans stuck with their regular routine during the tournament trip.

“We’ve just been rehabbing, taking care of our bodies, eating right, sleeping right, getting our proper rest. We haven’t changed anything at all since we’ve been out here,” Konstanzer said. “We’re kind of a team that sticks to our morals.” UNCG fell four points short of ending Gonzaga’s first-round victory streak. In a tournament full of upsets, their game also was being watched closely before Gonzaga emerged with a 68-64 victory. “It was a great experience to be out there. It was a really good event in Boise,” he said. “It was definitely a lifetime memory. I just wish we would’ve come out on the other end of things.” Konstanzer, who suffered an injury his freshman year, has been out for two seasons. Throughout his recovery, he has experienced a lot of support from both the team and faculty at UNCG. “All the coaches support me, all the players. So it’s just made it a lot easier than you would think it would be as being an injured player having to sit out for two years in a row after having such a successful high school career,” he said. “Everyone as UNCG is so accepting no matter what happens to you. Once you’re a Spartan you’re always a Spartan. It’s just a great school. I couldn’t imagine going to a better school. I’m glad I made this decision. I can’t complain a bit.” Junior Sophie Johnson can be reached at @johnsonso0628@daretolearn.org.

Q: Are you aware of the rumors that you are in the CIA?

A: Yes, driving my family insane. I work a lot. I like to grill out and hang out with my friends. I work at a restaurant in the off-season. I work basketball 24/7.

A: No! Where did those rumors get started? Is that really a rumor? Who in the world thinks that!?

Q: Proudest moment as a basketball coach?

Q: How do you feel when you see a Chromebook out of its case?

A: It’s hard to quantify that into one thing. I’m proud of the individual achievements that my players make. I’m proud of the team collectively when we reach our potential – which I think we did this year.

A: Typically, when students are choosing not to use their case it’s a matter of A) them trying to show that they’re above the law, or B) they’re very apathetic about what rules we choose to impose. spring / / 2018

Sports in Brief: Signings and spring seasons

enior Stephen Cash has put pen to paper, signing for college football at Hampden-Sydney College. Cash has been working toward this goal since he ﬁrst picked up the pigskin. “It felt amazing. It has been something I’ve wanted to do since I started playing when I was 6,” Cash said. Cash had multiple opportunities to continue both his football and academic career, but in the end, only one truly stood out to him. “I went to Saint Andrews and then Hampden-Sydney, and I loved Hampden-Sydney. They didn’t even compare,” Cash said. “I liked the campus. It was amazing and very beautiful. I liked their academics and that’s what really matters. Their football team, they have great history.” Cash plans to eventually make an impact as a linebacker, but hopes he can help the team in any way possible. “This year they have a lot of older guys who are a beast at the linebacker position, so I’m going to try to start on special teams and learn all the new stuff. I’m also going to try to get some playing time in at linebacker” Cash said. In the future, Cash wants to continue the success he had as a Nighthawk: “Overall, throughout college, I want to win some conference championships, and get some rings. I want to be the best I can.”

eoff Harte has coached the men’s tennis team for the past two years, but this year, it’s different. Last year, the team’s toughest obstacle was the number of players on the NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / sports

roster – only four. “Last year I had a couple of kids that didn’t understand the expectations that I set forth. I had to be ﬂexible around their issues because I had no alternative. Otherwise, the team would have forfeited,” Harte said. For the 2018 season, the team has grown to 10 names on the roster: freshmen Ashton Acuna, Joshua Miller, Levi Hawkins, Matthew Miller, Max Stabley and Robert Peters, sophomore Lucien Steyn, junior Reese Jones and seniors Hunter Snyder and Nick Goldberg. “So far this year all the players are meeting my expectations in terms of their commitment to the team,” Harte said. Harte is enjoying both the number of athletes that have come out to play as well as there work ethic, and hopes to be successful. “I don’t measure success with wins and loses. I measure success with effort, and teamwork and responsibility,” Harte said.

more important is for them to have a great time and learn life lessons.”

ednesday, Feb. 7, was an important day for Anne Elliott Taylor, who signed to play Division II soccer at Concord University, and best friend Brayleigh Jones, who signed to play Division I soccer at Coastal Carolina University. Soccer has been something that has greatly impacted both Jones and Taylor’s lives growing up. “At the age of 4, my dad brought me to play at the rec league and from there I played on a travel team, and I just got to know a group of girls that are still my best friends and I consider them my sisters,” Taylor said.

Taylor’s decision to sign to play at Concord University came from the instant feeling of home and comfort she got when touring the school and meeting with the coaches. While Taylor toured multiple schools before coming to a decision, Jones knew right away Coastal Carolina was for her. “I like (Coastal Carolina) a lot, so when I got the offer I was like, ‘This is my school. This is where I want to go,’ ” Jones said. “From the ﬁrst visit, I was really determined to go there.” Balancing traveling to Virginia Beach for soccer practice four times a week and the stress of senior year may be difﬁcult for most, but Jones and Taylor set a goal and did what was needed to achieve it. “I have a set schedule: I have to get all my homework done because I know I have practice most nights and I know I won’t be able to do it,” Jones said. “It’s made me better in school with getting my work done as soon as I can.” Information compiled by Cassidy O’Neil and Simone Midgett. Photos by Michaela Kelly, Payton Gaddy and Anne Elliot Taylor

oach Juan Ramirez, who has led the men’s soccer team to the state championship game four times, now faces a new role – women’s soccer coach. “I have coached women’s soccer before, so the transition wasn’t a big deal. I think the girls are tremendous, their work ethic is tremendous,” Ramirez said. “It makes it easy as far as how hard we can push them. There is no difference in regards to their desire to succeed and improve.” Sometimes a coaching change can be difﬁcult, but Ramirez isn’t worried. “Every time you switch coaches the style is totally different. They had to adjust to what I expect. A lot of them have played for so many different coaches I don’t think it was much of an adjustment for them,” Ramirez said. He hopes to transfer his previous success to his new team. “The main goal is for them to have good memories and enjoy,” he said. “Of course we want to win, but

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First Flight Spring Spotlight: A Q&A

Caroline Clissold Junior

Mason Johnson Junior

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I have been playing since fourth grade. One of my good family friends introduced me to the sport.

Why do you play lacrosse, and what makes it different than other sports? I play because it’s fast-paced and physical, and fun to play.

What is your favorite part about playing? It is fun to watch all the new girls learn how to play because it’s a new sport to the area.

What kind of cleats do you wear? Under Armour Highlights. They give good ankle support for quick cuts.

What is your position on the team? I play attack – I play offense, so I score.

What does the term “lax bro” mean to you? It’s a brotherhood – we are all lax bros.

Do you have any pregame rituals? Every time on the bus we always connect all our speakers and jam out. We play a lot of hype music.

What’s the biggest hit you have taken? Freshman year, we were playing West Carteret. Their whole football team plays lacrosse and I was about to catch the ball and some 6-3, 230-pound kid laid me out and I landed straight on my back.

If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it? I would donate some and go on a lot of fun vacations in Europe. What do your weekends consist of? A lot of outdoorsy activities. I like to go on walks and go to the beach. What is your favorite place to eat? I really like Bad Bean because I really like Mexican food. If you could be any animal, what would it be? I would be a dolphin, because I like to swim around and they look like they have a lot of fun. What is your favorite holiday? I really like Thanksgiving because I get to spend time with my family and eat a lot of food.

What’s the biggest hit you have given? Probably last year, I was running down the field and this kid was running straight at me and I just ran him over and didn’t lose stride at all. I knocked his helmet off. If you were president tomorrow, what would your first action be? To give the Outer Banks a Chick-fil-A. If you could have one superpower, what would it be? To read minds, because then you’d know what everyone’s thinking. What would you do if you had a million dollars? Invest it all in Bitcoin.

Sophie Johnson Junior

Gabby Murillo Sophomore

How long have you been playing softball? I have been playing for seven years.

What’s your favorite music to listen to when you run? Anything that has a fast beat.

What’s your favorite part about playing? I like playing with my friends and just hanging out with my teammates.

How do you see track in your future? I see track in my future for the rest of high school. Outside of high school, no. But the lessons I’ve learned in track will follow me for the rest of my life.

What is your dream job? I really want to own a coffee shop because I love them. They are so relaxing and cozy. If you became a millionaire, what would you buy? I would buy a coffee shop, bees, give some money to my family, and buy a one-way ticket to Texas. If you could be any animal, what would it be? I would be a sloth because I really like them and they are just really cute and I just want to be really cute. If you could have dinner with any three people (living or dead), who would it be, and why? Miguel and Khalid because I would want to record a song, and paint with Bob Ross. What song do you listen to before a game? Probably ‘Buckwild’ by Pontus Pettersson because it really gets me hype and buckwild. What’s your favorite beach access? Kitty Hawk Pier because that’s where the cool kids hang out. What do your weekends consist of? Probably just hanging out with Michaela and Payton.

What’s the best part about track for you? Deﬁnitely the team. We are like a little family. What got you into it in the ﬁrst place? My friends and I wanted to do a sport together and track seemed like a great option. What’s a fun fact people don’t know about you? When I’m in track I don’t enjoy running but outside of track I run for fun. What’s your dream job? My dream job is to be a physical trainer or therapist. What’s your favorite fast food to get after a meet? Panera, 100 percent. I always look forward to an amazing dinner with my friends. Who’s your role model? My mother, because of how she can multitask. What’s a great weekend consist of? A great weekend would have no homework. Also, time to spend with my friends, probably on the beach near the pier. What’s your favorite movie? “Mulan.” spring / / 2018

with Nighthawk student-athletes

Max Stabley Freshman

Austin Johnson Junior

How long have you been playing tennis? I’ve been playing for ﬁve to six years.

How long have you been playing baseball? I’ve been playing baseball since I was 8 years old.

What was the reason you started playing? I wanted a new sport to play. I used to play soccer and then I got tired of that, so I wanted to play a new sport.

What is your favorite thing to do before a game? Eat Tropical Smoothie. I get a sunrise sunset smoothie.

What player do you look up to the most, and why? Probably Luc Steyn because he’s a very good player and he works very hard to get better. What’s your favorite part about playing? Most of my friends play on the team and I like helping them out because they are new to the sport and it’s fun giving them tips to get better. If you became a millionaire, what would you buy? I would buy a new car and a nice house for my parents. What is a lifelong dream of yours? Probably to visit an Asian country. What’s your favorite TV show? I like “Vice Principals” and “Stranger Things.” What genre of music do you listen to, or what’s your favorite song? Rap. My favorite song is “Cloudy Skies” by Lil Skies.

What is your favorite part about baseball? Working as a team and being competitive. What song do you listen to before a game? “With My Team” by Creek Boyz. Who is your favorite baseball player? My favorite baseball player was Chipper Jones because he made it to the Hall of Fame and was a team player. What is your dream job? Something in law enforcement so I can protect people. If you became a millionaire, what would you buy? A mansion and a Bugatti. If you could be any animal, what would it be? A hawk, so I could ﬂy. What is your biggest pet peeve? People who smack on food, or gum smacking.

Gabi McClary Freshman

Kenny Crawford Sophomore

How long have you been playing soccer? Since I was 4.

How long have you been playing golf? About four years.

What is your favorite soccer memory? One time I got kicked in the face with a ball and I fell and I was on the ground and I was just sitting there in the grass and it was so nice and it smelled so good and I just laid there. It didn’t hurt, but I was laying there and it was just kinda nice.

What got you interested in playing golf? A friend of mine got me into playing, Lucas Byrum.

What is your favorite part about playing soccer? Probably when you are able to bring the ball from the back of the ﬁeld up to the front and make passes with everyone and have everything connect together. That’s a good feeling. What player do you look up to the most? I think I look up to Alex Rodman the most because she’s really fun and she knows what she’s doing and how to handle the ball really well. What is your dream job? I think it would be really cool to do something with traveling, just because traveling is really cool and it would be cool to say you’ve been to a lot of places. If you could be any animal what would it be? Probably some type of big cat like a cheetah or a panther or something like that.

What’s your favorite part about golf? It’s challenging, and you have to focus really hard to do well. What’s your pre-match ritual? Talk to all of my friends, get hype, probably drink a lot of Gatorade and eat extra-cheddar Goldﬁsh. What would your dream job be? Probably something into marine life. I’m really into ﬁshing, maybe marine biology. If you could be any kind of animal, what would you be? Probably a dog, a golden retriever. You’d have such a good life, just sleep all day. If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would it be? Adam Sandler, he’s pretty funny. Ken Jeong, because he’s a doctor and a billionaire. Bubba Watson, he’s an amazing golfer. What is your biggest pet peeve? When people chew really loudly, I can’t stand that.

Photos by Payton Gaddy, Hayley Miller, Michaela Kelly and Buzzy Staten. Reporting by Chloe Futrell, Ashlee Geraghty, Trinity Harrison, Dair McNinch, Beverly Murry, Cassidy O’Neil, Gray Tillett and Emmy Trivette. NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / sports

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Nighthawk News Magazine / / spring / / 2018